My wife and I, along with 3 other couples (all late-20s) are looking to take a trip at the end of April '06, or more likely, the beginning of May. I'm taking the lead on where to go, and have started doing some research.

Basically, here's what we're looking for: good beaches and weather, enough daytime activities to keep people with different interests happy (golf, a little history, hiking, some diving maybe, etc), and a good enough nightlife to go out, have some drinks, and hear some music with a fun crowd...but not any kind of crazy dance club or spring breakish scene. Additionally, it would be a real bonus to go somewhere that isn't overly touristy or Americanized, but still safe and unintimidating.

For the Carribean locations I've scouted, the ones that sound the most interesting to me are Anguilla and St. Kitts/Nevis, and possibly St. John. Sounds like they all have a pretty wide array of activities, are a little more secluded than most, but still have enough going on to have some fun at night.

That said...some people we're going with have also expressed an interest in Mexico, especially Los Cabos, Cozumel, and Playa Del Carmen. For some reason, I'm not as big of a fan of Mexico, as I think the Carribean seems a little more fun and secluded, but I could be way off.

As my rambling has probably shown, I'm kinda spinning my wheels. Right now, I'm trying to get a feel for the differences between Mexico and the Carribean (I'm assumig Mexico is a little cheaper - i.e. more 'bang for the buck'?). Also, if there are any recommendations (pro/con) on the places I listed (or even places to stay at those locales), I would definitely appreciate hearing them.

Thanks in advance!!

Hello gamedayoc! I cant help but recommend St. John. Personally I wouldnt go to Mexico for free.The beaches on the North shore of St. John are as beautiful as it gets. If you get bored you can always take the ferryat Cruz Bay in St. John over to Red Hook in St. Thomas. There ie plenty of great, fun nightlife oin St. Thomas, especially the GREENHOUSE club on the downtown strip,Point Pleasant, the Sunday party at watyer island and Hull bay. Lots of great places to have fun. There are some fun little bars oin Cruz Bay in St. John also. While in Saint John make sure you go to Hawksnest Beach,Cinnamon Bay and Trunk Bay. They are all beautiful. I would definitely go to St. John and a great place to stay in St. John would be the ESTATE LINDHOLM resort. great place close to everything and you will save money there. Go to www. estatelindholm.com to check it out.

The east coast of Mexico is on the Carribean.

Last winter we took our first Mexican vacation after six trips to Caribbean islands. We stayed in Akumal (south of Cancun); visited Playa del Carmen and Cozumel.

We're really glad we went to the Yucatan because of the opportunity to see some of the Mayan ruins. However, our next few trips will probably be to islands we have not yet seen.

A couple of comments: MOST places in Mexico are cheaper than MOST other places in the Caribbean; but Jamaica and the Dominican Republic can be pretty inexpensive.

(I've heard the same about Cuba, but being a US citizen, I don't have that option).

Some islands (like Anguilla) are flat and not very attractive, but have fantastic beaches; St. John and St. Kitts are very scenic.

One thing I noticed about Mexico is that the local residents are not as laid back as we're used to elsewhere in the Caribbean. As far as I can tell, the odds of gastro-intestinal problems are greater in Mexico and the Dominican than other Carib locations. Another consideration is whether a language barrier will make your trip less relaxing.

Frankly, we've never had a trip to a Caribbean island, Mexico, or Florida that we didn't enjoy immensely.

St. Kitts is a beautiful island. Visit www.discover-stkitts-nevis-beaches.com for more information.

Thanks for the replies so far everyone. And Frankie - thanks for the geography lesson. I realize the east coast of Mexico borders the Carribean. What I was looking for was some thoughts regarding a trip to somewhere in Mexico versus one of the Carribean islands.

I traveled to Mexico- Cancun. Truthfully although the hotels are beautiful structures it seemed like all cement and sand sprinkled with a few palm trees. Not my idea of paradise but then to each his own. I don't believe I would go back even if someone offered to pay my way.
That's what is nice there are more than enough places to pick and choose what you want.

you didn't mention what you wanted to spend a night?

I'd suggest the Yucatan/Mayan coast...if it hadn't just been hit by a hurricane.

check this out...in this area of the DR you can spend from $12 -$130 a night and fullfill all your lists requirements...layed back beach...then a motorcycle taxi 10 minutes to where the action is in town

http://www.las-terrenas-hotels.com/ebahia.html

Actually I think you are accurate in the description of what you want and my suggestion, based on what you have said is to look into Puerto Rico. I think it has what you are looking for, great beaches, plenty of golf, the rain forest to visit and explore, history abounding in old San Juan, restaurants and night life. Best of luck, Larry