Jakesgirl asked me about my trips because of a reply I contributed to the "fantasy vacation" thread.

I want to post this here for her or others who might wonder about taking an independent (non package non tour non all inclusive non resort) relatively cheap vacation to the beach.

Puerto Vallarta Mexico 7 days: $60/night hotel, $60/day meals and drinks, $25/day incidentals, $550 plane ticket = $1565.

Waikiki Oahu Hawaii 7 days: $125/night hotel, $50/day meals and drinks, $25/day incidentals, $375 plane ticket = $1775.

These figures are for 1 person solo, so could come in even a bit less per person, if 2 people were sharing the same level of hotel room, departure airport SeaTac.

Thanks for imparting more travel wisdom suze! You helped out with another question I had not too long ago about Seattle.

As for this type of trip, I was wondering for myself and my beau so it really could be affordable when you take into consideration splitting the incidentals and such.

How is Puerto Vallarta in the Fall? Have you ever been or just know how to get good deals? And if you have been, could you recommend a hotel in that price range?

I know Hawaii starts getting more rain in the Fall, but I'd be interested in hearing your choice hotel there as well...

Yes I've been to Puerto Vallarta (18 times, 1-2 weeks each trip). That's how I know the nicest of the cheaper places, by walking around town and visiting hotels in person.

November is the earliest I've gone down, but also been in Dec, Jan, Feb, March, April, May, and June. The later in the fall/winter you can go the better weather you will likely get. Sept & Oct can still be wet as it's the end of rainy season.

Believe me, I don't particularly know how to get "good deals", rather I stay at basic places and that's just what they cost. I hesitate to "recommend" anything unless people *really* understand what they are getting in to. It's closer to summer camp ammenities, then in any way resembling a resort like most people would expect on vacation.

That said:
The Tropicana
Posada de Roger
Suites Emperador
Posada Don Miguel
Hotel Eloisa
Hotel Rio

...are all Mexican hotels located in the "Old Town" and around that price range.

In Waikiki I have stayed at The Hawaiiana Hotel (twice) and Hawaiian King (most recently), and next trips want to try the Royal Grove or The Breakers.

Thanks suze, I guess I have my work cut out for me, huh? No biggie though, especially if it means a lovely buget tropical vacation

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