I am trying to plan Caribbean trip for April for my family. Was looking at direct flight from Boston--not wanting to do stop overs with little ones.
First, I can't believe how expensive everything has gotten, but I haven't really went on a trip in 3 years so it evens out I guess.
It looks like Aruba is popping up as a top choice. I don't need an all inclusive resort and do like to hike a bit. I have an active family and am not just looking to relax at the beach .
Great food is important though.
Open to all options, but would love some advice.
It's a big island so you can drive around a bit. Some of the good restaurants are scattered around the island. One I remember you can sit on the beach and watch the sunset that was great. And there's gambling which I think is pretty shitty there but maybe others will disagree.
But there's not to much to see otherwise. There might be scuba. I know nearby Bonaire has fantastic diving.
Great-you just described my wife.
Aruba is full blown tourism, and looks like a desert, but it is all beautiful beaches.
Aruba is full blown tourism, and looks like a desert, but it is all beautiful beaches.
Saint Lucia looked amazing but flights were almost $11,000 for a family of 4!
Dominica looks very cool as well.
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At St. Lucia and Dominica. Our two favorite islands. Dominica is still relatively new to the tourism trade. Cruise ships didn't start going until 2012 or thereabouts. Both are beautiful islands with rain forests, volcanic peaks and some decent beaches. You'll still find real island life and culture.
Aruba is full blown tourism, and looks like a desert, but it is all beautiful beaches.
Saint Lucia looked amazing but flights were almost $11,000 for a family of 4!
Dominica looks very cool as well.
How old are the kids? Consider a cruise? Some lines have great kids programs where they're busy all day - leaving you and the wife free to do what you want.
Not a direct flight, but it has great beaches
St Lucia is beautiful as well. Their black sand beach Anse Chastinet(?) is one of my faves and the mud bath tour is fun.
Not sure there is a ton for kids to do other than beach though unless the hotel has a pool/resort stuff to do.
I hear good things about Turks and Caicos and I may go this year in April. But like other beach resorts, not sure how much there is to do for kids besides the beach.
St Lucia is beautiful as well. Their black sand beach Anse Chastinet(?) is one of my faves and the mud bath tour is fun.
I am leaning towards Barbados now for the out of hotel exploration options.
Lots of good options all around on the other places too.
I am tied to school vacation too.
Nonstop--One up and down to avoid ear crying and throwing up from the children. Traveling with kids always has just a little extra fun!
Not sure there is a ton for kids to do other than beach though unless the hotel has a pool/resort stuff to do.
I hear good things about Turks and Caicos and I may go this year in April. But like other beach resorts, not sure how much there is to do for kids besides the beach.
Turks and Caicos may have the best beaches in the Caribbean. But it's a lot of resorts, the food is only fair, and there isn't much else to do. I prefer St. Martin and Aruba personally.
definitely not a cheap island.
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everything by skyrockets in April with public school spring breaks. You should check late march if that’s a viable option for you timing wise.
I am tied to school vacation too.
How old are the kids? Depending on age you may want to prioritize a location with a water park on site. I’ve been looking at the Baha Mar in the Bahamas. There’s 3 hotels on the property and a huge water park.
agreed. We are heading there for a week in March. Would love to be able to spend more time exploring the island but not on a family trip.
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In comment 16018403 UConn4523 said:
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everything by skyrockets in April with public school spring breaks. You should check late march if that’s a viable option for you timing wise.
I am tied to school vacation too.
How old are the kids? Depending on age you may want to prioritize a location with a water park on site. I’ve been looking at the Baha Mar in the Bahamas. There’s 3 hotels on the property and a huge water park.
Just a little too young for water parks—would be on high alert, not relaxing, with my crew. A pool will be good.
minutes to cover, The island isn’t pretty, and the snorkeling/diving is below average. It’s a windy, desert island.
But, again, great food (Madame Jeanette’s) and pleasant people make up
for some of the shortcomings.
I’m still not sure which Third World country to take my children to, but hopefully I find something good.
It's a big island so you can drive around a bit. Some of the good restaurants are scattered around the island. One I remember you can sit on the beach and watch the sunset that was great.
Flyin Fishbone used to be our favorite but they went corporate, and nickle and dimed every tourist a few years ago, guessing new ownership — we haven’t been back in 5 years after two awful experiences. Not driving / taxiing 45 minutes for shit food, service and now same prices as eagle and palm beaches. It’s a shame because a decade ago it really was a crown jewel of the island (along with MJs)
We’re going in 3 weeks - madame Jeannette’s, faro blanco and Chalet Suisse are on tap. Can’t wait.
The people were nicer and genuinely friendly - it may have to do with it being less impoverished nation compared to DR.
Lots of hiking on St Lucia as well
St Lucia is beautiful as well. Their black sand beach Anse Chastinet(?) is one of my faves and the mud bath tour is fun.
Barbados was the winner. The caverns is on the list.
They feed the stingrays right of the beach, you can watch them come in as you eat.
There was a good lobster place in town, can't remember the name.
Bathsheba beach very rocky, but picturesque.
The caverns are amazing.
Enjoy
They feed the stingrays right of the beach, you can watch them come in as you eat.
There was a good lobster place in town, can't remember the name.
Bathsheba beach very rocky, but picturesque.
The caverns are amazing.
Enjoy
Thank you. Will check it all out. Wouldn’t mind being there now.
The people were nicer and genuinely friendly - it may have to do with it being less impoverished nation compared to DR.
Lots of hiking on St Lucia as well
Agreed - if you are an active couple, St. Lucia is really the best place, for snorkeling, hiking and biking. Food was good as well.
If you want to just sit on the beach and have good meals, Turks & Caicos, Aruba and Anguilla.
Haven't done Aruba, but agree re St. Martin French side.