What island for a solo female traveler to the Caribbean
 

I need some advice on selecting a Caribbean island for a solo trip mid November for a 40s solo female. I've traveled to Aruba and a few cruises to the Caribbean in the past but never alone so I know it's a different perspective. Most of my recent vacations have been to Europe, i love the history, but I'm looking for a stress free vacation in the sun.

Everything looks great in a photo but so much choice and opinions. My interests-beachfront or very close, safe, nice not so crowded beaches, I will not be out at 2 am but would be nice to have some socialization opportunities in the evening and snorkeling. I love the idea of my own 1st floor private outdoor space to read/relax on veranda/balcony. My debates, do I stay at a resort with more activity and access to restaurants etc or a smaller "boutique"? Ability to explore other areas - how would I navigate around.

I've read through some posts and was considering St Martin, which i stopped on a cruise and loved but sounds like it may not be the best for solo female. Virgin Islands, Barbados, (looked at Jamaica Goldeneye but perhaps not safest for solo female). A friend also suggested a private rental on Spanish Wells, Bahamas -which would eliminate any socialization -right? Budget - i want to spend around $2,500 or less for the 6 nights including air (PA). Any suggestions on resorts/hotels also?

thanks!

We need a little more information.

How important is snorkeling? If it is a key factor for you that will limit your choice of islands. While there's lots of nice island that are terrific destinations for solo travelers (both men and women) a large percentage of the ones I'd recommend won't have very good snorkeling.

Does your $2,500 budget include food and activities or is it just for airfare and accommodations? If it covers food and activities as well as airfare and accommodations then I'm afraid it is on the low side and will also have a big impact on recommendations.

Airfare can eat up a substantial part of your budget, especially if you want to go to some of the more remote islands. You may end up going to the larger islands that can be reached non-stop from your nearest gateway airport thus saving a bit on airfare. The drawback is those islands will tend to be more crowded. On the plus side they will have a larger percentage of more budget friendly accommodations.

Where are you flying from? That too will have an impact on your airfare?

I don't have an exact answer but I am female and often travel solo. Generally speaking I would not want a resort, but I would definitely not want private rental.

I usually pick a small local hotel (not all inclusive) and like to have some kind of town to walk to.

You seem to have hesitation about Jamaica but I have stayed here in Negril comfortably:

http://www.miragenegril.com/ it's on the Cliffs or their sister hotel right directly on the 7-mile beach http://www.charelanegril.com/site/

It's 90 mins by shuttle from Montego Bay airport.

I'm flying out of Pittsburgh (which can limit some destinations due to lack of direct flights). I'll probably end up spending more and that's ok, the $2,500 was my target for flight and room to try to keep me inline. lol.

Snorkeling isn't highest on the list, but like to do some on vacation even if it's a day trip. I would compromise on this area for the right location. I'm definitely drawn to more of tropical/jungle atmosphere than the wide open spaces.

Suze - Negril seemed to be a favorite of many but did you have alot of issues being approached on the beach by many vendors. I certainly don't mind the occasional, but several reviews sounded as if they were constantly bombarded.

If you can "give" a bit on the snorkeling take a look at Nevis (very little off- beach snorkeling but there's a decent spot you can visit on a 1/2 day catamaran excursion). Fly directly to the island on Seaborne Airlines via San Juan or fly into St.Kitts then take ferry or water taxi to Nevis).

Island offers dense rain forests, good hiking and has very picturesque beaches which even at the peak of High Season are never crowded. If you want to stay beachfront lookbatbOualie Beach Resort (don't let the word "resort" scare you, it's a small place with a restaurant and bar that is popular with ex-pats and local - a good place for a single to meet interesting people. If you want to stay on nearbthe rainforest (but still only a few minutes ride to the beach) look at Hermitage Inn, or Mount Nevis Hotel both should be at or close to your price range.

I stay on the Cliffs mostly, but spent one day at the beach at Charela Inn (sister hotel to Mirage where I was that trip)...

Zero vendor issues because the hotel doesn't allow vendors to approach guests on hotel property (unless you flag them over because you *want* some banana bread -haha).

There's a discrete hotel staff guy who sits to the back and keeps an eye on things.

The people being "bombarded" must have been at the flea market or out on a public beach somewhere, not on private property.

