i'm saving up for a trip & am seriously considering the carribean. has anyone been recently who can tell me about getting around / island hopping (plane vs. boats, $$$) hosteling good or bad times to go, etc.? what should my budget look like? and more.

Can't help you much with the transport, Cooldice, as my Caribbean trip was via a cruise (I know, I know, how touristy!). I can tell you that St. Lucia is a drop dead gorgeous island, and I highly recommend it! Cool scenery, friendly people.

worldwidemike

The only advice I can offer is take me with you. I'm freezing. :huh:

Cooldice, Welcome to the boards!!!!!

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The lands of sun and fun for North Americans, Resorts dot the beachs like pepper on fries, its almost hard to find some space to yourself...but not impossible.

Each one of the Caribbean Isalnds has its own flavor, its own culture, its own way of life..almost all survive on the tourist dollar. It is possible to jump from island to island via plane, and the last i heard its not to bad on the pocket book to do.

Costs vary from place to place, Bahamas is at the top of the list for cost, and Haiti would be at the other end of the scale. Cuba is a communist county and Jamaca has had some problems with civil unrest. So as you can tell your trip will be interesting to say the least.

You can use this link to book affordable rooms if resorts are not your thing...TravelPunk Hostel Booking

In my experience down in that region off the world, i found people to be helpful and curious, especially when in the interieor of some of the countries, where they do not see alot of tourist. I have heard of problems in some places, police harresment in the Domican Rep., , and politcal uncetanty in Haiti, but if you prepare your self and keep up to date on the going's on for the countries you will be in, your adventure should be great.

Welcome to the boards Cooldice, and I like your hair in the pic. :cheers:

Its so weird that you bring this topic up as I have been considering a quick trip to the carribean before I leave Florida for Brasil in May. I to know nothing about the area but I have many friends who have explored and say the water is perfect, and considering I have a huge passion for scuba this really gets me hyped.

CD those are some sweet tips bro, what parts have ya seen? Im looking for an "off the beaten path" approach.

Hi! I am 19 and I live and work in the Dominican Republic and it is a wonderful and depending on when and where you go an affordable place to visit and/or live. About the police harrassment, thats not completely true, esp. now, the pull over their own people more than gringos! But follow the rules and you wont have a problem!

Tiffany

Thanks for correcting my Tiffany, I am glad things have changed, the incident was with my brother and it was a couple of years ago, so its nice to see some change.

Could you give a none short play by play on the Dom.Rep??? I am sure it would help Cooldice with his picks for countries to visit while in the region, and I might have to make the jump down there again myself, and stay away from the resorts this time ( my honeymoon was there in Punta Cana). Any info would be great...THANKS!!!

And Welcome to the boards!!!!

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Hi guys! I've only been to Puerto Rico and the Cayman Islands. They are totally different. Although I've had limited exposure, I feel Puerto Rico is a world of its own, even though it's part of the US. Yes, there is the governmental association and the large business environment, which is very americanized. And there is a huge tourist (cruise) industry. But the social life, the everyday lifelihood, small businesses and mass communities are very latino, world's away from the US in some ways. Puerto Rico has great food, great sites (jungle, beaches, historical sites), casinos if you're into it, great music - what does all this add up to? Great partying! :stoked: :cheers: Most of all, people are very nice! :rolleyes:

Caymans is totally different than Puerto Rico, given that Grand Cayman has a beach which is only 7 miles long. If you're into scenic sites, and relaxed, quiet, beautiful, peaceful days and partying at night, this is it. Especially if you're into scuba diving, the world's deepest corral reef is in the Caymans! :thumbup: It's very romantic! hint, hint! :kisscheek: that is, if you're taking a gal/guy! ;) Also, they have this area where you can swim with stingrays, or, they swim around you I mean! It's amazing! :thumbup:

Cool
 

I'm going to be checking out Puerto for my first time in Feb. then heading to St Maarten to catch an easy cruise to a few smaller islands (http://www.easycruise.com ) I couldn't resist! They have 3-14 night cruise deals from $30 (single room) to $11pp/per night in a 4 person room. AWSOME! I can't wait.

I'd love to hear more about Puerto Rico, especially any tips on good nightlife or places to crash and bargains (st Maarten too!).
also, any stories from places I'll have day trips on :
St. Kitts
St Barths
Antigua
Nevis and Anguilla.

If on St. Lucia, check out the Bay Guesthouse. Google it and you will find their web site. Great hostel with great beaches and acces to a great park around the corner. Happy Travels

I just came back from a cruise which went to Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel Mexico. I would highly recommend Grand Cayman; Jamaica and Cozumel not so much.

Also would recommend Aruba and Dominican Republic.

But really the water is beautiful wherever you go; I think it's more what kind of cultural experience, if any, you're looking to have. You'll definitely pay more for things in a place like Grand Cayman, which has the highest standard of living in the Caribbean, or even Aruba.

As far as flying between islands, I really can't help you there; sorry!