I am 45 year old woman with one week in AUGUST just made free. I haven't traveled alone in a long time and need a vacation. Any suggestions? I don't like crowds, high rises, night clubs... I loved St. Johns last year but would like somewhere new. I would like to relax, snorkel... It would be nice if there were a relaxed way to meet a few people, but I am happy alone too. I really appreciate any suggestions. I live in CA. Thanks for any ideas.

Idle-a-While, Jackie's on the Reef in Negril, Mar Blue Domicil in Treasure Beach, or Jamaica Inn or the North Coast --all Jamaica -- or a guesthouse on Culbera or Vieques islands (Inn on the Blue Water, Hix House) in PR or Harbour Island or Eleuthera in the Bahamas might strike the right vibe.

I'm putting my vote in for Aruba. Very relaxing atmopsphere. Stayed at the Radisson.

The place that comes to mind for me would be Turks and Caicos. No nightclubs or high rises. The Coral Gardens resort has good snorkeling right off the beach.

Another place I haven't been but sounds like it might also fit would be Anguilla.

Good luck in your research.

Ken

I am a 42 year old woman and have travelled several times by myself (I live in Italy) to Las Terrenas in the Dominican Republic. I have gone a few times to Hotel Playa Colibri, very nice and easy going, they have studio apartments that are on the ground floor, not expensive and it's easy to get to know more people that are staying at the hotel, because you are not locked up in your room. They organize outings if you like and are happy to arrange to go with other people if you like. Las Terrenas is not a tourist resort, but has enough ameneties to make it comfortable. Check out the website (www.playacolibri.com). Enjoy!