iamkane: turks and caicos is all about the water, not much more to do than that. But <font color="blue"> ahh what water-prettiest in the world. Nice big airplanes go there too.
there is a lot of water based things to do there: trips to other &quot;caicos&quot; islands, trips to cays, snorkeling, scuba. You can rent a high clearance vehicle and explore secluded beaches. (the getting there is 1/2 the fun!) Turks also has excellent restaurants, and like Europe, can be 2 hour meals. BUT, there is not much to see and do other than anything to do with water.
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I admit that after many flights, I am still a white-knuckle, pale-faced passenger on a plane. We just flew on a turbo prop from Nevis to SXM and it was awesome! Not bad and I have done it twice. No bumps or jolts at all. It was better this time since there were only 6 of us vs. the full plane last year. Please, take it from wussy me, it's really not bad. So, if it's the only way to get to a favored destination, I wouldn't let it hold me back, IMHO.

If you are looking for a place with interesting sights/activities that you may not find in the islands, have you considered Costa Rica or Puerto Vallarta? We have been to many islands to relax, etc. but found that the sights and activities in Costa Rica and Puerto Vallerta were the most amazing and you also have the beach. You are going at the right time of the year to see turtles in Costa Rica and whales in Puerto Vallarta. Exploring the culture and the wildlife is very interesting especially in Costa Rica. We went on a river cruise where we saw the most amazing variety of beautiful birds, monkeys, etc., including storks and spoonbills. The town of Puerto Vallarta is lovely with many great restaurants and shops.

iw, NO WAY am I flying a turbo prop over an ocean! Thanks for trying to encourage me though.

nankar, I have printed off information about Puerto Vallarta, which I will discuss with my husband tonight (along with an Overview of the Caribbean islands).

I would like to narrow it down with him tonight. Let's see how good I do!

Skip St. Bart's then. It's a real &quot;interesting&quot; landing in a little plane.

PDC I think is a good choice for you. You have beaches and tons to do if you wish. For example:
Mayan ruins at Chitzen Itza and Tulum
Ecological parks for snorkeling and exploration at Xel-Ha and Excaret
Ferries to see Cozumel and Isla de Mujeres.
Cancun for nightlife
Lots of good restaurants.
The planning is half the fun. Good luck. Larry.

I'm really going out on a limb and make a suggestion.......It's not the Caribbean or Europe but would meet the beach requirements, there is a fair amount of culture and nightlife, a winery, history, shopping, easy to get to and upscale accommodations and dining.
St. Augustine, FL. The only problem that early in the year might be the weather. Sometimes the temps are great other times a bit cool. If interested google St. Augustine and also visit www.oldcity.com

Okay, we talked tonight. This became a process of elimination. I had thrown Mexico into the mix and we decided the flights are too long from NY airports, so we deep-sixed Mexico. (Maybe another time...)

OUT: All islands in the Caribbean where you need a connection with a turbo prop plane.

It looks like: The Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico or Aruba. We can get to these locations with direct, nonstop flights that are within 4 to 4.5 hours.

I appreciate everyone's help (and yes, vincygirl, St. Augustine sounds wonderful, but too cool at that time of the year). By having other Fodorites voice their opinions, it really helped me separate the shaft from the wheat (so to speak).

Puerto Rico