Hey, American, my guess is you've had to be around a lot of French and German tourists, right? Man, I agree, they are a pain.<BR>The Brits are, by and large, pleasant to be around. Maybe some of these posters should be more specific about who they mean.

It's true that Americans can be loud and complain a lot on vacation but there are also many Americans who are the nicest people on earth--it just depends upon where you're staying--refined sophisticated quiet places are usually alright and the less expensive quiet places but a place like Atlantis is a zoo. I would vacation with the Brit's anyday and when we were in France the French were so nice but I can't say that of a near by country which I will leave at that.

Try St. Barts, Virgin Gorda or Nevis, all successfully resisting (so-far) the blight of mass American tourism.<BR><BR>If you don't mind an island where virtually no English is spoken, try Terre de Haute (Les Saintes) off Guadeloupe. It's totally un-American, totally uncrowded, has beautiful beaches and a scenic harbor that is often compared to that of Rio's. No cars allowed.<BR><BR>If you are willing to give up the beaches, then Dominica is great, with a gorgeous island and very friendly people.

I also agree with the Anguilla vote, but here is another that is nice and peaceful...Ambergise Caye off of the coast of Belize. The diving /snorkling is oustanding. Day trips to the jungle and Mayan ruins. No cars at all on the island, except for the taxi's. Sand floors in the restaurants in town. Want to ride a bike for a while? They are provided free of charge at most hotels, none of which are chains.<BR><BR>All in all, an outstanding place.

I vote for the small Francois Plantation in St. Barts--small island and gorgeous beaches.

Thanks to everyone for your input and really great ideas. Although after careful consideration, I don't think we will be travelling to the caribbean in sept. due to everyone's warnings about hurricanes. Out of the research that I've done, a few islands popped out to me. Although they were not mentioned on this board, I've heard and read a lot of great things about Cat Island in the bahamas. Has anyone been there/heard of it? Also what about a smaller island in the Turks? Any suggestions there? Do they have nice beaches? Friendly people?<BR>Also, Lou's suggestion of Ambergise Caye off of the coast of Belize seems great.<BR>Anyway, if there are any other opinions I would greatly appreciate it.<BR><BR>Thanks so much for all your time and responses.<BR><BR>S<BR>

Since you expressed interest in the Bahamas look into Tiamo Resort, Andros Bahamas--see travelers reviews in Where2Stay.com-- a very quiet property on a gorgeous beach.

Don't exactly rule out the Caribbean in "hurricane season". Aruba lies below the hurricane belt so there is no worry about hurricane season. I wonder if Curacao or Bonaire does also.<BR><BR>Don't about romantic, quiet hideaways however.

In general, the farther south you go, the less American tourists you will find. For example, Grenada is a world apart from places like the US virgin islands. I recommend picking one of the super lush tropical islands if this is your first trip, so avoid islands like T&C, Cayman or Anguilla.