Planning a vacation - Cancun or Aruba?

[FrugalSaver]

Looking for a beach vacation.  Which would you recommend and why?

Traveling around September 19th

[FrugalSaver]

Costa Rica is on the list as well as Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

[forumname123]

Whichever one is the better deal for your travel dates. Flexibility is the ultimate tool for the frugal.

[dude]

Looking for a beach vacation.  Which would you recommend and why?

Traveling around September 19th

Skip Cancun and go to Cozumel instead. For starters, it's safer (there have been some instances of drug violence in Cancun/Riviera Maya recently).  Second, the beaches are beautiful. It's quieter -- after @ 4pm when the cruise ships leave. After that, you will have the town more or less to yourself. Go diving and/or snorkeling. Cozumel's reefs are among the world's best. DW and I have been to Cozumel @15x in the past 10-12 years because we like it so much. My recommendation is to avoid the big resorts (esp. all-inclusives) and stay in town. You'll need a rental car, but that will only run you @ $220 for the week. That way, you can venture out during the day time -- away from the cruise ship tourists -- and then park it at night and walk around town, eating and drinking your heart out. PM me if you'd like some suggestions.

[Bateaux]

If you've been to neither then do Cancun first.  It's fun and it's safe with just minimal precautions. Really fun place.

[Jrr85]

If you've been to neither then do Cancun first.  It's fun and it's safe with just minimal precautions. Really fun place.

Lots of noise lately about tourists either being drugged at the "safe" resorts in cancun, or being served tainted, blackmarket alcohol.  Not sure if it's a "summer of the shark" type phenomenon where they are blowing it way out of proportion or whether it's a growing problem. 

[Bateaux]

Drink bottled liquids.  We get a condo and a taxi to Walmart.  Buy all our stuff and make our own.   Drink bottled beer at the resort if you want to feel safer and skip the mixed drinks.

[Bateaux]

We're headed to Playa del Carmen in November and have no worries whatsoever.   Most dangerous part of the trip will be our drive to the New Orleans airport.

[Eric]

Mexico is going to be half the cost or less.  Plus, you know, tacos.  Easy choice.

[JoJo]

Haha.  I usually respond to all the travel posts as that's my major hobby.  I've been to 84 countries but none of the 4 places you're contemplating. 

Just to add make sure you look at flights in the package.  I think it's expensive to fly to Aruba.

[BFGirl]

Costa Rica is on the list as well as Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

My daughter went to Punta Cana this summer and really enjoyed it there.

I have been to Playa del Carmen several times and it was really lovely, however, it was more than 15 years ago.  I think the US government just announced a travel warning for that area.

[VolcanicArts]

I've been through a lot of Central America, but not to either Cancun or Aruba. It's too bad you didn't start this thread after Oct. as I am going to be in Costa Rica for over a week so I would have some useful information by that time.

[dude]

I've been through a lot of Central America, but not to either Cancun or Aruba. It's too bad you didn't start this thread after Oct. as I am going to be in Costa Rica for over a week so I would have some useful information by that time.

Costa Rica is fantastic. I've been to both the east (Puerto Viejo) and west (Playa Grande/Tamarindo (w/ a side trip to Playa Ocatal), and both were great. Also of interest is Roatan, Honduras, where I've also been a few times. West Bay is one of the nicest beaches you'll find anywhere, and the West End has many great, cheap options for staying. It's a $3, 10-minute boat ride from one to the other.  Diving is world class and just minutes from shore. Everyone speaks English.

[MsSindy]

I've been to Cancun and Aruba.  Cancun is a party town for the most part, and there is a few interesting sites to see, but most are a full day's drive away.  I have no desire to go back.  Aruba is a small island, but interesting.  It's kind of desert-like.  There is a main tourist area, but the rest of the island is pretty relaxed.  Cool bat caves.

Depending on where you are flying out of, I'd check out Puerto Rico.  It's cheap to get to, US Currency, both very lush and desert-like depending on where you go.  It also has incredible night life in Old San Juan and Condado, but can also be very tranquil outside of the city.  Beautiful beaches, great culture.  Lots to see, or just simply relax.

[NeonPegasus]

I would pass on Mexico at the moment.

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/mexico-travel-warning.html

Quintana Roo (includes Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, and Tulum): U.S. citizens should be aware that according to Government of Mexico statistics, the state of Quintana Roo experienced an increase in homicide rates compared to 2016. While most of these homicides appeared to be targeted criminal organization assassinations, turf battles between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens. Shooting incidents, in which innocent bystanders have been injured or killed, have occurred.

