Where would you go and why....

[DelSol]

DH & I have an opportunity to go on 2 vacations in 2 years.

Some places are all-inclusive and others are not. We really like the all-inclusive because we can eat and drink as much as we want and not have to worry about tipping.

So out of this list where would you go and why....
Acapulco - all-inclusive
Aruba - not all-inclusive
Bahamas - all-inclusive
Cancun - all-inclusive
Cozumel - all-inclusive
Hawaii - not all-inclusive
Punta Cana - all-inclusive
Puerto Vallarta - all-inclusive

Another destination they will be having soon is
Bermuda - not sure if it will be all-inclusive or not

This travel company has arrangements with some hotels already but if you don't like the hotel you can upgrade to a different hotel.


I look forward to reading your responses and helping me choose a great vacation. :D

[lil_geek]

I have only been to Acapulco ... so I will give my opinion on it.

I went as a single girl with a single GF. We had a great time at the bars (which get busy around midnight and stay open until sunrise), slept in late and layed around the pool. We did a 'booze cruise' and it was eh, went swimming with the dolphins (sort of cool, but it's in a pool, so a little gross), we did a day tour around Acapulco which was neat, the flea market could be cool but the shop owners are VERY pushy. We horse back rode on the beach which was definatly cool!

The city is very big and poluted. (Population will over 1 million, in a fairly small area) There are Wal-marts, McDonalds, Pizza Pizza, etc. The ocean was icky, not something you would want to swim in for hours.

Anyway, we had a great time because we went to party :rolleyes: But I would never go there for a relaxing lay on the beach, tropical paradise vacation.

[laura]

I would go to Hawaii and Aruba. Or 2 different Hawaiian islands, if offered. That said, I don't much care for Mexico, though I have only been to Cozumel. I would check out Punta Cana, but I don't have a personal burning desire to go there. I have been to both Aruba (for my HM) and Hawaii (Maui and the Big Island) and I really enjoyed both of those places. I wouldn't have wanted to do an all-inclusive at either place, so that doesn't influence my decision as it does for some.

[wine_o_girlie]

I've been to several of your choices but I don't think I can comment because I don't know what type of vacation you are looking for. A lot of those destinations are totally different from each other. What are you looking for? Relaxation? Nightlife? Great food? Adventure activities? etc.?

[lawyergirl25]

Cancun, Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta are all on my list of places to go, but I'd have to choose Hawaii and Aruba first. My MIL raves about Aruba - how beautiful the island is, how wonderful the people are, how it's so relaxing. And Hawaii...well, who doesn't want to go to Hawaii? :)

I've been to the Bahamas, Cozumel and the DR (not Punta Cana). I had fun visiting all of them, but IMO Cozumel and the Bahamas can easily be done on a cruise - especially if the ship remains in port more than one day - and I wasn't enthralled with the DR and will probably not go back (I know lots of people love the DR, but there are plenty of other places I'd rather explore before returning!).

[meatpie]

If I must give an answer, it would be Aruba and Hawaii or Hawaii and Punta Cana.

We LOVED Aruba. There are so many great restaurants on the island so we never even thought about an AI. What someone else posted was right re: Aruba - it's quiet, incredibly relaxing, great food, friendly people, small but enough to do and keep busy, etc.

Hawaii is wonderful (obviously) as well.

I'll explain about us - we love food, love researching restaurants, trying local places not tourist places - so we never consider an AI when we vacation (unless we are on a cruise, but we always eat lunch or something in port). I also have a hard time answering because I'm not sure what hotels you can stay at and for us that would be a HUGE factor.

If you look into Aruba do you know the hotel? Is it in the low-rise or high-rise area? We stayed in the low-rise area at the Bucuti and loved the hotel, service, beach was the most beautiful on the island. The high-rise we would never stay at because it's very busy and hotel after hotel. Plus, the beach is not as great on that side.

And then in Hawaii - what island will you be staying on? There are some islands we want to visit before like Maui so that would also be a factor for us.

I also said Punta Cana because if you like doijng AI maybe you should do one AI vacation and one not to see what you really prefer. And out of the possible AI vacations - I thought Punta Cana was the most exotic and interesting (plus, I have no real interest in Mexico living in CA). Just my thoughts.

