Been to Aruba. Disappointed. It's too commercialized for me. Looked like a desert. Beaches are great but it's not enough for me to come back. Been to Cancun. Same thing. Can't do a normal shopping without locals harassing you. We want to travel to the Caribbean again this June but afraid of being disappointed again. We love Hawaii but it's too far for us to travel with a toddler so I'm hoping to find a Caribbean island that's scenic,with great beaches and snorkeling.

With your crappy attitude, why don't you & the toddler stay home? If you didn't like Aruba, you've got problems and I doubt anything except a deserted island will make you happy. Why don't you ask Gilligan where you would be less annoyed.<BR>

Its good that you can let the forum know what it is you're looking for, and not every island makes for everyone's ideal vacation. For me, its the British Virgin Islands, especially Virgin Gorda. Great beaches and snorkeling, (and diving) not too crowded (although it gets a bit more crowded on the dates the cruise ship docks), and very relaxed, at-your-own pace. VG especially is NOT for shopping, and nightlife is very quiet, so if you want shopping, discos, or casinos, this island would not be for you. I am dreaming about going back, sitting on the beach at Spring Bay, looking at the beautiful water framed between the giant boulders. The BVIs are very hilly, there's green, but it is also a bit arid. There are upscale resorts, good food, but also many rental homes. Every time I think about going to a different island, I think that there is no way it could possibly compare to the BVIs.

I too thought Aruba was great based from what my co-worker said who's been going there every year for 10 years. When I got there, I was surprised to find out how desert like it is when you drive all over the island.Snorkeling is OK at Baby Beach and I finished going to all of its tourist attractions in 2 days. When I got home, that's when I find out that my friend's idea of a vacation is to sit in his butt all day at the resort and gamble at night which is not for me. And when I told my friend that once is enough for me to go to Aruba, he got so defensive just like Ronny.My time and money is too precious to waste on Aruba.

If Aruba was your first trip to the Caribbean, I can't blame you if you were disappointed but there are still a lot of islands that are worth exploring. You might want to consider St.John. Do a subject search here on St.John and you'll find a lot of useful information.

Gilligan here,<BR><BR>Just a few passing thoughts on the "Island of Happiness" as the locals post on their Aruban license plates...please note, prison is placed with the best view on island on route to baby beach, Mambo jambo....u need 151 proof rum to get through the night..., beach notes...u can do walk about or u can blade between high rise and low rise...in both cases be prepared for a heady dose of sewage smell...as for the so-called locals leaving in prosperity...there is truth that beer is better then woman...<BR><BR>signing off

Hi,<BR>I too would suggest BVI. We've been to St. John and loved it. It's a beautiful island but maybe a little sleepy, so ... you can take the ferry over to St. Thomas (much busier, more crowded, but more night life).<BR>Enjoy

My husband and I thought we woould find no better vacation spot than Hawaii' but we too hate the long flight and time change. Our solution.... Grand Cayman. It is lush and beautiful and the diving is the best in the carribean and even better than Hawaii. It is a small cozy island with great food. We stay at the Hyatt which was rated one of the carribeans top 10 resorts. It has become our favorite vacation destination. We are going back this June.

June is an ideal time to try out the Out Islands of the Bahamas, in particular the Abacos. Commercialized they aren't. Although they are neither hilly nor lush, the islands have an austere beauty of their own, and the beaches and waters are unparalleled. The islanders are warm and welcoming, and will certainly not bother you -- you don't even need a firm "no thank you," because you will not receive a single unsolicited approach. Nor will you likely have need of a key to your hotel room -- it's that safe -- which will likely be a small cottage or a room at an intimate inn, on or near the water. You'll love the charm of the small settlements, with candy colored houses. And though you are a world away from the United States, if you are coming from the East Coast, you can reach Marsh Harbour by lunchtime. Check out my personal website at www.homestead.com/islandtime/MainPage1.html, or visit www.abacoboard.com for a very knowledgeable message board. I'll be in the Abacos in June myself ... can't wait!

Unfortunately you've been to two of the most non-Caribbean spots in the Caribbean. Don't despair but there are lots of choices out there that capture the charm and culture of the Caribbean without the chain hotels, restaurants and flavor (or lack of it) on Aruba or Cancun. Aruba and Cancun attract a certain tourist while other islands offer an opportunity to visit and soak up the culture along with the beaches, the snorkling and the people. Read thru the posts and you'll find lots of alternatives, in all price ranges, from luxury small resorts on their own little island to large islands with enclaves of lovely resorts each on their own little cove or beach. Some are noted for good dining (rather than RainTreeCafes,Tony Romas and Dunkin Donuts). At least you have only one way to go and that's up and better vacations are in store for you - for sure!

tony - how could you be surprised that Aruba was "desert-like"? Didn't you do even an ounce of research before you went?

I did but none of the travelguide books or website mention the thousands of cactus you'll see when you drive all over the island. It was fine to visit aruba once but I'll spend my money somewhere else.

Thanks for all your suggestions. Would definitely consider the BVI, St.John and Grand Cayman.

One reason BVI is number one with us is the diversity of the islands.You can ferry or sail to all of them, each has something different to offer. You can have a beach to yourself or enjoy a little nightlife on Cane Garden (we're talking little beach restaurants/bars, very quaint) In June , the rates are way down and it's cheaper overall than Cayman, IMO.

Julie,<BR><BR>&gt;&gt; Our solution.... Grand Cayman&lt;&lt;<BR><BR>We thought the Cayman's were fabulous too. Wee bit expensive since they post everything in Cayman dollars with a 25% upcharge. But anyway, did you find the fish there aggressive. I snorkeled at only a few places and got a bit chewed up??? All things considered though, I'd go back in a heartbeat&lt;g&gt;. We stayed at the Westin and loved it.<BR>Frank

I'm surprised no one has yet suggested the Dorado area of Puerto Rico to you. Never been to Cayman, love St. John and the BVIs but with a toddler, Puerto Rico may just be less of a hassle to get to. 2 Dorado area resorts are great for families (both Hyatts I believe). You can spend a day in San Juan or in the El Yunque rainforest, Puerto Rico still has a vibrant culture all its own and the locals are friendly without being harassing.

Eva: I checked out your site, and it is fabulous! The photos and text were so well done. Thinking about going to Abacos next spring with my 12 year old son. Thanks for all the great info!

If you like a quiet island that is very scenic with good snorkeling then try Virgin Gorda. A quiet resort in BVI is Little Dix Bay. Villa rentals in V.G.--research website for Leverick Bay Resort. Another quiet island is Turks and Caicos where snorkeling is terrific (rent a car). Stayed at Ocean Club, very nice condos. Good luck.

dosomeresearch:<BR><BR>I have to agree w/you. I haven't even been to Aruba, but know that it is a desert island in the Caribbean (17" of rain a year). I'd like to go there someday. Since I live in the lush NE U.S. being on a desert-like island would be cool to me.

what about alternatives in September. I understand the BVI are still too prone to hurricanes while Aruba, Curacao are not. Any input welcome.<BR>