My wife and I have 2 kids, 17 and 14, and want to travel south during March. We're thinking caribbean because it is less expensive than Hawaii. However, we've not traveled much in the caribbean and want ideas of where to go. First and foremost, we'd like and island where we feel safe, enough to let the kids roam around for a bit (during the day). Secondly, we'd like to try off-resort dining but don't want to worry about the food and getting sick. Third, we're mostly there to relax but would like to have a few days of activity if we want, such as snorkeling, hiking, golf and maybe a little shopping.
We've been to Aruba, Bahamas and Doominican Republic (but not Punta Cana). Thanks for your help!

I would suggest Grand Cayman. It is known as being one of the safest islands, along with very friendly locals. You will find plenty to do, including everything you mentioned.
The snorkeling & diving is world class, with many different places to snorkel from shore. Seven Mile beach is beautiful, but due to some erosion problems, make sure you stay far enough north, as the southern end is the hardest hit by erosion.
Restaurants are some of the best you'll find in the islands. The island itself is considered to be very americanized, but you can avoid this by staying at the northern end of 7MB. One downside to GC is that it can be pricey, but if you do your homework, you'll find it's not so bad. Staying at a condo will help save a lot on food costs. If you do a little research on Grand Cayman, I think you'll find it fits what you have described perfectly.

Hope this helps...

Try the Turks & Caicos Islands. They are very safe and absolutely gorgeous beaches and turquoise water and best of all SO CLOSE!!

We stay at the Turks & Caicos Club:
http://www.turksandcaicosclub.com

or you can check out the Tourist Board website for more island info at:
www.turksandcaicostourism.com

Good luck!

HI,

I loved Aruba! and will be going back hopefully soon

We had a good time on St. Lucia, but honestly really wouldn't recommend it as a "safe" island with good food

If YOU liked Aruba have you thought about Curacao?

We went there 2 years ago and stayed at our 1st ever AI (Breezes)

I mention this resort because I just got an email that if you book before December 15th?? (not sure the exact date... check superclubs.com )the rates are really discounted... it would be ~1850 for a couple A/I for a whole week!! I learned to scuba dive here and my husband took out the hobie cats everyday

If you have any questions about this resort or Curacao in general just email me and I wil be happy to answer any questions


Ruby
[email protected]

I too vote big for Grand Cayman, very high standards, safe food and excellent water activities. Not cheap but a great area.

Have you considered Isla Mujeres
A small island 10 miles north of Cancun.
Meets all your requirements except golf.
So inexpensive that you will be able to do two vacations.
visit isla-mujeres.net
Check tool bar on left for places to stay and pictures of the island.

Go to the British Virgin Islands! It's paradise! Check their official website www.bviwelcome.com
Regine/KATITCHE POINT GREATHOUSE

Per ScottB's post, agree to avoid overdeveloped areas to go with the North end of Seven Mile Beach...or the North Coast.....such as my resort (!)..but all depends how much action your children want.

For those teenagers who can't be separated from fast food joints and malls for too long, definitely stay near 7MB, but if they are happy (as I'm sure their parents will be) relaxing, enjoying the beach and watersports and discovering the island, then try the North Coast area for sure.