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Re: Daily Routine and Must Dos?
[Re: Jerry_R]
#51474
04/22/2015 10:15 PM
04/22/2015 10:15 PM
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 155 Central Connecticut
4Driver4
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 155
Central Connecticut
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8 AM - get out of bed, go for a walk, buy fresh baguette. 9 AM - back to hotel, eat something light, switch to bathing suit 9:30 or 10 - wife heads to beach or pool, I got the cafe for a coffee 11 - I meet wife at beach/pool 1:30ish - snack time of cut veggies, bread, cheese, wine, etc 2 - beach 4 - back to room to sit in the shade 5:30 - shower and dress 6:30 - watch sun set, then walk to dinner
Other days vary, but the morning walk and evening sunset and dinner stay the same. We are never in a hurry to get anywhere or do anything. Enjoy!
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Re: Daily Routine and Must Dos?
[Re: Jag2596]
#51476
04/22/2015 11:52 PM
04/22/2015 11:52 PM
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,961 Portland, OR
jazzgal
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,961
Portland, OR
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I'll be at Divi from June 6-27. I can't say I have a daily routine, but I do alternate days: one day I'll stay at Divi (I call those Divi Days), and then the next go elsewhere, maybe a boat excursion or just to another beach.
I almost always have breakfast on my deck, which overlooks Little Bay. I leave when I get around to it and usually stay on the beach until 4 PM or so. Sometimes I'll go to HH with a group direct from the beach; other times I'll go back to Divi to clean up first. I'm not much of a drinker so HH isn't important to me.
I rarely make dinner reservations; in June, it's just not a problem to get in where you want to.
Don't try to structure your trip too much as your plans likely will change due to what's called "sand gravity." Personally, I'm not that impressed with Pinel, but others are. I'm glad you're going on the Passaat; it's a magical experience to me.
I hope to meet you all when you are at Divi.
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Re: Daily Routine and Must Dos?
[Re: Jag2596]
#51479
04/23/2015 06:50 AM
04/23/2015 06:50 AM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,464 Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,464
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
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We've been going to the island at the same time each year for several years, so have a lot of friends who are there at the same time that we are. Our plans are rarely made until the morning, when we connect with them, or don't, as everyone needs time to themselves occasionally.
I generally get up before 6, make coffee, and enjoy that on our balcony while watching the sky light up, and the cruise ships arrive. I catch up on TTOL, and connect with our friends on Facebook so plans can be made.
We generally end up at one beach or another by 9:30 or 10; we like to get there early to be sure to get front row chairs. A bloody Mary usually follows, and a walk on the beach.
Around 12:30 we'll head to the restaurant (if we're at a beach that has one, and we almost always are) for lunch. Usually it becomes our main meal of the day and is an event that lasts a couple of hours (or more if we're with friends) along with a bottle or two of wine. Another beach walk after lunch to work at least a few of the calories off, more chair time, and we usually head home around 3 or 3:30.
Evening plans depend on how big our lunch was: either dinner of cheese, crackers, fruit and wine on the balcony; or a meal out with our friends or sometimes just the two of us.
We're not late night people, so we're usually tucked in by 10.
I enjoy the loosy-goosy feel of our stay without making a lot of plans and feeling like we're running every minute. But we're there for three weeks, so it's easier not to feel that we have to cram a lot of vacation into a short time.
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Re: Daily Routine and Must Dos?
[Re: GaKaye]
#51480
04/23/2015 07:38 AM
04/23/2015 07:38 AM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,496 Rhode Island
RonDon
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,496
Rhode Island
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We are not lie in the sun people so the beach is either early am or 4pm for us.
When we stay at Divi we have coffee on the lanai and watch the cruise ships arrive; then a walk on the beach, lounge for a time, take a dip. Then it's off to explore this island we should know by heart by this time; however, we always discover something we've missed on past trips. We love driving in & out of all the nooks & crannies and on to places more well known to see what has changed.
We stop for lunch---sometimes light, sometimes it's our main meal. We love the fixed price lunch at Le Taitu, off the road to Pinel Ferry. One day it's Marigot, another it's Grand Case or Anse Marcel. Back to Divi for a 3p-4p stroll on the beach and a nap in a lounge chair.
In the evening it's off to dinner: Grand Case, Sol e Luna, or just pizza in Oyster Pond.
