T&C, Virgin Islands or ?... HELP!!
 

I am from the Pacific Northwest- Seattle, Washington specifically. I am planning my honeymoon for the first 2 weeks in August 2011. My Fiance' has his heart set on the Caribbean. We're 29 & 30, respectfully, and our usual vacation motto is 'go go go!'

I'm finding the planning somewhat stressful!! There are so many options, so many opinions/reviews, factors etc! My head is spinning!

We think we have it narrowed down to the Virgin Islands or Turks & Caicos but just as I think that, we find another island that may suit us better!

VRBO is how we like to travel, but we must decide on a destination first! We're looking for both relaxation and adventure by and on the water, adventure on land, good food, nightlife... a bit of everything. We would like to find balance between tranquility and fun. We've researched a lot it seems and you either get one or the other. We'd like to go out a few nights and be in the scene but also be secluded on the beach under the stars alone as well.

...and then there's the hurricane factor...

Help!! The honeymoon is just as much work and planning as the actual nuptials!

I take it you've been to Hawaii lots of times? Because I would totally go there instead.

Actually love both but they are completely different from each other.

What's your budget?

Virgin Islands, hilly scenic gorgeous, beaches in coves but nice turquiose that turns blue really fast. Terrific snorkeling, funky beach bars, and has a vibe that most people consider "caribbean." great island hopping and cute little bars on their own little islands. Resorts/hotels are okay overall, but some are dated, maybe even rustic. Terrific sailing, even for the day on excursions. Also depends which island you stay in. BVIs are more loved than the American ones. A split of St. John and Virgin Gorda would be ideal. (split Caneel Bay/Little Dix Bay.) Make sure to day trip to Jost Van Dyke, one of the prettiest beaches in the grouping. Tortola makes a good base if you like the hopping idea, St. John or virgin Gorda if you want to stay put. Restaurants for me are just okay. Shopping is great on St. Thomas. Nightlife overall is the beach bar laid back type. Being hilly they attract more rain, but usually don't have a competely wash out. Sometimes you feel rain as the sun is shinning, kinda cool.

T&C is newer, shinner. The resorts give more luxury for the money. The islands are flat dry and scrubby. The beaches are long with bright white sand and blinding turquoise water--better than Corona commercials. Not much to do, it's all about the beach. Restaurants are terrific but upscale, with the price tag to match. The restaurant settings are gorgeous and ultra romantic. (some even set up a table on the sand by the shore with torches, etc.) Resorts are more in rows, but all are fairly new and gorgeous. There are water activities, from exploring secluded cays (like your own private island), and parasailing, banana boats, jet skis. It's harder to island hop (to other T&C islands) but doable. No real shopping, and not much nightlife. (DJ at Ganseevort on weekends, a sprinkle of live bands and a small casino, or you can always get a night pass to Club Med.) I do think it's a quieter destination and doesn't have that foreign vibe to it--but it does make up for it by having one of the most stunning beaches in the world.

If you are going 2 weeks, you probably could do both. AA has flights from Miami to St. Thomas and to Provo (T&C) you'd probably loose a day, but not hateful. Miami to Provo is 1 hour 15 minutes (with 3 flights a day), Miami to St. Thomas is about 90 minutes, and from St. Thomas you can get a ferry to whichever island you choose in the Virgins as your base. (you do have to return to Miami in between if doing both)

VIs are probably a little harder to get to, but easier hopping between them once your there.

Provo probably gives you more luxury for the money but harder to hop around once you are there.

Jimmie~ I have been to Hawaii, he hasn't. He really wants to see the Caribbean.

Blamona~ Wow! Thanks! Based on your blog, VI's sound more fitting.What's hurricane season like? We thought about doing both, but the flights are expensive.

Do you have any other suggestions on where we might find what we're looking for?

Lots of storms in the windard antilles in August

would be risky check out article on recent

www.concierge.com/cntraveler for

Blue Sky Isles the ABC islands less likely to have storms.

Insuremytrip.com always wise still

www.jalousieplantation.com www.jademountain.com St Lucia

also possible for something truly special.

www.luxurylink.com for good deals sometimes.

Congrats!

Pricewise Hawaii would be your best bet

www.konaweb.com my preferred destination in Aug

www.priceline.com good packages on the Hapuna Prince for me

awesome beach action lava volcanoes snorkel WaiPo valley

www.stayhawaii.com www.vrbo.com for condos BBs etc. there.

did 1 week out there including air for $1k pp all in with

car at the Hapuna Prince... best value vacation for me lately.