HoneyHoney86

Hello all! I am looking to plan a family vacation for 5 adults from December 17 through December 22. My birthday falls in that time frame and I want to be somewhere warm on my birthday for once! I am looking to go through a company like Vacationexpress.com or even Applevacations.com. I am looking for all-inclusive, beachfront, and WARM!!! I've been to the Bahamas several years ago, but no where else in the Caribbean. I'm mostly looking for a nice beach with a nice golf course nearby. Some sightseeing throughout the town might be nice if it is in a good area. Ideally, I'd like to keep the rates at about $1500 per person or less, but depending on where we decide to go or stay, we may be able to flex the budget a little to around $1800.

What places would you recommend in the Caribbean that would be warm and a nice island to visit? Would you suggest any "must see" or "must visit" places or activities there?

Thank you in advance for your suggestions!

brubenow

Barbados is far enough south to be very warm in December. Good golfing. Great beaches on the west side of the island (this is where you want to be), picturesque rocky cliffs on the east side. Rolling hills, very pretty to drive around. Lots of history. I don't care for all-inclusive resorts myself, so I don't have any suggestions for specific resorts.

I also love Grand Cayman, and it will be warm in December. Great scuba and snorkeling here. Water is crystal clear, pure white sand. Stay on Seven Mile Beach.

blamona

Christmas week is most expensive time of year

Your budget is low, so your picks are extremely thin

Most places have 7-14 days minimum that week

So your only options are bottom of the line resorts


Mexico

Dominican Republic

You might want to check out Roatan, Honduras, but for 5 nights that will eat 2 days of travel (as will Barbados!)

Caymans is expensive and over your budget, especially the week you're traveling

HoneyHoney86

Actually Blamona, there are tons of places within our budget by going through the sites I mentioned above. Anywhere from Aruba, Antigua, Jamaca, Bahamas, Turks & Cacos, Punta Cana, St. Thomas... I work with someone who went through vacationexpress.com and went to the Bahamas for $699 including round trip airfair. Now this was in the summer and I would be going as you said in a more expensive time frame, but the deal for the same hotel she went to is $1230 per person. And thank you for your suggestions, but we are not interested in going to Mexico. I should have mentioned that before!

RoamsAround

The Bahamas are pretty far north and can be quite cool in December - probably won't meet your definition of 'warm" - that's one of the reasons you are seeing rates in the $1,230 range. You don't say what resort you are looking at but what ever one it may be keep in mind that you have to read the "rate terms" carefully as many resorts add on taxes, service charges and resort fees to the basic prices that you see "published". Also, as Blamona says, many of the resorts have minimum stay requirements at Christmas so that even though you might find an acceptable "daily rate" you could end up paying for nights you don't use. Now, one thing that might be in your favor is that you are finishing your trip on December 22 which is the time most "Christmas travelers" will be starting their trip so you may miss the "minimum stay" period.

You'll find lots of resorts in your price range in the Dominican Republic, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel so concentrate your search there.

schmerl

Actually, you are going before Christmas so your rates won't be as high.
Look into the Riviera Maya area of Mexico. Many wonderful resorts on great beaches. Nice and warm in December.

RoamsAround

schemer said; "..Actually, you are going before Christmas so your rates won't be as high..."

That may be true at some resorts but for most the "High Season" rates go into effect December 15 - 2 days before HoneyHoney86 is planning to travel.

diann24

If you want a nice golf course I can suggest Divi resorts in Aruba the Links. They are have a wonderful golf course and scenic infinity pools and a beach right across the street. We love Aruba and go there every year. You don't mention where you are traveling from? There are direct flights out of Newark/JFK. Aruba has tons of great restaurants and an A/I would be waste of money in Aruba for you would miss out on the fresh fish, and great restaurants.

HoneyHoney86

Thanks Diann24! I actually found a deal for all-inclusive for the Divi Aruba after I read your recommendation. We will be flying out of Columbus(CMH), so AI seems to be the best bet for us because of the airfare/hotel prices. Meals are included in the plan I found, but we're always open to trying local places for lunch and dinner. We're not much for seafood in general (a couple of us have mild allergies and a couple of us just don't care for it), but do you have any restaurant recommendations? And is Dive Aruba directly on the beach? Thanks again for the tip!

HoneyHoney86

To everyone who keeps saying not to do all inclusive, how do you find good airfare? We'll be flying out of Columbus, OH. I've been searching and it seems the cheapest route for us will be an all inclusive package to get decent airfare. We are open to non AI options, but since we've never flown outside of the US (we've done cruises, but not actual flights), we don't know where to look to get the best price.

Thanks again!

diann24

I have not been on here for awhile--sorry. Go to diviresort.com and that site will tell you about each resort in Aruba and elsewhere. There are so many I am not sure if divi aruba is on the beach or not, I think so. Mine at the Links the golfcourse is not actually we are poolside. we can walk out a few steps and be in the pool. There are shuttles that can take you all over the resort area. I can recommend a wonderful restaurant you will need a car/cab it is Madamn Jeanettes. It is my favorite on the island. Wonderful atmosphere, good steaks and a variety of entrees not just fish. Best to try and make a reservation.

HoneyHoney86

Thanks again Diann! We are likely going to book the Divi Aruba - it IS on the beach, by the way! We will be sure to check out Madame Janette for our final night there!

blamona

For air,

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