foodiern

Group of friends, about 25 adults along w/ 15 or so children ages 13 to 22 looking for a place to meet over 7/4 06 for about 5 nights. Most are from East Coast. Cost IS a factor..unfortunately. So many AL's that don't quite know where to start. Thoughts?

MuyLinda

How about Playa del Carmen, Mexico? PDC offers many all-inclusive resorts that are very family friendly. I'm suggesting A/I so the members of your party who are watching their $$ will know ahead that everything but day trips or souveniers is included.

virginia

hi foodiern, if you could tell us a bit more about what you are looking for. casinos, clubs for dancing and bands, culture, total r&r on beach? lush island or more arid? large island for exploring and tours or small where you could learn your way around in a day? an island that has tons of ppl or someplace quiet? snorkeling, diving, sailing? do ppl want to go parasailing, jet-ski, play tennis, golf? do you truly want a place that all meals are pre-paid or would some like to explore the local restaurants? how well do you all really know each other? as in will everyone want to do everything together or split up in sub-groups?
you really have a project here. 40 ppl is a big group to plan for.
one tip i have is plan as few "you have to be there by" things as you can. just attended a wedding on st. thomas and getting all 41 ppl to any one spot on time was a nightmare. not that anybody was being difficult, but watches came off, island time took over and ppl with kids took longer for obvious reasons...

ONZGO

I can personally recommend the Barcelo Maya all inclusive resort in the Mayan Riviera area, which is south of Cancun. Don't get this area confused with Cancun itself, which is very Americanized and party central now. The Mayan Riviera area is more old Mexico with wonderful new all inclusive resorts. All inclusives are easier to budget and arrange when doing a group as you will basically know what your vacation costs before you leave home and no trying to get everyone together to figure out where to go to dinner every night. We have had 3 family reunions at this resort and it was so easy to arrange. There is a lot to do at this resort if you want including snorkeling at their wonderful beach, mini golf, great outdoors disco, great theatre and many other land/water activities that are included. Playa del Carmen is just a short taxi or collective ride away and there are Mayan ruins to explore as well as eco/water parks to visit and cenotes to swim/snorkel in. It is very good value for the dollar. If you want any more information on this resort, check out this website http://www.unofficial-barcelo-maya.com/

On this Unoffical Barcelo Maya website there is tons of information and lots of pictures of people's vacation pictures while at the resort and of surrounding area, so make sure you check the sticky at the top of the discussion forum for links to these pictures. There are so many other wonderful all inclusive resorts in this area that if the Barcelo Maya doesn't suite your needs, you can find many others.

Good Luck in your quest and have a great vacation. 8-)

tess53

a friend of mine is doing a cruise with group of 30..similar ages for adults and "kids"as yours. what her group found after much island/resort shopping, was for their size/requests/price, a cruise was the best solution. they got a good rate pp due to the group size and there is enough activity on board to keep all happy...also there will be no need to travel in a "pack". they picked a cruise(eastern caribbean)with enough island stops so they can explore each with different adventures. just a suggestion !! good luck !

vinceygirl

Windjammer had trips sailing from Miami 4, 5, and 6 days. There is also a Junior Jammer program available. I never sailed that itinerary but all reports indicate those that did enjoyed it. A group that large would probably qualify for a discount. The ship that sails from Miami is called the Legacy.