That question again...which one?
 

I've searched on this topic and am still up in the air about where to go. My head is spinning after doing my research...

So, my daughter is graduating from HS and we will take a family trip - her choice - before she heads to college in the fall.

She wants "white sand beaches and clear blue water". That is a must.

After that, these are the desireables:

daytime activities (kayak, canoe, snorkleing)
nighttime - restaurants, maybe some music (for us more than for her, but she will come along)
shopping - local flavor type shopping.

NO puddle jumpers. I'm totally freaked by small planes and require a "full sized" airliner. We are coming from Austin.

DH and I would like lush greenery, but it's not required. I know there aren't many AI in the Carribean, but that would be nice.

DD will bring a friend.
Willing to pay up to $400 per night, non-AI.

Was thinking of PDC in Mexico, but not sure they have the pristine beaches DD wants. I recently read that there is much erosion there right now.

I'm trying to narrow this down to 3 places and let her pick. Can anyone help? (

Consider the island of Vieques off the coast of Puerto Rico for your needs. Lots of white sand beaches and clear turquoise water, with options for snorkeling, kayaking, and daysails during the day and lowkey restaurants and the phenomenal bioluminescent bay at night.

You can reach Vieques by flying to San Juan, taking a taxi to Fajardo, and then ferrying across to the island. There is not a ton of shopping on Vieques itself, but if you spend your last night in Old San Juan before heading home, you will find all kinds of shopping available. (I personally like to end all of my trips to the Caribbean with an overnight in Old San Juan whenever possible because it eases the transition very nicely between beach time and being back in the real world.)

There are no AIs on Vieques, but prices are relatively low on that island so you can find good value.

Driving on Vieques is like the US, so it's easy for Americans to rent cars and drive around the island on their own.

I meant to add that DD probably would like a place where she can meet other teens. Do you think Vieques would meet that expectation?

I did some looking and reading about Vieques - sounds heavenly actually Never heard of it before. Sounds like something DH and I would definitely enjoy. Thank you for that.

Your daughter and her friend probably wouldn't meet many teens on Vieques, I'm afraid. At least based on my one visit to the island which was in May, there weren't a lot of teens.

check out www.enchantedisle.com for lots of info about Vieques and Culebra.

(on second thought, it might be www.enchanted-isle.com)

For our stay we chose Hacienda Tamarindo, which was perfect for our needs--it was my husband, me, and our 13 year old granddaughter. We wanted quiet, comfortable, and in a location close to Esperanza, one of the two main towns on the island.

There is also a resort on the island that will be reopened by the time you travel. It was called the Martineau Bay, but it was bought by another corporation and has been refurbished. I can't remember the new name, but it would be the place most likely to have other families and teens on Vieques.

I am not sure what the $400 is per night- per room and you need 2 rooms? or total? Have you considered renting a villa on St. John? Usually that works out cheaper than hotels and it gives the kids more room, a kitchen even if just for snacks or breakfasts. Many have dip pools, real pools, or hot tubs. You would be going in the low season when prices are lower. There are many real estate companies to help you or VRBO ads galore that you can shop on the internet.
You definitely have the lush green and varied terrain, the gorgeous beaches and the water activities - you can also find some fun day trips from there. There will probably be other teens they might meet and some local shopping. You can fly into St. Thomas on a big plane, take a cab to one of two ferry docks and ferry over. I love PR but I love SJ more - I think it would be more what you are seeking here.
If you all have passports, a day sail or boat trip over to the BVI's would be an adventure. If not, snorkeling or catamaran trips around SJ are fun.

I agree that with four people, renting a nice villa is the best bang for your buck, plus you get lots of room, which can be great when traveling with teens. However, you would be much more isolated in a villa and the girls would have almost no chance of mingling with other teens that way.

FYI: The only flights to Vieques are on small planes, which you state isn't an option. There is a ferry service, but it's much less convenient and will add at leaset 3 hours total to your travel time to the island. Just keep that in mind. Vieques is a wonderful place, though. Not likely you'll find loads of teens on the island, but it's a possibility.

I'm not sure you'll be able to get the W Martineau Bay on Vieques for $400 per night, but it's possible. It's far too early to know what rates will be. The resort is still in the midst of its renovation.

A better choice would be the Wyndham Rio Mar, a great resort in Puerto Rico on a beautiful beach. It's still fairly expensive, though.