[DelSol]

I've been to several of your choices but I don't think I can comment because I don't know what type of vacation you are looking for. A lot of those destinations are totally different from each other. What are you looking for? Relaxation? Nightlife? Great food? Adventure activities? etc.?

We'd be looking for relaxation, great food and doing a couple of excursions.

When we were in Jamaica, we got married there but did some excursions. We did the shopping tour, swam with Dolphins and toured the Rose Hall Great House. We wanted to do the UnderSea Tour where you wear a helmet and go diving, sorta like scuba diving unfortunately time ran out.

[DelSol]

If you look into Aruba do you know the hotel? Is it in the low-rise or high-rise area? We stayed in the low-rise area at the Bucuti and loved the hotel, service, beach was the most beautiful on the island. The high-rise we would never stay at because it's very busy and hotel after hotel. Plus, the beach is not as great on that side.
Currently, according to the website the hotel is The Mill Resort for Aruba. http://www.millresort.com/. Then there is another package offer hotels such as Wyndham, Marriott, Hilton, Sheraton, Ramada or Holiday Inn depending on what chains are in Aruba.




And then in Hawaii - what island will you be staying on? There are some islands we want to visit before like Maui so that would also be a factor for us.
The island would be Waikiki. Hotel would be Ohana Maile Sky Court but we are able to upgrade to another hotel. I don't have a list of the upgrades but I would like to be on the beach. I believe the Ohana Maile Sky Court is not on the beach but in the city. I'd probably upgrade to Outrigger Waikiki (if available), looks as if it is on the beach.
Ohana Maile Sky Court:
http://ohanahotels.com/images/photos/property_large/ph186omc_hoa_exterior.jpg

Outrigger Waikiki:
http://outrigger.com/images/photos/property_large/ph388owk_hoa_exterior1.jpg

[DelSol]

Thank you lil_geek, laura, wine_o_girlie, lawyergirl25 & meatpie for sharing your opinions.

I'm leaning towards Aruba, Hawaii & Punta Cana.

I'll be reading reviews on TripAdvisor and taking some reviews with a grain of salt (unless I read tons of negative info) because I know some people just like to complain about anything and everything.

[villanelle75]

Yes to Punta Cana. LOVEd it there. And it's really cheap, which is a benefit because you can do more excursions and really SEE the place, which is importnat to me. The country is just georgeous and the people are friendly and warm. We did find the service tends to be a bit slow compared to typical American standards, because that's seemingly the island way, so if that soemthign that will bother you, keep it in mind. it wasn't even remotely a probelm for us but the high mainenance, slightly snobby, Country club-aspiring people we were with balked a bit at not being kowtowed to like you find in some places.

No to Puerta Vallarta. My experience and the experiances of several family members is that the water there is kind of gross. Not the drinking water; the ocean water. Not really a ton to see. Ehh. Not a bad place, but others on the list are better.

Cozumel-I've been there about 10 times. I love the scuba diving and I'm sure there is good snorkelign as well. However, if the diving weren't so great (and the condition of the reef is noticably worse in the since the first time I dove there about 10 years ago), I dont' know if I'd chose it. There are some great excusions from there though, liek Tulum (Mayan Ruins) and Xuelha, and old Mayan city, I believe, that is now sort of a mellow, gorgeous, natural water park.

Cancun-Unless you are ooking to rage and party, I'd go elsewhere. There are tons of fun clubs and bars (when I was last there, abotu 8 year ago), but anythign else you want to do there can be done from somwhere else as well. If you want mellow and peaceful, you can find ti, but it's not what they tend to specialize in.

[Vishenka69]

I would go to Hawaii and Aruba. I think they are the most expensive destinations on your list though. It's not clear from your post if you'd be paying for these vacations or they're offered as comps. DR & Mexico are cheap enough to pay for yourselves. DH & I really liked Puerto Vallarta and really disliked Punta Cana. I posted more detailed reviews in the AI thread, if you're interested.

[meatpie]

The beach we were on in Aruba was Eagle Beach and this is what Fodor's has to say about it...