On those visits when we stay at Grand Case Beach Club, we don't rent a car. Early am swim, walk on the beach, lunch in town or on the balcony with bread, cheese, wine. Afternoon read in the shade followed by dinner in town.
We've never taken a boat cruise except as transportation to another island when the mood hit us. Nor have we done the zip lines. We do enjoy the butterfly farm (never gets tired), the Marigot market, or strolling the Marina Royal. We used to visit casino but having never won we decided it's not for us. Back in the 80's we partied late, drank a lot and spent most days on a beach.
Whatever you do just make memories!
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Re: Daily Routine and Must Dos?
[Re: RonDon]
#51481
04/23/2015 08:12 AM
04/23/2015 08:12 AM
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 520 New York, New York
gracie105
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 520
New York, New York
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Hi Jag...My husband and I are in our 50's and we having been coming to the island for 14 years. We don't really have a plan everyday, but we are always up by 7AM having coffee on our balcony enjoying the breathtaking view of the ocean. We also like to take a walk on the beach around 7:30, then take a dip in the pool, go upstairs have breakfast and are at the beach by 9:30-10, and leave by around 3. When we leave the beach we usually do something spontaneous, go to Maho watch the planes, have a cocktail. We always meet new people while on vacation which is always fun. We then head back to the room take a nap, usually up around 6:30-7PM take showers head out for dinner, then off to the casino. We love Hollywood casino it is close to the Red Piano. This is just one day for us in paradise, we like to do different things every night. The beach we do everyday.
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Re: Daily Routine and Must Dos?
[Re: gracie105]
#51482
04/23/2015 08:15 AM
04/23/2015 08:15 AM
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 334 Pittsburgh, PA
jerber160
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 334
Pittsburgh, PA
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I usually don't plan... but was thinking of adding activities to my next trip (and making it longer than 4 days) if I do I HAVE to build in days for the hangover-a rest day between activities-nappy, beachy,,dark air conditioner,,, beachy,, no plans days.. I don't recover like I used to.
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Re: Daily Routine and Must Dos?
[Re: Jag2596]
#51486
04/23/2015 09:41 AM
04/23/2015 09:41 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,598 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,598
Central Florida!
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As far as June, we often go to the island in June and usually there is no problem with any places being closed. This year will be different on Orient, as the section of restaurants closest to Club Orient will be closed for a few months, starting at some point in June. Otherwise, as far as places being closed, they may not be open every night, but there really should not be many, if any, closed for vacation.
Carol Hill
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Re: Daily Routine and Must Dos?
[Re: Jag2596]
#51488
04/23/2015 10:45 AM
04/23/2015 10:45 AM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,162 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
islandgem
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,162
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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There should be no daily routine and no must do's! You are on vacation and you need to get away from a daily routine!. On the island everyday is different, and should be designed around YOUR personal choices. We all like to do something different at different times and planning your special time to mimic what others do removes the flavor for your personal vacation.
Make your island vacation different from others and then share your adventures with us upon your return. It is the uniqueness that makes for enjoyable reading!
Enjoy every moment in paradise! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />
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Re: Daily Routine and Must Dos?
[Re: charlieh]
#51491
04/23/2015 11:30 AM
04/23/2015 11:30 AM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 304 NC, USA
Durathror
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 304
NC, USA
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We do best when we arrive with a list of things that we could do. Possibilities for each day. We rarely make "plans" but each day review the possibilities we collected before we left and decide which one strikes our fancy.
We have now spent 5 weeks on the island and are about 1/2 of the way through the list we created for our first, one week visit.
There's a small fortune to be made in racing; just start with a large one.
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Re: Daily Routine and Must Dos?
[Re: gracie105]
#51492
04/23/2015 11:53 AM
04/23/2015 11:53 AM
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 170
axd0424
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 170
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Re: Daily Routine and Must Dos?
[Re: GaKaye]
#51493
04/23/2015 01:51 PM
04/23/2015 01:51 PM
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 135
BobNLiz
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 135
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Much like others... We are very early risers so we watch the sun come up over our Dawn Beach villa... I cook breakfast while Bob goes and ices down the ice chest. We like to be out of the door by 9 or 930 arriving at a beach of choice by 10 or 1030... By 330 we have had enough sun so we head back and spend the late afternoon in our pool...
We like to allocate 2 days to just enjoy the villa and maybe light shopping.
We go out to dinner or barbeque in the evening..
