stomlin

Hi
I am planning a trip to the Caribbean in Nov of this year to celebrate our 25th anniversary but cannot decide where to go.
We are in our early 40's and have never been to the Caribbean. We are looking for an all inclusive resort and originally wanted adult only but not sure we would see many families in Nov?
Our priorities are relaxing on the beach, good food-but prefer somewhat casual atmosphere, great cocktails, some sort of night life and activities such as snorkeling, hiking, horseback riding, zip lining.
I've always wanted to go to Aruba but on my budget of $3500. I now know i can't afford that-even in the off season! So...l've begun looking at Jamaica - not sure where-and Punta Cana, DR. There are so many mixed reviews though my head is just spinning trying to decide on an island and resort! If anyone has any input I would greatly appreciate it.

virginia

where will you fly from? is airfare included in your $3500 budget?
DR does not have good snorkeling, any zipline & many would advise you not go off hiking by yourselves. beaches are really pretty.
the maya riviera coast of mexico (south of cancun to tulum) would be a good fit for you. very good snorkeling opportunities, zips, horseback plus duty free shopping in playa del carman & loads of other activities. ai's in all price ranges, sizes & styles. fun food. ruins. 2 eco marine parks xcaret and xel-ha. decent nightlife in playa del carman. known to be an economical destination. we had a great time there. some of the ai's near playa will van you into town & back so you can drink & not drive. a good source of all info on the area is locogringo.com
regular fodor poster KVR knows a lot about ai's & could help you out with that part (we like to rent villas). you could start a new post with her name so she'll find it - she's not been on since the beginning of the month so may be on vaca right now.
hope this helps

qwovadis

www.weather2travel.com lots of rain in Nov in many places

but good off season prices...

www.bookit.com

www.cheapcaribbean.com

For budget I like Negril/MoBay Jamaica area

Nice beaches rasta vibe more to do than DR

prettier overall for me.

www.couplesresorts.com Negril Swept Away especially nice

if you can swing it within your budget.

Congrats! and happy hunting,

suze

If you decide on Jamaica, go to Negril. There are lots of options for different types of hotels and resorts (both all-inclusive and not) on the beautiful 7-mile beach there.

I've never been to Punta Cana, but it doesn't strike my fancy because it's one of those "built" resort areas, like Cancun (nothing there until a bunch of tourist mega resorts got built). And people seem to only stay on the resort properties, not venture out around the island (this may or may not matter to you).

stomlin

Hey-thanks for the responses.
We are from Michigan so probably fly out of Detroit. We really do not want to go to Mexico...not sure of our logic just doesn't interest us. I am interested in learning more about Jamaica so will begin researching that a little more in depth. Again, anyone have any input it will be greatly appreciated.

Weadles

I recommend going to Negril, too. However, the weather can be unpredictable in November. Sometimes quite rainy, sometimes not. If you can change your trip to father along in the season ( end of February/March), you'll probably have a better shot at decent weather.

That being said... As Suze pointed out, there are plenty of reasonable non-AI options both on the beach and cliffs.Restaurants and small hotels are a good buy in Negril, although not always during prime vacation weeks.

To get an idea of what's available, check out a company called Negrilonestop.com. It lists all the hotels on the beach and cliffs, and they sometimes offer enticing hotel/air packages from major U.S. cities. We have used them in the past. It is also quite easy to book it all yourself, esp. with help from places like Fodor's. Good luck!

Joly226

I don't think you should give up on Aruba. We usually go in May, but this past year we also went there in November and found it very affordable. It's an island with beautiful beaches, exquisite dining, and wonderful, warm people. Lots to do and see, and the perfect island for romance. Check out www.arubahotelsbeaches.com for more information. Happy 25th Anniversary to you both!

lisanewby72

Jamaica is the best place to celebrate your 25th anniversary

My recommendation is Negril. Couples and Sandals are great choices.They offer almost everything you need unless you wanna go out and see other places.

Last year we had a change of plans (from our usual hotel/resorts choices). We stayed at Lemer villas (owned by Coleman & Karen, retired attorneys from South Carolina) after a friend's recommendation. They stayed there for their honeymoon.At that time we were looking for a not all-inclusive resort but w/ laid back and very relaxing atmosphere. It was perfect.The place is private as you will enjoy the view of the sunset from the balcony of the villa. The view of the ocean in front is also stunning. You can see pictures and videos here: http://lemerluxuryvillas.com/

It is located between Montego bay and Negril - location is perfect to enjoy both.

As for the activities you can do snorkeling, swimming and going to the cave.We wanted to go out on a tour so they arranged everything for us. we visited the YS falls, black river safari, mayfields, local craft market, among others. They picked an awesome tour guide for us!

And oh, don't forget to try Rockhouse - if you're looking for a romantic place to dine while watching the sunset.
http://www.rockhousehotel.com/eat.php

Steelersfan

There most definitely <u>are</u> ziplines and snorkeling in Dominican Republic.
While venturing out on your own always has its limitations, we've always felt safer, less harassed in DR than Jamaica.

