chgeeb

Alright, my fiance and I are going on a trip next year with my parents. We've been to the Caribbean, but my parents haven't. It's in my hands (since I have traveled and am computer literate) to book the vacation (lots of pressure). Any ideas on places that my fiance and I would enjoy (young 20's, good nightlife, casinos) while my parents would enjoy a beach, great restaurants and shopping?

I've narrowed it down to Grand Cayman (I've been there only for a day on a cruise, and loved it), Aruba, Curacao, and Negril.
Any advice, suggestions, hotel recommendations would be fantastic. Thanks again!

doug_stallings

If your parents have never been to the Caribbean, then I'd recommend Grand Cayman or Aruba. That will give you more choices of restaurants, nightlife, and activities for all of you. Curacao is a great island, but the nightlife there won't be as good as on Aruba. A lot of first-timers are put off by Jamaica---mistakenly, in my opinion---but still if your parents have never been to the Caribbean, they probably will feel more at home in Aruba or Grand Cayman.

Kimberly

Aruba would get vote....we loved it. Renting car for week was super,we did the dinning experience all over the island and they have great nightlife and casinos.Beaches are also beautiful.Driving was very easy on this island better then in the US.

shirleyk

Aruba would work. It has everything on your wish list. During the day there will be lots of tours and boat excursions to pick from besides doing nothing on the beautiful beaches. Then at night there are the casinos and many restaurants to pick from and some night excursions on the water and on the land. And then there is the shopping in town and small shops near the hotels. What's not to like! The hardest part will be picking a place - hotel, timeshare or a house.

girlonthego

We enjoyed both Aruba and Grand Cayman. My parents hated Aruba. My mom said it was too windy and like a desert. I thought the wind made it bearable to be in the heat!
Both have good restaurants, both have nice hotel options, great beaches and beautiful waters. GC will be better for snorkeling. Aruba has more of a nightlife with casinos. GC is more beach bars. People were the friendliest on GC.
We aren't shoppers so I can't recommend on that.

EJC

I agree w/ girlonthego; Aruba is windy to very windy at times. The beaches are nice, but who wants to get "sand blasted"...... GC is a better choice IMO. But there is no gambling. Fyi; driving is on the left in GC.
Check out Plantana, that rents condos situated on 7 Mile Beach. If you're not into condos, try Westin Causarina (sp)
ps.. 7 Mile beach in GC is on my top 5 beaches in the caribbean..............FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!

chgeeb

EJC,

top 5 huh? haha I like the sounds of that. What are your others in the top 5? The only other place I've been is to the beautiful beach in Negril, Jamaica.
Can anyone recommend any places on Seven Mile Beach that have great location?
I've been to Georgetown for a day before on a cruise, and would like to go there too. Is renting a car a good idea for Grand Cayman?

EJC

chgeeb, 7 Mile Beach in Negril is also on my list, but not recommended for your parents.

Flamenco Beach in Culebra (off the coast of Puerto Rico)
Cancun (on the caribbean side)
Jolly Beach ,, Antigua
Megan's Bay, St Thomas

As far as "location" in GC, Westin and Plantana are as good as it gets. And they're about 300 yards apart

I highly recommend a car in GC. You may want to see the "east end" section, which is 30 to 40 mins away. But my fave is the 7MB area.

EJC

I want to add, that GC is not known for nightlife. So keep this in mind. But, if you're a "BEACH LOVER", like myself, you'll be drained by the time darkness falls.....
My wife and I are headed to Palm Beach Shores, FL in 8 days; not that I'm counting, but we need SUN & BEACH badly. it 's not GC, but it's not Pennsylvania either.

Have a great time!!!

pijeta

Your situation sounds just like the one I was in a few months ago.

My husband and I (in our late 20's) have been to the Caribbean before, but my parent's have not. Sounds like we have similar interests (although we don't care about a casino and nightlife to us means low-key). We selected Grand Cayman and leave in few weeks (can't wait!). The beach is what really sold me, but it also sounds like a great place to break my parents in to the Caribbean. We are renting a condo on 7MB and will rent a car.

I'll post a trip report when I return. If you are still searching at that point I'll let you know if Grand Cayman met our needs.

Good luck and happy searching

chgeeb

pijeta,
where are you staying? and yes it sounds VERY similar, that'd be great! Thanks!

EJC,
I feel your pain, being from wayyyy upstate New York and currently living in Boston, any warm weather is welcome. However, I'm going to the Red Sox game tonight so that'll be a mental break from work/coldness haha. Thanks so much, I'll look into the 2 places you mentioned!

pijeta

We are staying at the Christopher Columbus Condos: http://www.christophercolumbuscondos.com/
based on the suggestions here and the excellent reviews on TripAdvisor.

This website was suggested to me as well and came in handy when searching for a place.
http://caymanvacations.com/index.shtml

(Have fun at the Red Sox game!)

Knowing

Expect to vacation well as a guest on Grand Cayman.

However, in Curacao you will also find great dining, with an incredible selection of restaurants.

Either one of these would work well.