Budget travel to Caribbean/Mexico, help please!

[bemily]

Hi there..

Its my 40th and my fiance's 40th birthday a day apart coming up next month and we have been tossing around NYC for 2 or 3 days, but now I am toying with the idea of a warm destination where we can relax for 3 or 4 days..

Any good sites/idea/destinations for a very budget-minded trip? We are open to any destination and have been quite a few places between us so it will really come down to cost..

Thanks!!

 

[rsschneck]

Make sure you have passports on hand that are not too close to expiration. If you have no passports then your travel destination choices really dwindle. Goof luck!

 

[QuickRewardsBecky]

Is a cruise out of the question, bemily? You'd have to fly to a departure port offering 3 to 4 night cruises, but in terms of being able to enjoy a tropical climate, get at least one real beach day in there, and spend time poolside, with entertainment, food, and lodging included, you can't beat the price. Plus if you're sailing out of the US and returning to the US, you don't need a passport.

Also, I'd consider Puerto Rico. It's not as expensive or as distant as Hawaii, but it's tropical, plus no passport or foreign currency exchange is needed.

Last one to just toss out there is Key West. They should still be plenty warm enough next month and you can fly into one of the outlying airports and drive the rest of the way to save a little extra cash.

Happy (early) 40th to you and your fiance!

 

[rsschneck]

Plus if you're sailing out of the US and returning to the US, you don't need a passport.

Passports are highly recommended on closed loop itineraries by all cruise lines. If there is a reason for a passenger to need to fly back from a foreign port you cannot fly without a valid passport so even though passports are not required for closed loop sailings they are highly recommended.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Passports are highly recommended on closed loop itineraries by all cruise lines. If there is a reason for a passenger to need to fly back from a foreign port you cannot fly without a valid passport so even though passports are not required for closed loop sailings they are highly recommended.

Exactly correct, as a number of cruisers discovered during hurricane Irene when they missed their ships departing from US ports and could not then fly to the next port because it was out of the US.

 

[shoney]

I would look into an allinclusive in Mexico (riviera maya). One budget resort that always comes up on tripadvisor is Catalonia Royal tulum. I have never been there, but have been to the area 6 times. We love it. Despite the bad publicity, we find the area extremely safe and the people are wonderful.

Bookit.com and allinclusiveoutlet.com are 2 sites that come to mind.


Have fun!

 

[Darcy03231]

I've used:

www.applevacations.com
www.vacationstogo.com
www.tntvacations.com
www.cheapcarribean.com

 

[Seahunt]

OP did you already book something? If not, how do you feel about Bermuda? Because I just had an email with some cruise deals and it included these NCL deals out of Boston in October (your signature says "Beantown", hope that's Boston ). Kinda nice to cruise from your backyard LOL.

I know you said 3 or 4 days, and these are 7 night cruises, but the price is nice :

Cruise Line: Norwegian
Ship: Dawn
Ports Of Call: Boston, Ma | At Sea | King's Wharf, Bermuda | King's Wharf, Bermuda | King's Wharf, Bermuda | At Sea | At Sea | Boston, Ma
(Rates are per person, plus taxes)

Fri Oct 07, 2011
$349 Inside
$399 Outside
$599 Balcony
$849 Suite

Fri Oct 14, 2011
$340 Inside
$385 Outside
$583 Balcony
$763 Suite

Fri Oct 21, 2011
$332 Inside
$366 Outside
$499 Balcony
$586 Suite

Also, on Oct 28 NCL has a 2 night "cruise to nowhere" from Boston for $299pp plus taxes. Just thought I'd pass these on, maybe another DISer is looking also

 

[softballmom3]

Hi If you haven't found something yet, a good site to check out is vacationexpress.com. My DH has an aunt that is a travel agent and she told me they use this site often. It's not a travel agent site or anything and I think it's great. Saved me a lot of $$$.

 

[Riles_and_Gabe]

I also agree with the cruise. We are going on on in November and it is such nice way to see several places. A cruise can be as cheap or expensive as you want to make it.

 

[204charity]

Hi! I would look into the Barcelo Resorts in the Mayan Riviera. The Beach/Caribe are the "value" resorts, but still 5*'s and they just go up from there. You can usually score great last minute deals on any of the online vacation sites. Good luck and no matter what you decide - have fun!!!

 

[gracie1]

I also agree with the cruise. We are going on on in November and it is such nice way to see several places. A cruise can be as cheap or expensive as you want to make it.

I noticed your cruise is going to Honduras! I have wanted to do a cruise there. Where are you cruising out of?
My mom and I are booked for Bermuda in October 2012 for 7 nights. Can't wait to go there!