Maui or Caribbean
Sep 12th, 2004, 07:59 AM
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Maui or Caribbean
My wife and I are planning a trip for this January and we are not sure if we should go back to Maui or try the Caribbean for the first time. We loved Maui, it has everything we love to do and it would be great to go back. We have also been to Florida and California two times each.
The reason I'm not sure about the Caribbean is I'm not sure if the All Inclusives are for me. We don't drink much at all, buffet eating isn't for me, I like getting out and trying new resteraunts while on holidays. We love getting out and exploring on our holidays not staying at a resort and laying on the beach all week.
The charter airlines are flying to Cuba, Dominican, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo. Out of these destinations which would suit our type of vacation style....any coments are welcome.
We are leaning towards either Punta Cana or Puerto Plata, wondering wich is better for beaches, snorkeling and exploring.
If anyone has been to Maui and some of these Caribbean destinations we would like to hear from you.
Thanks!
Alan
The reason I'm not sure about the Caribbean is I'm not sure if the All Inclusives are for me. We don't drink much at all, buffet eating isn't for me, I like getting out and trying new resteraunts while on holidays. We love getting out and exploring on our holidays not staying at a resort and laying on the beach all week.
The charter airlines are flying to Cuba, Dominican, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo. Out of these destinations which would suit our type of vacation style....any coments are welcome.
We are leaning towards either Punta Cana or Puerto Plata, wondering wich is better for beaches, snorkeling and exploring.
If anyone has been to Maui and some of these Caribbean destinations we would like to hear from you.
Thanks!
Alan
Sep 12th, 2004, 08:42 AM
#2
The Dominican Republic is all inclusive for the most part. Cancun is a big hotel resort type place. If you venture to dine elsewhere, you will probably get the stomach bug.
If you want a beautiful island, and wish to rent a condo, how about St.John? An island with many good restaurants is Aruba, but it is very dry and arid and resorty, but they also have condos you can rent. Also, St. Lucia is supposedly very lush and beautiful. You can stay at a nice resort there and venture out into rainforests and volcanos. We enjoyed Maui years ago, but from the east coast, it is quite a ways away!
If you want a beautiful island, and wish to rent a condo, how about St.John? An island with many good restaurants is Aruba, but it is very dry and arid and resorty, but they also have condos you can rent. Also, St. Lucia is supposedly very lush and beautiful. You can stay at a nice resort there and venture out into rainforests and volcanos. We enjoyed Maui years ago, but from the east coast, it is quite a ways away!
Sep 12th, 2004, 10:21 AM
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If you don't think an All Inclusive is for you, then do not book one. That would eliminate Dominican Republic and Manzanillo. That leaves Cuba or Cancun. If you go to Cancun stay in the best hotel you can afford, 5 or 6 star, and there are many fine restaurants to venture out to in the evening. The hotel can help you with your choices. Cuba and Cancun are the only ones in the Caribbean. PV is on the Pacific, but again, stay in the best hotel you can afford and there are many fine restauratnes in PV to go to in the evening. Hope that helps a little. I have been to all the places except Cuba; because I am an American I cannot travel to Cuba.
Sep 12th, 2004, 11:44 AM
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Hi, Saskdiamond.
We've been to both Maui and the Caribbean. We love both and I don't think we could ever say we loved one more than the other. I would, however, say to go to the Caribbean and try it. The water is more beautiful in the Caribbean for sure.
Have you considered Grand Cayman island? I know, with the hurricane you'll need to see how things shake out there for travel by January, but you would like the variety of restaurants and activies there, I'll bet. AIs aren't readily available there, and I'd advise staying in a condo on SMBeach rather than in a hotel. The Rum Point area (north) is also a nice, quiet area which you might enjoy. The island is small enough that you can get anywhere in not much time.
You will certainly have plenty to do on the island and won't have to spend major time on the beach (although once you see it, you may want to!).
Hope this helped a little.
Praying for our friends on the three Cayman Islands,
Lisa
We've been to both Maui and the Caribbean. We love both and I don't think we could ever say we loved one more than the other. I would, however, say to go to the Caribbean and try it. The water is more beautiful in the Caribbean for sure.
Have you considered Grand Cayman island? I know, with the hurricane you'll need to see how things shake out there for travel by January, but you would like the variety of restaurants and activies there, I'll bet. AIs aren't readily available there, and I'd advise staying in a condo on SMBeach rather than in a hotel. The Rum Point area (north) is also a nice, quiet area which you might enjoy. The island is small enough that you can get anywhere in not much time.
You will certainly have plenty to do on the island and won't have to spend major time on the beach (although once you see it, you may want to!).
Hope this helped a little.
Praying for our friends on the three Cayman Islands,
Lisa
Sep 12th, 2004, 06:15 PM
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Hi diamond,
Having been to both several times, I would choose the Caribbean. Main reason for me is the water. There is no where I have been where the water is more beautiful. We have been to Grand Cayman several times and like that a lot though it is getting more and more crowded. The seven mile beach is the place to stay (we liked villas of the galleon condos). Good places to eat there but you will need a car to get there or a taxi. Barbados is beautiful but beaches are not as long. St Martin is too crowded now that there are casinos. (You may like this type of crowd). St Barts is lovely but I have only been there on day trips and once on a "barefoot cruise".
Let me say a word about Cancun. I have been to the Maya Rivera twice lately and stayed at Maroma which is about 30 miles south of the Cancun airport. It is very beautiful and we love it but it might be a little quiet for you. However, if you have a car you can go into Playa for dinner some and tour Tulum or Coba. As for getting ill--just drink bottled water and use good judgement. I have not had a problem and the last trip I drank water from the pitcher at the restaurant. Happy travels.
Having been to both several times, I would choose the Caribbean. Main reason for me is the water. There is no where I have been where the water is more beautiful. We have been to Grand Cayman several times and like that a lot though it is getting more and more crowded. The seven mile beach is the place to stay (we liked villas of the galleon condos). Good places to eat there but you will need a car to get there or a taxi. Barbados is beautiful but beaches are not as long. St Martin is too crowded now that there are casinos. (You may like this type of crowd). St Barts is lovely but I have only been there on day trips and once on a "barefoot cruise".
Let me say a word about Cancun. I have been to the Maya Rivera twice lately and stayed at Maroma which is about 30 miles south of the Cancun airport. It is very beautiful and we love it but it might be a little quiet for you. However, if you have a car you can go into Playa for dinner some and tour Tulum or Coba. As for getting ill--just drink bottled water and use good judgement. I have not had a problem and the last trip I drank water from the pitcher at the restaurant. Happy travels.
