We have only ever been away once. It was a cruise and we loved it but its pricey. I am thinking about a all inclusive. So anyone have any suggestions? I want good food, amazing beach and safe place...
jerssey I love Cuba, we always pay for at least a 4.5 star because that way we guarantee ourselves somewhat decent food (Cuban resorts aren't known for their food). Safety and amazing beach.. Done! Food?! Depends on how you define yum - I love traditional Cuban dishes so the more authentic the cooking the happier I am! Anyhow, traveling from Canada, I find best value in Cuba.
Post by sexypumpkin on Jan 25, 2015 13:51:32 GMT -5
As far as beaches, I like San Diego & the central coast if ca. I haven't been to a lot of exotic beach locations. I also like new Smyrna beach in fl. Not far from Daytona beach & Orlando, but more subdued.
Stupid question... I should pay more attention to the news, but are Americans allowed to go to Cuba now? Not sure if that's part of the recent relation changes.
We cruised a lot before baby, so if it's just adults that's always my go to. We had ways of finding good deals and always seemed to go for cheap. With baby, the pools don't allow swim diapers for some of the cruise lines and the bedtime is too early for most everything on the boat. With kids, I love getting a condo at the beach so you can run back and forth and put the baby to bed and sit on the patio or whatever. Are you traveling alone? Ocean city, Maryland is one of our fave places.
Florida's gulf coast is pretty cheap and baby friendly. Idk of any all inclusive resorts but getting a condo like becole said is the way to go. The waves are a lot smaller (sometimes non existent) than the Atlantic Ocean and water is warmer. Like you can usually stick a baby in a floaty and walk them around in the water.
Post by luckynumbers on Jan 25, 2015 14:46:20 GMT -5
Vote #2 for Myrtle Beach. There are lots of rentals for cheap that are on or close to the beach, and about a bajillion things to do with kids in tow. My great-grandparents lived about 20 minutes away, so I probably have more sentimental attachment than others, but I promise, it really is fun!
bazingaa - I think there are still travel restrictions for most Americans traveling to Cuba as of right now, but if you are dying to go, I have heard that there are ways to get around it (like connecting in Mexico on a private plane/small airline). I mean, Jay-Z and Beyonce went, so it must be super-easily accessible for us normals, right?
luckynumbers well, if Jay Z and Bey did it then I bet I could. We run in the same circles. Thanks for the clarification. No plans of my own, but I've always thought it would be a cool place to visit.
bazingaa - it really is a fabulous country, there's so little shame and such an appreciation for the simple joys - music, sun, simple, flavourful foods - I just like the straightforward, educated, maternalistic sensibilities everyone seems to have. And the majestic, crumbling cities have etched something on my heart. My parents are those Canadian that travel there every year. They are leaving in a week and a half. We go every couple of years, have experienced a lot the country has to offer - on resort and off.
ETA: cause materialistic was the worst autocorrect in reference to Cuba.
Post by activebaby on Jan 25, 2015 15:39:17 GMT -5
Myrtle has always seemed pretty crowded to me, but there are lots of things to do. I prefer the NC beaches. Atlantic Beach/Beaufort/Wrightsville Beach are low key. Also love the outer banks!
Post by SpinsOffResonance on Jan 25, 2015 15:47:04 GMT -5
15 years ago we went to the Breezes all inclusive resort in Jamaica. Beautiful, and the resort was great but Jamaicawasn't the safest place, as in armed guards at the entrance of the resort. The last few years we've been alternating going to Fort Lauderdale, FL (to visit my cousins) and to St Thomas, US Virgin Islands (to visit DH's friend). The Virgin Islands are amazing, but Florida is way easier with babies.
jerssey I love Cuba, we always pay for at least a 4.5 star because that way we guarantee ourselves somewhat decent food (Cuban resorts aren't known for their food). Safety and amazing beach.. Done! Food?! Depends on how you define yum - I love traditional Cuban dishes so the more authentic the cooking the happier I am! Anyhow, traveling from Canada, I find best value in Cuba.
Jealous! I've always wanted to go to Cuba! Maybe it's because the US says I'm not allowed? I'm really hoping to go some day if the travel restrictions get completely lifted.
I imagine the travel ban is going to be lifted soon?!? It's gotta be! My heart was happy when I saw the news of the quiet conversations. It's going to be great for so many families!!
St. Lucia and Aruba have a lot of all inclusives and are pretty safe. I loved St. Lucia since it has a lot of stuff to do other than beaches. I've never been to Aruba but my friends rave about it.
Post by ksyknelvr73 on Jan 25, 2015 19:46:06 GMT -5
DH and I really want to go to a Sandals resort at some point, maybe in Jamaica or St. Lucia. We may do something like that for our 10 year anniversary (2017).
Otherwise, we really love the gulf coast of Florida. We frequent the Tampa Bay area and also St. George Island (in the panhandle). They are generally quiet, calm and warm waters, and very affordable!
