Which islands would you rate better than the USVI given a choice, based on FF award seats available?
Feb 21st, 2006, 12:49 PM
#21
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Choosing from your options mentioned, and not other suggestions as yet, I would not do layover in PR and would spend all my time on St. John (if going into St. Thomas is what works best).
St. John is a great place to 'catch your breath" - we have enjoyed many a week there and a few long weekends. For us (Boston) it is easy access - ferry from St. Thomas - we have also stayed on St. T but I prefer St J.
You can do yoga on the beach, in quiet spots, you can hike, snorkel, all the sites mentioned and I would add a lovely day boat trip to other islands (bring your passport) - we have used same rental boat and guide for many years and there are many down there -
we leave early in the morning, visit several islands (changes each time) but for instance, you could go to snorkel at the Indians, Normans, see WillieT boat and even lunch there or on your boat, or on another island, - stop by the quieter side of JVDyke and there is a short hike to a small but lovely watering hole where the waves crash in and make a whirlpool effect - I don't know why but we have always been the only ones there - we once passed another couple going in as we were leaving....and maybe a drink at Foxy's older place on other side.. - see some other beaches and even stop and walk along a deserted one - go to Virgin Gorda and see the Baths and swim/walk thru those - they work up the schedule and choices with you, but a day like these really makes us feel like we are 'in the islands' and not just on one.
it is a long day, we usually leave around 8 and return at 5ish, but it is always one of our favorite days and gives you a nice feel for the whole bvi,usvi area.
If you want to Snuba, it is available on St. Johns and is a nice option for those who do not scuba or in depth snorkel - I would still snorkel around St. John, but this experience is available ifyou wanted it - you would have to ferry to St T and then get out to there/ or if you did stay on St T we have had two lovely stays at the Marriot Frenchmen Reef and at the Ritz - both times we just wanted to land and be in our room in no time and rest and it worked b/c of points on both air and hotels.
We sat on the beach all day, did 1/2 day shopping in St. Thomas, did the boat day all around the islands, Snuba and that end of island, ate at Red Hook and some finer restaurants on the island. didn't do any hiking, hubby did golf at Mahoganey.
If you had to choose one, I would choose St. J from the ones you mentioned and skip the night or two in PR and just really enjoy St J. and the area.
St. John is a great place to 'catch your breath" - we have enjoyed many a week there and a few long weekends. For us (Boston) it is easy access - ferry from St. Thomas - we have also stayed on St. T but I prefer St J.
You can do yoga on the beach, in quiet spots, you can hike, snorkel, all the sites mentioned and I would add a lovely day boat trip to other islands (bring your passport) - we have used same rental boat and guide for many years and there are many down there -
we leave early in the morning, visit several islands (changes each time) but for instance, you could go to snorkel at the Indians, Normans, see WillieT boat and even lunch there or on your boat, or on another island, - stop by the quieter side of JVDyke and there is a short hike to a small but lovely watering hole where the waves crash in and make a whirlpool effect - I don't know why but we have always been the only ones there - we once passed another couple going in as we were leaving....and maybe a drink at Foxy's older place on other side.. - see some other beaches and even stop and walk along a deserted one - go to Virgin Gorda and see the Baths and swim/walk thru those - they work up the schedule and choices with you, but a day like these really makes us feel like we are 'in the islands' and not just on one.
it is a long day, we usually leave around 8 and return at 5ish, but it is always one of our favorite days and gives you a nice feel for the whole bvi,usvi area.
If you want to Snuba, it is available on St. Johns and is a nice option for those who do not scuba or in depth snorkel - I would still snorkel around St. John, but this experience is available ifyou wanted it - you would have to ferry to St T and then get out to there/ or if you did stay on St T we have had two lovely stays at the Marriot Frenchmen Reef and at the Ritz - both times we just wanted to land and be in our room in no time and rest and it worked b/c of points on both air and hotels.
We sat on the beach all day, did 1/2 day shopping in St. Thomas, did the boat day all around the islands, Snuba and that end of island, ate at Red Hook and some finer restaurants on the island. didn't do any hiking, hubby did golf at Mahoganey.
If you had to choose one, I would choose St. J from the ones you mentioned and skip the night or two in PR and just really enjoy St J. and the area.
Feb 21st, 2006, 02:06 PM
#23
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Per visnuba.com - - there is SNUBA available on both StJ and StT. On St. John, it's at Trunk Bay (see below).
I think we have been able to hone in on St. John quite quickly. The logistics of the flights helped make the decision, and all the input here has been immensely valuable to reassure us that we are making a sound decision to go there. I think we are going to keep the two night layover in San Juan.
