girlonthego

HI Philly, this is a very sweet idea. I have been to Aruba and the weather is generally the same year round-Hot and sunny!! The beaches have the white sand and the water is turquoise green. It is somewhat americanized, but I also thought it was a safe island(we weren't hanging out all night at the bars). We stayed at the Marriott. The Bucuti is a great hotel for couples. Children are discouraged. There are so many choices that can be economical there. The food choices can be very economical (the beauty of being somewhat americanized.). Then you can pick a couple of nights to have nice dinners and some cheap ones too. Go to aruba-bb.com It is a bulletin board that you can read all about Aruba. People there are Aruba lovers. They can recommend the best place for your money, etc...
Have fun proposing.

phillyyo

wantsomesun: The out islands look really nice but somewhat pricey. Luckily I can get really cheap flights from southwest from Philly to Ft Lauderdale, but I think I might choose a location that's easier to get to for our first trip (i'd hate to miss a flight or something due to delays, when dealing with 2 different airlines). Thanks for the suggestion though! I'm going to keep all of this info compiled for the future and helping other people out.

lizpereira: wow! St. Kitts is pretty cheap, airfare from NYC is only $400, or $480 from Philly. And Timothy Beach Resort has its cheapest room at $120 a night in winter too. Why's it so much cheaper than other islands? I noticed that some people said the beach wasn't as good as St John, but from the pictures it still looks very beautiful. Thanks for the suggestion, this might work out very well.

christiegr: Thanks for all the pirce info, that will really help with my planning. The wind is one thing that kind of turns me off from Aruba - I don't mind it being a 'desert' island as we'd spend most of the time at the beach, but constant strong wind could get old, and my girlfriend has long hair too. Also getting a horrible sunburn early on could be bad.

girlonthego: Thanks for the feedback about Aruba. We may very well end up there due to the price and how easy it would be, and all the good things I hear about Bucuti.

girlonthego

Wind was a big concern of mine, but it was just a constant breeze. It was never overwhelming at all and I hate a windy place. The Marriott is at the end of the strip and I believe it is calmer down there. The Wyndam hotel juts out and seems windier. If that makes any sense. And anywhere you go in the caribbean will be very strong sun. So, bring lots of sunscreen no matter where you go... Oh and because of the constant breeze, you have less bugs(mosquitos). I never saw any bugs. There are a ton of Iguanas so maybe they eat their share too!!

ONZGO

We have travelled a fair amount in the Caribbean, Mexico and Florida and never felt the sun as strong as in Aruba. If you do choose to go to Aruba, take tons of strong sunscreen and repeat applications often. Don't forget ears, top of feet and places you might forget.

Aruba sun is so strong because it is so close to the Equator and because of the wind you won't notice you are getting burned, so be very careful.

girlonthego

I am fair skinned and irish. I did not get burned in Aruba because I was careful. I was also careful with my kids. I got fried in Puerto Rico many years ago on a cloudy day. Yes, the sun is strong in Aruba. Good common sense rules. My husband (who normally tans) burned because he only put on number 8. He put on 40/50 after that. I would use precautions on all of the islands especially if you are fair.

christiegr

Philly:
Please make sure to let us know where you end up going.

Also a trip report posted when you return would be nice..I am interested in how your 1st trip to the Caribbean will be and if she accepts the proposal. Again..good luck and you just might find that special place for your honeymoon oneday.

lizpereira

St. Kitts is cheap in low season. Avoid Xmas and March Break. It is not as expensive as the more touristy islands. St. Kitts is the caribbean's best kept secret!

I think you and your girlfriend will love it.

There also lots to see and do. Visit historical Brimstone Hill Fortress, sunset catamaran cruise, snorkeling, golf, rainforest tours, diving or a day trip to sister island of Nevis.

Feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions.

Another website is www.myislands.myeyez.net

christiegr

Philly:
I'll bet that by now...you are getting really confused.Good luck with the research.I can only keep recommending St John if it's affordable for you.If not,really look at Negril Jamaica..I have found some very good rates.For 2 in Oct/Nov for air and hotel $1150 total for 2 this is at Cocolapalm Resort.(we are going there during that time frame)I would think that March or June would be close to the same prices.Good luck!!

christiegr

Wonder where Philly is?

MuyLinda

Hi Phillyyo - T&C would be my recommendation. We've been twice in June and never had an issue with bugs. Grace Bay is incredible and you can snorkel straight off of the beach in many spots. It also has it's share of condo resorts so you can have a kitchen to shop and prepare some meals to save on $$. The sunsets are breathtaking and would be a wonderful place to propose. Good luck with your research and choice. :0)

phillyyo

christiegr: I'm still here, my girlfriend's been over so I've had to avoid looking at any conspicuous sites. I'll be sure to let you know my choice, I'll have to decide by November since I'm going to surprise her with the trip for her birthday (another way to throw her off on the purpose of the trip!)

blamona

I don't know what your budget is, but here's an idea:
In Turks and Caicos, you can do a secluded picnic on a beach all to yourself!!! The excursion company will actually set a table on the shore (in the water) and leave you with food, cooler with drinks, and cell phone. Can't get more romantic than that!!! (and that water is to die for, so turqouise and clear)

christiegr

Blamona,
Thanks for running off the troll (zipthewhatsit)I think that your post may have helped.

Philly,
Your girlfriend is lucky to have a romantic guy like you.

christiegr

Philly,
Here is a website that shows pictures of the beaches in St John.http://www.vinow.com/stjohn/beaches_stj/
Enjoy!

MuyLinda

blamona - great idea! I didn't think of that when I recommended T&C. The area they leave you (Pine Cay) is absolutely gorgeous and you really do feel like castaways. What a romantic setting for a proposal!

phillyyo

blamona: That's an awesome idea, I actually read a post on tripadvisor from a guy who did just that. That would be a perfect way to propose. I think right now my choices are between T&C and St Kitts, but having seen pictures from T&C (my uncle had his honeymoon there) I am heavily leaning that way...the beaches are incredible.

iw

phillyyo...don't you just love a bunch of women answering your post? grin... you are such a romantic, i think. your girlfriend is very lucky! aruba is nice, but americanized. st. kitts and nevis are my favorites....awesome island experience. if you guys don't drink or eat much, it is affordable. i can't wait to hear what you decide. i have just gotten back from a weekend in new york city, and i am missing this board!

MrsKiss

We honeymooned at the Grand Palladium in the Rivieria Maya, MX. It is highly recommended!! Beautiful!! You could pop the question at Tulum! The ancient ruin just about fifteen mins. south of the Grand Palladium and very beautiful!! Xel-Ha is a wonderful place to snorkel and it is also close! Don't stay at the Sunscape, Riviera Maya. We had a horrible experience there! My favorite island in the Caribbean is St. Lucia. It is lush, tropical rainforest. To give you a specific beach or area I can't. We were there off of a cruise ship. It is just beautiful everywhere!!!!!!!!! Good Luck...

phillyyo

I have pretty much decided on T&C. It has the beautiful beaches, the Sibonne hotel is the basic, cheap place I was looking for as well (who needs a nice pool with that amazing sea?) I really love the idea of the day trip to the secluded beach, it'll be a perfect opportunity. And I've even seen some cheap airfares to Provo out of Philly, so I'll be watching those daily.

Thanks to everyone for all of the great suggestions, it's been very helfpul. Hopefully we'll be fortunate enough to visit all of the places everyone suggested at some point in the future. I'll be sure to give my report afterwards - I'm likely going to make it a March trip so it won't be too far away.

christiegr

Philly,
Glad to hear that you have found a place.Good luck with the proposal.And I look forward to the trip report!