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#1
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Please help us decide which island to visit
We're hoping to travel to the Caribbean in January for about a week,
but really have no idea where to go... here's some basics: *would like French speaking but not required *really don't want an all-inclusive but it wouldn't be the end of the world *Family of 3 (mom, dad, 2.5 yo old) so need kid-tolerant but not specific kid activities...she'll be happy with the sand and water and a slide somewhere *somewhere American airlines or Continental flies (since we're trying to use miles) I've been to St Croix in the 80s, my husband's never been to the Caribbean. We're both pretty seasoned travellers and have lived in a few different developing countries, are quite accustomed to non-luxury environments. Not really looking for a 'sanitized' version of the islands but we do have a 2.5 yo and don't want to be backpacking for miles or dodging bullets... We like to experience and explore local culture, local foods, local life. Don't really need happening night life. Any suggestions? I'm kind of at a loss as to where to start. Thanks! |
#2
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Please help us decide which island to visit
St Martin/St. Maarten? They speak French(as well as English) on the French
side. Island is small enough to rent a car and drive around . AA flies there via Miami and San Juan I believe. I haven't been there in a few years but we used to love it. Check Trip Advisor for hotel reviews. "cjra" wrote in message ... We're hoping to travel to the Caribbean in January for about a week, but really have no idea where to go... here's some basics: *would like French speaking but not required *really don't want an all-inclusive but it wouldn't be the end of the world *Family of 3 (mom, dad, 2.5 yo old) so need kid-tolerant but not specific kid activities...she'll be happy with the sand and water and a slide somewhere *somewhere American airlines or Continental flies (since we're trying to use miles) I've been to St Croix in the 80s, my husband's never been to the Caribbean. We're both pretty seasoned travellers and have lived in a few different developing countries, are quite accustomed to non-luxury environments. Not really looking for a 'sanitized' version of the islands but we do have a 2.5 yo and don't want to be backpacking for miles or dodging bullets... We like to experience and explore local culture, local foods, local life. Don't really need happening night life. Any suggestions? I'm kind of at a loss as to where to start. Thanks! |
#3
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Please help us decide which island to visit
On Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:51:23 -0600, "Nick and Judy"
wrote: St Martin/St. Maarten? They speak French(as well as English) on the French side. Island is small enough to rent a car and drive around . AA flies there via Miami and San Juan I believe. Yep -- St. Martin. You could stay either in Marigot or Grand Case, according to your interests. We spent the holidays there last year -- January there is perfect. -- Larry |
#4
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Please help us decide which island to visit
On 11/18/2008 9:59 AM cjra did a "happy dance", then made these writings:
We're hoping to travel to the Caribbean in January for about a week, but really have no idea where to go... here's some basics: *would like French speaking but not required *really don't want an all-inclusive but it wouldn't be the end of the world *Family of 3 (mom, dad, 2.5 yo old) so need kid-tolerant but not specific kid activities...she'll be happy with the sand and water and a slide somewhere *somewhere American airlines or Continental flies (since we're trying to use miles) I've been to St Croix in the 80s, my husband's never been to the Caribbean. We're both pretty seasoned travellers and have lived in a few different developing countries, are quite accustomed to non-luxury environments. Not really looking for a 'sanitized' version of the islands but we do have a 2.5 yo and don't want to be backpacking for miles or dodging bullets... We like to experience and explore local culture, local foods, local life. Don't really need happening night life. Any suggestions? I'm kind of at a loss as to where to start. Thanks! Have you considered staying in a cabaña in Mexico's Yucatan? Assuming you are US citizens, the dollar is again strong against the Mexican peso. There are many cabañas to choose from basic to luxury in the Yucatan a/k/a Mayan Riviera. Many cabañas afford a better connection to locals and their culture. You might check out these links. http://mayanriviera.com/nhotels/anayjose/ http://mayanriviera.com/nhotels/RetiroMaya/ http://www.tulummayanriviera.com/may...lum_hotel.htm# http://www.cabanascopal.com/ http://www.vrbo.com/23633 http://www.loslirioshotel.com/index.html http://www.mexicoholiday.com/properties/ Many people don't think of Mexico when they consider visiting the Caribbean. The state of Quintanna Roo is on the Caribbean sea and its climate is similar to the Caribbean islands. -- ________ To email me, Edit "blog" from my email address. Brian M. Kochera "The poor dog is the firmest friend, the first to welcome the foremost to defend" - Lord Byron View My Web Page: http://home.earthlink.net/~brian1951 |
