Where to go next year?

[Windy]

Trying to get ideas for next year's vacation in March or April. The couple we travel with like to try out new places, so won't be going to Aruba again for a while. Just had two wonderful weeks there.

Did Puerto Rico two years ago (loved it!), and Aruba 3 years ago. We get to Bermuda once or twice a year on our own for a quick 5-day.

So, any ideas/recomendations would be awesome!
We like to fly direct from Boston.

Dh and I enjoy peace and quiet and beach time, our friends like to explore and aren't as much into the beach scene, and we all like to try different places for dinner. So, we have to find a good compromise!

Much as I love Aruba (esp the perfect weather) I wouldn't mind something a little less crowded and "Americanized"!

[Arubalisa]

You are going to be limited by who flies to the Caribbean direct from Boston...my first thoughts are the Dominican Republic or Mexico- Cancun or Riviera Maya.

Given the choice of anywhere in the Caribbean to return to I would go to Grenada, Barbados or St. Lucia.

If money were no object...Anguilla. It is supposed to be similar to Aruba in climate and some beautiful white sand beaches and fine dining as well.

[Windy]

Originally Posted by Arubalisa

You are going to be limited by who flies to the Caribbean direct from Boston...my first thoughts are the Dominican Republic or Mexico- Cancun or Riviera Maya.

Given the choice of anywhere in the Caribbean to return to I would go to Grenada, Barbados or St. Lucia.

If money were no object...Anguilla. It is supposed to be similar to Aruba in climate and some beautiful white sand beaches and fine dining as well.

Thanks for the ideas! Right now I think I'd be a little nervous about Mexico!

What would be your 1st choice?

Maybe we could talk the other couple into a quick hop on a second flight! It would certainly open up more possibilities!

[Andrea J.]

my 1st choice would be BONAIRE like aruba's weather very similar friendly people
beaches small awesome snorkeling and scuba much history.
my 2nd choice would be CURACAO like aruba and bonaire but more congestion, larger capitol city

BONAIRE AND CURACAO both have nice hotels delicious restaurants weather similar to aruba.

3rd choice St Maarten, dutch side. wonderful beaches, people, restaurants.

[rob o]

Anguilla or St Lucia.....

Turks/Caicos anyone?

[Arubalisa]

Turks and Caicos, but not in December, January or February. I would be afraid of a northern cold front. Just my luck.

Don't blame you on the "no" Mexico Windy.

I loved Bonaire and Curacao. Neither are as Americanized as Aruba. Bonaire though if ya'll are looking for nightlife will be VERY quiet. Neither Bonaire or Curacao have "real" beaches. Curacao has some really nice coves, but the "sand" is more crushed coral and you wouldn't want to travel without a pair of water shoes.

All goes back to where can you fly to in the Caribbean from Boston. St. Kitts was nice for the day, but again, not a place to go for great beaches. The Marriott was on the windward side. I personally was not impressed.

Dominica is beautiful (but difficult to get to) for a nature/adventure type vacation. Again, no great beaches, difficult to get to.

Grenada I refer to as my "cannot get there from here" island. Last I checked, from here in ATL, the busiest airport in the world, traveling to Grenada involved flying to SJU with an overnight stay there. The island itself is beautiful, green and lush. The people are wonderful and there are some pcituresque beaches, though there are some "vendors".

St. Maarten has a nice new Radisson over on the French side and if money is no object there is Crane Beach on the beautiful west coast of Barbados. The color of the water and beach reminded me a bit of Aruba.

Lastly, speaking of similar to Aruba, another island which reminds me quite a bit of Aruba, but is $$$ as well, is Grand Cayman. On the downside imo, it was Americanized as well, though not as much as Aruba.

Boy we are all really spoiled going to Aruba...

Of course there is always a Caribbean cruise. Visit all the islands above and decide for yourself without every having to unpack each time. Now dh and I just stay on the ship. The ship is our resort and the pool is our haven when the ship is in port and everyone is off on excursions.

[Chadd]

We've been looking over the options as I have a week off in June and want to take advantage of it. I was hoping for St Martin or Grand Cayman, but the wife seems to have her sights set on Punta Cana against the advice of virtually everyone she has talked to. One of her co-workers has parents that go there every year and they enjoy it, so evidently the key is going to the same hotel they use.

[Terry Joz]

How about tortolla in the bvi - it is beautiful there and your friends can venture to st. Thomas, st. Johns, virgin gorda, and other islands for adventure.

[Andrea J.]

what about KEY WEST?
save some money and visit Key West or one of the keys along the way.
Key West has a caribbean feel although the beaches are not at all huge and gorgeous as Aruba's.
Great restaurants. Somewhat economical. Great flights to Miami or even directly to KW.
You could look into renting a timeshare there or there are some great hotels.
A terrific place with a nice almost Caribbean feel.

[Shnyda]

If there was a Caribbean Island that I have been to and would like to return to (not including Aruba) it would be St. Maarten. We had a great 5 day trip there about 3 years ago and would love to return one day! That's my recommendation. It is definitely less Americanized than Aruba but it still is safe.