Seeking help on last minute alternative to Mexico
 

We were scheduled to go to Puerto Vallarta on 5/9 and today tentatively decided to cancel, assuming we can find another option.

We are strongly considering the Carribean for same dates (flying out of Boston). I have done some research (travelzoo) looking for nice, but inexpensive as we have already paid for the trip to Mexico. I don't have much time to do heavy research (I ask your fogiveness upfront). I would appreciate any input about last minute bargains to the Carribean. thanks

You're pushing it as May 9 is only 10 days away. We are leaving for Curacao on that same date, but we booked it several months ago and had to use a travel agent to get the flights we were wanting as nothing on-line was what we were looking for. Look at www.lastminute.com, www.beachdestinations.com and www.cheapcaribbean.com

Also, it would help if you could provide more info on what you are actually looking for in a vacation and budget as all Caribbean Island are not alike, and some are more expensive and harder to get to from the US than others. Are you able to cancel and re-book your current vacation without penalty? This close to departure, I would suggest a very good travel agent.

I just book air this past week for June travel with the air sale going on with AA, Delta, Continental and others.

I've used Airfarewatchdog.com - see what you can find.

Also, CheapAir.com is another good spot.

I've looked at the ones mentioned above, too.

I agree with KVR that an agent could help you out this close to departure.

Thanks for your responses. The airlines is allowing me to change dates/destinations without a cancellation fee. We were using a time share and will lose the exchange fee, but can try to find another timeshare for same period. Only places available in Caribbean are in ARuba or Grand Bahamas, two places I have no interest in. There are 4 of us, coming out of 3 different places (Boston, Newark and Denver) on 3 different airlines.

So, things are a little complex getting us all to the same place. I'm off to check out the websites above

if you can get a cheap flight (or change yours) down to fort lauderdale, check out Spirit Air for cheap flights to many caribbean destinations. Don't panic - it is low season in the caribbean so you'll have no problem getting hotels. Check out superclubs.com for some deals they have on all inclusive destinations (must book by 30 april).

The Ritz Carlton in Jamaica has a good deal going on right now for it's all inclusive plan where you can get the fifth night free.

There also look to be some good deals in Belize.

This has been a long night of checking out different places. I'd forgotten all about spirit air-they fly out of Boston and have decent prices. Finally we got it down to Jamaica, Punta Cana, and Barbados. Now, my sister thinks we should go with the original plans to go to Mexico. Thanks again for your help.

Why don't you like Aruba?

I think you should take another look at where swine flu cases are being reported. There are a lot of places in Mexico that are absolutely unaffected. I can't tell you if Puerto Vallarta is one of them, but it's worth checking out.

I do think you would enjoy Barbados and perhaps Negril. Barbados is beautiful and a really nice place. Not the same kind of atmosphere as PV (and it's pretty expensive), but it's great. Punta Cana won't hold much interest for you unless you are interested in just a beach resort since there is little else nearby.

There are a lot of timeshares on the north coast of the DR. Have you checked any of those to see if you could transfer there? They're not great, but there's not to do off-resort up there (including good restaurants if the food in your AI is lousy ... it WILL be cheap, so you shouldn't feel bad about seeking something better for a few meals).

You might also look at Belize. The Cayes there are lovely and have some good, inexpensive accommodations. Flights there have also been very cheap lately.

Yes, Spirit is a cheap airline, but it's also a horrible, inflexible airline, so keep that in mind.

Sorry, but I garbled my typing. I meant to say that there is more to do off-resort on the North Coast (near Puerto Plata) than in Punta Cana.

I'm back at it; this has become torture-like.

Ocean Breeze--I have never been to Aruba, but from what I have read, it is very developed and seems too "americanized". I got that sense after I was researching a trip for my 50th birthday. I ended up going to Tortola and loved that.

Earlier today I was leaning towards the Ritz and Jamaica with their special, but I wasn't sure I could afford to eat there once I arrived

I've been to Belize, loved it, and am now looking for something else.

At the moment, I'm exited about Punta Cana/Punta Plata. Can't decide which. On trip advisor, one thread I read said it was hands down Punta Cana. I don't know... The Bungalows in Punta Blata look terrific and Bookit has a great price--all inclusive with air for 1 person is about $1,000;. Am I missing anything with bookit? Any other opinions about Punta Cana/Punta Plata. I'm off to cancel my flight to Mexico. Am curious to see what happens.