#5
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Please help us decide which island to visit
On Nov 18, 9:59*am, cjra wrote:
We're hoping to travel to the Caribbean in January for about a week, but really have no idea where to go... here's some basics: *would like French speaking but not required *really don't want an all-inclusive but it wouldn't be the end of the world *Family of 3 (mom, dad, 2.5 yo old) so need kid-tolerant but not specific kid activities...she'll be happy with the sand and water and a slide somewhere *somewhere American airlines or Continental flies (since we're trying to use miles) I've been to St Croix in the 80s, my husband's never been to the Caribbean. We're both pretty seasoned travellers and have lived in a few different developing countries, are quite accustomed to non-luxury environments. Not really looking for a 'sanitized' version of the islands but we do have a 2.5 yo and don't want to be backpacking for miles or dodging bullets... We like to experience and explore local culture, local foods, local life. Don't really need happening night life. Any suggestions? I'm kind of at a loss as to where to start. Thanks! It's a little difficult to narrow in on an island as your ideas are sort of all over the place. To focus on the French islands since that sounds of interest I will speak to St. Martin. I was there in Aug. prior to that it has been some time since I was on island. The island is hugely commercialized, lots of traffic, of course crime but I do LOVE LOVE LOVE the French side and encourage you to consider Grande Case. There is a lovely beach, Lolo's (BBQ's), amazing places to dine and of course it's French. I loved Le Petit Hotel but the walk to town is about 15 min and there is no side walk on a small part so at night it's a little tricky with a wee one. They have a sister hotel L'Esmerelda I believe. Our unit at Le Petit has a lovely full kitchen and amazing apothocaries, a starter snack pack, water and more. Grande Case is a little bit of heaven and of course AA flies there from MIA I believe. I do not like all inclusives so will not be recommending any. It's not my first pick of an island but it's got French and AA. Ann Phelan www.antiguacaribbean.com |
#6
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Please help us decide which island to visit
On Nov 21, 2:52 am, Brian K wrote:
On 11/18/2008 9:59 AM cjra did a "happy dance", then made these writings: We're hoping to travel to the Caribbean in January for about a week, but really have no idea where to go... here's some basics: *would like French speaking but not required *really don't want an all-inclusive but it wouldn't be the end of the world *Family of 3 (mom, dad, 2.5 yo old) so need kid-tolerant but not specific kid activities...she'll be happy with the sand and water and a slide somewhere *somewhere American airlines or Continental flies (since we're trying to use miles) I've been to St Croix in the 80s, my husband's never been to the Caribbean. We're both pretty seasoned travellers and have lived in a few different developing countries, are quite accustomed to non-luxury environments. Not really looking for a 'sanitized' version of the islands but we do have a 2.5 yo and don't want to be backpacking for miles or dodging bullets... We like to experience and explore local culture, local foods, local life. Don't really need happening night life. Any suggestions? I'm kind of at a loss as to where to start. Thanks! Have you considered staying in a cabaña in Mexico's Yucatan? Assuming you are US citizens, the dollar is again strong against the Mexican peso. There are many cabañas to choose from basic to luxury in the Yucatan a/k/a Mayan Riviera. Many cabañas afford a better connection to locals and their culture. You might check out these links. http://mayanriviera.com/nhotels/anay...om/properties/ Many people don't think of Mexico when they consider visiting the Caribbean. The state of Quintanna Roo is on the Caribbean sea and its climate is similar to the Caribbean islands. I like the area but have been there before (stayed at the very south end of the peninsula in Xcalak, then took a bus up the coast to Petumal (?). I loved it but would like to try some place I've never been. I also used to live in Costa Rica so we crossed that off the list. We don't intend to be in the US much longer, and just want to take advantage of close proximity to the Caribbean. |
