Best island type/Caribbean/Mexico vacation spot?

[Mercy]

Want to go on an island type vacation with DH. We've never been, but I really want to go. Where would you recommend?

Aruba, Caribbean, Mexico, Dominican Republic? Where?

 

[J.Cooper]

Good question. I need to know this myself. We are considering going to Aruba the end of October for our anniversary. How is Aruba? I heard from a friend that Aruba is better than Mexico.

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

I love Mexico simply because it's so inexpensive for us Texans to go there. The farther east and south we look, the more expensive it is.

Aruba would cost me twice as much as Playa Del Carmen and I'd spend more time on the airplane, than on the island. Those are the things I consider.

 

[KarenB]

We went on the 7 night western cruise on the Disney Magic. The ports we stopped at were Key West, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and Castaway Cay. Key West was a blast, but it sounds like you want to get out of the US. Castaway Cay of course is Dsiney's private island. Cozumel was fun. We took a cab to the beach for most of the day. In the evening we went back into town. We walked about a block from the waterfront and we found ourselves to be a bit uncomfortable. We have been to many cities, but never quite felt this way.

BUT.....oh, Grand Cayman. DH and I both said we would love to go back there. There is the touristy area, shops, eateries, but also a relaxed area was well. We went snokeling and it felt as though we were dropped off in an aquarium. We felt very at ease and confortable here. It was a "good fit."

Please remember, we were only at Cozemul and Grand Cayman for a day.

Karen

oh-we had friends atay at an all inclusive in Aruba and they said it was wonderful

 

[theprincess]

I would love to go to Aruba.

 

[Wishing on a star]

I have been to Jamaica, and to the Bahamas(on the 4 night Disney Cruise).

Really, the thing to be asking is exactly what you are looking for in your island vacation.

Each location has it's own distinct feel and flavor.
Are you looking for the most beautiful beach?
A quiet getaway? or Lots of action?
Top notch snorkeling/diving?
An excellent all inclusive? A condo/resort?

I personally would like to go to Playa Del Carmen. Some of the beaches there are excellent. (it is a myth that all the beaches in the Carribean are picture postcard.) It would be nice to see the Mayan Ruins. There are all inclusive resorts there.

But, I have a real hearts desire for the absolutely most beautiful white sand and blue water within easy traveling distance. My biggest thing is enjoying the beach. For this, I hear Turks and Caicos can't be beat. Turks is where I would love to go for a getaway with my DH.

In my dreams:
www.pointgrace.com/resort/specials/2005romantic.htm

 

[snowwite]

We liked Bahamas but we LOVE Aruba. we are leaving in 10 days!

 

[luvmydogs]

Turks and Caicos's Grace Bay beach is probably the most beautiful beach I've ever seen, with the most amazing crystal-blue water! It's gorgeous! It's becoming a little more developed now, but there is not much nightlife, shopping, etc.. if that means anything to you.

I also love Grand Cayman's 7 Mile beach. A lot to do, and a bit more "Westernized."

I love Mexico because it is relatively cheap to get there, and depending where you go, there's always something to do--Cancun's a blast, with ton's of water/beach sports and nightlife! Cozumel's more sedate, but still nice, with close proximity to a nice wildlife/archeological parks.

I think a lot of it depends on what you're looking for--casual, busy, R&R, or a combination of some or all. I'd decide what you're looking for most in your getaway, then research specific islands for a good match. Oh, and cruising's great, too!

 

[KRIS10420]

I dream of going to Aruba. I found this webcam at Bucuti Beach Resort, it just looks so beautiful there.
http://www.bucuticam.com/index.html

 

[bubie2.5]

Punta Cana, DR.

Take a look here --> http://www.eatdrinksleepdr.com/

 

[J.Cooper]

We liked Bahamas but we LOVE Aruba. we are leaving in 10 days!

Lucky girl ! What hotel do you stay at? What things do you love about Aruba. I hear the water is just gorgeous!!!!!

