Hellobee Boards

Have you also considered Turks and Caicos? I haven't been to the US Virgin Islands but if I were to choose between the Keys and Turks and Caicos I would def choose T&C. But it also depends on what you're looking for. The Florida Keys has more shops and bars and activities while T&C has much better beaches (the Keys beaches are not good).

When I was in Turks, we rode horses on the beach and into the water and it's probably one of my favorite experiences. Also my husband and I did a 3 mile walk on a stretch of beach around sunset and got drinks in the middle from one of the numerous resort bars.

We got married in Key West, so of course I love it. I have never been to the Virgin Islands, though. Key West is kind of like a tropical New Orleans--lots of bars and shopping. So if you like to go out, then that would be a good choice. It is very islandy, and there are historical things to do like see Hemingway's house. But if you just want to relax on the beach, then maybe the Virgin Islands would be a better choice.

I'm biased but some of my family are from the US VI and my parents lived there and I was conceived there I now live in Florida...so to me it comes down to price/travel time/hassle. I think the Keys are cheaper and you can still get a great Island vibe/good time, while the VI's are most likely a more expensive trip but a much more traditional, cultural experience, if that makes sense?

I haven't been to the Keys since I was like 10 with my parents and grandparents, but I do know people that say the beaches aren't so great. We went to St Thomas (St John for a day) in August. We loved it! Beaches are gorgeous, good restaurants, low key, and the people are really nice.

@prettylizy: Oooh does that mean you get to try lots of new liquor?
I was surprised at how "dirty" the process was. Not that the facility was dirty, just about all the gunk that appears during the fermenting process. The end result was delicious though!

You have to go!

@runnerd: The nightlife in St Thomas seemed pretty chill to me. I was 10 weeks pregnant when we went, so I wasn't drinking. But DH certainly enjoyed himself. If you go in Oct, it is still hurricane season, but what the locals told us, Sept is the worse.