I have been trying to convince him to take some of that med school loan money and go on a great vacation. After a rotation with several residents who took several amazing vacations during med school with their loan money, he has been convinced!
Now before you all start to lecture about using loan money for this venture let me tell you all that my husband is very frugal. He has been very smart with his loan money. In the grand scheme of things a couple thousand dollars does not matter when you are taking out hundreds of thousands of dollars to go to school. We really want to take a good vacation before we have other responsibilities. {ahem, children. don't get too excited it still won't be happening anytime soon, but we want to take advantage of not having any kids.}
This is where you all come in! I need some advice. Have you been anywhere that you would recommend? Would you do all inclusive? Did you use a travel agent?
We will probably stick with Mexico. We don't want to go crazy with loan money; just a nice little vacay!
We won't be going until Ty's vacation month next July, but I am such a planner. I'm feeling overwhelmed with all the options. Help!
I have to come back and read all the comments to this post because WE are planning a big vacation for next summer, too! It's to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. I hope there are lots of suggestions!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun thing to look forward to! Maybe you will get preggo in July! :) That was our plan when we took our big Seattle/Victoria vacay last summer. Tee Hee. I say, have a great big vacay before children because you will remember it forever. Such sweet times. :) YAY!
ReplyDelete10 day cruise around Hawaii. It was AMAZING! Yayy for a great trick.
ReplyDeleteLOL *TRIP*
ReplyDeleteThe boyf and I went to Moon Palace in Cancun a few years ago, and it was very relaxing. It's one of those all inclusive places and it's fairly inexpensive. I'm not big on all-inclusive places (I like to sample the local cuisine, but in Mexico, it's not really a big deal), but I liked this one better than others I've been to.
ReplyDeleteOkay, are you only wanting to go to places in Mexico or are you open to ideas? Maui was amazing..but really expensive..if you want more info email me :)
ReplyDeleteWe went to Riviera Maya for our honeymoon and it was all inclusive. WE HAD A BLAST! you HAVE to do all-inclusive....there really is no other way to go!
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of all inclusive resorts in mexico that are so nice. Mexico is a less expensive way to go and the beaches are just gorgeous!
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ReplyDeletePunta Cana in the Dominican Republic is AWESOME. I've been there 3 times. Most recently in August. They have all inclusive resorts and we booked ours through AAA (and Apple Vacations) - for 6 nights we paid $2800 and that included air fare, hotel and transportation from airport to resort and back. The Gran Bahia Principe Ambar is a good place to say too b/c its ADULTS only. There are several sections to the resort that are accessible to Ambar guests but guest from the other sections cannot use the amenities on the Ambar side. It is totally worth the money. If you want more details or photos feel free to email me - keri.a.wetter@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteCheck out the Westin in Puerto Vallarta. We went earlier this year and LOVED it and can't wait to go back!
ReplyDeleteWe are going to Playa Del Carmen in Dec. and staying all inclusive. I like doing those because I can budget my spending pretty well and now what I am going to spend! Right now their are SUPER deals in Mexico!
ReplyDeleteI've only done all inclusive in the Bahamas and really didn't like it. The whole thing creeped me out because we were constantly with the same people-- at the pool, at the bar, at dinner.
ReplyDeleteBut... I've never been to Mexico and my friend just did all inclusive in Los Cabos and really enjoyed it.
How exciting! I hope you can decide quickly because I want to hear all about it!
I've never been to Mexico, so I don't have any suggestions, but it sounds like some people have some great ones, so hopefully, you'll be able to find something great. And I agree, maybe you'll come back pregnant. That's what happened to us! :)
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I went to Playa de Mujeres, Mexico for our honeymoon and loved it. It's about 20 miles north of Cancun. We stayed at the Excellence Playa de Mujeres and would definitely recommend it. (It's an all inclusive.) I was skeptical about all inclusives before we went but our friends raved about it, so we went for it. SO happy we did! The pools are wonderful, the rooms are spectacular and the food is pretty good. They are running some really great specials through the end of the year - I almost convinced my husband to go back for Thanksgiving, but we decided to go to NYC instead. Happy Planning!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Mexico! My hubby and I went to Playa del Carmen, about 45 minutes south of Cancun last May. We stayed at El Dorado Moramo, it was AMAZING...and so much cheeper than our honeymoon to Sandals in St. Lucia and we enjoyed it so much more.
ReplyDeleteThere are a ton of deals to Mexico right now! Cabo is beautiful but so is Playa del Carmen. Every time I have been, we always plan it ourselves, we never use a travel agent.
