travelwkids

Hello,

We are planning a caribbean trip of 5-6 days to a caribbean island. Just be en Aruba and Saint Martin once. We are looking a spectacular beach for kids (4 yrs and a baby of 1 yr old). I was looking at the Internet and this blog. Too much information. Don't know what island to choose. Budget will be a little tight - doesn't like to expend a fortune for things that you will never use.
This readers that have so much experience traveling to this destiny what will be a good destination with actitivities t do with the kids, what about the time to travel - too risky for tornados? In addition in terms to resolve the food will be good to have a combination to eat inside the hotel or cook basic meals. First I was looking for turk and Caicos then moved to Grand Cayman and now we are reviewing Bahamas...Don't know if it will be a good destination for kids that age. Any other Island? Thanks.

Weadles

When are you planning on going and what is your budget? Time of year makes a big difference for both weather and pricing. BTW, you don't have to worry about tornados. You do have to think about hurricanes if you're going late August- November.

Lastly, I would cross Grand Cayman off your list if your budget is limited. It is one of the most expensive islands for hotels and dining.

travelwkids

Hello.

We are planning to go week Sep 5 2011 don't know about the weather - water temperature and hurricanes as you mention, in addition to rainy days. This could be a challenge for kids. What will be a nice recommendation to go and share activities, specially water and nature related.

virginia

look at royal west indies, ocean club west & the sands on provo, turks & caicos.
provo has 11 mile long grace bay beach. the sand is made from the offshore coral reef. as such the sand is very soft and never hot to walk on. the water is almost always calm, even if there is some wind the reef cuts most wave action. water entrance is gradual. in other words perfect for little kids.

above resorts are all condo style, so you can prepare as many meals "at home" as you wish. provo has excellent grocery stores. also you may take a cooler of food. anything that is frozen is permitted (any meats must be in original packing with USDA label) & you can throw some coffee/tea, peanut butter & jelly, mac & cheese, cereal, tuna packs, goldfish, etc in your checked luggage.
if you enjoy a cocktail you'll save a lot by purchasing a bottle at duty free as you're leaving home airport (or last stop in US). with little ones, a drink on your deck might be a good choice.
condo will all have tv's & probably dvr.
re activities for a 4 yr old. i'd pick up some beach toys when you get there. she can build sand castle or play with a floaty boat.
no matter where you go remember to take plenty of sunscreen & sun protective shits & hats for the kids. between the sun & light reflection from the sand & ocean it is easy to get a sunburn.

Weadles

Other posters may disagree, but that's right during hurricane season. If you have to go then, I'd go as far south as you can, to one of the ABC Islands ( Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) that is (usually) out of the hurricane belt. And if that's impossible, definitely think about travel insurance for the price of the trip.

wanderlustfamily

Hi, It's great to take your kids on such an adventure. We do it as much as we can and spend a lot of time for little money in the caribbean. September is a tough month with hurricane season. Costs will be down, but weather is hit or miss. If you want to steer clear of weather we've gone to Aruba and rented a house in a local neighborhood. Flights are cheap there and the beaches and water are dreamy. There are some specials to Curacao now, so you might want to check that out also. Another suggestion is Central America. It can be really beautiful there in September and your money goes far. We lived there for a year. This year we rented an AMAZING house in Bocas del Toro. It was in the jungle and on the beach and was the perfect place for a holiday with children. We explored the trails, spotted howler monkeys and sloths, swam in the ocean, took a boat ride out to the cays. The owner was an awesome host. Costa Rica is another easy place to travel with kids. Another favorite family destination is Maho Bay in St.John USVI. It's easy to get there, you can walk to several of the beaches, the water is warm, the snorkeling is great from shore, there are adult and kid activities, and a nice family restaurant on site. Check out their website and go there sometime with the kids. You'll be happy.

Caribzack

We have been to Turks and Caicos in September & October and had wonderful weather..it is a "crap shoot" I like the above idea of "The Sands" excellent pool for children, walkable to restaurants and full kitchen to cut down on expenses.

blamona

T & C is made for families and kids, the beach couldn't be more perfect. I've been in Sept and had lovely weather

This is just my opinion, but there's a huge population that think southern islands don't get hit by hurricanes. Just last year St Lucia got hit hard. Same hurricane brushed through Aruba.

On the other hand, T & C stayed nice and sunny, it's actually one the driest islands in the world.

What's my point? Weather happens. Be pepared, for example get insurance. Also know it usually takes about a week for a hurricane to hit. Even NBC.NOAA.gov (where everyone gets hurricane info) can't predict with 100% centaintiy.

Now if I could predict I'd be worth a fortune!

I say go for it! Another plus is TCI is a fairly new destination, with concrete block made to withhold most storms.

travelwkids

Thanks for all your replyes. What about condos or Resorts recommendations? Is TC pricey? I heard about Bahamas - Atlantis. I think that is too crowded but never been there.

blamona

My opinion, but to fully enjoy Atlantis the kids should be around 8 years old, most of the slides and attraction have height restrictions.

Instead of asking if something is pricey, (all Caribbean can be pricey, all vacations can be pricey) why not give a budget and time of year to better help you?

virginia

atlantis is wonderful but extremely expensive and your kids are not even close to old enough to make it worthwhile. go when they are at least 6 & 10. teens love it.
provo is definitely on the more expensive side. the resorts i listed above are condo style & are some of the less expensive options, yet still beachfront.

travelwkids

I was checking all the recommendations. Thanks.
Any other island that we may consider in addition to TCI?

shirleyk

Aruba. Stay at the Tamarjin. Kids stay and eat free. You will get a room right on the beach (1st or 2nd floor). Atlantis is very expensive and your kids are too small to really enjoy it.