MeredithBonn

15 of my closest friends and I are planning a trip for 2013 (Ages 25-27). We have been to Cabo before and had an amazing time, so we are now looking for another destination to explore. We are pretty much up for anything...and initially were thinking Belize. We love to lay out at the beach with a cocktail. we are not opposed to day time excursions. We are not opposed to all-inclusives. We enjoy upbeat nightlife, and good restaurants. We would like to keep the trip in a budget, but by no means do we want to slum it. Looking for any and all suggestions! Thanks!!

RAC

I would suggest the Yucatan coast of Mexico--anywhere between Cancun and Tulum. There are day time excursions if you're motivated, and a lot of laying on the beach with a cocktail.

You could also look at Puerto Rico--San Juan in particular.

Costa Rica and Belize would probably not be good fits--those places are much more excursion-oriented with very few options for all-inclusive, hanging on the beach and partying groups.

volcanogirl

If you want to go to Belize, Ambergris would be your best best - very pretty, and you can visit Hol Chan for great snorkeling and also go to Shark Ray Alley. There are lots of good restaurants in town. Mexico could also be a good fit - Cancun, Playa del Carmen, etc. I'd probably give Costa Rica a pass for this kind of trip. You could explore a place like Manuel Antonio, but CR isn't known for having a lot of night life.

hopefulist

I'd recommend Yucatán or Roatán, Honduras. Loads of photos and recommendations below. Happy planning!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections/

suze

Puerto Vallarta!!! If you liked Cabo, you'll *love* PV.

Stewbear

Suze is correct. PV is perfect for what you are talking about!

suze

Puerto Vallarta (or Playa del Carmen if you want to go to the "other side") definitely have what you seek. And will have many more options for hotels or resorts, much cheaper than trying to go to Costa Rica or Belize (which while you *could* possibly find what you're looking for - nightlife, restaurants, drinking on the beach & by the pool, isn't really what those places are known for).

Plus Mexico is closer (assuming you are coming from the U.S.) so airfare would be less as well.

cabron

Puerto Vallarta has some of the best food in Mexico and plenty of nightlife.

scooter33

Both PV and Playa del Carmen are great options. Another benefit is if you book in advance flights shouldn't be too expensive. Since you don't want to slum it, I recommend using a deal site like Jetsetter.com or Bungolow.com to get a 5 star hotel at a 3 star price! Good luck and have fun!