KVR

It's doesn't even have to be Caribbean travel related. I'm looking for ideas to celebrate a milestone and we keep waffeling.

So, what would you do or what did you do to celebrate a milestone birthday.

Oh, not looking for spenidng it with other family memebers. Something for just me and hubby.

alya

KVR,

You know the drill

When are you thinking of going?

We went to Aruba for my 40th (2004) and Nisbet Plantation for our 25th this year.

Since we're Brits we didn't feel the need to visit Europe for our 'Big Day' but I'd recommend it - NeoPatrick has just done a long tour of Europe and has lots of advice to offer.

So many places - too little time

Next trip I'd love to see the Northern Lights with a side trip to see polar bears.

Callaloo

For my husband's 40th, I threw him an "A Pirate Looks at 40" party in Key West. I told him where we were going, but I didn't tell him whom I'd invited to join us (and who'd accepted), so when our friends started arriving at the rendezvous spot, he was totally surprised. On top of that, I'd chartered a boat for us to take a long, slow sunset cruise around Key West, followed by dinner on Duval Street for everyone. We stayed at the Marquesa, and I asked everyone else to stay elsewhere, so we got plenty of private couple time as well as great group time. A memorable trip!

For my 40th, I didn't want a party, but my dream had always been to go to Wimbledon (my birthday falls during the tournament). I'm a big tennis fan -- both as an observer of the pro game, as well as a twice-a-week player. However, for a number of reasons, we ended up going to another Grand Slam tennis tournament -- the Australian Open (no complaints!). We wrapped a 2-week stay in Australia around it, including Melbourne (where the tennis is played), Sydney, and Hayman Island on the Great Barrier Reef. Amazing!

Next milestone birthday would probably involve sailing somewhere wonderful, just the two of us. But for my 50th, it will DEFINITELY be Wimbledon!

KVR

The date will be April 19 - 26, 2008. I really don't know what I want to do or go, so was just looking for ideas on what others did or would do.

I like the sailing idea. I would love to sail through St. Vincent and the Grenadines or the Bahamas, but don't think it would be fun for just 2 people.

iw

KVR.....My 40th is coming up in Feb. Actually, friends have a timeshare in Hilton Head and we are going the week before my big day, not to celebrate, but that is the week they could get.

I like the sailing idea. April is a great time to go just about anywhere.

We always celebrate hubby's bday in the Outer Banks up in the Corolla area at either the Inn at Corolla Light or the Sanderling is nice. I don't know where you are coming from, so that might not be an option. It is so peaceful. The shopping in Timbuck II is good and there are some nice restuarants. We love to hang out at the marina and go to the aquarium. Not a Caribbean destination, but nice.

Good luck with the planning.

mamamia66

For my 40th we went to St. John & stayed at Caneel Bay. It was such a perfect,romantic vacation!! The property of the resort has 7 perfect beaches with great snorkeling. We rented a jeep for a couple of days to explore the island but turned it in early because the Caneel beaches were just as good, if not better than the ones we were driving too. Every night we would head into town for dinner & drinks. Lots of fun little restaurants & shops. I am dying to go back!!! We saw very few children at the resort. It seemed much more geered to adults. I would suggest staying in the best room you can afford. We were in their courtside room, which was still expensive since we were there during peak season. There was something wrong with our toilet & so they moved us to a water view room. Awesome!!!

mamamia66

Oh, another idea would be Paris. That would be one of my top choices & perfect place to go that time of year!

Callaloo

KVR, sailing can DEFINITELY be fun (and romantic) for two people, with or without crew. In fact, hubby and I are celebrating our 18th anniversary this weekend and we are sailing away(locally, on our own boat). But a good number of our sailing charters (including 2 in the Abacos) have been just the two of us, and I daresay going alone was as good as, if not better, than going with others. When you go alone, you can be truly alone, but I also find that we were a bit more open to meeting other people than with a group, and always encountered fun and interesting people if we wanted to.

