I love visiting the Caribbean islands or Mexico but hubby is getting too busy to travel anymore. What destinations in that area would you suggest for a middle-aged lady to visit who's alone? Main interests are photography, touring, shopping. For starters, I'm thinking of Turks and Caicos but it looks rather small and too quiet for one. What safe, picturesque places would you suggest?

I would suggest St Barths or Nevis. I go to both quite often and I know a lot of women who travel there solo. GL

St. John usvi..haven't traveled solo but have done so with other women( we are your age) and we've always felt very comfortable and safe.this a beautiful island , great for photography, ruins to see/explore/hiking/stunning beaches and shopping. if larger scale shopping needed just hop the ferry to St Thomas. a St .John destination offers you easy access to the BVI's..a day trip/or two is always fun(Tortola,Jost Van Dyke,Virgin Gorda) a great inn to stay for yourself is Estate Lindholm. you can walk into Cruz Bay with its shops/restaurants/bars www.estatelindholm.com this is a lovely, family owned business with 10 rooms(which have priv. baths, small refrig, micros,decks)/small pool/honor bar/breakfast included(light bk) and fab views !! to really get the most of your time , rent a car for the week so that you can explore the whole island on your own time and at your lesiure.we continue to return to this island and i'm sure if you go you'll keep going back also. check out.. www.stjohnusvi.com good luck...T

I really like the idea of the "multiple island" destinations ... gives me plenty of activity choices. Do you have any favorite hotels here, moderate price would be good but is that hard to find on St. John?

Thank you for your help. (Too chicken to try the left hand driving.)

Another multiple island, where each island has a completely different feeling to each other is Anguilla/St. Martin/ St. Barts. Anguilla to St. Martin is only a 20 minute ferry ride away, and complete different in feeling. St Barts only 1 hour from St. Martin, and can even day hop to Saba. Very easy island hopping, all very different from each other.

Dolores, moderate prices are relative.. to get the best ones, your time to travel is mid april - mid dec...otherwise it's "high" season.the inn i mentioned in my previous post is what i consider "moderate".this is a very nice inn and a great place to stay if traveling alone. also just up the hill from Cruz Bay. www.estatelindholm.com another is Cruz Views Condos..www.caribbeanvilla.com this too is a walk to town/great view/pool and nice units.as for driving..it's really not a big deal..you'd get the hang of it(left side)very quickly and you'll have the freedom that comes w/it !!! if i can do it , you can !!this island has so much to offer and photograph..be glad to give any more info... T

Thank you all for your great information. This helps so much. Now, I can't wait til Spring.

D.

Just about anywhere in the Virgin Islands is fine. I have traveled all over sometimes with and without husband and I have never felt uneasy or threatened in anyway. Of course, you apply your common sense in all situations, and everything will be fine.

I go to Bermuda by myself frequently. My husband is not much of a traveller, I feel very safe there, great shopping and restaurants. It is one of the most picturesque places I have ever been, gorgeous photography opportunities. Plus it has a great deal of historical and cultural interest.