Dilemma.... island gravity sucking me in.....

[Gromit]

OK. So hubby and I decided to head to Europe later this year: 4-5 days in Amsterdam followed by a week in Florence, Italy (note ticker below). We've blocked off the dates on the calendar and made hotel reservations but have not yet purchased the airline tickets.

Last year we were fortunate enough to be on island in December 08; June 09 and December 09.

Here's the thing: I'm going thru withdrawls and questioning my desire to have a touristy vacay which will require actual planning and work vs. going back to STJ/Jost. I'd like to do both but I'm trying to be GOOD and save more $$$!!

So, what to do? I know I gave advice to someone earlier today about bare bones STJ vs. Luxury Mtns vacay (STJ wins hands down). But typing those words actually made me think... 2 weeks on STJ/Jost or 2 weeks in Europe?

Authors note: Hubby and I have been to Florence already and I have been to Amsterdam before (though he has not). We've also been to STJ more times than we can count over the past 14 years.

Any advice for someone having second thoughts? My island is calling to me!!!

What do I do?? Romantic vacay in Italy and Amsterdam or heading back to our island home away from home?

[mbw1024]

both - do STJ on a budget. you can do it. you've been everywhere and seen everything. just chill. best of all worlds!

[mindehankins]

That's a no-brainer for me...St. John! I think it's a win-win situation though...either way, you'll be happy once you're caught up in it.

[PA Girl]

Move on over Gromit, I need to get in the same boat.

For a number of reasons, we decided not to book our June '10 trip for our 15th anniversary. Things have changed since then and now I want to go to STJ.

The husband kept saying "you will feel better after our Feb trip." Well I don't, it made me want to go in June even more than before.

The husband keeps throwing out other options but I don't want to, as you say, actually plan and work at his suggestions. Add to that, I have figured out a way to make the STJ trip very close in cost to the husband's alternatives.

I say go to STJ!

[designbyroe]

Gromit, couldn't you go to STJ on a budget? If it is just you and hubby, do not need a big villa or anything.
If you go summer or even fall it is much less $$$$
I say do both if you can afford it.
I consider STJ my home, so going there to me is a no brainer.
I am supposed to go to Tuscany in the fall of 2011 with my SIL who has a place for us to stay. I have never been to Europe.
You all have been sooooo
STJ is just callin' it does that to us all!!:)

[sailorgirl]

OK. So hubby and I decided to head to Europe later this year: 4-5 days in Amsterdam followed by a week in Florence, Italy (note ticker below). We've blocked off the dates on the calendar and made hotel reservations but have not yet purchased the airline tickets.

Last year we were fortunate enough to be on island in December 08; June 09 and December 09.

Here's the thing: I'm going thru withdrawls and questioning my desire to have a touristy vacay which will require actual planning and work vs. going back to STJ/Jost. I'd like to do both but I'm trying to be GOOD and save more $$$!!

So, what to do? I know I gave advice to someone earlier today about bare bones STJ vs. Luxury Mtns vacay (STJ wins hands down). But typing those words actually made me think... 2 weeks on STJ/Jost or 2 weeks in Europe?

Authors note: Hubby and I have been to Florence already and I have been to Amsterdam before (though he has not). We've also been to STJ more times than we can count over the past 14 years.

Any advice for someone having second thoughts? My island is calling to me!!!

What do I do?? Romantic vacay in Italy and Amsterdam or heading back to our island home away from home?

I am so right there with you. We are planning London for August and I find I just can't pull the trigger.

[liamsaunt]

Do both! You know you want to.

I know how you feel about STJ calling though. We are booked for Anguilla this summer and I am 95% certain we are going to cancel and head back to St. John. Again.

[California Girl]

Becky! You HAVE to go to Anguilla so you can report back on Blanchards!!

[17th Hole]

You can't take the money with you when you die. Do both.

[rpplano]

We decided to see if we could do a second trip to STJ in a years time last year. It was amazingly cheap to pull off. We went in early November, warm water and low risk of a hurricane. Stayed at Cruz Views 7 for $130/nt. Ate at Candi's and Patricia's, cooked Starfish groceries. Came out dirt cheap and didn't give up anything much but nice dinners at restaurants. So, from now on, it's villa vacation in the spring and cheap trip in the fall.

[JJShaw]

I Vote for STJ...course thats what we're doing ...a last minute budget trip..

[Captain Jack]

Take both trips - you only live once!

[iowaguy]

I struggle with a somewhat similar issue all the time (not that anyone will feel sorry for either of us). For years Janie and I have gone skiing for a week or so every winter in Colorado. I also spend a week or so in STJ every year. I love both, but honestly I prefer STJ (and even though the mountains are closer, they cost about the same). The last several years I've talked about scrapping the ski trip and heading to STJ that week. Janie tells me we shouldn't give up our ski trips because it makes us more balanced to do both. I have no idea whether thats the right answer. Maybe its better to be imbalanced, or off-balance:)

Maybe you should go to Italy but skip the museums and churches---just do the fun stuff---drink, eat, picnic. If it doesn't work for you, then the next year you can skip Europe and go to STJ. Happy dilemma to have.

[BirdsofParadise]

In 2002 my wife and I did 6 counties in 15 days. All we talk about is the sun and beaches of STJ. Europe was work, rush, rush, rush. St John was music to the soul.

[jayseadee]

I'm in the opposite boat - I really want to go to Paris in the fall with some friends that know and love Paris. They want to go to St. John because I yap about it all the time.

Good problems to have.