Where to go in the Caribbean

[anonymus]

My hubby and I are planning a 15yr wedding anniv. trip and not sure where to go. We are quite active and would like to sight seeing plus some laying on the beach. We are mid 30 also. Would an all-inclusive place be the way to go and which island?

Thanks!

[uphillklimber]

Let me first congratulate you on your 15th upcoming! I would suggest Aruba, there is plenty to do, sail, fish, tour the island in a jeep, dinner shows, casino, parties, snorkel, sunbathe... it just goes on and on. I am not well traveled however, I have heard from many who are that speak highly of Aruba. We turned to our travel agent to advise us and present us with some options. The final decision is always yours. You probably need to lay out a little more info. For example, do you want a couples only place? Are you bringing children with you. What primarily do you want to do? Fish? Snorkel? Drink? Eat? Some destinations are better for some of these activities than others. Perhaps others here will chime in to direct to specific activities...

[anonymus]

Was in Aruba for a day on a cruise. It is beautiful with lots to do. It can be rather expensive. Check w/your travel agent, and let them know what you like to do. They will help you to plan a trip. Check out lots of sites on the internet to get information on different places. Apple Vacations is a good place to start. Check out their web site at www.applevacations.com. My husband and I celebrated our 25th anniv. last year on a southern caribbean cruise (our first), on carnival destiny ship in April. It was lots of fun. Then we took our kids, 21 and 19 in May on Explorer of the Seas to the Western Caribbean. It was the best vacation we've ever had. Been to Cancun 12 yrs. ago, really fun, lots to do, but very commercialized. Grand Bahama Island is nice also, was there at Princess Casino & resosrt like 15 yrs. ago. We are leaving on Feb. 28 to Miami to take our 22 yr. old daughter on 4 day cruise to Bahamas on Majesty of the Seas w/royal caribbean for her college graduation gift. Cruises are very nice if you like to do lots of stuff. You get to see lots of islands in a short period of time, but not much time to really see the island. And we are planning a trip to Punta Cana, all inclusive, at end of june with 4 other couples. You get alot for your $$$ in Punta Cana with an All-Inclusive. If $$$ is not a problem, I would suggest Aruba. It is absolutely gorgeous, stay on Palm Beach, prettier than Eagle Beach, and they have casinos, and jewelry is priced at good prices. And you have to visit Carlos and Charlies bar. You will have a blast. Cozumel is also a nice place to go, great snorkeling. I stil enjoyed the cruise the best. Royal Caribbean seemed a notch above carnival, but bit more expensive, but the food was equal. Aruba is my top island to go back to. Have been to San Juan, St. Thomas, Barbados, (beautiful, a bit pricy), Martinique, (won't go back, nothing to see), Aruba, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, (beautiful, but rather small, so depends on what you want to do), Bahamas, and Cancun. All are really nice, as long as they have a beach, palm trees and sunshine. Let me know if I can help in any other way.

[anonymus]

agree on the Aruba. Probably one of the easier spots to get around on your own and weather is always a plus

[anonymus]

agree on the Aruba. Probably one of the easier spots to get around on your own and weather is always a plus

[anonymus]

agree on the Aruba. Probably one of the easier spots to get around on your own and weather is always a plus

[anonymus]

Agree with the Aruba recommend. Easy to get around, people very friendly, great food etc. Good basic starting point

[anonymus]

Thanks everyone for the replies. Keep them coming! I will check into all of them! Alot of people like Aruba! :)

[anonymus]

Dominica has plenty to do, lots of great things to see, really a green green island. Call Teddy Wallace (everyone knows Teddy) for a first rate tour of the island. The Emerald Pool, and Trafalgar Falls and the Botanical Garden (not just for gardeners) are beautiful and easy to get to. Downtown Roseau is quaint and charming - really. Don't miss Indian River, and the national parks. Lots of deserted beaches, and nice little villages with good restaurants. Good eats on Dominica!
Grenada is great too. Watersports, sight seeing, rum distillieries, nutmeg processing (there are an incredible number of uses for nutmeg!), lots of history (the U.S. intervention in 1987), and nice people. Check out LaSagesse - great little place to stay, friendliest people you'll ever meet, and a really nice beach.
Dominica is a little more off the beaten track than Grenada, but they're both wonderful.

[anonymus]

I'd vote for St. Lucia. What a lovely exotic island. The people are friendly and the island itself is just breathtaking.

