Which island to visit

[cjra]

We're hoping to travel to the Caribbean in January for about a week,
but really have no idea where to go... here's some basics:

*would like French speaking but not required
*really don't want an all-inclusive but it wouldn't be the end of the
world
*Family of 3 (mom, dad, 2.5 yo old) so need kid-tolerant but not
specific kid activities...she'll be happy with the sand and water and
a slide somewhere
*somewhere American airlines or Continental flies (since we're trying
to use miles)

I've been to St Croix in the 80s, my husband's never been to the
Caribbean. We're both pretty seasoned travellers and have lived in a
few different developing countries, are quite accustomed to non-luxury
environments. Not really looking for a 'sanitized' version of the
islands but we do have a 2.5 yo and don't want to be backpacking for
miles or dodging bullets...

We like to experience and explore local culture, local foods, local
life. Don't really need happening night life.

Any suggestions? I'm kind of at a loss as to where to start.

Thanks!

[Nick and Judy]

St Martin/St. Maarten? They speak French(as well as English) on the French
side. Island is small enough to rent a car and drive around . AA flies there
via Miami and San Juan I believe.
I haven't been there in a few years but we used to love it. Check Trip
Advisor for hotel reviews.
"cjra" <cjrohr31@***********m> wrote in message
news:667e175b-4da7-485b-b67e-b6d6f8c56df8@35g2000pry.************.com...
> We're hoping to travel to the Caribbean in January for about a week,
> but really have no idea where to go... here's some basics:
>
> *would like French speaking but not required
> *really don't want an all-inclusive but it wouldn't be the end of the
> world
> *Family of 3 (mom, dad, 2.5 yo old) so need kid-tolerant but not
> specific kid activities...she'll be happy with the sand and water and
> a slide somewhere
> *somewhere American airlines or Continental flies (since we're trying
> to use miles)
>
> I've been to St Croix in the 80s, my husband's never been to the
> Caribbean. We're both pretty seasoned travellers and have lived in a
> few different developing countries, are quite accustomed to non-luxury
> environments. Not really looking for a 'sanitized' version of the
> islands but we do have a 2.5 yo and don't want to be backpacking for
> miles or dodging bullets...
>
> We like to experience and explore local culture, local foods, local
> life. Don't really need happening night life.
>
> Any suggestions? I'm kind of at a loss as to where to start.
>
> Thanks!

[pltrgyst]

On Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:51:23 -0600, "Nick and Judy" <salcon3@**************>
wrote:

>St Martin/St. Maarten? They speak French(as well as English) on the French
>side. Island is small enough to rent a car and drive around . AA flies there
>via Miami and San Juan I believe.

Yep -- St. Martin. You could stay either in Marigot or Grand Case, according to
your interests. We spent the holidays there last year -- January there is
perfect.

-- Larry

[Tamzen Cannoy]

In article
<58c3cc06-7fa2-4e9c-8fc3-556abe603f67@l39g2000yqn.************.com>,
cjra <cjrohr31@***********m> wrote:
> French isn't a requirement, just a small preference for me...of course
> part of that is because I envision the English speaking islands to be
> more heavily touristed by Americans and commercialized. I'd rather
> avoid both just because I want to be somewhere 'different' - not like
> an extension of the US with all the same stuff, KWIM?
>
> Your suggestions for St. Maarten are appreciated...sounds nice,
> although now you've said commercialized I hesitate. Where else would
> you suggest? I really really really don't like all-inclusives if I can
> avoid it.

All the worst of the commercial stuff is on the Dutch side. There is one
large and very wonderful SuperMarche on the French side but all the big
box stores and fast food is on the Dutch side. I also second the
suggestion to stay in Grand Case. It's lovely and full of AMAZING
restaurants. I've stayed at the Grand Case Beach Club which is just
north of town and has a nice little calm beach perfect for a child. It
was an easy walk to that end of Grand Case, and they will rent a car for
you as well.

Traffic on the island however is very bad. There is of course just 1
road around the island and it's always always slow everywhere. But still
fun. It's one of my favorite islands after Anquilla.

If money is no object my first choice in islands is Anguilla but it's
very expensive. The Cuisinart Resort there has lots of kids and the
beaches on Anquilla are some of the very very best in the world. I have
stayed at several places there and love the island dearly. Very very
untouristy.

My final suggestion would be Trinidad. It's English speaking. All the
trashy stuff is on Tobago. There's not a single chain fast food place,
no Donna Karan or Rolex adds. It's very very much the old Caribbean that
is gone from most places. Everyone is lovely and helpful.

[Garcias]

We are a retired couple an love to travel. There is no doubt in my mind that Dominican Republic (try Punta Cana) is your bet. AA is going there (but be careful of them - read our warning on the Caribbean forum). We love the island and the people. Island has a lot of airports so make traveling to the hotels not very far. Children often are taken care of and entertained. As a couple, we love going where families go because we love to watch the kids play. Although it is a Spanish speaking country, most hotel staff speaks French too.

Hope you will enjoy your stay!