Stupid question... I should pay more attention to the news, but are Americans allowed to go to Cuba now? Not sure if that's part of the recent relation changes.
It's limited to people who would have reason to be there. People get around the travel ban by flying to Canada or Mexico but I think you get increased scrutiny when you get back. Probably end up in a list somewhere.....
We are going without kids. Its for our 5 year anniversary/honeymoon we never had. I'm really nervous to go without the kids but also want to celebrate our relationship as a couple. We are both not well travelled and I am a nervous flyer lol Thanks for the suggestions : )
We are going without kids. Its for our 5 year anniversary/honeymoon we never had. I'm really nervous to go without the kids but also want to celebrate our relationship as a couple. We are both not well travelled and I am a nervous flyer lol Thanks for the suggestions : )
Look at cruises on vacationstogo.com , wait to book until a few weeks before- book whatever is cheapest and still has a cabin that week.
For resorts, I would go back to any of the Us or British Virgin Islands. I wouldn't go back to Jamaica, Haiti, Nassau, or Belize.
We are going without kids. Its for our 5 year anniversary/honeymoon we never had. I'm really nervous to go without the kids but also want to celebrate our relationship as a couple. We are both not well travelled and I am a nervous flyer lol Thanks for the suggestions : )
without kids definitely the Virgin Islands (love St John) or Puerto Rico. Also Key West.
10 years ago we went to the Breezes all inclusive resort in Jamaica. Beautiful, and the resort was great but Jamaicawasn't the safest place, as in armed guards at the entrance of the resort. The last few years we've been alternating going to Fort Lauderdale, FL (to visit my cousins) and to St Thomas, US Virgin Islands (to visit DH's friend). The Virgin Islands are amazing, but Florida is way easier with babies.
Stopped in Jamaica on a cruise. 8 hours was enough for me! It seemed very unsafe and the beach we were on was absolutely filthy (not on a resort).
Yeah the resort clean their beaches every day. But the public beaches are nasty, full of tar and seaweeds.
We are going without kids. Its for our 5 year anniversary/honeymoon we never had. I'm really nervous to go without the kids but also want to celebrate our relationship as a couple. We are both not well travelled and I am a nervous flyer lol Thanks for the suggestions : )
Look at cruises on vacationstogo.com , wait to book until a few weeks before- book whatever is cheapest and still has a cabin that week.
For resorts, I would go back to any of the Us or British Virgin Islands. I wouldn't go back to Jamaica, Haiti, Nassau, or Belize.
I really love Mexico- east coast.
those places scare me. When we went on the cruise we stopped in Jamaica and a man tried to watch me use the bathroom through a hole, then a man grabbed my husband when we said no to buying his things. In Belize a man chased me down the street with a huge snake around his neck.
Yeah I love that cruises give you the option to see those places without staying long. We have always felt safe in Mexican resort towns and the Caribbean islands that are owned by the U.S. or Britain. Puerto Rico was nice also, but it's a rocky island. Your resort would have a small man made beach though.
St. Thomas, St. Maartin, St.John, Antigua, St. Kitts, st.barts, Aruba, all safe and awesome.
I hated Jamaicaa. Nassau is over priced. Barbados is kinda scary too.
So if looking at a cruise, pick one with southern Caribbean as the area- that's where most of those are.
Make sure when booking in Mexico that the beach/ waves will be safe for swimming at the time you want to go. Thats why I said to stay on the east coast. There are certain places where the waves are too big to swim and you're stuck at the pool (typically west coast).
I don't think you can beat the Caribbean. I've been to Cuba, Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. By far, Cuba and Mexico were the best - safe, family friendly, beautiful beaches and just a great friendly atmosphere.
If you feel adventurous and want to travel further afield, Spain is always a great option (Canary Islands or Majorca are my favourite) and some of the Greek Islands are just breathtaking.
But for heat, top beaches and awesomeness, definitely the Caribbean.....I want a holiday now ha ha!
Ice been to Mexico, Jamaica 2x, and costa rica. We are actually going to Dominican Republic end of February.
If I could go again I would do Jamaica but only on the 7 mile beach in Negril. The water was like bath water and the waves weren't very choppy. The weather was perfect and sunny every day.
Ice been to Mexico, Jamaica 2x, and costa rica. We are actually going to Dominican Republic end of February.
If I could go again I would do Jamaica but only on the 7 mile beach in Negril. The water was like bath water and the waves weren't very choppy. The weather was perfect and sunny every day.
Where in the Dominican Republic are you going? My grandparents lived in La Romana while I was growing up so we went every year! It's beautiful!
We go to Okaloosa Island, FL every year for a bowling tournament. There are miles of condos right on the beach & Destin is also close by. Bermuda is amazing, but it is quite pricey. The people are so nice & the food is amazing.
haykay13 We are staying in Punta Cana. I went there with my parents when I was about 12 and it was wonderful weather, so I'm hoping the same is true. And if not, it's in all inclusive so I can eat and get drunk.
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