You get nicer beaches and clear water depending on where you head in Mexico. I think PDC is a great option. There is erosion, but only in parts. I also think the white sand/blue water thing is dependent on where she has been as if it her first trip to Mexico/Caribean most of the beaches and water will be impressive. There are a few very Large AI's in surrounding areas. The Iberostar has 4 comlexes and is huge. I can't imagine your DD not finding other teens and it gets good reviews. I am not a big AI person, so I can't help you with a ton of AI teen resorts. Beaches in PDC are nice and beautiful blue water. There are snorkel trips that are good out of PDC. There are also ceynotes to snorkel in and ruins to explore. I think it would be a great option for teens and it's an easy flight. In town there are great little beach bars that are fun for all ages 18-80 if you wanted to take a taxi in one evening. The town is safe, fun...there are nice little shops. I wouldn't hesitate to take teens there. There may be a few AI's in walking distance, but the only I am familiar with wouldn't have any teen things to do.

i agree with beachplum that pdc would be a great choice for your group. i've only been once - so far - and loved it. we booked our whole trip quite succesfully through a wonderful web site that has all the info you'd ever want on this area: www.locogringo.com
if you email them with your dates, price range and tell them specifically what kind of ai you want (one that has clubs for teens) and that you want a good swimming beach they will send you a list of where there is availability. these folks are in mex so they have the most current info on beach erosion.
in addition to above mentioned local activities there is a zip-line, atv jungle tours, and 2 really cool marine parks - xel-ha and x-caret. x-caret is quite a bit larger with more activities and things to see & do. the shopping in pdc is tons of fun , with a large section of town for pedestrians only. the hawkers can be a tad pushy, but all are pleasant and don't run after you if you say no or walk away. plus you can easily ferry over to cozumel and shop or play there.
re flights. doesn't look great from austin, but there is a non-stop from geo bush in houston, did not see any fast way to get home but i did not search very long. there is a great rdtp flt from dallas/ft.worth with non-stop both ways on sun country air for around $400/pp

I would suggest Playa del Carmen as well. Beautiful beaches, fun restaurants and shopping along "Fifth Avenue" and day excursions to island of Cozumel and Tulum ruins. Atop that, PDC is an easy flight for you from Austin.

As virginia mentioned, locogringo.com is an excellent site. I love the aerial views so I can see exactly where the hotel is located and what the beach area looks like. Las Palapas is a favorite but don't think they offer all inclusive. They do offer a breakfast and dinner package. www.hotellaspalapas.com

Vieques is fantastic but I don't think it fits the bill for this trip. Maybe in a few years she and friends will be interested in the quaintness of the island and not looking to met others while on the trip. The white sand beaches and blue water will definitely please her!

Thanks! Really, PDC was my first choice, then I started reading about the erosion, and thought, Geez, I'd hate to get there and have lousy beaches...But I'll check out loco gringo.

We MUST get our passports asap!

Beachgirl, question about locogringo... they don't list all the AI's. Is there a reason for that?

Austin,
I did not read back through all the posts word for word so forgive me if I am repeating a suggestion you already have but go to
www.shangrilacaribe.com and take a look- while not completely AI, they do have a plan that includes room, breakfast, dinner and all taxes for a very reasonable rate. We stayed at its sister property a couple of years ago, loved it, and thought it was very, very reasonable to be that price but accessible to all PDC had to offer as well. If I didn't already say it, take a side trip to Xel Ha- the girls will love it and you will have fun, too.

Austin, not sure why. Have you found any you like?

Austin,

We stayed at the Iberostar Paraiso Lindo on the Riviera Maya with our 3 teens (then 17, 17, 16) and a 9 year old a couple of years ago. The teens made lots of friends and are actually still in contact with many of them. In addition to a nice beach, there is also a fantastic pool that wends it way through the property. Our four really enjoyed their stay, and we loved the entire Iberostar experience. With such a big family, AI's are actually a money-saver for us, and they allow for plenty of interaction with other kids their age, which is very important to them.

Beachgirl and suzski - Interestingly, my daughter wants to stay at the Iberostar paraiso Maya because her friend stayed there and loved it. None of the Iberostars are there. I've read and seen pics that the Tucan and Queztal

oops, hit reply too soon. I've read that those two have severe erosion -saw pics as well. Reviews say that the Lindo is nicer than the Paraiso Maya. So it might be down to those too. We want something with decent food, which is rare at an AI...

Thanks for your