Which of your island vacations sucked the most & why?
Jul 8th, 2001, 09:16 AM
#41
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ST MARTIN,OH MY GOODNESS IT WAS AUFUL.FIRST ALL I DID WAS ASK ONE OF THE LOCALS FOR DIRECTIONS AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND WAS DRAGGED OUT OF MY CAR AND BEATEN UNMERCIFUL IN FRONT OF MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS.THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED AT THE HOTEL DOCK WERE ALL I DID WAS ASK SOMEONE TO HELP ME WITH MY WIND SURFING GEAR .INSTEAD OF HELPING ME THEY TIED ME TO THE PIER AT HIGH TIDE WHILE THE FISHES BIT ME.THE 3RD WAS WHEN I WENT PARASAILING THE GUY ON THE BOAT CUT THE ROPE AND I HAD TO RESCUED BY SOME FISHERMAN ABOUT 5 MILES OUT IN THE OCEAN.OH MY GOODNESS IT WAS TERRIBLE.IM STILL IN THERAPY AS WE SPEAK AND IM HOPING TO RECOVER SOON.
Jul 9th, 2001, 04:41 AM
#45
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If people would just look on the bright side, they would find the positive things about their experiences. For instance, Saul was lucky to have been tied to the pier at HIGH tide, rather than low tide, which could have been a real bummer after the tide came back in. I have friends who were mugged in Jamaica but thought the nurses and doctors at the hospital were really nice. <BR>
Jul 9th, 2001, 08:44 AM
#48
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The thread started out kind of interesting but seemd to turn into a free-for-all somewhere in the middle. Why do some become so indignant when someone bashes an island they like????? It's not like you'll benefit or lose out if the island loses a tourist here & there. Anyway, I have found some of the most objective reports on: <BR>www.caribtravelnews.com/ctr_indx.htm <BR> <BR>For those seeking planning info from this thread, check out the above and Conde Nast for basic, fairly impartial information.
Jul 9th, 2001, 09:06 AM
#49
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To Amber - Do you like rain? Just wondering because there are certainly other Caribbean islands with more lush, green vegetation/landscape. But plan on sitting on the beach in the clouds and rain on many more days of your vacation (than you would in St. Martin). That is just one of the reasons people are crazy about St. Martin (and the West Indies in general) is because of the low incidence of days of rain. Personally, I would trade brown vegetation for a beautiful emerald green sea and sunshine any day.
Jul 10th, 2001, 06:49 PM
#52
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I don't care what you people say, Aruba is worth my American money as well. To the poster that said Jamaica was safer than Aruba have you read the news, 20 people murdered during the weekend in Jamaica! In Aruba I can walk at night at the beach in Jamaica they patrol your resort all day as if you are in a war zone..to each is own, quiet frankly many of you are over reacting on Aruba, nevertheless I agree with Caribbean lover the island is loved by many of us Americans.
Jul 10th, 2001, 06:59 PM
#53
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It is a good thing there is alot of Aruba bashers, the island has become very popular in the last 10 or so years and prices are way up. So if we continue to bash Aruba we can get affordable prices and leave the island to those that really want to enjoy it. By the way there are many ugly places in our own American backyard than Aruba...just a thought. Isn't it fasinating we ugly Americans bashing Caribbean..god at times I am ashamed to be an American. Europeans are much more appreciative and understanding. <BR> <BR> <BR>
Jul 11th, 2001, 09:03 AM
#55
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Dave, I don't know about Europeans being more appreciative and understanding, but I have had some trouble while in the Carribean watching some Europeans leave their trash lying around. This is just a pet peeve of mine, but i've seen some throwing styrofoam cups overboard a boat in a marine reserve and many leave their cigarette butts on pristine, unspoiled beaches. When I last visited beaches in Thailand, this occurred as well. Friends of mine from Europe have commmented on the "pack in, pack out" concept in the U.S. They've mentioned that there's no concept of that in Europe and how much nicer the parks are here because they are cleaner. I'm not saying that we don't have perfect citizens who always dispose of their trash properly, far from it, but I just couldn't understand how people could go to such beautiful places and throw garbage around. I don't mean to bash anyone or make generalizations, but it was interesting on my trips to watch Americans pointing out to other visitors that they "accidentally" dropped their trash or actually cleaning up after others at the beach. Just an observation.
Aug 22nd, 2001, 10:49 AM
#56
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I plan all our holidays (one year in advance) for my husband and I. We have been to France, Italy, St. Martin, All the West Coast etc. and NO Complaints. Lots of research truly pays off and with the internet, how can you go wrong. Even St. Martin ended up to be of of our best holidays. We stayed on the French side )never on the dutch side) and our hotel was amazing and the food was 5 star every night (we are food snobs and food makes up aout 60% of our holiday). We visited every beach and found them clean. The only disappointment was having our last night dinner at the Samana! I learned that this was the most exquisite hotel on the island which it is but the dinner we had was the worst and the biggesst rip off we have ever encountered. (This froma couple who paid $430.00 Canadian on Lunch in France) Our apps were tasteless and our entres would have satisfied a goldfish. No vegetalbes were served with the meal just a few "presentation sprigs" and our bill was $240.00. I was wild and felt violated. So for all of you who are drepressed because you do not have the funds to stay or eat at this place, rest assured you can do better elsewhere. Try Marios - excellent plus all the other great places in Grand Case. Again stay and eat on the French side.
Aug 22nd, 2001, 12:36 PM
#57
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Hi, all! I love the Caribbean, but have only been to 3 islands: St. Lucia, Jamaica, and St. Martin. Loved them all, yet I keep returning to St. Martin, which is why I've only been to 3 islands. I, personally, love St. Martin. Anyway, I believe if you do the research instead of just taking the travel agent's word for it, you'll be better off. I'm curious, however (and probably very gullible), but Saul, your experience seems difficult to believe. I mean, if you were really beaten, I wouldn't think you'd be planning to go scuba diving and parasailing! If that really happened, I would've just gone home. <BR> <BR>Anyway, happy travels!
Aug 22nd, 2001, 01:08 PM
#58
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For the few who mentioned St. Lucia as the place they wouldn't return, would you go into a little more detail please? I am curious because I'm heading there next spring. I've mostly heard and read rave reviews so curious on what made you dislike it so much. Thanks!
Aug 22nd, 2001, 01:48 PM
#60
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SJ: So funny you just posted that! I was just scrolling through about to post how I loved St. Lucia and was concerned that people considering it would be turned off by some of these postings. We went for our honeymoon in December and LOVED it. If you're dreaming of a lush, beautiful, green island with beautiful water that's known in the world for diving and snorkeling with the friendliest people -- St. Lucia is it. In my research, I wanted a non-touristy, lush island (some of the islands seem to be almost desert like which I didn't know). We stayed at the Anse Chastnet, which was very romantic, private secluded beach where you always have your own umbrella and seats and the FRESHEST drinks. Rustic and a cool experience with the rooms. Also stayed at Le Sport in the North part of the island, which I didn't like as much, but was good to see the different parts of the island and the drive from South to North. Well, there you go. Hope you end up going -- i really enjoyed it.
