Hi Guys.

Well the title says it all! It cant be expensive. Me and my Girlfriend are doing 5 weeks in Australia and New Zealand and we dont have too much money to play with. We have seen on Virgin Holidays package deals for around £750 all inclusive, which is quite good but is there any thing cheaper. And with these things is it worth waiting to see if the price comes down or book now? Were hoping to travel around 17th September time ish!

Cheers.

Are you planning to go to the Caribbean after Australia and New Zealand? If so, the Dominicn Republic has reasonable prices.

Quoting Danfearn77 (Thread starter): Me and my Girlfriend...................

  

Leave the girlfriend at home and take a trip to Cuba!   
You'll save a lot of money and have a ton of fun as a single dude.  

Daniel:
You'll be traveling to the Caribbean during the peak for hurricane season so be prepared for potential weather issues throughout the Western, Southern and Eastern Caribbean. There are traditionally good prices on cruises as well for September....lower demand due to the hurricane threat...but ships rarely cancel and you get several great islands to explore, even if just for a day. A great way to relax, and be waited on if you're trying to recover from Aus/NZ trip.
I have friends in London who got a great deal on BA for air and cruise in September via MIA that cruise-wise I could not match here in the US. They are not concerned about the WX as they've never traveled in the Caribbean region, and if ship itinerary is altered they'll still see ports never visited. Ask about cruises that depart from San Juan as well.
As pointed out by others, the Dominican Republic has very good resorts that offer great all-inclusive package deals, as does Antigua, Aruba, St. Lucia, and Jamaica. USVI is beautiful but likely more expensive.
Florida in itself remains a good bargain through September, but factor in that weather threat.
Good Luck and safe travels,
Thomas

Quoting DesertAir (Reply 1): If so, the Dominicn Republic has reasonable prices.

Im going before Australia/New Zealand, hence the reason for a cheapish holiday! Infact our attentions have turned towards the Dominican Republic. But the first thing my mum said was 'oh me and your dad went there and it can be a bit dangerous at night'. Is that the case? Not that i worry about it just out of curiosity!

Quoting Superfly (Reply 2): Leave the girlfriend at home and take a trip to Cuba! yes You'll save a lot of money and have a ton of fun as a single dude. Smile

Trust me mate, if i could i would!   Ive managed to get my month to OZ and NZ without her so i have done ok there!

Quoting PI4EVER (Reply 3):

Hi Thomas

Thanks for your input. The weather is certainly something to keep an eye on. It is just my luck to have some hurricane rip raw its ways through my holiday!

Quoting PI4EVER (Reply 3): There are traditionally good prices on cruises as well for September....lower demand due to the hurricane threat...but ships rarely cancel and you get several great islands to explore, even if just for a day

Quoting PI4EVER (Reply 3): great deal on BA for air and cruise in September via MIA that cruise-wise I could not match here in the US.

This is something i hadn't even considered and i dont know why, i have always loved to go on a cruise so this is something we will look into.

Daniel:
The resorts will advise you if it is not recommended to go out on your own, particularly at night walking or using public transportation unless your hotel/resort is near an open public town area. That is the rule of thumb in most island locations. It is safe to use most public transportation, but again, don't venture out late alone and be unsure about your direction or whereabouts. You can certainly hire local drivers/tours through the resort to insure you get a reputable operation if you want an island tour, or a night out on the town. Most resorts encourage their guests to simply stay on property, and sign up for various tours or sightseeing options with their endorsement. I personally feel the most secure in Bermuda, and feel comfortable being out and about on my own there. I readily use public transportation there, but the same is not true of other islands I've visited. Just be sensible, and don't hesitate to ask the resort.
Definitely consider a cruise. Find a good travel agent/bucket shop that can quote you several air/cruise options. Remember your booze, casino play and shore excursions are not included in your cruise ticket, so you're not shocked when you get home and discover how many Rum Bamboozles with a cute little umbrella you slurped up on the hot pool deck. That final bill can come with a hefty price tag, even converted from USD to GBP. Have the agent price both an "interior" and "oceanview" cabin. First-time cruisers generally do better in a cabin with a window if they are prone to motion sickness. Balcony cabins may not fit in your budget, but a cabin even with a restricted/obstructed view provides you a window for light, and in some cases cheaper than an interior cabin.
If you just want to shop and look at where various cruises sail to, simply log on to a cruise line website, enter your travel dates and destination (it usually just says Caribbean) and scan the different island stops, departure points, cabin/stateroom information and activities. Stick with an agent for the best pricing options on an air/cruise combination.
Good Luck Again. I am envious of your AUS/NZ trip and know you will enjoy visiting those awesome countries. People in AUS/NZ are wonderful to visitors and very welcoming.
Thomas

A cruise out of Miami to the Western Caribbean, or the Eastern Caribbean. look them up in www.expedia.com I recommend Royal Caribbean. Extremely cheap for 7 nights visiting beautiful ports of call. Also check air/hotel packages from Miami to Cancun.

Quoting PI4EVER (Reply 5):

Thanks again Thomas for your input, greatly appreciated! Unfortunately we are holding back as my work are planning on making some of us redundant, so dont really want to go booking anything just yet!

Quoting PI4EVER (Reply 5): Just be sensible, and don't hesitate to ask the resort.

Your right. A lot of it comes down to using common sense and not doing anything to attract attention to yourself.

Quoting PI4EVER (Reply 5): Definitely consider a cruise.

Quoting Aces727 (Reply 6): A cruise out of Miami to the Western Caribbean, or the Eastern Caribbean. look them up in www.expedia.com I recommend Royal Caribbean.

To be honest, this really does sound the most appealing now! I have heard good things about Royal Caribbean too, and they have a big advertising campaign over here at the moment. I think when we come to book it will be a cruise. Im usually ok when it comes to motion sickness, as long as i dont eat too much!

Quoting PI4EVER (Reply 5): Good Luck Again. I am envious of your AUS/NZ trip and know you will enjoy visiting those awesome countries. People in AUS/NZ are wonderful to visitors and very welcoming.

Thanks very much   i cant wait for it. Ive heard only good things about the countries and their people and im sure it will live up to it!

Thanks for all your help

Dan