Since I am traveling on FF miles, I have basically 2 options for my caribbean vacation next year.

I really want to go to T&C, but I can't get seats on a flight there until August. But I can get a good deal on an oceanfront studio at RWI for a week.

Or I can go to a less popular destination(in the eyes of USAirways Award travel department) in February such as Aruba or ???
Since that is peak travel season we'd probably only stay 5 nights.

On the one hand, it would be nice to go somewhere warm when it's cold at home, but I can get more bang for my buck in August.

If anyone has any suggestions for places to go in Feb that would be great. We will be traveling with my infant daughter (she will be 10 months in Feb and 16 months in August)and requirements for us are great beaches, restaurants and snorkeling.

Thanks!

Hi, Kristen--

I know that I'm always looking to get away in the winter from the god-awful cold here in Massachusetts, so even with a reduced length of stay, I would probably lean in that direction.

Traveling with a baby, however, you might want to maximize your time away and that would point to T&C.

You've already been to Aruba--would the less than stellar snorkeling give way to the added comfort you would have by traveling to someplace familiar with your baby?

Of course, weather is never guaranteed at any time of year, but traveling in August to the Caribbean is inherently riskier than traveling in February.

Where else besides Aruba can you get on USAir? I remember that you got married in Grand Cayman and also vacationed on Anguilla--with the exception of their prices during high season, both would be good for what you have in mind.

Also, at 10 months, it might be easier for keeping tabs on your daughter since she'll presumably be less mobile at that age--and thus easier to keep an eye on and perhaps easier to fly with. I'm not a parent myself, but I would personally keep these factors in mind when traveling with an infant for the first time on a major trip.

Sorry that this isn't more helpful to you--maybe you could let us know what all of your FF options are and we can give you more input.

Kristen:
Have you ever been to St John?We went this past June and it was a little hot and humid.My guess is that February would be the perfect time to go. We thought that the beaches were great for children (very calm)and good snorkeling as well.Of course February would be a lot more expensive for St John but you might find a villa that is inexpensive.

Another suggestion would be Negril Jamaica.Have not been there yet but it is cheap compared to other places.

Good luck whatever you decide!

What about Barbados? US Air goes there and it is not too expensive (cheaper than St John). Barbados has good public transportation and is relatively safe. Negril is wonderful but you will more than likely be stuck to one area as there is no public transportation and most people that travel to Jamaica book the all-inclusives. Beaches Negril and Beaches Sandy Bay cater to families but are pricy.

Kristen,

I believe that USAir flies to SXM. You could do the short ferry to Anguilla

Shoal Bay Villas has recently changed ownership and is now called Ku. You can check on another forum for information...this may be deleted if I mention it ;-)

Shoal Bay has decent snorkeling and the beautiful beach would be so child friendly for your daughter.

There are many affordable options on Shoal Bay, even in high season.

Marion

Thanks everyone! If I do go in February, I want to make sure it is somehere far enough south that the water will be warm. So T&C may not hsve been a grat option in February even if I could get seats.

I have been to Anguilla and when I go back, I would definitely have considered Shoal Bay Villas (thanks for the update on the new name!)especially with a baby.

I also want to go to BVI but maybe not for this trip.

Basically I want somewhere where I can get a condo on the beach and where there are places close by to eat etc..

That is why T&C and Aruba were so attractive. I think Negril would also fit that bill.

Let me correct myself.

It is Shoal Bay Beach Hotel that is now Ku.

Shoal Bay Villas remain the same !

Sorry if I confused anyone.

Marion

Thanks for the clatification Marion. Have you seen it since is has changed ownership? I had read mixed reviews when it was SBBH.

Kristen,

I was one who gave SBBH a terrible review, on that other forum. My stay there will always be my travel nightmare.

HowardC will soon return from his stay in Anguilla and ususally takes the time to explore and give current info for Anguilla. Watch for his trip report.

Good luck with the decision making process.

I'm sure that others will have some good suggestions !

Marion