vacation recommendations for Caribbean Feb/Mar

#51
#51
Does anyone have any recommendations for their best travel sites to go through for planning a Caribbean vacation?I used to go through bookit, and then that went under during Covid. I’ve been looking at cheapCaribbean, but I wasn’t sure if anyone had any suggestions. TIA.
 
#52
#52
RDU VOL#14 said:
Does anyone have any recommendations for their best travel sites to go through for planning a Caribbean vacation?I used to go through bookit, and then that went under during Covid. I’ve been looking at cheapCaribbean, but I wasn’t sure if anyone had any suggestions. TIA.
Click to expand...
A friend recently turned me on to a site called TravelZoo. He got on it after hiring someone who booked travel for a living precovid.

The prices and packages are so low that it looks like a scam. It's legit. We just booked a cruise in the Caribbean for a week for less than $200 per adult.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RDU VOL#14
#53
#53
RDU VOL#14 said:
Does anyone have any recommendations for their best travel sites to go through for planning a Caribbean vacation?I used to go through bookit, and then that went under during Covid. I’ve been looking at cheapCaribbean, but I wasn’t sure if anyone had any suggestions. TIA.
Click to expand...
My wife knows a local agent that specializes in this. She put our DR trip together last summer and it was perfect. Let me know if you could use her info.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RDU VOL#14
#54
#54
McDad said:
A friend recently turned me on to a site called TravelZoo. He got on it after hiring someone who booked travel for a living precovid.

The prices and packages are so low that it looks like a scam. It's legit. We just booked a cruise in the Caribbean for a week for less than $200 per adult.
Click to expand...
I had forgotten all about that site. Thanks for reminding me of that. I’ll check it out. That’s unbelievable deal on a cruise. If you don’t mind me asking, which cruise line are you going on. I’ve been Carnival 3-4 times and Royal Caribbean about 20 years ago.
kiddiedoc said:
My wife knows a local agent that specializes in this. She put our DR trip together last summer and it was perfect. Let me know if you could use her info.
Click to expand...

I appreciate that. I was looking at some all-inclusive places in Punta Cana last night. I’ll let you know if we decide to use a TA. I’ve never been in the DR other than the port.
 
#55
#55
RDU VOL#14 said:
I had forgotten all about that site. Thanks for reminding me of that. I’ll check it out. That’s unbelievable deal on a cruise. If you don’t mind me asking, which cruise line are you going on. I’ve been Carnival 3-4 times and Royal Caribbean about 20 years ago.
Click to expand...
MSC.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RDU VOL#14
#56
#56
RDU VOL#14 said:
I had forgotten all about that site. Thanks for reminding me of that. I’ll check it out. That’s unbelievable deal on a cruise. If you don’t mind me asking, which cruise line are you going on. I’ve been Carnival 3-4 times and Royal Caribbean about 20 years ago.


I appreciate that. I was looking at some all-inclusive places in Punta Cana last night. I’ll let you know if we decide to use a TA. I’ve never been in the DR other than the port.
Click to expand...
We vacationed at Dreams Royal in Punta Cana last summer. Without question, best food I've ever had at an all-inclusive (very important to me). It wasn't so big and crowded that you really ever had to wait for anything. The beach tiki umbrellas were awesome. You can also walk over to Secrets (sister property) next door for adult night life. Without kids, you can do the inverse.

The only warning I would give is to check the seaweed season. The water was full of it and we spent very little time in the ocean because of it.

Pools are great, you can learn to ask for good rum (like everywhere, they try to serve you junk), and there are very good excursions, including one I would make a bucket list, if you end up going.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RDU VOL#14
#57
#57
kiddiedoc said:
We vacationed at Dreams Royal in Punta Cana last summer. Without question, best food I've ever had at an all-inclusive (very important to me). It wasn't so big and crowded that you really ever had to wait for anything. The beach tiki umbrellas were awesome. You can also walk over to Secrets (sister property) next door for adult night life. Without kids, you can do the inverse.

The only warning I would give is to check the seaweed season. The water was full of it and we spent very little time in the ocean because of it.

