We are rather young though (he's 22 and I'm 21) I realize some places will not allow us in, but we are not really looking for nightlife (we live in Toronto, we get enough of that here), just something outside the ordinary.

Those months are tricky at many of the beach locations. Normally to answer your question I'd suggest Mexico... Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, Akumal, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas. But Aug/Sept is rainy season and extremely hot and humid in all those places, so not exactly the best time to go.

Where in Canada are you located? Just as a very broad example I can do 10 days in Hawaii (Waikiki) or Mexico (Puerto Vallarta) flying out of Seattle and staying at a budget hotel for $1500 total (counting air, hotel, transportation, food, and a little spending money).

Oops sorry I see you already said you are in Toronto.

Have you looked at an all inclusive on one of the islands like Aruba?

Probably best cheapest air bus to BUF from $10

Jetblue.com many different destinations

Weather2travel.com Climate guides Carib will have storms

Might look at Cancun bus down to Tulum mayan-traveler.com

or better weather more exotic tonnes of fun Colombia

Platypus or Cranky Croc are nice cheap hostels beautiful country was there last fall.

last though peoplesguidetomexico.com cheap road trip down by bus or car to Mexico

Pacific coast not too dodgy in tourist enclaves out of tourist areas.

have fun,

Thank you for suggestions, I have not yet looked into anywhere except Dominicans so I will definitely check out Aruba and Mexico.
I have heard some problems with travelling to Columbia (such as kidnapping problems, robberies and the likes), would other countries in South America fare better in terms of safety?

Your budget isn't enough for South America. Plane fare alone would eat up most of it. Aruba is not inexpensive. That's why I suggest Mexico. You get more bang for your (limited) buck

Although it will be hurricane season you might want to look into some cruises. From what I understand you get a lot of bang for your buck. Belize or Costa Rica - I have no idea about prices in that area. You can also explore the US and Canada west coast. Although not a beachy vacation, we loved the Canadian Rockies, beautiful scenery and hiking.

Drive from Toronto to the Elmira-Corning airport (5 hours on a good day). Fly Allegiant airline to either Orlando or Fort Lauderdale Florida. http://www.allegiantair.com/
There are some cheap cruises from some of the Florida ports.
Allegiant does some good package deals on hotels, rental cars and tours etc.
If there is a hurricane brewing, Allegiant won't be flying and you will have to try for a safer beach.

You also ought to be looking at Cuba. It's a good value for Canadians since there are a lot of charter flights. It might or might not be cheaper than a trip to Mexico or the Dominican Republic, but it's among the cheaper destinations.

Frankly, your budget is so low, I'm not sure you'll be able to afford anything but a fairly low-end AI resort.

Mexican all inclusive in the summer can be had for as liitle as $800 including air. Food quality below average compare to Aruba.

I agree Aruba is more expensive but better quality beaches and more "exoctic", less crowded. Services generally better.

Aruba is about $1000, via Air Transat. 1 week AI on a 2 to 3 star location, Aruba Holiday Inn , as an example. Ceryain Mexican resort are less safe after hours if wander outside the compound. Aruba generally safer.

Subscribe to travel agent's last minute deals. SInce youa re in canada, you may consider Westjet Vacation and Air Canada Vacations.

My sister in Ithaca booked 10 days Hawaii Diamond Head beach front hotel for under $900, inclduing return air, flying out of Syracuse, which is just about 6 hour drive from Toronto. I would imagine you can get it cheaper flying out of Toronto. It is not all inclusive though.