2 evenings are casino evenings...
2 are Red Piano Bar evenings
1 is Cheri's
The other 5 or 7 are early evenings back at the villa sipping on a cocktail or 12, enjoying music around the pool and just visiting....
Again as others have said keep the "plans" light... these are generally how our 10-14 days are spent..
Last edited by BobNLiz; 04/23/2015 03:21 PM.
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Re: Daily Routine and Must Dos?
[Re: Jag2596]
#51494
04/23/2015 02:46 PM
04/23/2015 02:46 PM
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 135
BobNLiz
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 135
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Jag2596 said:
It's interesting that Anguilla and Pinel are not as sought after destinations as I imagined. If you like calm waters then you will like Pinel... It is why Bob & I DON'T like Pinel.. we prefer a little wave action and the water at Pinel is Lake-like calm.. Have not been to Anguilla and on't have any intention.. SXM is fine for us... thus can't offer up any comments
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Re: Daily Routine and Must Dos?
[Re: charlieh]
#51496
04/23/2015 03:15 PM
04/23/2015 03:15 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677
Brookfield, CT.
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charlieh said: Must do would include a drive around the island, which will not be easy the 1st time, going to Grand Case, hitting at least 3 beaches, at least a brief visit to the 2 cities.
I'll also 2nd the Butterfly Farm. The idea of an island drive around is a very good idea, particularly if you can do it on a Sunday morning......less traffic and easier to navigate and it's a great way to acclimate yourself. Do remember that it's your vacation so a set agenda can become much like the rigors of home and work. Relax and let the mood of the moment be your final decision maker.......and I truly hope you enjoy all this great place has to offer. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Daily Routine and Must Dos?
[Re: pat]
#51497
04/23/2015 03:48 PM
04/23/2015 03:48 PM
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 234 TOTOWA NJ
lina
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 234
TOTOWA NJ
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i'm up early, make espresso or cappuccino, (I bring my own), wait for hubby to wake, buy croissants, have breakfast, sometimes we go to sbyc or marigot for crepes. decide what we are eating for dinner, I'd RATHER EAT HOME..we bring a lot of food from USA, off to beach or boat ride..home, shower reeeeelaaaxxxxxx eat, bed. ditto next day. so boring but so perfect for us. after 30 yrs of SXM this is what we enjoy.
lina and piggy
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Re: Daily Routine and Must Dos?
[Re: Durathror]
#51499
04/23/2015 07:20 PM
04/23/2015 07:20 PM
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Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 24 New Jersey
Jag2596
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 24
New Jersey
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Durathror said: We do best when we arrive with a list of things that we could do. Possibilities for each day. We rarely make "plans" but each day review the possibilities we collected before we left and decide which one strikes our fancy.. That's what I do.! Lots of pre-vacation research - which gets me all psyched up for the trip and gives me a list of all the possibilities. Then I just pick and choose as the mood strikes. Based on the recommendations from everyone on those kinds of boards, I know I am going to be choosing from great options - from restaurants to excursions. More often than not I wind up only doing a few of the things but I like to be prepared for the possibilities. .
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Re: Daily Routine and Must Dos?
[Re: Jag2596]
#51501
04/23/2015 09:04 PM
04/23/2015 09:04 PM
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 708 Lake Texoma, Texas
cruzer
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 708
Lake Texoma, Texas
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Our daily routine is heavily influenced by sand gravity. We're now up to 3 weeks in October at GCBC, followed by a few days at Mary's Boon, but this is about 75% of a typical day.
I try to wake up a bit before 6 am to catch the sunrise and experience the wakening of the resort and the town of Grand Case, as viewed from a chair with a mug of coffee.
Put on coffee, open front door to let in most of the cats, open back door to let in Ginger, feed cats, fill carafe with coffee and fill my mug, chase the cats out, and head out to enjoy the beginning of a new day.
Walk into town to get baguettes and croissants and come back to eat breakfast. Then it's time for about an hours dip on the Petite Plage side of the resort, followed by a leisurely lunch, either out or some combo of pate, cheese, bread, doggy bag, or maybe, I even cook.
More time under the sea grape trees and a few more dips in the water. If I get real motivated, I may mosey over to the Grand Case Beach side of the resort. This consumes the rest of the afternoon.
As sunset is around 5:45, we shower around 5 ish, change into our evening finery (a clean island shirt), open the wine or bubbly and head to the waterfront in pursuit of the elusive green flash, which we have seen only once, or less than 1% of the days.
