Do you have a favorite Caribbean getaway?
As I trudged through the rain recently, a friend diverted me from cold, wet thoughts with news that she was planning a trip to Aruba in a few weeks. I’ve never been to this small island just off the coast of South America, but the idea of white beach sand and warm Caribbean breezes were enough to push soaked clothes and flash flood warnings to the recesses of my mind – at least temporarily.
While my friend is traveling to this Dutch-governed island mainly to do a bit of scuba diving over the winter, she appears to be headed to Paradise at just the right time. Her early December departure will put her there at the tail end of the “off season”, when hotel rates are still reduced. By mid-to-late December, hotel rates typically rise throughout the Caribbean. (Of course, bargain-hunters who are flexible about the island or resort they’re staying in may find some great “peak season” deals in the coming months because of the recession.)
Temperatures on the island nations to our south tend to average between 75 and 85 degrees year-round, but rainfall throughout the region can vary significantly. For rain-weary Southerners, Aruba is one of the better Caribbean destinations in the autumn and winter. According to Frommer’s travel guides, it hardly ever rains there.
That said, there are a host of Caribbean countries with international and unique island flairs that cater to just about any traveler — from the family of five to singles to couples on a romantic holiday. With most of those islands a short flight from Hartsfield, many Atlantans consider Caribbean trips a “backyard getaway”. It can take the same amount of time or less (even with check-in and baggage claim times built in) to fly to one of the closer islands than it would to drive the kids to some of our southeastern beaches.
So after a wet walk and inspiration from a neighbor, I’m ready to blow this umbrella stand and put the rain behind me for a few days. Now, if only I can find a good deal to the Caribbean…for five.
Where do you go when you get away for a Caribbean break? Have you traveled the region broadly or do you return to the same island time and time again? What’s the best place for couples? Singles? Families? Adventure seekers? Why?
Are you taking advantage of good deals for travel this fall or winter?
If you’re an Aruba travel veteran, do you have suggestions for “must see” attractions or side trips?
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Guides
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2009 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
14 comments Add your comment
abc
October 28th, 2009
11:43 am
This year I’ve been to Aruba, Curacao, St. Maartens, St. Thomas, Barbados, Antigua, St. Lucia, St. Maartens, and St. Croix. In years past I’ve visited the Cayman Islands, Bahamas, Bermuda, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and the Mexican Riviera. I’d recommend against Aruba, it’s just not that nice, and there’s not much to see. Of the European-controlled islands, it shows its poverty quite a bit more than most. I’d recommend against Cozumel and Cancun, too, they’re just not that fun.
If you really want to visit an island off the Venezuelan coast, try Curacao, it’s lovely! St. Maartens and St. Croix are also among my favorites; Aruba, Barbados, Antigua are among my least favorites — in fact, I’d recommend skipping any of the independent islands. One exception would be St. Lucia for its natural beauty, but stay in an all-inclusive resort there. There are a couple of lovely resorts at the foot of the Pitons. Hanging out in town is to subject yourself to panhandling like you may never have experienced, it’s pretty sad — that’s something that’s typical of the independent islands due to extreme poverty.
If you’re not very familiar with Caribbean destinations, try a cruise. That would give you a chance to get a glimpse of what they’re like. The best itineraries leave from San Juan, which isn’t that much more expensive or lengthy a flight than one to Miami.
Kevrock/Smarty Jones
October 28th, 2009
1:06 pm
ABC hit it right on the Head! Very good point.
Keith
October 28th, 2009
2:00 pm
Great info! Thanks!
Caribbean Chris
October 28th, 2009
2:14 pm
In the last eighteen months I have been to Trinidad and Tobago (three times), Jamaica, and St. Lucia. Delta did have direct service to all three from Atlanta, but I think that has stopped, so take American to Miami for the shortest and cheapest flights. While I was in the Caribbean I stayed in guesthouses all five times and loved it. Staying among the locals was a gratifying experience, because I felt like I REALLY visited a foreign country, as opposed to an Americanized resort. Prices are typically $50-100 per night with breakfast and other perks. Getting around is a dirt cheap adventure as well, so do what the locals do and catch a taxi! Not once did I feel unsafe in the daytime in any of those countries, but I used common sense at night, just as I would would in any American city. Yes, there is poverty and crime there just like here but I found the locals to be respectful and polite without exception. Also, I ate the local foods and drank the local water with no problems. St. Lucia is a place of great natural beauty that is largely rural except around the Castries/Gros Islet in the north. Pigeon Island, the Pitons, and Soufriere are a must. In Jamaica I enjoyed the Seven-Mile Beach in Negril, with its numerous Jerk Shacks with delicious BBQ pork and chicken. Don’t forget to try the saltfish and ackee! Tobago is a quiet island with beautiful beaches, perfect for a romantic getaway. Trinidad, however, is busy and lively between Port of Spain, Arima, and Sangre Grande. I enjoyed Toco Beach in the east and the Pitch Lake down in the south. Unlike many of the other islands in the Caribbean, Trinidad has a thriving and diverse economy far beyond tourism and bananas. If in doubt just pick and island and go; you won’t regret it.
KEO
October 28th, 2009
6:11 pm
Has anyone ever been to the Canouan Islands? If so please report your findings, thanks!
mrd
October 29th, 2009
10:41 am
We have been to Aruba 3 times and really enjoy it. It is a desert island so it is not lush and green other than palm trees near the beach but this means is rarely rains and it is below the huricane belt so the weather is perfect year round and you dont have to worry about spending your vacation in doors. We like to lay on the beach and do water sports during the day and have a great dinner and gamble for a few hours at night and Aruba is perfect for this. There are a lot of great European resturants we really like and a few smaller but nice casinos. There seems to be less poverty on the island than others we have been to and we never feel unsafe. It is also very easy to get around with cabs. If you are looking for adventure or sight seeing it may not be the best spot but if you are looking for great beaches, great weather for relaxation you will enjoy Aruba
Jason
October 29th, 2009
12:11 pm
St John in the USVI. Caneel Bay Resort, Westin St John Resort are both great in different ways. Secluded, relaxing, the whole island feel without being too touristy.
ziza
October 29th, 2009
1:41 pm
ditto what caribbean chris said. although different folks for different folks. i’ve been to st maarten, trinidad and tobago, barbados, anguilla and jamaica. i always move with the local folks via taxi, eating places, clubs, etc. i have stayed in an all inclusive and while i enjoyed it more than i thought i would (basically for unlimited drinks lol), it did not compare with my b&b stays by far. i am longing to go to dominica, belize, and st lucia. i’ve always found good deals to everywhere i’ve gone. love the caribbean it is my locale of choice for vacation.
bill
October 29th, 2009
3:59 pm
ABC was correct except I felt Antiqua was great. Chris I’m glad you lived past Jamaica. Aruba is not that great, but if you are going the natural bridge caved in a few years ago, but there is still a smaller one there. Also, at the light house there is an Italian rotissorie. That is excellent for a sunset meal & drinks. I agree cruising is the way. Just wish this economy would turn so I could go some more.
Sue
October 30th, 2009
4:49 pm
St. Lucia is very beautiful. The Pitons are breathtaking. There is a lot of poverty there but the locals we met were very friendly. We don’t have children, so we prefer to stay at all inclusives that are for adult couples only. I have a friend that has traveled to Aruba every year for the past 11 years. She loves it and recommends it but we are planning on Jamaica next. So many places to see, not enough time and money!