I know I can always count on others in this forum who love the Caribbean to offer me great ideas. I am looking for another great place to go...

Our last trip was to Anguilla and we LOVED it!!! We love fabulous beaches (oh, how I miss Shoal Bay East), good snorkeling, a laid back atmosphere, a great place to get drinks and good food. We're not the ultra fine dining type though we did enjoy the cuisine on Anguilla for sure. We like exploring an island, and going to some of the more out-of-the way places.

We're not crazy about cruise ship crowds, super touristy stuff, mega shopping, and unfriendly people.

Does anybody have any ideas? We will be traveling with kids 5 and 7 so I like to make sure the beach is kind of calm and there's a pool available. We'd like to make sure the islands is relatively safe as well. We're not all-inclusive fans as we like to get out and explore the island, restaurants and it seems such a waste if you've already paid for it.

We've been to USVIs, BVIs, Turks & Caicos, and Anguilla. We'd like to try someplace new but certainly wouldn't be disappointed if we went back to Anguilla. We just like to hang out at a beautiful beach and snorkel...right off the shore, if possible!

Your ideas would be much appreciated!!!

When are you thinking of going? Because if you're not looking at December - March, I would suggest the Abacos, in the Out Islands of the Bahamas.

Stunning beaches (both ocean and Sea of Abaco), crystal waters, quaint settlements, a handful of restaurants (basic food, mostly seafood) and shops, and lots of friendly people -- both Abaconians and visitors alike. It's a pocket-sized paradise that your kids will love, with exploration on foot, via golfcart, or by rented boat or ferry.

As remote as these islands feel, you're just a quick flight over from Florida, either on American Eagle, Continental/Gulfstream, or one of the many small commuter carriers that ply the route.

The Bahamas Out Islands are a little more rustic than Anguilla, but the beaches are comparable. (The resorts are not -- they are small, basic, quirky, charming, but not luxe. You can also rent a villa, including some of the charming pastel-colored cottages in the likes of Hopetown.)

If you're interested, I have some of my trip reports on my webpage at www.islandtime.homestead.com.

I'll also suggest the Out Islands, specifically Eleuthera. We loved it there. Lots of gorgeous beaches there Very laid back. Not a lot of tourists. Friendly islanders. We stayed at www.pineapplefields.com but there are lots of villas to rent if condo living is not your style.

I second Callalou's great suggestions and I am having a great time reading her trip reports!! I had previously read only the one on Cat Island when I had considered it for another time. I love the out islands and think that there are many great locations to consider there. Thanks, Callalou, for the fascinating reading material! You really do need to go to Long Island-I think I read where your trip had not worked out recently (that was you, wasn't it?) but you need to try again- I think you would really like it.

Wow! Thanks so much for the suggestions. The Out Islands have been on my list for awhile. I also thought about St Vincent and the Grenadines but it seems it's a bit more cumbersome to get to... In any case, I will definitely check the Out Islands out more seriously now!!

There are so many great places in the Caribbean. It's tough because you go somewhere and fall in love with it. Then you want to try something new but you keep feeling that pull from the place you fell in love with... I always love hearing (and reading) about those places that have stolen a little piece of other people's hearts!

With kids, wanting nice beach and snorkeling right from it, good food, how about Grand Cayman?

Great food to be found all over the island. Snorkel from everywhere. Kids would LOVE LOVE LOVE Stingray City but go early on a day when there are less cruise ships in and with a smaller boat to avoid crowds.

Seven mile beach is where I'd have home base.

Look for starfish on Northern part and then hang at Rum Point for a day too.

Hi--I'm also looking for a place to go in the Caribbean (March for Spring Break) with my family. Our kids are 8, 15 and 17. My oldest is lobbying for The Caymans....any suggestions on where to stay?? Besides hitting the beach, what else is there to do?