need help with island
Feb 25th, 2016, 10:04 AM
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need help with island
Travelling from Midwest-- Indiana in March. Would like an AI. Budget 2 ladies $3000. Concerned about crime. Suggestion of island and resort? Travel agent is pointing us to a huge resort. We might like something smaller. Like to shop, see sights, kick back and enjoy fruity little drinks.
Feb 25th, 2016, 10:22 AM
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For AI deals, the 3 places that you will find the most AI choices are Mexico, Dominican Republic or Jamaica. Sure there are others, but you will find the most affordable places in Mexico.
I would suggest the Riviera Maya area. Plenty of great resort choices, and crime will be no greater in this area than in your own home town.
I would suggest the Riviera Maya area. Plenty of great resort choices, and crime will be no greater in this area than in your own home town.
Feb 25th, 2016, 04:36 PM
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Hard to make meaningful suggestions without knowing what you really want in a vacation. We need more info about likes & dislikes - you can find shops, see sights, and enjoy fruity drinks on every island.
Make a list of 5 to 10 things you most want to see/do/experience while on your vacation - it will help the contributors here to guide you in the right direction.
Make a list of 5 to 10 things you most want to see/do/experience while on your vacation - it will help the contributors here to guide you in the right direction.
Feb 26th, 2016, 05:24 AM
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It's very hard to find a good, smaller AI. They are by definition big and almost hermetically sealed, making crime simply a non-issue. If you go to Jamaica or the Dominican Republic, there just aren't that many options to walk around except in Negril. Otherwise, you tend to be on organized bus tours.
Aruba is very safe but has very few AIs and is going to be more expensive than any other place on your list.
What I'd recommend is Cancun, where you can walk around and take the us safely, have access to beautiful beaches, and have a lot to do, including great food. And that's why I'd recommend you stay away from an AI. Unless you are very heavy drinkers, it's usually not a bargain, and your price range is going to get you bottom of the barrel stuff.
I'd offer two alternatives. Playa del Carmen has many wondeful nice hotels, it's very safe, and has great restaurants and cheap drinks. You fly into Cancun and then take a taxi down, about an hour. The St. Lawrence Gap in Barbados, with lots of smaller hotels (non-AI, but a few are AI), cheap public transportation, very safe, and lots of restaurants and good bars within walking distance.
Mexico always gives you the best value, with pricing on par with Jamaica and the DR but offering generally better quality for money.
Aruba is very safe but has very few AIs and is going to be more expensive than any other place on your list.
What I'd recommend is Cancun, where you can walk around and take the us safely, have access to beautiful beaches, and have a lot to do, including great food. And that's why I'd recommend you stay away from an AI. Unless you are very heavy drinkers, it's usually not a bargain, and your price range is going to get you bottom of the barrel stuff.
I'd offer two alternatives. Playa del Carmen has many wondeful nice hotels, it's very safe, and has great restaurants and cheap drinks. You fly into Cancun and then take a taxi down, about an hour. The St. Lawrence Gap in Barbados, with lots of smaller hotels (non-AI, but a few are AI), cheap public transportation, very safe, and lots of restaurants and good bars within walking distance.
Mexico always gives you the best value, with pricing on par with Jamaica and the DR but offering generally better quality for money.
Feb 29th, 2016, 02:18 AM
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There is nothing to worry about! Of course, your travel agent would like to place you in a big resort 
That's where they make most money out of you! If you like to get the real deal... explore the island, meet friendly locals, great food, beautiful spots and by far the most culture, then visit Jamaica! I can highly recommend it. There are great people up at Cabarita Eco-Lodge. They are not just fair, they guide you around and help you all around. Even for a single lady no problem at all to travel there. And the prices are great too! Check them out here: https://goo.gl/5q2qfI
That's where they make most money out of you! If you like to get the real deal... explore the island, meet friendly locals, great food, beautiful spots and by far the most culture, then visit Jamaica! I can highly recommend it. There are great people up at Cabarita Eco-Lodge. They are not just fair, they guide you around and help you all around. Even for a single lady no problem at all to travel there. And the prices are great too! Check them out here: https://goo.gl/5q2qfI
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