I want to take my 12 yr old son on a trip to somewhere in Carribean (preferably someplace that I can get to easily from east coast U.S.) I would like someplace that has things a 12 yr old might like to do (i.e. no quiet, sleepy beaches!) and be able to meet people. However, I don't want to go totally tourist (in other words, not a carbon copy of a US tourist resort). Money is not a huge concern - willing to pay for someplace nice if I think it's the right place. Any ideas?

Dickens,
Try St. Maarten, its easy to get to. Its half Dutch and half French and a pretty busy place with alot to do...but not a carbon copy of US resort.

My kids are 11 & 6 and we're considering Aruba or Grand Cayman (GC depends on how the hurricane clean-up is going by (1/1/05). Mexican Caribbean, we've been, is another good choice. However, having said all that, I'd seriously consider Costa Rica. I'd go there but my little one is still to young for the white water rafting and canopy/zip line tours. Enjoy!

I wouldn't go to Aruba or Cancun, those are definite carbon copies of US resorts....and heavily cater to that market. Costa Rica is a good idea, has all you want and as Pumpy says the white water rafting/zip lines through the forest canopies and you can mix that with the beaches. For Costa Rica from US East Coast there are nonstop flights into San Jose, flight time is about 4.5 hours.

Also, nonstops into Liberia from Atlanta (Delta) and Miami (American)

I agree w/ Traveler about Cancun. I didn't specify but meant Cozumel (unless you dive or snorkel a lot it might not be great choice) or Playa Del Carma (sp?). Lot's more to do(ruins, better beaches, etc).

You might look into Paradisus Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Lots of activities to enjoy. My travel agent highly recommends but haven't traveled there yet.

Just a guess, and not my cup of tea, but isn't Atlantis right up a 12 yr old's alley? I would think in a 12 yr old's mind, the pool area & slides alone would be complete heaven.