Florida or caribbean

Old Jan 26th, 2015, 01:27 PM
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Florida or caribbean

We would like some beach time in MARCH....LOOKING FOR WARM WEATHER. & ocean temp, relaxing quiet atmosphere ( no casinos) and beautiful beaches. Oh by the way money is a factor!! We would like to go all inclusive under $3000 from upstate NY. Would you go to Florida or one of the islands...& which island? We have been to The Keys & that is not an option . Thanks for your help!
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Old Jan 26th, 2015, 02:19 PM
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You get the most bang for your buck with all inclusives in Mexico or the Dominican Republic.
Sadly, March is in peak season so costs will be high.
Look into Mexico's Riviera Maya area south of Cancun. There are many, many AI resorts there.
If you want a nice quiet AI resort which (I think) will fit your budget, look into the Catalonia Royal Tulum. It is an adults only AI on a gorgeous stretch of beach and is pretty laid back.
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Old Jan 26th, 2015, 03:13 PM
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If you are wanting an all inclusive resort, then why are you considering Florida? AI's are typically found in Mexico and the Caribbean. The only AI I'm aware of in Florida is Club Med Sandpiper, and I don't believe it will fit your budget restraints plus it's a family friendly resort.

March is Spring/Easter break. That time of year will be at some of the highest prices. Also, if you don't chose an adults/couples only property or one that is quite secluded you will be inundated with families/kids.

You'll find the most bang for your buck in Mexico. We have stayed at many 3 star AI resorts for 4 nights for 2 people with air for the same price it cost us just in airfare to Florida, and we live in Texas. Look at Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Puerto Morelos, Tulum and Akumel areas for price and lower crowds during that time of year.

We usually go somewhere about the 3rd week of May, right before Memorial weekend. We find the best prices and lowest crowds during that time.
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Old Jan 26th, 2015, 06:02 PM
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Thanks ...my husband will not go o Mexico...feels unsafe...
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Old Jan 26th, 2015, 06:44 PM
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First off, AIs in Mexico are perfectly fine
Not many AIs in Fla-and might be cool in March
March is peak season, much is sold out already, so pickings are slim
For your budget including air, you've got Mexico and Dominican Republic
Mexico is out, so DR wins
Personally not my choice, but with this East Coast weather, anything will do!
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Old Jan 26th, 2015, 07:04 PM
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The tourist areas of Mexico are NOT "unsafe". We have been going to the Caribbean and West Coast of Mexico almost yearly since 2000. Personally, I feel the DR and Jamaica are more "unsafe" than Mexico, but to each their own.

Listening to media hype and not properly researching will prevent you from enjoying one of the best vacation destinations out there. With your budget restraints and going in peak season, you really didn't leave yourself much choice especially if you want AI.
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Old Jan 27th, 2015, 04:59 AM
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Too bad your husband is misinformed. You are missing out on a beautiful area. We have been to Mexico MANY times and feel safer there than many US cities.
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Old Jan 27th, 2015, 09:56 AM
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I also would suggest the Caribbean coast of Mexico. I feel safer there than either the DR or Jamaica myself. If you eliminate that I'm not sure where you will find the vacation you seek for the budget you propose.

Florida is not warm enough, or not for me, at that time of year.
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Old Jan 27th, 2015, 10:27 AM
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Florida is definitely risky regarding beach weather in March. It could be great or it could be cool. So if I wanted AI I would look at what I can get in the destinations that match my budget.

If you are staying at an AI, does the safety issue even matter? If you are concerned about the location don't leave the resort. Plenty of people do that on their AI vacations and they have a great time. If you want to explore the area outside the resort that is different. However, I will say I know people who have stayed non AI in Mexico, DR as well as Jamaica and they have all said they felt safe and loved their vacations and would never consider an AI resort.

So you will hear people say "I won't go to" ...fill in the blank...but meanwhile others love those destinations and travel there on a regular basis. Bottom line is you need to feel comfortable since it's your vacation but any place in the region where one person tells you they think it's unsafe you will hear plenty of others saying they find the location to be just fine.
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Old Jan 27th, 2015, 10:34 AM
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I should have stated that, I have never stayed at an AI. I always find a normal local-style hotel. I have been to Jamaica 3 times, Dominican Republic 2 times, Mexico 25 times. I have had no safety issues in any of those places. Although Jamaica "felt" the most iffy to me, I did not care for the DR, and I love Mexico.
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Old Jan 27th, 2015, 10:50 AM
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"Although Jamaica "felt" the most iffy to me, I did not care for the DR, and I love Mexico."

I so agree with that comment. We have been to Jamaica 2 and DR once. Mexico many times. We have stayed at AI resorts in Jamaica and Mexico and never had a safety issue, and we don't "hide" in AI resorts either. We have no problems exploring off the resort.

If you're interested I have all our vacation photos posted. A picture is worth a thousand words.

https://kvrlvnphotogallery.shutterfly.com/pictures/5
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Old Jan 27th, 2015, 10:57 AM
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I didn't stay all-inclusive in Jamaica. I stayed in Negril up on the Cliffs (all 3 trips, many years apart). I really do like it there, but was told, and accepted, not to be walking alone after dark along the road. Just not safe.

In Puerto Vallarta I go wherever I want to whenever I want to basically.

The DR, I just didn't care for (Sosua and Puerta Plata).
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Old Jan 29th, 2015, 06:38 AM
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For that budget, you really only have three choices if you insist on an AI: Jamaica, DR, and Mexico. If Mexico is truly out (and, yes, I agree that it's sad and that your husband is misinformed), the look at AIs in Jamaica and the DR. But as everyone has said, this is peak season, and many of the best places are already sold out, so I wish you good luck. When you find some places that seem to appeal to you, please report back, and we can offer comments.
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Old Jan 29th, 2015, 08:16 AM
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When budget and safety is a concern, it is truly a shame to eliminate Mexico (especially since you are considering the DR or Jamaica instead)!
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Old Jan 29th, 2015, 09:10 AM
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"my husband will not go o Mexico...feels unsafe"

As you can see by several other comments, you are making a big mistake by eliminating a place due to bad rumors & media BS.

I think it's time to educate yourselves on these destinations before making a very closed minded decision.
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Old Jan 29th, 2015, 03:33 PM
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If he "feels unsafe" just thinking about going to Mexico, he's going to have a heart attack stepping off the plane in Kingston or Montego Bay!!
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Old Jan 30th, 2015, 07:56 AM
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LOL @ suze!!
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Old Jan 30th, 2015, 09:56 AM
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>

Maybe you should just stick with Florida.
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Old Jan 31st, 2015, 06:47 AM
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So so true Suze. But will miss out on a great time. I've been to Montego Bay twice & DR once, never felt unsafe in the resorts. Going out with a excursion group still not unsafe. Taking a taxi in NY city now that makes me a little nervous. Maybe Florida is your best choice.
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