Hi all, could use your help since I just don't know which island to take a week long vacation in. We'd like to go next month (Feb) and one we can take a direct flight out of NYC. I've been to St Thomas, Tortola, Grand Turk and Bahamas on cruises. All were okay but not one I'd really like to spend a week on. I hated Nassau - thought it was dirty and commercialized, Tortola was boring but nice. Grand Turk was small and destroyed by hurricanes. I would say St. Thomas was the nicest but didn't get to eperience the whole island because of the limited shore time.

I'd like to find an island that's clean and safe because we want to rent a car and explore the whole island. I don't like staying at the resort and not experiencing the culture. We need lots to explore and at least some nightlife either at the resort or local restaurants. We go to bed by midnight but an island that shuts down when the sun sets would bore us. I would love to zipline and parasail on this vacation, but the biggest requirement is beautiful calm beaches. It has to be warm enough to swim in crystal clear waters that are as calm as a bathtub at least on some parts of the island (big plus is we can find accomdations near water like that). In St. Thomas there was a bay there like this and it was gorgeous! Thanks for your help!

Also love touring historical landmarks. Jet skiing would be a plus too. Did those two things in Bermuda and had a blast. I forgot to mention Bermuda in my first post. Very beautiful and clean island but nothing to do at night and not warm enough in winter.

St. Martin has everything you are seeking. You might also look at the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.

I agree that the DR and Jamaica both have what they seek. But for some reason many people seem to think both those islands are not "safe" to be out and around on your own. I don't personally agree, but mention it, as I keep seeing that written on this and other travel forums.

Ive heard both DR and Jamaica weren't safe to venture out on your own.

Sounds like Grenada is just the place ... peaceful and relaxing - it is a small island and great for exploring on your own or with a guide - American Airlines, Delta and Caribbean Airlines all fly to Grenada. Grenada is known as the Spice Island and as a result has great cuisine; lots of lovely beaches to explore as well as waterfalls, forts, lakes, the world's 1st Underwater Sculpture Park, sailing adventures (Pirate's cruise, sunset cruises); river-tubing, hiking, mountain-biking - a range of activities to enjoy. The locals are very friendly and welcoming. A major local event is the Fish Friday Festival which takes place in the fishing village of Gouyave every Friday night ... you wont regret a trip to Grenada!

ssremodel, Well you "heard" wrong.

I mean of course you shouldn't vacation somewhere you won't feel comfortable.

But the people who don't leave their all-inclusive resorts, when I've specifically asked about what was so "dangerous" either say they were advised by their *resort* not to leave, or admit that they simply that they did not enjoy seeing "the poverty" that is a local reality on both those islands.

Have you thought about Virgin Gorda? It's beautiful, safe, and has some nightlife. Little Dix Bay is a great resort and can help you find water activities to take part in.

St. Kitt's is a beautiful island with a castle you can tour and mountains as well as many beautiful beaches. You can take a catamaran ride over to Nevis as well for a lovely day snorkeling. It is not commercialized as are St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Aruba. The people are very nice (the Marriott is exceptional). You will want to rent a car to travel the island. The restaurant Spratnet has the most delicious seafood we have ever tasted.

Forgot to mention that they have a zipline that goes through the rainforest there...1350 ft. long and 250 ft. above ground. There is also an historical railway that takes you around the island past volcano, castle, etc...