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[marie323]

Hi everyone I'm new to this website I just discovered it while researching some destinations on Travelocity. I am planning my very first vacation out of the U.S.- Not to mention my very first vacation EVER!
I am quite infatuated with the idea and plan to make it one of many.
First thing's first. My fiance's birthday is coming up and I am trying to plan a suprise vacation for him. I am aiming for departure sometime mid June. I want something tropical, relaxing, away from the "spring breakers." I love the idea of all-inclusive, I'm guessing it's less hassel. I was curious to see if anyone had any ideas? I'd like to find a modern hotel with a beautiful beach.. I'm thinking something a bit more secluded.. I want to avoid the hundreds of people on the beach with radios, etc. PLEASE if you have any suggestions or want to share any experiences with me I would be more than greatful. !
-Marie

[marie323]

[findingnine]

Recently found myself there. I went all inclusive and feel that was a perfect plan. Not having to worry about necessities made it easier to enjoy my surrounding and not have to experience any stress or worry. My trip was to Cuba, and I would defiinitely go again, but I'm sure on this great big Ball of Wonder, there would be many great choices. What I did, and what I would recommend, is talk to a travel agent. They will know which resorts will offer what you are looking for. You are still free to book online if you want more competitive rates. Oh and hey, this is key. They are resorts, not prisons, so you can always trek out on your own if you feel more adventurous when you get there. Have fun! I think it sounds like a great idea. He sounds like a lucky guy!

[rbisset]

Welcome to the forums

Depends on how far you want to go and how much you can afford. If I was to go to the "perfect" beach destination then I'd love to go to the Seychelles. Reading peoples accounts on the islands here make them sound like paradise on earth! But expensive to get there and probably 2-3 flights from USA.

I'm sure there are places closer to the US that wouldn't be full of Spring Breakers!

That said I was speaking to one of my friends last night who is in Bocas Del Toro, Panama and said it was hell on Earth as it was full of American kids!!

[exploreamerica]

All inclusive sounds best for the kind of vacation you want. Also if it is a surprise then I almost think you need to do it all inclusive. A cruise is the easiest thing. You can choose the days and destinations and when you average the price out per night it is cheaper than most anything else when you add on the food and sleeping accomodations.

Another option would be all inclusive hotels that include sleep, food and drinks in places like Dominican Republic, Mexico or Costa Rica to name a few. Plus they have many activities close by. Your fiance will be surprised and yet there will still be endless choice to make personally once there.

Finally, there are great locations in the U.S. too. South Florida could have what you are looking for (I live here!). My wife and I do get aways all the time right here. For her birthday we are going to the Breakers and in the past we have stayed at the Boca Resort. Take a look at their websites and I guarnatee one look and you will stay there at some point in yourl ife. Another option is a hotle on the beach in South Beach. In June how can you beat the beach by day and the restaurants and clubs of South Beach at night?

[marie323]

Wow thanks guys, I really appreciate the input. I think I'll stick with all inclusive then.. possibly look up a few cruises. I was hoping to maybe avoid Mexico as it seems to be the perfect place for the drunken children of America lol. Any and all comments are appreciated!! Thank you all that have posted thus far!

[lznika]

yes if you are trying to stay away from the wild spring breakers...then certain areas in mexico you may want to avoid. I recently got back from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico...i loved it..but it was wild. i went there for spring break..so i wouldn't recommend that for you. I know a friend of mine that went to the Bahammas and I don't think that it is really a wild crazy spot. If there are, certain hotels may be worse than others. I hear it's beautiful there and very relaxing. Also, all inclusive is definetely the way to go. That's what i did when i went to cabo and it was sooo nice to have.

[kim76]

I went to the Dominican Republic last year all inclusive and it was fab. There are some great deals and even 3* resorts can be great if you do your homework. The other place that seems to be growing more in poularity is the island of Margarita, close to Venezuela. Again some good deals to be had and its still not too touristy. My main advice would be wherever you go do leave the resort and explore - if you stay in your resort (like most people) you could be anywhere! The best day we spent in the Dom Rep was on a horseriding trip booked locally. Me and my partner were the only ones on the trip and were accompanied by a german lady who had lived on the island for decades and a local lad. We were hit by tropical storms in the mountains and had to shelter in a village hut. We spent 3 fantastic hours there playing pool and drinking very strong rum with the locals and finally cantered drunkenly down a deserted, winswept caribbean beach. A great day!

Wherever you go have a great time!

[Jessica_CDN]

Hey!

Here's my take on the all-inclusives:
Stay away from the Dominican republic as it is extremely popular and good, but therefore there are tons of people.

I went to Panama a few years ago to a new resort which was wonderful, but I think that it's gotten quite popular as well.

I suggest trying to find a new resort that hasn't established its reputation yet. The prices are likely to be a bit cheaper, and there won't be the crowds.

SOunds like fun! Let us know what you decide.