Not to be argumentative, but on tripadvisor.com two of the top ten attractions of <i>all</i> the Caribbean are in/at San Juan (Old San Juan at #4 and El Yunque at #9). Trunk Bay is #6 and I m thinking we might try to take in the Baths on Virgin Gorda (#7).
The whole trip is too short. It's how we live, and it's balanced by the fact that it means we can go more places (that is, more trips per decade - - we confess to trying to go modestly too many plces on each trip). Someday, I hope that our travels mean that the two of us (my wife and myself) go to one place for a month or so... and the kids come visit us, overlapping or not, as their schedules permit. Trying to travel together does result in the "least common denominator" of available time to get away.
We should all face problems in life so easy as this, huh?
I think we have been able to hone in on St. John quite quickly. The logistics of the flights helped make the decision, and all the input here has been immensely valuable to reassure us that we are making a sound decision to go there. I think we are going to keep the two night layover in San Juan.
Not to be argumentative, but on tripadvisor.com two of the top ten attractions of <i>all</i> the Caribbean are in/at San Juan (Old San Juan at #4 and El Yunque at #9). Trunk Bay is #6 and I m thinking we might try to take in the Baths on Virgin Gorda (#7).
The whole trip is too short. It's how we live, and it's balanced by the fact that it means we can go more places (that is, more trips per decade - - we confess to trying to go modestly too many plces on each trip). Someday, I hope that our travels mean that the two of us (my wife and myself) go to one place for a month or so... and the kids come visit us, overlapping or not, as their schedules permit. Trying to travel together does result in the "least common denominator" of available time to get away.
We should all face problems in life so easy as this, huh?
Feb 21st, 2006, 03:51 PM
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Rex: I will put in another plug for the Baths at Virgin Gorda, we enjoyed that beauty. Our kids are now 20 and 24 and yes, we have recently started the longer vacation for us with them joining in for a week or two when it worked for them and it is wonderful - the first time it was a bit 'weird' to say to them "we will be at place X for one month, would love to have you visit!" and sometimes they can, and at the same time, and sometimes one misses out, --- and then that's a bit of adjustment for us parents too!! but as you are doing now, and we still do also, trying to accomodate everyone can be a lot of work - but the memories are so worth it as family time -
what I went thru coordinating our recent venture in Switzerland and juggling all schedules was worth the outcome - as you so wisely said...this should be our biggest problem in life! - p.s. we had done Snuba in St. T so didn't even look into it at St J's - but it was fun, esp for my daugher who does not scuba, she was really relaxed feeling more safe with this option and getting to be 'on the ocean floor.'
what I went thru coordinating our recent venture in Switzerland and juggling all schedules was worth the outcome - as you so wisely said...this should be our biggest problem in life! - p.s. we had done Snuba in St. T so didn't even look into it at St J's - but it was fun, esp for my daugher who does not scuba, she was really relaxed feeling more safe with this option and getting to be 'on the ocean floor.'
Feb 21st, 2006, 04:00 PM
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Somebody asked which areas of Central America would be recommended. I'm not sure if they were talking to me, but I love Costa Rica. I recommend Arenal and Monteverde in Costa Rica. We also visited Manuel Antonio, but it was my least favorite, as the rainforest in Manuel Antonio is much more impacted by man than the more pristine rainforest in Arenal and the misty, primordial cloud forest at Monteverde. Costa Rica is great for hiking, rafting, and other adventures in nature such as zip-lines and waterfall rapelling.
I hope rex and family enjoy a great vacation, no matter where you all end up!
Rex, I just noted that you have chosen St. John and San Juan. I think it's a great choice. Lucky you, you will actually see San Juan, instead of having a layover at San Juan airport of over 3 hours, which is what we had to do! Some more advice, Rex. Take any items that could get ruined by water in your carry-on. On the flight from St. Kitts through San Juan to Orlando, we had some carry-ons and some checked on luggage. Our checked-on luggage got wet all the way through...the clothes inside were all wet, and the papers inside the suitcase were ruined, the inks had run because of water damage. Not sure why this happened, but as we were in San Juan for over 3 hours and it was raining, I suspect somebody left our luggage out in the rain for some time!!! (Either that or it didn't make it on the plane, and was floated across the ocean to us...
Rex, have a great first visit to the Caribbean! (Keep Costa Rica in mind for a future visit!)
I hope rex and family enjoy a great vacation, no matter where you all end up!
Rex, I just noted that you have chosen St. John and San Juan. I think it's a great choice. Lucky you, you will actually see San Juan, instead of having a layover at San Juan airport of over 3 hours, which is what we had to do! Some more advice, Rex. Take any items that could get ruined by water in your carry-on. On the flight from St. Kitts through San Juan to Orlando, we had some carry-ons and some checked on luggage. Our checked-on luggage got wet all the way through...the clothes inside were all wet, and the papers inside the suitcase were ruined, the inks had run because of water damage. Not sure why this happened, but as we were in San Juan for over 3 hours and it was raining, I suspect somebody left our luggage out in the rain for some time!!! (Either that or it didn't make it on the plane, and was floated across the ocean to us...
