MSFV

Hello,
I am looking for a nice, safe AI to take my 11 and 13-year-old daughters to in February 2012. We hope to be able to travel from New England to our destination in one day. I have just recently decided to look into AIs because of fun and budget. I would love to go someplace not known for wild partying, and in an area that is good to explore, outside of the resort, where we could find local flavor. Our past trips have been more off-the-beaten-track. Would appreciate any suggestions.
Thank you!

blamona

What is your actually budget? Without a range it's hard for us to guess

How many nights?

What off the beaten path places have you been so we get the idea?

Would love to help

qwovadis

bookit.com good options

Paradisus Riu.com Iberostar.com properties work well with

teens and flights from BOS to Jamaica,Cancun,Domincan Republic

Your top 3 great AI places might lood at Montego Bay area

Very pretty green lots to do climb Dunn's River Falls etc..

atlantis.com little closer not really AI but super nice also

travelzoo.com frequently has specials/sales that work well.

Happy Planning!

schmerl

The Riveiera Maya area of Mexico has many wonderful family oriented all inclusvie resorts. Look into the Ibeorstar and Barcelo resorts there.

schmerl

That should say Riviera Maya....

schmerl

and... Iberostar. Wish they had an edit button on here.

suze

Mayan Riviera (Caribbean side of Mexico) is also what came to my mind. Lots of AI options there. Safe. Plenty to see and do off the resort. Fly into Cancun then head south down to the Playa del Carmen area.

MSFV

Thank you for all the suggestions so far.
Was looking at 9 or 10 days, have been to and love St. Vincent & the Grenadines. It would be great if we could get AI plus airfare for around $5,000 total.
Does anyone know about the Grand Pineapple Beach in Antigua? And zip line tours there?
I am a little hesitant about some DR because of reviews of lines for meals, etc. But, teen activities sound appealing.
Have heard about some violence in Jamaica - it would be safe for me to travel with the girls outside of the resorts and group tours?
Personally, I have traveled over the years to many places and not felt vulnerable, but now, divorced and traveling with two young women, the feeling changes a bit.
Thanks to all!

MSFV

Playa del Carmen does look good - thanks for recommending.

ishkribbl

I am not an expert in the area but I do think you can find something that fits your bill in the Playa del Carmen area and it would give you plenty of safe and easy options- for example, you can get a day trip (via group tour) to Tulum to see the ruins then to a place the girls would probably really like called Xel Ha - a kind of waterpark with snorkeling, tubing, etc- we went as adults with no kids and still had fun- see
http://www.xelha.com/
You can also easily take a ferry - maybe 10 minutes?- over to Cozumel and spend some time (short taxi ride) to the Chankanaab National Park (sure there is a website but don't have it) which is family oriented snorkeling, snuba, beach, etc. Or, if you are a bit more adventurous, do like we did and rent a little VW beetle convertible (not new) and see more of the island on your own and make a day of it then catch the ferry back- we found a rental car place there in town- you really do NOT want to spend much time right there in the tourist area, imo, but getting beyond that is a fun time.
There is shopping on 5th avenue that would be a good "girl activity" too when you need a break from the beach.
Have a great time, Mom!

MSFV

Wow, ishkribbl and others - great suggestions! Love those ideas - good for both me and the adolescent girls. Now, to decide where to stay if we go to Playa del Carmen. Has anyone had experience in Sandos Playacar or Occidental Grand Xcaret? They sound cool, with the various creatures around - monkeys, iguanas, etc.
I will check out Jamaica, as well.
Thank you!

suze

Another thought for the Mayan Riviera area is Isla Mujeres. It's a small island off Cancun that you get to by ferry.

Jamaica is safe for tourists - Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, etc. The violence you sometimes hear about is internal business and in places like the city of Kingston. Yes you can go out and about on the island with tours and activities. I personally wouldn't rent a car there, not that it's dangerous per se but the driving is kind of hairy (and on the 'wrong' side of the road British style).

That said, I think Mayan Riviera maybe better fits and would be an easier more comfortable trip for you and your daughters.

MSFV

Yes, I have been to Isla Mujeres, before kids, and I liked it, so maybe a week in Playa del Carmen, a couple of days on Isla Mujeres.
Thanks!

ishkribbl

Since you have been to Isla you probably know but you can rent a golf cart for the day and go to the other end of the island- visit the turtle farm and, if it is open, go to Garrafon (sp?)- we were there several years ago and it was after a storm had closed the park down for a while. I know they have a website. The golf cart ride itself is fun for that age kids and you can stop along the way at overlooks - we saw some big iguanas when we stopped to see the view or take photos.

ishkribbl

http://www.garrafon.com/