Thanksgiving week in Aruba, Cayman or St Thomas?
 

We are just beginning our research, but have narrowed down our choices to these three islands. We like snorkeling, jet skiing, kayaking, hiking, biking, swimming, golf, exploring and gambling. We are a child-free couple in our early 40's. My husband does not drink and I drink only occasionally, so we aren't into the dance club/party scene. We're hoping for mild temperatures, sunny days and not too crowded, especially with families. Are we doomed by picking Thanksgiving week? Your opinions please!

Any of the islands you name are going to be full of families Thanksgiving week. <BR>You might be happier at one of the adults only all inclusives. I'd recommend someplace like Turks and Caicos because it won't be as crowded but I think it's too quiet for what you're looking for. The same with St Barts, although that would be my first choice. Anyplace that has the kinds of activities you listed is going to be crowded with families Thanksgiving week. <BR>By the way St Thomas has only one mediocre golf course, very limited jet skiing and no gambling. <BR>If you want a child free vacation, Thanksgiving week, those three islands are a poor choice.

Lenore-<BR>My husband and I also are a childless couple in our mid 30's. We went to Aruba two times in the fall. It was wonderful, secluded, NO children, very romantic. We did however go for our 3rd time back to Aruba in July....It was a totally different atmosphere. I felt like I was in play land.<BR><BR>If you can, i'd postpone your trip either before or after Thanksgiving (if you want to avoid kids).<BR><BR>Aruba is beautiful year round...no rain. However, it isn't lush like some of the other islands.<BR><BR>

Thanks for the advice ladies. Anybody else have any words of wisdom for me?

Cayman does not fit the bill since there is no gambling there. I've never seen lots of children in Grand Cayman, perhaps because it is considerably more expensive than other islands so it doesn't attract as many families.

Lots of families at Thanksgiving, might want to try a quieter places like Little Cayman or Cayman Brac--Virgin Gorda -- Paradise Peak Resort or Nail Bay Resort. Beaches Grande Sport in Ochos Rios Jamaica and Super Clubs Grand Lido Braco in Runaway Bay Jamaica are both for adults 16 and up. Braco is really fun stayed there 2 years ago--only 40 mins. shuttle from Montego Bay Airport.

I noticed that you listed gambling last. If you feel like you can skip it for this trip, GC may be the way to go. Stingray City is an innovative way to snorkel, rental of jet ski's was pretty enticing and lots of swimming in pristine water. We saw no more than 10 kids the entire week we were there, a real plus for us as we are also a child-free couple in our forties. Alcohol is expensive, so it helps that your husband doesn't drink and Gc isn't the way to go for those who are interested in the clubs. However you like to dine - you will find it there. This might be a good choice for you!

Thanks again for your opinions. The activities we enjoy were listed in no particular order, and I don't expect them all to be available. Those were just guidelines. We don't mind families, but we don't want a "Disney World" atmosphere either! My preliminary research revealed that Aruba may have the best hotel deals, but the airfare is sky high. I've got to dig deeper!!

Lenore, <BR><BR>My 2 cents.... My husband and I (also childless and in our early 40s) were in Aruba for 2 weeks over the millenium, 26th through the 9th and did not see a lot of kids. Don't know if it was because it was the frightful "millenium" or not. We were also there during spring break times the year before. That time notice quite a few families at the resort we stayed at but once we ventured out to casinos and resturaunts and shopping, never felt like it was too many.

Thanks Denise - I am really leaning more toward Aruba now. We've never been and wonder how much time do we need to feel like we've experienced the island. Is 4-5 days enough? We'll fly from Miami so the flight is less than 3 hours. Also, does anyone have any opinions about the Wyndham. They seem to run some decent hotel deals.

I can't imagine your flight to Aruba being less than three hours, even from Miami. Are you sure?

Yes xxx - According to both American Airline's own site and Orbitz, the flight there is 2hrs 48min and the flight back is exactly 3 hours (non-stop both ways). We live in Boca so FLL is better to fly from, but there are NO direct flights from FLL....only MIA.

Lenore it doesn't take 4-5 days to 'experience' Aruba.<BR>You can do it in a day if necessary.<BR>Not much to experience once you've seen the western beaches, Oranjestad, the dunes up north.<BR>There's not really any terrain, Oranjestad is small, and a quick drive around the island to the lighthouse up north, maybe the natural bridge and maybe Baby Beach to the southeast, will give you the layout.<BR>There's really not much local culture. It's a rather Americanized place overall.<BR>And I don't dislike Aruba. It's a great, low stress beach getaway.<BR>But it's a rather generic kind of place overall.

Lenore, if you don't want to be around kids and want a quiet atmosphere, then go to the Bucuti Resort. They are adults only on a large beach, so it will be the quietest beach on Aruba. The Wyndham is on Palm Beach and will be packed with kids.

You might like the Hyatt Cerromar in Dorado, Puerto Rico.

Aruba is a good choice. I've gone to many islands in the Carribean, but I've been to Aruba about ten times. There is some commercialization, afterall it is a fairly well financed island. However, the people are friendly and there are many cultural things to do. To say that there is little culture is insulting and more of a reflection on the person who said it.