Pools are great, you can learn to ask for good rum (like everywhere, they try to serve you junk), and there are very good excursions, including one I would make a bucket list, if you end up going.
Click to expand...

Did you do Preferred Club? How hard was it to get reservations if you didn’t?
 
#59
#59
McDad said:
Anybody with advice or recommendations for Aruba, Caymans, US Virgin Islands or other destinations?
Click to expand...
I'd save passport money and do USVI. But, never been anywhere down there so I know nothing. If I did go, I'd look for one of those lesser known and lesser used destinations.
 
#60
#60
Tri-CitiesVol said:
Planning a trip to an all-inclusive now. DR seems to have the most reasonable flights out of IND.
Click to expand...
Same with me looking at flights out of RDU. I think I saw a 4 night stay w/ flights for $890 per person at an all inclusive.
 
#62
#62
GVF said:
I'd save passport money and do USVI. But, never been anywhere down there so I know nothing. If I did go, I'd look for one of those lesser known and lesser used destinations.
Click to expand...

You saying you don't have a passport? $130. You need one to see most of the world. And If you have family members who are traveling overseas and they need you you wi not be able to go without one. At least jump through a lot of hoops.
 
#63
#63
Go aeiou said:
You saying you don't have a passport? $130. You need one to see most of the world. And If you have family members who are traveling overseas and they need you you wi not be able to go without one. At least jump through a lot of hoops.
Click to expand...

I had one years ago in college. Parents lived in Manila for 2 years and I went over on summer breaks. On my last return, my passport got lifted in Minneapolis/St.Paul from my bag while peeing. Fortunately, I had already cleared customs and was waiting on my ATL connection. I never had it replaced, and have never seen my name roll up on a world's most wanted. Probably already had that passport since we made a trip with dad to Cambridge Uni for a business trip when I was in 9th grade. Haven't really needed once since. My salaries never afforded much chance for international travel.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Go aeiou
#64
#64
Go aeiou said:
You saying you don't have a passport? $130. You need one to see most of the world. And If you have family members who are traveling overseas and they need you you wi not be able to go without one. At least jump through a lot of hoops.
Click to expand...

Times have changed though. I made those trips to Manila on my own as a 19 year old. Drove myself to college 18 hours away as a freshman. Road tripped all over the south on my own to visit friends and such. Parents never thought much of it. My wife would die before she let our 20 year old do what I did by himself. Maybe the 4 hour drive to his cousins in ATL and she'd be in knots over that. I'm not untravelled. Been to 38 states, the 3 countries of the UK, Calais France, the Philipines, and several international airports in between on 4 hour layovers. But, my own family years have been a little less rewarding for travel. I hate it dearly, but my own kid has probably only been in 4-5 southern states. And, my wife's joint custody with the oldest (my step-son) and how it was divied up made it very difficult to venture out of town without alot of hassle. Our son unfortunately gave up alot due to that arrangement.
 
#65
#65
kiddiedoc said:
We did not. What kind of reservations?
Click to expand...

I may be mixing it up with another resort down there, but a lot of them have “Preferred Club” which gets you into exclusive restaurants for those guests only or put to the top of the list at the regular restaurants. I read wait times at some places can be pretty high. If that’s not the case there, I may not spring for the extra perks.
 
#66
#66
Go aeiou said:
You saying you don't have a passport? $130. You need one to see most of the world. And If you have family members who are traveling overseas and they need you you wi not be able to go without one. At least jump through a lot of hoops.
Click to expand...
I disagree with gvf and you are correct. You need a passport now. Just as soon as you don’t get it, you’ll need it. Go on a cruise and you can’t get off the boat. It’s the classic wallyworld -sorry folks parks closed. Today it’s easier and cheap to go to any non American country.
 
