Pat

My three girlfriends and I are planning a Feb 2003 trip to the Caribbean with our husbands. It's our first time. Friends + co-workers have been helpful, but they all seem to recco a different destination: Barbados, Mexico, Jamaica, Aruba, Puerto Rico...<BR><BR>We're a mix of interests: beach, golf, a history buff, nature walkers, and restaurant fans.<BR><BR>What do you good people suggest?

JudgeJudy

Take seperate vacations

Eric

If it is your first time in the Caribbean, I suggest you go to a nice all-inclusive. This is a great way to try out the Caribbean. It also makes your decision somewhat easier, as all the islands you mentioned have nice all-inclusive resorts.

xxx

There is nothing wrong with any of the destinations you mention. You will find the same differing opinions here on Fodors as well. I would suggust you look up all of the places you mention and do some research. Puerto Rico does offer history, casinos, nature walks and restaurants and your not actually still in a U.S. territory. Aruba is more like a dessert feel to it, nice beaches, casino's. Mexico is cost effective. Many AI and some history and ruins to explore. Do a text search here on the subject of Jamaica and you will find it many different opinions.

xxx

I would suggest you do some research on each of the destinations you are interested in. You will find varied thoughts and opinions here on Fodors as well. Puerto Rico does offer history, casino's nature trips, nice restaurants, and is a U.S. Territory. Aruba has more of a desert feel to it but nice beaches and casino's. Mexixo is cost effective. PDC would have the ruins to visit. Many AI. Do a text search here and you will see many different opinions on Jamaica.

Sami

Why don't you do a cruise? That way everyone will have something they like then at the end of the day you can meet up at dinner on the ship!

Settling

Puerto Rico or Nevis<BR>

J

I would recommend Puerto Rico - not only is it US territory - it's close and has all the interests you mentioned (and then some). It's also more reasonably priced (of course you can find high $$ too). PR has TONS of history, An actual Rain Forest, Camuy Caves... The beaches on the west coast are much less crowded than OSJ area and beautiful. Old San Juan offers great restaurants, high end shopping (and dirt cheap shops too). I've been there many times, mostly to the west where it's quieter, and you can meet the locals. I've been to Aruba - nice, but expensive and your basic hotel, nice beach and restaurants. I hear safety is an issue in Jamaica, Barbados, unless you dive might not provide much activity.<BR>Feel free to email me direct if you want PR info. Have fun!

Tabatha

ARUBA!! I would say Bahamas, but its not on your list! Definitely aruba than, its a perfect island!

Rick

I would suggest getting a list together where each couple puts down their favorite spot. Then draw the names from a hat. <BR><BR>People can get funny when they are made to goto another destination than what was their top choice. You will find some nit-picking and hard feelings and it would stink if this adversly affected your friendship.<BR><BR>If you draw the destination at random from a short list, no one can be made to &quot;blame&quot; for something. Try it and good luck.<BR>

Cathy

I agree with Sami. I would do a cruise based out of San Juan. I would spend a few days in Puerto Rico before the cruise and do a Southern Caribbean Itin. This way you get to see a wide variety of islands and cultures.<BR><BR>Puerto Rico has the greatest diversity of the diverse interests of your group and of the Caribbean islands, it would have the most historical activities for the history buff (museums, fantastic old forts, etc). But a cruise that goes to the Virgin Islands will also have great beaches and there is a very good golf course on St. Thomas. Many cruise ships offer sea kayaking and nature hike excursions or you can make arrangements with private companies before you leave. And snorkeling is a great sport to try.<BR>Depending on the cruise line, you can have great food every day and every night on the ship - included in the price - better than the food in most all inclusives and cheaper than eating out each night.<BR><BR>The best thing about a cruise is that you get to sample several islands and then you can always go back to your favorites for a longer stay later, instead of picking the wrong island and be miserable for a week.

Karen

My first thought was a cruise! But it would be impossible to find those places on one itinerary. That being said, Barbados would be my choice it has a little of all those places, nice beaches (not as nice as Aruba's) , some history (the Anglican Church, Codrington College and the Mill), nice upscale restaurants, golf and a walk up Cherry tree hill. Have fun.Karen

Mo

Nevis, hands down.<BR><BR>Beach: Oualie Beach has two hotels there-- Oualie Beach Hotel for which I can personally vouch (they rock) and Hurricane Cove which is pretty darned romantic. Also, Pinney's Beach is also lovely. Good snorkeling at both.<BR><BR>Golf: One of the best courses in the Caribbean is right at the Four Seasons (the only 5* resort in the Caribbean). Duffers are out from dawn on to sunset.<BR><BR>Nature: trails into the rain forest are everywhere. You can see wild monkeys in addition to the usual suspects in the tropics: giant aloe cactus, mango and papaya trees, giant land and hermit crabs at 500' above sea level, etc.<BR><BR>Restaurants: Excellent, from home-cooked style to gourmet. The Old Manor south of Charlestown has a marinated pork loin to die for.<BR><BR>Yah. Nevis. Check out this site: http://www.nevis1.com<BR>

penny

Been to many islands! Since you have a mix of interests Barbados might be good. Easy to get too, nice beaches, lots to see and do, history, and fine dining, fun little beach bars, wonderful susnsets! Even a race track, and golf. Still has a nice feel to the island, and not high rise hotels in a row like Puerto Rico.

Visitor

Keep narrowing it down.<BR>What do you like to eat?<BR>Are you drinkers?<BR>Do you gamble?<BR>Is the golf and history mandatory?<BR>How important are your accommodations?<BR>How far are you willing to fly and where are you flying from?<BR>Would the beach lover settle for a pool? <BR>After all that, settle down together with brochures and then choose.<BR>

mj

Grand Cayman. The best!

JMM

Of the places you mentioned I have been to Barbados,Mexico,Jamaica,Aruba<BR>Barbados - some nice beaches,no high rises,some interesting historical stuff - fascintating old churches,beautiful scenery, a &quot;real place&quot; - tourism is not its major industry.<BR>Jamaica - probably one of the most culturally interesting islands in the caribbean and great music,nice beaches, resorts very safe but certain towns I would not wonder around in on my own, beautiful scenery <BR>Aruba: great beaches but not a lot in the way of scenery,very safe<BR>Mexico: I love the area south of Cancun,especially around Akumal,great beaches,amazing ruins at Coba and Tulum,great &quot;nature&quot; tours with Alltournative<BR>Since I am not a golfer, I cannot comment on golfing.<BR>Of the other places people mentioned, I also love Nevis - its the caribbean like it was 30 years ago and if you need a history moment, take a day trip to St Kitt's(easily doable - there is a regular ferry service between the 2 islands) and see Brimstone Hill -most impressive.