Just the 2 of us or more???

northerngal · Post by **northerngal** » Fri Jan 04, 2013 12:42 pm

We are planning our next trip to paradise and I can't decide...do we want to invite others to join us to share this beautiful place or do we just want to enjoy it ourselves! I just love being able to take a nap whenever and eat whenever so I'm not sure if I'm willing to give that up. If you have been to STJ with others, please let me know how you feel about this. tough decision but it needs to be made before we pick a villa! THANSK!

Teresa_Rae · Post by **Teresa_Rae** » Fri Jan 04, 2013 12:49 pm

We have been to STJ 10 times...7 times just my husband and me, 3 times with others along.

My favorite trips were just the two of us. It's just easier to be on your own schedule and things like eating out are a breeze because you don't have to make reservations for 2 (at least in the off season).

northerngal · Post by **northerngal** » Fri Jan 04, 2013 12:54 pm

10 times! Lucky you! I know what you mean. We do lunches on the beach sometimes or late suppers and I'm not sure how I feel about trying to plan around someone else.

stjchica · Post by **stjchica** » Fri Jan 04, 2013 1:09 pm

That is so hard. We have done both..and they are just different kinds of trips...
When it was a couple trip we loved having the freedom to do whatever we wanted on our own timeframe..and time to connect with each other, etc. What I did miss a little was the comraderie of a group, the more party like vibe, etc..
Can't go wrong with either...pick one this time and do the other next time..Have fun regardless!!

Xislandgirl · Post by **Xislandgirl** » Fri Jan 04, 2013 1:24 pm

We have traveled with other successfully and unsuccessfully and there is nothing worse than having traveling companions that do not get the island.

If you have low maintenance friends, that you have traveled with before, and that are not strapped for cash or whiners, then talk to them about it. First talk about the good and then tell them the not so good. Talk about water conservation and packing a cooler, and a chair, and a towel, etc to go to the beach.
Talk about bumpy roads and $8 gallons of milk (or however much they cost, I don't drink milk)

It is not for everyone and not making 100% sure before you go will not lead to a relaxing trip..take it from someone that had a very stressful trip.

momto3boys · Post by **momto3boys** » Fri Jan 04, 2013 4:29 pm

We have debated this as well for our second trip. What made the trip so special was our time alone though. Not ready to give that up just yet. We have always traveled with our guys and our 25th anniversary trip to St. John was our first true vacation without them. We have decided that we NEED 10 days next time! Haha!

My Inlaws just got back from a cruise that they took teenage grandkids with them. Though they had a blast they did state that it was the first cruise that they were not able to relax. They were worried about everybody else. If you are afraid that you will be worried your traveling companions family or not that is something to consider. Stress can make a trip less than desirable.

I will say that one day will take the boys to St. John and we already have a villa picked out for that trip. Right now is not the time though. The best times were relaxing alone at our villa watching the sunrise or the rain roll in. I don't think we would enjoy that with a group as much.

strat62 · Post by **strat62** » Fri Jan 04, 2013 7:42 pm

a vote "just the two of us" here. we like going and doing what we want when we want...

if we feel like being social the it's easy to find people to party with at the bars. my 2 cents..

PA Girl · Post by **PA Girl** » Fri Jan 04, 2013 7:59 pm

We have sort of lost count of our trips but we have done several couple trips (at Caneel) then trips with our son (Caneel and villas) as well as 2, 3 and 4 couple villa trips (with our son) so we have experienced a wide range of trips.

honestly, all were great in different ways. I don't have any STJ horror stories about traveling with a group but do have some from other islands that I am share later.

What worked with traveling with other couples -

1. We knew these people well. By family relation or prior co-habitation, we know each other very well. No needs to entertain anyone, explain a nap, worry about stepping on toes, etc.

2. Similar ideas about how to be together or not. No one's feelings get hurt if some part of the group goes their own way yet we enjoy group dinners, coffee together in the morning.

