RoamsAround

Dulci - All the responses we've given were our efforts to explain to OP that she is indeed "all over the place" and needs to try and focus a bit more on what's available on the islands she was considering and that she would have to make some concessions. She brought up Mauritius and the Azores, not us and when she first did that hadn't said where she was flying from. The comment about the Seychelles was that they were better than Mauritius. Nonetheless the responses were she should probably forget those two.

As for her budget she's yet to confirm if the $1,500 per person is just for accommodations or if it includes airfare, food & activities. Her latest input implies she's is somewhat flexible as to how much she's willing to spend.

We've tried to steer her toward places that might be in her budget (assuming it's for accommodations only) and that offer some of the things on her wish list.

So what's wrong with that?

Now, I agree with you that OP is probably looking at "package holiday" listings and photos from some website or travel catalogue and trying to decide where to go based on those advertisements. I'm also guessing that OP is probably fairly young and the places she visited before (Maui, Cancun, Jamaica and St. Lucia) were family trips where she didn't have much input or say in how they were selected - that could explain why she doesn't seem to have a grasp on what differences there are in islands.

Anyway, all we've tried to do is help guide her.

All that said, unless OP stops fantasizing and starts to get serious by paying attention to the responses there's not much more we can do to help.

janisj

I apologize everyone - - about dul 'invading' this thread. He insulted the OP over on another board and I explained why she would do better to re-post over here. So he followed . . . and the goes the neighborhood

janisj

>>and there goes the neighborhood . . . <<

bns1104

Wow. First, what in the world is 'OP'?? And yes, Dul did reply something pretty rudely to me in another thread, so please do not leave any further comments for me in this thread. I did not post a discussion to be berated by people behind a computer screen. If you don't want to offer help, or instead wish to criticize, simply bypass my discussion.

As I mentioned previously the reasoning behind what a few of you are calling "all over the place" is that I get about two emails/week from a site that shows different packages for different islands or destinations. As I briefly researched those that interested me, I soon noticed how long of a list I had. I reached out to friends on Facebook for input in addition to a travel agent, and sadly that left me in the same position. At the end of the day, a place will be chosen and I'm quite sure a good time will be had by all. I did not realize my flexible dates and spending would be thrown back into my face, essentially. I also do not recall signing off on dates of travel and my final budget before posting a question. All I am asking for are what are some of your favorites, based on personal experience or what have you. If it's somewhere worth going and we all decide to fork up the time and $, then so be it. As for the Azores, I received a deal by email for 6 nights at a resort, including airfare, for around $700 I believe. It's also a special place for my family and me. I appreciate the positive feedback over and above and have passed this conversation on to the other people traveling with me. No one is pressured to make a decision in a certain time, nor is anyone stressing about this decision. The main thing is finding a place that appeals as a consensus and going from there.

My trips in the past were not family trips. Riviera Maya (Cancun, whatever you want to call it) was for a wedding, St. Lucia was a special deal and my first time to the Caribbean, & Hawaii was friends that invited me and my boyfriend. I'm not sure what my age has anything to do with.

janisj

bns1104: >><i>Wow. First, what in the world is 'OP'??</i><<

Not to worry - OP just means Original Poster (you ) or 'original post' depending on the context.

Sassafrass

I think we all want to help. The OP did ask for personal experiences on her other post, and I tried to give some here.

The trip ideas forum is ideal for people looking for ideas they might not have thought of, and perhaps more posters should join in there. OTOH, many of us are more experienced in only one area and can offer good ideas only within our range of expertise. It is difficult to feel we know enough on a wider basis to suggest the best options.

Sometimes it takes awhile to figure out what you want and then what you will/must settle for if you can not find/afford what you want. Sometimes you start by eliminating. You also have to know what to ask for and how to describe it - not always easy. "Unique" can be many things, from tents and scorpions to the way someone pours tea.

Bns, keep at it. You will find something that is "unique" for you. Just an idea. Consider going super, super cheap this year and saving big for a trip to the Azores with your Mom next year in summer. Look at images of the Azores to see if you would like it. Could even skip this winter trip and save another six months?

One more possibility. Do a Caribbean cruise in the winter. Pick the right ship with good amounts of time in several different ports, and you can do a really nice trip with lots of stops for snorkeling, etc. well within your price range. I know that is not terribly unique, but it would give you a lot of what you want.

