All inclusive

Old May 25th, 2010, 04:40 PM
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All inclusive

Trying to figure out a SAFE all inclusive place to go in the Caribbean for a few adults and tons of 25 year olds who love to party. I think most of all my concern is safety. Any suggestions>????
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Old May 25th, 2010, 05:42 PM
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you might look at the 6 riu and 5 iberostar resorts near playa del carmen in mexico. the six rius share facilities - as do the 5 iberostars.
some of these have nightclubs that don't even open til 10 so 25 yr olds can party til dawn and never leave resort area. or take resort vans into playa del carmen to the bars/clubs if you all decide you're comfortable with that. also this area has Tons to do like - ziplines, atv jungle rides, ruins to tour, duty free shopping in pdc, snorkel/dive, tennis/golf, 2 eco marine parks, xcaret & xel-ha. they might be to tired to dance til dawn
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Old May 26th, 2010, 04:25 AM
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I"m not sure what you really mean by "SAFE". The all-inclusive resort experience is consistently one of the safest ways to visit any island. I guess what you're saying is that you don't want to go to to an island where there is crime. Well, I'm telling you now that crime exists everywhere, even in the Caribbean. No island is completely immune.

I was just in Jamaica at an all-inclusive resort, and I felt completely safe, as I always do there. I also love St. Lucia and the Dominican Republic. All three islands have many AI resorts. Antigua is another choice. Mexico is especially good because it's an excellent value for Americans.

All of these destinations are safe if you exercise reasonable caution. If you drink to excess, head out into areas where you are unfamiliar without doing any research at all, and act stupidly, as you would not do if visiting a city in the U.S., then no destination is safe. If you don't do those things, any of the destinations I've recommended is safe.

You don't say what your budget is, and that's a big consideration as well. If you want to spend a certain amount, you will simply be limited in where you an go, and some of the cheaper, mass-market island do have problems with crime and poverty. Beaches Turks & Caicos might appeal to you; Provo has very low crime (though it is trending up right now) and is considered among the safest of Caribbean destinations.
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Old May 28th, 2010, 06:07 PM
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I have never been to an all inclusive but I have been thinking about 1000-1200 per person. I would like to stay at a really nice place like a 4 or 5 star hotel. I just cant figure out whether to go to mexico or the carribean. I read some horrible things about hotels in Cancun, like if you get injured they dont give you medical help they just let you die. Oh my gosh. My husband and I are taking our two boys and their girlfriends, and there could be 10-20 other kids/parents which will sign up as well. We have been to the bahamas in 2000 and my sons have both been to all inclusives one in Jamaica and the other in Cancun. So could you recommend someplace awesome that the kids would all love??? I would really appreciate it a ton. I would like to stay away from the cheaper, mass-market islands, and since I have never in my life been, and I am the trip planner so to speak, I have no clue where to begin. Thank you
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Old May 29th, 2010, 06:28 AM
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I agree with Virginia. Mexico is going to give you the AI resorts your looking for at a good price. Go past Cancun to the Playa del Carmen/Riviera Maya area. The Iberostars, Barcelos and the RIU's are great resorts for what you are looking for. The Royal Playa del Carmen is also a good choice. It's adults only and within walking distance to 5th Avenue, which is a pedestrian walkway with tons of restaurants, bars, entertainment and shopping.
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Old May 31st, 2010, 02:33 PM
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<like if you get injured they dont give you medical help they just let you die.>

Where the heck have you been doing your research???? Seriously! That's ridiculous.

I'm not an all-inclusive person but I've spent a lot of time vacationing in Mexico. I'd look at the Mayan Riviera, Playa del Carmen to the south of Cancun is a great suggestion.

I don't know how the AI's price out there but I'm heading to Negril Jamaica for my next beach trip.
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Old May 31st, 2010, 03:02 PM
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Breezes Curacao???
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Old Jun 1st, 2010, 04:57 AM
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Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic are going to give you the most value for your money.

However, you are NOT going to get a 4- or 5-star resort experience for $1,000 per person (and I'm assuming this price will not include airfare ... with airfare, you have to add about $400).

You'll get the most luxurious experience for this money in Mexico hands down.

The Riu resorts in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, are renowned for their nightlife. Cancun in general is a big nightlife destination. Those would probably be your best two options for that kind of budget.

You should look at a Riu Palace resort. This is the resort's most upscale option and will give you the best sense of luxury.

Just remember that a true 5-star luxury resort, regardless of where you are in the Caribbean, STARTS at about $400 to $500 per night and goes up to about $1,200 per night. That price would usually NOT be all-inclusive, and you would have to pay for everything extra. If you have reasonable expectations and choose wisely, you can have a wonderful resort experience at an all-inclusive. But you really have to be realistic.
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Old Jun 1st, 2010, 06:28 AM
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I had the same thought about the price you are hoping for. That isn't going to get you a 5-star resort. The "cheaper, mass market" places are what's more in the price range you quote. You'll have to either raise the budget, or lower your expectations.

I agree with Doug about Mexico, Jamaica, and DR AI resorts giving most bang for the buck.
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Old Jun 1st, 2010, 07:42 AM
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I would hesitate to recommend Breezes Curacao. That hotel needs lots of updates and caters to young kids. Curacao is difficult to reach and probably out of the price range the OP is looking for. More things to see and do for young adults in Mexico at the price they are wanting.
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Old Jun 1st, 2010, 06:34 PM
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Suze check out this site, this is where I have been doing research:
http://www.mexicovacationawareness.com/

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions I am so excited to start my research,that is awesome!
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Old Jun 2nd, 2010, 03:43 AM
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That site seems a bit overboard.
There is a woman who frequents many travel boards whose husband sufered a severe heart attacke while in the Riviera Maya. He was taken to a hospital in Cancun. She is a nurse and said the care he received was first rate.
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Old Jun 2nd, 2010, 05:57 AM
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i actually read several of the news accounts linked on that site. one incident involved a snorkeler who swam out a long distance (solimon bay beach incident). i've been on this beach - the reef is way out and the article gives no indication of cause of death. not mexico's fault.
in another article a 15 yr old 3rd time diver had equipment issues. rather than go up with someone sharing breather he panicked and took his mask off after swimming away from his group. not mexico's fault.
in another, a woman who had been to cancun numerous times disappeared. not heard from or seen by family since. no guesses on what happened...
numerous accounts of drunks falling off balconies - this happens in US all the time.
an expat amer living on isla mujeras was stabbed to death in her home. no break in.
granted there are some reports of ppl paying police bribes or being beaten up by police, or paricularly in central or western mex being victims of robbery & a few murders - but has nothing to do with maya riv area area.
now i'm most assuredly not suggesting this location is as safe as your backyard, but using normal precautions i think it is a reasonably safe area.
i would be way nervous about taking group of 25yr olds almost anywhere. i would have thorough discussion before booking re 'the rules'. i would go to one of the larger all inclusives and require that EVERYONE be on the property by 8pm, that "kids" must always be in group of 3 or more, that they swear on their lives that under NO circumstances will any of them leave your resort at night unless a group plans to go to a restaurant or say the nightshow at xcaret, nor in daylight without telling you to your face (no written message left, no text!)
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