Hi - <BR>Does anyone have any advice on travelling in the Caribbean or FLorida in November? Outside of the A-B-C islands (Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire)? Also - a double whammy - I am pregnant (will be about 5 months) and would like to be on a more "progressive" island in case of any problems. ANy recommendations? <BR> <BR>Thanks!

Due to your pregnancy and wanting to be near good medical facilities Florida may be a better choice. Also, depending on where you are flying from this may be less time in the air for you. Florida has some great resorts!

The government's travel warning and consular info. site has pretty good info. on medical facilities for all countries. This could help with your decision. (It also has info. on traffic safety and road conditions, crime info, etc). <BR> <BR>http://www.travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html#a

Jen, it would be helpful to understand a few things about what you want in a vacation experience: big/little resort, casino, main "must do's", etc. This info might rule out a number of islands automatically. <BR>Based on my own fairly extensive experiences in the Caribbean, and since you will be traveling outside the hurricane season for the cooler, more northern Caribbean islands, I would opt for either the BVI or the USVI. I happen to be familiar with both and both have good doctors and facilities, even though they are small. I would say that it then boils down to the type of island you want and the vacation experience you want, what you want to spend, etc.

Bermuda might be a choice for you if you are considering Florida as well. Great medical system - you will have no problems here. However, if you are travelling from USA, remember the price of airlifting you home if there is a medical emergency. Make sure your medical insurance covers you outside of USA

You are traveling in hurricane season and one thing to consider is that if you change planes in SJU or MIA or any other place, those plans may be interrupted alto the island you have chosen might remain free of problems. It can certainly present difficulties getting home with planes flying and all the assorted other glitches that can happen. If your doctor agrees and gives you the go ahead, go! But, be aware, that in an emergency you will not find facilities that are comprable in the Caribb. Not saying that medical tx is substandard but even the USVI hospitals are not accredited and do not meet nat'l standards of JCAHO. Medical evacuation is expensive and you will be getting insurance, I am sure, so just make sure it includes medivac coverage especially if you go to the BVI. All the prepration and expense will be for nought I am sure but better be safe than sorry! I would be more tempted by Florida if I were not a risk taker. There are also some wonderful spas and resorts not only in Florida but up and down the SouthEast Coast that should give you great weather in November despite the hurricane threat altho remote!

No matter where you choose, make sure that you have checked with your health insurance carrier to ensure that you are covered. "Foreign" countries have the tendency not to recognize US insurances and want cash! (just like some of the facilities here in the states!). Good luck!

Jenn, if you can find a resort in Florida that suits your vacation needs, that should be your first choice. I know that any doctor will discourgae a pregnant mother from getting on an airplane with 7 months or more, but with 5 months you should be OK. Maybe you can drive to Florida? <BR> <BR>If you decide to go to one of the Virgin Islands, and you have a medical emergency, you will likely be evacuated by helicopted to San Juan's Centro Medico, which is where President Clinton was taken to when he got sick in the USVI. Centro Medico is an excellent facility in Puerto Rico, they are equipped to do simple procedures as well as complex procedures (like heart surgery). Therefore, I would suggest that you look at resorts in Puerto Rico. Maybe get your travel agent to contact some resorts in Florida and PR ans ask about medical facilities nearby. Good luck!