We have 7 days and our budget is around $2500...we want beach...diving...good food...laying by the pool and some tourist sight seeing...our first thought was Oahu Hawaii...but someone said our money might go further in Mexico...this is a really important trip...I want to make the right choice...thanks

I have not been to Mexico, but Hawaii will be expensive. I don't know where you are traveling from, that might make a difference, and in Mexico, you could save alot of money by doing an
"All inclusive" and maybe find a package deal from your city.
Search for packages, like funjet or worryfree vacations....I think that would be the best way to maximize your dollars.
We stayed at an all inclusive in Jamaica, and it was nice not worrying for a week about cost (you just pay once). I'm sure others on the board will voice their opinions on All inclusives...but, with your budget, Hawaii might be out of reach, unless you go really cheap on food and hotel.

Happy anniversary!!!

If you're looking for the best value for your $2500 you might want to consider a caribbean cruise. You can probably do the whole trip for that much including your meals. I prefer Hawaii but with the airfare and high cost of food you would have a hard time staying within your budget. I'd do the cruise where you'll be able to enjoy your trip without having to worry about going over your budget. Do Hawaii in a few years when you can afford it and maybe stay longer than 7 days.

Thanks for your replys...we are leaving from LA ...looking on the internet Mexico and Hawaii seem about the same cost for a good hotel...is Mexico considered off season in April? Where would you go (no cruises though)

The Mayan Riviera-specifically
Akumal or Cozumel. Great diving-
loads of info on the Latin America
forum. For the Mayan Riviera check out
locogringo.com or rent a condo through VRBO.
R5

Leaving from LA, you could get air to Oahu for $600 for both. You could find a nice place to stay for $100/150 night, a car for $100, that still leaves you $100/day to eat on. I vote Hawaii!!!!

How about Belize? AWESOME diving- cheaper than Hawaii by far!

Belize, it is suppose to have the best diving in North/central America.
My dh lived there as a child, and said it was magical.

But, my heart and soul live in Hawaii. I went four times in three years...we loved our condo on the Big Island. Food prices can be expensive, but if you got a condo, you could cook some meals and go out for a few special evenings.
Since you are in LA, sign up on Bestfares.com and hunt for bargains.

My vote: Hawaii

MAKE IT ANOTHER VOTE FOR HAWAII. I went in May from Boston got a very reasonable all inclusive. April is probably still in the off-peak range.

Hi Peace42

In the last 15 years I have been lucky enough to go Mexico 4 times, Hawaii 3 times, and Belize. You can find value in all three. If you want to make it a special trip it can be pricey in all three. I think it comes down to how easy you want to make it on yourself. If you want easy go to Hawaii, try a condo in Maui. If you want adventure try Mexcio just do not expect it to be the USA. I just got back from the Mayan Rivera and the beaches there are better than the beaches I have seen on the Pacific coast of Mexico. However it is hard to beat the beaches of Hawaii.

Have Fun
GP

PS From what I have heard I dont count cabo as mexico.

Gambs:

Where did you get an "reasonalbe all inclusive" in Hawaii?

The only one I found was Kona Village and they were not reasonalbe. DH and I will not return to Hawaii until they offer decent AI options, so I would be interested in knowing what you found.

In response to the thread: My vote is Mexico. We've been to Cozumel twice, Cancun with another trip planned for Novemer and Playadel Carmen. We've also been to Maui and Oahu. Your $2500 will go a lot farther in Mexico and the beachs/ocean are by far much better. As for food, we love Mexican dishes. (were from Texas) We did not care for the food in Hawaii as everything was covered in pineapple. It all depends on what you like.