Then around 7:30, it's off to a leisurely dinner, which always seems to take two hours or more, and back to the room to offer the cats a nightcap, and rest up for the next day.
We may go to another beach on one or two days, but sand gravity seems to demand we stay in Grand Case. You really can't fight Mother Nature.
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Re: Daily Routine and Must Dos?
[Re: luvitinsxm]
#51505
04/24/2015 12:06 PM
04/24/2015 12:06 PM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,160 Greensboro, NC
charlieh
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,160
Greensboro, NC
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luvitinsxm said: In the meantime a few rum punches have been included. This is #1, #2 and #3 on my list. Without rum (rhum) why go? Ti Punch is still my favorite drink in the world. However, the other options for a great rum drink are quite nice.
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Re: Daily Routine and Must Dos?
[Re: charlieh]
#51506
04/25/2015 07:00 PM
04/25/2015 07:00 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 47 Illinois, USA
Tandoorii
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 47
Illinois, USA
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We rent a villa with view & pool top of the hill overlooking Orient Beach, so our routine (if there is one)is get to Club O early to grab a waterside lounge for the day. Usually pack a lunch, drinks, etc...and a book & crossword. Lot of distractions there, however.
Things we like to sneak in when we are moved to do so: -Visit Marigot: breakfast at La Croissanterie (Marina Port Royale for the best croissants anywhere!!) Then walk the streets a bit on the way to see what Sir Richardson has newly created at his gallery on Rue de la Republic. Then across the street, I stop in to the little cigar store for some yummy hand made torpedoes. I usually buy a box for island and home. -A couple snorkel/sails. Around the island one day and a nice sail to Anguilla another. Maybe do another one like a sunset. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/titanic.gif" alt="" /> -On a day when just one ship is in port we shop Phillipsburg, get a couple bottles of Extra Old Mt. Gay rum. We found on ship days there are more stores open and we can get whatever we hanker for at good prices. Not an option for everyone... -Stay mostly on French side. After all, it's so French! Great markets with cool prices on wines, pates, cheeses and the like. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" /> -I like to cook so I bring a few frozen steaks, side of salmon and cook in a few times. Super(European)ingredients available <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/chef.gif" alt="" /> Tell me more about Red Piano on Monday. Is it worth a drive from Orient Bay at night?
Thank you all for your thoughts. Got some new ideas. Might even try to get up to see the sunrise <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Sick.gif" alt="" />
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Re: Daily Routine and Must Dos?
[Re: Jag2596]
#51507
04/25/2015 07:26 PM
04/25/2015 07:26 PM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081 Clearwater, FL
Biturbo
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
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The only thing close to a routine (and it's followed loosely) is to only go out for one meal a day, i.e. we rotate breakfast, lunch and dinner. The rest of our meals we have back at our unit. We usually have dinner earlier than most - probably 6:30 - 7:00. We've been staying at 2 different places, 1 week at each, and love them equally. When we're at Club O, we're at the beach and have reserved chairs. We like to go for a few hours in the AM, and return mid-afternoon, staying 'til the sun goes down (our favorite beach time). Going for sunrise walks on Orient, with a quick dip, is very enjoyable. When staying elsewhere, we try to get to the beach at 10-ish, or we just laze by the pool. But, definitely renting a car enhances your island experience, having the ability to go when and where you want. The island is easy to learn, there is one main road that basically encircles it. Enjoy, and please let us know how it went.
I'm going where the weather suits my clothes.
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Re: Daily Routine and Must Dos?
[Re: IslandBoi]
#51509
04/28/2015 06:08 PM
04/28/2015 06:08 PM
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 334 Pittsburgh, PA
jerber160
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 334
Pittsburgh, PA
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IslandBoi said: i believe in trying to see/experience as much as you can on your first trip...you can't do everything obviously, but try to do as much as you are comfortable with, without feeling like you're "on the run" all the time...for this reason, i think visiting Pinel and Anguilla would be worthwhile <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />
then when you return in the future, you can slow it down some as you'll have a better idea of what to revisit and you'll still have new things/places to experience I'm the opposite because I figure if I like it a lot, I'll be back. We used to take student trips to NYC and new parents would try to pack it all in in one week... I figured if you're our students you'll be back every other year or so until you're 18... plenty of time.
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