Travel agent/vacation planning advice needed

[wash11]

I want to take Amy somewhere warm and tropical for Christmas. We'd be happy to go snorkeling, have cocktails and a nap- rinse and repeat. Some place not overrun with kids preferably.

Carribean?

We've never had a vacation before, so I know less than zero about traveling if I'm not driving us. Are travel agents still a thing? Someone mentioned Costco has a good program to line this stuff up with.

I know, traveling during the holidays looks like a nightmare. But the amount of work it takes to get all the kids home and host Christmas is more work than fighting an airport (at least that's what I'm telling myself).

What do the RDP world travelers say?

 

[hallett21]

How far do you want to travel (time traveling)?

English speaking area?

What kind of food are you wanting?

How long of a trip?

A lot of tropical places to hit.

 

[Ace in the Hole]

I want to take Amy somewhere warm and tropical for Christmas. We'd be happy to go snorkeling, have cocktails and a nap- rinse and repeat. Some place not overrun with kids preferably.

Carribean?

We've never had a vacation before, so I know less than zero about traveling if I'm not driving us. Are travel agents still a thing? Someone mentioned Costco has a good program to line this stuff up with.

I know, traveling during the holidays looks like a nightmare. But the amount of work it takes to get all the kids home and host Christmas is more work than fighting an airport (at least that's what I'm telling myself).

What do the RDP world travelers say?

if you want to be hands off and just have it turn key...Sandals.

St kitts is where a lot of my friends are hooked on..all inclusive seems to be what you want.

 

[wash11]

How far do you want to travel (time traveling)?

English speaking area?

What kind of food are you wanting?

How long of a trip?

A lot of tropical places to hit.

As long as we're not covered in mud and cow shit, pretty much open to all ideas.
Time traveling: it's Christmas, I'm already assuming anywhere will be a long journey.
English: can probably muddle my way through most language barriers since all we want to do is sit on the beach.
Food: Tequila and beer.
How long: 5 days there would be nice.

 

[Backlash]

Hawaii. Close, easy and it won't break the bank. And the water is still bearable during the cooler months. If you wanted to stay on the mainland but still have the feeling of being in a tropical location, consider Key West and the Lower Keys. You can do either on your own without the need for a travel agent. Unless you would rather have someone else do the dirty work for you.

 

[Bobby V]

I want to take Amy somewhere warm and tropical for Christmas. We'd be happy to go snorkeling, have cocktails and a nap- rinse and repeat. Some place not overrun with kids preferably.

Carribean?

We've never had a vacation before, so I know less than zero about traveling if I'm not driving us. Are travel agents still a thing? Someone mentioned Costco has a good program to line this stuff up with.

I know, traveling during the holidays looks like a nightmare. But the amount of work it takes to get all the kids home and host Christmas is more work than fighting an airport (at least that's what I'm telling myself).

What do the RDP world travelers say?

Sandals Negril Jamaica. All inclusive. Red Eye from LAX.

 

[wash11]

Sandals Negril Jamaica. All inclusive. Red Eye from LAX.

What can we expect to pay all in for something like this?

 

[boatpi]

So what you’re looking for Hawaii is a place just a matter of which island
If you want adventure in some activities and unimaginable snorkeling, then it’s Maui if you want more laid-back and traditional, but still some great things to say, including a tube ride through the old, underground canals, or a kayak to her up to Jurassic Falls and that would be Kauai.
Be careful some of the Caribbean spots Jamaica included. It’s not safe to go out at night outside of your small little tourist area.
You’re never gonna get jacked in Hawaii

Keep in mind the time between Christmas and New Year’s is just about the most expensive time in Hawaii whereas if you went just after Thanksgiving is one of the better deals

My brother-in-law snagged a great deal through Costco that was published about two weeks ago out of Long Beach, Hawaiian airlines, Maui at the Sheraton, which is at Kaanapali beach and ocean front room with all the incidentals for $5500 two people. For $1200 more they got first class tickets. This is in mid September.

I’ve been Hawaii well over 50 times just my two. Cents.

