44y.o. single woman in need of a beach vacation!!!
Jul 28th, 2012, 05:11 AM
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44y.o. single woman in need of a beach vacation!!!
Hi, I am new at this "forum" stuff, lol...I am a recent divorcee', survivor of domestic violence, yeah me! I don't have a ton of money, but I am in desperate need of a vacation....I love the beach! My dates of availability are from Friday, Sept 14th thru Sunday, Sept 23rd...Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! I live in Nashville, TN. I'm not looking necessarily for peace and quiet....I am looking to make friends and have an experience that is unforgettable....I've not been on a vacation for over 7 years....
Jul 28th, 2012, 09:03 AM
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You have to really tell us what kind of budget you have - terms like "don't have a ton of money" are meaningless without an actual dollar point of reference.
Now, one thing in your favor - September is "Low season" in the Caribbean so no matter where you go you should find the lowest room rates of the year. Remember though, room rates are all relative, Luxury 5-star resorts will still be much more expensive 3-star resorts on the same island. On the other hand many places close during that time period so your hotel/resort choices maybe somewhat limited. All is not lost though since there still will be plenty of choices on most islands and if you have realistic expectations you probably will be able to find accommodations on just about any island that will fit your budget, whatever that may be.
Second, look at destinations like the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Cancun and Playa del Carmem (just a 40 minute drive from Cancun) as those are traditional the least expensive destinations in the Caribbean. They have lots of All Inclusives which are a good way for the budget traveler to control costs. They are also destinations which have some of the lowest r/t airfares from many US International Gateway cities so that too will help.
God luck in your search.
Now, one thing in your favor - September is "Low season" in the Caribbean so no matter where you go you should find the lowest room rates of the year. Remember though, room rates are all relative, Luxury 5-star resorts will still be much more expensive 3-star resorts on the same island. On the other hand many places close during that time period so your hotel/resort choices maybe somewhat limited. All is not lost though since there still will be plenty of choices on most islands and if you have realistic expectations you probably will be able to find accommodations on just about any island that will fit your budget, whatever that may be.
Second, look at destinations like the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Cancun and Playa del Carmem (just a 40 minute drive from Cancun) as those are traditional the least expensive destinations in the Caribbean. They have lots of All Inclusives which are a good way for the budget traveler to control costs. They are also destinations which have some of the lowest r/t airfares from many US International Gateway cities so that too will help.
God luck in your search.
Jul 29th, 2012, 07:34 AM
#4
Check out Negril Jamaica or the Mayan Riviera of Mexico as suggested around Playa del Carmen.
That said, September is not really the best month weather-wise for any of the island/beach places as it is rainy season.
That said, September is not really the best month weather-wise for any of the island/beach places as it is rainy season.
Jul 31st, 2012, 03:56 PM
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Thanks so much for your replies 
My budget is approx $1,500 includes a/f and food....
I am sad to learn it is the rainy season in the Carribean, however, I am an ER Nurse and unable to take time off any sooner...
Thanks again!!!
My budget is approx $1,500 includes a/f and food....
I am sad to learn it is the rainy season in the Carribean, however, I am an ER Nurse and unable to take time off any sooner...
Thanks again!!!
Jul 31st, 2012, 05:30 PM
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Honestly, $1,500 for airfare, a week's stay at a resort and food is a pretty slim budget, even for September but it s probably doable if you keep your expectations reasonable as far as accommodations are concerned. Concentrate your search to some of the All Inclusives in the Dominican Republic or Cancun. Check out package deals on some of the well know travel websites like Travelocity, Orbitz and Expedia as well as the websites for the major airlines that service Nashville. You may have to shorten your trip by a couple of days to do it for that budget.
Aug 1st, 2012, 06:16 AM
#8
That's my usual budget when I'm solo at the beach in either Waikiki or Puerto Vallarta (but I'm starting in Seattle). I've done it many time. I can stay 7-12 days for that. Approx. budget goes $500 air, $500 apartment or hotel, and $500 eating/walking around money.
It depends how you like to travel, for myself, I'd rather be on my own and don't stay at all-inclusives. So Cancun and Punta Cana would not be my picks. Though they might work for what you are seeking.
