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Recommend your fave tropical vacation for under $2K
I'd really like to take a tropical vacation somewhere towards the end of summer (as early as late July, but as late as October, depending on where we decide on), but I'm really torn on where to go. We'd really like to keep it under 2k, maybe $2,500 if it's perfect, for the flight and hotel (we're close to several decent sized cities to be able to fly out of - Lexington, Louisville, Nashville, Cincinnati). AI would be great, but not sure if that's possible for the budget.
My dream vacation would be Hawaii, but again, I'm not sure if we can do it with our budget. If you have, tell me all about it. Maui, preferrably. I'm also open to Jamaica or the Caribbean. Basically anything with great beaches, low crowds, and safe. The quieter, the better. Don't really care about having much to do there. No cruises, please. TIA. : )
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Re: Recommend your fave tropical vacation for under $2K
I have been, and I've also noticed condos on vrbo for that cheap. Unfortunately, I'm not close to the west coast. I guess I could see how high flights are to out there, then fly from there. I think the airport the next town over offers flights to Vegas for like $79 occassionally. Hmm...
ETA: Just looked into it. Would only save us about $250, so not sure if it'd be worth the hassle, being as the flights weren't even on the same days, and they don't go to Maui, just to Honolulu, so we'd have to get to the other island somehow.
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Dieted and exercised my butt off for PCOS = BFP 5/7/2012
Due 12/29/2012
I love Key West. If you keep an eye on airfare, you can probably find a decent flight to Florida - fly through Tampa, Orlando, or Miami. Although Key West isn't known for the best beaches, a few of the resorts do have decent beaches (I think I stayed at a Hyatt once that had a nice pool and beach area). I love the laid back vibe of the area, and there is a lot to do, good food, fun bars, etc.
I've been watching airfare to Puerto Rico and seen some flights in the 400-range, so that might fit within your budget, too.
I checked out Key West online, and I wasn't really impressed with the beach area, but I'll check out the Hyatt. I had glanced at Puerto Rico, but I'm hoping to hear from someone who'd been there. Thanks!
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Diagnosed PCOS '03, TTC #1 Since March '09
BFP - 10/20/10, M/C - 10/29/10
June 2011 - 50mg Clomid = No O
Dieted and exercised my butt off for PCOS = BFP 5/7/2012
Due 12/29/2012
You could probably do an AI in either the DR or Jamaica for under $2k with airfare as long as you stay away from overpriced, underwhelming resorts like Sandals.
You might also start watching Travel Zoo for deals. They don't always have adult-only AI deals, but we've stayed at several AI resorts that are not adult only and have had just as good, if not better, of a time than at adult only.
In the DR we stayed at Sirenis Cocotal and really loved it. It's been 5 years ago now since we were there, so not sure if things have changed, but we had a great time and it was very affordable. It is an AI, but not adult only.
I would not try to work out a trip to Hawaii for that price, especially from the East Coast. You could probably find airfare and a cheap place to stay, but you will have very little money left to eat and enjoy yourselves. If you dream of Hawaii, save it for a time when you have more money to spend.
I'd stick to looking to the East Coast or Caribbean/Gulf. I spent a few days in Puerto Rico before a cruise and had a great time. I know there are others on here that can give some detailed recommendations. I'd also look at Jamaica, Bahamas, Cancun, Cozumel, etc.
ETA: Check out Costa Rica! We had an amazing trip there, and it can be much more affordable than other more touristy places.
And I second PPs suggestion of TravelZoo. They often have great deals on all of the above suggestions. Just keep checking back....Also, be aware of hurricane season. We risked it and cruised the Caribbean in the middle of hurricane season, but you never know.
I've heard of people using Costco to get good deals on trips - might want to check that out for Hawaii.
I still think it will be hard to pull of under 2k to Hawaii though - flights, hotels and food are all very expensive. I'd really save it for a time when you have more to spend. It's a long way to go to do it kind of half-baked, you know?
