There’s Still Time for St. Martin

Meticulously conducting my research

Even though winter is slowly but surely loosening its grip, that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for one more — or two — trips to the Caribbean. The good news is that prices have held steady, and that includes St. Martin.

Here are a few more reasons to book your trip now:

*Sunset Beach is always entertaining, whether you go there to watch the planes or the people.

*Hire a taxi for a few hours — mine cost around $70 — to take a tour of the island.

*Head to Orient Beach , the “notorious” nude beach on the French side. I say “notorious” because most of the people were clothed, save for one guy who started parading around in front of the sign when that’s all I wanted to take a picture of. A minute later, a guy who looked like a CIA agent sauntered by the cab to grill me…no pics allowed. The driver played dumb, as well he should have. His license could get pulled as a result.

*The differences between the Dutch side and French side are striking, and it’s fun to compare them with others you’re traveling with. The Dutch is one big party, with chain restaurants, frat boys, and traffic jams to boot. The French side is more rural, less developed, and well, more French. Head for Marigot, the main village on the French side, where you’ll have a hard time choosing between dozens of authentic bistros that line the Rue de la Republique.

*There is no prison on the French side. My driver told me that if the police are chasing a suspect who crosses over from the Dutch to the French side, s/he will receive fewer visitors since suspects captured on the French side will be shipped to Guadeloupe, a boatride or short flight away.