My husband and I are planning to got to an island for a week. We would like to try somewhere new, we have been to the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, USVI and BVI. We would like a direct flight from the New York area. Just looking for snorkeling, nice beaches and good food. Someplace safe and nothing too wild. Any suggestions?????

Laura <BR>We had great snorkling in St. Kitts earlier this month. We have two small kids so it was exciting for them too. The octopus was interesting. Also <BR>Champagne Bay in Dominica is nice. There are warm springs bubbling just off the shore, so there was a wonderful variety of fish, starfish, puffer fish etc. This was my first time in the Caribbean so I'm no expert. Have fun!

Might want to go to the airline websites and check to see which islands AA, Contential, etc. fly to directly without the stop over in Maimi/San Juan from JFK, LGA and EWR for the dates you are going!! You can fly directly to STT, Antigua, St. Martin Aruba and am sure there are others depending on the schedules!

St. Lucia sounds like the perfect place for you. Check out Ladera-resort.com or ansechastenet.com. If you stay on the south end of the island I think that you will find the relaxing atmosphere you are looking for. Great snorkeling too!

Hi! I would go to Sandals Negril, Jamaica. Was there last Feb and plan to go back. Great food and a wonderful beach you can walk on for miles. A very laid back resort.

Laura, I would suggest one of the family islands in the Bahamas for your vacation. YOu can fly directly to Nassau out of LaGuardia and then take the afternoon ferry to Eleuthera or Harbour Island, and there are several nice places to stay on both islands. <BR> <BR>The beaches there are spectacular, soft pink sand and the beaches go on for miles. <BR> <BR>Both islands are very laid back with warm friendly people. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps a bit. Enjoy your vacation wherever you choose to go. <BR> <BR>tweedy