My wife and I are looking to take our first trip to the Caribbean... we are planning on going for around 5 - 7 days and hope to spend around 2000. First, where would you recommend going - we really want to have some great water/beaches and some other activites would be a huge plus. We are also thinking of all inclusive as we have heard that will save $$$. Any locations that are good? and any hotel reccomends would be awesome too! thanks!

If you are looking for All Inclusives check out the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Antigua, Cancun, Cozemel and Playa Del Carmen. There are lots of AI's on those islands.

Chad,

I assume the $2000 doesn't include airfare. When are you expecting to travel?

Most islands rates drop in late April so you shoukd get some good deals in May/June/July

My first trip to the caribbean was the Dominican Republic - They have so many AI's of all shapes and sizes. You get really taken care of - Most of them pick you up right at the airport. They generally have watersports right on the beach - For example, we walked down the beach and went parasailing (have to pay). The hotel hooked me up with a horseback riding excursion (e.g., I had to pay). I have heard people say that In jamaica vendors harass you. I NEVER got harassed once in the DR and I loved that.

The beaches are great and the water is pretty. You could get a trip for under 2000 for 5-7 days.

Generally, food at AIs are ok and the alcohol is limited in choice. Unless you go to one of the more expensive ones. The only thing about DR is that you do not get much of the culture because most people stay at the resorts. But if all you want is to chill on a beach, drink, meet some people here and there, do some watersports, etc.. DR is great and inexpensive. If you want to go see a volcano, do intense diving or snorkeling, mingle with the locals, hang in a tropical rain forest, etc... I wouldnt go to DR

I'd suggest not doing all inclusive. The A.I. rates usually assume you'll drink a lot. If you don't, you can probably spend less not doing it. Since it is your first trip, A.I. will tend to trap you at the resort, limiting your ability to explore the island. A good island for first-timers is Barbados; it has some of everything the Caribbean has to offer except a volcano. Wide variety of hotels, restaurants, sightseeing, beaches, history, lovely people. See www.barbados.org

I agree, Mexico or Jamaica is a good choice for AI options.

I disagree that an AI option will trap you at the hotel. It's your option to leave the resort and explore if you want to not the resorts. We only do AI properties if available and never feel trapped. We always get off the resort and take sponsered tours, go shopping and eat/drink off property.

For a first experience, I would suggest Mexico. You'll find air and hotel packages for around $2,000 with certain resorts. Especially in Cozumel and Cancun. The Mayan Rivieria area and Playa del Carmen may be a little more.

There are many things to see and do in Mexico including eco parks, mayan ruins, caves, cenotes, speed boats, ATVs, semi-sub, parasailing, fishing, snorkeling, water parks, dinner cruise, bar hopping tours, horseback riding. Mexico is considered a safe destination. Just use common sense.

We are staying at the Royal Playa del Carmen in Sept. and looking at the Viva Oasis in Canun for Nov. Of all the Islands we've been to, Mexico is our favorite.

I would strongly recommend Playa Del Carmen. There are lots of AI's there that are very nice. It gives you the Caribbean beach experience and also has some really fun nightlife that is just a walk away. We found Playa to be pretty inexpensive as far as Caribbean trips go.

I have heard that the Royal Playa Del Carmen has lost its beach. On triadvisor people were upset about it. Even people who have been there a few times said it is different now. Is that false? Or is the beach not that important to you?

I've been reading the TA reviews and message boards. Haven't seen that complaint. The complaint I've read about their beach is that during the Spring Break/Easter time period the locals came in abundance to use it. However, it is a public beach and everyone is allowed to use it.

I do understand that their beach is not going to be like the beaches in Grand Cayman, St. John, or Turks & Caicos, and that's not an issue to us.

You may want to check skyauction if your dates are flexible or bookit.com for some great AI deals. So many island are great. Some of the decission is how long you want to spend traveling to and from. For 5 days, I'd try to get as direct as possible where 7 days gives you a few other options.