 

[samsah33]

Look for all-inclusive (preferably with a swim-up bar...!). Keep an eye on the bottles - if you ask for a Jack and Coke, they will give you well bourbon, so you might have to call them out (or just tip them a buck or two per drink and you just made a friend for life...). Food is pretty good at the all-inclusives, but that doesn't mean you can't go into town to get a nice dinner outside of the resort. It's nice to not have to count pennies, and after a few days of food coma, then it's nice to be able to nibble on a salad or fruit. Been to a bunch (St Lucia, Jamaica, Cancun, Cabo, etc...), and haven't been disappointed. The drinks are the over/under, if you're not a drinker, then maybe it won't make $ sense for you. Prices are all over the place depending on property and airfare, you'll have to price them out. There's a lot of websites that specialize in all-inclusive (Costco does too).

 

[monkeyswrench]

Caribbean! Never been, but from what pics the inmates have posted it looks like postcard paradise.
Wherever you go, it'll be a notable reprieve from your normal day to day. Who knows, you may even like relaxing! You also may get to missing home...which is an odd feeling while in paradise I'd assume.

 

[wash11]

Keep in mind the time between Christmas and New Year’s is just about the most expensive time in Hawaii whereas if you went just after Thanksgiving is one of the better deals

Whatever the spread is to NOT have to host Christmas at our place- it's worth twice that to me.

 

[Done-it-again]

What can we expect to pay all in for something like this?

About 4 cows. Lol.

 

[bowtiejunkie]

Check out Kapalua Hawaii on Maui. It’s super relaxing. Wife and I stayed a few times at the Ritz Carlton (on points - I can’t even afford that now!). We’re more into relaxing on vacation than go go everyday with activities and adventures. Have breakfast, load up the little soft side cooler with beer and walk to DT Fleming Beach or our favorite Oneloa Beach. Walk back to hotel and then chill/nap. Go have dinner then a few drinks back at hotel. We’d go in October for our anniversary.

It feels like rural area in Kapalua, compared to Kaanapali and Lahaina on Maui.

Edit: AAA still does travel.

 

[Xtrmwakeboarder]

We used Exsus for our honeymoon in Bali/Thailand/Labuan Bajo/Koh Samui, and it was amazing. Everything is scheduled to a T, and it was first class. We'll probably use it for our trip to Japan next year.

Note: It's only worth it if you want to go out and do stuff. I find the hard part to be planning all of the transfers, timing the items you can do in a day, and organizing site-seeing by location. They handle all of that. If you want to chill on the beach, just book it yourself.

 

[rivermobster]

I've been to Hawaii. Kauai to be exact, but it was nothing like Barbados.

Friendly people. Perfect weather. Warm water.

I can't wait to go back again..

 

[Racey]

Check Moorings.com and charter a catamaran in the BVI for 5-7 days.

Ask @DaveH he's been several times and said it's hands down the best vacation you will ever have if you are a water person.

You just sail around to all the different islands each day and anchor.

 

[boatpi]

Kauai!

The

 

[DaveH]

Check Moorings.com and charter a catamaran in the BVI for 5-7 days.

Ask @DaveH he's been several times and said it's hands down the best vacation you will ever have if you are a water person.

You just sail around to all the different islands each day and anchor.

this is correct, or you just lay low, pick you favoite spot and chill on the boat, and swim to the beach bar where you are moored at for dinner and drinks..

However, just like hawaii, xmas/new years is the peak of their sailing season (meaning crowded and expensive). the famed jost van dyke island, foxy's beach bar hosts a new years party that is like #3 best party spot for new years eve....only behind new york and vegas.

if you arent interested in sailing, st john in the american virgin island is where i would hang out.

winter is very pleasant down there, high 70's to low 80's during the day, and cooler at night.

you can also charter a boat with a captain if you dont know how to sail or dont want to hassle the realities of handling a boat like that.

moorings is the upper end of boat charter outfits, i have used conch charters for all my trips down there.

 

[RVRKID]

We did an all inclusive at Club Med in Cancun last year and it was nice and never had to leave the resort, we went in March and weather was nice not sure around Xmas. Just went to Maui the end of March and was super nice but besides wedding stuff we just hung at the pool and stared at the ocean oh and drank.

 

[grumpy88]

I would recommend the northern part of Costa Rica. It's laid back and rural . For me the carribean was to long for travel . It was great but just to fricking far . I would like to try the keys. I'm sure it's every bit as good but still in America . Hawaiians can suck a dick . They don't want you there anyway .

 

[Ace in the Hole]

I would recommend the northern part of Costa Rica. It's laid back and rural . For me the carribean was to long for travel . It was great but just to fricking far . I would like to try the keys. I'm sure it's every bit as good but still in America . Hawaiians can suck a dick . They don't want you there anyway .

