I just returned from a GREAT trip to St. John with my husband - our fifth time. I was hoping to take my sister there as a surprise celebration for her 40th birthday this summer. I am finding airfare to STT/STJ to be quite high and the travel time from the midwest makes for two long travel days. Can anyone recommend a place similar that may be more reasonably priced? I am interested in snorkeling, hanging out on the beach and just being casual and relaxed - maybe a night or two out! Thanks!

I think Vieques and the Turks and Caicos would be a similar option. If travel time is an issue, I always recommend Bermuda. It is under two hours from PHL, NY, ATL or CLT.
Bermuda is a beautiful place and I love it, but it is not as casual as St. John and it is much more developed. Take a look at www.bermudatourism.com and see what you think.

Wow, 2 days? There's got to be a better way! I'm headed for Hong Kong this month and am taking a direct flight from NY for 16 hours. I would think anywhere in the Caribbean and even Bermuda is going to take you about the same amount of time. And as for airfare to Bermuda, I have always found it is as expensive or more so than the Virgin Islands. Pray tell, where are you flying from? And about what time would your trip be?

I may be wrong, but I think OP meant the outbound and return days when she said two long travel days.

I agree that Vieques would be a good alternative to St. John. Very laid back, undeveloped, and good snorkelling. Also good restaurants (see my recent trip report).

Sometimes airfares to Hawaii are quite low (though probably not in the summer!). Renting a house on the Big Island (especially on Kealakekua Bay) or Kauai is wonderful, and the snorkelling (again: especially K-bay!) is fantastic.

If Bermuda is of any interest (it's certainly not much like St. John!), you might want to take a look at a place called Nine Beaches. Sounds a little more laid back than the typical Bermudian hotel.

What Caribbean destinations would be most accessible from the US Mainland or Midwest...

Mexico seems like it might be a good option. Bermuda is definitely not like St. John and the airfares are typically expensive even from near places like Newark, NJ. From Newark it's cheaper for me to fly to STT than to Bermuda.

Bahamas or Puerto Rico would probably be equally accessible.

Any other islands you're looking at longer flight times and multiple connections.

See if you can get a flight to either Miami or Houston and then a direct flight on to the final destination.

I suggest Kauai,Hawaii.If you love St John...you will love Kauai!

Christie