issy

We have gone to Hawaii for Spring Break many times. Getting to Hawaii and staying there has become very expensive, so we are looking for alternate ideas. We have always gone to the Grand Wailea on Maui because we love the beach and pools there (water slide, floating river, tarzan rope, etc).

We would like to find a resort that has a nice beach area and fabulous pools. Our budget for lodging would be under $350/night.

We have never been to Mexico, or anywhere in Latin America. So I'm not sure what's out there. Any ideas?

Thanks much.

missypie

About 9 months ago I asked the folks on this board and on the US board "Costa Rica or Hawaii." We had a terrific spring break in Costa Rica. If you click on my screen name and go back to late March, you'll find my trip report.

cmcfong

Panama.

acctg

I'm guessing that Cancun or Puerta Vallarta may be appealing to you. There are many resorts in both places, esp. Cancun, that will have all of these amenities. You might want to float the same question on the Caribbean Board.

melissa19

try playa del carmen, mx.

we love hawaii, too, but it's such a hassle from the east coast. pdc is kind of like small town hawaii, but with all the amenities.

we like hotel las palapas, but you may be looking for something larger.

have fun!

issy

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll look into them.

Our kids are 8 and 10, if that makes a difference.

suze

Cancun or Nuevo Vallarta

blondlady

I think a nice family trip would be Playa del Carmen with a side trip for the kids to Xcaret. If you rent a car and the kids like to explore-- include Coba and/or Tulum. Also include a day to take a ferry ride across to Cozumel from PDC, rent a jeep and enjoy a fabulous exploring day.

Leonora

I second the Puerto Vallarta/Mayan Riviera vote. We've gotten incredible deals (though I notice not as many this year, hence our choice to try Puerto Vallarta) to all inclusives in the Mayan Riviera area. These places have absolutely spoiled my husband in terms of what he now thinks he deserves on vacation. The area is friendly, safe, gorgeous and there is plenty to do!

Little_Man

my very favorite resort is the JW Marriott in Cancun -- great hotel, rooms, pool, unbelievable views, gorgeous ocean water. It's still in the reopening process after severe damage from hurricane Wilma last year, but should be completely back up to speed in September.
If you're inclined to do an all inclusive, a lot of people love the Iberostar resorts south of Cancun. They look really nice; I'd rather be in either Playa del Carmen or Cancun though, instead of at a more isolated resort.

Tess_Durberville

<i>Several threads discussing the Hawaii versus Costa Rica</i> &gt; &gt; &gt;

Costa Rica vs. Hawaii --
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34722836

Hawaii, Acapulco or Costa Rica?
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34669421

Hawaii or Costa Rica for family vacation?
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34639199

Merlin1970

I can just say COSTA RICA!!! I was there some weeks ago, and I really enjoyed my stay there! I was in a little and very nice hotel called Crital Ballena! And I had a fantastic time there!! The jungle at the back, fantastic view to the ocean, many adventure tours, to see whales, dolphis, special birds, ..... I really enjoyed it!!!!!

buzzer

I gave up on Hawaii, beautiful as it is, 4 years ago when I discovered Costa Rica. From Chicago, it's 5 hours compared to 9. And it's the same time zone, so no jet lag.

CR is more &quot;jungly&quot; than Hawaii. More greens as opposed to Hawaii's wonderful blues. I frequent the beaches on the southern Nicoya Penisula, which tend to deep emerald greens. The beaches are safer there, in my opinion. The surf is much less treacherous.

Far and away more exotic wildlife, easily encountered, in CR.

And you'll spend less than half what you do on a vacatin in HI.

issy

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Costa Rica has moved up towards the top of our list!