Hi, we have for years been dreaming of a Caribbean vacation but never had the chance. I am determined this year but need advice. We would like to travel last week of August and prefer a beach vacation. We could do short hikes but I would like to have a laid back beach vacation as much as it is possible with an 8 year old and 1 year old. We have a limited budget, hoping to stay within $2,500-$3,000.

I hear August is hurricane season, hoping we will be lucky to miss it. Any advice on destination, including resort vs house rent?

Thanks in advance!

Does your budget include airfare or is that just for accommodations & food? If it includes airfare where are you flying from? How long a trip are you p

Sorry, hit "send" too soon.

Last sentence should read "how long a trip are you planning?

Regardless, your budget is will go furthest in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Cosumel so concentrate your search to those destinations.

Thanks. Budget is including flight, hopefully food as well. We'll be flying from east coast (JFK or EWR) for 6 nights stay.

It's really really hot most of the islands that time of year (besides the hurrican threat). I was in Jamaica in July and it was pretty close to not-bearable.

With your budget you will get more if you look to Mexico (the "Mayan Riviera" is what the Caribbean coast is called) instead of an island.

Your budget is "tight" for 4 people (even if one of them is only 1 YO) if it includes airfare.

Look at AI resorts in Cancun or Playa del Carmen (the Mayan Riviera suggested by suze) as they are among the lest expensive places in the Caribbean and there are usually low airfares from JFK or EWR to Cancun.

Check "package deals" on your airline of choice's websites you may find good pricing.

In addition to checking the airlines' websites (look under their vacation packages) you can also check the large travel agencies as well. Liberty Travel is a good one to try. They often have specials and August is very low season so you may be able to meet your budget. Mexico is likely your best choice.

Are there any websites you would recommend for package vacations? I only know of expedia, orbitz, travelocity.com

By the way. Thank you all for all the info. I don't mind the heat but considering the kids, maybe we should bite tge bullet and try to go in November. Concern is the budget for November ofcourse. Oh well, we'll find a way.

August really is quite brutally hot and humid in the Caribbean and then you have the big threat of hurricanes. We almost always go in November. That's still officially hurricane season but by then it's the tail end of the season. You can still find deals in November as it's not high season.

I received a notice of a 99 hour sale from Bookit. They might have something that appeals to you. Disclaimer, I've never used Bookit so this is in no way an endorsement. I saw the prices and thought of your post looking for budget accommodations. As everyone has said above, your best bet is probably Mexico. You'll generally have nicer accommodations for the same money you would pay elsewhere.

http://bookit.com

Apple Vacations is another place to look for package deals. Again, I haven't used them but I thought I'd throw it out there.

I'm cleaning out my e-mail and came across another offer you may not be able to pass up. Another source for package deals is TravelZoo. This is one of their highlighted offers right now and I'm not sure you can do any better. You'll need to book quickly as it'll surely sell out at this price. It comes out to $150/person per night but that is all-inclusive and children under 12 stay and eat for free. Airfare is also very affordable with this deal: $297/person from New York. It's an AAA 4-Diamond resort so it should be quite nice.

http://www.travelzoo.com/hotels/cari...ontent=1523957

Barbados is always great for Families with kids. Check out Mike's Holiday Apartments in Silver Sands. They have great reviews on Tripadvisor.