Too many islands! Where to go?
Jan 17th, 2008, 10:09 AM
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Too many islands! Where to go?
Hello all,
I am trying to plan a trip with my SO to the carribean in late May/early June. I've been going back and forth between like 10 different islands so basically I'm completely lost. So, I'll lay out our information and maybe you guys can give some good suggestions:
-We are both in our early 20's.
-We will be going for 7 days.
-We would prefer a more secluded island, with fewer tourists and more locals.
-We are leaning towards not going the AI route because we want to get out and enjoy the local food/culture.
-We are interested in snorkeling, learning to surf, fishing, jungle exploration, water sports, and lying around on the beach.
- We aren't big shoppers, but would like to check out some local products/art.
-We don't really have a set price range, but we are taking price into consideration.
-We aren't big partiers, but we do like to woop it up with some cocktails every once in awhile.
-Some of the places we've considered are Playa Del Carmen, PR, DR, Curacao, Belize, etc. but they all sound fun.
Basically, taking all of this as well as the time of year we are going into consideration, where should we go? Thanks!
I am trying to plan a trip with my SO to the carribean in late May/early June. I've been going back and forth between like 10 different islands so basically I'm completely lost. So, I'll lay out our information and maybe you guys can give some good suggestions:
-We are both in our early 20's.
-We will be going for 7 days.
-We would prefer a more secluded island, with fewer tourists and more locals.
-We are leaning towards not going the AI route because we want to get out and enjoy the local food/culture.
-We are interested in snorkeling, learning to surf, fishing, jungle exploration, water sports, and lying around on the beach.
- We aren't big shoppers, but would like to check out some local products/art.
-We don't really have a set price range, but we are taking price into consideration.
-We aren't big partiers, but we do like to woop it up with some cocktails every once in awhile.
-Some of the places we've considered are Playa Del Carmen, PR, DR, Curacao, Belize, etc. but they all sound fun.
Basically, taking all of this as well as the time of year we are going into consideration, where should we go? Thanks!
Jan 17th, 2008, 12:35 PM
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I just checked out Rincon, seems like its too heavy on surfing and would be a pain to get to from San Juan.
Playa Del Carmen looks like a fun place, but the reason I questioned it before was that we're looking more for an island getaway. It's definitely at the top though.
Playa Del Carmen looks like a fun place, but the reason I questioned it before was that we're looking more for an island getaway. It's definitely at the top though.
Jan 17th, 2008, 03:55 PM
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Are you set on being in one place or are up up for an adventure? Fly into San Juan and spend one day exploring the forts and Old Town- ok, maybe two days- then rent a car and drive to the rain forest area and spend a couple of days doing that- drive to Fajardo, park the car and take the ferry to Culebra or Vieques for the last few days on a gorgeous beach. Ferry back to Fajardo and drive to San Juan (90 minutes or so?) and fly home- exploring, snorkeling, jungles, lying on the beach, etc.- I don't surf but I think you might could find it. I am not the resort type and like adventures.
Jan 17th, 2008, 04:36 PM
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If you want seclusion and a great beach, I would take into consideration, Turks and Caicos Island. If you want seclusion with many restaurant choices, Anguilla. No one has mentioned either. Playa Del Carmen is always a safe bet, and a lot of fun for young people. I avoid the DR if possible. Just my opinion.
Jan 17th, 2008, 09:59 PM
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Jamaica's a no go. SO saw a documentary about the Jamaican lower class and refuses to go there. It sucks because that's where I really want to go. Her poor rationale is an ongoing problem in our relationship, but oh well. I'll check out the other suggestions tomorrow, thanks everyone! Oh, and Diann, why stay away from DR? That was actually at the top of our list. Just wondering.
Jan 18th, 2008, 12:25 AM
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St Lucia - but not sure about surfing
Curacao- but no jungle although has a national park and vegetation is mostly cactus/dry landscape but very interesting
Martininque-surfing on atlantic side but snorkeling might not be impressive (anse noire is recommended)but the rest is fabulous
Guadeloupe-ticks all the boxes but a bit of French would be useful
Grenada-not sure about surfing but has the rest
Curacao- but no jungle although has a national park and vegetation is mostly cactus/dry landscape but very interesting
Martininque-surfing on atlantic side but snorkeling might not be impressive (anse noire is recommended)but the rest is fabulous
Guadeloupe-ticks all the boxes but a bit of French would be useful
Grenada-not sure about surfing but has the rest
Jan 18th, 2008, 03:55 AM
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TheDanborn,
I am rather leary of the DR. We went and my husband was very ill once we returned home. My daughter and husband went and she spent 3 days in bed. Her husband actually was so sick he ended up in ER of the hospital the day they returned.Our visits were 5 years apart!! Just our families experience. I know many other people who never have had a problem. I didn't have a problem. I would stay away from fish. No we all didn't stay in the same resort either. Punta Cana resorts are all AI and outside of the resorts there is little to see or do. It is a good value I admit. If I were to go I would look into Sunscapes. They usually get a good review. You can check on www.tripadvisors for different and recent reviews.
I am rather leary of the DR. We went and my husband was very ill once we returned home. My daughter and husband went and she spent 3 days in bed. Her husband actually was so sick he ended up in ER of the hospital the day they returned.Our visits were 5 years apart!! Just our families experience. I know many other people who never have had a problem. I didn't have a problem. I would stay away from fish. No we all didn't stay in the same resort either. Punta Cana resorts are all AI and outside of the resorts there is little to see or do. It is a good value I admit. If I were to go I would look into Sunscapes. They usually get a good review. You can check on www.tripadvisors for different and recent reviews.
Jan 18th, 2008, 04:54 AM
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I haven't been to The Dominican Republic and I probably won't ever go. Going to a resort and staying pretty much holed up there for the week holds no allure for us. I've also read enough stories about food and water born illness to deter me too. Just my humble opinion. I think your SO would also be in for some culture shock there (at least outside of the resort) if she is concerned about Jamaica.
Jan 22nd, 2008, 09:57 AM
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Would you consider chartering a catamaran or a sailboat for your week in the Caribbean?
This way, you will be able to see A LOT and also do a lot of fun things away from the main crowd.
You can get pretty inexpensive all inclusive charters for your dates.
Hope this helps.
Katja
www.boatcaribbean.com
This way, you will be able to see A LOT and also do a lot of fun things away from the main crowd.
You can get pretty inexpensive all inclusive charters for your dates.
Hope this helps.
Katja
www.boatcaribbean.com
Jan 22nd, 2008, 05:25 PM
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LaPlaya- "people get sick everywhere" at some time. You already ran a nice kid scared from her St. Croix vacation when I don't think you have ever been to St. Croix. Don't ruin Playa for these people if you've never been. Not sure you've been to Eleuthera yet either but the out islands and Playa are very different from each other.