 

[hydster]

DH and I spent a WONDERFUL week in Riviera Maya Mexico near Playa Del Carmen. We stayed at a 5 star all inclusive adults only resort and it was amazing! There were only two hotels on that beach and 1 was the resort we were at. The resort next to us was an all inclusive as well but it allowed children and you had to wear a wristband so they could tell who paid for AI or who paid just for the EI plan. Our hotel was lovely and amazing and no wristbands and even came with all your meals and if you drink top shelf liquor. Here is a link and the pictures do NOT do it justice. It is gated so it is very safe as well.

http://www.secretsresorts.com/capri/

We booked through an internet company www.travel-center.com and click on Riviera Maya to get to the hotel.

We just love Mexico because it's beautiful and very cheap! They have great scuba diving, snorkeling and tours to Chicheniza and Tulum.

Heidi

 

[snowwite]

Lucky girl ! What hotel do you stay at? What things do you love about Aruba. I hear the water is just gorgeous!!!!!

We have tried the Radisson on our honeymoon,Playa linda w/the kids last year and this time we ae going to our time share resort at Occidental on Palm Beach. It is unique in that it is really a desert surrounded by beuatiful water. It is not a lush tropical island.Think Arizona with a beach. I love that the weather is breezy and in the 80's in Feb and July.It is my Happy place

 

[wdwmom2]

I just checked out www.applevacations.com yesterday. They have some great deals on all-inclusives to Cancun. You can stay at a really nice AI with airfare for around $1200 to $1600 pp for 1 week. There are some resorts that are more expensive, but the ones I looked at were amazing. My DD's and their dad went to Cancun in February with Apple, flew USA3000 non-stop(great flight), and they had a great time.

 

[WishingOnAStar]

I'm so glad to see this thread - I was thinking of starting a similar one. I want to plan a Caribbean vacation for our 15 year anniversary. We're taking the kids (will be 9,10, and 12). We really just want a beautiful beach, maybe some snorkeling and a fishing trip.
I've been looking into villas in different places that would have their own pool and 2 or 3 bedrooms.
I just can't pick an island!!

 

[Wishing on a star]

To the other wishing on a star,

For a family vacation with kids... Check out Beaches Turks and Caicos

 

[wdwmom2]

I'm so glad to see this thread - I was thinking of starting a similar one. I want to plan a Caribbean vacation for our 15 year anniversary. We're taking the kids (will be 9,10, and 12). We really just want a beautiful beach, maybe some snorkeling and a fishing trip.
I've been looking into villas in different places that would have their own pool and 2 or 3 bedrooms.
I just can't pick an island!!

Check out www.tripadvisor.com . That is a great site. LOTS of reviews, and fun to read!!

 

[WishingOnAStar]

To the other wishing on a star,

For a family vacation with kids... Check out Beaches Turks and Caicos

Check out www.tripadvisor.com . That is a great site. LOTS of reviews, and fun to read!!

Thank you to both of you- I will check out both!!

 

[Mercy]

I just checked out www.applevacations.com yesterday. They have some great deals on all-inclusives to Cancun. You can stay at a really nice AI with airfare for around $1200 to $1600 pp for 1 week. There are some resorts that are more expensive, but the ones I looked at were amazing. My DD's and their dad went to Cancun in February with Apple, flew USA3000 non-stop(great flight), and they had a great time.

It's funny you mention applevacations.com because that is where I was looking this morning due to a friends recommendation. Then I shot over to tripadvisor.com and was browsing around there... that's what sparked this thread! What resort did your DD's stay at?

 

[wdwmom2]

It's funny you mention applevacations.com because that is where I was looking this morning due to a friends recommendation. Then I shot over to tripadvisor.com and was browsing around there... that's what sparked this thread! What resort did your DD's stay at?

They stayed at the Grand Palladium Riviera Maya. I have never been there but they had a great time.


Here it is....
http://www.applevacations.com/showH...XCUNRIVIER&hotelCode=211548&command=showHotel