Hawaii or Barbados
 

I'm Canadian and I'd like thoughts on Hawaii or Barbados. I know both are gorgeous but our Cdn. dollar is so low I'm wondering about prices.Which would be least expensive?

If you check some recent threads on the topic of Caribbean versus Hawaii you'll find that it's only the rare individual who prefers the Caribbean. Granted, there's a lot of variability among the various Caribe isles. <BR>My point is, the price you'll pay must be balanced off against the quality of your vacation. You can travel on a budget in Hawaii just as you can spend big bucks in Barbados. <BR>I'd choose the destination firts, then fit my budget to the destination (which would be Hawaii if it were me).

I've been to both - and while I can't speak to the Cdn dollar rate, I would agree with the previous poster - go Hawaii. Pick an island and a hotel that fits your budget.

Having been to all Hawaiian Islands, <BR>and most of the Caribbean Islands, including Barbados, there is no contest. <BR>Go to Hawaii -- Maui, the Big Island <BR>or Kauai. You won't be disappointed. <BR>

I've been to both and there is no comparison. Go to Maui!!!! I felt very unsafe on Barbados. We stayed at a very nice hotel which had armed guards on the grounds and when you go on the beach the locals approach you all day long trying to sell you stuff.

Yet another 'Hawaii versus ( Choose Location )' troll from the Dead Travel Agents Society. Barbados is NOT unsafe, & is a most desirable location. Will all you Hawaii Travel Agents please do the World a favour & kill yourselves ???

jeannie, i have been to both, like both, and think it depends on what type of trip you are looking for. If you are strictly wanting to vacation, (relax, lie on the beach) go to Hawaii (maui or kauai) If you are more interested in traveling _ that is, seeing a different culture _ i would try barbados. I did not think barbados was unsafe, and i found the music, food, art, etc very interesting. as a us citizen, going to barbados felt more "exotic". Finally, if you want a beautiful beach but are concerned about money, have you considered Mexico? You can find better deals there than either the above, as long as you stay away from the big resorts in cancun and cabo.

Why is it that evey question about Hawaii "Must be a troll"? Just give up. You people are just annoying the rest of us. <BR> <BR>IMHO - though I haven't been to Hawaii yet, the caribbean isn't an ideal destination. There is much more poverty and crime (look it up, it's a fact). You can't roam around the island as freely. When I am on vacation, I want to travel around freely without worrying about being hounded to buy somehing every two minutes or even being robbed - or worse. Yes, you need to be aware and cautious no matter where you are but in the Caribbean I was constantly "watching my back" and it hindered me from having the kind of vacation that I could have had. Go to Hawaii - it is not completely crime and peddler free but it is much less prevalent than in the caribbean. <BR> <BR>Good luck! <BR>Kristy

Kristy-Have you actually been on Barbados? Actually stayed there? If not, how can you judge Barbados, by other Carribean islands? The Caribbbean economy needs tourism, and their governments are going out of their way to make it safe! True, there are poor sections, but there are poor sections everywhere, even Hawaii, you just haven't noticed them. <BR> <BR>To the original poster, if a shorter plane ride and more bang for your buck are your top priorities--go to Barbados. <BR> <BR>

just wanted to weigh in on the "caribbean is unsafe" comments _ i have been to a number of islands and really think you can't make that blanket statement. certainly there are places that are less safe, and certainly you want to be cautious, but i think that is true in every major destination. (personally, there was a time or two i felt a bit uncomfortable on Oahu) The thing is, i've often noted a kind of underlying racism when it comes to comments about the caribbean. i'm NOT saying that is what has motivated the posts here. however, i think the caribbean has more to offer and is a safer, more pleasant option than some people seem to believe.

The racism in the Caribbean is clearly a problem on many islands...the problem is not, IMO, the visitors (or, as you imply texasgirl, with the posters here), but the isalnd natives. I understand the sources of frustration, and I've had it explained to me by immigrants to the islands from the mainland: history of slavery, limited economic flexibility on most islands, apparent wealth of many visitors always 'in their faces', corruption in many local governments, etc, etc. <BR>But that doesn't eliminate the fact that it's a problem for the traveller weighing the pros/cons of the islands. <BR> <BR>And as for Chuck, there's no way that Barbados offers more 'bang for your buck' than Hawaii. More convenient from eastern Canada, yes. Better overall quality vacation experience, no way.

I agree with Texasgirl as far as Mexico is concerned. That's probably the cheapest way to go. As far as Barbados is concerned, it's not near as lush and green as Hawaii. Barbados is a coral island and once you get away from the coast it's downright ugly.

Jeannie, My wife and I have traveled to many caribbean islands for a week each winter over the past 10 years. This year, we went to Hawaii for the first time. We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Kauai. The only reason I will ever return to the Caribbean is to scuba dive. Kauai is absolutely beautiful and without the squallor and crime you encounter on most Caribbean islands. Last year we went to St. Martin which is renowned for all of it's fine restaurants. They were very good restaurants but they pale in comparison to the restaurants we enjoyed in Kauai. My only regret is that I didn't come to Hawaii sooner. I can't imagine a more romantic place to spend a honeymoon than the Hyatt on Kauai. We spent our honeymoon on the Mediterranean coast of Spain and it wasn't nearly as romantic as Kauai.

Congratulations, Eddie -- and welcome to truly beautiful Hawaii!! In the future, stick ONLY with Grand Cayman and St. Barts in the Caribbean and you'll be fine!!

oh, and Eddie, in the future, don't forget to place the Manele Bay Resort (Lanai), Four Seasons and Ritz on Maui, Four Seasons, Mauna Lani Bay and Mauna Kea on the Big Island, and even the much smaller but wonderful Kahala Mandarin Oriental on Oahu on your list for future visits!!

Hi Jeannie,<BR>I've noticed that when you post questions comparing hawaii to the carribean on the united states forum you are going to get many more people in favor of Hawaii over the Carribean. I suggest for a more unbiased investigation, try posting this question on the carribean forum and see if you get the same results.<BR>Just a suggestion.<BR>Good luck!

Don't for get that this site is trolled by Hawaii travel agents constantly. They are always posting phoney messages about Hawaii ( like this troll ).

If it's the truth what's the difference WHY someone posts something?<BR>That is, if you are concerned about travel agents extolling the virtues of Hawaii versus the Caribbean, and they're speaking the truth, so what?<BR>There is simply no comparison when it comes to Hawaii vs. Caribe in the opinion of the vast majority of travellers, so leave it at that, OK?

Well, guess what Harriet? This question HAS been posted on the Caribbean board -- several times -- and, believe it or not, Hawaii STILL comes out WAY AHEAD in the opinion polls!!!

Wow. Life's too short to get so emotional. Problem #1 with this forum, people can be as nasty as they want to without a reason and without a name. Fortunately, the pros outweigh the cons on this forum. I'm glad you want to voice your opinions, but why must everyone be so nasty about it? No wonder all the decent informative regulars seem to have left. <BR>Good luck on getting CIVIL information Jeannie. I hope you get a little more of it. <BR>Harriet.