Steelersfan

SEcond post I've seen promoting AGODA as the booking agent but the other one said PC was the best place to go, not Negril.
Glad you've had good service with them, but I've never heard of them.
Are they a US based company?

Personally, I use Apple for this kind of vacation, they are pretty much the industry leader in the US for this.

Their clients get some preferential treatment at various resorts, things that are not even specified in the booking, but are happy surprises.

Such as at one Mexican resort, we kept getting services such as turn down with chocolate, daily newspaper and a few other things that were part of an upgrade package the resort offered us at check in and which we declined.

So I went to check to be sure that we were not being charged for the upgrade, and if we were, then there were a couple other extras we'd have to be sure to take advantage of...

found out we were not paying for any upgrade package, but that Apple clients get these extras. Just because they're with Apple.

At another resort, Apple clients got the renovated rooms first, as the renovation of a large resort was only partially complete.
The most important to me are the nonstop direct charter flights I get with my Apple package.

stomlin

HELP! once again- please. Pretty much had decided on Negril CSA for our Nov anniversary. Although I am a firm believer in countless hours of research, which I did, I still didn't feel comfortable trying to book on my own as we've never been out of the US.
I have been checking the Apple site since 2/28 to check on rates/availability however I decided to contact a local TA who was recommended. I explained to her exactly where I was looking and what we wanted and she informed me right off she would be out of the office for 2+ weeks and she would get with me when she got back in. I contacted her yesterday to ask her if she had information for me and she gave me rates for everything except for what I had asked (CSA) so I responded to her with that question-have not heard back yet. Now I am assuming she did give me this info. because when I went and looked at rates/flights last night, both the flights we wanted are gone, and the rates went up $300pp since Friday when I checked.

As I am new to this I am asking..Is this normal for rates to change like this and does this mean since I no longer see them, the flights I wanted are gone?
Do I just book now or wait to see if they go back down (will they) and does any one else book their own on the internet, i.e., Apple website?

Thanks once again!

suze

I alwasy book on my own, but have never used a packaged deal like Apple. I go independently and book my hotels direct with the hotel and my plane fare with the airline. I did this traveling solo to Negril last summer for 10 days. It's not difficult.

Your question about fare/timing with Apple prices is pretty specific, and kind of hidden at the end of this post with a different topic in the title... you might want to start a new post to ask about how Apple works? If people have experience booking thru them.

Steelersfan

I use my travel agent to book through Apple.
Sounds like you got a dud agent.
I'd try another one.
Yes, prices do change, up and down, at any given time. Based on specials appearing or expiring, supply and demand, etc.

Steelersfan

Insurance (basic, very inexpensive) can guarantee that if the price goes down with Apple, you get the lower price.

sharona

I usually book everything myself. I book directly with the hotel through its web site and then book our flights through the airline's site. However, we just returned from 10 days in Jamaica and I booked the hotel part (not the flights) with TripGuy Travel. Since we were going in high season I was shopping around more than usual for the best rates and the rate I got with them was the best of anything else I could find, including Apple. They were great to work with and I'm pretty sure their influence got us a great room location. I have no affiliation with them but I'll definitely use them again.

<As I am new to this I am asking..Is this normal for rates to change like this and does this mean since I no longer see them, the flights I wanted are gone?>

Yes, it is normal for flight prices to change, sometimes more than once a day. And yes, since you no longer see the flight listed it is likely sold out and unavailable. Sorry.

Steelersfan

I've booked such trips several ways, and prefer to book with Apple.
When searching and booking separately, to compare prices, be sure to include such things as non stop direct charter flights, ground transportation to and from hotel/airport, Apple's extras, and the service of an Apple rep onsite every day of your vacation.
When I included all that I get in an Apple package, Apple always came out the best deal for us.
Apple also offers tours in addition, and I appreciate that they will NOT book certain tours that you can 'buy on the beach' for less, but which do not meet their standards in re safety and also will NOT book tours where animals are mistreated.
Our Apple reps have been helpful on all our trips, directing one or more of our party to a particular business, even arranging transportation to a store we wanted to visit.
We also enjoy the extra Apple beach bbq which is provided at many locations. Adds another dining option for the week.
It's a great convenience to us, but if one wishes to do more of the work themself, that's another option, of course.
We do that on some trips, but not on our relaxing at the beach weeks.

We've recently been to Mexican Riviera and several trips to Punta Cana with Apple, and were very pleased with the service at a price well within your stated budget.
On one trip we chose to add an upgrade to business class, and a resort upgrade package and still came in at $1500 pp do.

suze

www.onestopnegril.com is highly recommended by folks who post on the Trip Advisor Negril forum.

FrankS

We have a local travel agency that gives rebates ON TOP of Apples package price, which makes them the obvious choice to Jamaica that includes non stop charter, ground tranport, rep etc...caveat- I dont know if they have the charters in NOV

Steelersfan

That sounds good, FrankS, if such is available for the OP's needs.

FrankS

Steelersfan,
If you want the link...
http://www.traveloni.com/