Vacation Ideas

[Don]

So, my gf has never been out of the country, or even on a plane. I managed to get her to get a passport simply because it's a good idea to have one (she just got it in the mail a couple weeks ago), but I'd like to take her on a fun trip soon. Her birthday is in October, so I've been looking into booking something for then for the past couple weeks. Basically looking for something in a warm place, roughly 4-7 days, and under $2k in terms of flights/lodging. So far I've found some cruises that seem legit, namely western Caribbean, and some vacation packages to Cabo, Cancun, etc... Nonetheless, I'd like to know if you guys have any ideas that might fall into those parameters. I know October is still hurricane season in the Caribbean, so I'm slightly worried about potential cancellations/other issues with that.

[Tank]

Just did a western carribbean cruise last month - Cozumel, grand Cayman, and Jamaica - and loved it. Swam with the dolphins in Cozumel. Highly recommend this trip. The colors of the water are insanely blue.

[ten ocho recon scout]

cancun is pretty rad. belize is up there. are you saying under 2K for both you and her (flights+hotel)?

[NJHalo]

I feel like vacationing in the Caribbean/Gulf of Mexico during hurricane season is like playing Russian Roulette. You can never be sure of good weather. Been there, done that. No fun watching the weather channel all week with the radar showing a huge hurricane coming your way, but they predict it will change course. Not much relaxing that week. If you do decide to go that way, get a good travel insurance policy, and pick a place with a good airport nearby so you can GTFO if the shit hits the fan. The last thing you want to do is get stuck on some 3rd world island with all services wiped out. Cruises are safer because they can adjust their course and avoid, or outrun storms. The sea may be a bit rough though, and you might have to skip a few ports of call.

Have you ever considered the West coast of Florida? Same beautiful water, but a safer bet in case there is a hurricane. Most storms go East to West, so the Florida Peninsula acts as a buffer for the west coast beaches. The land takes a bite out of the storm before it gets there. Very rarely do they go East to West, and then curl back and hit the Florida West coast. Lots of beautiful resorts from Naples north. Fort Myers has an airport, as does Tampa/St. Pete, and Sarasota. You could also fly into Orlando, and drive 90 minutes to the coast. Naples and Anna Maria Island are two of my favorites.

Do you have any interest in doing Walt Disney World Resort, or Universal Orlando Resort? Both great places with first class hotels and pools, lots to do, and best of all, LACK OF CROWDS. Kids are in school, so both places are cheaper and emptier than usual.

[ten ocho recon scout]

i havent been, but columbia is supposed to be pretty amazing. all the hard core travel peeps ive talked to say its the best spot in south america

[Sully151]

Cuba. See it before it's gone. 

[red321]

don't bother with Cancun...if you are thinking Yucatan look at Tulum and a resort like La Zebra. About 90 minutes south and nowhere near the tourist trap that

[Angel Dog and Beer]

Maybe look into the Dominican Republic. I have never been, but I've heard its beautiful and less expensive than neighboring PR and the BVI's. Wear your Vlad jersey and be treated like a king.

[ten ocho recon scout]

3 hours ago, Sully151 said:

Cuba. See it before it's gone. 

was gonna suggest that myself. its up on my list, not first, but at least second wild card

[mrwicked]

croatia.

[ten ocho recon scout]

6 hours ago, calscuf said:

And while I enjoyed Colombia, I wouldn't recommend it as "first trip outside the US."

havent seen croatia yet but its on the list. as far as columbia, it wouldnt be my first either, but don says he wants to go somewhere warm and cheap. im more of a cold (and cheap) kind of guy.

i can be hot and see a beach here. and i can get ripped off by people speaking spanish here just as easy as any place in mexico. so for my money, id rather go somewhere i can still wear jeans, and get robbed by someone speaking french, or german, or asian.

 

[ELEVEN]

16 hours ago, Sully151 said:

Cuba. See it before it's gone. 

I've always wanted to go see some Cuban besebol.

[Ray McKigney]

On 7/27/2016 at 0:06 AM, Tank said:

Just did a western carribbean cruise last month - Cozumel, grand Cayman, and Jamaica - and loved it. Swam with the dolphins in Cozumel. Highly recommend this trip. The colors of the water are insanely blue.

Lucky you didn't run into any pirates of the Caribbean.

[NJHalo]

Use code TRUMP to get an additional 25% off !!!

[Punk]

Costa Rica

[Tank]

5 hours ago, Ray McKigney said:

Lucky you didn't run into any pirates of the Caribbean.

They've all relocated to Orlando and Anaheim. Something full-time steady wages with benefits.

[Don]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. Western Caribbean is probably the leader in the clubhouse now despite the risks. With my budget, Cabo still seems alright too. If I had more cash, I think Croatia would be awesome; and I've done Costa Rica before, I'd just want more time for that one. The gf isn't willing to take more than 5 days PTO though.

[Don]

On July 27, 2016 at 3:22 AM, ten ocho recon scout said:

cancun is pretty rad. belize is up there. are you saying under 2K for both you and her (flights+hotel)?

Yeah, I meant 2k combined for flights/lodging before other expenses.

[Sully151]

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is pretty awesome too. Bequay is a rad island, St Lucia, Martanique and St Vincent are nice. The first Pirates Of the Carribean movie was shot on St Vincent.

[ten ocho recon scout]

1 hour ago, Don said:

Yeah, I meant 2k combined for flights/lodging before other expenses.

id check on the all inclusives. flights should drop pretty decently starting in september, fyi.

[notherhalo]

Virgin Atlantic is running a decent deal to S Africa, around $900 r/t from LAX

Virgin airlines doesn't charge for a stopover so I added a 27 day one in LHR essentially giving me time for another vacation.  

Norwegian is trying to compete with WOWair and had LAX CDG (Paris) for $175-$225 each way (winter months) but that doesn't include luggage, meal, etc so it's really designed for cheapskates

they have a similar cost ticket to Sweden, I believe

[Adam]

Has anyone mentioned Blythe yet?

[NJHalo]

Don't bother looking into Tuscany. There is nothing available to rent there

[mrwicked]

emirates was doing a deal recently for two peeps round trip to dubai for $1250.

[Vegas Halo Fan]

On 7/27/2016 at 8:53 AM, red321 said:

don't bother with Cancun...if you are thinking Yucatan look at Tulum and a resort like La Zebra. About 90 minutes south and nowhere near the tourist trap that

We stayed in all all inclusive in Tulum (Dreams Tulum) and it was terrific. The ancient Mayan city was a short bus trip from our hotel, and there are at least four restaurants to choose from. Great beach, and you don't have to deal with the spring break party type atmosphere.