I've been reading through several of these posts and I am hearing about some islands for the very first time EVER. When you book your trips to places such as Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda did you first see it in a travel brochure? I've never heard of this island and wondered if there are several more not-so-commercialized islands out there that aren't in the regular travel books. Again, I apologize in advance for my post.

Hi Anita,<BR>I don't think it's a silly question at all. Many of the places I go to people say "where?!"<BR>In my case, it was going to some of the larger islands first and enjoying the people and places so much,I wanted to find places less traveled that painted a truer picture of the region as opposed to the more commercial larger islands. The cruise lines and travel agents make more money sending you places where they'll get paid for sending you - which is where the larger resorts are. <BR>The less commercial islands I've been to are:<BR>Anguilla<BR>St. Kitts/Nevis<BR>Tortola/Virgin Gorda/Jost van Dyke/St. John<BR>Grenada<BR>Tobago<BR>Some of St. Lucia<BR>St Vincent and the Grenadines<BR>Carriacou<BR>Barbuda<BR>Bequia<BR>Vi eques<BR>But you have to pick what you like, not what others do. Picking the place is half of the fun!

Hi Anita,<BR>Don't feel foolish or ignorant, everyone has to start somewhere. That's one of the best things about the internet, there is so much information out there for the finding!<BR>If you go by the typical travel agent type materials you are really only going to find out about the more popular and heavily touristed options. Do a google search for "caribbean vacations" and you'll get hundreds things to look at, islands you never even knew existed.<BR>Have fun!

Anita:<BR>The key to planning great vacations is knowing what makes YOU happy and satisfied, then taking advantage of places that emphasize those things.<BR><BR>Some people like glitz, activity and lots of touristy things around.<BR><BR>Some people want to see no more than a handful of people around their vacation paradise during a day, and they value extreme peace and quiet.<BR><BR>Some people need luxury hotels, some couldn't care less.<BR><BR>Then there are budgetary issues.<BR><BR>If you list the things that you find are most important to you, the knowledgable people here can offer great suggestions as to what places might best suit you. Then you can take it from there.<BR>Good luck with your research...

Two more non-commercialized islands are Saba and St. Eustatius, both in the Dutch West Indies.<BR>

Thanks so much for your replies. I'm very excited to plan my next trip based on the information you guys gave me. I've really become bored with the same old places they list in the travel brochures. I feel like I've got the inside scoop on some wonderful places. Thank you very much. :c)