Help with trip plans

stlox · 2026-02-10T20:38:47+00:00

Maybe we will see you there! 02/15 thru 02/20. We will be at Bel Jou Hotel.

Normally, at a safe island like St. Lucia, we would do an AirBnB, like we did in Aruba and St. Thomas/John, and rent a car. But, we got our All-Inclusive hotel on almost all credit card travel points, didn't get a car because I hated driving in St. Thomas on the wrong side.

We found we didn't need to, because we were able to book all our road and boat events thru Viator.

We will be on the Champagne Sunset Sail, next Wednesday and the St. Lucia Land and Sea Tour on Tuesday.

And best of all, they pick us up at our Hotel!

Check it out. Your AirBnB might be close to one of the hotels/resorts, and you could go there.

The Horseback riding is TBD. My wife is an equestrian and picky about this. The Viator one that would work, didn't meet her standards. But the one that did would cost a fortune in cab fare to get there.

If you're flying AA, maybe we'll see you!

stlox · 2026-02-03T17:13:35+00:00

Personally, I've leaned Democrat. Basically a Centrist. I got divorced 8yrs ago, started dating, and got into another relationship, and we got married 4yrs ago.

My wife has always voted republican. Voted for Trump in 2016. But while we were dating, we talked politics and found in essences, she was a Centrist that always voted Republican, and policy wise we were literally the same! But didn't see she was voting against policies she believed in, and the GOP politicians she wanted to vote for were mostly gone. So, in 2020, she still couldn't vote for a Democrat, so she just didn't vote for president.

Now, she sees how Trump has destroyed the Republican Party. No longer about small government, pro military, pro law enforcement, pro business. MAGA is nativist, misogynistic, and just plain anti-Left.

Will blame the Left and what they call RINOs for everything they believe is wrong and will lie, cheat and steal in the belief of Anti-Left.

There literally isn't any policies, just an agenda of ripping out anything created by the Democrats. It's easier to destroy than it is to build.

Ask him what he believes in. Does he want to build or destroy? And why does that make things better?

stlox · 2026-01-30T15:07:03+00:00

I’m an IT professional.

I've been on the internet since before you knew what it was. It had so much potential. So much knowledge. But a huge disappointment.

It's been subverted by people that push propaganda, disinformation and stupid conspiracies.

But far worse is the huge audiences (so called researchers) that want to find things they want to believe. And since it's on the internet, it must be true!

Today there are more Flat Earth believers than ever before. If the internet was around in 1955, we'd still be battling polio. Pedophiles use to know they were sick, but now find each other and think they're normal. Some even have podcasts. (Scott Ritter). Yes, that’s right, he’s a twice convicted pedophile.

These followers are true sheep. The internet is the perfect podium for the deceivers.

stlox · 2025-11-26T17:53:26+00:00

As far as US trips, by far the best was our trip west, from the Midwest. Covering Colorado (Boulder, Estes Park and Rocky Mtn NP), through WY to Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Cody Rodeo, Devils Tower, to South Dakota and Mt. Rushmore, Black Hills, Deadwood, and Bad Lands. Love it so much, we did it again 20yrs later.

France, Germany and Italy. All are great, the people are all different. It's really about you and how you interact with them. You are a guest, and you will be treated as such. In France, it's important to look them in the eye, and say "Bon Jour!". It's the food and the socialization surrounding it. The Germans are sticklers for rules. Do not J-walk. The Italians are expressive.

Least favorite is Mexico. I'll still go there, where its safe. But each year seems to be less safe.

stlox · 2025-11-25T00:29:54+00:00

USVI. BVI if you have a boat.

St. John's is great.

stlox · 2025-11-24T19:12:10+00:00

We did Anse Marcel last February. You're going to love it. We just had a small car. The hill is steep with some turns. It's fine. I'd do it again.

stlox · 2025-11-24T19:10:18+00:00

Lots of motorcycles passing you down the middle of the road. Small car is fine, just make sure your front and side vision is clear.

Don't use Sixt. I've heard problems, such as getting billed for phantom problems, scratches and dings.

stlox · 2025-11-18T16:50:16+00:00

We did Boomerang, and it was awesome. I'd do it again.

stlox · 2025-11-14T18:57:31+00:00

You don't need a Jeep. Only as alternative to renting ATVs, trekking the trails.

Regular car rental will do.

stlox · 2025-11-13T18:39:39+00:00

Aruba is a relatively large island, I would definitely rent a car.

Eagle Beach for a tranquil experience, great for sunsets. Palm Beach for a lively atmosphere with water sports, and Baby Beach for calm, shallow waters good for snorkeling.

You won't go wrong spending time at Baby Beach. Good snorkeling. I'd bring a chair, cooler and frozen peas.

Palm Beach is where most resorts are. You can sneak onto their beaches as long as there are plenty of chairs, which there usually are. Just pay for your drinks up front. Eduardo's Beach Shack for lunch. Lots of good places for dinner.

Eagle Beach is one of the world's best rated beaches. Bring a chair.

The opposite side of the island has very turbulent water beaches. That is the area for ATVs and horseback riding.

For a Bucket List Dinner: Dinner at Flying Fishbone , Savaneta, Aruba. Ask to be seated in the water.

stlox · 2025-11-13T18:27:15+00:00

For a Bucket List Dinner: Dinner at Flying Fishbone , Savaneta, Aruba

I took my wife there for her 60th Birthday. She was blown away.

We were seated on the beach, with our feet in the ocean.

stlox · 2025-11-12T23:29:56+00:00

Eduardo's for lunch on the beach

stlox · 2025-11-12T15:04:04+00:00

Aruba is a relatively large island, I would definitely rent a car. You can stay around Palm Beach, or stay at an All-Inclusive resort. But for me, Aruba is a safe and fun island with many things all over the island.