It depends how you like to travel, for myself, I'd rather be on my own and don't stay at all-inclusives. So Cancun and Punta Cana would not be my picks. Though they might work for what you are seeking.
Aug 3rd, 2012, 05:04 AM
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Thanks so much for all the replies, as I stated I am new to this forum....I did not mean to insinuate that I have to take all ten days for vacation on only $1500...I was merely stating the days in which I am able to vacation.....
Aug 3rd, 2012, 07:57 AM
#11
The thing about the packaged vacations some people are suggestion is they most often are set up based upon "double occupancy". If they ding you with a significant "single supplement" than they aren't such a good deal for solo people.
I know for myself, I've never found a package that would be cheaper than be just booking my own airfare and a modest hotel (i've done this in Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Waikiki, Negril).
I know for myself, I've never found a package that would be cheaper than be just booking my own airfare and a modest hotel (i've done this in Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Waikiki, Negril).
Aug 3rd, 2012, 10:25 AM
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Suze makes some great points about solo travel and about Mexico and Jamaica being the most affordable with the added bonus of they are likely easily reached from Nashville. You should definitely check out Negril, Jamaica.
Aruba is also a not too expensive island with a variety of accommodations and easily reached. It is also generally out of the hurricane belt so your chances are lessened a bit of a hurricane making a direct hit.
I would still check with a couple of travel agencies/providers to see what they have for solo travel. September is very low season and they might have inventory they need to fill. You might get lucky!
Aruba is also a not too expensive island with a variety of accommodations and easily reached. It is also generally out of the hurricane belt so your chances are lessened a bit of a hurricane making a direct hit.
I would still check with a couple of travel agencies/providers to see what they have for solo travel. September is very low season and they might have inventory they need to fill. You might get lucky!
Aug 5th, 2012, 11:30 AM
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I don;'t know where you're coming from so I don't know what your airfare issues would be, but might I make another suggestion: if you're going alone & you want to relax plus have fun & meet some nice peo, why not try singlescruise.com
Sept is cheaper & you can get a reasonable room if you don't mind an interior room.
I went last yr & had such a nice time. I love cruises, but most of the passengers are either couples or families, so unless you go w/ a singles group it's not ideal for a single woman. But if you have a group, you know there are other singles to hang w/ - & you can pretty much spend as much time as you want to w/them. There will be various events set up for you, but you are under no obligation to go to them. \
They will provide you w/ a roommate. What's nice is, go to their website & they have message boards. There are the general ones, which I would suggest you go to now & you can post questions, etc & get an idea of what goes on & the type of peo you can meet.
Plus you can see what cruises are coming up. In fact, you may be able to hook up w/ another woman who also needs a roommate.
Once you actually book the cruise, there is ANOTHER PRIVATE message board for folks who are going on that specific cruise. You can chat & get acquainted w/ peo even before the trip, which is really nice.
You can probably get an interior cabin for about $800-900. All your meals are included. You only pay for drinks & if you attend some of the singles parties there are drinks included.
I highly recommend it!
Sept is cheaper & you can get a reasonable room if you don't mind an interior room.
I went last yr & had such a nice time. I love cruises, but most of the passengers are either couples or families, so unless you go w/ a singles group it's not ideal for a single woman. But if you have a group, you know there are other singles to hang w/ - & you can pretty much spend as much time as you want to w/them. There will be various events set up for you, but you are under no obligation to go to them. \
They will provide you w/ a roommate. What's nice is, go to their website & they have message boards. There are the general ones, which I would suggest you go to now & you can post questions, etc & get an idea of what goes on & the type of peo you can meet.
Plus you can see what cruises are coming up. In fact, you may be able to hook up w/ another woman who also needs a roommate.
Once you actually book the cruise, there is ANOTHER PRIVATE message board for folks who are going on that specific cruise. You can chat & get acquainted w/ peo even before the trip, which is really nice.
You can probably get an interior cabin for about $800-900. All your meals are included. You only pay for drinks & if you attend some of the singles parties there are drinks included.
I highly recommend it!