I've done a trip that was a mix of Cancun/Tulum and also a trip to Riviera Maya - each was under 1500 for 5 nights for airfare and hotel (the Tulum trip included car). I really like Tulum (VERY relaxed - loved it) and also Riviera Maya/Playa del Carmen. Great beaches, great food and very laid back.
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I love Puerto Rico. I don't know what flights are like from your area as I was flying round trip from S FL for dirt cheap on jetblue.
We got a hotel on hotwire for ~120/night. The last time I was there was just for a couple days before a cruise, so we just looked for a hotel near the port. That allowed us to go into OSJ (love!, mmmm, mallorcas) as well as rent a car for a day to head out to El Yunque. PR is a good mix of nature, beach, and culture.
AIs aren't our style, but I hear they're decent in PR. I don't know their rates.
Since you can fly out of Louisville, you might want to check out Vision Airlines. They have a low cost fare from Louisville to the Bahamas. Also, Airtran flies out of Lexington and they offer service to San Juan Puerto Rico. Of course they only fly on certain days but if you are flexible it may work. I've had a lot of luck with bookit.com and allinclusiveoutlet.com recently.
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June 2011 - 50mg Clomid = No O
Dieted and exercised my butt off for PCOS = BFP 5/7/2012
Due 12/29/2012
Nope, not true at all :-) Unless you are talking about setting up a tent right on the sand, there are plenty of ocean-front hotels.
We stayed here: http://www.hiltonpapagayoresort.com/en/home.html
They have the most beautiful grounds I have ever seen. We had an oceanfront bungalow. However, if we ever go back, we'll probably stay in town in Tamarindo instead.
Oh, we'll I saw that on an episode of House Hunters International, so maybe it was just that part of the country. I'll check out that link tomorrow. Thanks!
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Diagnosed PCOS '03, TTC #1 Since March '09
BFP - 10/20/10, M/C - 10/29/10
June 2011 - 50mg Clomid = No O
Dieted and exercised my butt off for PCOS = BFP 5/7/2012
Due 12/29/2012
I think you've already decided, but add me to the list of people who will say DONT try to do hawaii that cheap - you won't be able to do any excursions (sailing, catamarans, snorkelling tours, etc) without some extra cash. Plus, food/drink are quite pricey there. For 2 people flying from that region you'd need about $3500-$5k minimum.
Costa Rica or Puerto Rico are excellent suggestions.
Meals can be relatively affordable with a condo. While I love the food on Maui, I don't need to eat a fancy meal every night. There's a costco there! I don't feel like I'm missing on a Hawaii experience if I have costco muffins for breakfast, or have costco poke for lunch.
However, I agree that airfare is what could push it over 2k.
Definitely haven't decided yet. I looked at Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, and neither of them have the crystal blue waters and gorgeous beaches like I've imagined, so I don't know if they'll work. There are a couple of groupons for Mexico super cheap, so I might go that route. I think I could probably do HI for $3k, so if the time rolls around and I'm able to come up with a little more money in the budget, then yay. If not, oh well. Keep the suggestions coming if anyone is still reading!
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Diagnosed PCOS '03, TTC #1 Since March '09
BFP - 10/20/10, M/C - 10/29/10
June 2011 - 50mg Clomid = No O
Dieted and exercised my butt off for PCOS = BFP 5/7/2012
Due 12/29/2012
We are actually quite frugal travellers, BUT airfare (we fly out of Toronto, so another East Coast Destination) is usually $900+ pp. So then you add $150 per night for a condo and you've got $3k just for airfare and condo for a week. We don't stay at fancy dancy hotels in hawaii unless its on the company dime.
So if you only budgeted $500 for the week for food and excursions, it would be $3500, and thats mostly groceries/low key stuff.
We DO try to do at least one sailing/catamaran excursion and thats always $100pp. Last time in Kauai we splurged and did the helicopter tour.
If we could fly from the West Coast we could cut the budget by $1K, easy.
I think the other thing that raises the cost for us is that we do 8-10 days because of the time change.
Honestly, the most beautiful, crystal-clear water and amazing beaches I've ever seen have also been the most expensive places I've ever been (namely, St. John).
