Mary

I accidently posted this under "The Best Caribbean Island" so I'm sorry about posting this twice. <BR> <BR>My husband and I will begin building a home soon. Therefore, $$ is a concern so we'd love to hear about good yet cheap caribbean vacations for our anniversary in late November. We're thinking about Isla Majeres, Mexico but would like some other destinations to consider as well. Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated. <BR>

Lisa

Cheap equates to Cancun, Punta Cana or Jamaica.

Eileen

For a great property at a very reasonable cost, try the Pierre Marques which is about 20 minutes outside of Acapulco. It is run by Fairmont Hotels now and its sister hotel is Acapulco Princess -- a trolley runs between the two so you have access to both properties. We like Pierre Marques better cause it is quieter and low rise. I am certain Fairmont is improving it but the prices are still really reasonable and Mexico is a good buy because the strength of the dollar against the Peso. P.S. Best weather we ever had on any of our trips was Acapulco in February -- gorgeous!

karen

Altho some islands are traditionally less expensive than others, on most you can find moderate to inexpensive accomdoations depending on your needs and what you want. I definitely think that the most economical is Aruba and Cancun and the Mexican resorts. DR comes up on the budget lists also. Since you are going before Season (and some places do have a shoulder season), you will also find reduced rates at many places. You might find that some a/i's that fit a tight budget better since there are usually no surprises - but sometimes it seems that there can be surcharges for certain foods, drinks and activities so be sure to inquire. I enjoyed the Playa area of Mexico and its proximity to Tulum, Cozumel and other attractions. But, you are still in the hurricane season until the end of November. It's unlikely that one will develop but it still is season!

Penney

I was also going to suggest Dominican Republic or Mexico. Both offer tons of specials that are very affordable. <BR> <BR>Jamaica too, because of the unrest in Kingston, is offering some major price breaks.

Mary

Thanks for the responses. I'm picturing small, inexpensive, mom 'n pop type places, charming, quaint, and maybe about $50 to $80 per night, hopefully with cheap airfare from the midwest.

d motl

It would be hard to beat Isla Mujeres. But if you can get a good air fare to Montego Bay you may want to try Negril Jamaica which has attractive prices in November. We have travel brouchures on both locations. Just e-mail us for a copy. Dan and Ginny

Sherry

Playa Car Mexico is a great deal for an all inclusive!!! Dominican Republic too...the all inclusives will probably be the best bet....if you buy a couple of weeks bewfore you go or right before it will be even cheaper!

Penney

For the small mom and pop type place that is inexpensive, you can also look at Negril, Jamaica. There are always tons of air specials there, Negril is considered to some some of the best beaches in the cAribbean and therre are tons of smaller wonderful places on the beach or cliffs. <BR> <BR>www.negril.com should help with that area.

STINGYBITCH

Hi my name is stingybitch.I take pride in being the cheapest bastard on the face of the earth.I clip copons and NEVER EVER LEAVE A TIP.My advise to you is to book a trip during some kind of natural disaster.I got agreat deal on Monserat when the volcano erupted.Also look into that offshore island in Pueto Rico that we practice bombing missions.

Mary

<BR> <BR>Hey stingybitch: You couldn't be more WRONG!! But anyway, thanks to everyhone else for the ideas. We've decided to do some quick research into Negril. Probably not Isla (at this time anyway) because more than likely, Chantal's riptides will still be in full swing. If it all works out and we do go, I'll write up a trip report when I get back.

al

Mary, do what my family always does -- go the Nassau Beach Hotel on Cable Beach in Nassau, Bahamas. It's not the fanciest place going, but they have a fantastic beach, it's usually in the 5 days/$550 range (hotel and air) with a travel agent, not that long a flight, a casino and 2 other larger, more expensive hotels are next door and a bus to town and the Paradise Island Bridge is in the $1.50 range. You can't beat it with a stick.

Kim

My son and his girlfriend did the Nassau Beach Hotel last May not the ritz by no means, but the whole trip for the week was $1400 with air fair from Chicago.

al

If you mean $700 apiece for a week including food that's pretty darn good. <BR> <BR>

Stephen Schulz

Mary: Try these URL's for some ideas <BR>http://www.airjamaicavacations.com/ <BR>http://applevacations.com/jsp/specials/specials.jsp <BR>http://www.funjet.com/hotdeals/index.htm <BR>Hope these sites help. <BR>Stephen Schulz

Judi

You can't do better than Cobalt Coast in Grand Cayman. See their website www.cobaltcoast.com - very affordable. Beautiful turquoise water, and November is a perfect time of year.