Caribbean or Mexico?
 

Hi All,

A friend and I are planning a trip--leaving around Dec. 22 (maybe on dec. 24th or 25th to get better deals)--and he's not much of a planner so it's a last-minute thing. He's sold on aruba and has a travel agent looking into going there as well as Mexico and the u.s. virgin islands. I know most of you don't use travel agents but he wanted to spring for it, so if it can help, okay.

I'm not so sure about Aruba--I'm worried it will be cheesy and the whole Holloway thing doesn't thrill me, although I'm not naive enough to believe that bad things only happen in Aruba, I'm sure Mexico and other Caribbean destinations can be unsafe as well.

Any suggestions? I want to use a charter airlines called Suncountry b/c they fly out of MPLS, where I live and I'd only have to take one flight (he lives in VA). They don't fly everywhere but they do go to: jamaica, mexico (i've heard good things about zihuantenao--okay, I know this is spelled COMPLETELY wrong--just too tired to look up proper spelling right now), u.s. virgin islands, and the dominican republic.

What about bermuda? Too pricey/elite? The Turks & Caicos? I want somewhere with a nice beach, good weather, good food, not super pricey or touristy, something that isn't packed with obnoxious college partyers and where I can walk most places. I know, I'm asking for a lot.

Any advice would be appreciated, especially since this is a rambling message.

If you want an Americanized vacation on a beach lined with highrises and large resorts, but with great weather, choose Aruba. If you have been to Marco Island, Florida or Miami it's similar but drier and more scrubby. Bermuda will be too cold, it is not beach weather in Dec. T & C is a gorgeous beach but could also be a bit chilly in Dec. Haven't been to Zihua but have heard lots of good things about it although the beaches are not as terrific as other areas -- does not have the pristine turquoise water and white sand of other destinations. You might check out Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. You fly into Cancun and it's about a 40 minute ride south. Great beaches, reasonably priced. Most destinations this last minute are going to be expensive and difficult to book, it's a good move to work with a travel agent who can tell you what charter packages are still available.

Hi upanishad,
We also live in the Twin Cities and although we haven't flown with the new owners of Suncountry, I would recommend either Jamaica or the USVI. Both would be decent flights via charter and you would be happy with what awaits you. The people in Jamaica are great and of course the Red Stripe beer is outstanding! The waters around Aruba are some of the finest I've ever seen, but there is a considerable amount of Americanization down there and an abundance of fast food restaurants. It's just not Caribbean-like. I love Bermuda, but you need to experience it at a different time of year. This is last minute planning, especially over the holidays, so I hope the TA can ensure you some availability. Good luck!

Thank you both for your thoughtful advice. Now, I just have to convince my friend that Aruba may not be as perfect as he thinks. Guess we'll take what we can get.

If you go to the US Virgin Islands and do not want touristy - do not stay on St. Thomas.

It's been years since I have been to Aruba (but going back in January)and it was great at that time. But, alas, I fear like Cabo San Lucas that it has really gotten built up.

The thing I don't like about using a travel agent - we like to go to and/or stay at places off the beaten-path-of-tourism. Seems like the travel agents we have talked to usually only know about the more popular places and larger places to stay.

Have not gone to Jamaicia or DR, largely because of reviews have read that you need to stay on the grounds of the resorts. We like to rent a car and explore.

Don't think you will the warm weather you want in Bermuda at that time of year. Need to go closer to the equator.

Of all the places you have mentioned, I would vote for Turks & Caicos. Have seen a lot of good reviews about it that have peaked my interest. Planning on making it one of our next trips.

We are going to Bonaire in January then to Aruba for a few days. If he is determined on Aruba, also check out Bonaire.

We have travelled to a fair number of islands in the Caribbean and Aruba is the most touristy and Americanized of them all, so far. We also found the water clarity lacking and there was a large amount of cigarette butts and other litter on the beach. I agree with Eileen. We felt like we were on a beach in Florida with all the high rises and American fast food chains restaurants. Aruba was our least favorite place so far and seems lacking in it's own culture or history.

The Mayan Riviera area south of Cancun (including Playa del Carmen, but not Cancun) is wonderful and there is so much to see and do with the Mayan ruins, great snorkeling, eco parks, shopping, cenotes to explore and other things to see and wonderful beaches and cool white sand and clear turquoise water and there is lots of history and culture to the area. Don't consider Cancun, unless you are into a very Americanized destination that is party central.

Do you get that beautiful crystal clear blue water in Riviera Maya?? I had first thought of going then but looking at pictures of the other islands Anguilla, Antigua, Turks-the water looks amazing...will I get that in Mexico -- I'm also looking at La Romana in the Dominican.Kathy

Yes, you will get crystal clear blue/turquoise waters in the Mayan Riviera and the limestone sand is the whitest I have found so far and cool to the feet.

I'm sorry but I have to reply to this one. I just got back from Aruba in November w/ hubby - we celebrated our 1yr anniv... although some of you find Aruba to be americanized, all you have to do to find "authentic arubian" food etc is to ask the locals ( ate at wonderful rest. called Madame Jeanettes) we stayed at the Reniassance Marina in downtown Aruba, it was fabulous - didn't even rent a car as didn't need to. The hotel is wonderful, you have a water taxi take you to their own private island which was the best thing going as you don't get harassed by locals like in jamaica or antigua. I've been to my share of caribbean islands and this was my third trip to Aruba - I love it! you have best of both worlds if you love the ocean and the desert. the water is crystal blue and serene and beautiful. I got married on beach in St.Thomas and loved it there also, but they shut down the streets at 5pm sharp. We are hoping to go to St.Johns which i've been told is great for beautiful beaches and great bars and different things to do and see. Try not to bash Aruba that much as yes, we didn't even mention the Holloway issue as they all are tired and don't want to get into it with people. Aruba banks on the tourists for their income and way of life but they are not poor like antigua and jamaica and even Bahamas (stopped on cruise)where I did NOT feel safe walking around, had to stay in resort. Aruba is safe to walk around at nite as cops/security was everywhere you went. I understand others feelings of the island and that is their choice but don't bash it for others. . everyone must go and experience all these islands for themselves as what you may not like-someone else will, and what you do like-someone else won't. My top favorites are Aruba, St.Thomas, St.Martin, and hopefully ST.John's .
I wish you good luck in your search and I agree with earlier posting - the prices go sky high when you book within a two to three week notice ( all places like advance booking) but if you got to do "last minute" realize you will pay higher prices unless you get the deals on internet or if T.A can help. Have fun and remember to relax - its a vacation.
Smile and Let the sunshine warm you.

Time's a wastin' here(!!) I would go with what is available before you stew on the destination question too long.

Even flying out on Christmas Day you will run into busy times in most places. If you can get a good flight and decent hotel -wherever- I'd go there.

I know popular destinations in Mexico (for example Puerto Vallarta is where I am most familiar with) hotel's book way in advance for the weeks around Christmas to New Year's.

Oh and yes you'd get the clear turquoise water and white sand along the Yucatan peninsula Cancun and such... because it's the Caribbean sea, same as the islands you're talking about.