I want to surprise DH!

[runsandjumps]

Help!

My DH wants to go somewhere warm in January, and I want to surprise him with a trip somewhere. He is not a Disney fan and we are already planning a trip this summer anyway.

He just wants to basically sit by a pool and soak up the sunshine.

I don't have a ton of money to spend so I want to be creative. I want to plan a trip where the hotel, airfare and food is paid for. I was dreaming of a trip to South America at an all
Inclusive resort.


We live in Seattle so help me plan a surprise trip for the sun worshipping DH.

Is it possible to stay under $2000 for around a week or less? Help!

Ana

 

[Mary*Poppins]

Help!

My DH wants to go somewhere warm in January, and I want to surprise him with a trip somewhere. He is not a Disney fan and we are already planning a trip this summer anyway.

He just wants to basically sit by a pool and soak up the sunshine.

I don't have a ton of money to spend so I want to be creative. I want to plan a trip where the hotel, airfare and food is paid for. I was dreaming of a trip to South America at an all
Inclusive resort.


We live in Seattle so help me plan a surprise trip for the sun worshipping DH.

Is it possible to stay under $2000 for around a week or less? Help!

Ana

I'd say look at either playa del carmen or punta cana, they are cheaper than other caribbean destinations. My husband and I have a trip planned for riu palace in punta cana in january, it's all inclusive and was around $2500 for the two of us for 6 days. (we live in PA.) There are probably good deals out there now so check expedia, cheap caribbean,etc.!!! good luck! We went to both punta cana and mexico last year and had a great time on both trips.

 

[kiramay]

Mexico is much cheaper. Look for an all-inclusive so you don't have to worry about any other costs. Or a cruise?

 

[VroomVroomLightning]

I second the idea of a cruise!

 

[kiramay]

I was playing around At apple vacations (we used them for our honeymoon). 4-5 day all inclusive flight included from Seattle I get $800-1100 pp. not to bad info. Most where Hawaii, but a few in Mexico. Take a look.

 

[My3kiddos]

Check out vacationexpress dot com. I have found they are ALOT cheaper than Apple Vacations or Cheap Caribbean, but most of their packages are 7 nights. Punta Cana is awesome! Last year we stayed at Caribe Club Princess and loved it. We have been the last 2 years and are going again next summer.

 

[wiigirl]

I second the idea of a cruise!

 

[pocomom]

I'll put in a vote for a cruise too. Very easy, pretty affordable depending on the choices you make. I'm surprising my dh with one for his birthday (although the surprise was ruined, but he is still pretty happy ). For vacation he always just wants to sleep in, spend the day relaxing, and then go out for dinner, and entertainment for the evenings (and we normally end up doing the opposite, for most of our vacations). Cruise fits the bill perfectly!

 

[runsandjumps]

Thanks everyone. I asked him about a cruise and he said no. I think it will have be punts Cana as my best choice as Mexico weather can be rainy in January and Hawaii is nice but I can get more days in the South.

Punts Cana sounds perfect for him.

Ana

 

[sunlover13]

Make sure you check out tripadvisor for the resort you are staying at.

I've been to Mexico several times, but never Punta Cana.

My co-worker got married there this past July and everyone got sick, some even hospitalized. Trip advisor has reviews of tons of people getting sick.

So, just make sure you check out reviews and forums on tripadvisor to make sure you pick a nice, clean place to stay.

I've never been sick visiting Mexico, knock on wood.

 

[DSNY4ever]

Help!

My DH wants to go somewhere warm in January, and I want to surprise him with a trip somewhere. He is not a Disney fan and we are already planning a trip this summer anyway.

He just wants to basically sit by a pool and soak up the sunshine.

I don't have a ton of money to spend so I want to be creative. I want to plan a trip where the hotel, airfare and food is paid for. I was dreaming of a trip to South America at an all
Inclusive resort.


We live in Seattle so help me plan a surprise trip for the sun worshipping DH.

Is it possible to stay under $2000 for around a week or less? Help!

Ana

Under $2,000 including airfare from Seattle to somewhere tropical for a week? I would say no. Even to Mexico w/ flight and a week at a resort and food etc. would be over $2,000.

Maybe look into renting a condo somewhere, it might be cheaper than staying at a resort and you could make some meals. Check VRBO or Airbnb. I also second the idea of a cruise, maybe you could get a last minute deal, but with flights it could still be tight. Good luck! I know how hard it is to plan on a budget and wanting a great vacation, I hope you find something great!

 

[scbelleatheart]

I have had several very nice all inclusive vacations through FunJet and Apple. Some may disagree but the price was good and it was pretty much last minute (within 3 months to departure). Everything was included, air transfers, meals, drinks, non-motorized water sports and tips. Just research the resort first. I just looked up what available in Jan from Sea-Tac and found a few for 5 days at under $1,500 so 7 days is not out of your budget.
I agree with your DH. Do not do a cruise. If he wants beach time and relaxing then a cruise will not cut it.
It can be done! Good luck!

 

[StacyMarie]

Another vote for playa del Carmen!!!

 

[Darcy03231]

Mexico is much cheaper. Look for an all-inclusive so you don't have to worry about any other costs. Or a cruise?

The only thing with a cruise is while the upfront cost can be inexpensive, all the on-board charges can add up quickly. I usually plan on doubling whatever the cost of the cruise is to pay for tips, drinks, shore excursions, pictures, etc.

 

[Suz D]

The only thing with a cruise is while the upfront cost can be inexpensive, all the on-board charges can add up quickly. I usually plan on doubling whatever the cost of the cruise is to pay for tips, drinks, shore excursions, pictures, etc.

But it doesn't have to be that way. My parents took our whole family on our first cruise. We were barely making ends meet at the time and didn't have a lot to spare. We paid our tips and incidentals. We ended up having enough OBC to cover all but $50 of our tips. We also ended up using our Christmas gift $ and getting each of us a sweatshirt which we still wear. But those were not necessary and if we didn't have the Christmas gift $ they would have been easy to skip. My vote is also for a cruise!