We’ve decided to make the most of our January and visit 3 Caribbean destinations. With our house in Charlotte, North Carolina on the market and a plan to move back to California, I don’t know how long I’ll have quick, easy access to Caribbean flights. From Grand Cayman to Bahamas and then onto Puerto Rico, I’m dreaming of white sand beaches, water slides, and new wonders. Here’s a glimpse of our January.
San Juan Water & Beach Club Hotel, Puerto Rico
Have you been to any of these destinations or resorts? Do you have any great tips or suggestions for us? We’re in the process of planning our activities now.
Bucket List Publications 
I will say, that the beaches you show in the top, looks like wonderful to me, no matter where they belongs 😀
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I’m very jealous. I’m currently sat on my sofa, clutching a bowl of hot soup after getting soaked in the rain. We don’t even have proper daylight in Wales at the moment! My friend Phil pointed out to me that the two holidays I have booked so far for this year are both to cold destinations (Italy and Iceland). I definitely need to find some sun at some point this year!
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How about barefoot luxury of Puerto Viejo at the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica:) ? I hope you can make it there one day: http://blog.rentini.com/2013/05/13/less-is-more-barefoot-luxury-in-puerto-viejo-caribbean-coast-of-costa-rica/
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I visited Antigua & Barbuda a month ago and absolutely fell in love with Caribbean. If your choice of islands is still open, I would definitely recommend to go to Antigua. My tips for things to do are on my blog (http://nordicodyssey.wordpress.com/2013/12/14/exploring-antigua-a-paradise-found/) Have a wonderful holiday!
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We’ve been to the Bahamas but not that particular resort. I prefer cruises. You will enjoy regardless. Sorry to hear you are leaving NC.
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Even though we live in FL, we still have not visited many of the Caribbean Islands. We did enjoy the Turks and Caicos Islands a few years ago. They are part of the Bahamas chain but a bit off the beaten track. When we were there some years back they said many people didn’t know of them because the cruise ships didn’t stop there, but that may have changed since we visited back in 2002.
That said, I I would leave today for any of the destinations you mention here! Looks like a fun vacation.
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We chose Belize, and have enjoyed it. We took a month and have traveled a bit of it, not cheap nor expensive, bu the middle road. and it has been nice. We enjoyed Table Rock Jungle Lodge in San Ignacio, Sundancer II live-aboard dive boat for a week, Paradise Resort in Placencia, and a week in San Pedro. out of all of those, the dive boat, Table Rock, and Placencia have been fun…
Erick and Lynda
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I’m thinking of visiting the Grand Cayman Marriott. Its on my list.
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My Caribbean destination is Negril, Jamaica, with the white sand beach. I want to go and enjoy the beautiful sunny weather, the entertainment and the great activities and food.
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We just came back from San Juan Puerto Rico. Lots to do there.
http://lowestravels.com/2014/01/04/taking-in-the-sights-of-san-juan-puerto-rico/
Have fun.
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I’ve always wanted to go to Atlantis.
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Soooo beautiful! Enough the sun, sand and food! Thanks for the likes on my posts. Have a blessed day! Queen Of Hearts
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No destination yet. Save money first 🙂 Hope you enjoy your trip
>
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Dragging our RV Mexico. That should be an adventure in itself.
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I’d recommend PR–you can drive outside of SJ and do tons of active stuff (hiking, ziplining). St. John (USVI) has stunning beaches and hiking; Anguilla is cheaper and low-key with tons of “lonely” beaches; Dominica is supposed to be amazing; Grenada and Monsterrat are off-track and absolutely on my to-go list. Have fun!!!
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So wish I could give you a tip, but can only say have a great time 🙂
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Puerto Rico travelogue is on my blog, The Coqui Sings in Puerto Rico
http://eclegein.wordpress.com/
Safe travels
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Can’t wait to read these holiday posts!
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I’ve been to Atlantic in the Bahamas and it is not worth the hype. The facilities need to be updated and the beach is crowded. That being said, in the Caribbean I find that all-inclusive’s are the best way to go. I grew up in New Orleans and took trips with my Mom or friends almost every year. We always used http://www.cheapcaribbean.com/ they have GREAT deals and make booking really simple. Enjoy your trip!!
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Hi Lesley! Whenever I go home to Jamaica, I make it a point of going to Negril or Ocho Rios. The beaches are stunning especially in Negril. You can also check out Montego Bay. Wherever you end up going, I know you’ll have the time of your life! Looking forward to reading about your time in paradise. – Donna
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Wow…. Your January sounds like a dream! Have fun. I have only been to Cancun, Mexico and I can safely say that the beaches of Mexico are underrated. 🙂
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I love reading your blog. It always brings a smile to my face and makes me feel warm even though I live in a little town that borders Wales and it is extremely cold here at this time of year. Your blog makes a great vision board and helps me to keep focused on the sunnier shores that are ahead of me this year. Thank you for sharing!
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Any and all of these would fit the bill. With me it’s feast or famine; all or nothing. 😀
Have a wonderful holiday. 😛
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Can I come with you? I’ll babysit or be your personal assistant, hee, hee. It’s cold and gloomy up here in Alaska, and I can’t stop dreaming of the beach. Cheers and have fun.
