Jamaica vs. Barbados
 

Hello New Family,

I'll make this quick. I have a group of 10 ladies (all turning 50 in 2015). We are looking to have an exciting and chic time. We have decided to stay 4 days and 5 nights, but everyday has to count. Side dish: No old accommodations, but chic and modern:-)

We are looking to get saturated in the culture, and the nightlife is a MUST...after all we are turning 50! Hint: We are all single except for 2 of us.

In addition, we also thought of San Francisco vs San Diego. We are not limited to these locations but we do need to make a decision before the end of this week. Our budget is 1800.00 max.

Thanks for your help,

P.S. A nice Smooth Jazz Concert would be nice.

I would not go to either Barbados or Jamaica if nightlife is a must. Cancun or Aruba might be more appropriate, from both the budget and nightlife point of view. Maybe even St Martin. When you say saturated in the culture, what precisely do you mean? Going out in Barbados, Jamaica or St Martin away from hotels or restaurants in the evening is not something I would be comfortable with doing personally. Caribbean is not generally known for safe evening activities and it is not known for thumping nightlife. Havana is the exception, but I guess you are not allowed to go there or Grand Cayman (expensive destination), possibly Playa del Carmen in Mexico, it is a small city with plenty going on.

You'll find more of what you're looking for in some of the big European cities ( London, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam), but your budget probably isn't realistic for that if it includes airfare.

Anyway, I agree totally with the advice above. The Caribbean doesn't offer a ton of nightlife. And much as I love Jamaica, you may not feel comfortable going out at night.

Aruba fits some of your wishlist, but most of the nightlife centers around restaurants, gambling, and a handful of clubs.

Have you thought about a short cruise?

First off where are you coming from? That would make a difference considering flying time, with only 4 days. Have you considered New Orleans? You can be saturated in the history and culture. It is within the U.S most certainly has night life.

I also like the idea of a cruise.

Thank you to those who took the time to comment. Let me address each reply: We are leaving from the Dallas/Ft. Worth Airport (4 days and 5 nights), and yes with a small budget. A cruise was consider and we could reconsider, but I'm where I started...cruise where? You have 10 different women turning 50 and full of life. That is why the 4 days MUST count. All of us have visited New Orleans and had a wonderful time.

Saturation of the culture just means experiencing their way of life (seeing the highs and lows). If the inhabitants are stomping grapes in the vineyards we want too as well, and if the transit system is "horse and buggy" we are ready to ride! Also, we do not have to party every night--at least 2:-). One night we soak in their music and dance, and the other night we find our music so we can "Party like its 1999!" Things we all love to do: Dine well, Jazz concert, bomb-fire, walk for the cures, shopping, casinos, plays, etc. At the end of the day its important that we bond with a ton of fun!!!

I don't know what bomb-fire is, but maybe you should look into Puerto Rico. They have the kind of culture that likes to party like it's 1999. Excellent food, casinos(the El San Juan is famous throughout the Caribbean), music, etc. Old San Juan is a wonderful getaway.

I'm pretty sure American (and maybe Southwest now?)fly directly from D-FW.

TWTraveler have you considered Las Vegas? This seems to have capability of checking off most of your boxes. Oddly enough I have not seen you post once about relaxing on a beach with turquoise water-? Las Vegas can usually be done reasonably so and good deals can be found. You might get the biggest bang for your buck in that location. A barge ride on Lake Meade is always fun I have done that twice. You can enjoy a pool, beach type atmosphere, party shows casinos etc.

I would also want a fast direct flight someplace. Also maybe Nappa Valley in California. Wine tasting, etc.

Try applevacations.com and see what type of deal you can get for Maya Riviera, Playa Del Carmen area. With that many ladies you might get a great package deal. I just would not want to go to far and spend a day traveling with your time restraints.

Take a look at San Juan, Puerto Rico and in particular, consider staying at El San Juan hotel (or possibly La Concha). You have the beach right there and you can also visit Old San Juan for it's beautiful architecture and some interesting history. There are plenty of restaurants in Old San Juan, Condado and Isla Verde. You can party at El San Juan lobby bar on the weekends and you will have a great time. There is live music, lots of people dancing and a great mix of ages and tourists as well as locals. In addition you can rent a car and go to Guavate on a weekend day for an outdoor party and a great pig roast (worth going even if a pig roast is not your thing).

this reply is probably too late but hands down San Juan has the combination of what you are looking for. Depending on the season it maybe in the budget...I imagine AA has non stop flights (important for such a short trip) and they also usually have some sort of air/land package including transfers etc. that may be cost effective. I like the idea of El San Juan above too. That sounds more exciting to me than LAS if it works.

by the way some of the places you mentioned IE Jamaica etc. are just not for doing anything other than staying on site at least in terms of woman out and safety; however SJU should be just fine...OSJ is fun and different enough to be interesting to everyone.

SJU is a great choice for them. It can be quite pricy and to be honest I don't think there budget will enable them to do Puerto Rico. If can then great! Whatever they do it I am sure they will have a good time.

I agree with SJU, but don't think their budget fits. What about Miami?

I would look at the Caribbean coast of Mexico, with your budget and starting point and wish list. Playa del Carmen or Cancun.

Oh, and I only know Jamaica but it really isn't anything like what you describe, in my limited experience (3 trips thru Montego Bay staying in Negril).

Wow, "What a difference a few days make." Let's see...eastenderusvi: A bomb-fire is created by a brain fog...I meant "bonfire"--LOL! I am so elated with the feedback from each of you; so much so, I'll start a new search on San Juan & Puerto Rico. Also, Diann24 and Suze, I just started looking at Mexico: Maya Riviera, Playa Del Carman, Cancun. There's a Villa I found in Isla Mujeres, Riviera Maya. So, if any of you have heard/visited this area let me know.

I'll have my decision made hopefully by Sunday and I'll let you all know. Again, Thank You!!!

Isla Mujeres! Yes! I have not been to that side of Mexico yet but IF and WHEN I get there (it's hard for me to miss a trip to Puerto Vallarta) Isla Mujeres is definitely on my list.

Plus since you were looking at the Caribbean in the first place might be a good fit. That said, my impression is that Isla Mujeres is a more quiet place, it's a teeny island, I'm not sure it offers the type of nightlife you seek or that there is "culture" to be saturated in. It's just more a kick back vacation place I think.

I was to Isla Mujeres many years ago on only a day trip from Cancun. We rented mopeds and drove around. It was just a small island and it may be very built up now perhaps. I have to agree with suze it maybe quiet and laid back. Perhaps others have made a more recent visit.

I would stick with Playa del Carman/Puerto Rico and see what works best from a financial standpoint. When you go will certainly make a difference. I don't believe I have seen that posted as to timeframe? Good luck.

Have to agree with what's been said above. If you want any kind of nightlife etc., you won't be happy on Isla Mujeres. It's a beautiful place, but more for sun and and relaxation than shopping and nightlife, both of which you will find in Cancun or Playa Del Carmen.

Drum roll please... we decided on New York--New York was not even on our agenda. We have 9 women all turning 50, in the BIG Apple. Our travel dates are: June 3 - 8, 2015. Airfare is paid, but now we need accommodations, activities, restaurants, etc. I found a chic Brownstone in Harlem that would accommodate all of us, but I'm getting different opinions on if Harlem is safe or not. We are not opposed to staying in Jersey City, or Brooklyn but are they logistically sound? I know we want be in most of the day or night but accommodations must be nice. We would like to keep the group together so a brownstone, loft, home would be needed. I love Manhattan but it is too costly; unless someone knows anything different. Let me here from my Fodor Family.