Need help picking destination for April/May 2018

Old Dec 11th, 2017, 07:35 PM
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Need help picking destination for April/May 2018

My wife and I haven't been on vacation in 3 years so we are due!

Here are some facts:

Location options:

Aruba, Cabo San Lucas/Los Cabos, Cancun, Grand Cayman, Havana, Montego Bay, Nassau, Bahamas, or Turks and Caicos

Wants:

Private - er, more gear towards adults, no kiddos.

All inclusive is OK. Doesn't matter.

Awesome resort with great beachs or in suite pool.

Safe from crime. No kiddos planned for another 8-12 months.

Budget:. Unknown, I have 220k Chase points and $2400 Southwest Gift cards. Would like to stretch these out for bang for my buck. Obviously not spend it all in one shot.

Length: 4-5 nights

Time frame: thinking April- early May 2018. Hopefully missing all the spring breakers.

Thank you!
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Old Dec 12th, 2017, 05:25 AM
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Where are you flying from? The answer will have a major impact on airfare and how long it will take to reach your intended destination. With only 4 or 5 nights you probably want to spend less time "getting there" and more time "being there".

Just so you know, Grand Cayman the Turks & Caicos and Nassau (to an extent) are three of the more "pricey" destinations in the Caribbean so your "Chase Points" and Gift Cards may not go as far as on the other islands.

On the plus side, if going in late April or early May you'll be in "Shoulder Season" meaning you'll see a reduction in room rates as compared to going in "High Season".
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Old Dec 12th, 2017, 07:04 AM
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Flying from Dallas, preferably Southwest Airlines.

Yeah... That's what I am seeing that those are the more expensive places.

I've been to Punta Cana (it was OK) and Belize (mainland and beach side) was amazing.

Honestly, I can just save my Chase Points for Southwest flights in the future anyways.

I checked flight times on Southwest. Most are 5-7hr flights.

With the answers above, what do you recommend? We just want to go somewhere beautiful and relax with excellent waters and beaches.
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Old Dec 12th, 2017, 09:38 AM
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Grace Bay on Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos is one of the world’s 10 best beaches - 11 miles of pure sugar white sand lapped by bright turquoise blue waters plus there are several other spectacular white sand beaches on the island. There are plenty of full service “condo resorts” that give you all the comforts of your own multi-room apartment plus all the amenities of a luxury resort. You’ll have to fly there by a connecting flight via Miami or Fort Lauderdale since there are no non-stop or direct flights from the DFW area.

Grand Cayman is famous for it’s 7 mile white sand beach, calm turquoise blue waters, great diving, excellent snorkeling. You should be able to fly there non-stop from the DFW area. It’s relatively close so you’ll have more time on island.

I’m not a great fan of Cancun (too much of a party atmosphere for my taste) and can’t really comment on Cabo as it’s been decades since I’ve been to Mexico.

As a US citizen you’ll have to content with certain restrictions if you choose Havana so research that destination very carefully before opting to go there.

As far as I’m concerned you should skip Nassau. We went there once and all I can say is “Been there, done that, don’t ever have to go there again”.

Aruba is nice during April and May. Go there if you want to visit an island with lots of high rise hotels, plenty of night life and a definite “American” feel.
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Old Dec 14th, 2017, 07:31 AM
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Aside from restrictions for US citizens, there aren't any AI hotels in Havana AFAIK but there are plenty in Varadero, which is a purpose built resort far removed from anything to do with Cuban culture.

There are safety issues with Cancun itself, but the rest of Mayan Riviera should be fine and better anyway.

Grand Cayman is wonderful. In Jamaica I would go to Negril which also has a beach called 7 Mile beach, has loads of hotels but no AIs, they are situated close by on another beach. There is no need for AI in Negril, so many dining options right there on the beach.
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Old Dec 19th, 2017, 02:41 PM
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I think any of the islands could suit your request.

Fitting your wish list is more about the specific resort, hotel, villa, whatever lodging style and location you choose, than which particular island (Caribbean) or town (Mexico).

I'd use a general search website like https://www.cheapcaribbean.com/
put in your dates and your airport choices and see what pops up.

Generally speaking Mexico is a less expensive destination than a Caribbean island, so more likely better bang for the buck there.
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