I can't remember another time when so many well written and photographed TR's were being posted. When we go back in December it will be our 1st in 3 years (unavoidable), and these reports are making us anxious. Thanks Carol, Eric, Jazzgal, Beachkitten (and anyone I forgot).

Michael and I will be returning in December for the first time in three years as well. And I am loving the trip reports. We are prepared for a little less SXM than we are used to but really looking forward to being there!

Yes, a big thanks to everyone for their reports and island updates!

No problem. Glad to be here, to be able to do it!

Hey, thanks for the thanks!

We all appreciate when those who read them realize the effort that goes into it, and make comments or ask questions. Especially those who report WHILE on island...they are taking time away from "just being there"!

Yes, thanks to all who took the time to write these reports! As IslandGem stated, "It helps to feed the addiction". You realize how much you miss SXM when you read these reports and see the photos.

Yes, Beachkitten, I can't say how much I appreciated seeing your pictures and reports, as we were in the 'small numbers' counting down to our trip!!

And now I'm devouring yours and Linda's and resisting the urge to book our anniversary in July!

Hey, why resist??? Resistance is futile!!!

A BIG thank you to all of you that are sharing your vacations with us!
Your reports and photos are motivating some of us here to start planning our next visit.
Carpe diem!

Will try to get a trip report out... maybe by Tuesday!

Looking forward to it!

Just wanted to join in the thanks for the trip reports. We had a stay planned through Homeaway for Feb of 2018, but shortly after the storm, the owner notified us that the house was destroyed. I wanted to return in Feb of 2019, but my wife wanted to wait another year to let the island recover and was afraid it would be too depressing to go . Based on the numerous trip reports, and the photos, she has agreed so we have our reservations made and are already looking forward to our trip. We are staying in Grand Case, and hope the road has improved by then.

Don't come prepared for less, come prepared for different!

I agree totally! We were there January when a lot of things were getting a new start. We had a great time, met new people & friends, helped out the island & some of the people who have lost so much. the things we couldn't do that we normally would do in 3 weeks was not having the croissanterie in Marigot & petit casino in orient village. We were able to get groceries & eat out at a lot of places. A lot has changed for the positive since then so yes, "come prepared for different". You will have a great time!

We are prepared for different and already have the “cup half full” attitude. The trip reports have been very encouraging to our psyche but I must admit, there’s this something in the back of our minds but we’re very hopeful those thoughts will quickly disappear as they have with all of you that have had the honour of returning. The enjoyment of giving back and supporting the economy will benefit our hearts as much or more than it helps them.

It’s been a helluva ride since September. We can remember looking at each other, tears in our eyes, as we thought about our island friends. We were traumatized as we saw videos slowly emerge. A couple of months later, we were contacted and asked if we wanted cancel our villa booking for this summer. Tears flowed once again as I wrote the email informing them that yes, we were going to cancel. We booked another villa in Costa Rica. It just didn’t feel right. We felt like we were turning our back on SXM and more importantly, her people. At the time it looked as though there was too much work to do as her people dusted themselves off and tried to make sense of it all. There were many reports here from veteran visitors stating that the people were just not ready for visitors yet and may not be for a long time.

Then something happened.

Like a phoenix, SXM started to rise. The will of her people were underestimated by many. The airport began to take some flights...restaurants began to open...accommodations became available. Reports on here were saying that her people were misty eyed with gratitude to those who returned. By February, we knew we had to return. So we happily rebooked. It felt right!

We stay and spend most of our time on the French side. We know that St. Martin may not have her lipstick and makeup on but beauty is only skin deep. Let’s face it, it’s the people that make her truly beautiful.

We fly out Sunday morning and we’re just as giddy as our initial visit. Dinners are already planned with island friends. We’re celebrating a milestone anniversary and there’s no other place we’d rather be.

The trip reports here have been invaluable. I need my SXM fix and therefore, a big thank you to all who have shared their experiences.

TWO. MORE. SLEEPS.

SXM STRONG!

Great way to look at things. I know your trip will be a good one!

Paul--Enjoy your trip!! I'll be expecting some reports from you!

So happy that you changed your minds and are going! Happy Anniversary.

Sharing experiences on TTOL and letting others know it's ok to go is what it's all about.

Not the same....just different. Forever changed, and getting used to a new normal.

Just returning to this forum after a lengthy hiatus. Watched the devastation unfold and was beside ourselves. So awesome to read the trip reports and the rebuilding. Spent the better part of last weekend talking about trips with different people we took down there. Got really re-energized to get back and shake our tail feathers. The island gave us so much and we need to go and give back. Thanks to all who have been back and all who have supported the efforts.