Dominican, mexico or barbados?!
Jun 12th, 2014, 01:22 PM
#1
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Dominican, mexico or barbados?!
Me and my 18 year old daughter are looking for our holiday this July for 2 weeks (i know it is late) and we want to go somewhere special as its a big birthday for both of us this year .
We were originally thinking of Barbados or the Dominican republic but now cant decide. We cant decide to have a bit more luxury in the Dominican republic or have a more vibrant surrounding.
Then we thought about mexico but my daughter preferred somewhere else in the Caribbean though i am yet to persuade her.
Just hoped someone could shed some light on these places that they may not talk about online and also recommend any resorts.
Any help would be appreciated thanks!
We were originally thinking of Barbados or the Dominican republic but now cant decide. We cant decide to have a bit more luxury in the Dominican republic or have a more vibrant surrounding.
Then we thought about mexico but my daughter preferred somewhere else in the Caribbean though i am yet to persuade her.
Just hoped someone could shed some light on these places that they may not talk about online and also recommend any resorts.
Any help would be appreciated thanks!
Jun 13th, 2014, 08:08 AM
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I absolutely LOVE Barbados. I have not travelled to your other options, so I can't compare.
However, Barbados is a beautiful island with amazing people.
The South Coast is where I typically stay, but it all depends on what you'd like to get out of your vacation.
Coconut Court Hotel in Christ Church is a great option. Check out their Facebook page as you can often sign up for deals. They are right on the beach and walking distance to a Boardwalk that you can walk to restaurants and grocery stores.
Renting a car or hiring a driver for the day is a must. You can go to a handful of coastal spots with breathtaking views and amazing beaches.
I can go on and on if you decide to go!
However, Barbados is a beautiful island with amazing people.
The South Coast is where I typically stay, but it all depends on what you'd like to get out of your vacation.
Coconut Court Hotel in Christ Church is a great option. Check out their Facebook page as you can often sign up for deals. They are right on the beach and walking distance to a Boardwalk that you can walk to restaurants and grocery stores.
Renting a car or hiring a driver for the day is a must. You can go to a handful of coastal spots with breathtaking views and amazing beaches.
I can go on and on if you decide to go!
Jun 13th, 2014, 08:43 AM
#3
I'd pick the Mayan Riviera (Caribbean coastline of Mexico) over the DR. Around Cancun including Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, etc. I've never been to Barbados to comments about that. In the Caribbean I really like Negril Jamaica.
Jun 13th, 2014, 03:02 PM
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Without knowing what YOU & DD want in a vacation it's difficult to steer you in the right direction. The places you are considering have their supporters as well as detractors.
You haven't given us anything to go on. All we know is your daughter is 18, you are having a "big birthday" and you are planning to travel in July. We don't even know if you are the 18 YO's father or mother - it could make a difference on what people recommend.
Give us some idea of where you are traveling from, your travel budget for airfare and your budget for accommodations and food. Tell us too , what type of vacation you are seeking - do you just want to sit on a beach or are you looking for lots of off resort activities such as hiking, water sports, nightlife, casinos, shopping, boating, diving, etc. the more things you can tell us about your likes and dislikes the easier it will be for the contributors here to help you. Otherwise all you will get is people telling you they liked or disliked one or more of your destinations but it is NOT what they like that matters it is what YOU and YOUR DAUGHTER like.
You haven't given us anything to go on. All we know is your daughter is 18, you are having a "big birthday" and you are planning to travel in July. We don't even know if you are the 18 YO's father or mother - it could make a difference on what people recommend.
Give us some idea of where you are traveling from, your travel budget for airfare and your budget for accommodations and food. Tell us too , what type of vacation you are seeking - do you just want to sit on a beach or are you looking for lots of off resort activities such as hiking, water sports, nightlife, casinos, shopping, boating, diving, etc. the more things you can tell us about your likes and dislikes the easier it will be for the contributors here to help you. Otherwise all you will get is people telling you they liked or disliked one or more of your destinations but it is NOT what they like that matters it is what YOU and YOUR DAUGHTER like.
Jun 13th, 2014, 03:18 PM
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I would pick Barbados over Mexican Riviera. I have not been to the DR. Barbados has that real caribbean charm and the people are so nice and beaches are beautiful. When I visited, I flew to Barbados for the first week then to St. Lucia for the second week. St. Lucia is exotic!
Jetblue Airline has one-way flights into Barbados and St. Lucia. I would also check out Grenada.
Let us know there you decide to visit!
Jetblue Airline has one-way flights into Barbados and St. Lucia. I would also check out Grenada.
Let us know there you decide to visit!
Jun 14th, 2014, 01:07 AM
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Barbados over Mexican Riviera, if you want a Caribbean island destination. The beaches on the west coast are far better than any of those I saw on the Maya Riviera. Then second choice, Mexican Riviera over DR.
Jun 16th, 2014, 01:15 PM
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Sorry should have given more details!
