The Caribbean - Suggestions for where to visit in Mexico or Caribbean?

I'm looking for a recommendation for a destination to visit for a few days in the Caribbean or Mexico. It has to be on American airlines or one of its partner airlines. This would be early April.

We have already been to Trinidad and Tobago. I'm most interested in scenery, that is beaches and mountains. I also like outdoor activities , like snorkeling and cycling. Also good food is a plus. Maybe I should go to Puerto Rico?

Most likely YES (maybe I'm a wee bit partial, living there already...). SJU is still the most accessible airport through AA from most of the States; also count that a NS R/T flight would incur in only $43 in taxes and charges (at least $40-50 less than most Caribbean destinations).

Of course, ANY kind of entertainment (sport, gambling, whatever) and food (from high-level gourmet to fast food, soup to nuts, is available here...

And of course, you wouldn't find a MORE VARIED change of scenery (from beach to mountain range to rain forest, from humid to dry...) within 30-60 minutes car travel than on LA ISLA DEL ENCANTO (the Island of Enchantment).

Just tell us where you're coming from and what you have in mind...

also count that a NS R/T flight would incur in only $43 in taxes and charges (at least $40-50 less than most Caribbean destinations).



Thanks for the very good information! If I remember correctly, I paid less than $40 in taxes and fees to visit Port-of-Spain on an award ticket from the US. Perhaps other Caribbean cities are higher?

A bit off the beaten track, but a couple of years ago we rented a very nice house in a village called San Pancho (the official name is actually San Francisco), perhaps 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, to which AA flies. Nice, long, beautiful, uncrowded beach, though the surf on much of it is too rough for swimming. Hiking within walking distance, plus some very good restaurants with good hygiene, perhaps because lots of Americans retire to/winter/own businesses there. We were there in early April and the weather was great. You can google it for more info.

Puerto Rico is worth the travel! I plan to go there in Dec again! :D

Here are a couple of other ideas -- Panama is great -- fabulous beaches, rainforest, some great lodges, and the Panama Canal is pretty amazing. Panama City is kind of fun. Lots of great restaurants, and very good prices.

Another idea is Belize. Again, fantastic beaches, great diving, amazing rain forests with great lodges. Prices are excellent.

If you liked Tobago, I think you would find both Panama or Belize terrific. The beaches are far better -- much less crowded with much better snorkeling or diving. Also, the hotels and resorts and lodges are more interesting than anything in Tobago -- and I liked Tobago.

Here are a couple of other ideas -- Panama is great -- fabulous beaches, rainforest, some great lodges, and the Panama Canal is pretty amazing. Panama City is kind of fun. Lots of great restaurants, and very good prices.

Another idea is Belize. Again, fantastic beaches, great diving, amazing rain forests with great lodges. Prices are excellent.

If you liked Tobago, I think you would find both Panama or Belize terrific. The beaches are far better -- much less crowded with much better snorkeling or diving. Also, the hotels and resorts and lodges are more interesting than anything in Tobago -- and I liked Tobago.

I suspect that when the OP says Mexico or Caribbean, he means AA's definition of Mexico or Caribbean.

OP - for good beaches and snorkeling, I would recommend Grand Cayman or possibly Cozumel (just a very short hop from Cancun).

My favorite recent trip south was to Victoria House (http://www.victoria-house.com/) in Belize. Getting there requries an AA flight from MIA-BZE, followed by a 10-minute flight on what they call a plane but what's really a golf cart with wings, followed by a 10-minute ride from the landing strip in a real golf cart.

If you're budget minded, check out this recent article (http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/10/18/travel/18pracbargains.html?ref=travel) from the NYTimes.

Aruba/AUA is nice for a combination of relaxation and fun activities- kayaking, snorkeling. We didn't bike there, but I would imagine that this is available as well. Very good food available, and the "back" side of the island is a national park.

Cheers.

My favorite recent trip south was to Victoria House (http://www.victoria-house.com/) in Belize. Getting there requries an AA flight from MIA-BZE, followed by a 10-minute flight on what they call a plane but what's really a golf cart with wings, followed by a 10-minute ride from the landing strip in a real golf cart.

If you're budget minded, check out this recent article (http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/10/18/travel/18pracbargains.html?ref=travel) from the NYTimes.


+1 Victoria House is excellent -- loved it there!

Greetings, show_me_the_points, and a belated Welcome to FlyerTalk! :) Since AA flies to many Caribbean destinations and your question is more about activities once you get to your destination, we'll send this over to the Caribbean Forum for more advice. Note that there is also a Mexico Forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mexico-480/) that you might want to search for info on that region.

Enjoy your trip!

dstan
AA Forum Co-Moderator

Based on your interests I would like to endorse Puerto Rico and Belize and offer up St. Lucia for your consideration

Thanks for the very good information! If I remember correctly, I paid less than $40 in taxes and fees to visit Port-of-Spain on an award ticket from the US. Perhaps other Caribbean cities are higher?

Yes - it varies by country, but most are higher than that. For example, tax is about $140/pax for the Dominican Republic. If you can handle that, I can recommend Casa de Campo (airport is LRM) - beautiful resort, scenic, and with a ton of stuff to do at a very reasonable price.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/02/AR2007030200427.html

This article was in The Washington Post travel section a while ago and I found it to be very helpful in planning a Caribbean trip. It's a bit long but gives some great advice on where to go based upon your interests.