I was reading in a recent Nat Geo about the drug cartel violence spilling over into tourist areas. If you're determined to go to Mexico, go to Playa del Carmen or Cozumel instead as they're smaller and less touristy.

[SweetLife]

I've been through a lot of Central America, but not to either Cancun or Aruba. It's too bad you didn't start this thread after Oct. as I am going to be in Costa Rica for over a week so I would have some useful information by that time.

Costa Rica is fantastic. I've been to both the east (Puerto Viejo) and west (Playa Grande/Tamarindo (w/ a side trip to Playa Ocatal), and both were great. Also of interest is Roatan, Honduras, where I've also been a few times. West Bay is one of the nicest beaches you'll find anywhere, and the West End has many great, cheap options for staying. It's a $3, 10-minute boat ride from one to the other.  Diving is world class and just minutes from shore. Everyone speaks English.

Hey Dude!!!
Where did you stay in Costa Rica??? I am looking for a place for March for my hubby and 3 year old son.

[FrugalSaver]

I'm not seeing much love for punta cana

I've also got to find a cost effective flight from Caracas to Costa Rica if I choose there

[JoJo]

I'm not seeing much love for punta cana

I've also got to find a cost effective flight from Caracas to Costa Rica if I choose there

You're in Caracas?  was assuming US.   What's the situation like?

[Eric]

I would pass on Mexico at the moment.

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/mexico-travel-warning.html

Quintana Roo (includes Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, and Tulum): U.S. citizens should be aware that according to Government of Mexico statistics, the state of Quintana Roo experienced an increase in homicide rates compared to 2016. While most of these homicides appeared to be targeted criminal organization assassinations, turf battles between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens. Shooting incidents, in which innocent bystanders have been injured or killed, have occurred.

I was reading in a recent Nat Geo about the drug cartel violence spilling over into tourist areas. If you're determined to go to Mexico, go to Playa del Carmen or Cozumel instead as they're smaller and less touristy.

I mean, would you also pass on all of Western Europe?  Because the US State Dept has a travel warning out for there too.  Their warnings are ridiculous and no traveler would take them seriously or they'd never go anywhere.  There may be reasons to pass on Mexico, but a government travel warning is not one of them.

[NeonPegasus]

I would pass on Mexico at the moment.

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/mexico-travel-warning.html

Quintana Roo (includes Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, and Tulum): U.S. citizens should be aware that according to Government of Mexico statistics, the state of Quintana Roo experienced an increase in homicide rates compared to 2016. While most of these homicides appeared to be targeted criminal organization assassinations, turf battles between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens. Shooting incidents, in which innocent bystanders have been injured or killed, have occurred.

I was reading in a recent Nat Geo about the drug cartel violence spilling over into tourist areas. If you're determined to go to Mexico, go to Playa del Carmen or Cozumel instead as they're smaller and less touristy.

I mean, would you also pass on all of Western Europe?  Because the US State Dept has a travel warning out for there too.  Their warnings are ridiculous and no traveler would take them seriously or they'd never go anywhere.  There may be reasons to pass on Mexico, but a government travel warning is not one of them.

I wouldn't go solely on the State Dept warnings but I am concerned about the escalating violence in Mexico. There are places I went years ago that I wouldn't go today. Acapulco used to be a great tourist area but now it's gangland central. Cancun isn't like that ATM but if I was considering there or other places not in close proximity to drug cartels and related violence, I'd choose somewhere else.

[FrugalSaver]

I'm thinking it's going to be Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. 

Hopefully if the hurricanes are going to hold off I can spend about 10 days there.

[inline five]

Cancun and Mexico in general are shit holes.

Same with Bahamas, Aruba, Jamica, etc. The Domincan is a third world country where you are advised to not leave your compound.

Stick to the Virgin Islands or Grand Cayman, in fact GC is one of my favorite cheaper island destinations. Bermuda is expensive and not really worth it but is at least nice and safe.

Yes I've been to all those places on business travel.

Have not been to Central America much but avoid El Salvador, I hope I never have to go back.

[inline five]

Also to add Hawaii by far is the best beach destination you can find as an American.

Cuba is very pretty up on the north side with their resorts but require specific reasons to go.