PlumeriaTattoo

We are a couple looking for a tropical vacation to celebrate a 40th birthday. We will have a week, and although the birthday is in late January, the cost of some destinations then may lead us to delay the trip until April or May. Here is what we are hoping for --

We both love photography, so beautiful / interesting / unusual scenery is a must. Historical sites are a nice plus.

We are hoping for a destination that is not completely gentrified. We would love to see some of the local character as well as resort world. We do want to feel relatively safe though.

We aren't super outdoorsy, but do like to spend some time doing activities like snorkel, light hiking or parasailing

Love shopping, especially for inexpensive folk art, jewelry, and items with local flair.

Good food -- again, with a local flair. Love street food as well as fine dining.

Beautiful beaches, especially a few uncrowded ones

We are not nightclub people, but also don't want a place that closes up early with nothing to do once the sun sets.

I'm sure this is a lot to throw at everyone, but any feedback is VERY much appreciated. We are looking into St Maarten right now. Also considering Tortola and Belize. If it helps, we both loved Puerto Rico in the past. Also Kauai, Maui, Greek Island, Istanbul.
THANKS!!
Lori

SAnParis2

I would think St. Maarten would be a bit too much as far as people & nightlife go but there is great food there. Take a look @ Dominica, St. Lucia or Saba, although those may be a little off the beaten path for you.

PlumeriaTattoo

SAnParis2 -- what do you mean by saying the people and nightlife might be a bit too much? We don't mind the nightclubs, we just don't usually go to them. But if St Maarten is like Spring Break all the time everywhere you go, we might pass.

SusanInToronto

I haven't been to St. Martin yet - we're going for a week in November. I have heard that the Dutch side (Sint Maarten) is quite built up with casinos, high rises, etc, while the French side (St. Martin) is more laid back. We've rented a place on the French side.

SAnParis2

The French side is more laid back w/better food & beaches. The Dutch side caters more to the 'cruisers' & clubbers (IMHO) & though I often stay there coming & going, have never been keen on St. Maarten as a destination for any length of time. I'm not sure how much local character you'd see there.

Odin

Curacao might fit the bill. Willemstad has plenty of photo opportunities with its beautiful buildings, it has historical sites and the scenery is unusual in as much as it's all cactus - not really what you expect from a Caribbean island. Loads of local culture.

virginia

i suggest you consider jamaica and barbados. both are large enough to offer diverse scenery and things to do off water. jamaica would have the edge for interesting/street food & art/crafty things. barbados has some nice dining. both have historical buildings, pretty beaches and enough to do at night if you choose to go out. barbados is probably safer.
i don't think tortola is quite what you're looking for, belize might be - but i really know very little about it.

PlumeriaTattoo

Virginia, just did a quick look at Barbados and it definitely warrants a closer look. Thanks! I don't think my travel partner is very interested in Jamaica though.

Will take a look at some of the others. Curacao sounds intriguing.

schmerl

Puerto Rico would fit your description. Good beaches, rain forrest, historic sights, etc.

phieaglefan

I might be totally off base here, but reading your post, I immediately thought of Grenada.

A word of warning, we haven't been yet, our trip is scheduled for January.

I'm not too sure about the historic buildings, perhaps someone else knows more, but most of the rest of the criteria seem to fit quite well.

Actually, we are flying into Barbados and staying two days before we take a short flight to Grenada, so seeing both would definitely be an option.

H

JeanH

I thought of Grenada as well. It really is a beautiful island. Lots of history. Good food. Friendly locals. Easy to get around using the local van/bus system during the day and cabs at night.

Grand Anse is a beautiful beach.

I live on Ambergris Caye, Belize in the winter months. Great snorkeling. Ok beaches. Very good restaurants, and awesome street food. Friendly locals and expats.

Rosa23

As I am reading this I already pictured Curacao in my mind.



Willemstad is a UNESCO world heritage site. The buildings are very nice and picturesque. We had a tour explaining the history behind every building.

Shopping in Willemstad is great. You will be able to find great local arts.

As for the beaches in Curacao, they almost never get too crowded the times I have been there... Snorkeling in Curacao is the best outdoor activity i found in Curacao. I have done and and I love it.

The local cuisine isn´t bad either.

have a nice trip!

PlumeriaTattoo

Thanks all! This research phase is part of the fun! Love to hear from more of you if you have a suggestion for us.

suze

I just returned from 10 days in Negril Jamaica. I think it fits what you seek.

stcroixboix

It sounds to me like you're describing St. Croix. We've been there 14 times and love it. It fills all of your conditions. Check it out.

Richard56

I came back from Curacao. The island fits your expectations. I recommend Curacao also.