RoamsAround

bns1104 - when looking at the emails you get advertising the package deals be sure to read the "fine print". Often times the price you see quoted IN BOLD LETTERS is designed to be an eye-catcher as in "From $700". That price may be only for a select time frame in "very low season" and for the smallest room at the resort that overlooks the mechanical shed rather than a gardens or scenic vista. It probably doesn't include taxes, service charges and/or resort fees which could add significantly to the cost and if it says airfare included that airfare may only be from select airports and there may be restrictions on your dates of travel. Sometimes you have to pay a substantial deposit or even the entire amount "upfront" and those payments may be non-refundable. It's not always the case but fairly often those LOW prices are for bottom tier hotels so do check reviews on places like TripAdvisor before booking at any hotel/resort.

I'm not saying package deals aren't a way to travel but rather the "deals" may not always be as inexpensive as they appear. So make sure you fully understand all the terms & conditions before you book.

Again, good luck planning and finding a place for your "unique trip".

blamona

Another thing to consider are the deals have very glossy pictures to get your attention, and sometimes the place isn't like that (especially at bottom prices!)

Sometimes the picture is not even of the place it's promoting. I remember seeing a picture of a little island with palm trees for Caribbean ad, that picture was taken in Cook .islands! (I have the same picture!). Another time I saw great pictures claiming to be Dominican Republic at budget prices, in fact was Maldives for big bucks!

In the end though, you really get what you pay for, but don't count on a place that blasts you with deals, they are trying to get attention and may even use wrong pictures to do it!

(I think Maritius is another one of this cases, it was fine, but after coming from Seychelles it did not look like the pictures)

So my best advice? Get Fodor's Caribbean. See in writing what appeals to you. Then look up destination pictures. This deals will just confuse you more

Peter_S_Aus

Dulcie on 27th April << People love to write about places they have been. Iregardless of whether they make any sense whatsover given the OP's stated budget. >>

What on earth does "Iregardless" mean? It's not even a word!

DJDbahamas

I agree about the guidebook. That is how I decided on our honeymoon destination and I REALLY had to narrow it down.

After reading all of your posts and the responses here, it sounds to me like, aside from a tropical beach destination, what you are really looking for is that one additional new and special experience for you and your family. So with the guidebook, find out what each island's trademark is and decide which one you'd like to experience that fits your budget and go with it. Everything else you do and see and experience will just be a bonus.

suze

<<not picky and would be happy to visit most anywhere with a beach and a drink in hand.>>

Well that's really easy to find.

It's your "wish list" that is not. I would start by prioritizing that list for what you (and your group) truly MUST have. Things like over-the-water bungalows and wild animal excursions aren't that common on Caribbean islands (for example).

suze

I also agree with the suggestion to get a regular guidebook to figure out where you want to go. Every place looks great in those glossy advertisements.

bns1104

Thanks again, everyone. I'll look into the guidebook at this point.

cilburke

A guidebook that has never steered me wrong is 'Rum and Raggae's Caribbean"by Jonathan Runge. He is right on in all his island and hotel descriptions. My favorite islands in the Caribbean are Anguilla, Virgin Gorda, St. Barts and the Grenadines. Have also been to Peter Island, St. John, Nevis (didn't like at all), St Martin, Jamaica, St. Martin, Barbados, and Puerto Rico. If you want beautiful beaches with a drink in your hand, highly recommend Anguilla. There are some moderate priced hotels.

Sassafrass

Cilburke,
Will hit-jack a bit. I am curious, what did you not like about Nevis? I have not been there, but planned to go the next time I go to St Kitts. I go to St Kitts because DD lives there, but the flights are too expensive to go for only a couple of days, and I am getting bored with visits there, so want to combine time on St Kitts with time on another island that makes sense logistically.

Sassafrass

Geez, I meant Hi-jack.

cilburke

Sassafrass, we went to Nevis after a week in Anguilla to combine two islands. Anguilla's beaches are white powder sand and long, Nevis' beaches are small with tobacco colored sand and while we stayed at a lovely place (Nesbit Plantation) their tiny beach was tough to swim in due to huge boulders in the water. But the thing we liked the least were the signs warning us not to go off the property due to crime and the hostility we felt from the locals while jogging in the morning. It is a pretty island, but not what we were looking for.

bns1104

cilkburke-I'm just checking this again....I am now considering possibly between Barbados and Virgin Gorda...can you recommend some moderately priced places to stay? A.I. is preferred...still am not quite sure what parts of the island to stay on...Thanks!

Tabernash2

We are on St Croix now. It is an overlooked wonder IMO. Check out the Buccaneer Resort. It has several types of accomodations, including a beach house with a killer view and an infinity pool.

Not an AI, but an expansive breakfast buffet is included. Snorkel gesr is complimentary, as are ocean kayaks, wi-fi and parking. See my thread for more info.

I cannot say enough about how great this resort is.