My husband and I are interested in a trip to the Caribbean in April. We have never vacationed in the area. I'm pretty confused about how to choose an island. Would you help?

We're looking for some place where we can take a direct flight from New York (we'll be flying on American Airlines points). We want a safe island with a hotel that is not too expensive -- something around $200/night.

We don't care about casinos or night life. We just want to unwind on the beach!

Thanks for any suggestions about islands or hotels. Much appreciated!

If you are planning on using points, I would check with American and see what is still available. Award travel is usually limited number of seats on each flight. If you can fly on off days like tues or wed and return the same, you can probably get the freebies. JfK to caribbean direct is probably a number of islands. Go to american.com and start punching in islands and see what comes up. Safe island is what I was looking for when I booked Aruba as a family trip. There is gambling and nightlife if you want it. It is a nice beach and I am sure you can find a deal on a hotel. Bermuda is one of my favorite islands and is very different from Aruba. It is more lush. You would be better off in May there because it is not far enough south for a true beach vacation yet. St. John in the Us Virgin Islands would have direct flight to St Thomas and a short 30 minute ferry to St. John. St. John is very safe and a quiet island. All of the islands are expensive (sorry). Puerto rico would have direct flight. A large chain hotel like Hilton has the Caribe Hilton. This is a very nice complex hotel with a private beach. This may have a deal. I would say Puerto Rico may not feel as safe as the others I have mentioned, but we never had problems there. I would avoid Jamaica because it is known for people hassling you on the beach. It does not have the safest reputation. Lots of people will go crazy over that statement, and they love the place, but if you want safety or the feeling of safety, than don't go there. It would not be for you. Another direct flight would be Bahamas. Nassau was dumpy. We stayed at the Atlantis (pricey), and did not bother leaving the resort. Nassau looked run down and old. I saw it twenty years ago and it has never improved.I hope some of this helps. There are many other islands Turks and CAicos is quiet with a nice beach.

I think Idle Awhile in Negril fits the bill. The beach there is very nice and you are just a stroll away from many great restaurants. I have been to Jamaica several times and my teenage daughter and I stayed next door to Idle Awhile on our last trip. I toured the property and really liked it. We walked to dinner every night but there are also restaurants that will send a shuttle to pick you up.

Try Playa Del Carmen Mexico. Foiur house direct flight into Cancun, and then a 45 minute bus ride(nice bus) to Playa. Great area, great beaches, and it's known as the Mayan Riviera. All inclusive at most places there and well worth it. Been there twice.Also very safe to wander about.

we just booked a trip to aruba, we were looking for similar things.
We actually got a great deal on American Airlines website for a vacation package - RT airfare for 2 from Philly (not direct flight though) & 5 nights at the Bucuti Hotel for $1700 in May.

Notsure how that would work w/ your AA points, but you can book through the hotel directly, rooms start at $150/per night.
The hotel has gotten great reviews.

www.bucuti.com

Go after April 15th, when the high season rates drop A LOT. A wonderful intro. to the Caribbean is Barbados. It is an island which has at least some of everything the Caribbean can offer, except for gambling or a volcano. British/Caribbean culture, lovely people, pure water/air, lots of sightseeing, great restaurants, variety of beaches, entertainment. A lush green island with a real tropical ambiance. See www.barbados.org
American flies nonstop from JFK and MIA

Terrific suggestions, everyone. Thanks! We're now focusing most on Barbados and Aruba -- and possibly Jamaica.

Favorite hotels in those places in the $200 range?

Thanks!

On Barbados, try Treasure Beach Hotel, and For Jamaica, Jamaica Inn. Their rates are just over your numbers, but include taxes. Both small, classy, charming, beachfront. www.treasurebeachhotel.com and www.jamaicainn.com

At Treasure Beach, all rooms are one-bedroom suites, with a living room and small covered balcony/patio. At Jamaica Inn. there is a sleeping room and a large covered balcony, furnished like a living room.

The nicest hotels in Aruba are the Hyatt, Marriott, Radisson and the Bucuti.Wyndam gets some good reviews, but seems windier there. There are many others that are smaller resorts.You can go to aruba-bb.com for more info on aruba.

My wife and I just returned from Barbados and had a glorious time relaxing and exploring. We found a direct flight on AA from JFK for $330/pp booked on www.tripsavercaribbean.com. It was part of a package we booked that included the Rostrevor Apartment Hotel in St. Lawrence Gap. We stayed on the 3rd floor with a balcony overlooking the ocean. The location and price was perfect. Plus, the Rostrevor has a kitchenette where you can make a few meals and enjoy the view from the balcony while eating. We did this because eating out in Barbados can get quite expensive. Also, try the outdoor fish fry in Oisten's about a 15 min drive from St. Lawrence Gap. Amazing food and quite cheap as it's cooked on open grills by local outdoor vendors.

Rent a car and wend your way up the East Coast for some of the most breathtaking, secluded beaches and Bays in the Caribbean. and don't miss the North Point at the top of the island, spectacular views of rocky cliffs and coastlines.

Hope you enjoy wherever you go!