st. john vs. st. maarten vs. turks and caicos for family
 

We are trying to decide between st. john , st. maarten, or turks and caicos. We are a family of 4 with boys ages 8 and 10 and are considering renting a villa. We are also concerned about safety being we will be staying at a villa. any suggestions greatly appreciated.

All 3 completely different from each other

St. Martin best shopping in Caribbean nude beaches, casinos, one side French, other Durch, easy day trip to St. barts and Anguilla, no snorkeling to speak of. Personally I'd stay at a resort here

St. John, great for villas, funky little beach bars, limited but nice shopping, great snorkeling, beautiful scenery, easy hop to other Virgin Islands, beaches in coves. Some of the beaches do get crowded on cruise ship days. Safer overall than St. Martin

TCI, great for villas or condos with full kitchens and living areas, long miles of awesome beach, flat and dry (so scenery is the beach), decent snorkeling, very family friendly, upscale accommodations and restaurants, easy day tours to uninhabited Cays and other TCI islands, most turquoise of all waters, all about the beaches and water sports, limited shopping, a couple of funky beach bars but need car for them, safer than St. Martin

As for villas, make sure whichever you choice, they have alarms, safes, etc. Overall St. John and TCI are extremely safe, but as anywhere in the world, use normal precautions to avoid petty theif and break ins. Funny thing about crime, can't really predict it, so make sure villas have forms of security (majority do)

Thank you so much for your detailed response. This was so helpful. We are working with Wimco for the villa and he thought we would like turks more for family fun. I will definitely ask about security systems in the villas. Thanks again. I think we will probably go with turks or st john.

We have been to all 3 & Love Turks & Caicos . It is very safe & has the most beautiful long Grace Bay ! Plus Excellent Dining etc

Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.

Another vote for T&C. We've been to all three destinations, and this is really our favorite. So much so that we've been trying to go every year! That beach is addictive.

You have all made my decision so much easier. One more question... A villa or resort?

When are you going and what's your budget? Makes a big difference.

We are planning in advance for next February vacation and are looking to spend around $5000.00 for hotel or villa

Without a single doubt Turks and Caicos you must try Boualoos for lunch or dinner................it offers everything from amazing water shades to water sports to incredible cuisine
you can dance/gamble the little ones can swim snorkle people amazing

I have been to all three islands St John's beautiful but very very quite

St Martin offers much to do but not the tranquility of Turks and Caicos I felt really safe there. Cannot wait to go back