courtneyclv

Hi
My husband and I will be taking a 10 day trip in mid September. ( yes I know it's hurricane time) we were going to do st maarten but it seems expensive. We want to go somewhere laid back and tropical, local food, snorkeling and places to explore ( scooter maybe?) We love being around local culture and doing our own ( no tours) thing. we live in las vegas so do not want a place very touristy. We went to Belize last year, didn't like it ( very dirty and not very beautiful). Do u suggest any places south? We like to rent an apartment or studio with a kitchen.
Thanks!
Courtney

writealiving

I'm not sure if it fits your bill, but I loved Negril. Its laid back, tropical, you have a choice of local food or a few restaurants that may be more mainstream. I just don't know that I'd recommend driving. I'd say a driver would be safer only because driving there is a little scary, but there's a lot to see there.

courtneyclv

Thank u for the advice. I do want to go somewhere more south, not Jamaica. We like to explore and being in a car because it's not safe, sounds bad.

Odin

Aruba is a bit small and there's only so much to see but combined with Curacao and/or Bonaire would give more to see. Curacao and Bonaire have national parks which are really beautiful, although they do not have the vegetation of other Caribbean islands they have their own beauty. We were lucky enough to see a boar in Bonaire. I would not recommend a scooter though for the parks as the roads (mud tracks) are not suitable. I wouldn't say Curacao is laid back - it's a busy island that has other industries than tourism but has alot to see.

Odin

Grenada would fit the bill - it has everything on the wishlist.

daffy_traveller

My husband and I spent 10 days on Greneda at La Source. It had everything included- everything. Spa treatment every day, scuba diving, waterskiing, delicious food and good wines. Yoga, tai chi, fencing. Or you could do absolutely nothing. We explored the island a few days by bus. Lovely island and people. Even if you don't go for La Source, the island has many wonderful accommodations. We went in early october and had perfect weather.