Caribbean vacation for $2-$3K???

Is this even possible for a family of 5 including an infant??? I have been looking and looking for months now and I just don't see anything that costs under $3,500. It doesn't even have to be a week either. 5 nights work. We just need a nice resort type place that has stuff for the kids and for us. Airfare is just outrageous and so are hotel prices? I just really want a vacation that has turquoise waters and palm trees. Please throw out some places/resorts and when the best/cheapest time of year would be to go? Thanks!

Re: Caribbean vacation for $2-$3K???

Do you get emails from groupon getaways or living social escapes?

They have a LOT of really amazing deals.

I do think your budget is a little low for most of the caribbean. DH and I paid $1400 just for our flight to St. Lucia.

How about the Bahamas? Hopefully that will be a cheaper flight.

What about Florida? There are always deals to FL, and the flights are a lot cheaper.

DH and I are actually considering a spring trip down to Vero Beach or Hilton Head. That would be ideal with kids because of the Disney resorts there.

I don't know that the beach compares to the Caribbean, but you can come in WAY under budget for a week in an oceanview room at Vero.


ETA: I just checked and you can even get a 1BR Villa for under $2K. I like these resorts because of the great pools and all of the activities for kids. I'm always scoping this out because I know I'm going to want to have some "us" time on vacation even when we go on vacation with kids.

Message edited 2/17/2012 11:21:17 AM.

Re: Caribbean vacation for $2-$3K???

Can you travel in September?

I just saw rates on the brand new Disney Fantasy out of FL for a 7 night Caribbean cruise starting at $1253 per adult.

As with the other cruise I am DROOLING over it, but I can't travel that month. You can FM me if you want more info.

The good thing about the cruise is that everything is covered once you're on the ship. Just need to budget a bit for excursions and alcohol, but food and activities are included.

ETA: In general September is a good time to travel in terms of lower rates.

Message edited 2/17/2012 11:38:45 AM.

Re: Caribbean vacation for $2-$3K???

Re: Caribbean vacation for $2-$3K???

You're right. The 5 nighter out of NY would work though. $735per adult and no airfare.

Can you tell I REALLY wish I could take one of these cruises?

Re: Caribbean vacation for $2-$3K???

You could go to the florida keys for flights less than 300pp. Most affordable hotels are around $200 per night depending on where you stay. Rent a minivan for $125 ish for 5 days. You will get your palm trees, turquoise water for under $3000 for 5 nights without the hassle of customs.

Re: Caribbean vacation for $2-$3K???

I would definitely look into timeshare rentals. The majority of them have kitchens which would save you a ton on going out to eat.

Re: Caribbean vacation for $2-$3K???

Message edited 2/19/2012 2:20:09 PM.

Re: Caribbean vacation for $2-$3K???

You can still find good deals for the Domenican Republic but you have to be able to go during school time.

Re: Caribbean vacation for $2-$3K???

We traveled to Mexico last year, 4 adults for about 3K. We stayed a week in Riviera Maya.
I know that right now Mexico is an iffy place to travel to. When I went, it was fine for the area we traveled to.
I booked our vacation through cheapcaribean.com and we stayed at an all inclusive.
They do all of the warm tropical climates. After I located a good deal, I googled the heck out of the hotel, to make sure I was not staying at a place that would be nasty or unsafe (as far as resorts go). It was beautiful. But I would not have done it if the reviews I read were not fantastic.

Re: Caribbean vacation for $2-$3K???

I just came across this on one of the daily deals sites. $499 for 7 nights.

link

Here is another one on Groupon today

http://www.groupon.com/ch/getaways/deals/ga-m-sandyport-beaches-resort?c=dnb&p=4

Message edited 2/21/2012 9:34:10 AM.