[anonymus]

i have been to jamaica 2x,st. kitts,anguilla,st. martin,aruba,antiqua 2x (got engaged there - bought the ring there). for all these places i think if you're trying to spend alot of time together and not "doing things" anquilla is my favorite. greatest dining in the islands. no undercurrent from the residents. close to st. martin (20 min ferry ride.) great beaches. not much to actually see but time well spent. we've walked the beach at night and not felt uncomfortable. some of the larger islands can be intimidating. if you're into history go to antiqua - musch to see and do - rent a car - many beaches used by locals are fantastic. have an open mind - slow down - talk to people - enjoy.

[anonymus]

If you decide on Aruba Check out Charlie's in San Nicholas on way to Baby Beach

[anonymus]

I second the vote for St. Lucia

[anonymus]

I haven't looked into St. Lucia.....why do you like it? I have looked into Grenada, St. Marten and Tortola so far...

[anonymus]

stay away from the all inclusives, they blow hot loads. once you get to an all inclusive, you're trapped with hordes and hordes of annoying people and your room is like a closet. If you want a real vacation, get a mind for yourself, rent a villa, do all of your own planning, and if you want, even hire a cook. it's not as expensive as it sounds, my girlfriend and i do it at least once a year, and we are very young and haven't had a lot of cash. Travel agencies suck, they brainwash you. I noticed that you were considering tortola, which is a magnificent choice! Look at all of your options, and have a mind of your own. Everyone recommends Aruba, because everyone goes to either Aruba, Jamaica, St. Thomas, or Barbados! There are tons of lesser traveled islands that are nicer than all of these. Look around.

[anonymus]

I am also fond of St. Lucia. There is alot to do and see there.

[Carib Mark]

Aruba may be nice for nightlife and casinos and the beaches and pools, but sights? Natural bridge is about it. I suggest Barbados. It has all inclusives lined up on the west coast beaches of the Caribbean and sunsets that will knock you out at 6:30 daily. The island is very friendly and you can get transport (I rent mini-moke cars) to go to lots of sights when you are ready to leave the azure waters. Harrison Caves, Andromeda Gardens (mango ice cream), the Flower Forest, and rum distilleries are but a few possiblities (construction scared most monkeys from the Animal Reserve unfortunately). The island is romantic and lovely. Perfect for a special trip.

[anonymus]

I would recommend St. Lucia as well.

[anonymus]

I hit send too soon.
The mountains and rainforests are spectacular. There are plenty of excursions to satisfy all types of adventurers. Check out www.stlucia.org for a good start. We stayed at Sandals and had a blast. We also took a rainforest/catamaran trip that was a great time.

[anonymus]

I would recommend Barbados or Dominica. I didn't care for Aruba that much. I think it was a little too touristy for me.

[anonymus]

I would recommend Barbados or Dominica. I didn't care for Aruba that much. I think it was a little too touristy for me.

[anonymus]

I would recommend Barbados or Dominica. I didn't care for Aruba that much. I think it was a little too touristy for me.

[anonymus]

Any opinions on this island?

And, does anyone have any advice as to which one of the two sides (Martin or Maarten) someone should stay? Assuming they're with a significant other.

[anonymus]

What does everyone think about Virgin Gorda?

[anonymus]

For Big Fun try Hedonism II...irie.
http://www.hedotravelers.com

[anonymus]

I would go back to JAMAICA! My wife and I have been three times and will go back again on our 10th anniversary. We have stayed at Runaway Bay, Montego Bay and Grand Lido Braco. I would not recommend Grand Lido. Runaway Bay (Superclubs Breezes) is our favorite and where we stayed on our honeymoon. Sunset Beach in Montego Bay was nice, also. Much to see in Jamaica, plenty of time to lay on the beach and the island is beautiful! Have fun!

[anonymus]

I would go back to JAMAICA! My wife and I have been three times and will go back again on our 10th anniversary. We have stayed at Runaway Bay, Montego Bay and Grand Lido Braco. I would not recommend Grand Lido. Runaway Bay (Superclubs Breezes) is our favorite and where we stayed on our honeymoon. Sunset Beach in Montego Bay was nice, also. Much to see in Jamaica, plenty of time to lay on the beach and the island is beautiful! Have fun!

[anonymus]

I would go back to JAMAICA! My wife and I have been three times and will go back again on our 10th anniversary. We have stayed at Runaway Bay, Montego Bay and Grand Lido Braco. I would not recommend Grand Lido. Runaway Bay (Superclubs Breezes) is our favorite and where we stayed on our honeymoon. Sunset Beach in Montego Bay was nice, also. Much to see in Jamaica, plenty of time to lay on the beach and the island is beautiful! Have fun!