I am considering taking my girls somewhere in the Caribbean next summer. They are 13 and 16 year old girls. I'm open to any and all suggestions. We have never been to the Caribbean, so any thing will be a new experience for us. I am a single mom, so safety is an issue. I'm thinking about all-inclusive, but it doesn't have to be that. Thanks in advance!

What is your budget? What do the girls like to do? Mountain bike? Water sports? Hike, shop, or just soak up the rays on the beach?

Swim, swim, and swim are their favorite activites, followed closely by shopping and sight-seeing. I'm just starting to look, so I haven't even really set a budget,yet. I was trying to get some general ideas and then go from there. I would think in the $4,000 range, but since I've never been I don't know if that is a realistic price or not. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

When I'd just turned 17, my Mom and I went to St John for the first time. My cousins have been going there for about 8 yrs, since they were teenagers. We all love it there.

My cousins are really big on swimming, and there are many beautiful beaches with fantastic swimming. To me, shopping and eating at nice but inexpensive places and just looking around town and at beautiful scenery are at least as important as swimming, and I was very happy with that too.
Since you mentioned these are your daughters, I'll add that I'm a girl. I really think you'd all love it. We're hoping to go again in July, so maye we'll see you there.

Does anyone have suggestions of accomodations on St. John? It sounds like it might fit us perfectly.

uga,
Many people on this board recommend Gallows Point on St John.I have been to St John but never stayed there,but it looks very nice.

BTW...We have also been to Grand Cayman.The kids had more fun in Grand Cayman as there is more activities for kids.(not that I don't LOVE St John)

We stayed at www.discoverypointclub.com
, they are nice condos in Grand Cayman.They have a pool and Jaquzzi on the beach and Tennis courts.

For things to do on Grand Cayman check out this website: www.caymanvacations.com

I am not trying to confuse you, just thought that Grand Cayman sounds like a better fit since you are looking for good swimming,shopping and sights.

My husband and I had a wonderful trip to St John...just the two of us!

If you do chose GC..a Stingray City tour is a most with Captain Marvin's.My kids loved it!so did we!

anymore questions...feel free to ask!

Christie

The Westin on St. John is popular with families. The beach isn't the greatest but most people visiting St. John visit a number of beaches off the property. The resort has a large pool and trampolines and an "iceberg" to clim up in the ocean water. We rented a villa from a Westin timeshare owner that is on the property with a kitchen and two baths for substantially less than the Westin would charge directly. If interested, I will find that site for you. I also looked at a villa close to the Westin called Splash, which might be reasonable during the summer.

http://www.caribbeanvilla.com/splash/index.html

St. John is a beautiful island but there are some hidden costs (ferry to St. John from St. Thomas, taxis and or rental cars, since you should leave the property to enjoy the island).

Good luck!