bargain break travel
 

Two friends and I (all college students) are attempting to go to the Caribbean over our 2003 spring break - any tips on what would be the cheapest options (islands, etc.), or the best values for our money in general? Thank you!

Please don't come to the islands. Wait till you've grown up and know how to behave without ruining everybody else's vacation, and can afford to do it properly. For spring break (if you must) go to Cancun.

For your information, I am very well traveled already, as I have been to Europe (with various school organizations) and the Caribbean (with my family). If I was interested in a week of partying, I would go to the typical "college break cities," but I would like to think that I have put a little more thought and planning into my travels when potentially spending a large amount of money.

Teresa,<BR>Ignore the ignoramus that told you not to travel to the Caribbean. He/she is just jealous and can't remember what it was like to be your age.<BR>I would highly,highly, highly recommend the Dominican Republic. You will get alot more for your money and the resorts are gorgeous.<BR>The Bahamas while not in the Caribbean might also be a good idea as would Puerto Rico. The beaches in PR are spectacular and there is great nightlife in San Juan.<BR>Good luck and have fun!

Not jealous at all - I live 6 months of the year in the Caribbean and the other six in Europe, and at 28 I guess I can just remember being college age - what I'm trying to avoid is kids who really can't afford the islands, and don't know how to behave outside the bounds of their families. This is not a "budget destination" board for backpackers - the Thorn Tree does a good job on that. I am simply trying to avoid other people having to experience what I did when I made the mistake of being in JA over spring break last year, and suggesting that most students will do better choosing a destination where they, and their limited budgets, will be appreciated. But you're right on one point - DR would be fine - it's definately a bottom-of-the-range destination anyway.<BR>

Hi Teresa, just ignore "looking for peace" - what an elitist snob! Roatan, in the bay Islands of Honduras, would be a good choice as well. Direct flights route through Houston and Miami for sure, and I think from New Orleans as well. I'd be looking to stay in the West End part of the island. This would be an excellent place for snorkeling and for trying to dive on a budget.

Forgot to mention:<BR><BR>Roatan is really cool: it usually doesn't attract the likes of dickheads like "looking". It attracts a whole mix of folks who like things a little quieter, less commercialized, less fancy and artificial, and a bit more down-to-earth than the rest of the Carribean.

You're right about Roatan Diane - my parents live there - and it's a great place. They, and their fellow residents are incredibly hospitable, gentle people - but you know what, they're not keen on spring breakers either.<BR>Teresa, I'm not being elitist or hostile - if you genuinely want to explore and travel, why mention spring break at all - you should be only too aware of the images that conjures up in most people's minds.

Cancun, DR and Jamaica would be less expensive than other locations. Just ignore looking for peace school is still out and kids are bored so play on their computers!

Thank you all for the great suggestions; as for the spring break imagery, I did realize as soon as I typed that phrase in that I was making a mistake - let me clarify: this is the one week that my friends and I can travel together, so we are looking for the right destination. Any thoughts on Grenada?

Grenada is a fantastic island. Good on a tight budget too. I'm a big fan of www.grenadahomestays.com - either staying with an incredibly welcoming Grenadian family, or they have some nice apartments too. Otherwise, there are some very affordable guesthouses, check out www.grenadaexplorer.com for good listings. It's an island you can't go wrong with - virtually no crime, no hassle, even on the beach, not commercialised or too full of tourists, no hi-rise, incredibly beautiful scenery (the rainforest is breathtaking, as are some of the waterfalls), and some of the warmest, friendliest people in the entire Caribbean. Worth taking a short trip over to Carriacou as well. Visit http://www.grenadaexplorer.com/cgi-b.../ikonboard.cgi for a really helpful board with loads of good information.