Hi all,

My partner & I are long overdue a vacation and I have just finished my teacher training. We don't have time to go away this summer but would love to spend Christmas & New Year in the Caribbean. We've been to Dominican Republic once and loved it but want to try somewhere different. We are totally clueless about the Caribbean though and I wondered if anyone has any helpful tips about where would be good to go, especially at this time of year. We just want somewhere hot, with a beach, pool, lovely scenery and good quality food. Not too fussed about nightlife but since we are young (late 20's) then decent hotel entertainment would be a bonus. Thanks in advance. Apologies if I have not been specific enough.

Happy travelling

Just be aware that prices during Christmas and New Years are almost double that of other times of the year.
That being said, since I work in a school I travel during that time. We loved Mexico---the Riviera Maya. Losts of resorts.
Are you looking for all inclusive, large resorts, small boutique, beach, pools, etc.?? More info would help us help you.
We have also taken several Caribbean cruises during that time and loved them as well.
Puerto Rico is also a great option at that time of the year.

I'll agree that Puerto Rico is a great choice at Christmas time. But I may be somewhat biased since we live here!

The "Christmas season" is serious business here ... it starts on Thanksgiving and runs until Three Kings Day (Día de los Reyes) on January 6.

People go crazy with decorations (especially lights) and everyone is generally in a festive mood. And there's food everywhere you go!

On the flip side of that is the fact that it's next to impossible to get any work done with everyone taking off, leaving early, etc, etc. LOL!

Schmerl - thanks for your reply! Yes, we are aware that it will be doubly expensive but don't mind.

My partner really wants to go to Mexico but I know quite a few friends haven't enjoyed it. I guess I shouldn't let that put me off!

We're looking for all inclusive with a pool and close to the beach (at the hotel we stayed at in Dom. Rep. you could get up from the pool and walk about 150-200yds to the sea). That was lovely.

Once again, thanks for your reply, I appreciate it!

RayInPR, thanks for posting!

I like the fact that Puerto Rico really celebrates the festivities. We're going away to avoid a messy situation choosing when to spend time with each of our families. The last couple of years have been a nightmare so it will be best all round if we just go away & think about ourselves for a change.

Having said that, I'm much more family orientated than my partner so I will miss sharing in all the laughter, feasting, celebrating etc. I certainly don't want to feel lonely and sad that I'm not home with family & Puerto Rico sounds like it will be very lively and entertaining!

I have to recommend the PR idea as well. Christmas season is wonderful, just as Ray said. If you let yourself be absorbed into it, you will feel like one of the family...and maybe not miss your as much!
Try a side trip to Vieques, for some quieter time at nearly deserted beaches.
Ray...had to chuckle about not getting done during the holidays...too true!

We were at the Iberostar Paraiso Del Mar for Christmas a couple years ago. It's in Mexico about 25 minutes south of the Cancun airport.
It's an all inclusive with a large beach and great pools.
They had a Christmas Eve grand buffet and on Christmas day they cooked paella on the beach and had all sorts of games going on. Then Santa arrived via jet ski!
On any cruise we've taken during Christmas, they also made a big deal of the holidays.
We have also been in Puerto Rico during the holidays and had a wonderful time.