Which Island for Senior Couple?
 

Looking for suggestions on what would be a good vacation island for couple ages 68/69. We have never been to Caribbean Islands, so can't give them any suggestions.

They don't want to be on a beach crowded with Spring Break crowd. Travel mid-April to May. They enjoy beaches, hiking, sightseeing,history, good food, easy access to and from airport. Don't need diving, snorkeling or lots of night life.

Anyone have suggestions I could pass on? Thanks

For islands with hiking, sightseeing, history, good food and decent beaches check have them check out the folloing islands:

St. Kitts
Nevis
Dominica
Virgin Gorda
Tortola
St. John
Grenada
St. Lucia

FYI, other than Cancun, Cozemel and perhaps parts of Jamaica and the Dominican Republic "Spring Breakers" don't usually visit the Caribbean - it's generally too expensive for theior smaller budgets.

Your friends can read more about the above islands by using the Destinations link at the top left of this page and clicking through to the Caribbean section. Have them read the summaries to determin which islands interest them. It will help narrow their choice.

The BodyHoliday le sport in St. Lucia was fantastic if you like being pampered and enjoy spa services! The staff was highly skilled at many different spa treatments and they're included as is food and drink.
Very nice beach and the Oasis is peaceful and relaxing.
Highly recommended.
My wife and I were in St. Lucia from Jan. 4-11, 2009 and we pre-booked a private, custom day tour with Fabian on the 7th.
We had a great time!
Fabian took us to the places we wanted to see and gave us as much time as we wanted to spend taking photos and meeting interesting Lucians. From war veterans and fishermen to Alexander the Great!
We saw many sights and traveled roads not frequented by most tourists. Fabian shared facts, fruits and his expert knowledge on all things St. Lucia and the world with us along the way.
I think Fabian knows EVERYONE on the island and this will become apparent when you travel in his comfortable, clean vehicle.
Fabian's services were reasonably priced and he is not only a great guide but more importantly a good man!
Thanks Fabian, see you next year!
Pete & Sharon
P.S. He has great tunes on his ipod too!

The relaxed and unspoilt atmosphere on St kitts migth we worth considering. The Tourism website is at http://www.stkittstourism.kn/
and the place we stayed at was
http://turtlebeachhousestkitts.shutterfly.com/
which was quiet and off the beaten track

Definitely pencil in Nevis as a good island for this couple. Sounds like they are fairly fit and they would really enjoy the hiking there. Lots to see aorund the island - plus, they can take the ferry over to St Kitts for a day. Good history and they will absolutely want to plan on getting taxi's or renting a car to try all
the wonderful restaurants.

Nevis doesn't have the beaches/diving or snorkeling that some other places offer, but it doesn't sound like they're interested in the watersports anyway.

Appreciate all the information to share with them.

Any thoughts on taxis compared to rental cars on Nevis?

Nevis is a great island and will be a perfect destination for your friends. Depending on where they ate flying from it could be a little difficult to get to in one day. Have them look at flying directly to Nevis via American eagle through San Juan or flying via Miami to St. Kitts and taking a ferry or water taxi to Nevis. If coming from Europe then connecting through St. Martin or Antigua may work for them.

Now to answer your taxi/rental car question - generally speaking if your frinds take two or more round trips a day in a taxi to almost anywhere on the island they will spend more in taxi fares than it will cost to rent a car. Depending on the size of the car ypou can rent one for around $40US to $60US per day and most rental companies will offer discounts if you rent for a week or more. Road maps are available from the rental car company, at the Tourist Information Office in Charlestown and at the Front desk or Activities Desk in all the resorts and Inns.

The island is fairly easy to navigate as there is one major road that circumvents the entire island. All other roads branch off of the main road. One hint if your friends get disoriented while driving - just about all paved roads will eventually lead back to the main island road. FYI - driving is "on the left" (like in the UK).

I always suggest renting a car as it's the best way to be able to explore the island. Things are pretty spread out on the island so there's very little that is within walking distance of any of the "normal" tourist resorts, plantation inns, hotels or rental villas.

In case flying a long distance is hard on them you might want to add Puerto Rico to the list to consider as it might be a shorter flight situation-lots of history and sightseeing, beaches, good food and they could probably get on a tour (if they did not want to drive themselves) to visit the rain forest area. American money, no passport, and English language also make it an easier first trip for some.

If they could go mid May, then Bermuda is the most beautiful island with good food, nice places to tour around, easy bus system, nice town and just a pretty place. My mother who is 69 will only fly to Bermuda. She hates to fly, but will board the plane to Bermuda.
I would recommend it highly. But for weather purposes, the more into May they could go, the warmer the weather and ocean temps will be.
Check out the Reefs hotel or the Elbow Beach hotel.