Here's what I'd suggest. Find yourself a nice self-catering apartment-style resort on Barbados's South Coast, near the St. Lawrence Gap. There are several places that are right on the beach there with resort-style amenities that still have full kitchens. You'll have access to nightlife and restaurants within walking distance or at least a short ride away, and you can rent a car or not. There are also some places that are more isolated that would require a car (the Crane for instance).

Bermuda has more options for public transportation, so it's certainly worth considering, but in the summer, Bermuda is more likely to be in the path of a hurricane than Barbados, which sits 100 miles west of the rest of the Caribbean islands and tends to get only passing tropical fronts rather than serious hurricanes (though hurricanes do and have hit Barbados causing damage).

Barbados also tends to be cheaper than Bermuda, especially in the summer. Bermuda has the latitude as North Carolina and gets chilly in the winter; that's when prices really drop, not in the summer.

BERMUDA..being from here i will of course speak of my island to be the best..even with it being more expensive..but..24 / 7 your free to go and be safe..we do have the odd case of trouble..but looking at our dollar value and standard of living most find it a lot easier to fit in..no pan handling ..as soon as you get out of the port..most here have their own...proud Bermudian

We went on a self catering holiday to Bermuda last June, booked thru www. bermudarentals.com and stayed in very reasonably priced accommodation. There are lots of pubs on the island and not everything has to be super-expensive. We had some inexpensive meals at the Swizzle Inn and other places. The beaches are really stunning in Bermuda and the island is very pretty. I don't think I have seen a more beautiful beach than at Pompano Hotel. When you get fedup with self catering, you can have lunch at the various hotels on the south coast which is a cheaper option that going out for dinner. There are plenty of supermarkets to buy food for self-catering and you can get about on a scooter or by bus.

Barbados is also a great option and St Lawrence Gap has plenty of nightlife. The sea is not as calm in that area as further up on the west coast, but the island is small so you can easily go up to the calmer beaches if you want to. I guess the choice is down to whether you want a Caribbean island or not.

I'd have to say that unless there's a storm, both islands will be equally nice and warm during July.

They both sound so great...I am still so torn.

Which island has nicer beaches? The beach is not calm in the Gap as in you can't wade/walk in the water and it's not swimmable?

I'm not a strong swimmer and one of the ladies coming does not swim at all. We are used to strong MD/NJ waves and have no problem going in the ocean here tho...

Hi Doug_stallings, I was looking at Barbados, but looks like St. Lawrence Gap area may have some crime issues:

http://safety.worldnomads.com/Barbados/76603/Barbados-Crime-Dangers

Of course Barbados has crime issues, all the islands do inc Bermuda.

The main nightlife is in St Lawrence Gap, meaning lots of young (mainly) Brits partying with locals. The area is great for young people, my daughter has been several times with her friends. Just exercise caution.

I am aware that there is crime everywhere, thanks. We have been to "less safe" destinations and were fine. We always exercise caution when on vacation, wherever we are.

Right now we are looking at Gap area of Barbados vs Hamilton or St. George's of Bermuda.

Just saw your last post and would suggest Hamilton or South Shore vs St George's - the St George's end of the island is pretty removed from the dining/shopping/beach areas.