Several days ago I secured frequent flier tickets for Christmas week to go to Turks & Caicos, but have subsequently been appalled at the prices! We could stay at a not very great place for $5K for 6 nights, with no food or excursions. The level of resort that we usually stay in would cost $7500 without food or excursions.
I think we need to find another island that has great beaches but a much better value for the dollar. We really don't care for the huge all-inclusives, although we like a resort. Obviously, I am fairly ignorant of the caribbean and would appreciate any advice on choosing an island! Thanks!

You better check again

When are you going?

Check my travel report. I just staying in a full suite for 6 nights for $2200 right on the beach.

Christmas week is the most expensive week anywhere in the Caribbean but I'm sure you can find someplace for a budget of $5,000 for 6 nights. Where in the T&C's have you been looking? There are several places you can find on Provo for your budget.

Also, try looking at resorts on Antigua, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, St. Martin, St. Thomas, St. Croix, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Aruba and Grenada - all have numerous resorts in your price range. I think you need to do a bit more research.

You said "The level of resort that we usually stay in would cost $7500 without food or excursions" - well perhaps if you told us what that "level" means to you in terms of resort and amenities we could better steer you in the right direction. Sometimes people look at the prices charged by 5-star resorts and get discouraged because they want to pay 3-star prices. In the Caribbean you can find resorts in all price ranges, you just have to be realistic.

Christmas week is expensive everywhere in the Caribbean! Also make sure you meet the minimums-for example, places like Anguilla has 7-10 minimum nights at Christmas.

Overall T&C is one of the expensive islands. Christmas is the most expensive time to go. Check out vrbo.com to see if you can find deals--make sure to stay on Grace Bay Beach-some areas on vrbo.com are not on the beach.

PS all the condos are placed into a resort pool and treated like a resort.

So are you saying the resorts that are $850/night aren't nice enough? Or that you'd like to find a great room for $500/night?

and what's your "not very great place"?
there really isn't a bad place to stay on T&C, it's fairly modern and luxurious--

and for $2500 more you're getting a lot more actually, than most places in Caribbean.

Do you mind clarifying?

www.luxurylink.com

www.betterbidding.com

5* Hotel resorts very cheap bidding Priceline usually Mariotts

St. John St. Thomas Puerto Rico

Will be more difficult at Grace Bay smaller area

lodging will be at a premium that week.

www.Westin.com/St.John

One of the better values out there

Join www.spg.com get their Amex Card for free/cheap stays

with points or cash/points

Free Suite upgrades to best available many perks.