Where are you flying from? It could make a big difference in meeting your budget. For such a short trip you should look at destinations you can reach non-stop from your nearest international gateway airport. Also, if flying from US you will find the islands in the northern part of the Caribbean will give you shortet flying time. FYI - Dominican Republic, Jamaica are traditionally the most economical destinations in the Caribbean.

Not sure why you think Mexico is not safe. Places like Cancun, Cozumel and Playa del Carmen are quite safe for tourists and are very economical. Don't write them off without further investigation. You may be pleasantly surprised.

I agree with RoamsAround. The tourist ares of Mexico are safe. Do your research. That area is also the most ecominal. We have been going to Mexico almost every year since 2000 and booked for Cabo the first week of December. I feel more comfortable in Mexico than I ever did in Jamaica. Not to say I wouln't return to Jamaica.

You might try pricing out some vacations on the on-line booking sites and see what you can get for that budget. It might be a little low for a decent hotel/resort.

Tammy, any recommendation here depends entirely on where you're coming from and how much you want to spend. Here are some general thoughts:
1. Pick a place you can fly to nonstop from your home airport, or at least with only 1 connection.
2. Make sure you can get there no later than 2pm.
3. Make sure there's no more than a 30-minute drive from the airport once you do arrive.
4. Make sure you can get home early enough that you can go back to work the next day.
5. Tell us your budget and what you like to do. If it's just a beach, so be it, but having that information helps.

I'd urge you to reconsider Mexico, which is perfect safe. Cancun has a lot of nonstop flights from many different airports, Cozumel fewer.

I am amazed at how many people that still are under the impression that Mexico is a dangerous destination. Yes, there are parts of Mexico that are plagued with cartel troubles, but there are so far away from the Riviera Maya area, that it would be like avoiding Boston due to violence in Miami.

I too was misinformed about Mexico because of the media brainwashing everyone into thinking that all of Mexico is dangerous...simply not true. The Cancun/Riviera Maya/Cozumel areas are amazing. You are truly missing out on a wonderful place with gorgeous beaches, and VERY affordable vacations.

I vacationed in the Akumal area (about 50 mins south of Cancun) and it was incredible. My next vacation will be Cozumel. As others have said, you really should reconsider Mexico.

Depends when in December for your budget. After the 15 -20th all islands totally increase their prices for the holidays.

Even in December at those prices you're looking at Mexico and Dominican Republic.

Bassguy66, Amen and Hallelujah! I have been preaching (pre say) that same information for years. I'm so glad somone finally heard it.

We have been to Cozumel 4 times. It's my absolute favorite Mexico destination. I have no qualms about the tourist areas of Mexico. I actually live 3 hours from Juarex, MX. The tourist areas of the Mayan Riveria are more safe than where I live.

The first two weeks of November and the first 2 weeks of December are the least expensive times to vacation. We go somewhere every year during one of those times.

<<I want to go somewhere safe so unfortunately Mexico is out.>>

I think it is a bit of an overreaction to eliminate an entire country based on recent news reports. For what you say you are looking for, there are some beautiful all inclusives on the Mayan Riviera that would likely be within your price range.

Thank you all for your replies. I did not mean to cause an all out war on me for a statement about Mexico. I have been to Mexico many times as well and love it, I was simply concerned due to warnings I had heard.

If I don't want to go to Mexico because I feel it's unsafe, isn't that my choice whether I'm misinformed or not? Am I hurting anyone with that?

I simply wanted to know other options on where to stay so for those that gave solid tips, I truly appreciate it.

No war. Didn't mean to upset you with our comments concerning Mexico. This forum is to provide information and to answer questions to the best of our knowledge. So choosing to stay misinformed doesn't really seem to apply here.

In the future, you may want to specify that you have already been to Mexico and not wanting to return, than make a blank statement that Mexico is not safe. Which is absolutely untrue. That way, people who generally love to vacation in Mexico won't take offense to your comment.

To answer your orginal question, the budget you have set for yourself in an adult atmosphere is probably too low unless you go to Mexico. So, if you don't want to go to Mexico, than you will more than likely need to up your budget especially if you plan to go between the 15th and the 31st of December.

It difficult to provide you with solid tips when you have not provided enough information to make good recommendations other than Mexico.

So to betther help you;

Where are you flying from?
How long to you want to stay?
What kind of accomendations? hotel, resort, boutique, villa, rental, all inclusive?

Adult only accomendations typically cost more than family establishments. Caribbean Islands that are considered secluded and difficult to get to usually cost more in airfare.

In my experience, I have never found hotel and air for 2 people for $1,500. However, from my departure point I tend to pay higher air than people who reside in an area with an international airport. I have paid some very inexpensive prices for air and AI hotel for 4 nights in Mexico, but it's generally a 2* resort.

I noticed the other day, that the Jewell Dunn's River in Ocho Rios, Jamaica was coming in around $2,200 for 6 nights the first week of December from my airport. It's an adult's only AI. You might can get that resort in your price point if your willing to go for lesser nights.

Again, I would suggest that you go to some on-line booking sites and see what you can get for that price point and then come back and ask questions about specific destinations or resorts.

Hope I was able to help.

<<I did not mean to cause an all out war on me for a statement about Mexico.>>

No war. Just posters giving their opinion that there are parts of Mexico that are as safe as any other destination.

You might want to look into the Dominican Republic.

I think you are probably limited to 3 destinations at that price point, assuming you want an all-inclusive resort and are coming from the east coast: the DR, Jamaica, and Cancun/Riviera Maya. The reason why everyone was trying to dissuade you from leaving Mexico out of the mix is because it represents about a third of your choices.

Given what you've said, I'd concentrate on the DR or Jamaica. There are certainly other places, but your budget is really really really low unless it's per person. If per person, I might have a few other suggestions for you.

I think "going to Mexico" is kind of general info, and could mean several different locations. I know you mentioned "being safe" and as far as Mexico goes...some areas seem to get complaints like Acapulco or Mexico City, where as the Riviera Maya where I have never heard or read of anyone feeling unsafe. I don't think you started any wars at all...people just stating their opinions based on your original post. I'm actually curious as to "The Warnings" you spoke of, and where you heard them from...and for what areas of Mexico they pertain to?

West Bay Beach, Roatan. Check it out. You won't want to leave and you'll want to move there.

Why Mexico is Out? Looking for a safe place in the Caribbean to spend your vacations? I will tell you that place: Cozumel Island. In 2009 Cozumel was given with Banner of Peace. An international institution depending from the UN which gives the Banner of Peace to those cities with the lowest crime rates and that never have been involved in any kind of war or conflict so since 2009 Cozumel is considered an Isla de Paz. I live here with my kids and dont have any intention to move. Come to Cozumel and really forget about everything and just relax in the wonderful, peacefull and safe Mexican Caribbean.