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advice for a first-timer
My husband & I are planning a one-week island vacation for next summer (late June or possibly July) to celebrate my birthday & our anniversary. Bob has been to Hawaii once (Oahu) and I have never been to a tropical island. We're looking for somewhere casual & somewhat secluded where we can hike, snorkel & see sites of historical interest. We're really not into the idea of resorts, shopping, golfing, fishing, big cities, etc. We aren't big spenders - we're using frequent flyer miles for the trip & with lodging & food & activities would like to spend under $2000. From the posts I've read, I'm really looking at St. John in the Virgin Islands & people keep mentioning Kauai in Hawaii also. Any other places that would fit my criteria? What would be the pros & cons of St. John vs. Kauai vs. any other suggested islands? Thanks for your help! -Susan
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Where to begin. I absolutely agree...2 fabulous choices. I love them both. I have a theory.. either you are a Hawaii person or a caribbean person. I call Hawaii the Disney of tropical islands. Beautiful, clean,user friendly. From your requests I would focus on the northern part of Kauai. Hanalei is a beautiful town near the Napali Coast. Great hiking there and a day trip to Waimea canyon is not to be missed. Old Hawaii is here (even though Princeville, golf heaven, is nearby). I believe there is affordable, quaint lodging in Hanalei. St. John... gorgeous, lush mountains, incredible beaches, bluest water ever. Good hiking, but the best place to be is near the water. Cinnamon Bay has upscale camping. Supreme location. If I were ever to camp this is where I'd go. Great island town, not commercial at all. Make sure to go to VRBO.com and shop accomadations. Great deals to be found. I just visited Tortola for the first time. The great advantage there being cheapl, beachfront lodging. Very islandy. You're on the right track. Most importantly, BOOK THOSE MILES ASAP, or you won't be going anywhere. Good luck.
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If I was going to choose between St. John and Kauai, I wouldn't even have to think about it. It would be Kauai! BTW, it is nothing like Oahu. It is the most beautiful place. Very lush. Many interesting places to hike. Wide range of places to stay and great food - just an example: We went to the Barbecue Inn and had teriyaki chicken sandwiches for lunch one day. They were huge. They came with the best coleslaw we've ever eaten, gigantic fruit cups and big glasses of ice tea. When we were done, the waitress said, "I'll go see what kind of pies we have back in the kitchen". I don't remember how much the bill came to, but it was incredibly cheap. It was one of those places the locals go to. Kauai is full of them. GO - you won't be disappointed!
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gechter... i can't speak for hawaii, never been there. i'm sure it's as beautiful as described. IMO.. it's a long flight with just 1 week to play with !! also do you have the ff miles for hawaii ?? if not, considering your budget and time, i think st. john would be perfect ! it's a casual island for sure..many secluded spots..great hiking, snorkeling and old ruins to visit ! also, some of the most stunning beaches !! and lots of them ! for accomodations there are a few options : 2 resorts,villa and condo rentals, small inns, b&b's. one villa that you should look into is Honeymoon Cottage..great place/private/5 min walk to francis beach. this cottage is within the national park area www.stjohnusvi.org -- you can see for yourself. the owner lives on island and she will help you with any questions/needs while on island. here are some other sites for rentals : www.caribbeanvilla.com -- www.suitestjohn.com , both have villas & condos. another option is Estate Lindholm..this is a small inn/family owned & operated. wonderfull views/small pool and light breakfast included !! also, just up the hill from the main town, Cruz Bay, with great restaurants/bars/shops. this is a laid back island( no need to "dress up"), friendly people and again the beaches are beautiful!! the time of yr you're planning is great for rental costs, since rates go down after 4/15. we went to st. john 10 yrs ago and we return every year !! you'll love it !
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sorry, here's the site for estate lindholm inn i mentioned.... www.estatelindholm.com
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Thanks for all the helpful information. At this point I think we're leaning more to St. John. But I still have some time to be indecisive! :)
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