“They” have good reason…

That said for what they want Hawaii isn’t the place to go…st kitts would be about perfect for what @wash11 and Amy want

 

[Done-it-again]

@wash11
If interested I have time shares here. Could trade a week for some beef. Would need to check the dates if they are available.

Pueblo Bonito Golf and Spa Resorts | Official Site

Step into a world of memorable moments at Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resorts. Pueblo Bonito’s luxury resorts in Mexico will captivate your senses. Book your stay!

www.pueblobonito.com

Let me know if Cabo is something you are interested in.

Note: can’t use the beech at this resort due to being on the pacific side with no natural break wall. But you can use their resort Rose in town with all the beach stuff.

 

[77charger]

Just got back from maui took rd to Hana went more than halfway then turned back but cool spots to see. Did a scuba dive ate well locally in Kihei and had some beach time. Just booked things online and went.

 

[SJP]

GiGi and I enjoyed these chill places (in no particular order):

1. Turks and Caicos - turn key vacation / extremely safe. Awesome beautiful beaches and activities. Downside it is $$$$.
2. Exumas Bahamas - Staniel Cay Yacht Club - they have 12 bungalows each come with there own whaler skiff you take out for the days. Sitting on a deserted beach and snorkaly / swimming all day with no one in site is priceless. Meals are part of the package and food is good. They pack your lunch in a cooler if you tell them your are boating for the day. Thunderball Groto - really cool snorkling place it is known for. Accommodations are reasonably priced. They started the whole pig beach thing (on a close neighboring island). We have been there 3 times. It is cool.
3. Costa Rica - interior rainforest - Stay at Nierra Springs resort. Adults only and enjoy the hot springs and zip lining. Food is good there as well. Enjoyed this more than going to the beaches in Costa Rica.

 

[SPYLIFE]

Travel Agent... www.bloxdestinations.com

 

[rivermobster]

I would recommend the northern part of Costa Rica. It's laid back and rural . For me the carribean was to long for travel . It was great but just to fricking far . I would like to try the keys. I'm sure it's every bit as good but still in America . Hawaiians can suck a dick . They don't want you there anyway .

My daughter did this just last year. Absolutely loved everything about it.

 

[fat rat]

Sandals Negril Jamaica. All inclusive. Red Eye from LAX.

Negril resorts are awesome, beautiful beaches! i have done at least 20 trips there!

 

[1tonfun]

The wife and I did 7 days in Jamacia at an all inclusive (included all alcohol as well) adult only resort in October. Would go back in a heart beat.

 

[Tooms22]

I've been to the Keys, BVI, and Exumas (Staniel Cay).

I enjoyed all of them and they were all different types of trips.

I put together photo album/videos of each.

I've never done the all inclusive deal because we usually go out to lunch, dinner, beach bars, night bars, etc.

 

[grumpy88]

“They” have good reason…

That said for what they want Hawaii isn’t the place to go…st kitts would be about perfect for what @wash11 and Amy want

" they " are free to go then in my opinion . Wrong thread for this debate though

 

[Ace in the Hole]

" they " are free to go then in my opinion . Wrong thread for this debate though

Agreed on this.. However...show me the Treaty...ill save you the search there isn't one.

Ive essentially published a novel on HI travel here with recommendations on places to go.

 

[Andy B.]

Check out Belize.

 

[Shady]

Belize, my wife and I stayed at Mata Chica on Ambergris Caye. Travel time to get there is a full day, but some of the best snorkeling I have done. The resort is 16 years old and older only, so no kids. A good restaurant on the propert along with a bar and a pool. Private bungalows pon the beach. It is not cheap, but is very low key and chill.

 

[Roosky01]

if you want to be hands off and just have it turn key...Sandals.

St kitts is where a lot of my friends are hooked on..all inclusive seems to be what you want.

Just did St. Kitts last March. Awesome place with so much World History packed into a really small island. I'm so glad we went since I'm a history geek, but don't feel like I really need to go back though? Feel like we did all of it in a week no problemo.

Way better beaches in the Caribbean. Our friends did Exhuma in April and their trip looked fantastic! They rented a place that came with a sweet boat and had a blast. That place is definitely on our list.


