njay

My grandmother and I want to take a beach vacation in February 2016. At the time of the trip, she'll be 80 and I'll be 34 (she's just as active/mobile as most 30 year olds). Neither of us have either been out of the United States before. Grandma would prefer we go to a predominantly English-speaking destination and we want a nice beach with an all-inclusive for around 4 nights.

What destinations do you suggest for international travel newbies who want a quiet beach vacation someplace warm to escape the Midwest in the dead of winter? our budget is about $4,000 to $5000 for the two of us.

Any suggestions are much appreciated!!

RoamsAround

First, if you are traveling in February and want a "quiet beach' try to avoid going during President's Week as that's a very busy time in the Caribbean - lot's of families with their school age children in tow.

Second, you'll find the highest number of All Inclusive Resorts in your price range In the Dominican Republic, Cancun, Playa del Carmen (about an hour's drive from Cancun) and Jamaica and you'll find a few All Inclusives on Antigua so you should concentrate your search in those destinations.

Third, English is commonly spoken on just about every island in the Caribbean so don't let language be a deciding factor.

Fourth, with only 4 nights you'll be better off going to a destination you can reach non-stop from your nearest International Gateway Airport. While you didn't say where in the mid-west you are flying from you'll probably find all the destinations I mention above, except Antigua, should be fairly easy to reach.

Fifth, check your airline of choice's website for package deals to the Caribbean - they generally have some very competitive pricing on All Inclusive vacations.

Last hint, since you've never done any international travel be sure to apply for your passport s well in advance of your trip as you cannot travel with out them.

Have fun planning your trip.

blamona

Maybe it's just me, but quiet and AI don't go together! By nature AIs feed the masses, so they need activities, many restaurants, bustle (including saving towels game) and all you can drink which attracts masses, it's the only way they can break even.

Are you stuck on AI? Or is it insecurity of going out of the country?

Because your budget is decent, (does it include air?) you might want to try a non AI that's close to many restaurants on a generally quieter beach too--

Or pick a place with your budget and try to add a couple more nights, most destinations you loose travel days, so you're only getting 2 full days

Personally, I always recommend St. John in Virgin Islands as intro to Caribbean. Scenery is gorgeous, great vibe, stunning beaches, fun beach shacks, and affordable open air taxis to get around. No AI, but great intro to Caribbean.

Just a thought! (but add at least another 1-2 nights, you loose travel days getting there)

suze

I would start by looking at which islands you can get to easiest. Are there any with nonstop from your home airport? Since 4 days is such a very short time, if you can minimize travel will make this smoother.

I do agree with the comment that most All-Inclusives by their nature are going to be busier larger properties.

diann24

4 days is not much 2 of those will you will be traveling. I have to agree try and do a spot that is within easies reach of your airport, non stop preferably. With your budget you can probably do a week. I also do not care much for A/I that cater do large masses of people and the food is mediocre at best.

Bassguy66

With that budget you can EASILY find a nice AI for an entire week. Check out the Riviera Maya area of Mexico....plenty of great choices for below that budget for the whole week.....