WWYD?

formerlyjessica490 · May 2016

H and I are tying to plan our 5 year anniversary trip for next year (May 2017). We wanted to make a tradition of going to Sandals every 5 years because we loved it there! These places aren't cheap but we like to splurge on vacations, especially for our anniversary. Anyway, we had our heart set on going to the Antigua Sandals. The cost of a garden room (we choose the cheapest rooms) is $4K not including the flight. 2 things have come up for us...

1. We can afford it, but now that we have a house, $4K seems like a lot of $ to sit by the pool/beach and eat/drink for 1 week. But, I don't want the "house" to be a reason that we don't go and enjoy ourselves and go to the places we want to go. Our house is in really good condition and the projects that we are doing are only because we want to do them and to help improve the looks of things. We truly don't need to do a thing if we don't want to, but there are things we want to get done. I'd love to have everything on my list done my next year but I've learned how expensive things are and that they take a lot of time and money.

2. H is worried about the Zika virus. I've done research and see that's it's been reported the Caribbean...one person in our state was reported to have gotten Zika from some island in the Caribbean....so I am a little nervous, but I'm not sure of the likeliness of seeing mosquitos there.....

I think that if we decide not to go here, we would go to Las Vegas which can be pricey as well...

So WWYD?

als1982 · May 2016

Are you going to be pregnant, trying to get pregnant or planning on trying to concieve within six months of your trip? If any of those are true, I would absolutely find another destination.

Otherwise, the cost wouldn't prohibit me from going, but everyone's different and we prioritize travel and experiences over stuff and wouldn't bat an eye at spending twice or three times that on a meaningful and memorable vacation.

formerlyjessica490 · May 2016

als1982 said:

Are you going to be pregnant, trying to get pregnant or planning on trying to concieve within six months of your trip? If any of those are true, I would absolutely find another destination.

Otherwise, the cost wouldn't prohibit me from going, but everyone's different and we prioritize travel and experiences over stuff and wouldn't bat an eye at spending twice or three times that on a meaningful and memorable vacation

No plans for kids! Thanks for the reassurance! I really want to go

csuave · May 2016

A 5 year anniversary is worth the splurge imo so if you can afford it what you have planned may make you the most happy.

If you want to see some alternatives that might save $1K or $2K start exploring other destinations, like Mexico, and other times of the year.

Zika concerns might also lead to some good sales.

You could potentially get in touch with Sandals and tell them how much you want to spend and see if they have a deal they can offer you. I have no idea if that will work but trying to negotiate or finding a deal directly with them can't hurt, especially if you have stayed at a Sandals before.

als1982 · May 2016

formerlyjessica490 said:

als1982 said:

Are you going to be pregnant, trying to get pregnant or planning on trying to concieve within six months of your trip? If any of those are true, I would absolutely find another destination.

Otherwise, the cost wouldn't prohibit me from going, but everyone's different and we prioritize travel and experiences over stuff and wouldn't bat an eye at spending twice or three times that on a meaningful and memorable vacation

No plans for kids! Thanks for the reassurance! I really want to go

Then I'd totally go. I'd also shop around for deals since I'm guessing travel to those areas with Zika is way, way down. Should you actually get it, it's my understanding that less than half of those infected get a fever and other flu like symptoms. Annoying, but nothing to worry about unless you're pregnant or planning to get pregnant.

hoffse · May 2016

Where do you live? Because mosquitoes live in the Caribbean and Central America year-round. I would fully expect to encounter a mosquito any time you visit that region and consider yourself lucky if you aren't bit. We have always packed bug stuff for that part of the world, regardless of whatever disease is circulating.

I think Zika is only a concern if you have plans to TTC in the months following your trip. H and I are still planning on TTC this fall, so anything south of Florida is out for us until further notice. My MIL and SIL actually work at the CDC (SIL is currently pregnant), and it's a big concern there. SIL has been wearing DEET all spring even though there hasn't been a local transmission yet in the continental US. It's really only a matter of time. It's probably going to start in Florida or Texas and move north. H and I have started mosquito eradication around our house already because the weather is in the 80's now where we live.

All that being said, if you have no plans to TTC in the 6-12 months following the trip, I don't see a huge problem, especially if you take precautions like wearing bug spray. It's a pretty mild disease for most adults - it's the risk to pregnant women and their babies that's the huge concern. They are still nailing down the exact amount of time that Zika can live in your blood and be transmitted, but last I heard they think it's a couple months in the blood and possibly a couple months longer in semen. It can be sexually transmitted.

As for the price, Sandals is expensive. We went to a Sandals resort for our honeymoon and enjoyed it, but it ended up costing more than a couple of our trips to Europe that we have paid for. People are often surprised to hear this, but Europe can be cheaper than many Caribbean AI's, wine country in California, or Disney World (when you stay on property). The entire reason we went to France last summer is because we priced out Napa/Sonoma and determined we would save money by wine tasting in France instead of California.