ReplyDeleteI just got back from Hawaii and all this vacation talk is making me want to go back! I tagged along on my husband's business trip to Honolulu. The beaches are gorgeous there...I did go to Cozumel on my senior cruise, but only for 1 day, so I can't offer much help.
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. I think it is just a little more expensive than Mexico. We stayed at Bahia Principe all-inclusive resort. Beach was prettier than Mexico, and I like rum more than tequila so it was a good fit! :)
ReplyDeleteI know you said you are trying to stick to Mexico but I would suggest St. Lucia! I went with some girlfriends last year and it was AMAZING! Beautiful water, white sand, and plenty of relaxation. It was great!
ReplyDeleteI always use a travel agent b/c its guaranteed! Also. we did Mexico on an adults on resort (it could be your last time doing this)
ReplyDeleteAll inclusive for sure! DH and I have been planning to go to a Sandals Resort in the Caribbean or to Hawaii (Turtle Bay or one of the others).
ReplyDeleteYay for loan money! :) And completely overwhelmingly large amounts of medical school debt. A vacation is most definitely an excellent idea! I can't wait to find out where you pick!
ReplyDeleteIt's not Mexico, but I *highly* recommend the US Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico. You don't need a passport. We went to St. Thomas and St. John (they are so close you can ferry back and forth and get two islands for the price of one). It's the best place on earth in my opinion. Good food, awesome locals, rum that is cheaper than a coke, great snorkeling, cool local accents, music, etc.
ReplyDeleteOk, not to be pushy (LOL) but you should totally go to Playa del Carmen and stay at The Royal. Been there 4 times, it's ridiculously nice, adult only, and all-inclusive (the only way to go, IMO).
ReplyDeleteFabulous place to go. It's removed from Cancun (which is too commercialized for my taste - I don't want to go on a tropical vacay and have a McD's across the street from my resort, KWIM?), but only about 45 min. from the Cancun airport.
Email me if you have any questions. I've booked this trip A LOT! Funjet is a great way to go and a travel agent can book this for you.
YAY!! Making me want to go again!!
No Mexico, go Caribbean! Take it from someone who works in the travel industry for a living. Well, actually, don't take it from me. Plenty of people ADORE Mexico and I just happen to loathe it. So, Mexico would be fine and Secrets Maroma Beach resort is beautiful in Riviera Maya. There are plenty of other higher end options but I have heard wonderful things from all of the programs we've had operate there and my co-worker got engaged and is getting married there. Shoot me an e-mail for more info on other destinations in Mexico, resorts, etc...
ReplyDeleteI have never been to Mexico, but from one "My Hubby is a Student" wife to another I just wanted to say: Spend that loan money! So many people are judgemental about student loan money, but most of them have not been in 4+ year medical degree programs and just don't know! Can't wait to hear what you decide!
ReplyDeleteBlondie and I just went to Barbados in May and had an incredible time. I'd be happy to send you some more info on it - shoot me an e-mail if you'd like! I also did a post about it here:
ReplyDeletehttp://hdandqb.blogspot.com/2009/05/best-of-barbados.html
If you are looking to stay within Mexico then Cozumel,Mexico is just for you! It is a little Island with alot of historical things to see. You can also swim with dolphins etc. There is a hotel there that we stayed at called El Cozumeleno. It was all-inclusive and wonderful!!! All the meals are included, all drinks, plus snorkling gear, ping pong, pools, and other things you can rent for the water! Also, the beaches are very beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSo fun!!
ReplyDeleteWe went to Jamaica for our honeymoon and it actually wasn't terribly expensive. We stayed at an all-inclusive and LOVED it. It was just nice to not be stressed about being on a budget. We could go sit down at a nice restaurant and not have to worry about eating somewhere less expensive the next night so we could use our money wisely. I loved that.
My husband's brother and sister both (seperately with their own wife/husband hehe)went to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. They stayed at an all-inclusive and absolutely loved it. I think if we take a vacation like that again that's probably where we'll go. Good luck choosing :)
I've never been to any of the resorts in Mexico, but I've heard amazing things about them!
ReplyDeleteHappy planning! Can't wait to hear what you decide!
I just realized I never emailed our resort, I am a bad friend. I will do that soon. Looks like you got a lot of great suggestions!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting!! And planning ahead is one of the most fun parts of going on vacation. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not a huge fan of all-inclusive or adults only resorts because I think that while you get tons of service, it's all a bit commercial, if that makes sense. And watch out for where you go in July, because that's right in hurricane season!! You don't want to get rained out on your fantastic vacation. :)
I'm not a travel agent by trade (lol) but I've planned numerous lower cost vacations for friends/family/coworkers/neighbors. If you do some searches the right way you can get some good deals. If you need any help with ideas, let me know!
thegirlygallivanter@gmail.com :)
I think you should go All-Inclusive. My family did that when we were growing up and I remember it being so fun to just be able to get whatever you want whenever without the hassle of always having to have money on hand!
