That's probably where I was. I did enjoy St Thomas. My favorite part there wasn't even the beaches. But the tip of the island where the ocean is crashing into rocks creating tide pools. That was awesome.
St John was pretty awesome. What's nice about the USVI and BVI are that they're so close together, it's easy to visit multiple islands. Been to my fair share of islands and I'd say St. John was probably my fav... However, in defense of the other islands, the nicest resort Ive stayed at was on St John (Caneel Bay), so that's probably one reason why I hold St John in higher esteem.
I've also heard good and bad about Philipsburg. We would be staying far north of that part of the island(French side). Of course, we'd make our way around the whole place, but Philipsurg probably wouldn't be the center of the trip. Baqui, how do you feel about the comments I heard that the island is very poor? It seems not to be so poor, and seems pretty safe. Would you say that's the case? Would I feel comfortable travelling freely around the island? Or am I better off in the USVIs if I want that kind of trip?
When we were in St. Maarten, we never felt uncomfortable in our travels. One of the nights we went into the town area where they had kind of a street party with food, entertainment, etc. All kinds of folks were there. If you do go to St. Maarten, make sure you hang out at the beach by the airport. The planes land right over your head and it is pretty cool.
Also, I like the Florida Keys... but I don't know if I will ever go back after we experienced what the government is telling us was some testing off in the island. We were there in the spring a couple decades ago and we saw a Jet Harrier destroy the bridges going to the Keys, then a cargo truck exploded. After that, cops told us to get down because there was going to be a light show but we couldn't see it. It turned out to be a bomb in the distance! Anyway, the cop was nice. He told us that he always got stuck in the undercover van... and that he hated it. We'll never forget how the guy driving the Jet destroyed the top of a police car. :grin: Isn't that a huge area made up of a bunch of cities? What city, exactly...? Didn't you have your wedding there?
Of the ones I have been to, Grand Cayman Island. As another poster mentioned, the place is clean, safe and everyone is very nice. Sure, it's very commercial, particularly on Seven Mile Beach, and it doesn't have a remote feel, but I love it.
It isn't going to be like the U.S. - older roads and what not. But nothing crazy. I never really felt unsafe - aside from some shady dudes in the parking lot in Grand Case one night. But that's not a problem since I grew up in Houston. If you're on the French side, stay at the Radisson Blu - Anse Marsel or the Westin Dawn Beach. The Westin is a newer and more modern resort, while the Radisson was more spread out and nicely secluded on a cove. Philipsburg sucks ass - the Fisherman's Wharf/Riverwalk of St. Maarten. My wife dragged me there one day to buy souvenirs, and I got in trouble because I spent the whole time b****ing about wanting to leave. Here's a few quick shots from our trip in Aug
Anyone ever been to Curacao? I'm still researching for a trip in May. That might be an ideal place. Destination is still up in the air. Probably going to be Me, my wife, my dad (youngster at 50) and my step-mom (same). We might rent a place to stay or do an all-inclusive or even a cruise. The cheaper, the better!
