Vacation Ideas - Sept/Oct

[anon_aawvduncd4ay0]

Looking for some vacation ideas leaving out of Louisville for early Fall. I have been looking on Trip Advisor and some other travel forums but was hoping for some legit first hand info. I have been to several all-inclusives in Cancun (Moon Palace) and that may be the route we go again (different destination though).

I also realize this is the Paddock so anything short of G6 to 4 Seasons is going to be for poors. I don't have pictures of my wife, but thanks for asking. Thanks in advance for any serious replies.

Here are the parameters I want to try and meet:
* $3000/$3500 all-in leaving from Louisville

* Wanting to know about any destinations (warm/tropical only) where you can "do it yourself" to save money or stay a little longer 8-10 days. Obviously a safer or relatively safe country/city/cities preferred. Nearly any all inclusive (most countries -MEX, DR) I have seen recently are right about $3000 give or take for 6 nights + airfare.

* Wife and I, both early 40's - like to drink, beach, foods (nothing fancy) just good food, swim/snorkel, experience new cultures, get out and explore scenery/towns/sites in general

Thanks

 

[mashburned]

Isle of Get Pumped. I'm sure you've heard of it. All inclusive pumps, the works, etc.

 

[anon_aawvduncd4ay0]

Isle of Get Pumped. I'm sure you've heard of it. All inclusive pumps, the works, etc.

Sounds promising. Noted

 

[BankerCat12]

Went to Sanibel Island in October. Hardly anyone one there. 80's and sunny. Hard to beat. We flew out of Louisville non stop to Tampa and drove the 1.5 hours. You could also fly into Ft Myers which is much closer but no non stop flights and def more expensive. Have a 3 yr old so non stop is a must.

 

[UKserialkiller]

New Orleans

 

[anon_aawvduncd4ay0]

New Orleans

Love the city, thinking more tropical though.

 

[UKserialkiller]

Love the city, thinking more tropical though.

Go on down to Key West.

 

[anon_aawvduncd4ay0]

Anyone have experience with Cabo or Puerto Vallarta ?

 

[WildcatfaninOhio]

I stayed a week on St Thomas a few months ago. It was fantastic. Great snorkeling there and on neighboring St John's.

Be aware of hurricane season if you choose the caribbean and get trip insurance if you plan within that window.

 

[anon_aawvduncd4ay0]

I stayed a week on St Thomas a few months ago. It was fantastic. Great snorkeling there and on neighboring St John's.

Be aware of hurricane season if you choose the caribbean and get trip insurance if you plan within that window.

Good call, St Thomas looks good. I also just noticed that the dates I am shooting for is right during hurricane season.

 

[Violent Cuts]

Start of hurricane season, you can probably get some decent deals.

I'd strongly consider Cuba - not even joking.

 

[anon_aawvduncd4ay0]

Start of hurricane season, you can probably get some decent deals.

I'd strongly consider Cuba - not even joking.

Can you go there for recreation, thought you had to go on formal cultural exchange or tour? I would love to check it out.

 

[DSmith21]

Travel to Europe is pretty cheap right now and the dollar is strong against the Euro. I just checked Expedia and you can fly to Madrid and stay six nights at a 4 star property for $1,350 per person. If you want the beach, the Costa del Sol is beautiful and a high speed train ride away.

This is a pretty good site for all kinds of travel ideas and packaged deals.

http://www.shermanstravel.com/

 

[thecatsareback#8]

I would recommend Dominican Republic if you want just a relaxed beach scene. Although you can venture around DR, its not the best scene and the lady might not feel safe. Beaches are nicer then Cancun although there is a seaweed problem that time of the year.

Cancun if you want an option to lay on the beach/pool or explore the city. Cancun has like a downtown marketplace type city (kind of like you see Edward Norton walking around in the incredible hulk).

You can get a pretty decent AI resort (high 4* low 5*) that time of the year for under 3,000. Like the other poster said get trip insurance because that is prime dates for hurricane season.

I always book through Expedia.

 

[KingOfBBN]

Looking for some vacation ideas leaving out of Louisville for early Fall. I have been looking on Trip Advisor and some other travel forums but was hoping for some legit first hand info. I have been to several all-inclusives in Cancun (Moon Palace) and that may be the route we go again (different destination though).

I also realize this is the Paddock so anything short of G6 to 4 Seasons is going to be for poors. I don't have pictures of my wife, but thanks for asking. Thanks in advance for any serious replies.

Here are the parameters I want to try and meet:
* $3000/$3500 all-in leaving from Louisville

* Wanting to know about any destinations (warm/tropical only) where you can "do it yourself" to save money or stay a little longer 8-10 days. Obviously a safer or relatively safe country/city/cities preferred. Nearly any all inclusive (most countries -MEX, DR) I have seen recently are right about $3000 give or take for 6 nights + airfare.

