QUESTION <BR> <BR>My fiancé and I are looking for a new year's destination in the Caribbean. Last year, we celebrated in Vienna (awesome!) and this year, we are looking at beach vacations rather than European city vacations. I've been researching some of the islands but there seems to be so much overlapping descriptions, etc. that it's very difficult to make any decisions. Maybe some one could help or guide me. I know that there is so much out there on the web, but I want some "personal" opinions… As far as hotels go, we're not looking for major luxury - small, clean and comfortable, perhaps a B&B, fairly romantic, walking distance to the beach is all we need. Ideally something with a kitchenette. We don't particularly want large hotels, or resorts, we'll save those for a honeymoon! We want privacy, of course, and to be independent in making our supper choices (we plan on dining in restaurants.) We are from Montreal in Canada and the US dollar value is quite high for us, we are budgeting about $75-100 US per night (for the room,not per person!). We would like to stay for 7 nights. We want to spend most of the day relaxing on a beach (white sand, please, great swimming, too) with the possibility of getting active, as well: exploring the island, renting scooters, snorkeling, biking, boat rides, etc. are what we have in mind. We don't want too much of a "main stream" vacation, no all-inclusives, and no chances of bumping into our neighbors or colleagues. I am 27, he is 34, we like to eat well, we like good cuisine and good wines, etc. We're not much in for the nightclub-flirt scene, either. Casinos are not important to us, nor is extravagant shopping. Any ideas, advice, suggestions, etc? Please advise. <BR>

Claudia: We travel to Europe just about every year and I agree, Vienna is beautiful. <BR> <BR>In the Caribbean, you have all kinds of choices. Some rather cheap (Nassau, Freeport), some expensive (Bermuda, Grand Cayman). Some islands are very "touristy" (Jamaica, St. Thomas), some are "hot" spots, being very popular (Aruba, St. Martin, even Cuba) and then some are less popular for whatever reason. <BR> <BR>I like Aruba, but it is not quiet. It offers a lot and it's a nice place to visit, but maybe not what you are looking for. We usually go to Nassau when we only have a few days off and are looking for a good price with an easy to get to location. Not necessarily what you want, either. <BR> <BR>How about these two: 1) Provo of the Turks and Caicos chain. Sort of quiet with beautiful beaches and the prettiest water, or 2) Eleuthera in the Bahamas. It is a short distance from Nassau and it is rather small, quiet and a lovely island. <BR> <BR>The only other consideration is the weather. Neither should see much rain at that time of year, but Provo would be a little warmer, I would think. Anyway, check those out and see if you'd like them. Good luck!

Thank you for your response. This will give us a "boost" in terms of our researching efforts!

Hi Claudia, <BR> Try the British Virgin Islands. Tortola is quiet, lush, and beautiful. No highrise buildings. Virgin Gorda is also quiet and beautiful. <BR>Have a great time wherever you go.

Try Comfort Suites on Provo (Turks & Caicos Islands) very reasonable, but may not be as cheap as you want. It is about 100 meters from beach. World class beach, and many great places to eat nearby. This is a VERY laid back location.

With you hotel budget the only place we can think of is Isla Mujeres <BR>which is a small Island just off Cancun. <BR>Quiet, laid back , only modestly touristy, great beaches, and the most economical place we have found. <BR>we have a 15 page brouchure on the Island and surrounds which we will e-mail you if you request. dan and ginny

Your room budget is indeed a problem however, here are some of the less expensive destinations. Cooper Island and Anegada in the BVI have houses for rent in the $100 range. The Maya coast of Mexico around Akumal is not too expensive. Vieques and Culebra off of Puerto Rico are less expensive and you can get a place under $100. Perhaps the Dominican Replublic might have something on the north side. Harbor Island in the Bahamas has a B&B in your price range. Remember that rates all go up during the holidays. That is the peak for the year.