Muylinda,
It all depends on if someone wants a true *exotic* feel as to if they will like Aruba.If that is what they are looking for..they will be disappointed as I was.Aruba is great for the beach lounging person..but for the person who likes to explore.

typo: NOT for the person who likes to explore.

Has anyone else noticed that Author5 seems to contribute only negative comments about the Bahamas ?

Is this another "Harald" reincarnation ?

Good grief, just when you think it's safe, he pops up again.

What's that carnival game where they give you a club and you try to smash the heads that pop up ?

Yes...that's my image today ;-)

Marion

Tuxedocat, I just had to jump in and say that my mom used to tell me when I was a kid that only boring people get bored. I can probably count on one hand the number of times I've used it in reference to myself for the last couple of decades! When my husband and I took our granddaughter to Tortola in July, that was the one phrase I insisted she not use after the first day--I think teenagers are so inured to that phrase. But waiting in the airport was boring, waiting for a taxi was boring, etc. I'm sure she found later activities boring, but she kept those thoughts to herself. :)

Imagine finding the ENTIRE island of St. Croix to be boring!

Marion: Leave it to you to say: "The Emperor has no clothes!" I think we've all been ignoring him. I thought about just writing more nice things about the Bahamas, but even that is too much attention. Nuff said!

ejcrowe: You probably hit the nail on the head. I bet it was some teenager who's responsible for the "St. Croix is boring..." thought.

Marion,
I think that *whatsthezipit* posing as authorV is back.They are posting on all of the forums again.Fodors must have made the *nut* mad again.

Uh Oh !!

Spent two weeks in Dec. in St. Croix, with three kids we all loved it,many many places to see and explore great snorkling from many of the beaches, Do not miss Buck Island. Many reasonable places to eat, lots of culture., many great places to explore that have no cost. I highly recommend St. Croix. Never once heard I'm bored. go for it...

Tuxedocat,

You're right :-) ! As I've said before, I often don't follow my own advice...and today is one of those days.

As another insomniac and an admitted *news junkie*, I've spent far too much time watching the tragedy of Katrina.

To qoute you again (and you do have a way with a phrase :-) )...I guess I'm having one of my "off kilter" days :-) !

Marion

$1300 for 5 nights, including airfare, for two people? I don't see how you can do it for so little. Airfare alone will run you at least $900 from most US cities. Your best bet is probably Puerto Rico because the airfare will be cheaper than other Caribbean destinations. If I were you, I'd either look for a budget place in Puerto Rico or else look to pay more money.

The USVI is a great choice for a first island. Great beaches. Although $1300 is not a great deal of money. Airfare from Chicago doesn't go very far. Look into a package deal and see if that helps.

I did actually find airfare, and 5 nights in both St. Croix and Tortola. As a matter of fact, St. Croix for 5 nights at a 3* hotel was 1027. 5 nights in Tortola at another 3* was 1159.14. Do your research before you critique someone's budget ;-)

Since Katrina hit, now my hubby is doubtful that we should take the trip to Tortola. I'm getting frustrated :-(

I have to convince him that we should go! I want to book TODAY and leave on Sept. 16th. I say just book and reschedule or cancel if weather treatens to ruin it! That's what travler's insurance is for!

Lbubb007, there's no reason to be harsh to those who are offering you suggestions. You asked for help and people have offered their ideas. My suggestion of Puerto Rico was a reasonable one because airfare there tends to be less than the other islands. I answered you with courtesy. You should do the same.

"Do your research before you critique someone's budget"

That's pretty funny, especially considering it's actually Your research you're asking Laby to do!

Idubb007....

Your original post stated that you had never been to any Caribbean island, and you asked for help.

There are many here who gave you good advice without judgement of your budget.

When I started to lose interest was when you suddenly remembered that you had been to Jamaica, which is definitely a Caribbean island.

I hope you'll be able to convince your hubby to go to Tortola. And I hope you'll be sober enough to remember that you've been there.

Maybe you'll even consider writing a trip report for us ?

Marion

Ohmigod! You guys are WAAAAYYYY too serious. I put the smiling winky guy just to let you know I was trying to be funny... I apologize if I've offended. I truly joined this site to get advice from others who are more traveled than myself. I have much respect and again I apologize :-)

Marion -

Funny thing about me is that I have a memory of convenience! It was some time ago that I went to Jamaica and as I said, I was not so impressed. I know that Jamaica is in the Caribbean and I apologize for the lapse in memory... I am human!

Thanks again for your help as well!!!!