If staying in Varadero it is very worth your while to make the trip to Havana for a real taste of what Cuba is about.

Vinales is one of the more touristy places in Cuba. Be sure to ask for the prices before going on activities. A 45 min evening walk in a finca (farm) cost us 15 CUC (about USD17) each!

Be sure to go horseback riding (5 CUC per hour) and visit Cuevas Santo Tomas, the 2nd largest cave system in the Americas

When you arrive in port, take a taxi to Morningstar Beach. It was one of my favorite beaches and it also has a nice outdoor restaurant centrally located if you are hungry. I only went to Magen's Bay once, but it is also nice. There is also a great restaurant that serves burgers, salads and a lot of other stuff. I can't remember what it is called, but it is literally a block forward when you step off of a cruise ship in port. Keep in mind though that if you eat anywhere in St. Thomas, you need to be prepared to wait. They are in no hurry at all.

In Cuba, probably the less nicest place: a lot of tourists and local male and female prostitutes

Do go on the Pirate Ship for a day's tour and see all the beautiful landmarks on the Island. See the water falls, swim in Marigot Bay and the twin peaks.

A superb place to stay in Cuba. The peninsula Ancon is just 15 minutes away from the colonial town of Trinidad. Bonus: you will be far from the greatest mass of tourists in places like Varadero...

if ur planning a trip to jamaica, i recommend Negril over Montego Bay. Negril has blue blue water, and white white sand. MoBay has golden sand and sometimes blue water. we stayed in MoBay, but went to Negril for the day, and wish we had booked our resort in Negril instead ... way nicer!

very nice beaches, good idea to bring your old clothes and other things to give to the locals

Negril is on the western coast of Jamaica and is home to several resorts, including on by Sandals, which I have visited. The beaches are amazing!

if going to Cuba...go to Varadero, the beach's are white and beautiful. Also bring small gifts to leave in your hotel for the staff, they really appreciate it and won't get into trouble. I was told that if you left money they could be accused of stealing. I left soaps, make-up, pens, etc.