#67
#67
GVF said:
Times have changed though. I made those trips to Manila on my own as a 19 year old. Drove myself to college 18 hours away as a freshman. Road tripped all over the south on my own to visit friends and such. Parents never thought much of it. My wife would die before she let our 20 year old do what I did by himself. Maybe the 4 hour drive to his cousins in ATL and she'd be in knots over that. I'm not untravelled. Been to 38 states, the 3 countries of the UK, Calais France, the Philipines, and several international airports in between on 4 hour layovers. But, my own family years have been a little less rewarding for travel. I hate it dearly, but my own kid has probably only been in 4-5 southern states. And, my wife's joint custody with the oldest (my step-son) and how it was divied up made it very difficult to venture out of town without alot of hassle. Our son unfortunately gave up alot due to that arrangement.
Click to expand...

Been there. 2nd marriage for both of us. Children from first marriages. WE had kids when we were kids. 20,21. They are in late 40s now. When kids left home after high school we started traveling. Daughter getting a full sholarship to UT and UT Law meant extra $ for travel. I was self employeed, and not needed around much of the time so we had a flexible schedule. We feel very fortunate to have been to 50+ countries. England is my favorite.
But travel while you can. At 67 I had two heart attacks. Wife has lung problems, and travel is just not in the plans now. I can no longer drive all day regularly to get from one place to another. Travel keeps getting tougher. Last trip the Uber driver to the airport did not show up. No notice, and when I checked was told no driver in the area. Knocked on 5 neigbors doors, and they were all gone. I drove and parked in the cheap lot at BNA at $16/day for 14 days.
We did go on a Mediterranean cruise and a New England/Canada cruise. I had a kid attempt to lift my wallet in Naples, IT. The kid was in a group that included some adults.
I hope family matters get better for you. Divorce these days doesn't seem to work for anyone.
 
  • Like
Reactions: davethevol
#68
#68
kiddiedoc said:
My wife knows a local agent that specializes in this. She put our DR trip together last summer and it was perfect. Let me know if you could use her info.
Click to expand...

I’d be interested in her contact info to see if she can beat the prices I’m seeing.
 
#69
#69
Go aeiou said:
Been there. 2nd marriage for both of us. Children from first marriages. WE had kids when we were kids. 20,21. They are in late 40s now. When kids left home after high school we started traveling. Daughter getting a full sholarship to UT and UT Law meant extra $ for travel. I was self employeed, and not needed around much of the time so we had a flexible schedule. We feel very fortunate to have been to 50+ countries. England is my favorite.
But travel while you can. At 67 I had two heart attacks. Wife has lung problems, and travel is just not in the plans now. I can no longer drive all day regularly to get from one place to another. Travel keeps getting tougher. Last trip the Uber driver to the airport did not show up. No notice, and when I checked was told no driver in the area. Knocked on 5 neigbors doors, and they were all gone. I drove and parked in the cheap lot at BNA at $16/day for 14 days.
We did go on a Mediterranean cruise and a New England/Canada cruise. I had a kid attempt to lift my wallet in Naples, IT. The kid was in a group that included some adults.
I hope family matters get better for you. Divorce these days doesn't seem to work for anyone.
Click to expand...

My favorite was Scotland. Not sure there are many places that look like Scotland. Plus, we have noteable ancestry there, that did not leave with us when we had to so we have been commoners since. lol.. Stateside, I'd say Montana. I really like San Diego/La Jolla area, but these days would not choose to live.

For a 19 year old, the philipines had tremendously gorgeous ladies in abundance, and a few ugly ones if you cared. And they all tried to marry you to come to the states. There was one whose parents had nice jobs and they lived in the gated village where we rented. THe daughter was a receptionist at a salon accross the road, and wanted to know if I like Filipino women. To this day one of the prettiest women I've laid eyes on, and good breeding as they would say. (Good family). I was also advised that if you bring a wife home, you eventually house the rest of the family, so I sucked it up and stayed single. I did behave when I was over there, which takes dedication in a land of beauties who all seem to love you. Was afraid I'd get something that wouldn't come off. Not to mention the local foods. Fusion of Polynesian, asian, spanish over the centuries. I could live there just for the food. But, OMG, the heat and humidity that slaps you in the face when you exit the airport. August in Middle GA didn't have s*** on that.

Her ex had everything done his way and she didn't argue. So, it was literally every other day. Took years to go back and get it to a 2/2/3 arrangement where you could get a full weekend to make plans without arguments and threats.
 
