Need help choosing an island for Christmas break with my two sons ages 16 & 7. We love great beaches, snorkeling, day trips, good food, and fun activities for the kids. Would not like to go to Beaches as it is too crowded and over priced. Any help greatly appreciated. I am considering St. John, Jamaica (Negril), Puerto Rico, and Barbados...any place else one can suggest would be a great help as I always turn to Fodors for booking my vacations. Thanks!!

Check out the Westin on St. John. You should know that St. John is not an inexpensive island and since you are travelling at Christmas expect to pay the highest rates of the year (no matter where you stay). The only other "resort" on St. John is Caneel Bay - if you thought Beaches is too expensive Caneel Bay will give you sticker shock. There are a few smaller "guest houses" on St. John but they won't offer the access to beaches and activities you'll get at the Westin.

Regarding Puerto Rico - it's a big island. Are you seeking a hotel/resort in San Juan or do you prefer one that is more remote?

Can't help you with Jamaica or Barbados as I've never been to those islands. I can tell you that you'll find an abundance of AI resorts on Jamaica which may help with controlling costs and from what I've heard Barbados, on average, will be a more expensive destination than Jamaica - not implying that you couldn't find "budget" accomodation Barbados but rather you'd have to make some concessions as to location and amenities.

I know from your other post that you believe you hadn't run into minimum stay requirements when travelling to the Caribbean over the Christmas holidays but that can and does happen so be flexible.

Good luck.

Hi and thank you for replying...price is not an issue...just think Beaches is not worth the price and too crowded...I've heard many complaints from friends that have traveled there. There seems to be no minimum from Boston...could be cause I always do a full week. I'm interested in any other islands you can suggest where my kids will enjoy themselves and I will enjoy the beach Thank you!!

There is always lots of do in Barbados, particularly at Christmas, and the beaches are good. Check out the Almond Resorts for AI, Bougainvillea and Southern Palms.
You might find this link helpful with info about Barbados:
http://www.destinationcaribbean.net/...amp;Itemid2=70

PR is one of the best deals (outside of Old San Juan) & also one of the best kept secrets in the Caribbean. Take a look @ www.rincon.org, welcome.topuertorico.org, www.rincon-pr.com & www.prwow.com.