Where?
#1
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Where?
I know everyone asks this, but my wife and I (late 20s) want to do a cheap week in Caribbean...we love French culture, but aren't sure what to do... Does the French culture thing even matter? We don't want to be saddled in a Mariott someplace, but we don't want a dangerous motel either...We want to "get away"--we live in Florida, so we want more than just a beach...
Any advice appreciated.
Any advice appreciated.
#2
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Hello I am a Romantic Travel Specialist that help couples find vacations. I would recommend for a inexpensive trip right now there is lots of deals to Punta Cana in the Domincan Republic that is becoming the "New Caribbean" If I can help further please do not hestitate to email me at [email protected]
I would love to give you a price quote
Thanks
Beth Knobe
Romantic Travel Specialist
Honeymooners Forever
moon4ever.com
I would love to give you a price quote
Thanks
Beth Knobe
Romantic Travel Specialist
Honeymooners Forever
moon4ever.com
#5
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Beth should also learn more about the places she is recommending to people. If she read the message they are looking for French culture and more than just a beach. Punta Cana is inexpensive but all there is is beach and huge hotels and it's Spanish culture not French.
#6
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Use your browser to check out the French islands. There should be plenty to keep you busy just on St. Martin/Sint Maarten alone!! Inexpensive is relative but there are many small hotels and resorts that would give you a flavor of France with a Caribbean accent. And the restaurants in Grande Case are wonderful!! Work with a local travel agent - they might even have some great "specials" not advertised anywhere, explore on your own and try to refine your preferences a bit! I bet Beth would love to give you a price quote - just be careful. At least if it is a local agent, if things go sour, you have recourse!!
#8
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Yes, try St. Martin. There are two sides--one Dutch, one French. St. Martin has plenty of hotels in all price ranges. Also, St. Barth's is all french and a very cool place. Although it can be very expensive there are a few cheaper hotels and villas with deals. If you want French Caribbean, St. Barth's is definitely the place!! You can check out both islands extensively on the web. Good luck!
#9
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HI
My understanding is that Saint Martin is probably the cheap-EST of the French islands, airfare and accommodations put together. It is supposed to be the most touristed of all the French islands.
Saint Barth's is the most expensive of all the major French islands and to my understanding is very chic, see-and-be-seen, "lifestyles of the rich and famous" type crowds.
My understanding is that unlike on Saint Barth's and Saint Martin, English is much less widely spoken on Guadeloupe and Martinique, and these islands are less frequented by Americans than the previous 2 and more by French tourists.
Mind you, I've never been to any of these islands, so I'm just giving you a feel from what I've read. Others might be able to help you better. Marie-Galante and Les Saintes are smaller, less touristed, less populated islands near Guadeloupe and are supposed to have a quaint charm.
have fun! DAN
My understanding is that Saint Martin is probably the cheap-EST of the French islands, airfare and accommodations put together. It is supposed to be the most touristed of all the French islands.
Saint Barth's is the most expensive of all the major French islands and to my understanding is very chic, see-and-be-seen, "lifestyles of the rich and famous" type crowds.
My understanding is that unlike on Saint Barth's and Saint Martin, English is much less widely spoken on Guadeloupe and Martinique, and these islands are less frequented by Americans than the previous 2 and more by French tourists.
Mind you, I've never been to any of these islands, so I'm just giving you a feel from what I've read. Others might be able to help you better. Marie-Galante and Les Saintes are smaller, less touristed, less populated islands near Guadeloupe and are supposed to have a quaint charm.
have fun! DAN
#10
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Do you speak french? The answer may influence your choice. If the answer is not a lick, try St. Martin. You'd have to search pretty hard to find any french culture, there. If you speak a bit of french, then St. Barts (although you can get by with none here, also). If you speak more than a little (you'll need it!) then Guadeloupe or Martinique would be very enjoyable. You'll get the most french culture in the latter two, and the least in St. Martin. Most expensive (and the BEST!) is St. Barts. Least expensive will be Guadeloupe and Martinique. No matter which one, do NOT pay cash with dollars, everything costs more that way. Pay with francs and due to the relatively good exchange rate you'll do better. In Guadeloupe everything seemed like it was on sale!
Islands like Marie-Galante or Les Saintes off of Guadeloupe are pretty and (as yet) undeveloped for tourism. just one of two worthwhile hotels on each, few people, beautiful beaches. These are "undiscovered" places that won't stay that way for long. You can also find lots of bargains on Guadeloupe and Martinique, that you'd never find on St. Martin or St. Barts, as long as you don't want a big fancy resort with lots of fellow Americans milling around. I just spent a week on Guadeloupe and didn't run across one American in 7 days.
Safest of the four is St. Barts. Highest crime is St. Martin. Guadeloupe and Martinique are relatively safe places, in between the other two.
Islands like Marie-Galante or Les Saintes off of Guadeloupe are pretty and (as yet) undeveloped for tourism. just one of two worthwhile hotels on each, few people, beautiful beaches. These are "undiscovered" places that won't stay that way for long. You can also find lots of bargains on Guadeloupe and Martinique, that you'd never find on St. Martin or St. Barts, as long as you don't want a big fancy resort with lots of fellow Americans milling around. I just spent a week on Guadeloupe and didn't run across one American in 7 days.
Safest of the four is St. Barts. Highest crime is St. Martin. Guadeloupe and Martinique are relatively safe places, in between the other two.