Holiday help - February sun with conditions!
Discussion
OK, we're struggling. We're trying to sort a last-minute week away in the sun, but we're subject to some constraints this year which are making things rather difficult...so I'm opening it up to the PH travel gurus for some more suggestions.
Criteria:-
- warm in February - want a beach holiday
- good hospitals, so Mexico and Egypt are right out
- not too long a flight - 8-9hrs tops
- some place that feels nice - or at least not chavvy - Playa del Ingles is RIGHT out!
- some decent snorkeling for preference (note: water needs to be reasonably calm - neither of us are massively strong swimmers, but we will have fins)
Budget: Up to £2k + spending money for an 8-9 night holiday. So say £3k absolute maximum, everything included.
Our thoughts so far:-
The logical destination is the Caribbean, and Barbados seems nice...however after a week or so of research we've discovered that it's peak season there, that all of the nice and affordable places are booked up (leaving the £4k+ resorts!!!), and that we're left with spending £2k+ on an inland resort or £1,100 on flights and several hundred on a so-so self-catering villa/apartment about 10-15mins walk from the beach. Or going to the choppy and snorkeling-unfriendly south coast.
So...onto other Caribbean - Dom. Republic seems a little, erm, "Thomas Cook" - is that fair? While Antigua regularly gets unfavourable comparisons to Barbados, esp. in terms of friendliness. Away from them either the price goes up or the medical care goes down or both...
Also thought about Florida Keys...but they're really not cheap either, esp. not once you've hired a car...so again we'd be spending more than budget and staying in motel-type places.
Currently thinking of ditching the snorkeling and going to e.g. Lanzarote, but that feels like defeat to me...esp as I doubt we'll get to go somewhere with good snorkelling (e.g. Egypt) for the next few years - will definitely be disappointed on that score if we end up in Canaries.
I know, I know...we're being very picky here, and Sterling has tanked so stuff WILL be more expensive. But I really don't want to spend all that money and then feel disappointed, IYSWIM.
Wondered if anyone had any bright suggestions?
Criteria:-
- warm in February - want a beach holiday
- good hospitals, so Mexico and Egypt are right out
- not too long a flight - 8-9hrs tops
- some place that feels nice - or at least not chavvy - Playa del Ingles is RIGHT out!
- some decent snorkeling for preference (note: water needs to be reasonably calm - neither of us are massively strong swimmers, but we will have fins)
Budget: Up to £2k + spending money for an 8-9 night holiday. So say £3k absolute maximum, everything included.
Our thoughts so far:-
The logical destination is the Caribbean, and Barbados seems nice...however after a week or so of research we've discovered that it's peak season there, that all of the nice and affordable places are booked up (leaving the £4k+ resorts!!!), and that we're left with spending £2k+ on an inland resort or £1,100 on flights and several hundred on a so-so self-catering villa/apartment about 10-15mins walk from the beach. Or going to the choppy and snorkeling-unfriendly south coast.
So...onto other Caribbean - Dom. Republic seems a little, erm, "Thomas Cook" - is that fair? While Antigua regularly gets unfavourable comparisons to Barbados, esp. in terms of friendliness. Away from them either the price goes up or the medical care goes down or both...
Also thought about Florida Keys...but they're really not cheap either, esp. not once you've hired a car...so again we'd be spending more than budget and staying in motel-type places.
Currently thinking of ditching the snorkeling and going to e.g. Lanzarote, but that feels like defeat to me...esp as I doubt we'll get to go somewhere with good snorkelling (e.g. Egypt) for the next few years - will definitely be disappointed on that score if we end up in Canaries.
I know, I know...we're being very picky here, and Sterling has tanked so stuff WILL be more expensive. But I really don't want to spend all that money and then feel disappointed, IYSWIM.
Wondered if anyone had any bright suggestions?
Tobago
http://holidays.monarch.co.uk/packagesearch/CB/CBT...
http://holidays.monarch.co.uk/packagesearch/CB/CBT...
Edited by sussexjob on Thursday 19th January 21:56
sussexjob said:
Tobago
http://holidays.monarch.co.uk/packagesearch/CB/CBT...
Yes or St Luciahttp://holidays.monarch.co.uk/packagesearch/CB/CBT...
Edited by sussexjob on Thursday 19th January 21:56
I have a rational* hatred of Dubai.
Tobago isn't a bad suggestion - will look and see if that's any cheaper.
St Lucia - not sure what hospital care is like there. Ditto Grenada, which otherwise would be getting a major thumbs-up from me...love to go there!
Keep the ideas coming guys!
Cheers,
Martin.
* Been there twice, business and holiday. It's a massively overpriced superficial s
thole populated by locals who think they're "it", expats who're money-focused and immigrant labourers who don't get paid nearly enough. The 'glamour' and 'service' that it portrays are just thin veneers layered over the greed underlying most of that 'civilisation'...
Tobago isn't a bad suggestion - will look and see if that's any cheaper.
St Lucia - not sure what hospital care is like there. Ditto Grenada, which otherwise would be getting a major thumbs-up from me...love to go there!
