Vacation Ideas
 

I'm trying to plan a family trip to celebrate my parents' 60th birthdays in late April/early May (it will be my mom and dad, as well as my brother and me - both in our mid 20s). My dad and brother both love to golf, and my mom and I love the beach and shopping. We all love great food and finding good/fun restaurants, and would like some sort of nightlife (doesn't have to be anything wild). We have about 4 nights, and need to be able to get there (preferably nonstop flights) from EWR (Newark, NJ) and Washington, DC.

We've been to Aruba, Puerto Rico, and Bermuda before, so would like to try something different. I've looked into St. Thomas, but am concerned that everything seems to be very spread out, and Turks & Caicos, but am concerned that there's not much to do in terms of bars/restaurants. I would be very interested to hear your thoughts on places that may be good for us!

Thanks!!

The Caribbean isn't really known for nightlife, although Aruba and Puerto Rico ( Old San Juan) would be the best bets for that.

Turks and Caicos matches some- not all - of your wishlist. There are nonstop flights from the East Coast that get you there in about 3 hours.

There's not much nightlife or shopping, but the beach ( Grace Bay) is consistently voted one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean. It's 11 miles of white sand.

Several restaurants are top notch, and there are a handful of decent bars.

We go every year, but it is a quiet island, and other than water activities and dining out, there isn't that much going on.

The only other destination I can think of that might fit your needs is Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, but the beach there isn't that great.

Good luck!

There's really not many non stops from DC to anywhere, I hate that!

I'm not sure why you feel everything on St Thomas is spread out. The whole island is 13 by 3 miles. Some people get "rock fever" quickly. ;-) Lots of people come here for short breaks. Golfing, shopping, restaurant/bar scene, beaches, sailing, water sports. And a direct flight away!

Bermuda will probably still be too cool for "beach/swimming" in April/May but there is some really good golf so factor that into your decision.

Aruba is very far south so your travel time will be long - not sure if it's worth going that far for a 4 night trip as you'll loose almost 2 full days traveling.

When you say Turks & Caicos I'm guessing you mean Grace Bay on Providenciales as the other islands in the chain are harder to reach and won't have the shopping/restaurants and night life you crave. While Provo has a very stunning beach and although it's close to both NY & DC it may lack the shopping that is important to you.

Personally, I think ST. Thomas ticks off all the boxes on your wish list you should give it more consideration. As easenderusvi says - your perception about St. Thomas is wrong - it is as close to a perfect island for you and your group based on what you are seeking.

Barbados is also south, but has direct flights, good food and beaches and shopping. I can't comment on the quality of the golf course as I don't golf

Grand Cayman ticks all your boxes. Only thing I cant remember is if there are non stop flights from EWR

I just reread your post. Late April is Carnival time on St. Thomas, so you would definitely get some great local food and culture.

Nice topic, but You missed one more place in your list, Barbados it's one of my favorite , Barbados is an island of great natural beauty, from the wonder of underground caves to the beautiful vistas and the tropical colours of flora found across the island!

Grand Cayman had the amenities you want. Excellent restaurants, great beaches and a golf course. There is are non-stops from EWR and JFK. One-stops from DC.