I am not at all opposed to luxury travel experiences if you can afford it, and H and I will probably do the resort thing again at some point. There are a couple places in Mexico and Costa Rica we are eyeing. But yes, luxury travel comes with a luxury price tag, and there's often not much you can do to defray the cost at places like that. You are paying a huge premium for the "all inclusive" experience. Most people spend significantly less when they pay for food and alcohol as the trip progresses- you're really unlikely to "beat" the resort. But paying as you go is obviously not as relaxing as having your costs prepaid.

You simply have to decide if luxury travel is worth the cost and possibly sacrificing other things (like house renos) to afford it. Honestly, I think the calculus on that changes from year to year, and it might not line up with big milestones like anniversaries or birthday. That's OK though. Being married 4 or 6 years is just as important as being married for 5.

formerlyjessica490 · May 2016

I haven't done a lot of research on Zika but I did know about the pregnancy issue which wouldn't relate to us, I just wanted to make sure it's not something we would get really sick from and die! I'll read into it a little more, but I will have to convince H....he is an EMT after all!

Bug spray is an excellent point! Sunscreen and bugspray...awesome haha

brij2006 · May 2016

Look into Secrets resorts. They're of the same caliber of Sandals, but are less known, so they're a bit cheaper. They're still adults only and have a very high rating.

I would find a local travel agent and have them work the numbers for you as well. Sometimes they have access to bundle packages that we wouldn't be able to find ourselves.

Also, you're about a year in advance. The prices will change. For Carribean, I've always had luck with booking 4-6 months out. If you aren't picky, you can book 1-1.5 months in advance and usually catch a really good deal.

hoffse · May 2016

formerlyjessica490 said:

I haven't done a lot of research on Zika but I did know about the pregnancy issue which wouldn't relate to us, I just wanted to make sure it's not something we would get really sick from and die! I'll read into it a little more, but I will have to convince H....he is an EMT after all!
Bug spray is an excellent point! Sunscreen and bugspray...awesome haha

I believe there has only been one zika-related death in the US, and the guy was in his 70's.

We like the repel bug lotion. I think walmart sells it for $5 or so. It's not as oily as spray, and it keeps everything away.

vlagrl35 · May 2016

we celebrated our 5 year a little bit late last year going to sandals in St. Lucia - I would totally splurge. For our 10 we want to go back to Hawaii.

formerlyjessica490 · May 2016

brij2006 said:

Look into Secrets resorts. They're of the same caliber of Sandals, but are less known, so they're a bit cheaper. They're still adults only and have a very high rating.

I would find a local travel agent and have them work the numbers for you as well. Sometimes they have access to bundle packages that we wouldn't be able to find ourselves.
Also, you're about a year in advance. The prices will change. For Carribean, I've always had luck with booking 4-6 months out. If you aren't picky, you can book 1-1.5 months in advance and usually catch a really good deal.

We just met with our travel agent a week or 2 ago and she did talk about Secrets and how great it was, cheaper, and a better value...She had just been to 1 location and was going to another location this week I think....They are a little bit cheaper, but when I was looking at their site and the good reviews, I wasn't blown away.......I don't know, I could do some more research before we book though.....I even looked at Beaches, but I'd rather be at an adults only place. I could also check out the Couples Resorts, I think that's another one....

Xstatic3333 · May 2016

I would definitely not feel guilty for going. For us, travel is still worth doing even with home expenses. We chose our home with the ability to continue travelling in mind. Zika wouldn't concern me in the least if it weren't for TTC, either. It's extremely mild for most healthy adults. With all that said, I, personally, am a bit of a vacation bargain shopper and have never been able to pull the trigger on a Sandals. If it's your style, though, I'd say go for it! We all prioritize different things on our trips.

cbee817 · May 2016

I would go! DH and I wanted to go to NYC for a few days this summer to celebrate our 10th anniversary and my 35th (eek!) birthday. Unfortunately we probably won't be going- we're gutting the upstairs bathroom over DH's summer break and DD#1 has had some separation anxiety issues recently that we're working through.. have a feeling she'll be a disaster with us gone for 3-4 days and we don't want to back track on the progress she's made. Maybe for the 11th instead

formerlyjessica490 · May 2016

Thanks for all your comments! We really want to go we just didn't want the fact of owning a house now and Zika to interrupt plans and a tradition we've been waiting to start for almost 5 years now

short+sassy · May 2016

As long as you have an e-fund you are comfortable, just in case there is an unexpected home repair, I would definitely pull the trigger on your trip. Or take @brij2006's advice and wait a bit on timing in order to hopefully get an even better deal.

I'll repeat the other PPs and say don't even worry about Zika. It's a huge concern for pregnant or TTCing women...maybe even immuno-compromised individuals, like the very old or very young...but for the vast majority of people it's a minor illness that often doesn't even require a doctor visit. I live in a mosquito-infested area and get bit multiple times a day (ugh), so I've stayed on top of the Zika news. It was a relief to find that out!

