Is it September yet?

Hello all! First off, I would like to thank this group ( that I have been stalking for a year) for all of its useful information. You all have been very helpful, in helping me plan our upcoming trip. The 3rd child ( and last) has left the nest, and we are now 5 years away from retirement, and our bucket list, of things to see, has begun.
Last September we got back from Barbados, and myself being the virtual traveler, and planner, woke up one day shorlty thereafter, and had the urge to search airfares for the following September. Behold!! $150 one way tickets to Sint Maarten from Portland, Or! Well that was a no brainer. Its amazing how its cheaper to fly from the northwest than just Miami.....But there was 3 islands I have always wanted to see, so the planning began, and after 8 months here is what we came up with.

Suggestions and helpful hints are encouraged for the little ins and outs. IE: cab drivers, small places to stop on the way to the ferry, can I buy you drink? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

Day 1:Flight to Sint Maarten
Day 2:Arrive in Sint Maarten. Staying at The Azure hotel, do the Maho beach thing. My friends want pictures. My B-day
Day 3: Ferry over to Anguilla for 8 hours ( i just need to see it)
Day 4: catch noon flight, on Liat, to Tortola. Catch cab across the island to west end ferry to Jost. Stay at Perfect Pineapple
Day 5: Vedge, drink, sleep, vedge, drink. Just take it in
Day 6: See day 5
Day 7: See as much of the island as possible
Day 8:Get up EARLY, catch ferry back over and get to the airport for flight to Anegada. Staying at Neptunes Treasure.
Day 9: See day 5 and 6
Day 10: See as much as possible, and its our Anniversary
Day 11: Flights from Anegada to SJU. Spend the night, eat at our favorite little hole in the wall in Isla Verde ( el Alambique)
Day 12: Cry as we leave to go back to the grind.

September is our favorite time to travel, because of slow season. Less going on, and things have calmed down a bit. Plus the gypsy loves the rainy season and the humidity...

Once again. Thank you all for your knowledge!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

EDIT: All housing, and flights are paid for.

Got to say, have you been to St. Maarten before? As otherwise, I don't know why you wouldn't spend more time there.. And I assume the places you're talking about in the BVI have confirmed to you that they will be open in September? I'm with you, I like travelling in September, but we usually go to St. Maarten, where very few places close, as opposed to the BVI.

..and it goes without saying that I hope you have trip insurance, in case of a hurricane?

Very nice.

If the itinerary doesn't pan out, just adjust.

Consider Anegada Beach Club (ABC) for your stay there.

anegadabeachclub.com.

They've really raised the bar for accommodations. More expensive but seems worth it. Nice bar, restaurant and pool. Unbelievable "tents" right on the beach. You have to seem them to believe it. Jamie, the manager there, calls it "glamping" glamorous camping. Very cool. Was underwhelmed by Anegada Reef Hotel. Can't speak for Neptunes accommodations but get a Key Lime Pie from the bakery there. Delicious.

Get a rental car. Go to Loblolly Beach. Great spot for sneokleing, nice bar and restaurant on the property.

The nice thing about Anegada is that there is nothing to do and that's the point.

Hi Carol!
Yes we have been to SXM before, actually a few times. As the kids are moving on, and as retirement gets near, it will be an easier venture, when that time comes, so it will be visited quite a bit. just needed to get other "wants' out of the way, now. Yes on the openings. We are already paid for, for everything. And trip insurance, of course.

The itinerary is pretty set. I did prepare for delays, in that itinerary, because....well it will probably happen. LOL.
Actually the Anegada Beach club was my first choice. Amongst my friends, we are known as the best bang for the buck people, as far as traveling. With flights and lodging, I have $2100 invested right now. Just need spending money <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

We will hit every bar that is open <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

it always surprises me when someone has a booked trip, hotel reservations made and probably paid already and then someone suggests"stay somewhere else"

I would recommend heading over to St. Barts and spending less time on Sint Martin. St Barts is MUCH nicer!

Was a thought, but time will not allow. The first trip plan was to see all islands nearby. Really wanted to see Saba, and Statia, but alas.....Time will hold us, so Anguilla just seemed simpler and Im not held to flight time restraints.

So, your wife is a gypsy - care to elaborate? I noticed your location is "wherever she goes". My husband and I have a similar life. I'm a travel nurse, aka as a "gypsy". I love your vacation plan and you were so smart to get those flights a year ago!

We love Anguilla. If we are not sailing that's where we go.

Got to agree..Love St Barth's..shame you are not spending any time on Tortola too..we do have a lot to offer!

Gypsy soul. She has no need to be in one place for very long

That is an ambitious, and in my opinion at least, awesome itinerary. And,at $2400 + spending cash a ridiculous bargain. Have fun and a great bday.

It took alot of planning, but it's only 5 weeks away.
Once again, this group taught me alot

Now I just need to remember how to post pics to a forum........