I have free plane tickets and can't decide where to go! I'm looking for ideas from frequent travelers. I want a nice white sand beach..no rocks, good for walking and watersports(calmer water). Relaxing resort but not dead! Beach is the most important. Carribbean or Mexico location would be great...HELP.

Negril, Jamaica has everything you're looking for! Just got back last night. I've been going there for 25 years.

Negril's got a gorgeous 7-mile long white sand beach, beautiful bath temperature water, excellent snorkelling and fishing, and so-so food, except for couple of places on the cliffs where you can watch the sunset at night and think you've gone to heaven.

Post again if you need further help. We got in late last night due to a weather delay in NYC. Good luck!

Thanks for help...thats one place we looked at. However is it safe?? I went to Ochos rios a few years ago and felt unsafe, and got sick from food.

also looking at anguilla, and st. Martin ever been??

gottagoaway,

Negril has become a tourist mecca now, and is definitely safe. Clubs on the beach are open late, so as long as there are two or more of you going, you'll be fine.

If you got sick from the food in Ocho, I'd recommend staying away from the vendors on the beach, eating only cooked food ( no salads or fruits that you haven't peeled yourself) and drinking bottled water. Ice in most of the hotels and restaurants is filtered.

Yes, I have been to both Anguilla and St. Martin. I didn't like St. Martin at all, found Anguilla WAY too quiet, and don't think either of them compare well beachwise to Negril's seven mile strip. Also for local culture and friendliness, neither of them compare favorably.

Good luck!

We loved Aruba. Great white sandy beach, good food and gambling at night. We had watersports right in front of our hotel. We stayed at the Marriott, but the Hyatt and Radisson are very nice as well.

thanks! We've been to Aruba, great beach but alittle quiet. Also been to Barbados, love it! going back in June. Trying to plan an alone trip with hubby... each, sun, and relaxation, do not want commerical resort like sandals...done that. What about El Cozumelena resort in Mexico??? ever been?? know anything about it? any other recommendations? Want to keep it cheaper, if possible. Thanks for everyone's help! much appreciated!

Wow, one of your comments just made me smile. Aruba has been called many things on this boards, but I think this is the first time I've seen that it's been called "quiet."

If Aruba is quiet to you, then I'm afraid you would find all of my recommendations to be borderline comatose. No seriously, Negril in Jamaica sounds good for you. But I have a question for you regarding your free plane tickets. Are they vouchers in a dollar amount that you can put towards travel anywhere, at any time? Or do you have frequent flyer miles? If you're planning to use FF miles to get your tickets, it would be a good idea to see what itineraries are available to you, as they've become notoriously difficult to use in recent years.

I will always vote for St. John, USVI, don't waste your time in St. Thomas. While in St. John, you can take boat trips to the neighboring British Virgin Islands, if you have the time. The beaches on St. John are the finest white sand, unadulturated, places you will ever see in your life

Thanks, never thought of ST John. I'll investigate it further.
Yes, they are frequent flyer miles but IF the event should occur that I can't use them for a place we choice, thats ok....we'll go anyway! Love to travel so I can use them another time.
Yes, Aruba was quiet when I went in 98..all bars and entertainment was over by 11.( stayed on Palm beach)Absolutley loved the beach there though.

I second the St.John idea! My husband and I are returning for our 4th time this summer. We love it. Also, I agree to stay away from St.Thomas...not worth it! Resorts there are the Westin and Caneel Bay, but Gallow's Point is a great place. We honeymooned there and loved it....very close to town (walking distance) and has a small restaurant on site. This is definately a quiet place though!
Good Luck

any all inclusives on St John?? or would you recommend not doing that? is food expensive?? (hubby is quite an eater! ha ha )