r/CaribbeanTravel

My husband and I want to go on a very quick getaway in December. It needs to be a direct flight from Washington DC due to the timing. My husband has never been to the Caribbean, I’ve been to a handful of islands as a kid. Which is the best one for relaxing, good weather, easy to swim in water for someone who has never been?

I'm writing a spoiler, as this was a terrible vacation by far any I experienced. If anyone has suggestions on better Carrebian islands and hotels to stay at that are kid friendly, entertaining and safe please share.

For my experience with Barcelo Hotel in Aruba, I rank it as a 0 out of 5 stars, and share so others can avoid. Our family of seven booked this "all-inclusive" vacation months in advance through American Airlines Vacations. Two days into our trip, after we were fully unpacked, Barcelo management slipped a note under our door demanding $665.55 due to an AA booking glitch regarding my 12-year-old son's age. Instead of resolving this business-to-business, management (Victor Wever and Gislaine Croes) held my family hostage. They threatened to lock us out of our rooms—separating us from our passports, money, and laptops—if we didn't pay immediately. I was forced to pay under duress and have since filed a formal extortion and coercion complaint with the Aruban Police.

Beyond the criminal management practices, the resort is incredibly mediocre for the price. Here is my breakdown:

• Service & Bars (2/5): They force everyone into a single crowded bar at night with long waits and small glasses. Buffet servers take your first drink order and vanish, so you have to double-order just to get through a meal.
• Pool & Beach (3/5): The beach has calm water but my son and I were eaten alive by bugs. The pool lacks shade and allows smoking right next to where kids play. The activities are basic (cornhole, aerobics).
• Entertainment (1.5/5): Family entertainment is non-existent unless you want to pay out of pocket. Only one pool table worked ($5 for 2 games) and the arcade was overpriced. Note: There is a hidden escape room in the arcade that was surprisingly good (4.5/5), but poorly advertised.
• Specialty Restaurants (4/5): The one bright spot. The Japanese restaurant was fantastic, specifically our server Jazon Manuel (5/5 service). Italian and Mexican were also decent.
• Room/Gym: Gym is decent for cardio (4/5) but lacks leg equipment. Room cleaning was awful—tiny towels that don't fit an adult, and they repeatedly forgot to restock the fridge with water for the coffee maker.

Aruba is a desert island, vastly inferior to lush tropical islands like St. Lucia (which also offers free amenities). Between the extortion and the nickel-and-diming, we will never return to Barcelo, use AA Vacations, or visit Aruba again.

If you have better suggestions on where to visit that would be better family experience, please share, I would like to figure out future travels that are much better than this one.

My husband and I will be travelling to Barbados for our honeymoon. We've already booked our flights, Airbnb, and rental car (including fuel), so those costs are covered. We'll be there for 7 days and have about $2,500 USD left for activities, food, and anything else. One thing my husband really wants to do is swim with the turtles. The only problem is that I don't know how to swim. Is there still a way for me to safely participate? Are there any tours that you would recommend?

We're also looking for help putting together a 7 day itinerary. We'd love a mix of beaches, scenic spots, local food, nature, adventure, and any hidden gems or must do experiences for first-time visitors. We'd like to make the most of our budget while still having a relaxing honeymoon.

If you were planning the perfect 7 day honeymoon in Barbados with a $2,500 USD budget for activities and food, what would your itinerary look like?