Where should I go?

I know nothing about the Caribbean, and I don't know where to start. I've been reading these boards, and it looks like everybody LOVES Dominican Republic. It looks good, but I want to make sure I'm not missing something else.

Here's my info/requirements:
I'm a mid-20s solo female, enjoy a drink or two, but not looking for a party scene.
Go sometime in January, for a week or 10 days.
I'm an budget traveller, stay in hostels or guesthouses, not really into the whole all-inclusive thing.
I want beaches, history, maybe hiking or kayaking or snorkeling, or all of these.
I'll don't want to rent a car, so I'll have to rely on public transport or my feet to get around.

From what I've been reading, it looks like the Dominican is what I'm looking for. Is there anywhere else that fits these requirements?

I also speak a bit of Spanish, if that helps any.

Thanks for your help!

For independent travel I would consider Cuba, a bit more expensive than DR but much safer.

As an American, I think I'm going to have to rule that one out. Sigh.

Check out the Thorn Tree or Trip Advisor Cuba forums, thousands of Americans visit Cuba every year with no problems. Cuba doesn't even stamp your passport, just the tourist card & you are welcomed like everyone else.

Cuba is definitely do-able for US citizens. Find a cheap charter flight into Cancun, and then hop on the daily Cubana flight to Havana. I've been all over Latin America, and Cuba felt safer than any other country in the region. It's definitely a unique experience - well worth the visit.

If you are a newbie to Carib travel for shoestring

Puerto Rico my fav in US safest DR my second fav

www.hostelbookers.com top hostels www.travel.state.gov for a heads up on safety

Cuba is nice perhaps on a subsequent trip www.cubajet.com good info doable if not precisely legal.

Also might consider www.catrtagena-info.com www.casaviena.com www.lacasadefelipe.com

Colombia is an amazing place just got back from a wonderful 10K road trip down that way.

cheap flights out of FLL to all of these www.spirit.com

Happy Journey,

I'd say St Martin/Sint Maarten since it's my favourite of the islands I've been to. Half French, Half Dutch, but still very Caribbean feeling. Gorgeous beaches surrounding the island (and all really different from each other too), some definitely great places for snorkelling and water sports, and towns that seem to be more locals than tourists (as long as you avoid Philipsburg - unless you want good prices on jewellery and perfumes. You just have to battle the cruise ship crowds to get it). You can even do a day trip to Anguilla.

My favourite city is Grand Case.