By: mzoppo

mzoppo — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:51:05 +0000

Is this for a family? Kids? if there small children nothing is better then Disney, even for Adults its very good. All Inclusive resorts are another option. I love Aruba

By: krute

krute — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 10:49:42 +0000

This is a very vague question, but I’ll do my best to help you. First foremost is cost. Are you on a strict budget? Do you want some place warm or cold? Are you a beach nut or a snow skier?
Because it would take a novel to answer your question accurately and to it’s fullest possible extent, I will focus on a place that would probably suit you best considering the weak dollar.
First of all, if you would like to stretch your dollar as far as it will go and have a wonderful time (and by the way, I have no idea how old you are which could also affect this response) plus guarantee warm weather even in the winter then I would suggest Mexico. Almost any of the popular destinations is fine. Cancun is a lot of fun as is Puerto Vallarta.
However, if you don’t mind spending a bit more money and you also enjoy gambling then I can’t suggest St. Maarten strongly enough. Not only do they have casinos there but there are also numerous side trips you can take to neighboring islands, along with scuba diving wind surfing and just about any other water sport you can think of. You can save money on food by going to any number of grocery stores located conveniently around the island. But be careful at check out!! Non employees will be right there to bag your groceries for you, and of course they will expect a tip. Usually a buck or two is fine, but you can save it by simply bagging it yourself. Before I go much further, I should inform you that there are both a French and Dutch side to the island. When you see it spelled St. Maarten, then the referrence is to the Dutch side and when you see it spelled St. Martin, then the referrence is to the french side. I would suggest you stay on the Dutch side because that is where most of the action is and also the casino’s. Renting a car is almost a MUST because there is so much to see and do on this island, but again I will give you a helpful warning. When you rent a car, insist on a french license plate. Why? Because the Dutch tags are sought after by thieves for resale to souvenir shops, but no one cares about the drab french tags.
As far as eating out goes you can eat cheaply if you go to a place called Johnny B’s under the tree. That is the name of the restaurant. He has barbeque lobster, chicken, ribs and other items at very very reasonable prices. From the airport follow the main road to go toward Phillipsburg. Where you would normally turn right at the blinking signal DON’T. Go straight between one half mile and one mile on the left side of the road and you will see it. I don’t think there is a sign there, but you should know it when you see it.
As if I haven’t already told you a lot, I have even more!! Guess what?? St. Maarten is a duty free shopping island, and boy do they have shopping, particularly in downtown Phillipsburg. Jewelry and leather are big along with some electronics. Stay away from the shops near the airport as they tend to be a bit more expensive.
Lastly, but certainly not least is the nightlife. There are many places to go, just ask any of the locals and they can help you and perhaps even where you are staying can help you but don’t miss two for tuesdays at the Greenhouse in the Phillipsburg marina. It gets a very good blend of locals as well as tourists there. There are many things to enjoy on St. Maarten, and if you decide to go I hope that this information will have helped. Oh, and I almost forgot. If you are feeling a bit brazen or just want to ‘look’, then you might want to go to Orient beach on the east side of the island on the french side. It’s the most famous clothing optional beach on the island. Cupecoy on the west side which straddles both the french and dutch sides can also be quite interesting.

Comments on: How do you choose a vacation destination?

By: mzoppo

By: krute