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Questions from a first timer!
Really good advice from all who have posted. You may actually be the itinerary kind of people, so go ahead and make one out. Don't be disappointed if you do not or can not follow it. Key words here: Island Time. It will get you, and you will love it.
We have found what works best, for us anyway, that before the trip, we pick out one or two things we would like to accomplish on the trip. Last time, it was 1. Hike the Lind Trail to Soloman (then spend the afternoon there), and 2. Eat lunch on Marina Cay.
We did that, and we had 9 days to do it in. Of course we did a lot of other stuff...but that can be discussed and decided on over morning coffee, or breakfast beer, or whatever you choose to drink..
Have fun! Relax! I am jealous!
-Bert
We have found what works best, for us anyway, that before the trip, we pick out one or two things we would like to accomplish on the trip. Last time, it was 1. Hike the Lind Trail to Soloman (then spend the afternoon there), and 2. Eat lunch on Marina Cay.
We did that, and we had 9 days to do it in. Of course we did a lot of other stuff...but that can be discussed and decided on over morning coffee, or breakfast beer, or whatever you choose to drink..
Have fun! Relax! I am jealous!
-Bert
The liver is evil, it must be punished!
That's a good point Bert. I will confess that I have a planning addiction that becomes worse when I have folks traveling with us. Nothing more annoying than folks sitting around staring at each other going,
"So, what do you want to do?" and hearing,
"Um, I don't know, what do you want to do?"
I always have a plan, but am not afraid to ditch it if something else pops up.
"So, what do you want to do?" and hearing,
"Um, I don't know, what do you want to do?"
I always have a plan, but am not afraid to ditch it if something else pops up.
Last edited by Gromit on Thu Nov 06, 2008 2:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.
*Another fine scatterbrained production
I think on the first trip you really want to plan just in case you never get back. But, by about day three, you realize you might not ever vacation anywhere else in your life. (I'm going to Italy as soon as the dollar gets stronger. I swear.)
Make a plan if you want, but don't feel obligated to stick to it. I like to pick out villas and find rental cars, just so it's done, but after that I am completely over it.
Our breakfast drink of choice is coconut rum and pineapple juice, and yes, many plans have been made while enjoying them on the pool deck.
Make a plan if you want, but don't feel obligated to stick to it. I like to pick out villas and find rental cars, just so it's done, but after that I am completely over it.
Our breakfast drink of choice is coconut rum and pineapple juice, and yes, many plans have been made while enjoying them on the pool deck.
LOL...oh yeah, I almost forget, we do have a "drinking" problem here on this board!!Lulu76 wrote: Our breakfast drink of choice is coconut rum and pineapple juice, and yes, many plans have been made while enjoying them on the pool deck.
*maybe I shouldn't have brought that back up.....
-Bert
The liver is evil, it must be punished!
Great advice all the way around. I second the notion that you should head directly over to Coral Bay with your greeter - with one caveat. You'll likely be very hungry with a long day of travel and a late-ish arrival, so pack enough snacks to get you through to a late-ish dinner without getting crabby.
The drive over to Coral Bay is amazing. It should be done in the light the first time if possible (hence my advice to go straight away). Doing it in the dark might be a little harrowing, especially for first timers.
There are good options for food in Coral Bay (Skinny's and Island Blues as mentioned, plus Shipwreck Landing) and eating over there will help you unwind knowing you don't have to schlep all your stuff up to the villa after dinner. Stop at the market for some breakfast food and snacks maybe, then head out for your "big" grocery trip some other time.
Don't sweat what beaches are close together and good for snorkeling. None are very far away/apart and each is wonderful in its own way.
The drive over to Coral Bay is amazing. It should be done in the light the first time if possible (hence my advice to go straight away). Doing it in the dark might be a little harrowing, especially for first timers.
There are good options for food in Coral Bay (Skinny's and Island Blues as mentioned, plus Shipwreck Landing) and eating over there will help you unwind knowing you don't have to schlep all your stuff up to the villa after dinner. Stop at the market for some breakfast food and snacks maybe, then head out for your "big" grocery trip some other time.
Don't sweat what beaches are close together and good for snorkeling. None are very far away/apart and each is wonderful in its own way.
Jennifer
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Kentuckygirl
- Posts: 1903
- Joined: Sun Oct 08, 2006 10:17 am
- Location: Kentucky
Great advice from everyone! I agree that you should get on over to your villa, check it out and chill a little, then head out for dinner. We like to go to either Shipwreck Landing or Skinny Legs for our first island meal.
As far as planning goes, I am a serious planner. I make sure everything is flexible though, except the "boat day" that I book in advance. Other days depend on the weather, our moods, etc. Someone recommended starting your limin' right away, like at the airport or on the plane ... excellent advice! Have fun. You're gonna love it!
As far as planning goes, I am a serious planner. I make sure everything is flexible though, except the "boat day" that I book in advance. Other days depend on the weather, our moods, etc. Someone recommended starting your limin' right away, like at the airport or on the plane ... excellent advice! Have fun. You're gonna love it!
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I remember when my husband and I visited St. John for the first time. Although we had picked places we wanted to visit, we didn't even get to half of them... and that was fine. Of course, we've been visiting the island every year ever since.
In our case, we have our "must-do" and "would-love-to-do" lists in our heads by the time we get to St. John but we don't plan details like which day to do this and that in advance (except for excursions or something that
In our case, we have our "must-do" and "would-love-to-do" lists in our heads by the time we get to St. John but we don't plan details like which day to do this and that in advance (except for excursions or something that
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Island Dreaming
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Wed Nov 05, 2008 8:34 pm
- Location: Baltimore
Thanks!
Thank you all so much for the replies and suggestions! It definitely seems like the majority rules in minimizing planning and maximizing going with the flow. I'm sure we'll find some happy medium - I'm a project manager so planning is my life! So I'll have some plans - thank you to those who did give a few itinerary suggestions - but if they go out the window, so be it! California Girl - I'm like you and will have the thick notebook as well.
Appreciate the suggestions to eat in Coral Bay - driving in whatever daylight is remaining would probably be wise and it sounds like there are lots of good options.
Bob & Anita - your underwater pictures are great - very exciting to think that we'll be seeing those same fish and turtles soon!
Roberto (love the Wallace & Gromit picture), glad to hear Coconut Hill is a good location - the pictures certainly show a fabulous view. With a new vacation spot choosing the right spot to stay is difficult but Coral Bay seemed to fit our style better.
Lulu76 - I love your idea of a breakfast drink. Picking up some coconut rum is a high priority item on my planning list!
And thanks again to everyone!
Pat
Appreciate the suggestions to eat in Coral Bay - driving in whatever daylight is remaining would probably be wise and it sounds like there are lots of good options.
Bob & Anita - your underwater pictures are great - very exciting to think that we'll be seeing those same fish and turtles soon!
Roberto (love the Wallace & Gromit picture), glad to hear Coconut Hill is a good location - the pictures certainly show a fabulous view. With a new vacation spot choosing the right spot to stay is difficult but Coral Bay seemed to fit our style better.
Lulu76 - I love your idea of a breakfast drink. Picking up some coconut rum is a high priority item on my planning list!
And thanks again to everyone!
Pat
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California Girl
Island Dreaming - Here's a picture of part of Coral Bay. This is Cocoloba Plaza and it's the place where you'll find Aqua Bistro, Lily's Market (a nice little market!) and Big Belly Deli (a great place to get a good sandwich and/or salad). This picture was taken looking back at where you'll be coming from, so the bay will be on your left when you first come into town. Have a great time!
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Island Dreaming
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Wed Nov 05, 2008 8:34 pm
- Location: Baltimore