yannis

Hello all again...
Thanks to those responding to my initial question about caribbean vacation, I have narrowed it down to T & C islands (probably the Sands resort) however, I need to have an alternative that would cost me less. Do you know of any other (caribbean) destinations that may be similar to Turks and Caicos in terms of safety, on the beach resort with clear warm waters, easy access to the beach, and the option of accommodations where you can cook your own meals? and probably close enough to the center of small town/village with shops? Thank you in advance for your ideas and responses. My hope is to maximize vacation experience with lowering costs...I hope I don't come across as 'cheapscate' but my wife needs this vacation so much that I need to make every effort to secure a trip that would allow us to relax and enjoy a week swimming, without adding (too much) to my debt
Thank you again,

yannis

virginia

i offer this because i know about the place, but it's not a condo resort. it is a small low key all inclusive in akumal, mexico. this area of mexico is safe. akumal is a small town with good snorkeling, a few shops, restaurants & bars, and near lots of fun things to do (ruins, eco marine parks to ziplines). akumal does have a small grocery and there are condos available, but they aren't part of any resort.
http://akumalbeachresort.com/
would run you between $1200 - $1600 for 7/13 to 7/23 depending on rm category plus they say kids to 4 are free so i'm not sure if they'd chg for him/her so i put it in both ways.
this would mean wife who needs to relax would not have to cook.
also cancun is easy/cheap to fly to.
if this particular resort doesn't appeal to you there are tons more all inclusives in the area.

KVR

I agree with Virginia. We go to Mexico every year because it's expensive, easy to get to, fun things to see and do and safe. Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Akumel, Tulum and the Mayan Riveria had plenty to offer and not cost you as much like many of the Caribbean Islands.

We went to T & C a few years ago and it was expensive especially food and drinks, so can understand why you want a kitchen to cook a few meals. However, in Mexico there are plenty of moderatly priced AI resorts, so you don't have to bother with cooking while on vacation. Or if you stay in Playa del Carmen or Cozumel, there are many really great resturants within walking distance that are quite reasonably priced. We've done 2 vacations in which we bought supplies to cook and it was not what I wanted to do on vacation.

We've been to several Caribbean Islands and they always cost us twice what we get in Mexico. The only other Caribbean Islands that would be less expensive than T & C would be Jamaica and the Dominican Rebuplic. You might also look at Aruba, the US Virgin Islands, Belize or Costa Rica.

doug_stallings

I think you could stay in Virgin Gorda at a place like Guavaberry Spring Bay for less money than in most of the T&C condo resorts. You don't say when you're traveling or from where, though, and that's crucial for both the cost of accommodations and transportation. But Virgin Gorda is similarly safe, though it's a unique kind of beach area at Spring Bay, not at all like the T&C but delightfully different in a very good way.

blamona

I love Turks and Caicos. I love Virgin Gorda. I think Doug Stallings is on to something:

VG is completely different; hilly, scenic, and The Baths are amazing. It's fun to take ferries to different surrounding islands.

Instead of finding something like T&C only cheaper, why not go somewhere different, but that you'll love as well? Savannah Bay in Virgin Gorda is stunning!

yannis

Thank you all again for your responses. I see everyone's point. In my efforts to avoid repeating myself i ommited alot of info. So here goes again. We will be traveling from Boston sometime between July 15 and July 29. We are looking for a week away. I was leaning towards TC because of the pictures I saw. I was hoping for similar beaches with crystal clear waters. And of course safety because we have a 4 year old and a 7 (now) month old. Also, we were hoping for some 'life' around the area. Like a small town center where you can take a stroll safely browsing local shops and of course enjoy local food (at a reasonable pricing.
thank you again
yannis

virginia

i feel safe in saying kvr meant to say she goes to mexico because it is INexpensive.

sunblockstock

The Sands is a great resort and nothing compares to the relaxation provided by the beautiful 12 miles stretch of Grace Bay.
Many restaurant options within a short walk from The Sands.
And Hemingways is right on property.
No place I've traveled to compares with this island.
SBS

doug_stallings

You might also take a look at some of the Out Islands of the Bahamas, which are exceptionally safe but on the expensive side (kind of like the T&C). However, I do think you'll find some bargains this summer, and July is a pretty good time to go to the Bahamas.

KVR

Thanks Virginia. I did mean INexpensive. I need to check my typing better.

JeanH

I'd look at Nautibeach Condos on Isla Mujeres in Mexico. Easy access via Cancun, so usually good airfares can be found. The beach is stunning, there's a good on site restaurant, and downtown is just a short stroll away.