Eagle Beach. On the southwestern coast, across the highway from what is quickly becoming known as Time-Share Lane, is one of the Caribbean's -- if not the world's -- best beaches. Not long ago it was a nearly deserted stretch of pristine sand dotted with the occasional thatched picnic hut. Now that the resorts are completed, this mile-plus-long beach is always hopping. Although other Caribbean beaches eroded after Hurricane Ivan in 2004, Eagle Beach actually became several feet wider.

And then Palm Beach is the high-rise area (which we did not love as much because it was significantly busier and not nearly as relaxing and quiet as the Bucuti.). Palm Beach is where the Mill Resort is. BUT, I know many people who loved this area because it was more developed and close to water sports, and a different activity level. But if you are really looking for relaxation I'd stay in the low-rise as close to Eagle Beach as possible (You can also walk to the high-rise area which we did one night).

Palm Beach. This stretch runs from the Wyndham Aruba Beach Resort & Casino to the Marriott Aruba Ocean Club. It's the center of Aruban tourism, offering good opportunities for swimming, sailing, and other water sports. In some spots you might find a variety of shells that are great to collect, but not as much fun to step on barefoot -- bring sandals just in case.

My thoughts - We did a snorkel cruise in Aruba one day and we arranged it through the hotel and they came and picked us up and dropped us off. No transportation issues here at all even though all those type excursions started in the high-rise area. The island is really small, but we did rent a jeep, pack a lunch and go 4-wheeling on the back side of the island for a day (only one-side is developed because of the coastline and winds on the non-developed side.) It was so cool. We came across a beautiful beach with just a local family there picnicing.

If you want great food there are a ton of options in Aruba. French Steakhouse, Cuba's Cooking, I can get you a few more if you decide on Aruba. There are also busses that go downtown and cabs, so like I said it's small enought to get around.

In Hawaii - I'd make sure you are on the beach, especially in Waikiki. Traffic can be a nightmare there. And if you can (although it's $$$) try to eat at Roy's in Hawaii. WONDERFUL food and my hus was just there at the one near Waikiki.

Also...check the Fodor's message boards as well for opinions, reviews, hotels, restaurants, etc.

[DelSol]

It's not clear from your post if you'd be paying for these vacations or they're offered as comps.

We'll be paying for these vacations on our own, no comps but the vacations are being offered at a discounted rate. Aruba would be around $600 per person for 7 days & 6 nights and Hawaii $500 per person for 8 days & 7 nights both include airfare and hotel but are not all-inclusive. Those prices are based off of mid-week travel and off season.

[DelSol]

Also...check the Fodor's message boards as well for opinions, reviews, hotels, restaurants, etc.

Thanks for the suggestion. I used Fodor's to get information about Jamaica for the guests that attended my wedding. I thought it was a great site for information.

[Vishenka69]

DelSol, those are amazing prices, I would definitely take advantage of them. Usually air alone can cost more than that.

[ManteoChik]

For me, I would rule out the Bahamas simply because I go there pretty much on a monthly basis thanks to SO's job so I've seen just about EVERY island in the Bahamas there is.....and a few that most people don't know about..lol.
I would also rule out Cancun (never been there) because I've heard from *a lot* of people that it's dirty, and too much into the party scene and when I go on vacation I like to relax....not go to nightclubs.

If it were my choice, I'd pick Hawaii and upgrade to the hotel on the beach. I've never been to Hawaii but really want to go. I feel like Hawaii is one of those places where I'd want to at least have two weeks (because a week just isn't enough time when you are coming from the east coast...NC, IMO) and so far I haven't had time yet. SO's dad lives in Hawaii in Lahina and it's pretty sad that in 6 years we still haven't been...lol.

[Lil' Peach]

First I have to ask how you are getting such an awesome deal??!! :D

And Aruba, definately! DH & I went in 2003 and stayed at the Aruba Grand which is right on Palm Beach. I believe the Mill was across or a little down the street, just a short walk to the beach. We *loved* staying in the high rise area. All of the hotels had restaraunts so we pretty much hotel-hopped for some really great food and there are so many awesome places in town.

Maybe we didn't go at the right time or place, but I didn't think Eagle Beach was all that great. We did some water sports there across from the LaCabana and both my husband & I preferred Palm Beach. Not that the other wasn't spectacular, but after all of the raves we expected it to be more.

But wherever you stay in Aruba you will have so much fun!! :)

[naharkin]

I would go skiing in the mountains....any thoughts?

