Caribbean and Central America Travel Forum

WHERE CAN I GET THE MOST BANG FOR MY BUCK?

I’m a 26 y/o female w/ 3 jobs who has JUST been laid off from her main source of income (day job: social worker, Chicago). I could use a good soft, white sand, palm tree vacation! And I'm takin’ me a gorgeous man with me, 35 y/o & also a social worker.

Have any tips on a beautiful location but inexpensive trip for 2nd week of July? (Am flexible on dates). It seems like Negril/ St. Maarten/Costa Rica/Panama might have what we’re looking for, never been, but would like to go to the Caribbean for it's beaches and far away from home feel. But if I can get the beaches/stunning scenery elsewhere that is good for a BUDGET, please recommend, very helpful at this time.

Preferable Criteria:
1. Want both the quiet and some action at nite (yes outside the bedroom too). Options to do nightlife, near by (but not college party age/feel, mature)
2. Snorkeling/activities/scenic sightseeing/breath-taking sunsets
3. We drink, good drink prices
4. We eat, good food prices (fish!)
5. No family/kid prone places
6. 6-night stay (am flexible depending on cost)
7. Less touristy, the better, but first 6 points are most important as we probably can’t dodge this
8. NO MEXICO !

Questions:
a. Are the flight/hotel combined packages the best way to go, best deal? Or do it, separately?
b. Do u have any travel website recommendations that you get your travel deals through? (Most important: AIR/HOTEL)
c. Where was your stay? Hotel recommendations? (Oceanview a plus, oceanview AND Jacuzzi, we’re in heaven!)
d. Can I do it on like a ~ $1500 budget per person? (Haven't done a trip like this)

MUCH NEEDED AND APPRECIATED. Thanks for your time, will return the favor! ~ Neen

P.S. Leaning towards Caribbean vs. Central America because my friend going w/ me had a very traumatic experience in Mexico with getting out of the country…but he’s not completely closed to C.A. since its obviously completely different countries and all…

Why don't you send me a check, and after doing all the research, I'll even take the vacation for you! Sorry to hear you've been laid off.

Yeah, I guess I had a lot in my request for help, "July 2" . I'm a first timer, give me a break. And thanks for the sympathy for job loss too.

Yea, it was a big request hence the lack of replies. I'm going to make a suggestion as per my (small) knowledge of the Caribbean and that is Varadero, Cuba. Still reasonable in comparison to many other places and it is a beautiful beach/great swimming/walking. VT member 'SabrinaSummerville' has some great info/photos of Cuba.

Some self-info. and a photo on your page would be well received and perhaps if your request was a little more specific you'd elicit some good responses. This issue comes up on VT a lot - members put in time and effort researching and answering and the poster never returns!

Put in some destination searches - you'll find some good info. and interesting members on VT. The Misc forum and Technical forums are interesting too.

I'm glad you responded ... and my comment on your lay-off was sincere.

Good luck.

Louisa

Thanks for that, Louisa. I truly appreciate your suggestions. (yay for first impressions turning around!LOL). I'll try to get to that photo too when I have some more time.

But I actually have put a lot of time in researching Negril, JA the past weekend. I'm sold to CA beaches. And travelocity is giving me a great deal on combined flight/hotel for it too that I just can't beat. But I will need to go somewhere next year, I'll definitely check out your Cuba destination, have always wanted to go to Cuba. If you have ever been to Negril, and have any advice on hotel, food, activities,etc thanks a bunch in advance. And I'm gonna check out other posts like you said to see what I find. Thank you again. ~ NB

I've never been to Negril (unfortunately!) although I've heard good things about it ... and that the beaches are great.

I'm glad you've got a vacation sorted out; have a great time and maybe post some photos/tips on your return from CA ;-)

Louisa