The water clarity can really depend on the weather, and changes often, especially in Hawaii. We had some crystal-clear water days in Costa Rica, and some very cloudy water days in Hawaii that were completely unsnorkelable. The gulf side of Costa Rica is more like what you mention.
I've found that those pictures you see online of various "tropical" locations are often unrealistic. Your best option for those types of beaches are in the South Pacific, which is FAR outside of your budget.
I know you said no cruises, but I think a Caribbean cruise would be a great option. It's a chance to visit many different places that might otherwise be outside of your travel budget. Most have a port every day, so there is very little time that you are restricted to the boat. Otherwise, I'd suggest that you continue to check out other places on the Caribbean side of Mexico and the Bahamas.
I really just don't think I'd like the crowdedness (is that a word?) of a cruise. So many people. Honestly, the best part of vacation to me is the loud, wild sex we get to have and that'd be hard to do is a little cabin. : ) I'll probably just keep stalking groupon, and watch for deals at travelzoo for Mexico or the Bahamas, like you said. Thanks!
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June 2011 - 50mg Clomid = No O
Dieted and exercised my butt off for PCOS = BFP 5/7/2012
Due 12/29/2012
The tickets to Kauai where somewhat cheap but the food and gas was super expensive. I don't think you will be able to go to HI on a 2.5k budget unless you can not eat out at all. Average cost per meal out was $60 (breakfast we ate at the condo)
We giving The Florida Keys a go this year. We are staying in Marathon. I am surprised to hear that you didn't like the beaches in these parts. Supposedly they are best beaches of the world.
I've never actually been, but I've just heard that they're not the best. I may look further into that if I get desperate.
I'd be fine with not eating out in HI, but the flights are so expensive, that I don't think we'd have much fun money left. Maybe if I get lucky and find them on sale.
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Diagnosed PCOS '03, TTC #1 Since March '09
BFP - 10/20/10, M/C - 10/29/10
June 2011 - 50mg Clomid = No O
Dieted and exercised my butt off for PCOS = BFP 5/7/2012
Due 12/29/2012
I'm a big fan of the Couples resorts in Jamaica. Can't remember if you said how long you wanted to stay, but you could probably do that budget (the upper end) if you only stayed 4-5 nights. Go to www.couples.com to figure out which resort--they have 4. The quieter ones are going to be Couples Negril or Couples San Souci. Couples San Souci will probably be less expensive, and is built into the cliffs overlooking the water, the beach at Couples Negril is most fantastic place on earth.
They are everything you describe, and the most relaxing place on earth. I don't think you could go wrong with any of the 4. If you decide to go there, we always book with www.allinclusiveoutlet.com, they tend to be a little cheaper. We search for and book airfare on our own.
Speaking of airfare, you fly into Montego Bay (MBJ), and Couples provides a shuttle from there (included). You tip the guys who load your bags and the shuttle driver, and then you don't need to spend anymore money the entire time you are at the resort--they really mean all included. (Some AIs don't really mean that--Couples forbids tipping.)
Enjoy yourself wherever you go!
Steps on My Spiritual Journey
Actually, if we fly out of Chicago (a 6 hr drive), we can get a garden view room there for around $2,200. I'll keep that in mind. That may work perfectly. I noticed on All Inclusive Outlet's site, it said au natural facilities. Is it a nude beach? I'm a bit of a prude.
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Diagnosed PCOS '03, TTC #1 Since March '09
BFP - 10/20/10, M/C - 10/29/10
June 2011 - 50mg Clomid = No O
Dieted and exercised my butt off for PCOS = BFP 5/7/2012
Due 12/29/2012
Definitely keep stalking TravelZoo, Groupon and other sites. You can set up aire fare alerts too on yapta and other sources so it'll alert you when the prices drop.
