Budget Caribbean vacation?

[reenie1]

Is there such a thing? We are a family of four looking into going to a tropical island next February. I've been to Aruba and while we liked it, I don't want to go to another desert island this time. We are looking primarily for beautiful beaches and a resort with a nice pool - any thoughts on where to start? Are there any good websites I should be looking at? We'll be flying out of Boston. Thank you!

 

[Darcy03231]

I would check into going to the Mexican Rivieria. Try looking on: www.applevacations.com.

We particularly like the Iberostar resorts.


Punta Cana is another good option too.

 

[reenie1]

Thanks so much - I'll check those out.

 

[DebMcDonald]

Check out TNT vacations. I just booked through them, we are going to Punta Cana in the DR. We are flying Jet Blue out of Boston. Several girls from the office have been and they have loved it. We're going in September for a long weekend (Wednesday-Sunday) and for an all inclusive for two it was $1500. I think I probably could have done better, but I was not flexible on my dates.

 

[cdrn1]

We stayed at the Riu Palace all-inclusive in Playacar...had a wonderful time! As we walked up and down the beaches we saw many gorgeous resorts. Only thing is the pools were not heated and were quite chilly so that is something you may want to ask if you want lots of pool time. I never even thought about that!

 

[TnTWalter]

Mayan Riviera in Mexico.

There's a board as addicted to Playa as we are to Disney....

www.playa.info

I'd suggest renting a condo as food is so good and cheap there!

With kids I'd be up North in the 'little italy' section.

We rented a fabulous condo at 'the Elements' with a gigantic pool and private beach chairs. Easy walk down 5th to all sorts of food and fun or walk on beach for beach bars and food....[you can walk on beach and then walk up to 5th from beach too]...

Playa is walkable safe and fun!

Trish

 

[casper_jj11]

We were in the mayan riviera last spring. Grand Sirenis. Just beautiful. Huge pool and lazy river. Good food. The kids LOVED it.

 

[howlongtildisney]

Check out www.cheapcaribbean.com. They always seem to have a great sale going on.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

Just be careful and watch to see what the temperatures are. My hairdresser went to Mexico last February and she said it wasn't very warm. Like low 70's. Yes, warmer than Boston but she said the place they stayed had an un heated pool also and the ocean water wasn't that warm.

 

[canadianjovigirl]

We always stay at the Gran Caribe Real in Cancun.........the kids love it. Great kids club, tons of restaurant choice and great prices for our family of 5. Hoping this year to try somewhere else but so far everyone votes to return there.............

Beaches in Turks and Caicos is amazing but not a budget vacation for us, but maybe more reasonable for you folks from the east coast...........

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

Beaches in Turks and Caicos is amazing but not a budget vacation for us, but maybe more reasonable for you folks from the east coast...........

This place is absolutely amazing. Been there twice with the kids and its wonderful.

 

[reenie1]

Thanks for all the tips! It's good to know I should check air and water temps and pool heating - it would be so disappointing to get somewhere and not be able to enjoy the water.

 

[dsilva51]

Have you thought about a carribean cruise?

 

[dsilva51]

http://cs.cruisebase.com/cs/forms/c...heap-cruises&Home=http://www.cheapcruises.com


Here's a list of cruises that leave in Feb. Don't know what your budget is, but it's doable.

 

[reenie1]

Thanks, we went on a Disney cruise last year. It was pretty cold a lot of the time on the boat (50-60's) - too cold to swim. St. Thomas was nice and warm when we stopped there. Castaway Cay was cool. I want to go somewhere that will be warm this time! We enjoyed the time on the islands much more than time on the ship, so that's why we are trying to go somewhere tropical this time.