My SO and I were planning to go away to the Caribbean in July for both of our birthdays. However, we are in different countries; he is in Nigeria (work) and I am in Toronto so realized that this would be difficult. So, it was suggested to consider an alternative mid-point destination. Perhaps somewhere in the Mediterranean or Aegean, as it might be easier in terms of travel. I know that there are resorts in Europe and Greece, which would be lovely but feel overwhelmed with where to begin. Also, I know that when booking travel to Europe, it's best to book 8 months in advance, so I am concerned about cost at this time for July 13. My SO and I are in our mid-late 30's and want to enjoy a romantic getaway and explore although initially, we were set on travel to the Caribbean.
I would appreciate any information, suggestions with regards to location or resorts in the Mediterranean or Aegean or anywhere else. I don't know how pricing works with regards to booking a resort and flight in Europe or Greece. Is it separate, or a package deal? Regardless, it looks like my SO and I will have to pay separately for our flights, and then arrange to meet at the airport.
Our budget is to stay under $1700/pp (if possible). We are not rich but are willing to splurge a little but want to also budget.
Thank you.

Unless you are fully committed to a resort, I think things are much simpler than you suggest. Unless there are specific visa issues that one or both of you face, it should be easy to plan and book a trip to any place you want in the area! Just

• decide where you want to go (that'll be the most difficult part!),
• use any search option to identify flights (many use skyscanner, but you have multiple options -- and if you want to move around, do consider flying into one city and out of another to avoid backtracking -- these "open jaw" flights are rarely much more costly than round trips, particularly once you consider the costs in time and money of backtracking. On most search engines, you use the "multi-city" option.
• use rome2rio.com to help identify transportation options once on the ground.
• use booking.com to find accommodations that suit your needs and interests -- preferably, reservations that can be cancelled in advance (they are clearly labeled) until you nail down your plan.
• AND use some good guidebooks. Buying one is ALWAYS a good idea -- you'll learn things that you don't even know to ask! -- but you can also consult some at your local library.

Have fun!

Hi,
Thanks for your reply. Are you speaking in reference to Europe/Greece or the Caribbean? And if you are suggesting Europe, do you mean fly into Rome and out of Naples? I'm not sure if this is what you meant.

Thank you again.

I was thinking Europe, since I found this thread on the Europe board, but the answers apply either way!

And whether to fly into Rome and out of Naples, or into Chania and out of Athens, or into Split and out of Dubrovnik -- or whatever -- depends on where you decide to go! I believe the saying is, "the world is your oyster"

Oh RATS -- I posted a long reply and it disappeared.

Will try again.

>> Also, I know that when booking travel to Europe, it's best to book 8 months in advance, <<

That is a misconception for sure. Airfares could be more expensive, or less expensive, or the same cost 8 months out . . . as 2 months out.

>>don't know how pricing works with regards to booking a resort and flight in Europe or Greece. Is it separate, or a package deal?<<

You can book them separately - or many airlines have package deals where you book flight + hotel through the airline and get a discounted airfare.

>>Regardless, it looks like my SO and I will have to pay separately for our flights, and then arrange to meet at the airport.<<

OR meet at your hotel if the flights arrive more than say 2 hours apart.

>>However, we are in different countries; he is in Nigeria (work) and I am in Toronto so realized that this would be difficult.<<

That really doesn't complicate things very much. One just books flights from where they are to where they want to go.

>>Our budget is to stay under $1700/pp (if possible). We are not rich but are willing to splurge a little but want to also budget.<<

This will be your biggest roadblock by far. If you choose the Caribbean your airfare might be reasonable, but his will be high. If you choose Europe, he might be able to get a bargain fare but yours will be at least $800-$1000. Maybe a little less if you are VERY lucky. If it was me and had a tight budget I'd search for where you can fly (anywhere in the world really) that has cheap airfares from Toronto and from Nigeria.

There are lots of non-stops from Nigerian airports to Rome (none to Greece) and you can fly the cheap AirTransat from Toronto non-stop to Rome, and there are other non-stops as well. I wouldn't fly to just anywhere in the world that has a cheap flight for safety reasons.

Italy is not a great destination for all inclusive resorts and the seaside beauty spots like the Amalfi coast are expensive. But you could fly to Rome and take a short and cheap bus or train ride to a beautiful coastal town like Sperlonga, and find an inexpensive b+b there. You'll have plenty of food and relaxation right at your doorstep, better than an all-inclusive. Or if you want to be incredibly romantic, fly to Rome and then head for one of the Pontine Islands by ferry. It's not far from the airport If you have time you can combine these beauty destinations with seeing a bit of Rome. It's not impossible to find a decent b+b or small hotel with air con for under 100e per night, especially if you stay on the periphery of Rome in an area like Testaccio (loads of nightlife) or Garbatella or the edge of Prati or in Monteverde.

Also, the low-key coastal town of Santa Marinella is just a short train ride north of Rome if what you really want to do is relax, swim and spend time with each other and eat great seafood. You can look on AirBnb for affordable places to stay. (That's true for all the places I mentioned)

Mid July is high season in Greece. It's also likely to be very hot. I also don't see it being mid way for you from Toronto.

One of the Canary islands geographically makes more sense. Being a year round place summer isn't high season. OTOH it may be a hassle for you from Pearson. You'd likely need to connect in Madrid.

Assuming your budget is in C$ flights are the only problem I see. But flying to Greece,mainland Spain or Italy won't be much if any cheaper.

Thought of another budget possibility for you at the sea if you fly into Rome: Nettuno (which is easy to get to from Rome airport via the coastal train or bus to closeby Anzio). You can also look at Gaeta if Sperlonga is out of the budget.