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Bermuda vs Aruba vs San Juan vs Punta Cana vs Montego Bay Vs Cancun

Posted by: iamLovelady on Mar 8, 11 at 07:31 PM Posted in: Caribbean Islands Tagged: Aruba , Bermuda , Cayman Islands , Dominican Republic Jump to last reply

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Ok. My wife and I have free round trip tickets through Airtran to any where they fly. I am trying to decide from the following:
Bermuda
Aruba
San Juan
Punta Cana
Montego Bay
Cancun

We've been to Ochos Rio Jamaica and loved it but want to broaden our gaze. We don't spend much time on the beach. We are more adventerous and like to go ziplining, parasailing, cliff diving, 4 wheeling, clubbing (exotic) and trading. On our Ocho Rio trip we actually took things from the states (jolly rangers, my kids gently used shoes, lipstick, nail polish, and bath n body my wife got on clearance) and traded them for authentic/native items in the market. So I guess we are looking for a place with great people, cheap/good food, and exotic excursions. And it's gotta be all inclusive. Help me out soon. Our ticket vouchers expire on 3/13/11.

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cmcfong on Mar 9, 11 at 07:38 AM

I would take Bermuda out of the mix under consideration. I don't think you would find a number of the activities you enjoy there. The nightlife is tame, no 4wheeling, and few "native" crafts. No AI's in Bermuda.
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tom42 on Mar 9, 11 at 09:04 AM

Also take San Juan out of the mix, as there are no all inclusives there.
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JeanH on Mar 9, 11 at 09:56 AM

Even though you've been to Jamaica, I'd fly to Montego Bay, then head to Negril.

Awesome beach, great cliffs, good food. Several all inclusives.
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OceanBreeze1 on Mar 9, 11 at 10:25 AM

Riu in Aruba has a nice AI but IMHO you don't need AI in Aruba b/c there are so many great restaurants. I have never heard of "trading" so can't comment on that aspect of your trip.
We just came back from our 3rd trip to Aruba. It rained a lot which is very unusual for Aruba.
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OceanBreeze1 on Mar 9, 11 at 10:27 AM

Jean, how long does it take to get to Negril from MoBay? We are planning for 2012! Which AI's wld you recommend?
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suze on Mar 9, 11 at 11:11 AM

It's 90 mins. from the airport at Montego Bay out to Negril. There are all kinds of shuttles and drivers available (as cheaply as $20 per person). I don't know the AI's but the 7-mile beach at Negril is gorgeous and has many possibilities. Jamaica fits best the rest of your description, I think.

Cancun (and Mayan Riviera area) would be the other one that best fits what you seek.
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bebethecandy on Mar 14, 11 at 06:39 AM

I'd suggest Dominican Republic, Punta Cana.Here are the list of all inclusive resorts below;
Allegro Playa Dorada, Barcelo Bavaro Palace, Barcelo Dominican Beach Resort, Barcelo Punta Cana, Bavaro Princess Resort, Club Med Punta Cana, Dreams La Romana, Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa, Excellence Punta Cana and Grand Oasis Marien. Have a look at this map http://www.thebeachfrontclub.com/beach-hotels/caribbean/dominican-republic/#d3-170 it might help you find some nice and all-inclusive romantic resorts to stay in Dominican Republic

Enjoy the sun, sand, sea & spa.

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virginia on Mar 14, 11 at 09:25 AM

cancun or rather the riviera maya coast south of cancun would seem the obvious choice for you. you can easily do All the activities you listed plus tour ruins (tulum, coba, chichen itza), has very friendly people, great food, ai's in every size & price range. i am not sure what "clubbing - exotic" means but if you stay near playa del carman the ai's will actually shuttle you into town to shop or party so you can drink & not drive.
i would not be comfortable trading for trinkets, but we have taken things to the local schools to give away, which were greatly appreciated.
take a look at locogringo.com tons of info on everything to do/see in the area & links to many of the ai's.

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