Aruba Next?
 

Have found "What's the best island?"helpful. Know Puerto Rico well, including Vieques and Culebra; didn't take to Virgin Gorda (too expensive, too much a division between the "natives" and the "guests". I am thinking of going to the Caribbean for a week this summer, probably by myself and generally like independence and adventure, rather than resorts or packages. I love a guiet, secluded, easily accessible beach, modest, reasonable lodging meals, fun clubs, flora and fauna. From Newark/NYC, Aruba seems like the most cost-effective of all. Any tips, Aruba lovers? or suggestions of alternatives, beachcombers?

Aruba is as far from &quot;quiet and secluded&quot; as you can go. You might find more seclusion in Miami.You will also not find alot of flora except for the landscaping at the resorts. Aruba is a scrubby, dry, windy island. <BR>It is however easily accessible from NYC and is very very popular. There are tons and tons of hotels, and timeshares and restaurtants and &quot;fun clubs&quot;, if that's what you're looking for. There are also atrocities like a &quot;party bus&quot; so you can ride around drinking in a bus. <BR>As you can no doubt tell I'm not a big Aruba fan but many love it and go year after year. If you really want independant and adventure travel though, Aruba is not what I would choose.<BR>

Thank you, Mermaid. I like a strong opinion. What would you choose?

There are so many amazing places to choose and I tend to prefer &quot;off the beaten path places&quot; so pardon my bias. <BR>I love St Lucia, it's gorgeous but there is alot of poverty so be prepared for that. There are some spectacular places in Belize and Punta Caracol Acqua-Lodge in Panama is amazing.... little bungalows on stilts over the water. Reminds one of the South Pacific.<BR>For the Caribbean the way it was 30 years ago, you can't compete with Nevis. With the opening of the new Marriott on St Kitts however that may change rapidly. <BR>That's just a couple of ideas and they reflect my bias. I'm not the resort kind of person, prefer small places and exploring. There's nothing at all wrong with resorts and there are some great one's around, they're just not my thing.

Mermaid's got it right.<BR>

Mermaid, Caribtraveler,<BR><BR>Negril? Bahamas?

Sorry, Glenn. I've not been to Jamaica or the Bahamas but Tivertonhouse has good info on Jamaica and I think would probably try to steer you away from Negril and the more heavily touristed areas and towards the Treasure Beach area. <BR>I don't know a thing about the Bahamas!

Sorry but haven't done those 2 yet.