My wife & I are interested in taking a week long trip to the Caribbean, from late December to early January. I know we’re cutting it a bit close here, but I’m hoping you nice folks can give us some advice & direction. We want to: avoid very touristy sites; stay on or very near the beach; be able to explore the area a bit (maybe go to a small town or two, see a few different beaches, take a boat trip, do some hiking); do some scuba and snorkeling; maybe rent a jeep or scooter to get around on; socialize with fellow vacations, without being in a 'busy' area. We’d like to stay in comfortable, but not fancy, lodging; we’d also like to avoid a shared bath situation, as well as very rustic or shabby rentals. We’ve been looking at the Bahamas, but I haven’t been there, so I’m not sure exactly where we’d want to be—-maybe Cat Island?; I’ve also looked at Vieques, but my guess is that with the new passport restrictions, it’s going to be mayhem during our travel time. We’d also consider the Caribbean coast of Central America (Belize?), or Mexico—but again, staying away from very developed or heavily touristed areas).

Anyone have any suggestions? The list above is just to try to give you a sense of what we're after--let me know if you have a place that you really love, even if it doesn't fit perfectly with our list.

Thanks!

You might look into the BVI's from Tortola to any of the others. However, it's awfully late to be booking the most popular week in the Caribbean.

Ambergris Cay, Belize or Isla Mujeres, Mexico

St. John would be a good fit as well...if you can find lodging on short notice.

We just got back from Eleuthera and it may be perfect for you except late Dec to early Jan the water temps may be a bit cooler. We have the same preferences you do and another suggestion would be to look into Virgin Gorda in the BVIs. Its quaint/quiet and has some very nice beaches, a decent selection of restaurants and hiking. Look into guavaberry villas or villas on Mahoe Bay based on your budget. Both areas are close to the center of town and the Baths.

If you've been looking at the Bahama's, and are looking in the comfortable range, have you looked at the Landing? The daughter of the first Miss Bahamas and her husband own the Inn. It's just 7 rooms on Harbour Island. There are no televisions or phones, or even internet connections, so nothing to distract you from your vacation. The beach is a few blocks away. If you book a bay-view room, you will get the best view of the harbor. The rooms have four-poster beds and white linens and terraces. 242/333-2727;www.harbourislandlanding.com.