Expert: John Crandall - 8/6/2008

Question
Hi,
I'm married with 2 sons and we live in Europe, we want to move to the Caribbean after few years, then the sons will be 18 and 12, what we need is an island that has good schools for both of them and friendly and relaxed environment, we are just thinking of moving there for a year or 2 and we are not planning to work, where would you recommend that we go?
regards, Asdis

Answer
Hi Asdis,

   Honestly, this is a very difficult question to answer and truly involves a life decesion. Though I've traveled to every Caribbean destination many times I can not recommend one particular island solely based on the school system. However, there are two islands that I would choose to move to based on their economy and commercialization. That is Aruba and St. Thomas. Both have undergraduate and post graduate schools, and The fact that you would not plan to work must mean you are financially stable enough to endure. Many of the other islands are great travel destinations but I personally would not choose to reside there. You have to remember, the weather in the Caribbean is very unpredictable between June and November and there is the susceptibility to hurricanes and severe tropical squalls. Aruba is the safest island and is not in the hurricane belt. They receive approximately 4 inches of rainfall per year. They call it the "Happy Island" and for good reason. A bit expensive, but definitely my recommendation to you. Hope this narrows your choice.

Best of Luck,

John