Judy Rutherford

My husband and two friends and I want to vacation on one of the BVI. We are teachers and social workers. In other words, we don't operate with high dollars. Where would be the best island to go to? <BR> <BR>We all love to snorkel and swim. Lying on beaches is also a must. Help, please. <BR> <BR>

Donna

Hi Judy, <BR>Don't know how much you can spend. Last year my husband and I went to Tortola and stayed at the Frenchmans Cay. It was great and mostly all inclusive-which means your Jeep and most meals were included in the price. If you want more details email me. <BR>Donna

Abby

Hi, <BR> <BR>My husband and I visited Virgin Gorda and Tortola in November. We usually travel on a moderate budget. <BR> <BR>My advice would be to visit after May 15 (and before the end of summer and hurricanes), or before December 15 (after the hurricanes), because hotels are very discounted compared to their high season. For example, we stayed at the charming Old Yarde Inn on V.G. and paid about $150 a night, but during the high season you would expect to pay around $200 a night at least. <BR> <BR>The biggest expense that we came across (aside from the plane tickets and hotel) was eating out. A dinner for two ran anywhere from $40 to $80. And unfortunately, shopping at the local small grocery stores was pretty expensive too (although I'm sure you could whip up a dinner for under $40). <BR> <BR>My humble advice would be to see about renting a villa during the off season (or stay at a moderately priced inn), cook some of your own meals, and enjoy! I see no reason why teachers and social workers couldn't afford a wonderful vacation with a little planning and saving! <BR> <BR>We loved the BVI's and are planning a return trip this May. Have fun!

kara

Hi, <BR>I have travelled to many places in the BVI both on a shoestring and once my husband and I had a big budget. I don't know what your price range is but I would recommend a villa rental on St. John. In my opinion the most beautiful island with the nicest beaches. Although Tortolla and Virgin Gorda are lovely, too. Get a two bedroom villa and split a jeep rental for at least 3 days. The house will have a nice kitchen and BBQ and probably a pool and hot tub!! Bring some dry goods down like cereal, bagels, bread, mustand, chips, fruit, snacks, wine, etc. Why pay $15 per person for breakfast when you can have a yogurt, cereal and bagel at your pool with a beautiful ocean view at your villa. Eat breakfast at the villa and pack a great lunch and head to one of the many georgeous beaches on St. John. Save your money for nice dinners out. My family has chartered boats in the area a number of times and we even packed a cooler full of ice with steaks, burgers, chicken , lunch meat and put it on the plane as baggage. Once you get down there you'd only half to buy a few items and eat dinner out. Go to a seach engine and look up St. John rentals and you should see a number of sights pop up with pictures. If I recall correctly, a two bedroom place might only run you $1000 or so for the week. Summer time is low season and as a teacher that might work out perfectly. Good luck, I think the villa is a neat, inexpensive way to go but definately rent a jeep for a week or at least half a week. Plus you get to split the cost with the other couple--perfect!! Take care, Kara

Louis

You can rent a house that will hold all of you on Anegada along with a car and have a ball on a very modest cost. There you will have the best snorkeling in all of BVI. The island is a modest sand dune however there is live coral there. The Whittley's have a large place to stay.

Julie

I went to Tortola on a college student budget and although eating out there is costly -- the food is wonderful and the island is absolutely gorgeous! I've been 3 times!! I recommend staying at a villa or renting a room that has a fridge so that you can eat some meals in. If you are looking for moderately priced places to eat I recommend Pussers (they have some happy hour specials) and I enjoyed breakfast at the Jolly Roger in the West End (it's also a pretty cheap place to stay but has shared bathrooms.!) You can also take some day charters out to the other islads from Tortola and they are relatively cheap. Most run about $50 per person and include food and alchohol for the day too! have fun!

Joel

Judy, if you can handle $100/night then check the recommendations I made at a posting entitled "One day/night in Tortola" here on the BVI board. Most of those places are in the $100 range. Major savings can also be racked up by renting a place with a kitchen. Check the sites I mentioned (same posting) and if you have specific questions I'd love to help you out. My wife and I have been to Tortola many times

Joel

Judy, I'll ditto Donna Hayden above. If you can afford Frenchman's, you will get great value, and the kitchen enables you to cook those meals you don't get in your package. Get the package with the car as it's a bargain.