I have been to St Martin's several times, both for just a relaxing vacation and for scuba lessons/certification and can highly recommend it. In addition to all the beaches if you just want to relax, there are a lot of tour operators offering boat trips for snorkeling. I have been on a couple of these in the past and they were well run, giving the customer ample opportunity to enjoy the snorkeling at multiple stops on the same tour. I have also done some hiking on the island, both to the peak at the center of the island as well as some of the hikes to some of the more remote beaches. When I am back later this year I will be taking a day trip on the ferry over to the nearby island of Saba. The hike to the peak of the island takes you through the rain forest and into a cloud forest at the top. (http://www.sabatourism.com/hike.html)

In terms of accomodations, I have stayed at hotels, private condos and villas and have had no concerns with security at any oil them. The larger hotels I have stayed at have had security people walking around the grounds at night. You may want to check with the hotel you choose to see what sort of security they have in place.

If you are thinking of St Martin's let me know and I can give you some suggestions for restaurants. I have had very good luck with the small restaurants in the French town of a Grand Case. Many of them are converted houses that have opened up to the water on the backside so you can see and hear the waves coming in while you enjoy your dinner. They are a little pricey but I do not recall ever being disappointed with a meal I have had at one of these restaurants.

Hi. I would suggest Sibonne beach resort in the Turks and Caicos. It's on Provo and is a small boutique hotel. It is right on grace bay and the second floor rooms have beautiful views of the ocean. There are also 2 beachfront rooms and one 1 apartment. My husband and I always stay in the beachfront room. It's a fairly no frills hotel with basic rooms. And a very small pool. But it's smack in the middle of grace bay and you can walk to many restaurants. There is an ocean front restaurant on the property that has great food and some water view tables in the small bar/patio area that are perfect for solo dining Staff and patrons are very friendly and the security guard will be around at night. I have always said "this is a place I would stay at by myself"

There isn't much nightlife on Provo but you can easily walk to town and visit all the bars,restaurants, grocery store and places the islanders go. One bar called Danny bouys has nightlife w dancing. The best part is you can walk to the reef for snorkeling and after have a cold corona at the somewhere cafe. Gear is available for rent right there. The Sibonne is the cheapest beachfront resort on the island. I hope no one reads this but you so it doesn't get to popular! If you decide to go I can give u info on all the restaurants etc to walk to or cab to! It's perfectly in your budget and non stop flights to Provo. Cheryl from Boston Ps. Not sure I would do st Martin on my own but maybe shoal bay villas on Anguilla if u want to be in that area!

I am a fan of St Lartin - French side.
I'd rent car - you get so me battered ones for 25 euros a day.
I also did some snorkelling - actually the owners were from NYC.

Off I am interested in your list of restaurants !
I'll post mine too as we are of a mind to go to St martin every 2 years.

Hi
Here my list of my favorite restaurants on St Martin.
Been to some several times.
From best (imo) to less good - I'd not bother to go back to the 3 last of the list).

Anse Marcel Anse Marcel beach
Pinel Karibuni
?? Dreams
Cul de Sac Villa Pizza
Grand-case Ocean 82
Marigot Calmos
Pinel Yellow Beach
Baie Rouge Chez machin
Marigot Spinnaker
Orient bay Palm Beach
Friars bay Friars bay beach café
Grand-case L'escapade
Oyster Pond Planteur

How to contact you directly?

How much to pay you since you don't make free promotion ?

Looks very much like self-promotion to me.

I've traveled the world alone, as a female, I would never go to Kingston alone!

<country side of Kingston>

or not!!!!

Solo female traveler in my early 40s here. Love, love St Martin, French side. Stayed in Grand Case and will stay in Marigot in a few months because close to the ferry to Anguilla. Always felt very safe and it should be within your budget. Anguilla is fantastic but quite a bit more expensive than St Martin. Lots of small, local hôtels with only breakfast included, but if staying in Marigot or Grand Case you don`t even need that, small town (GC more like a village) and good bakeries/markets. St Martin is a great location to visit aside from Anguilla (by far my favourite) also St. Bart, and Saba.
Another great spot where I have felt fantastic traveling alone is Antigua,safe, local options for accomodation, trip to Barbuda a must. The third one I`ve been and which I`d feel comfortable recommend is Martinique (better if you speak french, but not required). Nice, safe, good beaches, local options for accomodation.
Last one I enjoyed was Honduras (NOT, I repeat NOT the mainland) on Islas de la Bahia (Roatan) West Bay. Great snorkeling. I felt really safe but must admit I`m not the kind to be drinking alone late at night in general. Less to do aside from the beach here though. Enjoy!!

For a solo female traveller Jamaica should be on the top of your list.I am sure you will have a IRIE time here