hunter8

I need help! I'm trying to plan a vacation for April/May for a week or so to a caribbean island. I've never traveled over there and all the reserch I have been doing just confuses me even more. We're a young couple, I don't want anything too crowded or too developed/americanized. Open to AI or not, either way is fine. Would like to stay right on the beach, seeing as that's where I'm hoping to spend most of the time. Don't really want to rent a rental car, unless we really need to. So somewhere within walking distance to a lot of places. We're mainly looking to relax on the beach with some drinks but still be able to go do some fun things, zip line, maybe fishing, open to anything really. I know this isn't much info, we're both easy going and open to all ideas. I just have NO idea where to go. I've looked into the USVI, Grand Cayman, St Martin, but have also heard good about Barbodas, Bermuda and St Lucia. So I know you all have traveled. Give me the pros and cons or where you think we should go. We have flight credits to use up so as far as budget for the resort/hotel/villa/condo, wherever we stay we'd like to keep it around 3.000, unless it's an AI we'll spend more. But very flexible so give us some ideas

Thanks so so much! I just want this to be the best vacation but don't want to get there and be disapointed.

Bassguy66

For that budget, I would look at the AIs along the Riviera Maya. For $3000, you should be able to find a beautiful resort, right on the beach. That area offers plenty of activities, or you can just veg on the beach. You might also look at The Dominican Republic AIs, and also Jamaica. The USVIs and Grand Cayman are very expensive, and might be very tough on that budget. Those places will be closer to 5K to do it right.

dontcallmecass

I’m young (26) and have been to Bermuda and Barbados. I think both would suit you, with Barbados getting an edge since there is more to do and it’s a bit less expensive. If you want something not too “crowded, developed, or Americanized”, I’d stay away from *most* all inclusives.

I’d take a look at the south coast of Barbados, specifically the St. Lawrence Gap area. There are plenty of vacation rentals, villas, and vacation apartments to choose from for all budgets. You 100% don’t need to rent a car as public transportation is readily available and very inexpensive.

Bermuda is quite nice as well and also has a great public transportation system but it is more expensive than Barbados, and it is a very “sleepy” island to me. There isn’t much nightlife. It depends on what you are looking for in a vacation.

I have pictures from my last trip to Barbados and my last two trips to Bermuda on my blog here:

http://writeanothertravelingsong.blogspot.com/

If you have any specific questions feel free to ask me, although I am sure you will get tons of other recommendations here as well.

dontcallmecass

Oh btw - Bermuda is not in the Caribbean so April/May isn't beach weather there! It is best to go imo June - September.

Bassguy66

As nice as Bermuda is, isn't doing a week there for 2 people going to be a tad rough with a 3K budget?

dontcallmecass

Well he said they have flight credits. If they self cater or stay in a vacation rental / apartment they can do it within their budget. We spent way less than that on our last trip to Bermuda. Weather would be the issue though.

hunter8

Thanks for all your replies. I'll look into all that was listed. Thank you.