We're planning an early december trip to the caribbean. We're using FF miles that can get us to Puerto Rico (or Hawaii). We've been to Hawaii several times (we live in California) and were hoping for something different.<BR>Should we plan on spending a full week in Puerto Rico? Should we go to other islands? Are there any don't-miss things we should plan?<BR>We really like nice beaches, snorkeling, diving and night life, but we needn't have all of these at once (we're will to spend a few nights here, a few nights there).<BR>Any advice would be great (since we haven't ticketed yet...)

Margie, I'd have to say if you can get to PR, I'd go 70 miles more East to the U.S. Virgin Islands, the best for a start in the Caribbean and for the things you mentioned.<BR><BR>- Great beaches in St. Thomas, even better in St. John<BR>- Wonderful snorkeling in St. John<BR>- Night life in St. Thomas<BR>- (my favorite) great duty free jewelry shopping with unique gold pieces from Italy at very good prices (stick with the little shops on Raadets Gade - a street in St. Thomas)<BR><BR>If you can do a few nights here/there, I'd recommend doing some in St. Thomas, some in St. John. There's a ferry over to St. John from St. Thomas that takes about 1/2 hour travel (the boarding takes a while). If you're renting a car, you can take the car on the ferry, too.<BR><BR>The time that you're planning on is the best time, too. Marriott properties (i.e., Frenchman's Reef in St. Thomas) are offering 'Sand Dollar' promotions that give credit toward food/your bill. Check into Marriott's website. I heard good things about a B&B in St. John called Estate Lindholm. Caneel Bay Resort and the Westin on St. John seem to have some cons I hear, especially with regards to rates, but I recommend checking this out for yourself.<BR><BR>If you are used to Hawaii, then you'll love the breathtaking beauty of St. John, most of which is a National Park. Check out Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay (Trunk Bay has a diving trail that my hubby liked). Hope this helps.

I thought US citizens could not go to Peuro Rico... How will you go about flying there ?

Eric,<BR> Where is Peuro Rico? And why do you think a US citizen couldn't go there? <BR>Wondering

When Eric skipped class Friday, he missed spelling, history and geography. If you see him, please tell him to get off the Internet and hit the books! Thank you.

I believe Eric is thinking of Cuba. Eric Puerto Rico IS part of the United States you bloomin idiot!!!<BR>Cuba is where you Americans can't go and it's a shame cause we need your dirty American dollars down here to prop up my regime.

GM<BR>-- thanks for your reply on the virgin islands. I'm not certain we can get there as easily (we'd have to fly from Puerto Rico).<BR>After a night of more research, we're pretty sure we're going to stay in Puerto Rico. I'll post our tentative itinerary under a new thread (with a Puerto Rico title).<BR>Thanks again

The flight from Puerto Rico into St. Thomas is about 30min. easy flight. Quick!!!!<BR><BR>The ferry from St. Thomas depending on the dock you leave from is from 15min to 45 min. St. John is our favorite out of the two. We went one day shopping over in St. Thomas and that was enough for us. It seemed like hundreds of jewelry stores and people outside trying to lure you inside. <BR><BR>St. John, more lush, quieter and gorgeous villas, pretty town, very quaint and clean. Beaches to die for!<BR><BR>Just another opinion!!!

There are plenty of things to do and sights to see in Puerto Rico. If you will be there for a week you could stay 3 nights in Old San Juan ( I love ElConvento Hotel www.elconvento.com for location and ambiance but the Caribe Hilton is very well situated as well).<BR><BR>From that location you can easily see the fort El Morro, tour the Bacardi Factory and enjoy the casinos and night life of San Juan as well as enjoy duty-free shopping.<BR><BR>For the last 4 nights move south to Humacao and stay at Palmas del Mar. They have a lovely 3 mile beach, golf, horseback riding. From there exploring the rainforest El Yunque, seeing historic Ponce, snorkeling at night in the irridescent bays or taking a ferry or puddle jumper to Vieques are all do-able daytrips.<BR><BR>I love Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. I understand why people are pushing you towards St John; but there is a lot more to do and see in Puerto Rico.

Actually, Margie, after Hawaii, the Caribbean will be VASTLY DISAPPOINTING to you, including overrated St. John! These posters are FOOLS!!!

Margie,<BR>From a another Californian who vacations frequently in Hawaii... you will not be disappointed with the Caribbean! We try to go as often as possible, but not often enough due to the longer flights, etc.