i'm trying to plan a 4 day trip in mid-nov. i need: beautiful white sand beach. i want: not all inclusive; direct flights from nyc area; clean, pretty, inexpensive place to stay; some access to local food. past favorites have been st john (at estate lindholm) and playa del carmen (in playacar zone 1). i don't need tv, phone, nightlife or many activities. any thoughts?

Dear Beach,<BR>If you really liked PDC, you might also find Akumal or Tankah (about an hour south of Cancun) interesting.<BR>Check out locogringo.com.<BR>Has all you have requested plus accomodations are very inexpensive in early to mid Nov.

thanks for the great suggestions, nancy- i'm trying to branch out from mexico for the simple reason that i've been to playa and tulum (and daytripped to akumal) three times.

St. John, USVI. It has beautiful beaches and much more.

Negril!! Fits all of your reqirements. Check out the "where to stay" section at www.negril.com for great ideas for accomodations on the beach - independent, smaller properties in a range of prices. Also check out the message board there - very active and lots of opinions!<BR><BR>happy travels - perhaps we'll see ya in Negril this November! (we'll be there mid month as well).

Shoal Bay Hotel or Villas on Anguilla or the Rendezvous Bay Hotel. Direct, non-stop flights to St. Martin from JFK every day & an 18 minute ferry ride to Anguilla. No night life to speak of, great local (as well as upscale food), and 33 glorious beaches. Check out http://hotels.ai & http://beaches.ai.