#7
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Please help us decide which island to visit
On Nov 21, 10:25 am, " wrote:
On Nov 18, 9:59 am, cjra wrote: We're hoping to travel to the Caribbean in January for about a week, but really have no idea where to go... here's some basics: *would like French speaking but not required *really don't want an all-inclusive but it wouldn't be the end of the world *Family of 3 (mom, dad, 2.5 yo old) so need kid-tolerant but not specific kid activities...she'll be happy with the sand and water and a slide somewhere *somewhere American airlines or Continental flies (since we're trying to use miles) I've been to St Croix in the 80s, my husband's never been to the Caribbean. We're both pretty seasoned travellers and have lived in a few different developing countries, are quite accustomed to non-luxury environments. Not really looking for a 'sanitized' version of the islands but we do have a 2.5 yo and don't want to be backpacking for miles or dodging bullets... We like to experience and explore local culture, local foods, local life. Don't really need happening night life. Any suggestions? I'm kind of at a loss as to where to start. Thanks! It's a little difficult to narrow in on an island as your ideas are sort of all over the place. To focus on the French islands since that sounds of interest I will speak to St. Martin. I was there in Aug. prior to that it has been some time since I was on island. The island is hugely commercialized, lots of traffic, of course crime but I do LOVE LOVE LOVE the French side and encourage you to consider Grande Case. There is a lovely beach, Lolo's (BBQ's), amazing places to dine and of course it's French. I loved Le Petit Hotel but the walk to town is about 15 min and there is no side walk on a small part so at night it's a little tricky with a wee one. They have a sister hotel L'Esmerelda I believe. Our unit at Le Petit has a lovely full kitchen and amazing apothocaries, a starter snack pack, water and more. Grande Case is a little bit of heaven and of course AA flies there from MIA I believe. I do not like all inclusives so will not be recommending any. It's not my first pick of an island but it's got French and AA. Ann Phelanwww.antiguacaribbean.com So what island would you recommend? French isn't a requirement, just a small preference for me...of course part of that is because I envision the English speaking islands to be more heavily touristed by Americans and commercialized. I'd rather avoid both just because I want to be somewhere 'different' - not like an extension of the US with all the same stuff, KWIM? Your suggestions for St. Maarten are appreciated...sounds nice, although now you've said commercialized I hesitate. Where else would you suggest? I really really really don't like all-inclusives if I can avoid it. |
#8
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Please help us decide which island to visit
In article
, cjra wrote: French isn't a requirement, just a small preference for me...of course part of that is because I envision the English speaking islands to be more heavily touristed by Americans and commercialized. I'd rather avoid both just because I want to be somewhere 'different' - not like an extension of the US with all the same stuff, KWIM? Your suggestions for St. Maarten are appreciated...sounds nice, although now you've said commercialized I hesitate. Where else would you suggest? I really really really don't like all-inclusives if I can avoid it. All the worst of the commercial stuff is on the Dutch side. There is one large and very wonderful SuperMarche on the French side but all the big box stores and fast food is on the Dutch side. I also second the suggestion to stay in Grand Case. It's lovely and full of AMAZING restaurants. I've stayed at the Grand Case Beach Club which is just north of town and has a nice little calm beach perfect for a child. It was an easy walk to that end of Grand Case, and they will rent a car for you as well. Traffic on the island however is very bad. There is of course just 1 road around the island and it's always always slow everywhere. But still fun. It's one of my favorite islands after Anquilla. If money is no object my first choice in islands is Anguilla but it's very expensive. The Cuisinart Resort there has lots of kids and the beaches on Anquilla are some of the very very best in the world. I have stayed at several places there and love the island dearly. Very very untouristy. My final suggestion would be Trinidad. It's English speaking. All the trashy stuff is on Tobago. There's not a single chain fast food place, no Donna Karan or Rolex adds. It's very very much the old Caribbean that is gone from most places. Everyone is lovely and helpful. |
#9
