First time to Carribean

[AliasGraced]

Thinking of a winter holiday in the Caribbean. No idea where to start , when to go and where. I don’t fancy Jamaica or Barbados, would prefer a smaller less commercialised island with low crime. Could anyone advise on how to find good deals, which island to choose etc? Thinking post or pre Xmas .

I’ve been to Jamaica and wouldn’t go again, so you’re right on that one.

How about Antigua or the lesser known Bequia? Both look lovely. Or Tobago?

Budget is relevant

Solo traveller?

Dominican Republic?
What do you want to do when you’re there? Any activity you enjoy?

Cruise? Then you get to try several.
Grenada was our favourite and we’ve since been back for a longer stay.

I would like to visit rain forests, swim in the sea and laze about !

Just me and my husband. Is it possible to do for about six grand? Probably not. We have never cruised before so the thought of doing a very long plane journey followed by a cruise is slightly scary.

Been twice in last 18 months to Antigua and Curacao ... loved both bit would opt for Antigua as favourite

Where did you stay? Did you use a travel agent ?

Stayed in self catering apartments. Booked our own flights direct. You really need to hire a car and drive if not staying in a hotel resort.
I'd start by looking on virgin holidays if you don't want self catering.

Yes I meant to come back and say that. We went to Jamaica this February and had a gorgeous time in Negril. We stayed in a small low-key Jamaican-owned hotel right on the beach. I’d love to go to Port Antonio, it looks gorgeous, rustic and unspoilt.

British Virgin Islands are very nice - my parents when younger liked Tobago

We’ve been to Jamaica, Barbados, Bahamas. Jamaica is our favourite by far if you go to Negril. We stayed at an adults only 5* on the 7 mile beach and spent £6500 for both of us all inclusive for 11 nights but I’m always really shocked when I hear people say they didn’t like Jamaica. The food, the culture, the people, ahh it’s just my favourite place!

Antigua and Turks & Caicos are said to be amazing.

Turks and Caicos is fantastic. BVI is nice if you want a bit more to do. Tbh I think most of the Caribbean is overated and once you factor in the Americans and the prices . . . Asia has some beautiful places and less Americans.

Then Tobago would be perfect. Charlotteville is perfect if you like laid back, beautiful beach and rain forest. One of my best ever holidays.

Sounds great!

Have a look at Cholson Chalets - we loved them

If you want rainforest then you good also do a trip to Sint Maarten and visit Saba and Sint Eustatius, one has a rainforest in a vulcanic crater. Sint Maarten has a Dutch and french part, so different atmosphere there. Curaçao and the islands in the vicinity are quite different, no rainforest but more arid but still very lovely, having flamingo's and lovely lovely beaches. In december especially the ambience is great, very festive. i call Curaçao my home for over a decade and still love it, although I noticed it becomes a bit more touristy since the last 2 years.

Jamaica is a vile place! Turks and cacos is amazing

Another vote for Tobago. It’s less developed and touristy than some of the other better known islands, and very laid-back. Something like 80% of the island is rainforest, and the beaches on the Caribbean side are absolutely beautiful. Google Pigeon Point and Englishman’s Harbour for examples. I absolutely love Tobago - I’ve been three times in the last year or so and I can’t wait for my next trip there!

We did British Virgin Islands in October. Beautiful but got bitten to death by mosquitoes if they bother you.

I really like Barbados but I don’t stay in a fancy resort and I travel around on public transport.

Where do you stay and do you book flights and accommodation separately? Do you use a tour operator? Thanks. .

Castara retreats in Tobago is fantastic. You could book through Just Tobago. You could do a twinned location so 4-5 days in two different locations