We want to visit somewhere with calm turquoise waters, nice beaches, natural beauty. Don't care about disco's, casinos, and all that kind of stuff. Have two kids age 13 and 16 who like the natural stuff like snorkeling and swimming in safe waters. Where do I start? The only place I've been is about 20 years ago to Eleuthera. Are wanting to go during March. Any help is appreciated! So far a travel agent has mentioned Jamaica but in reading these reviews it is hard to figure if it's great or a crime-ridden island. Thanks!

We would recommend a place you probably never heard of. Isla Mujeres--a small island in the Carribean located 10 miles from Cancun. Safe, great beaches, laid back, kid friendly--you can let them run and not have to worry. Also economical. We have a 16 page home grown brouchure on the island and surrounds that we will e-mail you on request. We go to the island twice a year and keep our brouchure current. dan and ginny <BR>

Grand Cayman is a good place for a family vacation. The water is great with wonderful snorkeling. A trip to Stingray City is a must. Low-crime and safe streets. <BR> <BR>Provo, in the Turks & Caicos, is also supposed to be great. I had a trip planned there in November but had to recently cancel those plans. <BR> <BR>I am a Jamaica lover but do not feel it's as safe as Grand Cayman. <BR> <BR>Hope you have a great vacation.

Why don't you rent a villa on St. John. It has beautiful beaches,great snorkeling,natural beauty as it is mostly national park,2 hotels,and an abundance of empty beaches. Cruz Bay is a small town,it does get very busy with daytrippers from St. Thomas,but is still fun. Trunk Bay is very busy-just drive further up the road and explore,the many beautiful beachs. There are plenty of hiking trails and lots to explore.I have been to many islands but I have never been to Jamaica.we have stayed clear of that island beacuse most people we talk to dislike the attitude of some of the Jamaicans. <BR>

I've been to Jamaica and love it, but I would not recommend Negril (our favorite place) for a vacation with kids! It is really more of an adult vacation. HOWEVER, I would strongly recommend Puerto Rico. You really don't even have to visit San Juan, with its mega hotels w/casinos. I can't imagine kids that wouldn't be thrilled with a visit to Vieques and the bioluminescent bay (www.biobay.com). And driving around on the main island, visiting El Yunque the rainforest, and interesting colonial cities like Ponce.

I agree with the posters who suggested Grand Cayman and St. John. We've been to, and loved, both islands. If I had to choose between the two for you, considering the kids, perhaps SJ would be the better choice, although I don't think you can go wrong with either one, really. Both are so great. SJ may be a bit more economical, there's more to explore, and if you rent a villa (the only way to go on SJ, in my opinion), that would be the best way to go with children. Rent one with a private pool, for sure. Have fun!

Grand Cayman is a must for your family. Beautiful beaches, crystal clear water, no crime, and definately a great FAMILY vacation. There are many great places to stay including condos. I would suggest having your travel agent contact a tour company called Cayman Connection, they are based in The Woodlands, Texas, and all of their agents have first hand knowledge of all of the accomodations that that the Caymans have to offer.

Please send us a copy of your brocure. We have ben going to Cozumel yearly for the last 8 years because we enjoy the scuba diving, is the diving good there? Thanks.Marge

Hi JJ: Have been to many of the islands suggested and I think your kids would be bored in Grand Cayman and St. John. A good choice may be Barbados which has great beaches water activities and special interest places like Andromeda Gardens, Caves ect. It is an easy island to navigate on your own also. The safest and most friendly island we've been to is Aruba which has gorgeous beaches and lots of water sports. We stayed at LaCabana in Aruba which where condo style units so you could cook small meals like breakfast ect. which may help when travelling with teenagers. The pool area is very nice and there are tennis courts and it is within walking distance to to other beach areas. Have fun choosing. Karen

I would also suggest Grand Cayman... It has the clearest, bluc caribbean water that I have seen - it's like swimming in a bathtub. Clear waters, white sand beaches and a safe island - enyoy your family vacation. <BR> <BR>Lori <BR>

I would try St John USVI. I am a travel agent and I have been to and researched a lot of caribbean destinations and St John looks wonderful. Very natural and quiet. I will be going there in November so I can't give you any personal opinions yet. But after all the research I have done I think you would love it.