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Please help us decide which island to visit
On 11/21/2008 11:54 AM cjra did a "happy dance", then made these writings:
On Nov 21, 2:52 am, Brian K wrote: On 11/18/2008 9:59 AM cjra did a "happy dance", then made these writings: We're hoping to travel to the Caribbean in January for about a week, but really have no idea where to go... here's some basics: *would like French speaking but not required *really don't want an all-inclusive but it wouldn't be the end of the world *Family of 3 (mom, dad, 2.5 yo old) so need kid-tolerant but not specific kid activities...she'll be happy with the sand and water and a slide somewhere *somewhere American airlines or Continental flies (since we're trying to use miles) I've been to St Croix in the 80s, my husband's never been to the Caribbean. We're both pretty seasoned travellers and have lived in a few different developing countries, are quite accustomed to non-luxury environments. Not really looking for a 'sanitized' version of the islands but we do have a 2.5 yo and don't want to be backpacking for miles or dodging bullets... We like to experience and explore local culture, local foods, local life. Don't really need happening night life. Any suggestions? I'm kind of at a loss as to where to start. Thanks! Have you considered staying in a cabaña in Mexico's Yucatan? Assuming you are US citizens, the dollar is again strong against the Mexican peso. There are many cabañas to choose from basic to luxury in the Yucatan a/k/a Mayan Riviera. Many cabañas afford a better connection to locals and their culture. You might check out these links. http://mayanriviera.com/nhotels/anay...om/properties/ Many people don't think of Mexico when they consider visiting the Caribbean. The state of Quintanna Roo is on the Caribbean sea and its climate is similar to the Caribbean islands. I like the area but have been there before (stayed at the very south end of the peninsula in Xcalak, then took a bus up the coast to Petumal (?). I loved it but would like to try some place I've never been. I also used to live in Costa Rica so we crossed that off the list. We don't intend to be in the US much longer, and just want to take advantage of close proximity to the Caribbean. What about Dominica? (Not the Dominican Republic) Sure it's a long plain ride from the US. But consider what it has to offer. Check out this official tourism link: http://www.avirtualdominica.com/tourism.cfm Dominica is known as the Garden Island. It has it all, scuba diving, snorkeling, a geothermal caldera called Boiling Lake, natural hot water baths peppered throughout the island's rivers. Every coast of Dominica offers a different beach scape and different activities. One coastal beach has black volcanic sand, another has pure white powder that never gets hot no matter how bright the sun and temperature. The cruise ships have just started sailing there and their inroads on the island are minimal and limited. -- ________ To email me, Edit "blog" from my email address. Brian M. Kochera "The poor dog is the firmest friend, the first to welcome the foremost to defend" - Lord Byron View My Web Page: http://home.earthlink.net/~brian1951 |
#10
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Anguilla [WAS: Please help us decide which island to visit]
On Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:29:58 -0800, Tamzen Cannoy wrote:
If money is no object my first choice in islands is Anguilla but it's very expensive. Horse Hockey! http://ferryboatinn.ai/ My wife and I have visited Anguilla in each of the last 10 years -- a 3-week stay on each trip. We have always stayed at The Ferryboat Inn and I would never refer to it as "very expensive." Of course, if you insist on staying in one of the all inclusive compounds, then you can have a a very expensive experience. Myself, I don't need mints on my pillow, nor 'attendants' at the beach. There are other 'inns' on Anguilla -- places that offer "self catering" apartments. I like to refer to it as "Self catering accommodations for the "self-sufficient traveler." I will agree that eating out in the 'fancy' restaurants on Anguilla can be quite expensive. However, I do *not* travel to Anguilla to eat out. I can do that at home. Ditto for shopping. The Cuisinart Resort there has lots of kids and the beaches on Anquilla are some of the very very best in the world. I have stayed at several places there and love the island dearly. Very very untouristy. Agree. We always go around October-November -- fairly off season -- and find it uncrowded. And the Anguillians (the friendliest people I've ever encountered) have more time to spend with you. Jonesy -- Marvin L Jones | jonz | W3DHJ | linux 38.24N 104.55W | @ config.com | Jonesy | OS/2 * Killfiling google & XXXXbanter.com: jonz.net/ng.htm |
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