I just found out that my company is imposing a mandatory sabatical over the next few months. We will be required to take 2 weeks off with only 25% pay. I was scheduled to go in January, but just got pushed back to this coming Monday(Dec 3rd) through Dec 15th.

Can anyone suggest a tropical place that myself and a friend could go for a couple weeks on a shoestring budget. We would like to lay around on the beach and enjoy any beach-like activities.

My max price for lodging would be around $500 per week due to the 75% paycut i will be taking during this period.

I was trying to get to Bali, but the airfares are crazy for that time period.

Get a cheap flight and go to FLL/MIA/PBI/RSW. Try to get a Priceline bid at the Hilton Marco Island (nearer RSW) for $45/nt (I did).

I'd add the suggestion that you look into driving down to the Keys from one of the airports listed above as well.

Along with the chain resorts there are numerous independent motels that vary in quality and upkeep but which can be a very inexpensive option. For a long stay you might also check with some realtors about a house or condo rental.



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Thanks for the suggestions. I was actually thinking more around Central America or the Caribbean. The highs in Florida during tha time are around 75, but that isn't even guaranteed. It could drop down into the 60s, not exactly great beach weather.

Go to Thailand. As soon as you will have reached the country, the spending comes way down. Examples: Decent accomodation right on the beach $ 10 / night. Dinner: $ 3-5 (and thats delicious).

... and no problem with temperature, thats for sure .....

Stephan

Try Puerto Vallarta Mexico. I just got back from there. The weather is hot, food good, there's actually a real town, rather than just a resort, and I think you can get some budget accomodations downtown away from the hotel zone or marina areas.

We went to Jaco Beach in Costa Rica last summer and stayed at the Pachote Grande with Pacific oceanfrontage for about $45 daily. It was a great trip and we would like to return soon.

I second the Puerto Vallarta motion.

I always stay at this place..its all inclusive and on the beach in the older part of town.

http://www.clubmeza.com

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Get treated like the Goddess that you are

Depending on your level of comfort, you can go to many places in SE Asia and live on next to nothing. For example, in Bali you can go to the more remote places, get a mile of perfect black or white sand beach to yourself, and pay anything from $2 a day for spartan accomodations, $20 for a room with breakfast and A/C, or $500 with your own personal servant.

Similar places can be found in Thailand, Malaysia, and other spots in Indonesia. Personally, I hated the Caribbean, and would avoid it like the plague. Also consider that if you are paying $75 a day for similar standards in the Caribbean than you are paying $25 a day for in SE Asia, your difference in airfare will be made up very quickly. Just an opinion.

Since it's such short notice you might try scanning the Sunday paper for their last minute deals. Also this is where a good travel agent can help. They get lots of last minute packages that are sometimes 50-60% off because they have to sell it NOW. I am not a great fan of cheap all-inclusive except when all I want to do is lie on the beach, eat and drink. Pay upfront and then veg out. Easiest and quickest place to get to from Dallas is probably Mexico.

Thailand is brilliant! Long way but well worth it.

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Always remember you're unique, just like everyone else.

I third Puerto Vallarta. Disagree with MissyDarlin, however, skip the all-inclusive route. You can do a week at the Camino Real for less than $500 until 12/20/01. Go to vacations on Travelocity. They have (had a couple of days ago) a three day package for $111 per person including transfers. If you are Hilton gold or diamond this should result in an upgrade to the Camino Real Club which would include breakfast (resulting in no need for lunch), one hour of afternoon drinks and munchies and a great beach, pools, facility. May even result in the four times upgrade to one of the five penthouse suites. E-mail for further details or search for my October, 2001 trip reports.

Go for it.

NOT A FAN OF MEX!!!! Try Puerto Rico. While the resort hotels in the downtown San Juan area will break your budget in a hurry, there are many small hotels in San Juan (and the rest of the island) that will not. PR has NEVER had a tempreture lower than 70 degrees since the temp has been taken. Usually in the high 80's.

There is hiking in El Yunque the rain forests, Surfing in Ricon, Beaches all over, food is terrific and cheap, the island has many micro climates (from rainforests to the desert like south western portion), Diving all over, Rio Camuy Cave system, Arricibo, winding mountain roads you can get lost on, all using the US dollar, no customs to go through, Spanish is primary language so it feels exoctic, yet english will get you around just fine.

Been many many times and it has been berry berry good to me.

the keys would be my second vote, w/a side trip to the Everglades. Was just down in the Everglades, it is the dry season so one can hike on the trails down there, they also have many 1/2 day canoe routes to take.

[This message has been edited by Sweet Willie (edited 11-28-2001).]

bjr8826,

I'm an ex-Dallasite, and as noted previously, it could drop down as low as the 40's here in FL during that time of the year...just now way to be sure.

If Cancun (or some other cities in Mexico) are to your liking you should be able to get some really good deals to Mexico on FunJet. If you have a Dillard's card, even better, you can charge it on that.

A minor nitpick.... The all inclusive rate right now at my little place in the sun is $54 per person per night for a full ocean view room. or $45 for a standard room. The 6th and 7th nights are free, SO.. that would make for a $540/$450 week will all meals and more importantly (at least for me)ALL DRINKS included.




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Get treated like the Goddess that you are

A response to the minor nit-pick by MissyDarlin.

I forgot the importance of drinking. Hilton Gold/Dianond upgrade at Camino Real gets basically unlimited breakfast, one hour of snacks and all you can drink in 1 hour. My best rate was 6/hour, choice of Pina Coladas, Margaritas or beer. MrsOpus managed only a 3 per rate. You can also have drinks to go.