Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't fly to Mexico right now, with all the problem related to drug violence they are having....

FYI - Cancun has been mostly spared in the drug violence. It's heavily reliant on tourism, so they do a lot to preserve the peace there.

Yeah, but why risk it when there's a whole world out there?

Because

1) There's not really any heightened risk;

2) She wants an affordable beach vacation and this fits the criteria.

OP, I assume you're leaving the kids at home with grandparents or something? Because if they are coming, that's not a vacation -- that's a trip. Big difference.

You can spend less than $5k if you eat town or locally in playa del carmen or cancun. Puerto Rico also has some nice beaches.

I think $5,000 is a good estimate for most nice resorts. You can cut that down by renting a house instead of staying in a hotel. Lots of good websites like VRBO out there to help you find a place to stay.

We went to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic in May for about $3,600 total (airfare, all-inclusive resort). We loved it. Rates are higher in January-April.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't fly to Mexico right now, with all the problem related to drug violence they are having....

FYI - Cancun has been mostly spared in the drug violence. It's heavily reliant on tourism, so they do a lot to preserve the peace there.

Yeah, but why risk it when there's a whole world out there?

Cheap Caribbean.com frequently has great deals on vacations to Mexico as well as other islands like the DR and Bahamas. Keep seeing crazy good deals per person all-inclusive to the DR.
Personally I like to scuba and snorkel so I am looking at Cozumel, Turks and Caicos, and out islands a little off the beaten path. Problem is what to do with the kids, Gramma's, bring them and hire a sitter, or do a $$$ club type place?

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't fly to Mexico right now, with all the problem related to drug violence they are having....

FYI - Cancun has been mostly spared in the drug violence. It's heavily reliant on tourism, so they do a lot to preserve the peace there.

I think you can estimate around 4-5k for a week beach vacation.

I wouldn't fly to Mexico right now, with all the problem related to drug violence they are having....

Cancun is definitely the cheapest, hands down. Apply for passports now if your don't already have them.

I'm flying to a less cheap part of Mexico and the flights alone will run us $2500 (>.<. So yeah, go to Cancun or wherever the cheapest flight takes you!

Thank you PP for this great input!

The least expensive from DC area is going to be Dulles straight-shot to Cancun. It is 3 hrs. 20 minutes and you can find very reasonable rates, I'd say $250-$350-ish for a ticket. Do NOT stay in Cancun - pick a hotel in your price range in Riviera Maya or Playa del Carmen areas. These areas are much more charming and beautiful compared to Cancun. Search for reasonable hotels/resorts with good ratings on tripadvisor.com

I personally don't love all-inclusive resorts, but many people do and there tend to be some pretty amazing deals if you buy the vacation as a package this way. You also don't have to worry about how much you're spending every meal while there. Another option is to not do all-inclusive and stay close enough to Playa del Carmen to go into town for some meals. It is a very quaint town with an almost European feel to it, and you can find reasonable prices for meals.

I promise you and your family will love this area and the people!

If you're willing to spend a little more on plane tickets, Costa Rica is also fantastic - but will be more $ overall.

Have fun whatever you decide

I work from 7 am until 11:pm and still take care of my husband, child and house. We don't earn much but Ive been saving money for a really nice beach vacation. I want to keep it reasonable though. I'm thinking of going to Mexico or Costa Rico. Can you please give me tips on how to plan a great vacation on a budget please with my husband and child? TIA