[rosa727]

We loved Puerto Vallarta. It is a really fun, cute little city. It felt very safe and the people were wonderful. The water is not super blue-green because it is the west coast and it is in a bay which is fed by rivers that get muddy, epsecially in the wet season (when we were there). The weather is wonderful. We were there in the "wet" season and that just means it may rain for an hour or two several nights. You can see great sunsets there and the mountains behind the beach and city make it pretty. We really liked it.

Cancun is just super partyish and VERY Americanized. If you could go south of Cancun to the Riviera Maya region (Playa Del Carmen) that would be much nicer. We love that area. There are tons of great AIs there.

Hawaii is gorgeous. We went there on our honeymoon and loved it. It is so varied and there is so much to see and do. The weather is great (not too humid).

Punta Cana is super cheap and the beach is gorgeous. The water is that perfect blue-green color. We felt safe and the people were nice. We were just there in November and the weather was perfect beach weather every day.

I guess I would ultimately pick Hawaii and Puerto Vallarta, but that is just my opinion.

[DelSol]

First I have to ask how you are getting such an awesome deal??!! :D

We were able to get these deals through a radio station that my aunt in FL listens to. She has been able to get vacation deals through them before and loves it. I know they went to Las Vegas, more Laughlin area and stayed at a casino there for only $50 for the week and it included all their meals. I wanna say they stayed at the Pioneer Hotel.

I'm a little leery about going this way for travel, I'm afraid the hotel will be a dump.

If you like I can PM you the website and you can check it out, like I said I before I am a little leery but I am willing to give it a try. I can't beat going to Aruba & Hawaii for those prices.

I would go skiing in the mountains....any thoughts?
Currently the company is only offering Caribbean spots, I did see an offer for Orlando, Canada and Las Vegas. We go to Las Vegas every 18 months or so, so no interest in us going there through this company.


Cancun~ I've been to Cancun before many many years ago in 1993 so I'm familiar with it but I know DH has not been there. I know it's the place to go for Spring Break, that's when I went. What a party place!!!! :D

[Lil' Peach]

Definately send me a PM, it's certainly worth checking out! Thanks so much!! :)

I can tell you that the Mill wasn't a dump.. we went there to pick up some people on some of our activities and of course I only saw the outside and inside the lounge/courtesy desk and it did look rather nice. Obviously not as grand as the Wyndham or something else along that line, but it looked clean and comfortable. They have a website www.millresort.com Hope that helps! :)

[laura]

We stayed at the Wyndham on Palm Beach in Aruba for our HM, and I found the location extremely relaxing, plus the pool was really nice. We went in May, which is considered "off season" there, but the weather was fabulous and the hotel was only at about half-capacity. Ditto about the great restaurants, and most of them we could walk to from our hotel, so that was also nice. We rented a car for 1 day only, the rest of the time we either took a cab or walked down the beach. I don't know anything about the Mill hotel/resort, but I would recommend the Wyndham.

ITA about upgrading to a beach hotel in Waikiki, but that is a great price for getting there, so I would definitely do that. I haven't been to Oahu, but my boss's boss is from there and he absolutely loves it. He's always telling me to take the week off and go. ;)

[meatpie]

I should add the Hus and I were in Aruba Dec. 26 through Jan. 2 so it was busy and there were many families in the high-rise area the Bucuti is adults only). I know many, many people who loved the high-rise area. It just isn't for me and the hus. When we travel we look for very small, boutique-type hotels.

And if we could go back to Aruba and only stay in the high-rise area - would do so in a second!!!

[justHB]

I don't know much about any of the other places you posted, but I would DEFINITELY choose Hawaii (then again, I have a bit of an obsession with Hawaii). We were in Oahu from 12/26/05 to 1/2/06 and I'm familiar with both hotels you posted. Personally, I'd skip the Ohana and go with the Outrigger Waikiki as it's pretty decent, has an excellent location on the beach, and has great restaurants located within the hotel (Dukes being the one that immediately comes to mind). That's a great price for Hawaii, btw. We paid $700/person for airfare along on our last trip.

[DelSol]

Thanks for all the input.

I am going to do some research first on Aruba & Hawaii then Punta Cana.