preciousbane

I'm trying to come up with a place to take my kids (17 and 22) in August when we are actually all able to be in the same place at the same time. Any ideas? I've only been to the Caribbean ONCE myself in December thirty years ago. So I really am coming at this from total ignorance. Enlighten me.

RoamsAround

While August is in the midst of hurricane season in the Caribbean the odds of a major storm affecting a specific island (especially during the earlier part of the month) are relatively small. Also, generally speaking the further south you go the less chance there is you'll encounter a storm. So a trip to the Caribbean is certainly doable. Also, it's "Low Season" so you'll find some of the lowest room rates of the year and that's a good thing.

For what it is worth, we've been in the Caribbean many times during August and have always had great weather.

That said, if you include the Bahamas there are over 800 islands and cays and 1,000's of resorts one can visit so without more information from you it's almost impossible to steer you in the right direction.

Give us some idea of where you are traveling from, what your budget is for airfare, accommodations and food (be specific - terms like "affordable", "not over the top", etc. are meaningless without a dollar point of reference. Tell us too, if you are willing to take one or more connecting flights and/or ferries to reach your final destination. Also give us some idea of the things you and your kids might want to do while on the trip and what type of island experience you are seeking. The more you can tell us about your likes/dislikes and desires the easier it will be to make helpful suggestions.

For staters you might want to do some basic research - use the Destinations link at the top of this page, click through to the Caribbean and read the summaries about the islands listed. Pick two or three that most interest you and that you think you'd like to visit. You can then use the search feature to bring up recent posts about those islands. A lot of your questions will be answered and you'll get hints on places to stay. After you narrow down the focus of your search you can start a new thread asking specific questions.

Good luck in your search.

suze

Sure the Caribbean island "can" be done in summertime. I was in Jamaica last July. It was hot hot hot and very humid, with some rain. Just depends how you feel about traveling in the off season with the hot weather.

tom42

There are some distinct benefits to traveling to the Caribbean in the summer. Prices drop significantly from the high season. It can definitely be done.

wliwl

Here are some temperature ranges for US Virgin Islands - there isn't much variation. I think most people go in the winter simply because they are trying to escape the winter up north.

http://www.vinow.com/usvi/weather.php

By the way, my kids (21 and 24) still like it when we rent a big house on the Outer Banks in NC right on the beach in the summer, and it's easier to get to.

KVR

Yes, it can be done if you have the right expectations. We've been to Mexico and the Carribean between July and September many times. It's not just hot and humid. It's HOT AND HUMID. We much rather prefer to go in May or the first week of December.

It will be hurricane season and prices will drop to compensate. Do buy the hurricane/trip insurance.

I do remember that the Bahamas and Aruba wasn't as hot as Mexico. Aruba is considered outside of the hurricane belt and we had perfect weather. It's breezy so it didn't feel as hot. We barely missed a hurricane when we went to the Bahamas. It turned and hit Bermuda instead. We have had to watch the radar carefully to see it our trips to Mexico were going to be cancelled. Twice we went after a hurricane or tropical storm hit which made the beaches and water not that great. This year we are not chancing it or the hot weather and taking a cruise to Alaska. I just hope we don't freeze to death instead.

Do some research and see which Island appeals to you and we can better answer more specific questions.

qwovadis

As long as you are up for off season storm risk

you can save a bunch and pretty uncrowded.

For a relative newbie with a family might consider

St John USVI maho.org or

Westin Resort there bidding priceline from $80/nt

betterbidding.com

St. Thomas Magens nice used to own a Condo at magenspoint.com

GREAT for family vacay.

Spirit.com cheap flights down from FLL

insuremytrip.com always wise.

blamona

It's no hotter than East Coast beaches, but with prettier water and scenery!
8-)

Shatzbones

We did the Caymans in Aug and had a great time. Most of our time was spent in the water, face down We found it to be very laid back and we ate right where or near where we would snorkle.

I think the Caymans are out of the hurricane belt.

KVR

The Caymans can be in the direct path of a hurricane and is definatley considered in the hurricane belt as well as the Islands in close proximaty to it.

Shatzbones

Thanks KVR I don't want to give wrong advice. Could it be Curacao?

KVR

Yes, Islands considered outside of the hurricane belt include the ABC Islands; Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. However, for the past 2 year in a October Aruba got hit pretty hard with Tropical storms, so you never know with the weather. If you're willing to chance it always buy the trip/hurricane insurance.

beachykeen

I have been to the Bahamas in Aug/Sept and Anguilla in August several times. The first Monday in August is a holiday, August Monday, in much of the Caribbean. It is celebrated with Carnival-like parties and boat racing. These islands are in the hurricane belt, but the weather is usually fine in August, esp the first half of the month.

fishee

I think the heat/humidity tolerance of your family is a big factor (besides the possible hurricanes). If your kids have *ever* complained about it being too hot or humid, they will likely complain about it this vacation. If your family doesn't mind or even enjoys blazing heat (i do know people like this, they've usually grown up in the northeast!) then it's a joy to jump from ocean, to pool, to beach, and to your A/C room.

Some of my friends venture out in the morning, nap all afternoon, then out again in the evening. I don't handle the dripping sweat down my face very well.

JLupie

August usually is too soon, the storms have been tending to come later. It's a remote possibility however. Buy travel insurance. And then come to Nevis, it's great. Total value rich experience. Quiet. No shopping. Great for relaxing, quality time together. The best part about the Caribbean in the summer is the deals you can get. Check out www.hermitagenevis.com