asbober

I am trying to plan a trip for my 30th birthday down to the Caribbean and I'll admit I have no idea where to start so any help from booking sites to departure times would be greatly appreciated. For the most part I'm just looking for a place to go with about 6-8 friends for 4nights/5days that will preferably be on a beach and near town so we can shop/go out. Not sure if an all-inclusive or per night would be the way to go. I had mostly been looking at the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Aruba and Belize, but any suggestions would help. I don't do well when provided with lots of options Thank you for any help!

Time-Mid to Late April 4nights/5days (arrive wed. leave sun.)
Budget-Trying to stay under $1200 for flight and hotel.
Activities-Beaches, Golf, Snorkeling, Night Life, Casino, maybe some hiking (in no particular order)

suze

Where are you coming from (helps us to answer as far as flight prices)?

It's a broad question, you're right lots of options, but "golf, nightlife, casinos" sounds more like Aruba to me (not so much Jamaica or Belize).

Weadles

For shopping in the Caribbean, the islands that come to mind are: Aruba, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Martin. But these are also the islands that draw a lot of group tours and cruise ships, so keep that in mind before you book.

I agree w/ Suze that Jamaica doesn't sound like the right fit, since the best part of the island IMHO doesn't offer much by way of golf, and certainly has no casino. However... it does have cheap, excellent restaurants, some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, wonderful reggae clubs, and plenty of water sports.

Haven't been to Belize, so I can't comment on that.

Would you consider Cancun? More for your $$$, and a great time of year to go there.

Look into SKOOSH.com for hotels. It's a very good discount website.

JeanH

Really no golf or casinos in Belize. I've only been to Negril in Jamaica. I think it would be great fun for a bunch of friends.

Never been to Aruba, sounds too Americanized for my taste.

Frankly, for four nights, I'd head to the place with the best travel time.

qwovadis

www.puntacana.com area DR best for me for beach golf casino

www.cheapcaribbean.com www.bookit.com

good packages...

mrscalkins

We've been to Negril in Ja-- snorkeling was awesome off the cliffs but nothing else on your list would be found in that area. We just spent some time in PR, and there are many points on your list you could find in PR. You can hike some in the rainforest, or even just around Isla Verde checking out the two forts (fort entry fee is $5pp for both and walking distance between the two is 30min) We stayed at a golf resort just outside of San Juan, on a beatiful beach and with a casino. Not a place to snorkel though, and most often while we were there the current/undertow was too strong to even do much swimming in the ocean-- of course the resort had pools. We didn't try going as far as Fajardo to snorkel though, so you may be able to do some there.
We drove along road 187 Sunday night starting about 6pm, and traffic was horrible. We were just crawling along, and it turned out to be because the local bars along that road (which also runs along the ocean) were so busy. That would give you a "local's hotspot" for nightlife. There were a few live bands, lots of local food options, and you could even sit on the beach and enjoy the music or get in with the crowd. Otherwise there are plenty of other options around for nightlife if you wanted something a little more upscale.
As for Aruba, they had pretty decent snorkeling. We went with a tour and some people with us saw turtles and squid, we branched off by ourselves and saw an eel and a good sized octopus. Plus lots of fish. Didn't spend much time on land but I would agree with the previous comment that you would find other checkmarks off your list in Aruba.
Have fun!

suze

There's a great article in the Dec 10/Jan 11 issues of Budget Travel magazine called "San Juan like a Local" that made Puerto Rico look like a VERY appealing destination. Same issue another article called "Secret Caribbean" gave an overview of a dozen other interesting islands and options.

asbober

Thanks for all the replies everybody! They really helped. After reading the posts and looking over things Puerto Rico seems like it is going to be the best fit. Now if only April would get here faster! Thanks again all!

lisanewby72

Go to jamaica. Here's a great article as to why you should choose Jamaica:
http://yourjamaicantourguide.com/the...-vacation.html

bebethecandy

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/bea...ican-republic/
it might help you find some nice and all-inclusive honeymoon resorts to stay in Dominican Republic
For Aruba, check this out http://www.thebeachfrontclub.com/bea...ribbean/aruba/ as there are 17 beachfront resorts for your review, Agoda is the booking agent, and for the info it is pretty good, I'm sure you will be finding new, nice and right places to go.

jjs12959

I just came back from Puerto Rico. Loved it. Stayed at Wyndham Rio Mar. Great property, nice beach and pools. We found a good deal at cheapcaribbean.com. I haven't seen the same deal since we booked it.

2 great golf courses on this resort. I prefer the River Course. Seems less people play it, and the staff told me it was in better shape. I thought it was beautiful and it felt like I was the only one out there. Play after 2PM when the rates drop. But please read other reviews about Wyndham Rio Mar. Seems like some people had a real problem with it, from cost of eating, to air conditioning in rooms, to service complaints and more. We had a car and ate off resort alot. The AC did what we wnated it to do, and I do agree the Concierge desk was a weak point for us. However the staff at the golf course was fabulous.

Also please remember it's the Atlantic Ocean, and while the beach was nice, it's not white sand and turqoise water. Very warm water though and they keep the beach clean and well stocked with chairs. My fiance jet skied while I golfed.

Plenty of food options within 15-20 minutes from the resort, and some much closer.

I guess that's it