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I think most of the regulars know that we love STT, but husband is thinking of taking our next trip to STJ, specifically the Coral Bay side.
My feelings are:
We like being busy. In one day on STT, we would typically eat breakfast in, go to one beach, then go out to lunch, run to another beach, go home, shower and go out to Red Hook or Cruz Bay.
I feel that if we go to STJ, we could do basically the same thing, but either we'll get lazy because of the surroundings and that there won't be enough for us to do or places to eat on that side of the island.
I also know that people who go to STJ are almost obsessive about the island, so I would expect to hear that we should just do it!
We also have friends on STT and trying to go back and forth from Coral Bay to STT would probably be too much of a pain.
Anybody have any ideas?
Connie that's awesome! Hubby and I are big fans of emtpying the pockets at the end of the day and throwing the change in a little basket.
We always use that money for vacations. Last year we saved up almost $400 in change!!
Hubby claims he's been putting $1's away this year too. Hmmmm... I think those might've gone toward greens fees, Celtics playoff bets (making up for tyhe Patriots Superbowl bets), cigars...;)
Given your typical day and the desire to go back and forth to STT, why not follow CariBert's idea and stay in or near Cruz Bay? If you were to stay at a place like Gallows Point, you can walk to the ferry and be in Red Hook in less than half hour. If you stay on the east side, you would not even have started looking for parking in that time.
Still waiting on the husband to just say "Book it!". I'm totally addicted to the Islands and I still want to go at least twice a year. I've even talked about staying for about a month to be really able to relax!
2 weeks STT, 2 weeks STJ...good idea right?
Bad idea.
Better to take the 2 weeks on STT and let me take the 2 weeks on STJ off you. 😎
Still waiting on the husband to just say "Book it!". I'm totally addicted to the Islands and I still want to go at least twice a year. I've even talked about staying for about a month to be really able to relax!2 weeks STT, 2 weeks STJ...good idea right?
Sounds like heaven, connie!
(pjayer)
Connie, I know you love STT, but I do encourage you to try something new. However, I would have to agree with some of the other "STJ obsessed" people here and say that if you are worried about being too far out and want to go over to STT, that maybe you should look at places to stay on the Cruz Bay side instead of Coral Bay. We did Cruz Bay last year, and this year we're going way over to the "other side," but the reason we like STJ is because we would rather do nothing. I think to go from the hustle and bustle of STT, you might do better on the busier side of STJ, but I definitely understand why someone would want to go to Coral Bay. It'll be interesting to see how our group does so far out this year, but I know that I will love it.
I think there are plenty of things to do on STJ. There are plenty of places to eat and plenty of beaches to swim, snorkel, sun, etc. And, if you miss STT, it's like five bucks to go over there and do your favorite things there. I always say I'll take a day trip over there and try explore more, but the ability to do absolutely nothing except sleep on the beach always sucks me in...
I think it's always fun to try new things. If you're not sure about staying on STJ the whole time, maybe do most of your trip on STT and then rent a place for a few days on STJ to check it out. For some people STT is better, but I think everyone should experience STJ just to be sure. It's OK if you don't like it; I promise! (Less island for me to share :-))
I hear you Lulu...and I was reading that it's only about 25 minutes from Coral Bay to Cruz Bay. I have a whole list of villas/condos in STJ and I'm still waiting for the hubby to give the ok on booking the flights. We have enough FF miles for 2 tickets, so I don't know what he's waiting on.
Anyway....just sitting around waiting.
Connie - just a few days short of two weeks since you first posted while the airfares remain relatively affordable for now but are escalating in short shrift. The accommodation rentals are still within normal limits but will be raised very soon because of our internal and ongoing power problems and for which there is going to be no stabilizing "quick fix."
You've remarked that you're pretty obsessive about returning here, you've been given lots of advice about STJ versus STT and you're certainly familiar with the forums as you contribute regularly to both this forum and Trip Advisor with comments. However, the longer you wait the more it's going to cost you to get here and more expensive to stay here.
Does your husband (according to you, the one with the $s who makes these decisions) read this forum and others? Maybe he does and has a big surprise awaiting you and then maybe he doesn't and is working on saving those few saved dollars for something other than a Caribbean vacation. Who knows? Only the Shadow!
Cheers and I hope it all works out for you!
I can tell you for sure that he doesn't read the forums unless I point something out to him.
I know the only way for prices to go is up. At least we have the FF miles and one companion ticket.
I could only hope for a surprise STT :o)
Connie,
I'm not sure what airline that you have your frequent flyer miles with, but I just received my monthly newsletter from American Airlines and they state that both the mileage levels are changing for select AAdvantage award tickets and upgrades. They are also discontinuing the award tickets plus co-payments, you now have to purchase miles in some new "buy AAmiles" program. You can book now through September 30th, but effective October 1st the new award structure will apply.
I'm not sure what the increase in miles are. If I hear anything else I will be sure to post. If anyone else has any information please let me know also. I'm sure that if AA is beginning this "new" program, many more are sure to follow.
I'll be traveling back for business in mid September, can't wait to get back and visit with all of my friends!
Molly
IAMolly,
Also got that notice and checked their website for info. It seems like some of the peak and anytime options are the ones with the changes. Take a look, you can see the current miles required and the changes that will take effect Oct. 1 together on one table at: AA Travel Awards.
And for more details on the change AA Award Changes.
--Islander
