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New vacation spot #143961
09/20/2017 06:54 AM
09/20/2017 06:54 AM
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 215
Michigan
mprevo Offline OP
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mprevo  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 215
Michigan
I am looking for some advice. We have been vacationing n St Martin for many years. Since the destruction of Irma this year we need to find a new spot. I am looking for some advice on other islands to go to.

Here is what are looking for in a vacation:

We don't need fancy restaurants, we can be just as happy eating at a road side stand as well as a nice restaurant.

We enjoy sitting on a sandy beach. We like to rent chairs and umbrellas and have a few drinks in the sun.

We like to use AirBnB. Rent a condo and do our own thing.

We like it to be fairly safe. I understand nowhere is 100% safe and as long as you use common sense then it is usually OK.

We enjoy more of a quiet atmosphere. Not into large crowds of college at kids partying down. We are not prudes and enjoy a good time I just don't need it around 24/7.

Let me know your thoughts. Thanks in advance for your help.

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Re: New vacation spot [Re: mprevo] #143962
09/20/2017 09:20 AM
09/20/2017 09:20 AM
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 926
F
Fletch Offline
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Fletch  Offline
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 926
Most of the northern Caribbean islands were severely affected by Hurricane Irma and, as of yesterday and today, by H. Maria so may not be fully back to normal by next February. Look at islands in the southern parts of the Caribbean - many of the Grenadines will have what you are seeking. If they are too remote for you then that leaves you with Aruba, Bonaire or Curacao.

The Cayman islands might also interest you - the 2 hurricanes didn't go anywhere near them. And, barring any more storms, I'm guessing Antigua, St. Kitts and Nevis will probably be pretty much recovered by February 2018 so they will also fill your bill.

Last edited by Fletch; 09/20/2017 09:25 AM.
Re: New vacation spot [Re: mprevo] #143963
09/20/2017 12:20 PM
09/20/2017 12:20 PM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,923
Annapolis
Eva Offline
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Eva  Offline
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Posts: 1,923
Annapolis
I've had to cancel (well, let's hope it's just a postponement) my trip to St. Martin this year as well. Still hoping we'll manage the Nevis part of the trip. But my Plan C would be Costa Rica -- it seems to have what I'm looking for, with the added bonus of having many of the resorts and hotels being very environmentally oriented.


I've got a Caribbean Soul I can barely control... (JB)
Re: New vacation spot [Re: Eva] #143964
09/20/2017 02:02 PM
09/20/2017 02:02 PM
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 396
Pacific NW
S
snmhanson Offline
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snmhanson  Offline
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 396
Pacific NW
Never been but maybe some of the Bahamian islands? I know some of them are pretty crowded and busy but I think there are places you can get away from it all there as well. And I don't think they've been significantly impacted by any of this year's hurricanes. Fairly close to you as well - relatively speaking.

You could try some of the not-so-popular places in Mexico. Areas around Tulum might be a good option - possibly a house rental in Akumul with a chef?

Hawaii is always an option as well - maybe the big island or more remote parts of some of the other islands. Hawaii can be pretty expensive though and getting there from Michigan would be a bit of a haul.

As Fletch said, Antigua, Nevis and St. Kitts are options. We sailed through all of them last year and they each had their charms. Also St. Lucia, Grenada and The Grenadines (which is where we are headed this February).

We will learn more shortly in terms of how Puerto Rico fared with Maria (fingers crossed). If you get out of San Juan it can be less busy and there is lots to see - and San Juan is a great city as well. Maybe you've been before as it is a really easy flight from the east/midwest. I really hope Maria wasn't as bad as feared and the residents and businesses will be able to bounce back quickly.

Still lot's of places that haven't been impacted or at least were minimally impacted by the hurricane. Just take a look at Google Earth to get some ideas.

Matt

BTW, not that it is really relevant, but I grew up in Grand Rapids. Drove out to the Pacific Northwest in 94' at age 22 and never drove back. But I do miss Michigan and love visiting every year or two.

Re: New vacation spot [Re: mprevo] #143965
09/20/2017 02:34 PM
09/20/2017 02:34 PM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,668
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LBI2SXM Offline
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Most of your criteria fit the Bahama's "Out Islands". We loved Exuma and Abaco. There really is a lot to do or you can do nothing. Water and beaches are beautiful. We loved eating local food, especially conch, cooked anyway or raw. Residents are very friendly and we found it to be some of the safest islands. No need to constantly look over yuour shoulder.

Re: New vacation spot [Re: Fletch] #143966
09/21/2017 06:09 AM
09/21/2017 06:09 AM
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 215
Michigan
mprevo Offline OP
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mprevo  Offline OP
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 215
Michigan
I was actually looking at the Cayman Islands. We have also been looking at Caye Caulker in Belize but I'm afraid that there might not be the beaches there we like. Have you been to the Cayman Islands? If so which areas do you recommend. Thanks in advance for your help.

Re: New vacation spot [Re: mprevo] #143967
09/21/2017 03:33 PM
09/21/2017 03:33 PM
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 965
Middleton, Florida
SMC_Irish_68 Offline
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SMC_Irish_68  Offline
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 965
Middleton, Florida

I have 2 suggestions: 1) Isla Mujeres; and 2) Akumal. Both are in the Yucatan in Mexico.

