alexis2178

I'm taking my first solo traveler vacation and want to know the best island to visit. I've been thinking alot about St. Martin. I want somewhere fun and safe. I am a woman going it alone!

I've also considered: turks and caicos and bahamas, but I haven't heard many nice things about the bahamas.

Please help! Any suggestions helpful

I'm traveling this June

RoamsAround

There's no one "best" island for solo travellers. The islands on your list are all very different. Choosing which one is best for you depends on what you are seeking. All you've told us is you are travelling alone and want "fun" and you want to feel safe.

Tell us what "fun" means to you - after all we are not mind readers.

As far as safety goes, in today's world no island is free from crime but that doesn't mean crime is rampant. If you use common sense and take normal every day precautions you should be just fine no matter which island you choose to visit. Hints - avoid flashing large sums of money, do go around wearing the "crown jewels", avoid dark alleys, deserted and unfamilar areas late at night, don't leave valuables unattended, lock the door to your room, etc. Remember, just because there are palm trees, sandy beaches and torquoise waters doen't mean you should throw cution to the wind.

St. Martin is very active island, having both a Dutch and French flair. There lots of Duty Free shops, casinos, all manner of watersports, plenty of beaches, an active nightlife and hundreds of restaurants. The island is hilly and somewhat lush.

You don't say where in the Bahamas you are thinging about visiting. The chain has over 800 isand and cays. The bigger more populated islands are Nassau, Grand Bahamas and Freeport. The out-islands can be fairly remote with very little to do but lie on the beach, swim and snorkel. Topographically they are similar, flat, arid, scrubby with long strands of beaches - on the out islands many of the beaches are devoid of people.

The Turks & Caicos is a chain of islands, most of which are quite remote. Providenciales (aka Provo) is the most populated island in the chain and home to 95% of the resorts in the chain. Topographically, the T&C's are similar to the Bahamas - flat, arid and scrubby. Provo has lots of condo resorts and is popular with families and honeymooners. Aside from watersports and sunning yourself on the beach there's not much to do. Grand Turk, is the capital of the chain but is a sleepy island that caters to divers. The other islands in the chain are quite remote and sparsely populated.

My suggestion is you do more research before choosing a destination. Go to the "Destinations" link at the top left of this page, click through to the Caribbean, read through the descriptions of the various island then select the island that most appeals to you and offeres the "fun" you are seeking. Once you do that it will be easy to find a resort or hotel that fits your budget.

STARSHINE8

Hi Alexis! I have traveled to the Caribbean alone and I found that what worked for me was to stay at an All Inclusive Club that caters to singles, like a Club Med. I actually stayed in Martinique and had a glorious time. I am outgoing and made a few friends and found that I enjoyed the alone time. I never felt unsafe but I did not venture off the property. I agree with Roams Around and you should do some more research and define what you are looking for in your vacation. There are so many choices and it will depend on your style, what will make you happy. For me, I did not want to be in a highly romantic resort feeling like a sore thumb among the lovers! I wanted to blend in and have my privacy as well. I personally also enjoy a resort that offers a spa so that I could pamper myself and unwind. Let us know what you decide and good luck!

alexis2178

Thanks to both of you!!! Ok, fun to me is being able to find something to do during the day, whether its shopping, a little gambling, site seeing or getting pampered. Its my first real vacation so its difficult to decide. I understand about using common sense and no place is truly crime free, but at the same time I will not be travelling to Mexico as there have been warnings for U.S travelers. I don't want to feel out of place in a resort with lovers either!!! Thanks again

RoamsAround

St. Martin might be a good choice for you since iot offers lots of things to do, plenty of shopping, scores pof restaurants, has casions and an active nightlife. But you should know it is a very populated island and recently there have been an increasing number of incidents of petty crimes against tourists. Given the number of tourists that visit the islands the amount of crime is relatively small.

You might want to consider St. Barth's, it has everything you are seeking (restaurants, shopping, watersports) except casinos. It is a very safe island.

Also look at St. Kitts it may be perfect for what you are seeking - good shopping, rainforests & volcanos to hike, nice beaches, old ruins & fortresses to explore, casions, spas, a decent but not wild nightlife and it's a very safe destination.