Destination suggestions- Non Disney, Non Cruise

[Kitzka]

Hi everyone:

looking for some suggestions for a trip this august (yes this august) for myself, my daughter (16) and her best friend (16).

Originally, i didn't think we were going to be able to afford anything but things have changed a bit. Here are the "requirements/pertinent info"

I will be the only adult so, didn't want to personally drive
We have been to disney a bunch and wanted to go somewhere else.
Ideally, we would go somewhere in Mexico
No cruises. I have been on 2 and i hate them.As does my daughter.
The girls would like some activities to do. esp zip lining.
hopefully a cultural component (my wish)

I was thinking maybe Mexico? Or Atlantis in the Bahamas? or perhaps the British Virgin Islands?

We plan to go at the end of Aug for about 5 days. I like that Atlantis has a lot to do. I saw some of the 'extras" like stingray and we would never need to leave the resort but there isn't the cultural component.

Or perhaps is Cancun my best option? or the British Virgin Islands? We all have passports so that won't be an issue.

thanks for any help. I don't like booking things so last minute but have to take advantage of the bit of extra money we now have for this.

 

[hops&dreams]

I just got an email from Travelzoo today saying that Atlantis is having a HUGE sale. Travel dates are Aug 24 to Oct 29. You might want to check it out. Pm me if you want me to forward it to you.

 

[megan1129]

Atlantis is gorgeous. In my opinion, though, it was not worth the money. Granted we did go in December, but there was no nightlife other than the casino.

We have been to St. Maarten and everyone in the family loves it. We always stay on the Dutch side in the Simpson Bay area.

 

[FairestOfThemAll37]

I love Atlantis but it is pricey. The food and drinks are all expensive. If you choose Atlantis please read up on reviews and know what you're getting into with extra charges. I go ever year because I love the Caribbean, the diving in the bahamas and the food at Nobu and the fish fry in town.

I also love the VIs. St Thomas is my favorite though it's American.

I would argue that none of those places really have a cultural component unless you go to Mexico and travel outside of your resort.

I would say some of it depends on what you guys like to do and the budget.

 

[shoney]

I would do an all inclusive in Mexico.
We are going to the Iberostar tucan/quetzal in August. Got a great price but booked a while ago. Air fare has skyrocketed for that time period...$400 vs. $800 per ticket! Ouch!

I would look south of cancun.

The playacar area has great beaches and is close to Playa del Carmen for shopping and maybe an authentic meal out.

go to a site like allinclusiveoutlet.com to get an idea of pricing and what resorts fit your budget.

You do not have to rent a car (I wouldn't). You can take taxi's or organized tours.

Then, go to tripadvisor to get a feel for the resorts in your budget.

We love AI's in Mexico...can't wait for our next trip!!!

 

[Darcy03231]

I second the idea of an all-inclusive. Our family really likes the Iberostar resorts. We've stayed in several in both Mexico and Punta Cana and have not been disappointed.

 

[HM]

Look for a deal for Costa Rica.

 

[My3kiddos]

Punta Cana is really inexpensive in August, but the weather is still beautiful. Check out the all exclusives there. We used vacationexpress a couple times and I saw where they were offering 7 nights at all inclusive including flight for $599 from certain cities. I'm not sure where you are at, but I know they have charter flights out of Cincinnati and Nashville. There are other places, but I'm not sure where they are.

 

[GrnMtnMan]

there was no nightlife other than the casino.

I see this criticism often, usually from Disney fans, and I like to point out that there's a good side to quiet evenings. And there is lots to do...

Nighttime at Atlantis is a strange mix of tons of lively activity/people moving around, like in Vegas, but also, to some, seemingly not that much to do. I think this is more a subconscious Disney or cruise ship comparison then an accurate description.

Now if you're a gambler or are in to nightclubs, there's the casino and Aura, lots of bars. Atlantis has a movie theater which is free. Bimini Road, a casual restaurant in the marina village usually has a live band out front. There's a junaknoo parade a few nights a week in the marina village, and an interactive steel drum band too.

There's a comedy club. Several of the lobby bars will often have live music. And The Point restaurant, an outdoor place, has a musician on weekend nights I think.

For kids, there's a tween night club (Club Rush) and an older teen club (Crush) as well. There are two arcades an the kids club. And the RC car track and pottery studio and build-a-bear knock-off.

There's no go-karts, hula-contests, mini-golf, fireworks, Broadway revues, or bungee jumps. I usually take it for what it is and enjoy that nighttime is low-key compared to my Disney trips.

Being a regular Disney visitor, I've come to really enjoy that the day ends after dinner at Atlantis....no lining up for two hours to get the right spot for a parade and fireworks, then an exhausted wait in a long line for a bus back to the hotel. Just a nice dinner, a nice leisurely walk with some ice cream in the marina village, and then bed. Or a walk on the beach or in the aquariums. Then up early the next morning for fun in the sun. I throw a couple hours in the casino in there every few nights.

 

[GrnMtnMan]

I would argue that none of those places really have a cultural component unless you go to Mexico and travel outside of your resort.

+1 to this

My wife was an ex-pat and lived in Asia and South America through her youth and through college. I've traveled a bit with her and her family. I've found you can' really have both a 'cutural' (museums, theater, local flavor) or you can have recreational (swimming, activities, etc) but not both in the same place. Most of the places that are fun for recreation aren't set up for 'real' culture, unless you're willing to spend your nights in a safe luxury hotels and your days experiencing the (much below middle-class American standard) living conditions of hospitality workers in developing countries....