Looking at options for gift for son graduating in December. One of the things we’re tossing around is sending him and a friend to the Caribbean in early January, before he starts work. Yes this would be a splurge and out of character for us in the gift category, but we have our reasons :). We’ve not been in the Caribbean for several years, and frankly our only experience is Bermuda, St John, British Virgins, and Bahamas. So where would you send your kid if you were so inclined?
Looking for nice beaches, snorkeling, not scuba, some interesting activities, and relatively low crime. I would anticipate son and friend mostly hanging out and unwinding after a rough last semester, watching the bikinis, and drinking (I’m inclined to make them responsible for their alcohol $, thinking the prices will be somewhat self limiting lol). Not foodies. I just want them to get away, have fun, chill out before delving into the real world. He has traveled fairly extensively in the US (we used to do fun and interesting family trips) but not out of the country.
So what would you recommend? My knowledge of the area is fairly limited. I think Bermuda would be good but too cold in January. Virgin Islands don’t thrill me for this trip (loved St John, would go back) and I think transportation on island could be meh. Renting scooters is an option but obvious not a car. Turks and Caicos? St Martin might be interesting given the French and Dutch influence. Something like Nevis might be too small and isolated. Would also be interested in any resort suggestions…looking for safe and on a beach, nice and not a dive. Luxury would be lost on them after college dorms/apartments. Proximity to restaurants, nightlife, and transportation a plus.
My son and his girlfriend had a great time at one of the all inclusive resorts at Punta Cana. There were lots of restaurants, nightclubs and activities within the resort and you could easily taxi to other places in the area.
I’m all about St. John but for your purposes there are probably better choices. My daughter/son in law loved the DR and were at a nice all-inclusive. Grand Cayman would work, too.
@mathmom - we loved St John too. But I’m afraid it would be difficult for them to get around, given that they are 23 and probably can’t rent a car. As I recall, the bus system on St John isn’t great. So they’d be pretty much stuck staying at the resort. Maybe that would work with a shorter trip say 3-4 days plus travel…hmmm…
@stradmom Punta Cana is a possibility I hadn’t thought of - thanks. I hear good things about some all inclusive there. Would need to find something that’s not geared towards couples so they don’t feel out of place (and gives them a chance of meeting some people).
St John in the US Virgin Islands is a trick. Better for honeymooners IMO – have to fly to St. Thomas and ferry over, and not much to do there except hike, snorkel, sunbathe. Young unmarried people would have a better time in, let’s say the ABC islands. I like Aruba.
Aruba. Nice beaches, snorkeling, catamaran, pirate ships for party and snorkeling, jeep tours. Range of places to eat within walking distance. http://www.aruba.com/aruba-vacations/adventure-travel Are both kids age 21? Check with the hotels, many will not rent to under 21. Suggest the high rise area, Radisson or Holiday Inn.
I’ve thought about Aruba, that may be a good choice. Thanks, it’s on the list. Appreciate resort suggestions too.
Both would be 22-23, so no issues with hotel. Probably can’t rent car/jeep but that’s not a bad thing imo
Just thinking, fly in the ointment might be getting someone to go along. Virtually all his friends are graduating in May, starting work this summer. Not sure what their vacation situation will be. You’d think they’d be happy to get in on a free trip but that first year out can be a challenge juggling vacation, especially if they aren’t working close to home and need to go back for visits.
I’d second Aruba. I stayed in the low-rise section though, which is reportedly quieter. If I was young, I would probably prefer the high-rise, which is closer to more nightlife options.
