First time, would love some input...
 

Hi, I am looking to take my wife and 7 year old daughter to the Caribbean. We have never been and I want to make sure we create an experience to remember that wil leave us wanting to go again and again rather than one we regret. We are certainly drawn to azure colored waters and beaches and while the idea of a friendly resort is nice we wouldnt want a place that is devoid of any local culture. I would love to be able to take in the local culture, go to a market or bizzare, etc... I dont want to spend thousands of dollars just to travel to a place where I see another Starbucks if you know what I mean. Im cautious of places that say they are quiet as they may not be good for my 7 year old, yet places that are family friendly at times can be over run with toddlers at times. If anyone found themselves traveling with well mannered children around the 7-8 range and found their trip was a great one, Id love to know. Another draw is to go to a place that has culture and history. Whether hundreds of years old or thousands (like ruins). Frankly speaking I want more than just a pretty beach. We are also, as a whole family, particularly adventurous eaters so by n means are we inclined to even want to have a burger and fries on out trip. I say that because I can appreciate that many places want to deliver the comfort of home to many clients whereas we want to soak up the local experience. You wouldnt be looking for a burger king when going to Tuscanny if you catch my drift. I know its a long post but im hopeful some of you could lend your experiences as Id love to plan something around the May timeframe.

Grenada fits what you describe. It is a pain to get to, depending on where you are coming from, but worth it in my opinion. It has a very strong local culture, with a lot of things to do than just the beach. You can go hiking, see waterfalls, visit the local market, a spice and cocoa estate, nutmeg processing station, and many more. Grenadians are wonderfully warm and friendly, very proud of their country. When you visit Grenada, you feel like you are in a Caribbean island, not South Beach! (see? I get your drift. ;-) )

You can rent a car and drive around the island...very easy and safe. Or take the public buses...very fun.

If Grenada interests you, I'd be happy to share my trip reports & photos.

Happy planning!

Id like to see any photos and trip reports that yo have. That would be great and very appreciated. Hows the weather in April/May to your knowledge?
Thanks

Barbados is a wonderful introduction to the Caribbean. It has some of everything the region has to offer, except for a volcano. Formerly British, lovely people, wide range of hotels, restaurants, beaches, topography, sightseeing (incl. a wildlife preserve, plantation houses, gardens, cave).
See www.barbados.org

Ditto Grenada and add Bequia to the list.
www.svgtourism.com www.insandoutssvg.com www.bequiatourism.com www.caribbeantravelforums.com
Good luck.

From what I understand, April/May is great weather. It is towards the end of the dry season.

My trip reports from 2007 are here (I actually have some from other islands as well):
www.mymoosie.net

I have yet to get my 2008 reports done, but I have loaded some of my photos at:
http://www.imageevent.com/kajugo/2008octobergrenada

Food - we do a mix - from very local to the higher end
http://imageevent.com/kajugo/2008octobergrenadadining
http://imageevent.com/kajugo/2008dec...diningshopping

We've only been going the past 2 years, but as you will see from the photos, we have made some lifelong Grenadian friends who have embraced us like family. That's why we love the island so much. :-)

Please take a look @ Montserrat. I have some old trip reports on here as well although my kids are a tad younger than yours. www.visitmontserrat.com www.mvo.ms montserratvolcano.org & don't worry about the volcano you'll be quite safe.volcano-island.com