My family (husband and three daughters 20, 18 & 15) and I are planning to go to the Caribbean for a week in February 2016. Went to Jamaica on our honeymoon, but never been to other islands. Would appreciate recommendations for island(s) to visit, condo/villa rentals, resorts, etc. Hoping to spend no more than $7k total for airfare, lodging, food and activities. Welcome all advice! Thanks!

Where are you flying from and how long a trip are you planning? Both of those will have a big affect on your $7K budget. Depending on where you are flying from (assuming it's somewhere in the US or Canada) and which island you visit R/T airfare could cost you anywhere from around $400 to $1,000 per person.

Your best bet for airfares on the low end of that scale is to concentrate your search to those islands you can reach non-stop from your nearest gateway international airport. Look at the major islands like the Dominican Republic Puerto Rico, Jamaica and perhaps St. Thomas and St. Martin as many airlines fly to those islands and the increased competition translates into lower airfares. Once you have an idea of your airfare costs you'll know how much you have left for accommodations.

Keep in mind February is High Season in the Caribbean, so expect to find the most expensive room rates of the year. Also, do expect any "bargains" f you are planning to travel over the President's Day school holidays.

Also, check for package deals on your airline(s) of choice's website(s). - they often have some very competitive deals.

Thanks - We are flying from Detroit. I would be interested in renting a private home instead of staying at a resort. Would that be safe?

St. Thomas and St. Martin both have lots of rental villas and many will be in your price range but they will probably not be "beachfront". You'll also probably be able to find beachfront or beach access "condo rentals" in your price range on both St. Thomas & S. Martin. Google "Rental Villas (or Condos) on NAME OF ISLAND" for lots of links.

And, yes, rental villas/condos are "safe".

Kind of hard to make a recommendation when you have not provided any details on what you want to do. What activities are important, length of stay, etc.

Maybe you can list like 5 things that are the most important to you on your vacation that you would like your destination to have?

We live on Long Island, Bahamas. This island is the “Hidden Gem” of the Bahamas with its crystal blue waters and soft sand beaches that you can enjoy all to yourselves, and natural wonders like Deans Blue Hole (deepest blue hole in the world!), caves, and stunning coral reefs. Long Island is a great place to get away from the crowds but find plenty of adventure.

Island activities include: world-class snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing (bone, fly, deep sea, spear), sea kayaking, cave and eco tours, and much more. Guides can take you to reef and fishing hot spots or you can also rent a boat and explore on your own.

This island is perfect for families since it is very safe and has lots to do, or is also ideal for getting some true relaxation in! There are great restaurants, some with live music, that range in price so you can find places that fit your budget as well as a selection of grocery stores to get everything you need.

You can choose from vacation rental homes, hotels, and resorts. Vacation homes offer the best deal on price for 4 night, weekly, and monthly rentals and helps you feel at home during your stay.

It is easy to get here from the US. It is best to fly into Nassau, Bahamas and then it is just a quick hop over to Long Island. There are morning and afternoon flights 7 days a week.

If this sounds like what you are looking for then let us know and we can send you more information.

This island is a gem worth discovering!

We are looking to take it easy for the most part. We'd probably spend some time on the beach, seeing the island, snorkeling, jet ski. Just want to get away from cold Michigan winter! : )

Your budget could work @ $1000/night for 5 people for 7 nights, but not including airfare.

That's about what we spent for our family of 5, at The Buccaneer on St Croix last June. We had three oceanfront double rooms.

They have lots of different housing options, but my dream visit would be at their Beach House:
http://www.thebuccaneer.com/accommod...houses-en.html

We really liked this low-key family-owned resort, with its excellent breakfast buffet and great customer service. Free snorkel gear and kayaks, scuba lessons and access to dives, one poolside cafe, one oceanside cafe, and one restaurant at the main house.

PS Our average of $1000/night, included lodging, meals on property and elsewhere, one day car rental, a few scuba dives, a few cab rides into town, and a snorkel trip to Buck Island.