tripplanner001

Just thinking about ideas for a 5 or 6 trip to a Caribbean island sometime in July and August, which I understand is low season given potential hurricanes. It's a region that I have never visited before. What I'm looking for is an island with an interesting city or town with good restaurants and perhaps worthwhile house museums or gardens to visit, a place with history or culture. I'm not a beach person and am not into water sports, although hiking does interest me. San Juan, Barbados, and Curacao seem to potentially fit the bill but I am not in any way limited to those. Would love your feedback and advice. Thanks.

BellSophia16

I would highly recommend visiting Tobago. There's a lot to do there.
The food is especially good at Kariwak Village Restaurant and Tobago Paradise and Grill. To experience the local culture, The Itsy-Bitsy Playhouse at Mt. Pleasant is an awesome place. You could also check
out Dillon’s Art Studio & Gallery and the Dive Museum, Bacolet.
I used http://visittobago.gov.tt/ for my research before I booked my tickets to the Island. There is plenty of information and useful phone numbers here which will come in handy while you are visiting. Have a great trip.

genio67

Puerto Rico has plenty of things to do away from the beach, Old San Juan is a pleasant little city to explore and there are some wonderful restaurants. So, PR definitely comes to mind.

If you are looking for an island with an interesting city in the Caribbean I think your other choices besides Puerto Rico would be Cuba or Dominican Republic. I have never been to DR but Santo Domingo looks interesting. You might want to also look into Trinidad. Read about about safety concerns before you make your decision so you are informed and comfortable on your trip.

WWK

What is your departure city? And what is your budget? That will help us make realistic recommendations. You are planning a very short trip, so I think unless you're flying from Florida, Trinidad and some of the further islands ( Aruba, Curacao) may not make sense.

tripplanner001

BellSophia16 and Genio67, thank you both for your recommendations and feedback.

WWK, I will be coming from Baltimore or DC and will have 5 or 6 nights, not including flying time. Budgeting about USD$150 per night for accommodations not including food, activities, or transportation.

suze

I didn't find Santo Domingo all that interesting. I think Puerto Rico and Cuba are good suggestions. Most of the islands are about the beach and water activities, since those are of no interest, I'm not sure the Caribbean is where I'd choose to go.

Any interest in Mexico?

tripplanner001

Suze, yes, there's interest in Mexico but since it is such a large and varied country, I felt like I would need much more time (3 weeks?) even for an intro.

blamona

From dc options are a lot mire limited (no direct flights to anywhere)

I still think Playa Del Carmen, Mexico would be a good intro, 1 day you can visit Tulum Mayan ruins close by, and tons of excursions.

5 or 6 nights is not enough to get around anywhere, for ex DR has large distances between resorts and culture. PR is pretty big too. 5 or 6 nights really is about the beach!

So start with Playa, go to Tulum. It also fits your budget (not much in Caribbean does!)

Other destinations other than DR really don't meet your budget, for something decent maybe twice that?

So Mexico should be your choice!

8-)

suze

<I felt like I would need much more time (3 weeks?) even for an intro.>

Nope, not true. You could have a great trip going to a beach resort there, just like you would an island in the Caribbian. As suggested above somewhere along the Caribbean coastline around Playa del Carmen would be my suggestion too.

I've been vacationing in Puerto Vallarta 1-2x/year for 20+ years. Fully realizing I haven't seen all of the country, but it's a fabulous vacation trip.

You get a lot more 'bang for your buck' in Mexico than on Carribean islands, and in my limited experience (DR, Jamaica, USVI) people in Mexico are a lot more friendly and welcoming to tourists.

tripplanner001

Blamona and Suze, thanks for your recommendations. Problem is I am not looking for a beach experience. More of a cultural one.

suze

There's plenty of "culture" and "history" on the Mayan Riviera. That's were many of the ancient ruins are located.

Or pick any one of the inland colonial city in Mexico and go there... places like Guanajuato, Puebla, Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende, Queretaro, Morelia, Cuernavaca, Mexico City.

Or since you're "back east" USA, what about Europe?

suze

I guess my point is for "more of a cultural one" I just don't think of going to the Caribbean... but maybe I'm missing something ;-)

tripplanner001

Thanks Suze. Your clarification is much appreciated.

suze

And I'm sorry I got off track. I just don't think of the Caribbean as a particularly "cultural" destination, featuring house museums and gardens, but I'm sure each island must have its own history and something to offer along those lines if you seek it out.

I hope you post where you decide to go and how things turn out!

tripplanner001

Suze, no worries. Appreciate the feedback. I will be sure to share my decision and write a report.

carmenbona

Now is the time to go to Cuba, before it gets spoiled!
Check out my blog for inspiration and tips:
http://bonatravels.com/2009/01/04/country-summary-cuba/

tripplanner001

I know this isn't the right forum but just want to update that I'm leaning towards Mexico City at the moment. The cooler climes are appealing as well as the wealth of history and culture. I have interest for the Mayan Riviera too but it seems I would be better off saving that for a different time of year.

suze

Excellent idea!