BootsnAll Travel Community

Ok, Iv'e read every post on the Caribbean and I still can't figure out where to go! I'm taking my three teens. I'm looking for:

Nice, preferably deserted beaches (kids would disagree)
Some low-key local bars
Hiking
Surfing (probably out of luck)
Cheap accommodations - can be hostels/b&b/rentals/hotels
Cheap food
No Golf
Away from high-end luxury resorts/tourists
Island hopping
Snorkeling
Friendly locals

I just really want to go to a low-key, friendly place that's a bargain if possible. I would really appreciate everyone's favorite picks so I can take a consensus and make plans! Thanks!

BM

p.s. - Been to Nassau and Abaco - not real impressed but I'm open to the out islands in the Bahamas.

Bonaire & Curacao-- they've got all that covered, except maybe the surfing - tho kite surfing is very possible - always a steady trade wind.

let's see, what else can i tell you:
- the beaches on Curacao's northwest coast are gorgeous and mostly deserted - the tourists stay around the tourist beaches on the southwest coast.
- plenty of local bars and restaurants i can guide you to.
- accomodations -- i'd say "moderate" is very doable, cheap could be tougher,but possible.
- cheap food- easy.
- no golf, or at least very very little -- i never saw any courses.
- there are a few resorts, but it's easy to avoid them, and they do not at all dominate the islands.
- island hopping is easy with hourly hopper flights from Curacao to Bonaire and return -- can even do it on a half-day boat trip if you prefer -- and there are day trips to Klein Curacao - basically a sandbar on the east end of the island -- completely deserted except for the few boat groups.
- snorkeling is excellent - very clear waters
- friendly locals -- for the most part the people are very very nice.

also check out eleuthera, lots less populated but super friendly. can island hop a bit, not sure about the surfing, no golf there. also can get to harbour island which is a lot more upscale. can rent nice beach houses at vrbo.com, we did a week at the hummingbird cottage, it was fantastic. eleuthera may be a little to slow for kids/teens tho? keep us posted!

Thanks for the comments. I think Eleuthera or Exuma may be the answer, the reason being they're just so close. Which is better or are they both about the same? Is it wise to stay close to the main city? This is a dumb question, but which side is better for beaches...Atlantic or Caribbean?

what about barbados? it's the best spot in the caribbean for surfing (they host annual surf competitions at bathsheba) and the locals could not be any friendlier! there are tons of non-resort type places for a more authentic experience.

I had not thought of Barbados. How far is it? How long does it take to get to from Miami? Is it a bargain?

Barbados is about a 4 hour flight from Miami - American Airlines is your best (if not only) choice. If you are traveling from Charleston, SC, you could us US Airways via Charlotte or Delta Via Atlanta as well.

Barbados has much of what you are and are not looking for. I suggest you take a look at www.barbados.org.
With regards to your list. You can find many of the items you are looking for, but much will depend on the time of year you come. You don't have to stay at the Hilton, but there are some nice smaller hotels dotting the island. Unfortunately we don't have much in the way of Island hopping as we are at best 100miles due east of St. Vincent and the rest of the Caribbean Chain of island.

I've lived here for 15years and highly recommend it.

also try www.visitbarbados.org which is their new official tourism website. i've been several times and would also highly recommend it, especially for a family oriented visit.

quote:

also check out eleuthera, lots less populated but super friendly. can island hop a bit, not sure about the surfing, no golf there. also can get to harbour island which is a lot more upscale. can rent nice beach houses at vrbo.com, we did a week at the hummingbird cottage, it was fantastic. eleuthera may be a little to slow for kids/teens tho? keep us posted!

I checked out the Hummingbird Cottage...very nice. Quick question - how did you get around the island or did you just stay at your cottage the whole time? I really don't want to rent a car. Could you walk to Governors Harbor? Are scooters safe to ride there? I don't suppose there is a bus system?

Try St. John US Virgin Islands.

See VI Now for more information.

check out Haiti, tourism is on the re-bound there. http://www.travel2haiti.com