ReplyDeletei've never been to mexico but even though its just a border away i think it would be so much fun leaving the country. idk. :)
ReplyDeleteHow exciting!! My Hubby and I just got back from our June Honeymoon in Mexico (I think you prob saw the photos on my blog). We stayed at The Royal Playa del Carmen which was all-inclusive. It was so nice to just pay for everything beforehand and not have to worry about anything the whole time there. We used a travel agent and always do just for peace of mind. I know that if I have any silly questions she is just a phone call away. Let me know if you have any questions! There are sooo many choices in Mexico!
ReplyDeleteWe did riviera maya for our honeymoon.. all inclusive! we stayed at the Secrets Resort Riviera Cancun. WE LOVED IT! the food was awesome and the resort was beatiful and since this might be your last big vacation for the babies i think you would love this resort because it's Adults only! It's near playa del carmen so we went shopping there for a day and we also took a ferry to Cozumel for one day and explored around there too. Good luck deciding! I know there are so many options out there!
ReplyDeletecheck out the all inclusive SECRETS resorts in Mexico- in my very picky opinion, the nicest by far- and one is close to the airport- many of the resorts you have to ride a bus an hour to an hour and half to the destination....
ReplyDeleteMexico has a lot of poverty, when you get to your resort- it is like going through a gate to a different world. Kind of sad...but if you have never been to Mexico- you should def. go. It is beautiful and some place not to be missed. But be prepared for the sadness. Tourism is a huge part of the Mexican economy.
DO NOT drink the water no matter what they say...maybe take cipro before you go too...
all inclusive- for Mexico it is a good thing. That way you can try lots of different things and if you do not like something, no big deal...just do the math and make sure you are getting the best deal for you. you may just come out better with all inclusive from all the cokes you will drink since you are not drinking the water...
Go to mexico- everyone has got to go at some point- and it is a good bang for your buck. check out trip advisor.com and the traveler pics of the hotels there to get a good idea of the real quality of the hotel.
I have also heard good things about punta canta though- and they have a secrets there.
Stay clear of the bahamas and cozumel- do a cruise through there if you go there. Place are- esp. bahamas- very expensive for what you get...since they have to ship everything in.... good luck.
Native Texan
We live in Germany and travel a lot,but it isn't tropical. Our honeymoon was tropical though...we took a 14 day cruise and to the southern Caribbean and it was great! A cruise is great because you don't have to worry about food, hotels, etc. Just hop on and off and see a bunch of cool places!
ReplyDeleteWe are fortunate to travel a great deal. LOVE IT. You dont need a travel agent when so much is available online. We love Cabo and go every year. Esperanza and Palmilla are my favorite but there are so many deals. Go to Travel Zoo.
ReplyDeleteThe best beach and place we have probably ever been is Cap Jaluca in Anguilla. Cap Jaluca
If you want other beach options, there are great places in the US like Florida, Hawaii, San Diego, Hilton Head, or international like Cabo, St. Maarten, Brazil, Costa Rica. Depends on where you want to go, how long you want to be there, and how much you want to spend. I also love city vacations. I am from Seattle and we just got back from 9 days there. I also love NYC, San Fran, Chicago, South Beach.
Good luck...so many great places!
Have you thought about Hawaii? My husband and I have been twice, and we loved it! For our next vacation, we're hoping to do a cruise where we can see more of the other islands.
ReplyDeleteIf you want any Hawaii tips, etc, please let me know!
Happy planning!
COSTA RICA! It's amazing! We've been every year since I was young and it is still my favorite place. You've got the beach and the rain forest both in one location. Check out Manuel Antonio! It's by far my favorite... and it really isn't expensive!
ReplyDeleteI have the BEST place for you. If you're looking for beautiful, romantic, gourmet ... check out El Dorado Maroma in the Riviera Maya. Hubby and I just returned from honeymooning there, and it was seriously the most amazing place I've been. The staff was friendly and accommodating and pampered us from the moment we stepped off the plane. We kayaked, snorkeled, and had massages over the turquoise water. And I'm not kidding about the gourmet food -- we had five course dinners every night, and it was all inclusive! Oh, and it's a very small, intimate resort. Just 72 rooms, and it was only 1/4 full when we were there. Okay, I'm starting to sound like a travel agent! Check for more details on my blog soon.
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