Rex, have a great first visit to the Caribbean! (Keep Costa Rica in mind for a future visit!)
Feb 22nd, 2006, 12:54 AM
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Melissa, I've lived on St. Thomas for 16 years & see more scary people on my annual trip to London than I do here. Sorry you had a bad experience but yours isn't mine & nothing bad has ever happened to me here.
There is also a TON of history on St. Thomas. It surely has some of the most beautiful views in the Caribbean. Everyone judges the whole place by downtown. I haven't even been downtown in 4 years other than to drive through.
I think some opinions are formed from just driving to the ferry to St. John.
There is also a TON of history on St. Thomas. It surely has some of the most beautiful views in the Caribbean. Everyone judges the whole place by downtown. I haven't even been downtown in 4 years other than to drive through.
I think some opinions are formed from just driving to the ferry to St. John.
Feb 22nd, 2006, 06:16 AM
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Carrybean,
I just had to jump in here to tell you that I agree with you. I am amazed at how many people say how touristy STT is. I agree that the downtown becomes very busy when the cruise ships are in port, but that doesn't account for the rest of the island. When I have asked people to tell me where they stayed, the answer is always, "Oh, I was there on a cruise" or "I flew in there on my way to STJ". Unless you STAY on an island you never get a true perspective of what is is really like. My island experience in STT has been that of beautiful beaches, great weather and too many tourists only when I went shopping in Charlotte Amalie when there were four (big!)cruise ships in port. It also kills me when people talk about the "crime" in STT. The reality is that people don't really feel it, but they've been "told" it's there, so therefore... If they visit numerous websites, they will find people complaining about ALL the islands. Let it roll off.
I just had to jump in here to tell you that I agree with you. I am amazed at how many people say how touristy STT is. I agree that the downtown becomes very busy when the cruise ships are in port, but that doesn't account for the rest of the island. When I have asked people to tell me where they stayed, the answer is always, "Oh, I was there on a cruise" or "I flew in there on my way to STJ". Unless you STAY on an island you never get a true perspective of what is is really like. My island experience in STT has been that of beautiful beaches, great weather and too many tourists only when I went shopping in Charlotte Amalie when there were four (big!)cruise ships in port. It also kills me when people talk about the "crime" in STT. The reality is that people don't really feel it, but they've been "told" it's there, so therefore... If they visit numerous websites, they will find people complaining about ALL the islands. Let it roll off.
Feb 22nd, 2006, 03:08 PM
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rex: just read you couldn't find the sites. Sorry about La Miramar, it's actually on www.caribbeanvillas.com. I'm not sure why you weren't able to find www.carefreegetaways.com or www.caribbeanday.com
Feb 25th, 2006, 05:11 AM
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We have settled on two villas, and I plan to ask a question - - in the form of a new post - - as to where we should stay the first night - - St John or St. Thomas.
I'll post a link to that post's URL as soon as it goes up.
Thanks to all for the advice, up to this point.
I'll post a link to that post's URL as soon as it goes up.
Thanks to all for the advice, up to this point.
Feb 25th, 2006, 05:29 AM
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Feb 26th, 2006, 10:31 AM
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Rex--
Just returned this afternoon from St. Croix (where we go annually) and think you've gotten great advice about STJ. Sounds like just the place all in your party will like.
Wanted to weigh in as we just did our first layover in SJU (thanks to AA Advantage arrangements) and really enjoyed our stay. It was too short (one night). Think two nights would be great so that you could go to El Junque (we missed) and OSJ. I loved OSJ and the Parrot Club where we had a great dinner last night. Tough to get in. Go when they open so you are sure to get a seat.
How great your family wants to travel together! We hope our kids will still want to do that in 15 years
Just returned this afternoon from St. Croix (where we go annually) and think you've gotten great advice about STJ. Sounds like just the place all in your party will like.
Wanted to weigh in as we just did our first layover in SJU (thanks to AA Advantage arrangements) and really enjoyed our stay. It was too short (one night). Think two nights would be great so that you could go to El Junque (we missed) and OSJ. I loved OSJ and the Parrot Club where we had a great dinner last night. Tough to get in. Go when they open so you are sure to get a seat.