Julia_E

If you are interested in sailing, look at Star Clippers and Windstar Cruises. They are both cruise lines, but have smaller, more casual ships and are masted. They visit the Mediterranean, the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica and the smaller islands throughout the Caribbean. I have many clients who own sailboats or love to sail and who love to take Star Clippers or Windstar for their special occasion trips. Prices are very similar to most of the upscale and premium resorts in the Caribbean for a week's stay - plus, many of your meals, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are included in the cruise fare.

Best Regards,
Julia

StanKase

The Wind Spirit is a good idea but the Star Clipper line we felt was not as "classy" as the Windstar line. For aa on land resort look at Parrot Cay, Ladera on St. Lucia (everything exceptional but no A/C but good breezr)Caneel Bay in Cottage #7 (Rooms C,D, E, E, F ONLY) or Hawks Nest section upper level or a 6 day cruise through the Moorings organization on a 42+ ft. sailboat with captain and cook in Feb.-May plying through the Grenadines or the US & British Virgin Islands is lovely.If you do this you could stay at Ladera for 3-4 nights at the end of the trip if go to Grenadines or Caneel Bay if you go the the Virgin Islands.

brenandg

Hi Kelly. What about a Winjammer cruise to the Grenadines?? I know you prefer budget travel because you go alot. I have no idea about the cost of WJ. Just a thought, it is your 40th and it may meet some of your criteria if you can get DH on a ship again.

kfusto

Star Clippers offers a great experience, IME. While not as luxurious as Windstar, the ships are really nice and the staff terrific. It is a huge step up from Windjammer.

I enjoyed my Star Clipper cruise in the Med several years ago but after that and a one week skippered 52" sailboat in the BVI, I realized that sailing is not for me. Give me a small cruise ship or I prefer to stay on land.

For my milestone birthdays, I choose to be in Italy, preferably Florence, as it is my favorite place in the world. Mine falls in April so, unless it is over Easter when I avoid travel altogether, that is where I would go.

I also enjoy New York City and San Francisco when I have a long weekend only.

KVR

Don't think I can get hubby on another "organized type" cruise. A private charter for just us maybe. Might be a little too pricey though.

Was also thinking Curacao or Barbados. We really enjoyed Aruba and think the Sea Aquarium on Curacao would be fun. Barbados looks a lot like St. Lucia. We loved the beauty of St. Lucia, but don't know much about Barbados. There both going to be about in the same price range.

kfusto

St. Lucia is far more lush and tropical than Barbados and I love it there. Jazz Fest is a really fun time to go if you are a fan.

I have been to Barbados several and cannot develop an affection for the island.

Curacao was charming but I prefer St. Lucia with its rain forest and lush terrain. We really enjoyed being pampered at LeSport there.

vinceygirl

brenandg, normally would be the first to recommend a WJ cruise. Unfortunately there is much happening in the world of WJ these days. Not comfortable going into detail other than to wait it out for a few months for anyone considering a WJ cruise. For more info visit the jammerbabe site and follow the links to the Flotilla.
If you decide to sail the grenadines you would not be sorry. There is a charter boat called the Oasis owned by a former WJ captain. I don't know the web address but I'm sure would be easy to find. If you had a few select friends go along you could stand close quarters with I think you'd really enjoy yourself.
Another place I love and visit every year is St. Augustine FL

escapeartist

Callaloo:

Where do you usually stay on Cat Island? Have you stayed at the Boathouse (www.catislandboathouse.com) yet? It is a beachfront private home just south of Bennetts Harbor.
What are you favorite things to see and do on Cat Island?

beachbum2

If you want to do a crewed charter, talk to a booking company. We use Ann Wallace White out of Annapolis. Ed Hamilton is another and there are many more. They are great resources . If it will just be the 2 of you they may be able to fing a crew that matches your personality and a smaller boat, making it more budget consious and more fun. We love to sail with and without crew and or friends. BVI's are great for a little socializing and restaurants. You and your DH will love it.