Caribbean/Faraway Holiday - Recommendations please

System

teallach wrote: »

Having been to Jamaica twice, Cuba, Antigua and St Lucia....my favourite is Antigua.

Thanks teallach, sounds really nice - did you stay at an AI resort in Antigua?

System

jaytar wrote: »

We have flown to Mexico with Thomsons and it was a great flight. 33" of legroom (1" more than Virgin) and the entertainment system was fine.

We did look at going with Thomas Cook but after extensive research it seems that their long haul flights are absolutely dismal. Couldn't find one good review on www.airlinequality.com

Thanks for that website, I've never looked at it before, will have a read.. We did look at the possibility of upgrading on Thompsons but it's £200pp to do this

jaytar

We sat just behind the premium economy section on the Thomsons flight and to be honest I wouldn't pay to upgrade. They had a bit more legroom and free drinks, but thats about it. It certainly didn't look anything special.

chatbug

No i would not upgrade unless you are tall.Not much difference between Thomsons or Thomas Cook. Thomas Cook food was much nicer, entertainment (films) was about the same.

teallach

Summer01 wrote: »

Thanks teallach, sounds really nice - did you stay at an AI resort in Antigua?

We were lucky enough to stay at Sandals:cool:

ayamjay

We've been to the Barcelo Solymar in Cuba twice and loved it! However, we went with Thomas Cook and their planes are horrible! There's absolutely no space for legs and the seats are also very narrow.
Went to Costa Rica twice last year (with First Choice) and also had a fab time. It's a shame they've stopped this route. The plane was very nice, 33'' seat pitch, so plenty of space. The first time we were going on the first flight out of the season, so it was almost empty (most people had a row of 3 seats all to themselves) and the same thing happened when we were coming back (as we only stayed for a week and most people stayed for two).
So I highly recommend Thomson/First Choice (it's the same company).
This year we're thinking of Grenada, but unfortunately there aren't any deals.

mpet

How about Grenada - we went there in March - sadly only for a week. Beautiful Island - people really friendly - weather gorgeous - although very deceiveing. There was a nice cool breeze so we didn't think the sun was very hot - big mistake - think lobster:p

We stayed at the grenadian rex - check out Trip Advisore for reviews. Would go again in an instant:T

jontedkes

Summer01 wrote: »

Has anyone been to Aruba at all? How does this compare to some of the places already mentioned..

Just come back from Aruba (last week) and although it's a beautiful island, We won't go back there. Unless you are a sun worshipper, there isn't a lot to do if you don't want to spend a fortune. It is very expensive for eating out and drinking and, although we don't tend to do the boat trips and jeep safari type things, we did look at them and they are not cheap. The one advantage is that if you are looking at the caribbean in september, Aruba is outside the hurricane belt and september is hurricane season. We have been to Cancun (beautiful, but very american touristy and expensive) and St Maarten which, although in the hurricane belt, doesn't get them so much (I think about 15 years since they had a big one. We went in September and it is quieter, cheaper and although you can get heavy showers, they last for about 2 mins! We loved it and would go back tomorrow. Hire a car and travel the island,beautiful beaches, fab restaurants, cheap booze, great casinos where you drink free while gaming. If you would like to know more, pm me and I'll help all I can.

System

It may bet better for me to rethink the months that we go away to avoid the hurrican or rainy seasons in various resorts...

We are currently looking at Cuba, Mexico and Jamaica

One of the holiday's we'd like in mid Feb 2010. The other one hopefully this year during Oct 2009.

Thanks for all your tips and advise, they are really helpful.. there is so much to read on resorts and hotels etc it is taking me ages :rotfl:

I have looked at El Derado SS and it works out approx £1400 each for 2 weeks AI. There doesn't seem to be many deals around that I can see... I would prefer a direct flight and some of the Virgin ones have a stop I noticed..

System

teallach wrote: »

We were lucky enough to stay at Sandals:cool:

That does sound nice - would it be more expensive than the EDSS at £1400 for 2 weeks AI? I would imagine so but I might look into it..