Ah yes, spring break is almost upon us. New Year's resolutions are in full-swing, the fitness club is packed with new members, the winter weather is getting a bit oppressive, and we all have the urge to head for the sun and sand. The question is: Am I too late, and where are the best deals?
It is not too late to book your trip, especially if you are flexible about your dates, your flight itinerary, and/or the airport that you would like to depart from. Reasonable packages can still be found. Where to? Well, it's hard to narrow it down to just a few spots, but here are 3 of the most popular:
1) Mexico - warm, sunny days, white powdery beaches, turquoise waters, and some of the best all-inclusive resorts on the planet. It's really hard to beat the value that Mexico offers. The violence that plagues our neighbor is far from the main tourist areas (more than 1300 miles from Cancun), and tourism to Mexico is up more than 20% from the previous year. Cancun and the Riviera Maya recently benefited from millions of dollars that the government invested in restoring the beaches - they are white and wide! Everything from Dolphin encounters, to ancient ruins, to zip-lining can easily be found here. Do nothing but lay on the beach or do it all - it's entirely up to you.
2) Jamaica - another great value destination with a wide variety of accommodations. There are fabulous luxury resorts, and there are budget hotels. Stay in Montego Bay to enjoy the shopping and nightlife of the Hip Strip or find a small secluded beach away from it all. Negril has 7 miles of gorgeous white beach, and, because it faces West, guests are treated to amazing sunsets virtually every night. Visit Dunn's River Falls, tour a coffee plantation, watch the cliff diving. See if you can resist saying "ya mon" after a day or two. I think not!
3) Dominican Republic - Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana is one of the Caribbean's finest, white sand beaches. Punta Cana is also home to many fine all-inclusive resorts. In addition to Punta Cana, there are several other great beach destinations in the DR: La Romana, Samana, Puerto Plata. Swim with the sharks, play some world-class golf, take a surfing lesson. There is plenty to keep you busy here.
A few words of warning before you go - many resorts have age limits for guests, so be sure to check before you make your reservation. Also, the Dominican Republic limits motorized water sports and public club hours in the week prior to Easter. Check with your resort prior to arrival.
Are there other beach destinations that are good for Spring Break? Absolutely! The Caribbean offers so many options that it's impossible to cover them all in one article, but wherever you decide to go, you'll find warm, friendly people and plenty of fun and sun!