#72
#72
GVF said:
My favorite was Scotland. Not sure there are many places that look like Scotland. Plus, we have noteable ancestry there, that did not leave with us when we had to so we have been commoners since. lol.. Stateside, I'd say Montana. I really like San Diego/La Jolla area, but these days would not choose to live.

For a 19 year old, the philipines had tremendously gorgeous ladies in abundance, and a few ugly ones if you cared. And they all tried to marry you to come to the states. There was one whose parents had nice jobs and they lived in the gated village where we rented. THe daughter was a receptionist at a salon accross the road, and wanted to know if I like Filipino women. To this day one of the prettiest women I've laid eyes on, and good breeding as they would say. (Good family). I was also advised that if you bring a wife home, you eventually house the rest of the family, so I sucked it up and stayed single. I did behave when I was over there, which takes dedication in a land of beauties who all seem to love you. Was afraid I'd get something that wouldn't come off. Not to mention the local foods. Fusion of Polynesian, asian, spanish over the centuries. I could live there just for the food. But, OMG, the heat and humidity that slaps you in the face when you exit the airport. August in Middle GA didn't have s*** on that.

Her ex had everything done his way and she didn't argue. So, it was literally every other day. Took years to go back and get it to a 2/2/3 arrangement where you could get a full weekend to make plans without arguments and threats.
Click to expand...

I'm Scottish/Irish on one side . They were poor Appilachians.
We have a philipino lady married into the family. A move up for her spouse.

I let my wife's lawyer draw the divorce papers. Didn't even get a lawyer.

Your husband in law sounds like an idiot. Not good for the children.
 
#73
#73
Go aeiou said:
I'm Scottish/Irish on one side . They were poor Appilachians.
We have a philipino lady married into the family. A move up for her spouse.

I let my wife's lawyer draw the divorce papers. Didn't even get a lawyer.

Your husband in law sounds like an idiot. Not good for the children.
Click to expand...

Ditto, my divorce cost me nothing. No kids. I just marked up what I didn't like on the papers I was served and sent them back to her and her lawyer and those idiots made the corrections w/o argument. Waited 4 weeks for divorcecourt day (a Friday), waited our turn, went to wrok on 2nd shift, went to bsr after work and gave the first pretty girl I saw (and said yes) the ride of her life. She divided all the dinnerware and such right down the middle. I laughed and said ok. I'd have given her the matching sets just to watch her drive away. She was uber loco, a cheater, and 2 personalities I was aware of.

Her ex was definitely an idiot, and still is. No more fighting. he's been remarried a good while too. But, he would do crap like sell his dons cows behind his back and pocket the money. He still pulls stunts. Step son is in Ag. He started growing pumpkins for the extra money. Can clear quite a bit per acre depending on how you sell them off. He was wanting to use the field behind his dads house for one grow. Made hte mistake of telling him what they could make, and he said no. His next time in town, he saw his dad had planted the field for himself, so the step son snuck out there one night and sprayed them all dead. lol.. He will tell you quick I was more of a father than his dad was.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Go aeiou
#74
#74
Tri-CitiesVol said:
I may be mixing it up with another resort down there, but a lot of them have “Preferred Club” which gets you into exclusive restaurants for those guests only or put to the top of the list at the regular restaurants. I read wait times at some places can be pretty high. If that’s not the case there, I may not spring for the extra perks.
Click to expand...
At the Dreams resort, there was a little VIP section of beach and an area by the pool. We had no problem eating when we wanted to, at most a 15-30" wait without reservations, and it was nice to have a (free) cocktail while we waited. I think the price was around $3-4k higher for "preferred" status. No way.
 
#75
#75
@McDad do want to go somewhere with lots of tourist, or no crowds? Eleuthera Bahamas is a great escape, not crowded, very affordable and people friendly. You get the Atlantic and Caribbean all in one, it’s unbelievable. We rented a house on the Atlantic and walked to the other side, it’s like 2 different beaches.
 
  • Like
Reactions: VolFaninFla, RDU VOL#14 and McDad
New posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

VN Store



Back
Top