brass

Has anyone been? Where would you recommend going?? Any tips?

I'm looking to get away with my girlfriend for a cheap trip in the next couple weeks. I guess it's last minute. I'm looking for an all inclusive place.... thus cheaper I hope...

We're in our early 20's looking for a place to chill as a couple and have some fun...

Is there even a huge difference?

Thanks for all the help...

Arroe

are you from the US? if so , getting to Cuba could be a problem.

maleficent

This time of year, Mexico is off season -- Club Med usually has some really good deals this time of year, and that is allinclusive including booze and tips (just pick thelocation carefully, some are kid friendly)

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sherpahigh

That's what I thought. I just got back from a week there and while there I overheard one of the tour operators talking about how the busy season had arrived early this year. Apparently July is the start of the busy season. There were plenty of people there last week, the resort we were at was full.

Still a great time was had, just wasn't really the off season we were expecting.

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powerclown

I agree with maleficent...Mehico easy.

You can fly there cheap, stay there cheap, eat there cheap, drink there cheap, amazing beaches, lots of all-inclusives, lots of cool activities. The sun will be brutal this time of year, but no worries if you take care.

wrestlerdiva

the DR is gorgeous. I was there 4 years ago and its so pretty.

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hex1848

I think i would look into costa rica. You can get some pretty good deals and its beautiful.

splck

Mexico ain't the tropics. Go the the DR and check out what a real tropical beach is like.

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Sargeman

I don't think he necessarily was looking for tropical as much as he was looking for a cheap place to go.

As someone stated earlier if you're a US citizen, going to Cuba from the US is pretty much non-existent. However you can fly down to Cancun and I'm sure other areas in Mexico and then get a package to Cuba. When my wife and I went down about 3 yrs ago there were many Cuban packages available. But there are many good places in Mexico to go. Look online or go to a travel agent and make sure you ask for all inclusive packages.

Never been to the DR so I don't know much about it.

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maleficent

Cuba is very inexpensive -- and can easily get there thru Canada as well. Depending on which border you are closer to.

It's definitely worth going there before Americans are actually allowed to go, and the prices quintuple.

If you are vacationing in the summer, a lot of places have good deals -- check sites like www.aavacations.com or even clubmed to see what their packages are (Club Med wasn't my thing - I am not a social person- but it's a great deal - EVERYTHING was included - including tips)

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Sparhawk

The only good all-inclusive resorts in the DR are on the East Coast, or "Punta Cana":

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g1...ic-Hotels.html

If you go off season you can usually go for cheap. The caveat though is that it ls pretty much the only thing to do, as there isn't much life beyond Punta Cana to explore. But if you like just chilling at a resort, eating and drinking massive amounts, then it's for you.

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Arroe

I think you'll run into problems getting to Cuba though. You would have to get it approved first before even going through Canada. You don't want to be coming back into the US and have them see the Cuba stamp on your passport and finding out you didn't get it approved first. You might find yourself stuck in Canada for a while...

pinkie

maleficent

that was why we went thru Canada -- no stamp on the passport - so no record of us going in...

(though it was difficult explaining my serious sunburn in February to US Customs coming thru Toronto-- there was a heat wave that week

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Jam

whats wrong with being stuck in Canada?

on a side note I went to us to buy poptarts,,.. yes its sad but they dont have the cinamon ones here and its only like 10 minutes extra... they searched my car

splck

The DR is probably cheaper than Mexico...it all depends on how you plan your trip

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Captain Nemo

We went to Cuba through the Cayman Islands. Very easy

Glava

I think this ridiculous embargo needs to be lifted, and Americans should be able to enjoy our sunny and inexpensive Communist southern neighbor. But that's an issue for another thread.

brass

thanks for the input... chose dominican republic... an all inclusive at bahia principe san juan... had an awesome time... but I guess an awesome time for me is sittin' at the resort eatin' and drinkin' myself silly under the hot hot sun... so... I highly recommend it!

Kinda regret not exploring the country but I look forward to doing so next time...hopefully.

maleficent

You do realize, that once they allow Americans to start going there -- the inexpensiveness will be a thing of the past... Keep the embargo, it's not that hard to get there, the diving is spectacular - and not crowded.,

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bobw

Been to DR. A great non-Punta Cana place is the Allegro resort at Playa Grande (all inclusive). It is the most beautiful beach I have been to in the Carribbean, the food was very good, but the rooms themselves were just regular (but very clean).... but you aren't in your room much anyway.

Not much outside the resort in that area though, but Santiago is not too far away. It it the countries second largest city and you will not find any tourists there, but a ton of local culture and the little half-in, half-outside bars are a lot of fun and the locals treat you like a king at the bars (probably because you are a walking dollar-sign) in their town.

Puerta Plata is not too far away also.

asdfasdf1

DR in the North Shore.. Something Like Cabarete if you're into sports type tours.. Mountian biking, partying, rafting. hiking..
IguanaMama.com has some sweet tours..

Punta Cana (Which is usually Bavaro) has the best beaches in the world, but not much natural tours in the rainforest or cities.

Mexico is ok depending on what you're into..

Jay Francis

Defintely Mexico. And, if you don't want a resort type vacation, make your way down to Oaxaca City in Oaxaca. Lots to do, good food, reasonably priced hotels.

See Lonely Planet for excellent guidance.

Jay Francis

Definitely Mexico. And, if you don't want a resort type vacation, make your way down to Oaxaca City in Oaxaca. Lots to do, good food, reasonably priced hotels.

See Lonely Planet for excellent guidance.

Antikarma

Man I just can't get that. I have friends that hit cuba all the time, like twice a year. Hop a plane, go off to see the commies and the beaches, and bring me back some cigars and a story or three.

I've never been to any of the aforementioned places, but from the stories I hear, Cuba is supposed to be a romantic haven, all cheap, and all good. May wanna look into it.

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Bookman

I spent a full week in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic this month.




The DR is a very beautiful place...on the beach and sometimes in the countryside. I saw a lot of poverty yet I wasnt on a research trip I was vacationing so I will just comment on vacation related things.

I stayed at an All-inclusive hotel..."Occidental Grand Flamenco, Punta Cana".
The accomodations were $130 per night for a couple. I felt as though the service was good and the food was decent (we didnt go hungry). Transpo from airport to the resort were aranged by Expedia.com. We met no unpleasant staff members.

The BEACH AS YOU CAN SEE WAS AWESOME!
I woke up early everyday for sunrise.
Sorry..no topless beach photos.