Planning a visit, need some advice on tickets/hotels

[TopGunner]

Hey everyone, I am planning on a trip to visit both AUC and St. George sometime in the next few weeks. I think most likely I will end up at AUC from what I hear, but I would still like to make an informed decision. I am flying from Las Vegas and wanted to know what the best way would be to hit both of these places in one trip for the lowest possible price.

Few more specific questions:
- Is it better to book all the tickets before I depart? Or should I wing it after I get to AUC?
- How much is a roundtrip ticket from AUC to St. George?
- Is it generally cheaper to fly to AUC or St. George from the US?
- Recommend any nice hotels on each island? Reservations necessary?
- Should I notify each school before I come to set up a tour, or is it better to try and get one of you to show me around? :)


Thanks in advance for the help, and if any of you know any ticket agents who can help me out, that would appreciated as well.

[microphage]

Can't really say I can answer any of those questions except the hotel one. Look into a hotel called the Caravanserai(sp?). You're probably looking at about 90 bucks after taxes/night. Yes, you should make reservatiohs. Refer to this link for the phone # and other info:

http://www.valuemd.com/viewtopic.php?t=19314

You probably also want to rent a car. That will set you back about 25 bucks/day. It gets expensive but you're doing the right thing and checking the schools out beforehand.

Inform MEIO that you'll be headed down and maybe they'll setup something where you can speak with a few of the teachers(although that can be arranged while you're here). Doesn't matter either way. Let me know when you get in so I can try to dump my History of Medicine book on ya.
:wink:

Good luck, see you in a few weeks!

[TopGunner]

:) thanks for the advice jeff

what airline has good service?

kc

[microphage]

:) thanks for the advice jeff

what airline has good service?

kc

K,
No worries. Airlines huh... hummm AA sucked(at least the ticket counter people did. Jet Blue was awesome, Delta's plane had some engine problems, Caribbean Sun has a plane smaller than my VW Bug(at least it felt like it). Dude, don't worry about the plane, just worry about the P club,(yeah, I still remember you telling me you wanted to go... cough cough). :wink: :wink:

[TopGunner]

P club or P room? Either way, its on order.
:-rainbow

The plan right now is to fly into SXM and stay for 2 days and then find a way to get to GCM to visit SMU.

How can I get from SXM to GCM??? What airlines offer services between the two islands?? How far is it by boat or ferry if thats an option?? If you have websites or phone numbers, please hook it up.

Thanks dudes,
The Dude

[NikkyandBo]

Hi!

Grenada is much more than a boat ride away from St. Maarten :D American Eagle and Liat airlines service Grenada. HOWEVER, when I just did a couple of quick searches, there does not appear to be any direct flights from SXM to Grenada (and vice versa) and tickets seem to be around $500-$700 round trip from SXM to Grenada. (www.travelocity.com) I'd do a lot of shopping around and consider talking with a travel agent. Here is a map to compare SXM to Grenada's location: http://www.caribbeantravel.com/zoom_east.html?416,306

I'm attaching a list of hotels for SXM that offer student discounts. Since it is low season, I would first see what their specials are, and then if the student special is better, tell them you are a student.

Good luck with everything! :lol:

Nikky

Oh, I'd also suggest scheduling a tour with AUC. You'll get to see dead bodies and Mrs. Behrisch (the Registrar) is really nice.

[TopGunner]

What about from St. Maarten to Grand Cayman?

Also, I don't see your attachment for the list of hotels. I wouldn't mind spending a little extra to stay somewhere nice...

Thanks for your help.

[TopGunner]

I'll be there this Tues-Thurs, at a hotel in Simpson Bay. I'm going to try and set up a site visit once I get down there. Hopefully I'll see some of you around.

Where's a decent place to rent a car?

[anencephalic]

As you leave the airport and go through Simpson Bay, there are a bunch of car rental agencies along the side of the road. There are also rental kiosks just after you leave baggage claim. Just remember to ask for a student rate (make sure you bring your acceptance letter in case they need proof!).

We'll be done with our 4th block exams, so it's a good time for you to actually come to campus and chat with students!

Aloha,

[dar2drm]

I would advise NOT to rent from Budget...they have been known to do dirty business all around the caribbean, including St. Maarten.

We used Hertz and no problems with them. They actually gave us a free upgrade just because it was the slow season.

We stayed at the Flamingo Beach Resort in Pelican Key. Very nice rooms with kitchens, in room safes and a wonderful view of the caribbean from nearly every room.

Enjoy your trip.