Lauren1979

Hi all! My husband and I are looking for a place to relax for 6-7 nights in the end of March between jobs and need some help. We are deciding between Hawaii; Central America and somewhere in the Caribbean. Here is what we want: white sand and clear calm water, warm weather, delicious local food and some interesting culture would be a bonus. We don't really want to do the all-inclusive resort thing as we do want to sample local cuisine and culture. We don't want anywhere dangerous or stressful or overly touristy. We have been to Tulum Mexico a few times and love it, I have been to the Bahamas and did not like it at all, way too touristy. We are thinking about Puerto Rico or Dominican Republic. I'd love to visit Martinique or Guadeloupe but the flights are more expensive and longer. Saw that Turks and Caicos is a cheap flight though. Any suggestions for a great relaxing trip would be great!!! Thank you!

doug_stallings

The DR is uber-touristy and doesn't offer many options except on the very high-end for non-AI travel, so that doesn't seem to be a very good bet for you.

I'm concerned that you will not like the water/sand in Puerto Rico. It's not that white. Your best bet there would be to go to Vieques or Culebra, but that will certainly add to your transportation costs.

While travel TO the TCI may be cheap, the destination is not, but it's got everything you want (though not so much local culture). But there are great restaurants, beautiful beaches, and the most beautiful water you'll see anywhere. The water there may be a bit cool in late March, but it's a great place. Most accommodations are in condo-style hotels, so you'll probably have a kitchen for breakfast and lunch (but there are some full-service hotels as well).

mnag

Your best bet for white sand and crystal clear water are the Caribbean coral islands. Turks being a great example. In my opinion you should look at Turks, Grand Cayman, Anguilla, and the Bahamas out islands. You probably visited paradise island which is just of the Bahamas islands. The family/out-islands in the Bahamas (Eleuthera, Abacos, Long Island, Exumas) are known for crystal clear waters and are the exact opposite of touristy. To guarantee warm water in March go south of PR so Grand Cayman and Anguilla. Both quite expensive in the high season which runs through the middle of April. Also consider St John (fly into St Thomas and take the ferry over) and the British virgin islands (virgin gorda for white sand beaches).

mnag

Sorry the post should read 'just one of the islands in the Bahamas'

suze

Where are you located?

I would pick Hawaii over any of the others you listed, but if you on the "east coast" then the Caribbean is more convenient for you.

For me (in Seattle) Mexico and Hawaii are the easiest beaches to get to.

Lauren1979

Thanks everyone for all the helpful replies! We live in Arizona so that's why we have always gone to Mexico in the past. We have never been to Hawaii. It does seem like the flights to many Caribbean islands will be hours minimum from here...

Whathello

We loved Cuba 15 years ago but food was mew.. seems it has not changed... (read the TR of Annhig - a great one).

I share opinion on DR : that is an island more for full inclusive which you don't want to do.

Guadeloupe : please be aware that all the French I talk to have the same opinion : expensive and with locals not liking us tourists (maybe they like US better, but if you speak French they don't like you - as a rule).

We loved St Martin French side - you may want to read my TR, it is a fresh one.

We didn't go (yet ?) to the other islands.

Hoipe you find your gem !