Recommendations for a long haul beach holiday in Oct.

RoyBoy_2

I need some recommendations for a long haul sun/sea/sand holiday for a couple in mid-oct (7 nights). My girlfriend's only demands are crystal clear water and sandy beaches (i.e. picture postcard) so she can relax after her masters. However, I can't stand being still too long, so need some activities and culture within a reasonable distance.

Are there any recommendations for a budget of £1200-1500 all inclusive covering both of us. I am unsure of locations were the weather is good that time of year. Also, would it be best to buy now or do last minute (i.e. book day before).

Demanding I know, but any help would be greatly appreciated.

sturll

Cancun, Mexico.

Red hot, tonnes of stuff to do, excellent culture if you travel further afield and long haul.

mutley_muppet

Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt? Definately hot. There is a nice sandy nice in Naama Bay, I can recommend the Hilton Fayrouz. Great hotel. Not AI, but eating out is very cheap & lots of choice.
MM x

Blue264

Have a look at Cape Verde. It might fit the bill for you.

http://www.capeverdetravel.co.uk/

One of my globe trotting friends stayed here a few months ago and loved it.

scottsburg

I've just booked a week in Hurghada, Egypt, going in January, which will be a little cooler, but Oct should still be roasting mate

Booked it on onthebeach.co.uk (or onthebeach.com?) and got a cracking deal - 5 star hotel for a week in jan all inclusive cost £750 in total for me and my girlfriend. Oct may be a little more expensive though.

Give them a try - i'd never head of them until my mum said she's just booked 2 weeks in turkey with my dad in a couple of weeks, self catering, for £300 each!!!!

i just love holiday talk!

boombap

One of my favourite countries is Thailand...fantastic beaches, even more fantastic shopping, heaps of culture and the best food in the world!

Although you don't see many AI packages advertised I'm sure they exist but in my opinion AI would be a waste in a country with such a varied and vibrant array of food.

The carribean is also an obvious destination but I think some areas in October are prone to hurricanes so bear that in mind.

RoyBoy_2

Thanks for the ideas. Still unsure about the weather, as I thought hurricane season had finished by then.

Is east Africa or the indian ocean (i.e. sri lanka) any good?

Tight_Git_3

We always end up going away late September / October and have the same problem with trying to find somewhere.
The Carribean is a risk, in 2005 we went to Varadero, Cuba wich had perfect beaches, great food and weather until hurricane Wilma paid a visit....
However we went to the Domincan Republic last Oct and the weather was great. Nice beaches etc. I would recommend you look on Trip Advisor to get a feel for the place first. The First Choice holiday Village we stayed at was more like Butlins - Nothing wrong with that - but it wasn't what we wanted or expected, but it was a cheap deal.
Trying Sri Lanka this year - despite the fact it's rainy season.....

bcl999

RoyBoy
You asked if Indian Ocean was any good. When I saw your original post which mentioned "picture-postcard", I immediately thought of the Seychelles. They really are like all the photographs. However, I don't think they would fit your requirements re culture and you might be bored.

lynzpower

I second Cancun.

Im not a fan of cancun itself ( bit overdeveloped) but a quick bus ride ( 2 hours) down the coast you are at tulum which is picture perfect indeed.

Costs low, fanttastic meals around the 3.50 mark. Plenty of culture to occupy you there, eg Chichen Itza, tulum ruins, markets etc

Incapuppy

bcl999 wrote: »

RoyBoy
You asked if Indian Ocean was any good. When I saw your original post which mentioned "picture-postcard", I immediately thought of the Seychelles. They really are like all the photographs. However, I don't think they would fit your requirements re culture and you might be bored.

....and I don't think they are anywhere near the OP's requirement in terms of budget.