* Wife and I, both early 40's - like to drink, beach, foods (nothing fancy) just good food, swim/snorkel, experience new cultures, get out and explore scenery/towns/sites in general

Thanks

Turtle Bay in the North Shore of Oahu. It's the offseason during those months, which will make the trip more affordable. It also puts you on a resort on a great beach with amazing food and drinks and actually in a cultural spot; not some tourist dump.

It's where they filmed the movie "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." Seriously look into it. The wife and I booked two vacations there and did it both times in September.

 

[bigblueinsanity_rivals250340]

I would recommend Dominican Republic if you want just a relaxed beach scene. Although you can venture around DR, its not the best scene and the lady might not feel safe. Beaches are nicer then Cancun although there is a seaweed problem that time of the year.

Cancun if you want an option to lay on the beach/pool or explore the city. Cancun has like a downtown marketplace type city (kind of like you see Edward Norton walking around in the incredible hulk).

You can get a pretty decent AI resort (high 4* low 5*) that time of the year for under 3,000. Like the other poster said get trip insurance because that is prime dates for hurricane season.

I always book through Expedia.

DR is my recommendation too, for the price range.

 

[BBdK]

Cabo is great, my 2nd favorite warm Mexico/Caribbean location. Once there, you can eat/drink very cheap...it's happy hour all the time, everywhere. We stay at Casa Dorada on Medano Beach...lively spot, and the rooms are sick. (1380 sq feet)

Playa del Carmen >>> Cancun


Aruba is our favorite, heading there again in a few weeks. But, also the most expensive. Zero risk of hurricanes though.


San Juan is a blast, unreal food, casinos, etc. Beaches, but not beautiful ones. Fun day trips to Vieques or Culebra if you wanna see spectacular beaches.

 

[cole854]

Save your money for another 6-8 months and go to Maui.

 

[snguy]

Can you go there for recreation, thought you had to go on formal cultural exchange or tour? I would love to check it out.

You can go through Mexico or Canada no questions asked. The only issue is when you get back to U.S. and customs may ask why you have 2 Mexico or Canada stamps on your passport, just tell them you went to Cuba for work, nobody cares anymore. Cuba doesn't stamp U.S. passports.

 

[Violent Cuts]

Agree with the above. There are plenty of agencies that will help you book Cuba through Toronto or Mexico. Cheap, interesting, beautiful, safe. No walmarts or Mcds there or Americans there yet which is honestly another advantage.

I've also been to Virgin Islands and DR. I would only recommend DR if you can handle an all-inclusive resort for a week or so. If you're looking for excursions, you're a little bit more limited there than other places. You can do a lot of island hopping with the VI and I feel like there is more to do.

 

[Free_Salato_Blue]

Friend of mine always went down to Isla Mujeres off the coast from Cancun.
He did it on a small budget and liked it for being less crowded and the snorkeling.

http://www.isla-mujeres.net/

 

[anon_aawvduncd4ay0]

Thanks for all the replies. Now the fun begins researching the new options. Half the part of the fun for me is planning this stuff. Thanks again.

 

[jockstrap_mcgee]

We stayed in Playa del Carmen in November three years ago. I think for me and my wife it was $3500, with a connecting flight through Detroit. I thought that was funny.
It was awesome. Great weather, pretty good good, awesome beaches, and we had the jungle right outside of our room. I mean, literally, there was nothing south of us but jungle and a man offering paragliding lessons.

 

[rmattox]

Oct is the best time of year to take a cruise. Kids are in school; rates are low. Best cruise we ever took was a mid-Oct cruise

 

[Tskware]

Not tropical, but speaking of vacations, last year about this time, wife and I decided to go to Arizona, had never been there. Took my golf clubs and hiking gear, stayed in Sedona. I assume the weather in October is similar to early March when we went. I know we flew direct on Southwest from Louisville to Phoenix.

Was an absolute blast, NEVER saw a cloud in 8 days, and I mean nada. Took a day trip and hiked a little in the Grand Canyon, also hiked in the Sedona red rocks area two or three other days. Just an amazing place. Also did a balloon ride at dawn over the desert. One small drawback was that golf was not great, courses were meh in Sedona and crowded as hell. Otherwise, was a terrific idea. I will definitely go back to Zona.

 

[dgtatu01]

Thanks for all the replies. Now the fun begins researching the new options. Half the part of the fun for me is planning this stuff. Thanks again.

I read an article that stated you should always research vacations and plan them out in advance for this reason. A good portion of the enjoyment comes from the planning and anticipation if the vacation. Wherever you go, I hope you enjoy it!!!

 

[LowerLevelSeatA]

Wife and I went to Secrets Capri in Playa Del Carmen 10 years ago and loved it. If I remember right it is a short cab ride to downtown Playa. On Apple vacations website right now it is around $3,200. Service was great. It's not a mega resort. We prefer the smaller all inclusive resorts so this worked well for us.
Isla Mujeres is intriguing..anyone been there? Where did you stay? Reccomendations on Dominican vs Playa Del Carmen?