Son conceived on St. John. Enough said I have been to the VI both British and US about 5 ot 6 times. I really love VIrgin Gorda. I know you seem not keen on the VI, but let me tell you about Gorda (that is a photo of The Baths as my avatar photo BTW.) You have The BItter End if he likes sailing/windsurfing/kitesurfing. You can get an all inclusive deal at the Bitter End Yacht Club. My problem with the BItter End is the beaches aren’t all that great. For beaches, I like the other end of Gorda, with The Baths and Devil’s Bay. We have rented houses several times on that end of the island. It is a very quiet island, and much safer than St. Thomas or Tortola. I think they could rent a car on Gorda. THe car rental agency is also the auto repair garage and is also the shuttle bus depot. It is pretty low key! Once we rented a house that came with a car. There were 7 or 8 of us (grad school) and we piled into that jeep even though it didn’t really fit all of us. You only go 10 mph.
The other idea is Grand Cayman. I would stay away from 7 Mile Beach. I would to the Cayman Kai resort with beautiful snorkeling.
And you can get around on St. John via taxi or just walking. You can do a hike right over the island to the other side (as an all-day activity), and you can get a taxi to town no problem. Probably better if there is any alcohol involved anyway.
We took jitneys everywhere on St. John. It seemed to be very easy to get anywhere, we were a big enough group that we could take over a jitney and have them take us places off the normal routes. I’ve always wanted to go to Virgin Gorda.
However, for young guys, I’d recommend something more off the beaten path and not necessarily Caribbean like Cuba, Costa Rica (great surf communities), or Cartagena, Colombia.
I vote for an all inclusive. Lots of activities are usually available, and they won’t have to worry about costs for transportation around, meals, and activities.
I also think an all-inclusive would be a good idea for new college graduates. There are plenty of nice reasonably priced ones along the Mayan Riviera, south of Cancun, that would fit all your criteria. If they want something a little different, Punta Cana/Bavaro is also a great choice. I would also throw in the Club Med in the Turks & Caicos.
Like the all-inclusive idea, just need to avoid a couples atmosphere. Trip Advisor forums could probably help with that. Personally would love Cuba, definitely an adventure. Not sure of son’s opinion…will have to ask. I’d like to give him a couple choices if we go with this as the gift, and let him pick.
My luck I’ll tell him about it and he’ll say nah, doesn’t sound good lol. He’s getting a little more unpredictable
Another vote for all-inclusives. There are many that cater more to singles. You might want to call cheap Carribean and see what they suggest. I was nervous about sending my son and GF to Jamaica, DR or Mexico because especially she was not well traveled, and they were both kind of naive. However, we had a great family trip to the Riviera Maya about 10 years ago. We stayed at an all inclusive, and they had pool competitions during the day, entertainment at night, and were fun for all ages. Our place was called Pariaso Lindo, or something close to that.
If this is all they want to do, I don’t see the point in spending the money on someplace exotic. You could do that almost anywhere with a beach and warm temperatures. Cancun maybe?
Was just in St. Maarten . . . didn’t love it honestly. Maybe I didn’t see the good stuff; we were coming off a cruise ship. Wish we had gone to the French side to check that out.
What about a cruise? Too kitschy for college guys just graduating (or about to graduate?)?
As a new graduate, still young, the gift of an all-inclusive where they can dine (even if not foodies) to their hearts content, enjoy the bars, and included activities - without spending a dime often - what a nice “spoiled” trip for them.
As a matter of fact, this 57 year old would love the opportunity of an all inclusive for ME!
I have been to the VI both British and US about 5 ot 6 times. I really love VIrgin Gorda. I know you seem not keen on the VI, but let me tell you about Gorda (that is a photo of The Baths as my avatar photo BTW.) You have The BItter End if he likes sailing/windsurfing/kitesurfing. You can get an all inclusive deal at the Bitter End Yacht Club. My problem with the BItter End is the beaches aren’t all that great. For beaches, I like the other end of Gorda, with The Baths and Devil’s Bay. We have rented houses several times on that end of the island. It is a very quiet island, and much safer than St. Thomas or Tortola. I think they could rent a car on Gorda. THe car rental agency is also the auto repair garage and is also the shuttle bus depot. It is pretty low key! Once we rented a house that came with a car. There were 7 or 8 of us (grad school) and we piled into that jeep even though it didn’t really fit all of us. You only go 10 mph.