Looking for a reasonable 4-5 night vacation with our two daughters (20 & 25). they love beach, but I need some activity. Will be going in early January from Boston and don't want to be travelling for a whole day. Suggestions please. I've never been the the Caribbean, but love to travel and explore.

Almost any island in the Caribbean will meet your needs. If you can be a bit more specific about how much you want to spend and what your interests are, we might be able to help.

Look for nonstop flights from Boston. There are several direct to the Caribbean.

You might want to try Puerto Rico -- I believe you can fly direct from Boston. Why not have your daughters read some trip reports (or do some other research on their own) and let them pick an island. Doing the research is half the fun.

Since this is your first trip to the Caribbean you should know that every island is different and each has it's own appeal. Some islands are big, others small, some are flat and arid, others are mountainous and lush. Some have great shopping, others have fantastic snorkeling, still others are know for nightlife, etc., etc., etc.

To find out more about what each has to offer you should start out by doing some general research to determine which islands most closely match what you have "IN YOUR MIND'S EYE". Click on the "Destination" link at the top of this forum, then click on the "Caribbean" tab. That will bring you to a list of islands. Read the short description to see if that particular island is right for you. Narrow your selection to 2 or 3. You can then do a search on this forum for more information. You'll become very informed about the Caribbean as a vacation destination and be well on your way to finding YOUR particular place in paradice. One word of caution, you could get bitten by the Caribbean bug and get a case of Dreaded Island Fever (known as D.I.F.). You no sooner get back from your first trip that you immediately begin planning your next trip. For some of us there's no know cure. You can only alieviate the symptons by making a return visit.

Look into Mexico too. There is so much to do and the beaches are great. Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen are all within easy drive..ferry from Cancun, but very different than Cancun.

I agree that there are so many wonderful islands and they all offer so many different things. The first island we ever visited was Jamaica, where we fell in love with Jamaican Jerk. Antigua presented us with great hospitality and magnificent scenery. Some islands had wonderful beaches, some good food,and some were more perfect than others. Everyone has their own idea of what makes a island "interesting". Spend some time doing research and you will likely find the place that is right for you.

Try St. Barths. Itś not cheap but you will love it. Take a look on my website and see all the beautiful beaches.
www.iledestbarth.com

Ingo