Thanks for everyones replies.
I would like to be able to leave the resort and see towns/attractions that are nearby. Hence why mexico is calling me (the Mayan ruins) but my daughter is much more of a beach person who sleeps until lunch time! We want to be able to relax in the resort if we just feel like lounging but also have the choice to explore outside and look at all the wonderful town and shops that are on offer. Also DD would like the chance to meet people her own age as we normally make friends with different families as 2 weeks on our own together is a lot to manage! So no adults only resorts please!
Our budget is a little over £2300 each which i have gathered to be enough to get a decent place. This can be stretched but not very far. All inclusive is preferable but not necessary as well.
As a mother and daughter couple, i have read that sometimes people take advantage of the fact we are 2 women on our own in Barbados and mexico. Now this is only something i have read a few times in reviews of different resorts and no way believe this is a generalisation, but can anyone tell me their experiences regarding safety etc?
One last thing is the weather. We have been told that unless we go somewhere like aruba, we may experience a substantial amount of rain? Does anyone have any experience of barbados in july?
Thank you all very much!
Thanks for everyones replies.
I would like to be able to leave the resort and see towns/attractions that are nearby. Hence why mexico is calling me (the Mayan ruins) but my daughter is much more of a beach person who sleeps until lunch time! We want to be able to relax in the resort if we just feel like lounging but also have the choice to explore outside and look at all the wonderful town and shops that are on offer. Also DD would like the chance to meet people her own age as we normally make friends with different families as 2 weeks on our own together is a lot to manage! So no adults only resorts please!
Our budget is a little over £2300 each which i have gathered to be enough to get a decent place. This can be stretched but not very far. All inclusive is preferable but not necessary as well.
As a mother and daughter couple, i have read that sometimes people take advantage of the fact we are 2 women on our own in Barbados and mexico. Now this is only something i have read a few times in reviews of different resorts and no way believe this is a generalisation, but can anyone tell me their experiences regarding safety etc?
One last thing is the weather. We have been told that unless we go somewhere like aruba, we may experience a substantial amount of rain? Does anyone have any experience of barbados in july?
Thank you all very much!
Jun 16th, 2014, 06:30 PM
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Based on your outline for your trip it does sound like you may find more fascinating towns culturally in Mexico, however the charm of Barbados also is nice.
I think Mexico may be more appealing to you authentically but Barbados may be a good compromise given the stunning beaches and the formulaic preservation of history in places like St. Nicholas Abbey, the Museum etc. Towns in Barbados are quaint shopping towns Holetown, Bridgetown, Speighstown .
Outside of the beaches , depending on where you choose to stay south or west coast there is plenty to do by way of food and attractions, which would result in meeting a few people.
As far as safety, practising the same caution you would at home would be sufficient in Barbados, be polite and not overly engaging with stranger outside of your accommodation staff for example.
Food choices are varied in Barbados so is accommodation as per your budget. The weather in July for the most part should hold up so you can enjoy sunny island days.
I think Mexico may be more appealing to you authentically but Barbados may be a good compromise given the stunning beaches and the formulaic preservation of history in places like St. Nicholas Abbey, the Museum etc. Towns in Barbados are quaint shopping towns Holetown, Bridgetown, Speighstown .
Outside of the beaches , depending on where you choose to stay south or west coast there is plenty to do by way of food and attractions, which would result in meeting a few people.
As far as safety, practising the same caution you would at home would be sufficient in Barbados, be polite and not overly engaging with stranger outside of your accommodation staff for example.
Food choices are varied in Barbados so is accommodation as per your budget. The weather in July for the most part should hold up so you can enjoy sunny island days.
Jun 18th, 2014, 08:05 AM
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Barbados is beautiful with fun shopping. DH and I are elderly and we both felt very safe and were treated with kindness and friendliness. I would feel fine being there on my own.
I have not been to DR, but one DD lived there for over a year and other DD visited, staying in an AI resort. Both are well traveled and neither felt totally safe going out on their own.
I have not been to DR, but one DD lived there for over a year and other DD visited, staying in an AI resort. Both are well traveled and neither felt totally safe going out on their own.
Jun 23rd, 2014, 09:48 AM
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Consider St Croix. See my threads for details.
http://www.fodors.com/community/cari...n-st-croix.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/cari...r-st-croix.cfm
The island is green, hilly, and pretty. The people are friendly. It is US territory. There is history. Gorgeous waters and beaches. Relatively inexpensive.
Look at The Buccaneer resort.
http://www.thebuccaneer.com/
It is every bit as good as the reviews say it is.
http://www.fodors.com/community/cari...n-st-croix.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/cari...r-st-croix.cfm
The island is green, hilly, and pretty. The people are friendly. It is US territory. There is history. Gorgeous waters and beaches. Relatively inexpensive.
Look at The Buccaneer resort.
http://www.thebuccaneer.com/
It is every bit as good as the reviews say it is.
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