 

[anon_aawvduncd4ay0]

The more I have looked into Aruba it sounds nice, and the reviews, city looks great. It is however a little more expensive. @B.B.d.K. - since you are claiming it as a favorite over Cabo, what is the layout there?

 

[BBdK]

Layout is amazing. Palm Beach is nothing but Resorts all with Casinos, and all connected by a boardwalk that runs between the hotel & the beach where you can duck in and out of all the beach bars, restaurants, casinos. It's an awesome & unique setup. Beaches/water are perfection.


If you prefer solace, Eagle Beach offers that -- but that's not me.

Across the street are endless restaurants, shops, nightlife options. And the main town of Orangestad has plenty to offer as well.

Half the Island is undeveloped desert and a national park...great for a Jeep & exploring. Endless private beaches, caves, wildlife, etc. And as far as the Caribbean goes, it's a foodie paradise.

Plus, Natalie Holloway aside (which had nothing to do with Aruba), it's widely considered the safest island. You can go anywhere and be absolutely fine. My wife ventures out by herself just like she would at home, which she won't do anywhere else.

 

[DSmith21]

The more I have looked into Aruba it sounds nice, and the reviews, city looks great. It is however a little more expensive. @B.B.d.K. - since you are claiming it as a favorite over Cabo, what is the layout there?

One thing to know about Aruba is that it can be very windy. It is considered to be a windsurfers paradise but you may not like being sand blasted on the beach. Some parts of the island get it worst than others but wind in the 10-15 mph range is average. Just do a little research before you go so you won't get an unpleasant surprise.

http://www.fodors.com/community/caribbean-islands/aruba-just-how-windy-is-it.cfm

 

[BBdK]

^ Have you been to Aruba? The wind is a Godsend, without it you'd be in hell. It's basically on the Equator...just 11 miles off the coast of Venezuela.

Trust me, under a Palapa on the beach in Aruba is about as good as it gets.

 

[DSmith21]

^ Have you been to Aruba? The wind is a Godsend, without it you'd be in hell. It's basically on the Equator...just 11 miles off the coast of Venezuela.

Trust me, under a Palapa on the beach in Aruba is about as good as it gets.[/QUOTE

Yes, I have been there. It is not on the Equator. In fact at 12.5 degrees North latitude, it is slightly closer to the Tropic of Cancer than the Equator. I am not saying that its not a nice place only that it can be very windy. So expect that if you go.

 

[fuzz77]

You can go through Mexico or Canada no questions asked. The only issue is when you get back to U.S. and customs may ask why you have 2 Mexico or Canada stamps on your passport, just tell them you went to Cuba for work, nobody cares anymore. Cuba doesn't stamp U.S. passports.

I've got a co-worker who is in Cuba right now. Left Monday and staying 10 days. Not sure the route he took but will check it out for sure when he gets back.

 

[DSmith21]

How open is your wife to new experiences and is she body confident?

http://www.hedonism.com/events/

 

[Teachable Moe]

Travel to Europe is pretty cheap right now and the dollar is strong against the Euro. I just checked Expedia and you can fly to Madrid and stay six nights at a 4 star property for $1,350 per person. If you want the beach, the Costa del Sol is beautiful and a high speed train ride away.

This is a pretty good site for all kinds of travel ideas and packaged deals.

http://www.shermanstravel.com/

Some cruises around the Mediterranean are half-priced due (I suspect) to anxiety about refugees.

 

[drxman1]

Did the DR and Cancun last year, both were Melia resorts. Actually got the best deals through their website too.

I'd do both again, actually liked Paradisus Palma Real in the DR the best. Food, drink, facilities and service were outstanding.


http://www.melia.com/en/

 

[BBdK]

Yes, I have been there. I

False.

After this trip, we'll have spent a solid month there over the past 3 years -- the wind simply isn't an issue, as you'll find from 99.9% of reviews or people on TA forums. It's most definitely windy, VERY windy (at times/bursts), but necessary there. You get used to it after about an hour. "Sand blasts" are false, or extremely rare..hasn't happened to us a single time.

It wouldn't be the most re-visited island in the Caribbean if it was an issue, you post like it's a major deterrent...and it simply is not. If it were, my wife would hate/***** about it, and she basically never wants to go anywhere else ever again - she absolutely worships.

OP most definitely would not be disappointed b/c of 'wind'.

 

[drxman1]

After this trip, we'll have spent a solid month there over the past 3 years.

Way to establish dominance.

[laughing]

 

[BBdK]

Meh, I know FOS when I see it. I think 4 trips in 3 years qualifies as knowing an island (74 sq mi) twice the size of Bowling Green, KY (35 sq mi) pretty well...

...and if you take out the desert/park, which makes up half the island, they're roughly the same size. Imagine spending a month on vacation in Bowling Green, pretty sure you'd know what's up around there. And there are WAY more things in BG than Aruba, :100points:

There are really only 3 main areas on the island, we have a pretty good handle on it at this point. [smoke]

It's an easy/simple/small place, which is part of the beauty of it, imo.

 

[drxman1]

If you know it so well, where is Natalee Holloway?