Caribbean islands for the first timers, that falls under US jurisdiction
 

I have researching here on Fodor's forums for the island vacation Ideas with our 20 month old toddler. Came across many destinations , but most require immigration check, which we want to avoid, basically want to travel within US territories.
I know Puerto Rico is one good destination, I am looking for more suggestions for destination to go to next month ( May). Places with beaches, local sight seeing, local food to experiment. waiting for inputs from travelers.
Thanks.

If you want to stay in US territories your only options are:

1) Puerto Rico, including the neighboring islands of Vieques & Culebra.
2) The US Virgin islands - St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John are the three "main' islands. There are some lesser islands and cays in the chain such as Water Island, Water Lemon Island, Flanagan's Island, etc. but you won't find any resorts on those as the have only rental villas or are uninhabited.

ALL OTHER ISLANDS in the Caribbean will require that you have passports and clear immigration when entering.


If you give us some idea of your accommodations budget we can make some hotel/resort suggestions.

You've got the answer only USVI's or Puerto Rico are within US jurisdiction. (or Hawaii)

Thanks for reply. It will be me my husband and our 20 month old daughter, so looking for family oriented vacation. I was thinking to loadge in San Juan, close to beach and restaurants. Also thinking to rent car and see the island by ourselves. What activities can we plan with a toddler and what car rental company is reliable there.

The reality is that YOU are going to be your 20 month old child's main source entertainment as a child that age isn't able to appreciate any of the cultural activities, they can't do water sports, they are usually too young for day sails, long hikes, night life, etc. So you'll be doing the same type of activities you would do at home with your child - visit parks & the rain forest, taking short walks, perhaps visit old fortresses, museums, and other "non-active" points of interest, and, of course, spending time building sand castles on the beach and wading in shallow waters (under your supervision). Don't expect to find "commercially operated businesses" especially geared toward children as young as yours - they really don't exist.

If you stay in one of the beachfront hotels in the Isla Verde area you'll have access to a nice beach, most likely a pool and there are usually plenty of restaurants and some shops within walking distance.

As I said in my earlier reply, if you give us an idea of your accommodations budget we can make some meaningful recommendations on where to stay.

We were thinking San Juan Marriott Resort, budget is around $150-200/nt for hotel stay. How is driving from San Juan to rain forest region666696 ?

Also we are getting good deal for Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort, which is around one hr drive to San Juan area. Do we have to go to San Juan all the time for other activities, and will it make sense to drive 1 hr drive, or we better stay in San Juan area only.

You might want to repost with Puerto Rico as the tag and in your title? If that's what you've decided on, so people with PR expertise would notice and reply?

The Wyndham used to be an all inclusive hotel since it's out in the middle of nowhere. They have taken that option away. Food and drink prices in the resorts are beyond expensive and I wouldn't want to get in the car and drive, especially with a baby, to go find dining options every time we wanted to eat or be stuck paying high prices at the resort for the convenience.

The Marriott is a good choice and the choice we made for our trip this year. We chose due to location. Within walking distance to many less expensive dining/bar options and 15 minute cab ride to San Juan.

Thanks for your input KVR about Wyndham, so we booked Intercontinental in san Juan only.
Suze, the post is already being tagged Puerto Rico.

Grande Case, St. Maarten, French side. easy to walk to restaurants on French side when we stayed at the http://www.grandcasebeachclub.com/ra...ions/overview/

virginiafish - St. Martin won't work for OP's family - they want to avoid any immigration checks and travel only within the US or its territories.

The Marriott in Condado would have been a good choice for your situation, but the Intercontinental is also a good choice. If you are looking for some nearby inexpensive dining options, I recommend the Metropol, which is a 5-10 minute walk from your hotel. Also, for breakfast/lunch, Mi Casita is in a small shopping center very clost to your hotel also. There are a lot of hotel dining options between the Intercontinental and El San Juan Hotel (next door to your hotel). Also, I was there in April and it seemed that a few more local restaurants had opened.

tom42, even we were interested in Marriott, but may be next time. Thanks for suggesting the dining options ( hope they are authentic mexican /puerto rican food).
Also, is Biobay need whole day trip or what time will be good to go. what beaches are good with toddlers or we should stay within hotel beach area and focus on historic sites, forts, old city area, etc.
Is there a specific section in old San Juan which is kind of preserved with cobbled streets and street scape.