We are 3-4 gals, 30-45 interested in getting out of the cold midwest late Feb/early to mid March, but want to avoid Spring Break. We're thinking all-inclusive for our first annual trip, any suggestions? Also, we're on a budget, so what would we expect to pay per person for a package deal? Thanks!<BR>jj

When you are thinking of going - that's EXACTLY Spring Break time!<BR><BR>Fav Spring Break places: Grand Cayman, Cancun, St. Thomas, not to mention Pensacola and Ft. Lauderdale, of course.<BR><BR>I highly recommend an AI for you ladies. In our travels, hubby and I find women that pair up and get away from the kids/hubbies for a week really appreciate the less-hassle of AI's.<BR><BR>I would suggest starting with Continental / Delta / American's 'Cool Vacations' or 'Getaway Vacations' for great deals that include airfare and sometimes promotions utilizing the Visa or Amex cards to get even better deals.<BR><BR>The Dominican Republic has the least expensive offerings of all the Caribbean Islands; you might want to check out Punta Cana Resort, which is very well rated.<BR><BR>I would suggest, as a 1st outing of the 'gals' to the Caribbean, to not consider: Jamaica, St. Martin Dutch side, or Mexico. Hubby and I have visited Jamaica 5x, and I would recommend going with your husbands if you want to visit there, as well as St. Martin or Mexico. I'm not putting down these locations, just recommend your taking the spouse, for pretty obvious reasons.<BR><BR>Hope the above helps.

Spring break can happen any time from Presidents day in February to Easter. Different schools get out at different times. Some colleges have a little break and then a longer break later in the year. The time you are going is a spring break time.<BR><BR>The best is to avoid popular Caribbean spring break destinations, such as Jamaica and Cancun.<BR><BR>I would suggest an AI in a less traveled destination. The Dominican Republic is the best budget location, but being inexpensive, it will attract college students. <BR><BR>As far as all inclusives, Sandals is out, because they only take male/female couples. Breezes will have families on Spring Break. <BR><BR>The cost of the package deal depends on the number of nights and the number of people in your group. The shorter the trip, the cheaper the cost. Some travel agents offer discounts for big groups.<BR><BR>Again, I would recommend a destination that does not attract college students. Such as the Out Islands of the Bahamas, Anguilla, St. Lucia, etc. These islands tend to be quiet islands for relaxation. Any place that doesn't have a lot of night life or wild partying will be perfect for the time you are going.

Thanks, GM & Teacher - looks like we have our work cut out for us finding something cheap AND Spring-break-less! Keep those suggestions coming in, please! We need all the advise we can get!!

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