Curaçao. We fly into Aruba and take a quick puddle jumper to Curaçao.

It’s less built up than Aruba and more to do than Bonaire. It’s out of the hurricane belt.

We went to St John three times before the hurricanes hit. There was a rustic three cabin place called Samuel Cottages that rented a cabin for $700/week. It was a 1 BR with amazing views of the bay. It was walkable to Cruz Bay where you could get a taxi, and we never even bothered to rent a car. The price crept up to $950/week, but still that was unbeatable.

Then the hurricane came and destroyed it, and they never rebuilt.

We haven't been anywhere for Spring Break in four years (and even longer for the Caribbean), so definitely following this thread, especially any budget non-resort recommendations where nature is highlighted.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is probably not going to be a popular choice in dcum-land but we love Barbados. If you have young kids, there is just so much to do. So many different types of beaches (calm and shallow, surfing, snorkeling beaches, etc...). There are also huge caves to visit, beautiful botanical gardens, food, culture, outdoor festivals, high-end shopping (and low end shopping if that’s more your thing). Just lots to do!

Where do you stay?

Why would it not be a popular choice in dcum-land? (That comment makes me more interested, not less.)

Anonymous wrote:St. John- snorkeling from shore

Not since the last hurricane.

Anonymous wrote:Anguilla, feels exclusive and totally worth the extra flight or ferry. Dining is phenomenal. Big beautiful beaches.

St John, a little closer and compact, can see and do a lot in a short amount of time. Direct flight helps.

Turks and Caicos, direct flight. Fabulous small beaches tucked away from main beach. Tasty food, nice and small.


We haven't done Dominican Republic or Jamaica, every time we consider them we end up at the old faithfuls. I think the smaller hotels at nice villas at our favorites are really the draw over the larger resorts in DR and JA. And likely have way less kids.

Which airline/airport flys direct to Turks? And I thought you had to ferry to St. John, no?

No favorite yet, but I absolutely have no interest in returning to either Dominican Republic (rude people, horrible customer service) and Jamaica (I just felt like they are always after my money, even when telling me where the bathroom is)
I do love Aruba and Puerto Rico, but I think I need explore over islands before I choose a favorite

Anonymous wrote:Aruba no question.

So easy, non stop flights, hotels are decent. Water great. Super easy to get around the island and pretty safe.

Just steer clear of van der Sloot and the Kalpoe brothers

Anonymous wrote:This is probably not going to be a popular choice in dcum-land but we love Barbados. If you have young kids, there is just so much to do. So many different types of beaches (calm and shallow, surfing, snorkeling beaches, etc...). There are also huge caves to visit, beautiful botanical gardens, food, culture, outdoor festivals, high-end shopping (and low end shopping if that’s more your thing). Just lots to do!

Where do you stay?

St. John- snorkeling from shore

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Aruba because there is a nonstop flight and lots of hotel options where you can use points. We also really like the calm warm water and that most of the good hotels are oceanfront and easy to zip from pool to beach to room and back.

Not as luxurious as Cayman, which we also love but much less expensive.

OP here. Do you prefer Eagle or Palm Beach on Aruba?

Most of the hotels are on Palm Beach. My favorites in order - Ritz, Marriott Stellaris, Hilton, and Hyatt. Another cool experience is a night or two at the Renaissance in downtown so you can go to their private island with flamingos. I wouldn't stay there the entire time though as the hotel is just ok and not beachfront. Palm Beach is much nicer and lots more restaurant options.

Aruba 100%

Anguilla

Anguilla, feels exclusive and totally worth the extra flight or ferry. Dining is phenomenal. Big beautiful beaches.

St John, a little closer and compact, can see and do a lot in a short amount of time. Direct flight helps.

Turks and Caicos, direct flight. Fabulous small beaches tucked away from main beach. Tasty food, nice and small.


We haven't done Dominican Republic or Jamaica, every time we consider them we end up at the old faithfuls. I think the smaller hotels at nice villas at our favorites are really the draw over the larger resorts in DR and JA. And likely have way less kids.

Aruba. The wind keeps away the mosquitoes. And the different topography gives you options. Sure, lots of beautiful beach time, but then also some great hiking in the desert and some cool caves.

St Barts since the '70s. We had a house on the island and, relatedly, a business. Other than airfare, it was an affordable luxuary. As the island built up, we went less and no longer own a house.

Other than the house, the reasons for going were French bread and pasteries for breakfast, great beaches during the day, French dinners, and "island" cocktails.