MrsRap720 · May 2016

I don't post much, but I was interested in this because we've been to the Sandals in Antigua as well as the Grande St. Lucian - I know it feels like a lot of money and lovely vacations can definitely be had for less, but if you feel you can afford it, I'd definitely go! We thought Antigua was beautiful and definitely worth the money. As long as you aren't going to be TTC, Zika seems like something that doesn't need to be on your radar of things to worry about in the least. And I have to say that even though we brought bug spray with us, I don't recall getting bitten at either of the Sandals we went to. They must do an excellent job spraying the grounds to get rid of them. It was July for both of our trips, and believe me, if there were mosquitoes around, they would have DEFINITELY found me!

hoffse · May 2016

Where are you flying from?

If you would be open to some non-Sandals resorts, there are several in Mexico that look promising. I have been eyeing Le Blanc in Cancun.

In Costa Rica I'm determined to stay on one of the Nayara properties at some point. It's not AI, but you can get packages that get you close.

Thing is, the cost may be less if you look at places other than Antigua. Just the cost of flights will vary a lot based on distance and also how large the airports are. Also, the larger the island (or country), the less expensive the resorts tend to be simply because the cost of getting all that food and alcohol to the resort is lower.

In the Sandals chain, the resorts in Jamaica are definitely the cheapest, but that doesn't mean they are less nice than resorts on other islands. We honeymooned at Sandals Whitehouse, and it was very nice. The resort has a west-facing private beach so you get great sunsets, and every single room is ocean view with a balcony. Every one. You don't have to pay extra for it. Also, because it's the only resort there we saw no beach vendors or people trying to sell us anything.

hoffse · May 2016

One other idea - if you are seeing prices in the $4K range, you should check out Terranea in LA as an option too. I was just there a few weeks ago for a work thing, and it was amazing, even though I'm not a huge fan of LA generally.

Again, not AI but there are lots of on-site restaurants, and you can uber or cab to places off property. There is a lot of hiking around the property, a 9-hole executive golf course, etc. They have a spot overlooking the Pacific. It's not a sandy beach, but it's pretty dramatic. It's the closest thing to the Amalfi Coast or French Riviera that I have seen in the US.

The thing that impressed me about it is the food was good, and overall the resort itself just felt nicer and higher end than what I had experienced at Sandals. It was probably a combination of no sand and nobody getting hammered with "free" drinks in the sun - but it just felt more expensive than Sandals to me. To date it's probably the nicest hotel property I have ever stayed at. There are a couple hotels in NOLA that come close, but the ones I'm thinking of there aren't resorts.

formerlyjessica490 · May 2016

MrsRap720 said:

I don't post much, but I was interested in this because we've been to the Sandals in Antigua as well as the Grande St. Lucian - I know it feels like a lot of money and lovely vacations can definitely be had for less, but if you feel you can afford it, I'd definitely go! We thought Antigua was beautiful and definitely worth the money. As long as you aren't going to be TTC, Zika seems like something that doesn't need to be on your radar of things to worry about in the least. And I have to say that even though we brought bug spray with us, I don't recall getting bitten at either of the Sandals we went to. They must do an excellent job spraying the grounds to get rid of them. It was July for both of our trips, and believe me, if there were mosquitoes around, they would have DEFINITELY found me!

Oh good to know! We have been to Grande St. Lucia as well and loved it! We want to try all of them eventually!

formerlyjessica490 · May 2016

We are flying out of CT. I've looked into Mexico but don't really want to go there. We were in Cozumel on a cruise stop last year and it's so-so....I prefer Eastern and Southern islands, they just appeal to me more...

formerlyjessica490 · May 2016

hoffse said:

Where are you flying from?

If you would be open to some non-Sandals resorts, there are several in Mexico that look promising. I have been eyeing Le Blanc in Cancun.

In Costa Rica I'm determined to stay on one of the Nayara properties at some point. It's not AI, but you can get packages that get you close.

Thing is, the cost may be less if you look at places other than Antigua. Just the cost of flights will vary a lot based on distance and also how large the airports are. Also, the larger the island (or country), the less expensive the resorts tend to be simply because the cost of getting all that food and alcohol to the resort is lower.

In the Sandals chain, the resorts in Jamaica are definitely the cheapest, but that doesn't mean they are less nice than resorts on other islands. We honeymooned at Sandals Whitehouse, and it was very nice. The resort has a west-facing private beach so you get great sunsets, and every single room is ocean view with a balcony. Every one. You don't have to pay extra for it. Also, because it's the only resort there we saw no beach vendors or people trying to sell us anything.

I did look into Sandals Whitehouse and I loved the ocean room views, but it was literally only $500 less than Antigua for the week that I had quoted! But I do want to go there because of the views!

WWYD?

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