We're planning a Caribbean vacation (couple and boys ages 4 and 7). Which island is best (and safest!)?

Question

We've been to the British Virgin Islands twice (renting villas both times), and cannot make enough wonderful comments about the islands, beaches, food, friendliness, and safety. BVI is highly recommended! But now we're looking to go to a different island, keeping in mind safety first.

We want a location where the locals are friendly but don't approach us on the beach to braid hair, buy trinkets (or ...), panhandle, etc. Security guards on the beaches and at the resort gates would not make me feel relaxed on vacation! We'd rather be somewhere where that level of security is not necessary.

We like going to local restaurants (not American franchises), kid-friendly attractions, and excellent beaches (especially with calm water) are a must. We are NOT looking for a cruise or a big Sandals-type all-inclusive resort.

Thanks for all suggestions.

Answer 1

Are there really places that have people walk up to you and braid your hair? That would be pretty funny..

Anyways, I recently stayed at this vacation resort in the Cayman Islands, called Harbour Heights ( http://www.harbourheightscayman.com/ ) and had the best time. The people there were very friendly and the view was amazing. The resort was located on the world famous, Seven Mile Beach.

About your kids, there are different activities that the resort offers, including coral diving, snorkeling, visiting the turtle farm and stingray city, even a skate park!

Just visit their website and go to the activities page for more information.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

What can I advise you, Let see you love nature try Dominica. They don't have that at all its against the law.

Curacoa, St. Barths, Saba, Bonaire,St. lucia, Guadelope, Martinique. Just choose one.

Go online and check everyone of these Islands and see which one would suite you.

Answer 3

We'd recommend the Cayman Islands and Grand Cayman in particular. It's safe, clean and has no panhandlers on the beach or anywhere.

We liked it so much we built a website to sing its praises (see below)

Answer 4

i've never been but i have heard that Disney has an island all it's own & is safe & they have activities for kids too

Answer 5

Nassau, The Atlantis resort and casino...

Answer 6

If you like the BVI, then you might like the Turks and Caicos Islands, as the beaches are superb and there are plenty of restaurants for you to sample (no American franchises at all). http://www.turksandcaicostourism.com/go/...

http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/2005/12/...  However, it is an expensive destination, the only really affordable place being this: http://www.turtlecoveinn.com/

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-...

If you speak French, then you might like to visit Guadeloupe and/or Martinique, where hotels are much cheaper and where you can even rent a gite for family use for a modest sum.  

http://www.locations-vacances-martinique...

http://www.webcaraibes.com/guadeloupe/gi...

Eating out is cheap and very good indeed in both islands. As they are part of Metropolitan France, they are very well policed.

Answer 7

Anguilla, St. Barths, Guadeloupe, French St martin. (If you go French st martin you can always take the ferry or boat to go Anguilla and St barths. these places are nice; friendly people and safe. If you get to go to french St martin might as well go to these places which is relative affordable). It is a kind of relaxing environment where your brain just shut down.

Good luck!

Enjoy Your Trip!

Happy New Year!!