I wish I remembered where I stayed in Guatemala a few years ago-- The beach at our resort was so pristine and blue because it was definitely a hidden gem. It was so quiet and peaceful, and it wasn't crowded at all. We had every hammock to ourselves on the resort and there was a cabana bar at the hotel right on the water. It was also so inexpensive because not many people think about beachin it in Guatemala, but it was one of my nicer trips! You can definitely do a peaceful, relaxing and beach vacation under 2k-- just keep looking! Also, keep in mind when you do a location like that, the airfare may cost $1000-15000 total, but after currency exchange you pay may $3-$4 for a 3-course dinner and $30 for a hotel room. Oh, and even though it's technically a 3 world country, it's pretty safe as long as your smart about it. Have fun with whatever you decide!
Ha! Don't worry about it, I am a bit of a prude as well, you don't have to see the au natural part if you don't want to. At Couples Negril, it is a separate section with a fence that separates it. We usually stay on the other side (ask for a room on the water sports side) and we don't ever notice them. If you walked up the beach that way, you would go by it at the shoreline, but there is really no reason to go that way. There is the occasional woman who is going topless, I think we saw one on our last trip, but it was no big deal, and I think you will run into that a lot of places in the Caribbean.
We haven't been to San Souci yet, going next month (can't wait!), but their au natural part is a completely different beach, and both beaches are private, so no vendors, but we enjoy the vendors in Negril, they can't approach you unless you invite them up.
Tower Isle has an au natural island, and Swept Away (also in the town of Negril) does not have an au natural section, but it's a much larger property and doesn't have that intimate feel I think you want.
There is a message board on Couples.com that has tons of info if you really want to OD on research.
If you can swing one of the Couples resorts, DO IT. Several of our friends have gone on our recommendation, and everyone loves it. Oh, and the Garden View room is great, that's where we stay at CN. That's the great thing about Couples, everyone is treated the same no matter what level of room you choose.
Steps on My Spiritual Journey
Thanks so much for all the info! I'll check out their message boards, for sure.
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Diagnosed PCOS '03, TTC #1 Since March '09
BFP - 10/20/10, M/C - 10/29/10
June 2011 - 50mg Clomid = No O
Dieted and exercised my butt off for PCOS = BFP 5/7/2012
Due 12/29/2012
There is actually a rather nice sale for Hawaii going on right now at Orbitz. The H and I have done Hawaii for around your budget before because we lucked up on a fantastic deal. In my experience, as long as you are flexible and don't need to eat a five star meal everyday, you can actually do Hawaii for a reasonable amount of money. H and I usually book our excursions when we get there, from vendors outside of the hotel because it's significantly cheaper (like 40% cheaper). We also will ask locals for recommendations on where to eat great, inexpensive meals.
However, if this is your first trip to Hawaii, you might want to wait just so that you can really do it up and see everything.
For crystal clear water at a reasonable price, you can't beat Jamaica, especially Negril.
I'm not a fan of traveling with 3000 of my closest friends on a cruise, either, but it is a really nice way to do what you're looking for. Trust me, you can have crazy loud sex if you like. You can cruise out of Ft Laud or Miami, so airfare is cheaper. H and I just booked a Med cruise for 460pp. There are some amazing deals right now. It's pretty relaxing not worrying about anything other than waddling to the next meal
If you do end up in Hawaii, sign up for groupon and livingsocial. I've taken sunset cruises for about 20pp. And as much as H and I splurge on meals, we certainly don't average 60 per meal, and we live in overpriced Waikiki. PP must be eating at resorts or drinking a lot.
Sibil, I think I'd rather just go to FL than do a cruise, and it'd be about the same price. I'm already signed up for groupon and living social, so I'm on the lookout. Thanks!
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Diagnosed PCOS '03, TTC #1 Since March '09
BFP - 10/20/10, M/C - 10/29/10
June 2011 - 50mg Clomid = No O
Dieted and exercised my butt off for PCOS = BFP 5/7/2012
Due 12/29/2012
I suggest the Catalonia Yucatan Beach Resort and Spa in the Mayan Riviera, Mexico http://www.cataloniacaribbean.com/us/our_hotels/caribbean/mexico/riviera_maya/hotel_catalonia_yucatan_beach/index.jsp
It's absolutely beautiful
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