Nine members of my family plan to go to the Caribbean for the Thanskgiving holiday. This includes my parents and my in-laws (all in their late 50s) and my brother, his fiance, my husband, and his sister (late 20s to 30s). My husband and I and my in-laws have been to the Caribbean before; everyone else has never been.

We plan to rent a large house on one of the islands. My question is, assuming relatively comparable houses, which islands stack up well overall considering these criteria: 1)physically beautiful, 2)dining, shopping and activities, 3)safe, 4)easy to get to and from?

We've found possible houses on St. Thomas, St. John, St. Martin (french side), Virgin Gorda and Barbados. I've briefly visited all of these islands, but would appreciate any thoughts as to which island may be best for our group. I imagine that we'll spend plenty of time in the house together, but that we'll want to go out now and then.

Just returned from a Western Caribbean cruise. While this island is not on your list, I highly suggest that you check out Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras.

Hearing Honduras, we were highly sceptical of this port; however, after spending a day there, we are planning to go back for a week next year.

The island maintains the beauty and non-commercialism that the Caribbean used to have. Rentals on beach-front houses can be had for around $75/night. The beaches are great, and not crowded. The locals are very friendly and welcoming.

I think you can find more information at www.roatanonline.com (http://www.roatanonline.com) or www.roatan.net. (http://www.roatan.net.) Email me and I can provide you with an email address of an American who lives there and can provide more information.

[Edited for spelling]
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Bob

There's no place like home...
there's no place like home...
there's no place like home.
www.wmonline.com (http://www.wmonline.com)


[This message has been edited by AZ_MISMAN (edited 04-25-2001).]

[This message has been edited by AZ_MISMAN (edited 04-25-2001).]

Bob, thanks for the suggestion. I will check these websites out.

On a side note, I had an interesting conversation with the villa rental agent today. He said that his company has stopped renting villas on the St. Maarten side of the island because of the rising rate of violent crime. They consider the french side, St. Martin, much safer. Has anyone heard anything about this?

Check out www.traveltalkonline.com (http://www.traveltalkonline.com) for a good bulletin board for info on USVI, BVI & SXM.

Gosh! You're going to spend $500-$1000 on airfare to those places for 9 people, and probably $5000 on decent accomodations for the group, plus food, entertainment, etc.

As a longtime travel agent, I suggest you go on a cruise instead. You'll have first rate food, service, and nice entertainment and save a lot of money over what you're looking at!

Find a travel agent who will book group rates for you. I recently went on a 7 day Eastern Caribbean Costa Cruise, and only paid about $600 for an inside cabin, and $800 for an outside cabin, per person. Air to Ft Lauderdale was only about $180.

Haven't been to Barbados but, food is pretty bad everywhere except St Martin.

Crime has gotten bad in St Maarten (Dutch side). I don't know statistics but, French side seems somewhat safer to me. If you're interested in shopping, St Martin is also superior to other islands.

Stay away from St Thomas...talk about crime!

Virgin Gorda is safe and beautiful and you can probably get a good deal on a stunning house there. Not much in the way of anything to do on the island itself as far as shopping/nightlife/restaurants. You might want to think about getting a chef while you're there (villa company might arrange). Beaches are beautiful and sailing/diving excellent.

SpuddBrother--nope, ff miles will be sending seven of the nine down there. My husband and I will pay for ourselves.

I was also able to reserve a gorgeous five bedroom, four bath villa with deck and pool on St. John for $3500 for the week. Thanksgiving is still low season in the Caribbean, and the villas are priced accordingly. $500/night for nine people seemed great to me! As for food, etc., we'll all chip in there.

Question for all--what is the crime situation in the USVI? I was there a few years ago and it felt safe, but I'm wondering how commonplace crime is, particularly violent crime. I have been trying to find statistics or some sort of objective information, but haven't found anything.

Originally posted by JNelson113:
Question for all--what is the crime situation in the USVI? I was there a few years ago and it felt safe, but I'm wondering how commonplace crime is, particularly violent crime. I have been trying to find statistics or some sort of objective information, but haven't found anything.

Situation is terrible in St Thomas and St Croix. Much violent crime. I'm sure St. John is much better but, don't have specific info. If you're still seriously considering St John, I'll ask some people down there.