Hpyft

Deciding destination for a quick 5 day trip (nothing like the last minute) in 2 weeks. We are 3 adults and one 5 year old. Looking for semi-lazy with ocean swimming that is gentle and no more than 2 hours flight from NY. I've looked at so many options I've now confused myself. Any experiences you can share or recommendations you might have would be greatly appreciated.

RoamsAround

Sorry but you CANNOT get to any Caribbean in 2 hours from NY (assuming you mean NYC ).

You can fly non-stop from NYC airports to Bermuda in about 2 1/2 hours but that island is in the Atlantic off the coast of North/South Carolina.

You can reach Nassau and Grand Bahamas in about 3 1/2 hours from NYC airports but again they are not technically in the Caribbean. Likewise, Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos will take you about 3 3/4 hours flight time.

Figure on about 4 hours minimum flying time to reach a couple of the northernmost Caribbean Islands like Puerto Rico, Jamaica or the Dominican Republic) from NYC area airports. Other islands which are further south will take longer.

If not flying out of one of the 3 NYC airports than you are looking at even longer flight times and probably at least one connecting flight.

So a couple of questions for you:

1). Where in NY are you flying from?

2) How long are you really willing to fly to reach your destination?

3) What is your budget for airfare- give dollar range.

4) What is your budget for accommodations - again please give dollar range not some nebulous term like "affordable" or "won't break the bank".

Hpyft

I did have it narrowed down to Bermuda or Bahamas because my granddaughter hasn't flown before so there's that. My DIL had talked about Turks and Caicos but has now discounted it. Not sure why. I'd just go to Florida, myself but...
Accomodation-wise would like to keep it at around $300 or less per night.
We don't have a flight budget. I'm seeing reasonable flight rates, at least to Bermuda.
Thank you, Roam.

mnag

Between Nassau (presumably because you are looking for a direct flight) and Bermuda I would pick Bermuda. Overall its more charming than Nassau. Many restaurants to choose from and a great/safe bus system to get from one end to the other. However it certainly will be pricier than Nassau for comparative accomodations. I do see availability at Pompano beach (which we have stayed at in the past and enjoyed) for the week of the 24th if you can up your budget a bit. But best if you go through tripadvisor or other hotel websites to see what fits in your budget. Alternatively, if you decide on Nassau consider the Hyatt - Baha Mar resort which is definitely in your price range and on a nice beach. New resort. If you are not looking to explore the island then this may work out better for you than Bermuda.

Hpyft

Thank you mnag. The purpose of the trip is to unstress and let DS and DIL get some sleep so the Hyatt might be just right for that.
Much appreciated.

Hpyft

Okay so $300 a night is ridiculous for Bermuda but Bermuda it's going to be. Jet Blue has packages that seem reasonable and we're considering Coco Reef, Hamilton Princess or Grotto Bay. There is also a possibility of the St. George Club. Any input at all would be so appreciated. I love travel planning but more time to do it would have been swell. Thank You.