Where oh where are we going to go?

Old Oct 10th, 2016, 08:50 PM
  #21  
 
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Ok, so I'll complicate your decision even more.
If you want to take a 'trip of a lifetime', go to Santorini, Greece.

We were just there, for the first time. It is truly stunning.
Loved the Gold Suites there. A la carte breakfast included, served on your private patio every morning, looking directly at the water, above the clouds.
To us, it had an otherworldly feeling to it.
And such a hospitable culture.
Plus, the Euro was only $1.11 last month.

We also liked The Buccaneer Resort on St Croix, a US Virgin Island. . ..

You have such a fabulous opportunity! Have fun deciding on where you want to go.
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Old Oct 11th, 2016, 07:17 AM
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This forum has been the best feedback of anything out there! I enjoy the recommendations and add the destinations to my spreadsheet - much less stressful and a lot more organized advice! I am adding Santorini!
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Old Oct 12th, 2016, 07:22 AM
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rice, check out the pictures of the Gold Suites on Santorini (a few of them are mine):

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...th_Aegean.html

Heaven on earth!
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Old Oct 12th, 2016, 10:48 AM
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Puerto Vallarta and also suggestions of Negril that Suze posted too - but I don't know if those trips are wowza...Cabo fits the bill,

Hard to say because I'm not sure what is "wowza" to you!!??

As far as terms of how exciting the three places are here is my most brief and personal summary, in order of preference:

1) Puerto Vallarta is a real working Mexican city that also has resort and tourist amenities available. You can still find $20usd/night hotel rooms, or can bust the bank staying at high-end resorts and condos, and everything in between. It is busy, loud, vibrant, artsy, welcoming. Currency is peso. No car needed, great local transportation by taxi or bus (cheap) or walking.

2) Negril is rustic. A little rough & rugged. It's a small town with the beach stretched out in one direction and the cliff hotels and resorts in the other direction. It is a bit less friendly than Mexico in the local welcome in my experience. Hotel prices are mid-range mostly. Currency is Jamaican dollars. Don't rent a car or a scooter. Get around on foot or by taxi, or learn to use the local system of "route taxis" (cheap).

3) Cabo San Lucas is the most boring of the three by a long shot. It's a very Americanized area where you have to go out of your way to find "real Mexico" (possible but take a bit more effort). Currency is either peso or USD. Room prices ranging anywhere from $70/night up to $300+. You don't need a rental car, but it's the most accommodating for self-drive if you want one.
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Old Oct 12th, 2016, 10:50 AM
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<See turquoise water...>

That is only in Negril (Caribbean Sea) then. Neither Cabo nor PV have "turquoise water" (Pacific Ocean).
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Old Oct 12th, 2016, 08:21 PM
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Opinion = GREAT! I will axe Cabo and Negril and start on Puerto Vallarta list on my spreadsheet!
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Old Oct 12th, 2016, 08:23 PM
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Tabernash2 - Gold Suites has the wowsa look
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Old Oct 13th, 2016, 07:05 AM
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rice, it has the Wowza feel, too.

We reserved it through CostcoTravel.com, which also gave us a concierge in Athens & Santorini, ground transport from Athens airport, ferry transfers, and ground transport to/from Santorini ferry terminal. It was nice to have a driver meeting us.

But, I would actually skip Athens next time, as it didn't thrill us.
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Old Oct 13th, 2016, 10:05 AM
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Wait a second why are you axing Negril???

It IS the only one with turquoise water (PV & Cabo are great but they aren't the Caribbean).


Tabernash2, Can you really get to Greece and stay at Gold Suites for that budget?

They said they only have "7-9 days and an estimated budget of $6500 for travel, accommodations and excursions to spend"
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Old Oct 13th, 2016, 09:24 PM
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Suze - I was only axing because at that moment, I wanted everything you said about PV!! Quick flight, Town atmosphere, resorts, we love Mexico, and I was like SOLD- I'm done. lol

Negril I like what I see - the Caves, Tensing Pen, Rockhouse, those just aren't inclusive and I think going somewhere like that would be better on inclusive don't you think? I've watched the walk to the beach videos from those hotels, and I love their atmosphere, I don't think it will give him the 24 hour room service he may love! haha

I have been reading a lot about where is great water in the Caribbean. The suggestions are Cayman, T&C, Anguilla, Antigua...While that satisfies the need for the blue water, I think we'll give up the quaintness of Mexico we love.

I really think I will have a better time of getting him to Caribbean or Mexico than elsewhere. I'm going to post in the Caribbean section some and see what further suggestions I get, but I do really like the sound of PV if I could move it to the Caribbean Sea! hahahaha
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Old Oct 14th, 2016, 07:06 AM
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I think so, suze. The OP also said they have more money to contribute.
Of course, there are other hotels, but staying on the top of the caldera is best.
Eating less expensive in Greece.
The euro is down.
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Old Oct 14th, 2016, 08:22 AM
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<I think going somewhere like that would be better on inclusive don't you think?>

Nope. Absolutely not. But that's completely a personal preference. I would never go to an All-Inclusive myself. Negril has some fabulous places to eat and drink. But no it is not a "24 hours room service" kind of place... at all! I mean maybe you could find that somewhere in Negril, but more people go there because they like the laid back atmosphere, somewhat rustic accommodations, and so forth.

And yes, Puerto Vallarta rocks if you want a city/beach kind of experience. It's the place I go myself most often.
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