Where to go on first trip?
 

My girlfriend and I are looking to go somewhere in the Caribbean in January. We would like people's opinions on where to go and why. We were thinking Aruba, but heard it had Manhattan,NY prices. We can't stay at 5 star hotels, but are not looking to stay in 1 star hotels either. Thanks for your help!

Aruba has hotels to fit most every budget. There are some good package deals at: <BR> <BR>http://www.travelunlimited.com

My husband and I went to St. Lucia and really liked it a lot. However, we are looking to go someplace less expensive on our next trip. I've been researching the Dominican Republic, it was recommended by our travel agent and it is very cheap. We're looking at $1000 for airfare from Chicago and a week at an all inclusive resort. You may want to look at http://www.moments-notice.com for specials from New York and at http://www.computan.on.ca/~pdowney/travel.html for information on the Dominican Republic. The beaches in the Punta Cana area look amazing.

That's $1000 per person.

Aruba definitely has great hotels for every budget. See my trip report below under "Just Got Back from Aruba - Any Questions?" We stayed at the Allegro, all-inclusive, and bought a dine-around pass. Definitely a great value, definitely not Manhattan prices. We loved it. Another really beautiful place my travel agent recommended, but it's not all-inclusive, is the Bucuti. <BR>I know that they are pretty reasonably priced. You can e-mail my agent at [email protected] - she finds really great prices, and is an Aruba expert. She's very nice, and will definitely help you out - honest opinions too, which is rare! <BR> <BR>Also, if you're on a budget, the Manchebo is nice and is on a really pretty beach. Ayo!

My husband and I just got back from our honeymoon in Jamaica. We stayed at Sandal's Negril and loved it. Actually, weloved Negril so much that we are going back at the end of the year. There a lot of great hotels in Negril that are very reasonable, and the beach is soooooooo beautiful. The people of negril are friendly, and there is lots to do and lots of great places to eat for people on a budget. Check it out on www.negril.com

Dear Andrew: Do you realize that you picked the most expensive time to travel to the Caribbean? After April 30 the prices go down, then up again after December 15. <BR> <BR>Puerto Rico has a lot of great places to stay which are fairly economical, i.e. guest houses, small inns, etc.. Check out this website: http://www.WelcometoPuertoRico.org. You and your date might enjoy the offshore islands os Culebra and Vieques which have budget-hotels and inns. The weather is beautiful in January in Puerto Rico, so I'm sure you'll love it. <BR>Good luck.

Let me know if you would be interested in Anguilla and I will definitely try to get reasonable rates for you at Kellyvilla on Anguilla. I am the direct agent for this villa and I work with travel agents and pay commission. So please, you may have your agent call me and I will work with them. This is a lovely 2bedroom/2bath oceanview villa located on the Southeast coast of Anguilla at Seafeathers Bay. Let me know and I will be more than happy to work with you and/or your agent on Anguilla. For pictures visit http://www.quikpage.com/K/kellyvilla.