RE: Help picking a destination!
 

Hi Everyone,<BR><BR>My husband and I are trying to pick a place to go in the 2nd or 3rd week in March, for 5-7 days. We want to go somewhere warm, and we live in Maryland, so we'd prefer (but are not restricted to) a realtively short trip. We've been to St. Thomas, Jamaica and Puerto Rico. We don't swim much, or snorkel or dive. We like to relax but also like sightseeing, hiking, shopping. Where would you suggest we go? Our choices (using points at Marriott property) are: St. Kitts, Aruba, Grand Cayman, Puerto Vallarta, Cancun or Cozumel. What do you think? We are 30 years old, no kids...<BR>Thanks in advance!

Given your stated prefence for sightseeing, I would recommend Cancun because there are a lot of things to see in the vicinity (mayan ruins at Chichen Itza,Tulum and Coba and other attractions - Xcaret to name one and some hiking/adventure tours - I highly recommend the Alltournative<BR> Pac Chen/Coba tour). Personally I dislike Cancun and much prefer the area south of it (Mayan Riviera) but I dont think there is a Marriot property there. St Kitt's is also quite nice and has some decent sight seeing (Brimstone Hill fortress,attractive island scenery and I would think some hiking opportunities) but for the number of choices you would have Cancun is probably best. Aruba,Grand Cayman, Cozumel are destinations more suitable for beach and water sports. I cannot comment about Puerto Vallarta since I have not been to that area.

I don't know that I'd head to Cancun during Spring Break Season.

We would say no to GC if you are not big into the swimming, snorkeling and diving. Is that spring break? If so, I would worry about Mexico. Normally, I would not have suggested Curacao as you said you preferred a short trip, but since you threw Aruba in...Lots of shopping and sightseeing and there is a national park for hiking. The Marriott is very nice with large rooms and beautiful gardens. Great restaurants on the island with good food.

sorry - I missed the spring break time frame - DO NOT go anywhere near Cancun during spring break

Due to Spring Break you might consider Curacao, Aruba or St. Kitts. I have read that the hotel in St. Kitts has not fully opened all of its facilities, but looks very nice. <BR>We vacationed in Aruba a few months ago and really liked the Marriott--Simply Fish dining right on the beach--very romantic at night. Lots of shops downtown and very good lunches at Villa Germania while watching the boats in the Marina. In Aruba, island tours are available, horseback riding to Arikok National Park &amp; Natural Pool available thru DePalm Tours, Butterfly Farm, jeep safari trips etc.

Thanks everyone. We picked Aruba, and we're so looking forward to it. We decided on the Renaissance, as it is downtown, and less points for more nights. (If anyone is interested there is currently a Marriott Winter pointsaver in effect for this property!)