Isla Mujeres, just off of Cancun, has many options for lodging: lots of condos on the North Beach, and many condos around the island. We have rented casas twice on the Caribbean side which I like. Tourists get around the island via golf carts (no rental cars) or by taxis which are cheap.

Akumal is 1 hour south of Cancun and is a very quiet area. You can get there easily via private transfer or public bus to Playa del Carmen and then a taxi. Akumal is a sleepy area with lots of condo options. We will be living there soon and selected it because of the beautiful beaches and the lagoon.

If you want more information, send me a PM.

Karen

Re: New vacation spot [Re: mprevo] #143968
09/24/2017 10:12 PM
09/24/2017 10:12 PM
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 70
A
ARTravelers Offline
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ARTravelers  Offline
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 70
We're also huge fans of SXM. We've been to the Cayman Islands twice but only on cruise stops. It is very clean and the water is quite clear compared to SXM. Seven Mile Beach was where we spent our first trip and we swam with the rays on our second stop. I think you'd like it.

Re: New vacation spot [Re: ARTravelers] #143969
09/24/2017 10:59 PM
09/24/2017 10:59 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,296
Colorado and Sailing the World
Maria_and_Steve Offline
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Colorado and Sailing the World
The Cayman Islands are as ARTravelers say. But they are x-British so it can be a bit stuffy, so to speak, especially if you are used to the SXM beaches <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

Re: New vacation spot [Re: Maria_and_Steve] #143970
09/25/2017 10:49 AM
09/25/2017 10:49 AM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,668
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LBI2SXM Offline
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LBI2SXM  Offline
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Posts: 2,668
And quite expensive!!!

Re: New vacation spot [Re: LBI2SXM] #143971
09/25/2017 01:40 PM
09/25/2017 01:40 PM
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 850
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Cleobeach Offline
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Posts: 850
We stayed on Antigua for three nights on the way to Barbuda frown in February. We stayed in English Harbor and got around a good part of the island while sight seeing. I can't speak for the beaches but the ones we saw from the air looked lovely. We felt safe travelling with our then 11 yo son. All the residents we encountered were warm and friendly.

I got the impression from a few expats we spoke to that there is a good vacation rental market on the island.

We stuck to local restaurants and enjoyed all our meals. I was shocked to see "deer" on the menu. Apparently deer are/were hunted on Barbuda and the venison sold to the Antiguan restaurants.

Last edited by Cleobeach; 09/25/2017 01:41 PM.
Re: New vacation spot [Re: Cleobeach] #143972
09/26/2017 08:34 AM
09/26/2017 08:34 AM
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 215
Michigan
mprevo Offline OP
Traveler
mprevo  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 215
Michigan
I was actually thinking about checking out Grand Cayman. It looked like it had some nice beaches, but the bride won out and we actually ended up booking a vacation to Caye Caulker Belize. It looks to be a very laid back place. I don't think that there is going to be a bunch of great beaches but I am hoping for at least one or two. It is going to be a new experience for sure.

I am excited about a new adventure. We will miss or time on St Martin this year but I do know one thing for sure. We will have a good time where ever we end up. That is just the type of people we are. Thanks everyone for your advice. I am going to continue to look at other locations too because we may want more then one vacation this year.

Re: New vacation spot [Re: Maria_and_Steve] #143973
09/26/2017 08:37 AM
09/26/2017 08:37 AM
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 215
Michigan
mprevo Offline OP
Traveler
mprevo  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 215
Michigan
Quote
Maria_and_Steve said:
The Cayman Islands are as ARTravelers say. But they are x-British so it can be a bit stuffy, so to speak, especially if you are used to the SXM beaches <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />


Not sure I am following exactly what you mean "ARTravelers". Maybe I'm just a little slow. lol

Re: New vacation spot [Re: mprevo] #143974
09/26/2017 11:12 AM
09/26/2017 11:12 AM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,668
L
LBI2SXM Offline
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LBI2SXM  Offline
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Posts: 2,668
ARTtravelers are posters here (a few back). <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> Don't give up on Curacao.

Re: New vacation spot [Re: LBI2SXM] #143975
09/26/2017 03:50 PM
09/26/2017 03:50 PM
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 215
Michigan
mprevo Offline OP
Traveler
mprevo  Offline OP
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 215
Michigan
Whoops now I see. That makes much more sense. I will have to do some homework on Curacao. One can never have enough favorite places to visit. Thanks

Re: New vacation spot [Re: mprevo] #173079
10/22/2018 05:01 AM
10/22/2018 05:01 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,495
Anguilla, British West Indies
NeilRooney Offline
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NeilRooney  Offline
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,495
Anguilla, British West Indies
FYI Anguilla is recovered and all major resorts will be open by December 15 this year


Another Day On Planet Earth
Re: New vacation spot [Re: mprevo] #188144
03/21/2019 07:11 PM
03/21/2019 07:11 PM
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 56
jredenbaugh Offline
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jredenbaugh  Offline
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Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 56
Deserted beaches, great snorkeling, and a different secluded bay everyday? Rent a house in St John, USVI. Our go to spot for many years. Haven't been since the hurricane but I hear it's back.


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