Putting together a vacation
 

Hi, <BR> <BR>My company has given me 5 days vacation from the the 30th of April to the 5th of May and I have decided to go to the Virgin Islands. I have done some research but so far I cannot decide amongst the different islands. <BR> <BR>I am looking for an island that IS NOT bustling with shops and people but yet has enough ambience that if we decide to go out -we don't feel like ghosts. Any suggestions? <BR>I don't think St. Thomas is for us - too much going on... I don't feel that St. John has quality hotels at a good price... <BR>Peter Island seems too isolated.... <BR>Any suggestions? <BR> <BR>Also do you know of any web sites were I can get last minute discounted deals? <BR> <BR>Should we go to an all inclusive? <BR> <BR>I am desperate for some guidance... <BR> <BR>I really just want to lay on a nice beach, snorkel in coral reefs, hike a trail... HELP!!! <BR> <BR>Can I really pull the trip off in two weeks or am I asking for a miracle? <BR> <BR>Thanks

Based on you criteria, I think that St. John would be the best Island for you and it is definitely my favorite. There are wonderful beaches, trails to hike, and a good variety of restaurants. <BR> <BR>Because you will be traveling in two weeks, you likely will be able to take advantage of some last minuted discounts, which are offered by many of the rental management companies. My biggest concern would be airline tickets. <BR> <BR>Of the two resorts, the Westin and Caneel Bay, you are most likely to get better rates at the Westin. The Caneel Bay Resort is located on the north shore and has wonderful access to seven great beaches, but it is pretty pricey. <BR> <BR>Another option would be a condo in town that would allow you to eat a few meals in, make picnics to take to the beach, and walk to the restaurants and shops. <BR> <BR> <BR>The nicest condo located closest to town is Gallows Point. There is a web site that lists units for $120 per night (See http://www.beachnutsvacations.com/condosandinns.htm). Also on Gallows Point's web site http://www.gallowspointresort.com/rates.htm they advertise a summer special of $99 per night starting in July. Since this would be considered "last minute," you might be able to wheel and deal a lower rate. I also found a listing for Gallows Point at http://www.changes.com/gallows/rates.html that lists a $597 weekly rate. It is worth a try. <BR> <BR>If that doesn't work out, you might want to consider a few other condos, that, have wonderful views of Cruz Bay Harbor and are a short walk to town. Cruz Views (See http://www.caribbeanvilla.com/cviews/cruz_views.html) looks very nice you might be able to book a unit and get a discount. Caribbean Villas and Resorts often runs discounts on these condos under their "Last Minute Specials" and although the dates you are interested in are not listed, you might still want to give them a call. <BR> <BR>Battery Hill condos is another attractive property (See (http://www.beachnutsvacations.com/condosandinns.htm). <BR> <BR>I think you would enjoy an "in-town" location and there are taxis available to take you to any of the north shore beaches and a bus to Coral Bay. Also, there are great markets in town for groceries and first rate deli take-out. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps.

Hi -- There are advantages to your situation: At least you don't have to spend 6 months agonizing over it! you might check bid4vacations.com, lastminutetravel.com or momentsnotice.com (there might be a hyphen between moments and notice on that one). Bid4 had some pretty good packages to St. Croix and other islands. Air, as the post above said, is the tricky part. You might also check USAir, United, or American Air sites for packages. You may do better on the air if you go through an airline. good luck!

I think you will find that most places are booked at this point. Once you start calling around, you may find your options are down to only one or two places anyway.

Hello there, <BR>How about Grand Cayman, beautiful beaches and lots of snorkeling, really realzing and in two weeks the crowds of easter would have gone and the prices go down May 1st...If you want something really nice the Hyatt,but there are other nice hotels not necessarily on the beach but you can have acces to all snorkelling on your own and if not you can take a tour to stingray city and the coral reefs where you can snorkel to your hearts content,.try 1800 g cayman. <BR>good luck. <BR>