Here's a link. You could probably take the boat and wrassle up some swimming pork the first night if you felt like it?

OCEANFRONT VILLA WITH BOAT INCLUDED! TOP BOOKING PROPERTY IN EXUMA! - George Town

FEBRUARY POINT VILLA BB1 - $499 avg/night - George Town - Amenities include: Swimming pool, Internet, Air conditioning, Hot tub, TV, Satellite or cable, Washer & dryer, Parking, No smoking ✓ Bedrooms: 3 ✓ Sleeps: 8 ✓ Minimum stay from 3 night(s) ✓ Bookable directly online - Book vacation rental...

www.vrbo.com

 

[LHC Kirby]

Go to cruisecritic.com and get a user name and pswd. You can search ports and things to do there. I’m sure there are many other websites… this one is geared towards cruise ship travel. But lots of great information on ports/islands.

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

Boring Boring Boring
Joel listen up.... you and Amy just worked your asses off non stop building that farm and you two need a special getaway spot. Amy's cool enough to handle this if she's flashing copters.... and you got that hot rocking bod so show it off.... all inclusive and pack lite baby.... really lite

Activities

www.hedonism.com

 

[wash11]

Thanks for all the great info everyone! Biggest thing we're up against is pricing for Christmas week. It's essentially double the price of most other weeks. Beachfront room at Excellence in Cancun, all inclusive, with airfare and a 4 hour direct flight from Phoenix is $6000 all in. I think it checks all of our simple boxes while being somewhat affordable for us.
Something really cool transpired through yesterdays conversations, our best friends are going to do this trip with us too.

 

[wash11]

Boring Boring Boring
Joel listen up.... you and Amy just worked your asses off non stop building that farm and you two need a special getaway spot. Amy's cool enough to handle this if she's flashing copters.... and you got that hot rocking bod so show it off.... all inclusive and pack lite baby.... really lite

Activities

www.hedonism.com

She's looked at all of them- Desire RM would be her 1st choice. They've recently doubled the prices though so it's not a huge priority. We've been going so long and so hard- we really want to relax. Those resorts seem like they'd have you buzzing with extra energy the whole time you're there.

 

[wash11]

Btw, after reading through the replies we've got some new bucket list spots. We don't make a ton of money but could afford to make a new destination every other year until we're too old to enjoy it. Thanks for all the great dreaming everyone!

 

[240Hallett]

Keep an eye on @DaytonaBabe ’s “enjoy work today” thread. Awesome destination!

 

[SoCalDave]

^^^This

Whelp, y'all enjoy work today...

😁 Cheers from White Bay, Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands

www.riverdavesplace.com

 

[HubbaHubbaLife]

She's looked at all of them- Desire RM would be her 1st choice. They've recently doubled the prices though so it's not a huge priority. We've been going so long and so hard- we really want to relax. Those resorts seem like they'd have you buzzing with extra energy the whole time you're there.

Both good points of course.... I stay on outskirts of the really crazy stuff but you're correct about energy levels. Plus, I too hear pricing for some reason went through the roof.

 

[boatpi]

btw; generally best Hawaii flights deals non stop to
Honolulu and Maui is Hawaiian airlines, two flights a day most days. In September as low as $410 RT to Honolulu coach.

 

[boatnam2]

Thanks for all the great info everyone! Biggest thing we're up against is pricing for Christmas week. It's essentially double the price of most other weeks. Beachfront room at Excellence in Cancun, all inclusive, with airfare and a 4 hour direct flight from Phoenix is $6000 all in. I think it checks all of our simple boxes while being somewhat affordable for us.
Something really cool transpired through yesterdays conversations, our best friends are going to do this trip with us too.

Trying to do hawaii last 2 weeks of november, thought i would get the place and invite some family, they are only off the holidays and the flights are crazy for that week, guess were rolling solo.

 

[Cole Trickle]

If you are looking to relax and don't want the trouble of Hawaii I highly suggest this place.

Adults only and absolutely amazing. Sit by the pool eat some great food and get some massages. Head to town and go snorkel/shop if you like.

Its the flagship resort and they have a bunch of local properties that we were able to use and drink at for free.

Pueblo Bonito Pacifica | Official Website

Pueblo Bonito Pacífica Golf & Spa Resort: a luxury, all-inclusive, adults-only hideaway on a secluded beach in Quivira Los Cabos.

www.pueblobonito.com