Debsuzannek

Hi. This is my first post. It would not be an exaggeration to say that my family has never experienced a good vacation. EVER. We're not big travellers and I, frankly, don't know how to plan a trip. I am determined to change our track record this year. We live in the midwest and would like to go somewhere warm and nice for winter break. We are two adults, a 16 year old boy (who actually enjoys being with his family) and an 11 year old girl. We are not jocks or outdoorsy types, but do enjoy laying around on nice beaches, walks, shopping, swimming. I'm a bit nervous around big waves. We sound like a bunch of geeks, don't we?!? Anyway, I'm looking for a tropical vacation that won't break our budget, about a week in length, in a safe, warm, environment, and where there's the availability of swimming, sightseeing (maybe), and eating in nice restaurants. I just discovered this website, and can see that there are many well-travelled people who hang out here. I am hoping you can help point us in the right direction. Thank you very, very much!!

Mary

I would suggest Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Lots to do for you and your kids, beautiful beaches, about a 3-1/2 hour flight from O'Hare, and beautiful resorts which are very reasonably priced. <BR><BR>I'd check out the Latin America Fodor's board for more info. if interested. I think this would be wonderful as a first-timers Caribbean trip (it was mine and I can't wait to go back), and it has everything you're looking for.

divegirl

Hi. I'd recommend either Aruba or Grand Cayman. Plenty to do and great beaches and beautiful water. <BR><BR>You may want to book through USAirways Vacations or something simila. You get great deals and they take care of flights, lodging and tranfers. And all taxes and dpearture fees etc...are already included.<BR><BR>If you decide on either of these places, let me know and I'll be glad to send over rome info on good hotels and "must do" activities.

Nancy

Hello,<BR>I've got a couple of suggestions.<BR>Since you are not comfortable with planning vacations, and have never been to the Caribbean, you might want to find a really good travel agent in your area that you can sit down with for an extended period of time and tell exactly the activities and things you and your family are looking for.<BR>You will get a lot of good advice here, but we all have very different opinions, and you may find yourself more confused than when you started <BR>Most of the Caribbean islands have very little surf - some of the best for that and have gorgeous beaches are Anguilla, Turks and Caicos, and Cozumel off the Caribbean coast of Mexico.<BR>You could go on a cruise, which takes you to a lot of different locations and has planned excursions, but I don't think it is quite what you're looking for.<BR>My vote for a land-based vacation would be Cozumel.<BR>Easy to get to, very safe, a lot to do and see, relatively inexpensive, great shopping and restaurants.<BR>Another option might be some of the British or the US Virgin Islands.<BR>

allsoundgood

All suggestions sound great and there is not a bad suggestion so far. You do mention you don't want to break the bank,keep in mind this is peak time for the Caribbean Islands. You can check applevacations.com they will show you some packages which include flights, meals, and some photos of some destinations. One not mentioned which is considered a reasonable Caribbean destination is Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. I would also second Mexico, Playa Del Carmen. I would sit down with a travel agent, explain your price up front, and let them come up with some ideas. Good luck and enjoy.

Caribbean Specialist

To find good agents in your area, go to www.applevacations.com (Travel Agent Locator) or www.funjetvacations.com<BR>Funjet's 500 Club agents are listed (they sell the most, so should know how to put a great trip together).<BR>Also check www.wiredflyer.com click on a state and you will get a qualified agent.

Debbie

To be a little more specific, I'd like to recommend some resorts. First, if you are going to the Mayan Riviera (south of Cancun), go to the Barcelo Maya Beach resort (see this website: www.unofficial-barcelo-maya.com). Second, if going to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, go to either the Iberostar Dominicana or Iberostar Punta Cana or the new Superclubs Breezes (was Lti Sol de Plata Punta Cana beach resort). See this website for DR: www.debbiesdominicantravel.com<BR>For overall caribbean resort reviews, see this website:<BR>www.caribbeanopinion.com OR<BR>www.debbiescaribbeanresortreviews.com<BR>Fro m my location, the DR is cheaper but that may not be the case with you. The beaches in Punta Cana are simply spectacular. The beach at the Barcelo in the Mayan Riviera is one of the best in the area. Either location is very reasonable and you'll have a great time.

Penney

I would also suggest Dominican Republic. It does seem to be alot more reasonable then otoher islands and you do get alot for your dollar. There is a site called "Caribbean Travel Roundup" that has reviews and might help. Another good site is www.wheretostay.com <BR><BR>Mexico, also suggested, too is a good choice as is Jamaica.<BR><BR>www.libertytravel.com Is a good site to begin with as far as pricing. They are a pretty reliable source but do look greatly on the web - usually you can find prices that are below what traditioanl travel agent would quote.<BR><BR>Feel free to email me and I can pass on some sites.<BR><BR>Penney

xyz

I would not recommend Dominican Republic if you're looking for sightseeing and other activities. While they have beautiful beaches and is considered a bargain destination, there is not much to do or see there outside those resorts.

xyz

I too highly recommend Playa Del Carmen.

me

http://travelwithkids.about.com/<BR><BR>Check this link out. All you have to do is plug in which island is of interest to you.

Cathy

I would like to "second" the very good advice you have gotten so far. If you are not that good at planning a vacation, definitely go to a travel agent.<BR><BR>Realize that traveling in the winter to the Caribbean is the high season, and hotels, flights, etc. will be more expensive than they are in the summer time. If by winter break you are talking about February, there is a possibility of getting a deal. But it will be more expensive than if you wait until late spring, early summer.<BR><BR>One definite thing to do before you get together with the travel agent is make sure that you have a list of the things you kids would like to do as well as what you and your husband want to do. Kids get bored very easily, and many of the destinations suggested above are heaven to me, but would be boring to kids.<BR><BR>A good family oriented all inclusive would have activities for the kids and relaxation for you and husband.<BR><BR>A good book to get is the <BR>Caribbean for Dummies guide. Silly name for a very good book that give you step by step information on how to plan a vacation as well as how to save money on the trip and information on popular destinations. I happen to have the Bahamas for Dummies guide and it has a rating guide to help you decide which island to go to.<BR><BR>A good travel agent and the book should get you off to a great start for planning a vacation. And come back to this board for details.

Sam

Grand Cayman is a great destination but it can easily break the bank. If this is important to you, which it sounds like it is, go elsewhere. Food, drinks, housing, etc. is quite expensive compared to many other islands.