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We go to Aruba, if you ever get there Arashi Beach, Mangel Halto and all in between ;). Either way if the seas are as giving as Aruba (sure they are) at the very least go snorkelling. It is truly breath taking and very humbling as future generations may not have the experiences we have available if we continue to pollute our oceans. Sorry bit serious there BUT do snorkel, I was scared to but when I did it was so pleased I did. Other advice …… Dance like nobody is watching and ENJOY! X
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This looks amazing! So jealous I’ll be in rainy, cold, old England instead! Hopefully I’ll be travelling around Thailand and Oz this time next year so I’ll hold on for that, but have a fantastic time! xx
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Where are the Pirates? 🙂
Of course, we have plenty of Somali ones of those, but they lack the same glamour.
There are some lovely unspoilt beaches further north up and off Africa, but the natives are rather restless …
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I too plan to travel and do more this year. For some reason I think I am gonna take a bartendering class. It fascinates me.
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If you are going to Nassau , you don’t have to stay at Atlantis to use the park, BUT to use the facility without extra $$$ charge , stay on paradise island, there are a couple of different options there. Dive and snorkel with Stuart coves, if you eat fish ask for filets or you get the WHOLE fish!!! Kalick beer is good so is sands , straw market haggle the prices! Can’t beat paradise island beach!!!
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Wow I’m heading to Barbados in three weeks..exactly 1 year saving now. Winter blues 0- 1 TCDub
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I have been to all 3 locations, but only Atlantis in the Bahamas as far as the resorts. In Grand Cayman we went to Stingray City and kissed a stingray. I posted a photo of that way back. http://politonomicsandtravel.wordpress.com/2011/08/21/travel-photo-of-the-day-8-21-2011/
In San Juan we really liked the old town and in the Bahamas the resort is very nice and there is always snorkeling or diving
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I remember that photo! I added it to the list when I saw it 🙂
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Enjoy, and kiss a fish for me.
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On your Bahamas leg, don’t forget to call in at Abaco! 1/2 flight from Nassau… RH
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All three destinations sound amazing. I have heard that Atlantis is really great for families.
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My daughter and my much younger sister are both joining so I’ll let you know 🙂
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Well my suggestion unfortunately does not include Grand Cayman, the Bahamas or Puerto Rico but invites you to include my super warm sunny island of Barbados on your next trip! There’s lots to see and do, and even though we’re getting a few showers right about now (and it’s what we call sweater wearing “chilly” – from a tropical perspecpective) the weather is usually great and the beaches even greater. Hope to see you one day soon and enjoy your trip 🙂
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All places look beautiful, and good to make use of going that way before you move. Once you’re back in California, the natural tendency here is to head to Hawaii.
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i nver been here but goddd…i wish….
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My mother was at Atlantis. I think that is where they let her “pet” a dolphin.
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I’m from Puerto Rico, therefore, I’m quite familiar with the Island. Belize would be the ideal place for me to visit. Have a save trip. Blessings.
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Puerto Rico is on my “to visit” list. Grand Cayman and Bahamas are great. Definitely go snorkeling or scuba diving in Cayman Islands. The water is some of the clearest I’ve seen. I went to the Bahamas many years ago for my 21 birthday, all I remember is getting on a booze cruise and drinking rum drinks out of coconut, sold by a guy named “Yellow”. Happy Caribbean travels, can’t think of a better way to spend January!
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You are going to Puerto Rico, that’s my home! I don’t live there anymore though. Have a safe and fun trip. San Juan is quite popular, and you should try Mofongo is a dish, very good too. If you are looking for beaches, Culebra, is a little island at the south of Puerto Rico (is part of PR), has amazing beaches too. If you want shopping, there’s Plaza Las Americas Mall, very big too. Plus the stores in San Juan. There’s also El Yunque is a rainforest.
Have a safe trip.
Enjoy your time there.
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Ahhh the Caymans. Love Grand Cayman. I want to go back!! Hell, I want to live there! ~Gina
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Everyone in the UK at present could do with some of that beautiful sunshine. Lucky you! Great blog as usual.
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My employer has a timeshare in the Bahamas & they go to Atlantis every year (they have yet to tag me along however). They said it’s great because there are separate activities for kids and then for adults so everyone gets to do a little of what they want without tagging along the family who would rather do their own thing.
Since I haven’t been there, I have no personal recommendations, but I have seen pictures of some really fun things like feeding the stingrays & water slides galore. Have such a blast!
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I’ve been to Puerto Rico a number of times (going back in April, in fact) and if you like rain forests and trails check out El Yunque National Forest Rio Grande. Vieques also should be on your list, and you can rent bikes or take a bike tour.
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I lived on St Thomas for a year. People tend to ignore the US Virgin Island. During that time I camped on St John for almost 3 months. It was a wild time and something I encourage any 20 something to experience.
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We just got back from a Caribbean Cruise… stops at Cozumel, Roatan and Belize. Simply WONDERFUL!! Come on over and read my Blog…Two Trails One Road…about our adventure as we drove to Houston,TX from AZ. Glad you had a wonderful January!
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