Laurie11

Hi, I am planning my first visit to the Caribbean probably in late January and am having a hard time choosing an island. I am looking for the combination of nice beaches, tropical flora and some activities (snorkeling or hiking). I'm open to venturing to other islands close by foro day trips or an island where you can meet the locals and learn of the history and culture. I would like to stay away from beaches where people will be begging or trying to sell their wares and I'll be traveling alone or with a friend, no kids. After reading some of the postings, Grenada sounds nice but it looks like it is quite a long flight. I was also considering St. Johns, Aruba, Bahamas and Virgin Gorda but am open for suggestions. Thank you!

CaymanSue

You might consider the Cayman Islands as Cayman Airways now has a direct flight from Boston, and the intro fares are very reasonable. If you stay away from the Seven Mile Beach area, you will find what you are looking for.

TomCayman

Check with any of the Vacation Outlet locations in the Boston area, they are partnering with the Cayman Islands to launch the non-stop service.... as Sue said, some great deals.... and if you don't get on the non-stop (which will fill fast), AA, DL and US all offer excellent one stop service from Boston to Cayman.... I'll be up there myself in mid September promoting Cayman.... the fact that I love Boston for the weekend is purely a coincidence !

ParrotMom

Better yet..wait until VO has their sale in November or if your a little bit more flexible go to their Travel Show at Bayside usually the second weekend in January when prices drop even further.

Laurie11

Thank you for your replies! I guess I should have specified that I have a free flight anywhere through Delta (restrictions on when I can fly though). It sounds like I can get a non-stop to GC on Delta. Anyone have an opinion on GC vs. Aruba? I think those are the two I've narrowed it down to now.

tivertonhouse

AIR JAMAICA is a Delta co-share so from Logan that may open up your options a bit more than GC and Aruba

Lisager15

You can fly Boston to Jamaica in 4 short hours. . .

traveldoc

We've visited various spots in the Carribbean in the last fifteeen years, and went to Grand Cayman in March of 03. We stayed on the infamous Seven Mile Beach and liked it quite a bit, in spite of what you may read elsewhere. Weather: we were told that March was better than earlier in the winter, as GC tends to be affected by US continental weather patterns more than islands in the Eastern Carribbean, and the word was that mucho rain had prevailed in Jan and Feb. Of course, that may have been an aberration. Generally, the eastern Carribbean such as St Martin, Antigua, Anguilla, the BVI, or the USVI have more predictably sunny weather, though life is always a crap shoot. I've been told that Aruba is dry as a bone with hardly any rain, but is very windy. Aim for a resort with a southwesterly orientation to avoid cooling winds in January. Suggest considering Antigua at Jumby Bay or Curtain Bluff, since Antigua has fairly good direct connections from the northeastern US. But, when all is said and done, were I to have one last chance to travel south in the winter, I would still choose Caneel Bay on St John; no better beaches, views of boats, and views of St Thomas at sunset. Have a blast.

Laurie11

Based on your feedback, I have chosen the Caymans and am going to go at the beginning to middle of October. I'm hoping it will be enough outside of the hurricane season and less crowded. Plus I really, really need to get away! Any suggestions for hotels that are reasonable or places I should NOT stay? Is 7 mile beach really crowded this time of year? I can't wait! Thanks so much for all of your responses.

CharlotteNC

My husband and I stayed at Caneel Bay for our honeymoon two years ago. Georgeous views, plenty of tropical feel, understated elegance and quiet and secluded. Snorkeling was great as well!