Early December trip planning

Travel discussion for St. John
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nate
Posts: 4
Joined: Wed Sep 28, 2011 10:17 am

Early December trip planning

Post by nate »

Hi,

New to the forum but I've read through much of it and learned a great deal. I'm trying to put together a trip in early december for my wife and I, our 10 month old son and my Mom. I was looking into Concordia Eco tents but my wife thinks the bugs might be too much for the baby and that if we need to say "in" much of the day to limit the baby's time in the bugs and sun that it would be worth spending the money on a villa with a pool. So I'm looking for a small villa or other affordable lodging anywhere on the island. The budget is a big concern but we'd like a pool or walking distance to ocean swimming. Anyone have any suggestions?

A couple other questions: How bad are the bugs in december? are they worse in certain locations?
Is the ocean water clarity bad in december?

thanks,
Nate
melmd
Posts: 192
Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2007 2:11 pm
Location: Maryland

Post by melmd »

Nate,

Having travelled to STJ, several times with my children (as young as 9 months) I agree that a villa or condo is the best for travelling with a baby. Even just A/C in the bedrooms will be good for afternoon naps. Search kids or babies on here and you will get lots of good info. Take a tent!!

I know of several very budget friendly places but they either do not have a pool or are not walking distance to the beach. What's your budget? There are several places around Frank Bay area that are budget friendly and you can walk to Frank Bay.
When we went is Dec. some of the North Shore beaches had high surf, but it was no sweat just moved to a different beach and it had great clarity. Have fun
nate
Posts: 4
Joined: Wed Sep 28, 2011 10:17 am

Post by nate »

Hi,
We'd like to keep the budget for lodging at or around $250/night. The pool would be nice for hot afternoons around the villa after the baby had enough sun and sand for the day.
I'd be interested in your recommendations around Frank bay though.

Thanks,
nate
PA Girl
Posts: 4485
Joined: Tue Aug 29, 2006 11:55 am

Post by PA Girl »

We have been travelling with our son since since he was 3.5 months old and while I am normally not one to give parents "don't do it advice" I agree with your wife about Concordia. (unless you are hardcore camping-with-the-baby type of travelling family)

How many bedrooms do you need?

That price range might be tough in December but you have come to the right place. Collectively, we have the island covered.

A few I have save for future travel -

Villa Jumbie - http://www.vrbo.com/304755#rates

Caneel Trailside Cottage - http://www.caneeltrailside.com/

You will see some villas have age restrictions for children, typically 8 mo- 8 yrs. Ask about this. We rented houses with restrictions that as soon as the management comany knew that our 10 mo wasn't walking yet waived this restriction.
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Lovermont
Posts: 1098
Joined: Thu Jan 08, 2009 5:17 pm
Location: Vermont

Post by Lovermont »

I agree with your wife re: Concordia. The tent we stayed in many years ago was fine for two adults, but I wouldn't want to squeeze many more into it.

Have you checked out this villa? It was recently mentioned in another thread:


http://www.vrbo.com/115186
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melmd
Posts: 192
Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2007 2:11 pm
Location: Maryland

Post by melmd »

Nate,

Check out Star Villas, they are a little more than you want to pay, but it never hurts to see if they may have a discount. They have a pool and you can walk to Frank Bay and it has pretty good snorkling. We stayed in this area last time and visted Frank Bay for quick snorkle trips in the afternoon. It is not a sandy entrance so be careful :)
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