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Lots of places that have been mentioned are absolutely beautiful - but realistically speaking, it's not likely you're going to get there for $1,000/pp. Airfares to the "exotic" Caribbean can be expensive and a decent hotel will be as well. Unless you want non all inclusive in the 3-4* range, it's difficult to do the Caribbean on a budget.

As Mal said, Riviera Maya really is a great place for a vacation, and there are some beautiful beaches. So much to see and do, you do not have to stay on the grounds of your resort - you can head to Playa Del Carmen to go bar hopping, see some ruins, go to one of several eco parks, snorkel in cenotes, swim with the dolphins (if that's your bag), take a catamaran trip (my friends own an awesome boat!)...the list goes on. There has to be a good reason why thousands of people choose this destination each year - because it's affordable, easy to get to, lots of all inclusive choices (think no extra bar tab as is the case on any cruise - drink, drink, drink! ) and you get the biggest bang for your buck. I travel here about 10+ times a year and in the past 3 years, I can't even tear myself away to go anywhere else.

Mid summer is more expensive than late Sept, Oct, Nov and early December so if you can delay your trip until fall, you will save money. Also, any time after Easter through mid June is also low season. I just booked some folks from Boston today at a 5* all inclusive (the new Barcelo Mal! ) for $1,200/pp for an 8 night/9 days stay in May - non stop air too. There are of course, lower priced resorts and if you can only stay 4-5 nights, you can do a trip like that for very little dinero.

Just my dos pesos - and if you want to know anything else about this area, just let me know!

Hi Christina , Riviera Maya sounds goooooood. I figured while we are on the topic I would throw my own little trip questions out here as well. I am in the same boat here as I'm in charge of planning a spring break trip for 3 of us and am quickly running out of time and lacking ideas. We were looking at taking the Norwegian Spirit cruise out of NY to the Bahamas, the prices were looking really good, but the first day or so we would have todeal with aweful weather. Also looking at all the typical student trips, Cancun, Acapulco, and Vegas. So does anyone have any good ideas for a spring break with a fairly low budget? And has anyone been on the Norwegian Spirit?

phenwayparrothead wrote:Hi Christina , Riviera Maya sounds goooooood. I figured while we are on the topic I would throw my own little trip questions out here as well. I am in the same boat here as I'm in charge of planning a spring break trip for 3 of us and am quickly running out of time and lacking ideas. We were looking at taking the Norwegian Spirit cruise out of NY to the Bahamas, the prices were looking really good, but the first day or so we would have todeal with aweful weather. Also looking at all the typical student trips, Cancun, Acapulco, and Vegas. So does anyone have any good ideas for a spring break with a fairly low budget? And has anyone been on the Norwegian Spirit?

does putting down a bottle (or 12) of Aass ( http://www.aass.no ) Juleol count in the "Norweigian Spirit" category?

NJPhinPhan wrote: (the new Barcelo Mal! )

*sigh*

Playa De Carmen area is perfect for what you are looking for. You fly into Cancun but then shuttle about 45 minutes south so it's not as touristy or crowded as Cancun, but there is a lot of stuff to do. We have stayed at Barcelo Maya and it is awesome, it's a little further away from down town Playacar, but it is great. The Gala resort is really nice also and it is bike riding distance from down town. Book an all inclusive resort and you don't have to spend another dime if you don't want to. They love Americans down there and treat you very well. Have the guys in your group check out Chilly Willeys.

A good point was brought up on accomodations. If you don't mind sharing rooms, maybe even sleeping double, you should be able to get a heck of a deal on a condo or guesthouse, particularly if you're heading for the Caribbean during that time of year. Just be sure to do your homework, there's lots and lots of message boards out there that specialize on certain areas, usually with local expatriates that have good advice. If you're thinking USVI, I'd recommend Sapphire Beach, near Redhook on St. Thomas. I was there a couple weeks ago, and it's FABULOUS. There's 3-4 condo developments a short walk from the beach that always have vacation rentals available. Playa del Carmen is nice too, I'd be going back this year if my schedule would allow it.