Looking for tropical all inclusive for about $1000 each...

[thefed]

We can fly out of Cleveland, Akron, Pittsburgh, or Columbus...maybe even Detroit if it makes sense...but prefer Akron or Cleveland.

I always look at Apple Vacations and can get a 7 night package in Cancun or Puerto Vallerta for around $1000+ taxes....this is airfare, hotel, transfers, drinks, food etc.

Anywhere else I should be looking? Wife wants a beach...I wouldn't mind some 'history' or tours and maybe a casino.

Thanks!

 

[GoodSense]

I fly out of MSP. I usually check worryfreevacations.com. and travelocity's vacation packages and last-minute deals. Besides the locations you mentioned, they sometimes have good deals for Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.

Happy Trails!

 

[citrine]

We went to Iberostar in Cozumel, MX....it was awesome! There was always something to do at the hotel, shows every evening, pool games, scuba, and snorkling at the beach. We took a day trip to a couple of Mayan ruins (El Salvador and Chi'chinitza) and rented a car to get around the island.

 

[RonBoyd]

Hawaii is begging for visitors (yeah, who isn't). This may be the best opportunity in/for years. (It is a long flight, however.)

See, for instance:

BEAT OF HAWAII

 

[calmloki]

We went to Iberostar in Cozumel, MX....it was awesome! There was always something to do at the hotel, shows every evening, pool games, scuba, and snorkling at the beach. We took a day trip to a couple of Mayan ruins (El Salvador and Chi'chinitza) and rented a car to get around the island.

Hey there Citrine - long time no read!

 

[citrine]

Good to be back calmloki

 

[kcowan]

I live in PV. If gambling and ruins are on your wish list, stick to the Mayan Riviera and select based on price and reputation. Saint Martin has better gambling but not much history. It will be much more expensive. Same with Hawaii.

 

[thefed]

WELL, I BOOKED A TRIP TODAY! Based on the stories/reviews I got from a business associate, we booked an 8 day/7 night stay at the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach for $530! I have seen his pics, and knowing what a discerning traveler he is, I know we won't be disappointed. he says it truly is a 5 star facility. Our airfare ran us $900. So we are about $900 shy of the least expensive all-inclusive trip available through apple or funjet...and the facility appears to be head and shoulders above the rest. I will now have $900 to 'play with' before we break even...and with the great location, we arent forced to stay on-site for food.

Perfect location...close to shoppign and clubs, yet not right IN the mix. Very excited!!

 

[calmloki]

Nice - who did you book with for that price? I'm finding $318/night for two in early January.

 

[thefed]

Nice - who did you book with for that price? I'm finding $318/night for two in early January.

saveonresorts dot com

I guess all of their offering used to come along with a 90 minute timeshare presentation. But since many of the hotels have switched to all inclusive, you do not have to do the timeshare thing if it is not all inclusive. Doesnt make much sense, but I'm gonna give it a shot. It's the same website my partner booked through 10 months ago...same hotel. You can even find all inclusives for only $100 more per week. I decided against it though because of the rave reviews I've heard about this place. Plus, tripadvisor ranks it #6 of 163 in Cancun based on traveler reviews...and that says a lot.

 

[thefed]

Here's a few pics

 

[RonBoyd]

Plus, tripadvisor ranks it #6 of 163 in Cancun based on traveler reviews...and that says a lot.

Not necessarily. I have mentioned before, my reservations about TripAdvisor:

http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f46/good-site-for-travel-information-48559.html#post901073

Nevertheless, here is a fairly balanced article on that Service:

How can you tell which TripAdvisor reviews to trust?

Just sayin'

 

[chinaco]

Assuming a beach is the destination.

An alternative to Cancun is Punta Cana DR. Similar resorts competitively priced.

+1 St Martin. A little more pricey that Mx. But very nice. If you go there look for a breakfast plan only and if possible alcohol included. For Dinner, there are many nice small French restaurants. If you want to splurge a little.

Aruba and Grand Cayman nice also but more pricey.

 

[RonBoyd]

If you go there look for a breakfast plan only and if possible alcohol included.

I love the smell of Bloody Marys in the morning.

(Ah. Those were the days, my friend.)

 

[chinaco]

I love the smell of Bloody Marys in the morning.

(Ah. Those were the days, my friend.)

Yes... but not just breakfast... It gets hot on those beaches. Even if you are under an umbrella. Never underestimate the use of cold alcohol drinks to keep the core body temperature comfortable.

 

[calmloki]

isn't that because alchohol evaporates quickly, thus enhancing the cooling effect in warm weather while acting like antifreeze in cold?

 

[chinaco]

Yup the antifreeze effect is legit... I have experienced it first hand when the pool is a little cool early in the day.

 

[thefed]

wooooow. i just found cheaper airfare, bringing our 8 day trip down to 1240 including hotel, airport transfers, and all taxes/fees

this is getting better every time i think about it

just verified the 5 diamond rating from aaa which is awarded to about 100/60,000 hotels in n.america and the carribbean.

I AM PUMPED

 

[Sarah in SC]

That is great news! It sounds like it will be an awesome trip!

 

[bltkmt]

How was your trip? Was the deal as good as it seemed?

 

[Urchina]

For future reference, Costco travel has some great deals. Hope you had a great trip!