hlsmyth

My husband planned an awesome caribbean island anniversary trip for us as we celebrated 10 years together. Now, it is my turn to repay the favor and plan another amazing trip as we celebrate 15 years! For 10 years we stayed at the Valentin Imperial at the Riviera Maya, an all inclusive adult only resort and had a blast. We did every excursion imaginable in one day out of the resort. The rest of the time we soaked up the sun, enjoyed the resort and all it had to offer.

I am looking for a similar trip but want to see something different. I appreciate any thoughts and recommendations. Thanks in advance for the help!

RoamsAround

It would help greatly if you gave us more information:

When are you traveling?

Where are you traveling from?

How long a trip are you planning?

Are you willing to take one or more connecting flights and/or ferries to reach your intended destination or do you only want to go somewhere you can reach non-stop from your nearest International Gateway airport?

What type of budget do you have for airfare, accommodations, food & activities? Please give a specific dollar amount, not some nebulous term like "affordable", "not too pricey", "Won't break the bank".

Are you dead set on All Inclusive or are you willing to go non-AI?

What type of activities interest you besides "soaking up the sun"?

KVR

We love Mexico and have been several times. If you are looking for something similar, I would suggest Jamaica. We stayed at the Jewell Dunn's River adult only AI resort in Ocho Rios. Next to the Royal Playa del Carmen resort in Mexico, it is our next favorite AI resort.

There is good sightseeing in Ocho Rios. We hired a driver and did a few excursions.

The Iberostar and Secrets resorts in Montego Bay are good options also, but the Montego Bay area doesn't have a lot going for it.

hlsmyth

We plan to travel in mid July and are only planning to stay 4-5 nights. We will be traveling from East Coast US. I don't care so much about non-stop but I don't want to spend 2 full days traveling either. As far as our budget, we are thinking up to $1500/person. The All-inclusive helps us stick to our budget easier than al-a-carte so it is preferred but not required. For excursions, we like natural beauty so enjoy hiking and snorkeling. We like sightseeing a little if it isn't too touristy. We like to zip-line as well.

I have seen a lot of beautiful resorts in Jamaica but have heard that it isn't a safe place to travel. Did you ever feel that you were not safe? What sightseeing did you do in Jamaica?

I have also seen some nice looking places in Punta Cana, DR. Know anything about that area?

RoamsAround

With a $1,500 per person budget and a desire for All Inclusives concentrate your search to the Dominican Republic, Cancun/Playa del Carmen and Cozumel. Check you airline of choice's website for package deals to the Caribbean.

KVR

We've been to Negril and Ocho Rios. I do have to say that I felt much safer in Mexico than Jamaica. Only because the locals in Jamaica can be very aggressive. However, I didn't feel unsafe enough to not go or enjoy our trips. When traveling off the resort it is best to go with the resort's offered tours or hire a driver. In Negril we went with the resort's tours. We went to the YS Falls, the Mayfield Falls, the Black River, the Appleton Rum factory, the outdoor craft mall and Margaretville.

In Ocho Rios we hired A-Z Jamaica Tours. We went to Dunn's River Falls, Shaw Park Gardens, Coyoba Gardens, Rafting down the Martha Brae, Margaritaville, and the shopping center. We didn't care for Dunn's River falls or the shopping center. The locals there were just really aggressive. The gardens and waterfalls were absolutely gorgeous.

We've been to the DR once a very long time ago. It's good if you want to just hang at your resort. Resort tours are also recommended. I would go with Mexico or Jamaica over the DR.

There are other areas of Mexico to explore if you liked that area. Cancun, Cozumel, Akumal, Tulum, Puerto Morales, or Isla Mujeres. Also, West coast Mexico like Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, but the beaches there are not that great.

If you're interested I have all of our vacation photos posted. We been to Mexico and the Caribbean numerous times.

https://kvrlvnphotogallery.shutterfly.com/pictures/5

Just click "all" to scroll all the way down.