3-4 grad students, spring break (1 week) - where to go? (PR, DR, StM, VI, etc?)
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,214
3-4 grad students, spring break (1 week) - where to go? (PR, DR, StM, VI, etc?)
I'm completely new to the idea of traveling to anywhere but Europe, so I figured I would finally venture out and ask around on FT before I do. A few of my friends (25-29 y.o. guys) and I are looking into (relatively) inexpensive options March 16-24. I was thinking a budget of $2,000 or so for the week, preferably all-inclusive. Any kind of advice or past experiences welcome (especially advice on booking websites!), I'm open to most suggestions - especially if they somehow help me get to St. Maarten (wanted to check out the beach by the landing strip). Just kidding, though - while I'm slightly biased towards that island, I'm open to all kinds of suggestions. Oh, one thing - I would prefer non-stop flights (out of the Washington, DC area) if at all possible.
I did check out the other thread here, but that one is geared more towards families with small kids, plus it only has two replies.
I did check out the other thread here, but that one is geared more towards families with small kids, plus it only has two replies.
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,214
Besides, Thailand is not in the Caribbean. Let's keep this on topic, please.
#4
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Back to Florida...... bye London
Programs: Hilton, AA,, Delta
Posts: 5,149
You might start by looking at www.vacationstogo.com
You can look by area and they have all-inclusives.
You can look by area and they have all-inclusives.
#5
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: South Park, Metropolis
Programs: AA LT PLT 3MM, Hilton/Marriott/SPG/Club Carlson GLD, IHG PLT
Posts: 4,607
Hello highlanderfil
A quick check at Expedia vacation packages, airfare and hotel included will yield following results for the dates you are looking:
SJU from $700
SDQ from $600
SXM from $1200
None of the trips are direct for this rate, they start from BWI, I do not think there are any direct flights to any Caribbean Island from your location. the lower priced options for your destinations are NOT all inclusive type hotels. Dominican Republic offers the best option for all inclusive starting at $850. SJU all inclusive are a bit away from metro area, and go upwards of $1300, SXM, will be about $2000 for your dates. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and travel there a lot. I've been to both, SDQ and SXM, I prefer SXM overall, but it is quite pricey. I enjoy SJU also, but that is because I know the area and its home for me. SDQ is very similar to SJU in regards to the beaches, sights, nightlife, and language. SXM offers lots of adult beaches, two sides Dutch and French, different cultures and sights.
Whatever your decision, keep in mind also the extra expenses, casinos, nightlife, tours, etc. that could eat up into your budget.
SJU from $700
SDQ from $600
SXM from $1200
None of the trips are direct for this rate, they start from BWI, I do not think there are any direct flights to any Caribbean Island from your location. the lower priced options for your destinations are NOT all inclusive type hotels. Dominican Republic offers the best option for all inclusive starting at $850. SJU all inclusive are a bit away from metro area, and go upwards of $1300, SXM, will be about $2000 for your dates. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and travel there a lot. I've been to both, SDQ and SXM, I prefer SXM overall, but it is quite pricey. I enjoy SJU also, but that is because I know the area and its home for me. SDQ is very similar to SJU in regards to the beaches, sights, nightlife, and language. SXM offers lots of adult beaches, two sides Dutch and French, different cultures and sights.
Whatever your decision, keep in mind also the extra expenses, casinos, nightlife, tours, etc. that could eat up into your budget.
Last edited by arollins; Feb 19, 2012 at 8:37 pm Reason: .
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,214
You might start by looking at www.vacationstogo.com
You can look by area and they have all-inclusives.
You can look by area and they have all-inclusives.
#7
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Back to Florida...... bye London
Programs: Hilton, AA,, Delta
Posts: 5,149
No, if you will actually look at the website they have everything including all-inclusive packages like I said in my original post. if you are looking for other people to do all the work for you then find a good travel agent and pay them their fees.
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,214
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,214
A quick check at Expedia vacation packages, airfare and hotel included will yield following results for the dates you are looking:
SJU from $700
SDQ from $600
SXM from $1200
None of the trips are direct for this rate, they start from BWI, I do not think there are any direct flights to any Caribbean Island from your location. the lower priced options for your destinations are NOT all inclusive type hotels. Dominican Republic offers the best option for all inclusive starting at $850. SJU all inclusive are inland, a bit away from metro area, and go upwards of $1300, SXM, will be about $2000 for your dates. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and travel there a lot. I've been to both, SDQ and SXM, I prefer SXM overall, but it is quite pricey. I enjoy SJU also, but that is because I know the area and its home for me. SDQ is very similar to SJU in regards to the beaches, sights, nightlife, and language. SXM offers lots of adult beaches, two sides Dutch and French, different cultures and sights.
Whatever your decision, keep in mind also the extra expenses, casinos, nightlife, tours, etc. that could eat up into your budget.
SJU from $700
SDQ from $600
SXM from $1200
None of the trips are direct for this rate, they start from BWI, I do not think there are any direct flights to any Caribbean Island from your location. the lower priced options for your destinations are NOT all inclusive type hotels. Dominican Republic offers the best option for all inclusive starting at $850. SJU all inclusive are inland, a bit away from metro area, and go upwards of $1300, SXM, will be about $2000 for your dates. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and travel there a lot. I've been to both, SDQ and SXM, I prefer SXM overall, but it is quite pricey. I enjoy SJU also, but that is because I know the area and its home for me. SDQ is very similar to SJU in regards to the beaches, sights, nightlife, and language. SXM offers lots of adult beaches, two sides Dutch and French, different cultures and sights.
Whatever your decision, keep in mind also the extra expenses, casinos, nightlife, tours, etc. that could eat up into your budget.
I guess I was more looking for people's impressions of different islands since I haven't been there at all before. The logistics are important, but secondary - going cheaply to a destination we won't enjoy isn't exactly ideal.
#10
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: South Park, Metropolis
Programs: AA LT PLT 3MM, Hilton/Marriott/SPG/Club Carlson GLD, IHG PLT
Posts: 4,607
It all depends on what you are looking for.
SJU hotels are known for the "party" like atmosphere in the lobby, everyone dresses up and hangs out in the lobby bars.
SDQ is cheaper overall, your money will go longer.
SXM is my favorite, but it is expensive overall. You might also think on St Thomas, I enjoy it also.
Last edited by arollins; Feb 19, 2012 at 8:57 pm Reason: ,
#11
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: NJ, USA
Posts: 2,837
St John in usvi is close and a flight to st Thomas then ferry
So flights are relatively cheap to st Thomas but st John is less commercial, lots of great beaches, casual restaurants and maybe you can rent a house for the week (see VRBO) and avoid restaurants for breakfast lunch some dinners
So flights are relatively cheap to st Thomas but st John is less commercial, lots of great beaches, casual restaurants and maybe you can rent a house for the week (see VRBO) and avoid restaurants for breakfast lunch some dinners
#12
Join Date: Oct 2007
Programs: continental united starwood hilton marriott
Posts: 339
About the time you want to go you should be able to get airfare for about 400 and change to Aruba, plenty of hotels on the beach (holiday inn, occidental etc.) have all inclusive. Aruba has all you are looking for and weather is more reliable than St Martin
#14
Join Date: May 2005
Location: MIA/SJU/MCO
Programs: AA LT PLT; DL GLD, UA nothing, B6 Mosaic; Emerald Club Executive
Posts: 3,331
However the $46 fares are closer to $140 all in, with advance purchase. I just booked a flight for the 17th, and it came to $197 all-in. Spring break dates I've seen as high as $500 all-in for a 30 minute flight.
You might want to check Insel Air as well.