I have only been to the Islands once in my Life, British Virgin Islands....very nice.

I am looking for a 1-2 week vacation for this Christmas. I am in the market for more of a rustic beach feel...not a "luxury spa" atmosphere. I would like the option of fishing and cooking on our own little beachfront...drinking and sleeping in a hammock (we can always bring our own)..and dancing & well, drinking...in town at night. Of course, money is an issue and I know this is an expensive time to travel...but what the hell, you only live once!

You guys helped me with my vacation to Italy last year and it was INCREDIBLE!!! We stayed in beatiful B&B's, ate at charming and romantic family restruants, etc...please help me again!! I love the forums here!

Thanks again!
Natalie Nelson
St.Paul, MN

Since alot of the carribean has been badly damaged, I would head to a local travel agent ASAP to see what is still available over the holidays.

You also might try Priceline or Hotels.com as well.

All that said, some of the outislands of the Bahamas would fit what you are looking for perfectly, like Abaco, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Spanish Wells.

You might try the www.briland.com site for info and www.where2stay.com for more island ideas.

You need to book QUICKLY as the holiday season is the busiest of the year and it will be hard to find a location if you wait any longer.

Great!!! Thank you very much!

As others have pointed out the weeks surrounding Christmas and New Years are the most popular and most expensive time of the year to visit the Caribbean so you will have to act fast. Since you are not looking for a Luxuary Spa experience the suggestion of the Bahamas Out-islands is a good one but you should know they are fairly far north (in the Atlantic not the Caribbean) so you run the risk of cooler temperatures. That said check out Cape Santa Maria or Stella Maris on Long Island (you'll also find rental villas on these islands) and Fernandez Bay on Cat Island. In the actual Caribbean, other more quite laid back islands to consider are St. Kitts, Nevis, St. Vincent, Dominica (don't confuse this island with the Dominican Republic), St Eustatia and Bequia. All of these destinations offer a variety of accomodations that might fit your particular needs and budget.

It's late to book Christmas at this point, but there are two places on the South Coast of Jamaica still available
for Christmas and/or New Year's: VILLA JA=JA which would suit 2 quite romantically at Old Wharf available for both holiday weeks. Talk to the owner, Janice Schroer at janiceschroer@hotmail. com for latest photos just taken and also shown on www.treasurebeach.net , the community Web site, under the WHERE TO STAY subsection in masthead. The very top villa in the entire area, Unforgettable in Fort Charles, is booked for New Yea'rs but available 17-26 December for Christmas week. It can also be seen on
www.treasurebeach.net, WHERE TO STAY section. The vibe here is spot-on the one you seek, even if the creature comforts and sense of adventure are in the mix as well.