Non-WDW holiday advice?

[Rohais]

Hiya,

As DF and I are going to be saving for a house deposit and a wedding after our September 2011 holiday, we're looking at different holiday locations

I was just wondering if anyone has any suggestions re countries, specific areas, resorts etc they could give me

We've been thinking about:

Mexico
Jamaica
Dominican Republic
Eygpt

and any others that anyone may have as a recommendation

Many thanks

 

[jen_uk]

I've been to Mexico and Egypt, I loved Mexico and would absolutely go back there, wasn't so keen on Egypt and wouldn't go back. We went to Cancun in Mexico, there is loads to do there and the nightlife is great, the beaches are stunning and there are lots of trips etc on offer. We went to Egypt last summer and stayed at the Tropicana Grand Azure in Sharm, the hotel was fabulous but there is nothing to do there, the evening entertaniment in the hotels is dreadful and there is very little to do elsewhere. Also, so many people get sick there, it doesn't seem to matter where you stay (our hotel was spotlessly clean), we drank loads of water etc and still got sick. However, Egypt is about half the price of Mexico!

 

[MazdaUK]

All those are quite expensive IMHO Unless this is your last big fling for a number of years I'd look for something more affordable (maybe choose the best accomodation in a cheaper location rather than being uncomfotable somewhere expensive). I love the South of France - Cannes is lovely! (but not that cheap...). What are your essential elements for a good holiday? Is it most important that its hot/long distance/all-inclusive?

 

[jen_uk]

If you want something really cheap then how about Majorca, its less than a 2 hour flight and very nice

 

[Rohais]

I've been to Mexico and Egypt, I loved Mexico and would absolutely go back there, wasn't so keen on Egypt and wouldn't go back. We went to Cancun in Mexico, there is loads to do there and the nightlife is great, the beaches are stunning and there are lots of trips etc on offer. We went to Egypt last summer and stayed at the Tropicana Grand Azure in Sharm, the hotel was fabulous but there is nothing to do there, the evening entertaniment in the hotels is dreadful and there is very little to do elsewhere. Also, so many people get sick there, it doesn't seem to matter where you stay (our hotel was spotlessly clean), we drank loads of water etc and still got sick. However, Egypt is about half the price of Mexico!

I've been to Mexico and really enjoyed it. I couldn't get out as much as I'd have liked to, but really enjoyed the Pirates cruise and Xel-ha. DF would love to go to Mexico but he's currently leaning towards Eygpt for the fact that its cheaper and I've been to Mexico before. I think if we went to Eygpt it would probably be to the Sharm area

All those are quite expensive IMHO Unless this is your last big fling for a number of years I'd look for something more affordable (maybe choose the best accomodation in a cheaper location rather than being uncomfotable somewhere expensive). I love the South of France - Cannes is lovely! (but not that cheap...). What are your essential elements for a good holiday? Is it most important that its hot/long distance/all-inclusive?

It would probably be our last holiday until around 2014/2015. Honestly, it is important that it is all-inclusive as well as quite warm. I have a pain disorder so can't get out and about from the hotel much and the warmth helps ease the pain. When I went to Mexico and The Maldives, I managed to get great deals so I know that its doable. We usually go long-distance to make sure that we're as far away from the UK as possible to get away from it all Ideally, we'd love somewhere calm and quite peaceful but still with plenty to do literally on the doorstep. All-inclusive with good entertainment and pool-facilities. So, by virtue of a good pool, hot weather

If you want something really cheap then how about Majorca, its less than a 2 hour flight and very nice

I hadn't thought about Majorca, and really only hear about it from my 'clubber' friends We're not really into that so it there much else to do, bearing in mind I can't get out and about a lot

Thanks for all your suggestions guys

 

[eeyorefanuk]

Have you thought about Cyprus, glorious hot and I mean hot weather, people friendly, beautiful beaches, clean.

Also Menorca if you fancy a quiet holiday. We were to Cala Galdana, very quiet but beautiful beach.

 

[MazdaUK]

That's a good point, very peaceful in some areas. Or my friend went to Corsica (but it might be a bit difficult for you to get about). When DS(17) was 4 we went to Tennerife - and we honestly did not go anywhere near the Brit/Clubby bots, but stayed on the Costa Del Silencio - very peacedul, and only a few minutes from some lovely fish restaurants (not at all expensive).

I can't really advise about anything all-inclusive as we never do that sort of thing, but a colleague went to th Dominican Republic last year and really enjoyed lazing by the pool. Check out TripAdvisor (if you haven't already) - I've never been sterred wrong ther for hotels, airlines, restaurants or attractions

 

[Rohais]

Have you thought about Cyprus, glorious hot and I mean hot weather, people friendly, beautiful beaches, clean.

Also Menorca if you fancy a quiet holiday. We were to Cala Galdana, very quiet but beautiful beach.

Hadn't thought of Cyprus or Menorca, no, but definately will do now I think my Dad went to Cyprus a couple of years ago so I'll ask him about it. Thanks for the ideas

That's a good point, very peaceful in some areas. Or my friend went to Corsica (but it might be a bit difficult for you to get about). When DS(17) was 4 we went to Tennerife - and we honestly did not go anywhere near the Brit/Clubby bots, but stayed on the Costa Del Silencio - very peacedul, and only a few minutes from some lovely fish restaurants (not at all expensive).

I can't really advise about anything all-inclusive as we never do that sort of thing, but a colleague went to th Dominican Republic last year and really enjoyed lazing by the pool. Check out TripAdvisor (if you haven't already) - I've never been sterred wrong ther for hotels, airlines, restaurants or attractions

MIL has not long come back from the Dominican and loved every minute of it..so much that they're going back in 2012! We put it on the list as we've considered going along with them, as we live quite a distance away and don't get to see them often. I had a brief look on TripAdvisor but I'll make sure I double check anywhere we look at with them! Thanks again for all your input

You've all given me lots of food for thought!

 

[eeyorefanuk]

I agree about trip advisor but if say there are 20 reviews and only 2/3 are bad take it with a pinch of sale.

Non disney holidays we always do all inclusive now, we like to chill in the sun, and know we have paid for the holiday before we go. With the euro the costs of eating out etc is not cheap now.

Keep us informed

 

[izzie-wizzie]

I have to agree with PP that Cyprus is an absolutely gorgeous place, amazingly hot weather and the people are just the friendliest.

 

[Ware Bears]

I have to agree with PP that Cyprus is an absolutely gorgeous place, amazingly hot weather and the people are just the friendliest.

So do I

My parents used to own a timeshare in Cyprus and went there year in year out for about 20 years. I'd love to go back there one day.

 

[tony64]

They also drive on the left in Cyprus, if that helps.