3. Similar ideas about how to split bills. This is a potential minefield.

4. Separate vehicles. See below.

Areas of minor frustration -

1. Every couple needs their own vehicle. Whether it is money or lack of driving desire, sharing is a pain in the butt.

My mom and her husband refuse to drive on island. They are the most easy going, lovely people but them not driving created a lot of extra work for us. It was little things like running them into town (they would catch a cab back) that took 40 minutes when I would rather be by the pool or at the beach.

2. Expectations. We did a trip where a young couple (in their 20s) the child and spouse of our friends came along. They were their parents responsibility, so to speak, and over all they had a great time but summed up the week as "nice but we came stay on the beach at Myrtle". To them, a beach vacation is staying on the beach. They weren't so into the daily packing, driving, no bathrooms at the beach and so on.

Lindy · Post by **Lindy** » Fri Jan 04, 2013 8:38 pm

It all depends on who you're considering to travel with and how flexible each of you are. Personally I find it alot more fun to travel with friends because it makes for more of a party atmosphere but some people don't like that. Also, my husband doesn't like to snorkel as much as I do so that way I could usually find SOMEONE willing to go with me. We've also had up to 9 in our party which makes ALL of the logistics more difficult - you need at least two cars and then there's always SOMEONE who doesn't want to do what the rest of the group does. Luckily we like each other quite a bit and are able to work things out so that everyone takes a turn choosing beaches/restaurants etc. Out biggest challenge was always trying to find accomodations that one tightfisted couple was willing to pay for. The rest of the group liked nice accomodations but one couple was always balking at the cost. Of course, they loved it once we got there but there was always that struggle during planning. We'd try to accomodate them by charging them less if they shared a bathroom, took a smaller room, etc. They also declined going out to dinner most of the time but we'd simply go without them and they were fine with that as we'd have leftovers from meals that we'd cooked at the villa. The same with boat excursions, they didn't want to pay for them but they'd drop us off and take one of the cars to the beach by themselves and then come back to pick us up at the end of the day. You need to make sure everyone is willing to do their own thing if they want and not be offended if the others don't want to tag along. It's best to make that clear up front. Besides, not spending 24/7 together makes for much less friction.

ColumbiaSCTraveler · Post by **ColumbiaSCTraveler** » Fri Jan 04, 2013 9:57 pm

I am with the "just the 2 of us" group. My husband and I talk about bringing my mom or some friends each time we go, but always end up saying, "Naaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh......" It's just too much fun going by ourselves and doing what we want, when we want. Good luck!

CHM · Post by **CHM** » Fri Jan 04, 2013 11:17 pm

We have been a few times just the two of us, and we are about to take another group trip ( can't remember the number!). We have had a blast both ways. The key is to choose friends with similar personalities and travel style ( and laid back personalities). Traveling together and sharing a villa does not mean you must do the same things. If someone is going fishing, diving,etc. and others are going to the beach or want a pool day, we coordinate in the morning and have a drop off/pick up schedule. We usually rent two cars. We split groceries and mixers but not alcohol as everyone usually drinks something different. We also follow Rick G's advise, we plan the trip and choose the villa. Choose your room in the order you pay and everyone puts the same amount in the grocery fund. We have also done a sailing trip with friends for a week and that was a fun BVI adventure. Fun times either way!

vi lover · Post by **vi lover** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 12:05 am

As said before, both are great for different reasons. Our first few trips were 'just us'. Then we began bringing friends and family. Last 2 trips were with friends. This year we're bringing our teen daughters with us. We've had no "bad" trips. All have been fun. But - I'm ready for a trip with just myself and my beautiful wife. We started STT/STJ trips as our husband/wife getaway - to reconnect and enjoy just "us". When with friends and family, we enjoy everyone and have a great time. But - there's really no "just us" time. I dearly love my wife and enjoy our time on the rock with just us. Beach together, dinners together, and villa time together

Either way - Good Luck! Have Fun!

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