Where should I surprise him?<BR><BR>Would like to spend only $2,500 apx total with airfare flying from Detroit to caribbean. We do not need AI<BR><BR>Somewhere nice...along the same lines as Aruba Marriott. Already been there 2 times and would like to try something new.<BR><BR>Any ideas...somewhere romantic<BR><BR>Thanks

Hi, you didn't say how long your trip would be and what time of year you are going which will significantly affect what could be recommended for $2,500. My husband and I are 40 and have done a fair amount of travel in Mexico and the Caribbean. The hands down winner for our pick for best value vacation resort would be Royal Hideaway in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico (some people consider this to be part of the Caribbean). It's an AI with really fabulous food, lovely resort, romantic, lots of honeymooners. We went in early April of this year and paid $400 per day, everything included except spa treatments and golf. We also love the Hyatt Dorado in Puerto Rico but that may be out of your price range. Another suggestion would be the condo resorts of Provo, Turks and Caicos. If you like Aruba's beaches and landscape you will probably like Provo, the beach and water are even better than Aruba an

Hi, you didn't say how long your trip would be and what time of year you are going which will significantly affect what could be recommended for $2,500. My husband and I are 40 and have done a fair amount of travel in Mexico and the Caribbean. The hands down winner for our pick for best value vacation resort would be Royal Hideaway in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico (some people consider this to be part of the Caribbean). It's an AI with really fabulous food, lovely resort, romantic, lots of honeymooners. We went in early April of this year and paid $400 per day, everything included except spa treatments and golf. We also love the Hyatt Dorado in Puerto Rico but that may be out of your price range. Another suggestion would be the condo resorts of Provo, Turks and Caicos. If you like Aruba's beaches and landscape you will probably like Provo, the beach and water are even better than Aruba although Provo is quieter.

Hi...why not drive a few hours and fly out of TOronto, Ont. You can get some excellent deals, and with your currency exchange, stay at a 5-6 star resort.<BR>Our friends from Michigan went with us to Punta Cana in April and both went for $1,200. U.S. for 7 days, all inclusive. The U.S. exchange to Canadian would be about 50-60%.<BR>Check out this website...icantravel2000.com<BR>They have some awesome deals, or call a travel agency in Ontario and they'd be happy to help you.

Oh sorry...we want to go for a week and will be going probably late September or late October (off season).<BR><BR>We are aware that it is hurricane season, but want to take advantage of the lower rates.<BR><BR>I'm flexible with the amt, but wanted to keep it around $2,500 total, because it is coming out of "my" savings to pay for it all!<BR><BR>Thanks everyone.<BR><BR>Is the royal hideaway safe? I am worried about going to Mexico because of the food and water.<BR><BR>Thanks

We had no problem with the food and water and we had frozen drinks and everythng. We always take liquid pepto bismol every morning when we are in Mexico and that seems to do the trick. We also stayed at the Shangri-La Caribe and did not have problem there either. We do avoid the tap water and use bottled water to brush our teeth.

Lisa,<BR>We've been all over the Mayan Riviera for 10 years (more than 150 days total) and in all that time I got sick for one day.<BR>The area Eileen mentioned is very nice, and I have heard a lot of good things about RH (I don't stay at AI's, or we might have selected it.)<BR>I think Playa del Carmen, Akumal or Cozumel would fit your requirements nicely. (They are all located in the Mexican Caribbean on the coast and I feel are much more romantic and laid back than Aruba.)

If you are not opposed to an AI, I would suggest Couples Negril. Jamaica is easy to get to, the bay area there features clean calm waters and the property is lovely. It might be difficult to meet your budget but spending additional funds would be well worth it.

You don't have to worry about a thing with the Royal Hideaway. It's a great, laid back, all-inclusive resort. But it may stretch your budget somewhat.

The budget of $2,500 is for flying and accomodation. We are planning on spending money on food and activities once we are there.<BR><BR>My husband knows we are going somewhere...and it is a surprise.<BR><BR>He knows I am buying the airfare & accomodations...but the food and activities are on Him. ha ha<BR><BR>So....if it is all inclusive...we will pay more.<BR><BR>Thank you everyone.

Try aavacations.com for American Airlines Caribbean packages. <BR>Barbados is romantic--try the Bougainvillia Beach Resort with its pretty gardens.

Correct spelling is Bougainvillea not ---villia.<BR>You might read Fodor's online information--the beaches are beautiful in the Bahamas Out Islands--Harbour Island, Turtle Cay etc.<BR><BR>

The Wyndham Casa Marina Hotel in Key West Florida has specials.

Lisa: Check with your travel agent about Apple Vacations. They do fly out of Detroit and you can get some great package deals, including the Royal Hideaway. <BR><BR>You do take your chances, however, with being delayed at the airport but you can get delayed with any airline. Sometimes the deals are so good, it doesn't matter if you're delayed a few hours. Some people have said they have been delayed with Apple. Others have said they've never experienced a delay.