Tim_T

I'm after the collective wisdom of the BA FT crew

Sat on 200k BA miles and 241, looking for destination for myself, wife and 11yr daughter next summer. We normally go to the USA each year, and have covered the typical places like Florida, DC, New York, West coast (top to bottom), Vegas, Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Hawaii.

However, we have never been to the Caribbean, and quite fancy the idea as a change. We are not "sit on the beach for 2 weeks", "put the kid in kids club for 2 weeks and we get drunk", or "I want to be waited on". We like variety on a holiday, getting out of the hotel by car to visit sights, bit of beach, bit of activities, nice food, good pool area, friendly & clean hotel, and some shopping. For example, this year we are starting in Miami, heading down the Keys, up to Fort Lauderdale, over to Disney (on property), and then finish with a few nights on the Gulf coast.

Quite like the idea of an All Inclusive, especially if we may be limited to expensive food choices in a hotel. We also prefer Hilton if possible due to the Diamond status.

I know summer may not be the best time to go, so are any island less likely to be affected by poor weather?

Can anyone suggest an island and/or hotel that is served by BA that could fit the bill? As a fall back, connecting via Miami might be an option but have found this harder to get redemption. Availability for the Caribbean appears much easier, for example there is still availability for this summer showing.

Thanks all

henkybaby

That sort of excludes most of the Caribbean with (possibly) the exception of Jamaica (which may be more adventurous than you want it to be) or Cuba (where BA do not fly).

The Caribbean is arguably the most boring place in the known universe. I know that others will disagree but I doubt they do much else than hang in an overpriced resort, eat drink and be merry.

Swanhunter

Have you considered heading to Asia instead? You can get all you are looking for there and generally to a better quality plus a lower price tag than the Carribbean or the US. Thailand, Malaysia or Bali would be great starting points with the advantage of having some fascinating local cultures to explore.

The Caribbean is great for diving but otherwise wouldn't be high on my list of holiday destinations.

corporate-wage-slave

Utter rubbish! Have you ever been to the Netherlands???

Try Nevis or St Lucia or Dominica, Martinique or Montserrat. But not Aruba (see above x 2).

Homer15

A couple places I can think of might be worth considering--

CUN-- there are some decent AIs on the Riviera Maya, and then you could visit Mayan Ruins (Tulum), maybe swim in cenotes, as well as the beach.

(Note: if you are willing to overnight in Miami, then an even better option might be BZE-- decent AI options, better things to do and interesting Mayan ruins, including access to Tikal, from San Ignacio, then can do the Cayes or Placencia for the beach).

SJU -- Haven't been but I've heard the old city is nice, you can also drive to see the rain forest, or visit one of the offshore islands like Vieques for additional beach (and bioluminescent bay).

rossmacd

Sorry to hijack your thread OP, however, I am off to PUJ in Feb as my first trip to the Caribbean (much like the OP). Any thoughts on PUJ? I only booked it to drain my DC account and it was the only decent flight available in J on *A.

edi-traveller

I love the Caribbean - mainly for all the reasons the OP will probably not enjoy it.

6xGrenada. Stayed at La Source x4, Spice Island Beach Resort x1 and Coyaba x1

Read my Review of Coyaba Here

St Lucia x2. Stayed at Jalousie Plantation and Wyndham Morgan Bay

Read my Review of Jalousie Plantation Here

Antigua x3. Stayed at Galley Bay x2 and Curtain Bluff

Tobago. Stayed at Grand Courlan Resort and Spa - utter awful place - got heft compo from BA Hols for this one.

Palm Island. In the Grenadines - very remote and isolated.

Canouan - in the GRenadines - Raffles Resort (You might like this - lots of golf, yachting, Trump Casino)

Barbados. Turtle Beach - another one to avoid.

Homer15

You might check out the Hard Rock (or ask in the Caribbean forum?)

RTW1

If you like the beach, water sports and a little shopping..... the islands are a good destination for about a week or so. If you like to be a little more active go somewhere else.

Most islands are small and apart from some gorgeous beaches there isn't much to see or do. Hawaii is so much better, or go to Asia (but not in the summer months).

Raffles

Barbados is probably your best bet ... generally decent award availability in Summer, best infrastructure, minimal crime, some tourist sights outside the resorts (albeit nothing mindblowing), plenty of good restaurants outside the resorts, outside the main hurricane zone and not been hit since the Queen took the throne!

But still fundamentally dull compared to the Miami trip you outlined. However, that's the sort of thing I did before I had kids, and now I've got two I am quite happy - especially at their young age - to stick them in the kids club (where, after 2 days, they INSIST on going to rather than being with us) and sit on the beach and in the pool.

kitbag1984

Would recommend St Lucia. Fantastic place to go.

tyroleandancer

I've done Jamaica, Barbados, Puerto Rico(long time ago) and Bermuda. Barabados you can safely use public transport, hire a car and tour the island.
Even though we went out and about there still wasn't enough for me to see or do. Jamaica, we did several private tours but I wasn't keen and didn't feel safe. Puerto Rico was 30 years ago, I can't remember any of it. Bermuda was also years ago but if I remember was very pretty and safe.
Has it got to be summer? if not plenty to do and see in Dubai

SleeplessnearSTN

I'm a big fan of St Lucia and wholeheartedly recommend the island. Have also been to St kitts which I wasn't wild about and Nevis which was fascinating but v small, was a big favourite of Princess Di which may, or may not, be a recommendation.

Tim_T

OK, I now see why Caribbean availability is good in the summer, no one wants to go

A few people have mentioned safety. Is it that bad? We are not the most "adventurous", but equally are not freaked out by horror stories based on little more than hearsay. We have after all ridden the NY subway all the way out to the Bronx

I like the look of St Lucia, but is there much to do apart from sit on the beach or take a trip into the forest?

Another place I like the look of is Puerto Rico.

Are either bad news due to weather in the summer (July / August)?

skunker

Ummm...yes!
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/