Hello:

I am presently planning my honeymoon. My fiance and I are looking at the all inclusives in the Carribean because we are on a tight budget as I am a first-year high school teacher and coach and she is still in college. The all inclusives seem to be alluring, but according to others they are only good for sport recreation. We really just want to hang out, be together, eat well, drink a little, see fun stuff, and not pay every cent of our meager savings. What advice does anyone have on destinations, specific locations, or things I should rethink? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

When are you getting married?

That plays a big part in the cost of a Caribbean vacation as airfare and accommodations are much higher in high season (late Nov. or early Dec. to late April in most places).

The least expensive (but still very nice) places are found in Mexico and Punta Cana - with other places having less expensive lodgings also if you know where to look.

I would never recommend an AI to anyone who has an interest in eating well

We are gettting married at the end of June around JAcksonville, Fl. Any thoughts on cruises also.

Summer is a great time to get some good bargains as it is off season in the caribbean. Also, it's early enough that hurricanes shouldn't be a concern, as prime hurrican season isn't until August/September.
I recommend looking into Aruba. Perfect weather year round, no hurricanes ever (too far south), beautiful beaches (stay at one of the hotels on Palm Beach). You should be able to get some good deals at good hotels there. They do have an AI (Allegro, right between the Hyatt and the Radisson), but the food is not great from what I hear. But it's got a great spot on the beach. Look into the Wyndham, it's usually got some good deals; also check out the Radisson (it's one of the top 2 hotels along with the Hyatt, but you can often get a pretty good deal there, especially in summer).
Good luck, and if you have specific questions, just ask.

Some people just love cruises, but they are not for me.

That said, you really get a lot of bang for your buck on a cruise and there are some good things about them.

Since budget is a concern, I'd steer you toward the Mayan Riviera on the Caribbean coast of Mexico. Check out locogringo.com

Places to look at include Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres and Akumal. It's an easy flight into Cancun, and then a 45 minute bus or taxi ride down Hwy 307. You can stay in VERY nice places for $100 per night since it is off season, and there are a lot of really nice and inexpensive places to eat.

To stay in Playa del Carmen - Playa Maya, El Faro, Deseo, Mosquito Blue.

Akumal - almost any of the nice condo places on the beach - very inexpensive.

Isla Mujeres - Na Balam, Secreto, Media Luna.

Actually, you can get very good deals throughout the Caribbean in June, so I'd encourage you to let us know whether you want a very active vacation or a relaxing one.

For instance, the suggestion of Aruba fits the bill for someone who wants lots of activities and glitz and nightlife, but it would not (imho) work well for someone looking for exotic island ambiance, lack of commercialism and a laid back island vibe.

All of the islands have their own distinct personality, and finding the one that fits what you want requires that we have more information from you.

Check out Royal Hideaway in Playa Del Carmen Mexico, on the Mexican Caribbean. Very upscale, gourmet food, great for a honeymoon. An excellent value for your $$ and much less $ than most Caribbean resorts.

I went to a AI near Playa recently. We took a cab to Akumal and I decided next time I go back, that's where I want to stay. I thought it was beautiful and so peaceful and not crowded. Las Casitas Akumal looked pretty nice to me and you walk out your back door to some good snorkeling. I think they are pretty affordable. The AI we went to was very cheap - El Dorado Resort and Spa. THere wasn't anything wrong with it for the $, but the food was so so. Didn't get sick though!

The perfect place for you is the Aventura Spa Palace in Riveria maya, Mexico. I went there on my honeymoon in March and we had the best time. Its all adults and a great value. AI and the food was great plus all of your drinks are included. Plus its an easy flight. check it out www.palaceresorts.com

I agree on Mexico, but I'd check out Cozumel. Charters through Vacation Express are very well done, take you right to your hotel from the airport too as part of the deal, and several airlines fly there. Really terrific snorkeling and diving, many beautiful places and VERY inexpensive. We've been to 15-20 different Caribbean islands, and Cozumel is the only one we've been to more than once. We also took our kids there one year and they still say it's the best vacation ever. I recommended it to a friend of my son's when he got married, young and poor also, and they we SO happy to have gone there. Hope you have a wonderful honeymoon and a long, happy life together.

Check out "Couples" in Jamaica. Closer to you and all-inclusive. Lots of honeymooners.

How about five nights at The Reef in Cayman, including flights (1hr 30min only)from Tampa, for US$1515 for two.

Our Honeymoon package includes :
- 5 nights in a Luxury Beachfront Studio Suite with patio or balcony and Jacuzzi
- Bottle of champagne waiting for you in your room, chilled and ready
- Dinner for two with bottle of champagne and entertainment by the legendary Barefoot Man
- Stingray City Trip for two
- Personalised concierge service to attend to your every need.
- All taxes

Now, we are not an all-inclusive, but with these special prices a few hundred bucks for eating out and drinks won't be the end of the world

Congratulations by the way !