David

My fiance and I are getting married on 2/22/03. We are looking for a 7night stay the following week in the carribean. We would like to keep our budget to $1200 per person(including airfare).

We know there are good specials out there.. just having a tough time finding them.

What we are looking for is some place that has a good tropical feel, nice beaches, watersports, some excursion opportunities (horseback riding, hiking through waterfalls or scenic areas, kayaking..etc) The only place we are not interested in is Cancun.(due to the highly commericialization of it).

Any ideas? Please help.. thanks!!

xxx

What about Playa del Carmen? Just south of Cancun but a whole different world. Try Apple Vacations for specials. I think their website is applevacations.com

Gail

Your travel dates are high season which also means high prices. The cheaper destinations are Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Cancun. Remember the more exotic the island usually also involves more than one flight and higher prices.

Sara

Try sunburstholidays.com out of Boston...they usually have good Jamaica deals---all inclusive if you're into that kind of thing or EP. SOme smaller hotels in Negril along with the AIs...also Mo Bay and Ocho Rios...they often have other areas of the Carribean too.

I think they have yet to post winter deals...and if you do go with them, be sure to use and stick with ONE agent to do all your booking. I got a wonderful deal in January (last) but some of the logistics were a nightmare...it ended up fine, but who needs the hassle if you can avoid it?

By the way, I got air, transfers, taxes, hotel--(no AI) for $525 a person in mid-January in Negril. Not too shabby...

good luck!

eastonlax

Good info Sara. I think the best opportunities will be out of Boston as they have the most departures.

What I have seen offered out of Providence is last minute e-deals usually by US Air to the Carribean.

Aruba is probably an option in your range with many Charters via GWV, Travel outlet etc..

Christie

Yes, Cancun is highly commericalized, but Playa Del Carmen just South of Cancun is very nice. The beaches are white powder sand, the water is turquoise blue and there are tons of excursions. As an avid horseback rider, I don't recommend horseback riding in a third world country, but you might enjoy it.

tivertonhouse

Even at US$500/RT each a ticket, you've still got US$200/a day to spend so your options aren't that limited. Look at AIR JAMAICA deals out of Logan. In Jamaica, Port Antonio (fly into Kingston and fly over or have a private driver for the 2 hour trip) match all your wish list, without commercialization as does the Treasure Beach area. Look into private cottages and villas as well.(treaurebeach.net,
jamaicans.com and other info sites).The DR (Dominican Republic)is often offered by travel agents in New England with links to GWV and other packagers. Look for packages into Punta Cana or less touristed areas like the Samana peninsula. The current Travel and Leisure is packed with info on some great places on the non high-rise commercialized coast south of Cancun to Playa del Carmen and south of Tulum,some in your price range. Fly tues/wed/thurs and you can also cut your airfare costs.

jamaica

You're lucky to be avoiding school vacation week by one week! To get to the Caribbean, you're usually better off leaving out of Boston. They have more direct flights. Check out the all-inclusive Air Jamaica vacation rate for the Ritz Carlton in Montego Bay. I just got a rate for school vacation week of around $1500 a person including airfare. It looks fabulous and includes everything!

Deanna

My husband and I just booked a trip to the D.R. through Vacation Outlet in Boston. We're from Newport, but the only good fares are out of Boston. There's also TNT Vacations and GWV Travel. We're leaving next Saturday and will be staying at the Natura Resort. The entire trip cost just $1400. There were even cheaper "deals." If you don't have a specific place in mind, my suggestion is to do what we did - wait until about a week or two before your departure date and book then. The rates really come down since the charter companies are trying to fill all of the spaces. I know this might be tough to do with a honeymoon, but it'll probably be well worth it. If you'd like, e-mail me after the 23rd and I'll let you know how it was!

native

Vacation Outlet by Filene's Basement usually has a HUGE sale just before and during Thanksgiving. Website is www.vacationoutlet.com. I also agree with a TNT or GWV charter. If you have nerves of steel, wait 2-4 weeks prior to when you want to go to book for the best deals. The discounts will be huge as TNT and GWV will want to sell off the last remaining seats on the flights.

Parrot Mom

If you want to live dangerously..instead of booking right now with the Vacation Outlet sale going on right now(read todaya Aunday Globe travel section).....go to the Vacation Outlet travel show the weekend in January of the 11th and 12th at the Bayside Exhibit in South Boston and look at the exhibits, sale boards put up by TNT and GWV and then talk to the people at GWV or TNT and book directly with them...The prices will be incredible, knowing it's your honeymoon they might hwve something ealy special..and there there will be lots of bargains around.. For further info please write me... Oh yes...I'll be booking my February vacation that Styurday morning too. Oh yes, I agree with you about Cancun and the Yucatan...

pjn

We also use Vacation Outlets and yes this is their sale time. We have booked trips to Jamaica, Nassau, Domincan Republic, Cancun and Mayan Roviera through them. They broker trips for GWV and TNT so you are apt to get a great deal...well within your budget!!!

x

Club Med has some "Great Deals" posted on their web site for seven-night stays including air from Providence for about $1200.