3 weeks

by Phil
(California)

My wife and I want to see some of the Caribbean islands; Grand Bahamas, Turks, Dominican, St Johns, Guadeloupe.

We're flying into Ft Lauderdale, Florida. Since we want to see a lot, we don't want to spend more than 2 or 3 nights on one island...

We don't need fancy hotels, and we don't want to be on a tour with others. Essentially, we just want to explore on our own, stay where we want...be somewhat spontaneous, and pretty much be left to our own devices...IS THIS ASKING FOR TOO MUCH?

When we feel it's time to move on, we want to be able to do that. Mostly we just want to explore and relax without the pressure of having to go when someone tells us to...

Two essential questions: Can this be done? and 2. How do we arrange transportation when we decide to travel to another island...or 2b. is there informal ways to ferry from one island to the next?

My answer to Phil

Hi Phil,
What you want to do is feasible but the Islands you mention are not in one geographical area. This will make it difficult to move from one another.

For example if you chose the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos, they are in the same area. You may fly from Fort Lauderdale to one of the Bahamas Islands and then move forward.

Or fly from Florida to the Eastern Caribbean like Antigua for example and then move to St Kitts, St Maarten, Anguilla and even Guadeloupe.

When you concentrate on one area there are many options to go, like ferries or small airlines that serve the islands.

You are right about accommodation. If you don't want to prepaid hotels, once you arrive on the islands there are many options of inexpensive hotels or guest houses.

Please look at the map provided to help you understand what I said about the different regions.

Best regards,

Eddy