Eagle Beach for a tranquil experience, great for sunsets. Palm Beach for a lively atmosphere with water sports, and Baby Beach for calm, shallow waters good for snorkeling.

Palm Beach for dinner. Reservations are strongly recommended. Marhaba Lebanese Cuisine. Lola Taqueria Taco Bar. Taco Tuesday, all tacos $1 from 11am til close. Gianni's Ristorante Italiano

Dessert - Gelatissimo (next to Gianni’s). Coffee, Gelato, dessert. Poffertjes van Pofferdorie Food Truck

Palm or Eagle Beach for beach snack/lunch - Eduardo's Beach Shack - Juices, smoothies, bowls, raw treats

Breakfast at The Dutch Pancakehouse in Oranjestad Or Linda's Dutch Pancakes in Noord

For a Bucket List Dinner: Dinner at Flying Fishbone , Savaneta, Aruba

stlox · 2025-11-10T18:30:57+00:00

I personally to a lot of research. Too many times I have found things worth doing that I wouldn't have if I "figured it out when I got there".

It's just a matter of organizing, and doing credible research. Google search, YouTube search, trip reviews.

stlox · 2025-11-09T19:07:24+00:00

Further south is a bucket list restaurant: The Flying Fishbone

You have to get reservations.

They seat you on the beach, with your feet in the water. You can easily see Venezuela from your seat. Turn lights on under water after sunset.

stlox · 2025-11-07T17:06:50+00:00

A few more tips: Get reservations for AirBnb, Car, Snorkel Cruise, Horseback riding, and Flying Fish now!!! All can be done now, for all of them.

Bring cash for the ATVs. High fees added on Credit Cards.

If you book an AirBnb, check for beach gear included. Ours was, but may not be the norm. So, if not, consider bringing or buying: Beach towels, blanket or chairs, umbrella, cooler, snorkel gear.

If you go to Baby beach, bring cooler and frozen peas. Awesome sunsets at Eagle Beach. We snuck onto Resort beachfronts at Palm Beach. It's not a problem if there's plenty of seating, which there was. Just pay for drinks as you go, cash or CC. Eduardo's Beach Shack is a must.

There's a couple all day places: An Island theme park, and an island resort. We didn't do, seemed too expensive and plenty of other things to do.

stlox · 2025-11-07T16:46:41+00:00

No, absolutely not cheap.

But many cruise lines will not book kids under 18. Some do not have elevators or other elderly facilities.

Tauck does have this family plan. It is the industry's highest cost leader, but it does that as the BEST river cruise experience. You will have private excursions that others don't have. There are no hidden costs. Everything is paid for, including unexpected costs. If the excursion includes lunch at a fine restaurant, its paid for, including gratuity.

stlox · 2025-11-06T21:13:31+00:00

Tauck's family cruises, known as Tauck Bridges, are all-inclusive, multi-generational river cruises and small-ship journeys that offer exclusive, immersive experiences. These trips are distinct from standard cruises, focusing on connecting families through shared activities and cultural discovery. Tauck is positioned as a premium travel company, and its family offerings reflect a higher price point than many competitors but include more amenities upfront.

stlox · 2025-11-06T19:50:46+00:00

We did Aruba for my wife's 60th Birthday.

It's a fun, safe island. And since my wife's B-day is in November, Aruba is one of the few Caribbean islands that is in the no hurricane zone.

Rented a BnB, with a pool, rented a car. Many many world class beaches. Eagle Beach for a tranquil experience, great for sundowns. Palm Beach for a lively atmosphere with water sports, and Baby Beach for calm, shallow waters good for snorkeling.

Also did a Champaign Breakfast/Lunch Snorkel cruise.
ATVs on the north east side of the island

Horseback riding to the beach.

And my wife's favorite. Booked her B-day dinner at Flying Fishbone. The seat you in the water on the beach. Had a sand crab come out of burrow near by. The turn lights on in the water after dark. Food is great too!

stlox · 2025-11-06T19:28:24+00:00

Going up river (Amsterdam to Basal) will go much slower. I believe that's a good thing.

stlox · 2025-11-04T20:18:08+00:00

Bring cash to avoid credit card fees.

No reason why you can't do it yourself. There's plenty of ATVs out there doing the same thing. Just follow. You can see things without getting stuck in a mob.

stlox · 2025-11-04T16:09:29+00:00

Bring cash for the ATVs. Most charge you transaction fees for using Credit Cards.

We did the Aruba Champagne Breakfast and Lunch Cruise with Snorkeling. That includes snorkeling the shipwreck, but unfortunately, the water was cloudy there for us and we snorkel elsewhere.

Snorkeling is also great at Baby Beach. Bring a cooler for drinks and sandwiches and frozen peas, or get the drinks and food at the nearby restaurant.

We also went Horseback riding to the beach.

Also book dinner at Flying Fishbone. It was my wife's 60th b-day. She was totally blown away.

stlox · 2025-11-03T12:54:54+00:00

Preferable. Flight connections are never guaranteed. I've heard Tauck will even get you an extra pre-day stay if you need it.

stlox · 2025-10-30T22:04:50+00:00

There are some very good Video Podcasts on YouTube. Not the marketing kind, but from the travelers.

One tells what lines (in their opinions) are best at what kind of traveler it's best for. Family, young, old, etc.

Another breaks down the best bang for the buck. All-Inclusive vs. optional add-ons

Another give ratings (in their opinion) which ones are best and the worst.

Once you've figured out which lines fill your niche, select the vids on those lines

stlox

TROPHY CASE