How great your family wants to travel together! We hope our kids will still want to do that in 15 years
Feb 26th, 2006, 10:43 AM
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Thanks for the kind remarks. It has been a bit of a surprise that we have been able to make this work - - this is more or less the fifth "graduation trip" and every time I have thought, well, this might be the last hurrah! (1998 - oldest from high school, 2000 - middle from high school, even though it was at spring break time, and oldest could not come along, 2002 - combo of oldest from college and youngest from high school, 2004 - middle from college and oldest from grad school, and this year, youngest from college, as well as oldest's husband from grad school). Twenty-eight semesters of higher education behind us (not counting my son-in-law's, intensive 13 month master's degree - - not sure how to add in the math on that one). Woo-hoo! Is it okay if I (we) crow?
With any luck, there might be one or more graduate degrees yet - - or spouses' achievement(s) to celebrate - - and then, at some point, maybe we become a three-generation traveling family (actually, we did have extended family on the 1998 trip - - six cousins... and the 2004 trip... my wife's mother).
This is no sin, to be doing this - - and accumulating a bit smaller nest egg for them to inherit, right?
With any luck, there might be one or more graduate degrees yet - - or spouses' achievement(s) to celebrate - - and then, at some point, maybe we become a three-generation traveling family (actually, we did have extended family on the 1998 trip - - six cousins... and the 2004 trip... my wife's mother).
This is no sin, to be doing this - - and accumulating a bit smaller nest egg for them to inherit, right?
Feb 26th, 2006, 10:52 AM
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ccrosner - my husbands reply would be - as long as you pay, they'll go anywhere! - Mine are now 20 and 24, and we are still paying for vaca's - and Rex, it's the best money I ever spend - the time traveling together makes for our best memories - the time away from other interferences to just reconnect in leisure is better than anything else I could spend my money on and who else would I enjoy spending it on as much as my kids and family -and someday, I keep telling my husband, maybe they will be taking us !!
I have lost both my parents and my mother in law, but having them with us on trips was also the best - I'm hoping you have many many generational trips to come - your kids and more generations to come - their inheritance might be less as you said, but their memories will be priceless and I'm betting the tradition lives on and on.
I'm sure your kids realize what a gem of a Dad they have - and I hope they toast to you in your honor during vaca !
I have lost both my parents and my mother in law, but having them with us on trips was also the best - I'm hoping you have many many generational trips to come - your kids and more generations to come - their inheritance might be less as you said, but their memories will be priceless and I'm betting the tradition lives on and on.
I'm sure your kids realize what a gem of a Dad they have - and I hope they toast to you in your honor during vaca !
Feb 26th, 2006, 04:29 PM
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Hi Rex
We took our family of 5 on a trip to the Dominican Republic two years ago. At that time our children were 16,18 and 20. We had a fantastic time. We stayed at the Hodelpa Caribe ocean front suites…all inclusive and it was perfect. There were many French speaking tourists at this resort (it’s something I knew about in advance) which made for a great experience for everyone. Our resort had six different restaurants serving a variety of ethnic foods. I would not recommend walking into town or even bike riding alone. My husband did go on a bike ride with resort personnel and enjoyed himself. We took an island tour that was fantastic. Mostly we relaxed a lot on the beautiful beach and played a lot of volleyball. They do have small casinos on the island…and from what I’ve been told we did not stay at one of the best resorts, there are better ones.
We’ve also taken a few cruises, one last Aug that started in Puerto Rico to Aruba, Curacao, St Maarten and St. Thomas. Unfortunately on a cruise you don’t have enough time to see the islands. Aruba is nice, but not our favorite. I would go back to Curacao it was beautiful and I would have liked to stay in Puerto Rico a few days. (on our way home we got bumped off of our flight and stayed there for one night)
Do your research, these forum boards are a great resource…good luck and enjoy your vacation.
We took our family of 5 on a trip to the Dominican Republic two years ago. At that time our children were 16,18 and 20. We had a fantastic time. We stayed at the Hodelpa Caribe ocean front suites…all inclusive and it was perfect. There were many French speaking tourists at this resort (it’s something I knew about in advance) which made for a great experience for everyone. Our resort had six different restaurants serving a variety of ethnic foods. I would not recommend walking into town or even bike riding alone. My husband did go on a bike ride with resort personnel and enjoyed himself. We took an island tour that was fantastic. Mostly we relaxed a lot on the beautiful beach and played a lot of volleyball. They do have small casinos on the island…and from what I’ve been told we did not stay at one of the best resorts, there are better ones.
We’ve also taken a few cruises, one last Aug that started in Puerto Rico to Aruba, Curacao, St Maarten and St. Thomas. Unfortunately on a cruise you don’t have enough time to see the islands. Aruba is nice, but not our favorite. I would go back to Curacao it was beautiful and I would have liked to stay in Puerto Rico a few days. (on our way home we got bumped off of our flight and stayed there for one night)
Do your research, these forum boards are a great resource…good luck and enjoy your vacation.
