Need price ranges for vacation?

Ok, can you guys give me a rough estimate as to how much going to Aruba, US Virgin Islands, etc. is going to run us? We're a family of 4 with a baby, not staying in a fancy room, 5 or 6 nights, etc.

From what I'm seeing, at this point, I don't think we'll ever be able to afford to go anywhere in the Caribbean.

It's hard to justify spending money for a trip when we should be saving for a house that we can't afford for another couple of years probably. But, I really need to get away and want to go somewhere tropical.

We also need to get passports which is expensive! Well for 5 people it is.

Any suggestions?

Between the expensive airfare, hotel, etc. I'm at a loss.

Message edited 7/21/2011 11:36:54 AM.

Re: Need price ranges for vacation?

You can price out trips on Expedia, Orbitz, etc - play around with dates and hotels to see what you are looking at price wise.

Have you checked Puerto Rico? You won't need a passport to go there.

Re: Need price ranges for vacation?

You don't need a passport to go to the USVI either.

Have you tried looking into a travel agent? Sometimes they can get great package deals.

Re: Need price ranges for vacation?

I think puerto Rico is a great choice..I love it there!

What are you looking for? All inclusive, cruise, hotel?

What do you want to do? Excursions? Lay on a beach the whole time?

Also, how old are the kids? When are you looking to go?

Re: Need price ranges for vacation?

Thanks everyone!

I haven't looked into a travel agent yet. I've only been emailing one and they're saying that it's around $5,000 for 5 nights??? Sounds VERY high to me.

I haven't looked into Puerto Rico. I've been mainly looking into Aruba based on other posters recommendations and will probably go that route. Renting a week of someone elses timeshare, etc. It seems like the only other affordable option? After airfare and passports it's turning into a more expensive trip to really anywhere than I expected?

Decisions, decisions....

Not sure about an all-inclusive. Those can get VERY pricey. Not sure about a cruise since my DH would rather not be stuck on a boat and I'm worried about getting seasick.

We're not looking for anything fancy really. A somewhat basic room that overlooks the Caribbean would be wonderful. We will have all 3 kids with us which at the time of travel would be 8, 6 and almost 2 yrs old. I can't see us doing excursions since the kids are so young. We really want somewhere that has a kids club and a great pool for them, but yet sort of romantic and enjoyable for us. Restaurants, walking around, places to go to have some drinks, etc. is fine. We're not into clubing or dancing. Not sure if anyone else will be going with us? We don't like to just lay on the beach all day or anything, but yet we want to somewhat relax? Basically nothing too wild but fun for all!

Re: Need price ranges for vacation?

I just got a quote for Turks & Caicos, 6 days 7 nights for myself, DH & our 14 month old DS. Junior suite with full kitchen, washer & dryer. Includes hotel & airfare at family friendly resort. Price is $2500.

Re: Need price ranges for vacation?

Since you have your one child under 2, they can fly free..I'm assuming you're going when the kids are off of school?

Feb break is the 20-24 this year..

If you go through Expedia for feb 19-24, and choose the cheapest airfare it works out to 2698..

not sure if this will work..

That leaves you more money for a hotel..

the mill for those days works out to 1081..for a total of a lil under 4k

the holiday inn works out to 2k for those nights, which would still be under 5k

However, i dont think you're going to get it much less, especially if you want to do aruba, which tends to cost a bit more

hth

Re: Need price ranges for vacation?

Just wanted to throw this out there for you.
We just did a wk in Riviera Maya (mexico) at an all inclusive, 4 adults for less than 3K, airfare included.
I would imagine a family of 4, 2 adults, 2 kids, would be affordable.

Re: Need price ranges for vacation?

Aruba tends to be a lot pricier than other destinations in the Caribbean. I'd check out Puerto Rico, Riviera Maya, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. They should be able to offer you more affordable options.