Long-weekend vacation planning help

[winneythepooh7]

OK guys, I need your help. My boyfriend's parents are treating us to a vacation for his 30th birthday. His mother is insisting we sit down and plan it this weekend. We would like to go for a long-weekend kinda thing, leave on Thursday after work, come back Monday. We want to go to someplace warm and tropical. I've been to Puerto Rico already so I want to go someplace else. Has anyone used any of those all-inclusive type of places, like Sandals? Any help or recommendations is appreciated! Oh, we are thinking of going either in January or February. He wants to go for New Years, but it may be too late for that now, and I am sure, much more pricier..............

[cheshrcarol]

I think all-inclusive is definitely the way to go. Sandals are supposed to be fabulous, but be prepared for pretty much everyone around you to be honeymooning couples. I'm sure there's tons of places in the bahamas or bermuda you could find. Also, think about going on a cruise, they are awesome!

[MetFanL]

All inclusive is definitely the way to go... Do you like Dave Matthews? They're doing a trip to the Bahamas on a cruise ship for a long weekend thing w/ a bunch of other bands... It looks UNBELIEVABLE... I'd be going if I could afford it...

[winneythepooh7]

A cruise sounds superb, however, we are only going to go for a long-weekend-ish thing because we can't take a whole lotta time away right now. We will probably leave Thursday, come back Monday. I was looking up stuff online last night. We were thinking of going away for New Years. I was shocked (well not really) that places were almost $2000 more then. We are thinking of going to Puerto Vallerta, Mexico. I found a deal including airfare for about $1500 for the two of us.

[coll214]

Cancun is also great for all-inclusives and not too expensive. And you'll see all types there, couples, honeymooners, groups of friends, etc.

[winneythepooh7]

Cancun is also great for all-inclusives and not too expensive. And you'll see all types there, couples, honeymooners, groups of friends, etc.

I've never been to Cancun, but I have an image that it is big for Spring Breakers AKA Crazy College Students. I don't know why, maybe not, especially that early in the year........

[bridgetjones]

I have been to Cuba to a Beaches resort. Beaches resorts are nice and they are all over the Caribean. I think Sandals is good too. However I think most packages are for a weeks stay. Oh yeah and it is worth the extra cash to go 4 star minimum. However I have seen weekend packages for Las Vegas.

I'd go to a travel agents office and pick-up some brochures for various companies. They list the resorts and the relevant details. Personally for me, I was looking for resorts where there are not too many children screaming and running around, that it cater to single folks (like me), that it not be too honeymoony, that there are certain amenities and it be close to the attraction I want to see near the resort. It is all listed. Then there are websites where ppl rate resorts too.

Then you can go online and buy a last minute vacation at one of your shortlisted resorts. You may save some money that way. BTW $1500 USD for a trip to Mexico is steep. Then again that is during the highest of high season. Good luck!

[coll214]

I've never been to Cancun, but I have an image that it is big for Spring Breakers AKA Crazy College Students. I don't know why, maybe not, especially that early in the year........
From what I heard when I was there, that it only really turns into Spring Break Hell in March, but it wasn't bad when I was there in August.

[bridgetjones]

Oh yeah and pack some Imodium in your bags. You do not want to be hunting for it on your holiday, paying an insane amount for it when you need it OR even worse spend your holiday on the well... tiolet. Plus you might make some friends by having it handy... :p Oh yes anything less than a 4 star is asking for digestive trouble. Even then, you might still need Imodium... Gross advice but hey you do not want stuff like that ruining your holiday...

Ok enough unsolicited advice... Gee I'd consider being a travel agent if it did not pay crap... :confused:

[winneythepooh7]

OKAY, vacation has been booked :D. We went to Liberty Travel today. We are going to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic for 6 days/5 nights in January. It was a pretty sweet deal too. The agent got us an all-inclusive (meals AND drinks) ocean-view hotel on the beach for $820/ each :D :D :D.