Keep the ideas coming guys!
Cheers,
Martin.
* Been there twice, business and holiday. It's a massively overpriced superficial s
thole populated by locals who think they're "it", expats who're money-focused and immigrant labourers who don't get paid nearly enough. The 'glamour' and 'service' that it portrays are just thin veneers layered over the greed underlying most of that 'civilisation'...I wouldn't dismiss Antigua too quickly.
Not as friendly as Barbados? In my experience that's probably true, but I still found it a friendly place.
Hospital? I've never used it but I'm pretty sure it's a modern facility built with the help of Stanford's money before he was banged-up. A friend's son broke his arm whilst they were in Antigua and he certainly never made a point of criticising the care he received.
Snorkelling? Much better in Antigua I'd say. Calmer waters generally and the beaches are (IMO) better too.
Budget? Generally cheaper than Barbados. I reckon your budget would be fine.
Not as friendly as Barbados? In my experience that's probably true, but I still found it a friendly place.
Hospital? I've never used it but I'm pretty sure it's a modern facility built with the help of Stanford's money before he was banged-up. A friend's son broke his arm whilst they were in Antigua and he certainly never made a point of criticising the care he received.
Snorkelling? Much better in Antigua I'd say. Calmer waters generally and the beaches are (IMO) better too.
Budget? Generally cheaper than Barbados. I reckon your budget would be fine.
havoc said:
I have a rational* hatred of Dubai.
Tobago isn't a bad suggestion - will look and see if that's any cheaper.
St Lucia - not sure what hospital care is like there. Ditto Grenada, which otherwise would be getting a major thumbs-up from me...love to go there!
Keep the ideas coming guys!
Cheers,
Martin.
* Been there twice, business and holiday. It's a massively overpriced superficial sthole populated by locals who think they're "it", expats who're money-focused and immigrant labourers who don't get paid nearly enough. The 'glamour' and 'service' that it portrays are just thin veneers layered over the greed underlying most of that 'civilisation'...
Tobago isn't a bad suggestion - will look and see if that's any cheaper.
St Lucia - not sure what hospital care is like there. Ditto Grenada, which otherwise would be getting a major thumbs-up from me...love to go there!
Keep the ideas coming guys!
Cheers,
Martin.
* Been there twice, business and holiday. It's a massively overpriced superficial s
thole populated by locals who think they're "it", expats who're money-focused and immigrant labourers who don't get paid nearly enough. The 'glamour' and 'service' that it portrays are just thin veneers layered over the greed underlying most of that 'civilisation'...
strike that off the list then2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:
strike that off the list thenEgypt is much the same, but at a 1/4 of the price and with fantastic sea-life right there offshore it does make a better case for a holiday.
(I have experienced true Arab hospitality, but very rarely in the tourist resorts, and in Dubai you probably won't get served by a local anyway...)
havoc said:
2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:
strike that off the list thenEgypt is much the same, but at a 1/4 of the price and with fantastic sea-life right there offshore it does make a better case for a holiday.
(I have experienced true Arab hospitality, but very rarely in the tourist resorts, and in Dubai you probably won't get served by a local anyway...)
Cyprus is 12-17 degrees in February and when we went to Protaras, the snorkelling was excellent (though we went in summer).
Snorkelling in the Canaries isn't that great anyway and the water tends to be cold and it's not that great in February, for sure.
A friend of mine recently went to the Dominican Republic and the photos looked fabulous. He enjoyed it. Just pick your resort carefully.
There's always India. No idea what the hospitals are like but or hospitals are full of them ergo....
You can also buy antibiotics over the counter. Why the need?
Snorkelling in the Canaries isn't that great anyway and the water tends to be cold and it's not that great in February, for sure.
A friend of mine recently went to the Dominican Republic and the photos looked fabulous. He enjoyed it. Just pick your resort carefully.
There's always India. No idea what the hospitals are like but or hospitals are full of them ergo....
You can also buy antibiotics over the counter. Why the need?havoc said:
Criteria:-
- warm in February - want a beach holiday
- good hospitals, so Mexico and Egypt are right out
- not too long a flight - 8-9hrs tops
- some place that feels nice - or at least not chavvy - Playa del Ingles is RIGHT out!
- some decent snorkeling for preference (note: water needs to be reasonably calm - neither of us are massively strong swimmers, but we will have fins)
Budget: Up to £2k + spending money for an 8-9 night holiday. So say £3k absolute maximum, everything included.
How about here http://www.turtlebay.co.ke/- warm in February - want a beach holiday
- good hospitals, so Mexico and Egypt are right out
- not too long a flight - 8-9hrs tops
- some place that feels nice - or at least not chavvy - Playa del Ingles is RIGHT out!
- some decent snorkeling for preference (note: water needs to be reasonably calm - neither of us are massively strong swimmers, but we will have fins)
Budget: Up to £2k + spending money for an 8-9 night holiday. So say £3k absolute maximum, everything included.
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g661279-...
We have been 4 times, friends have been 10 times.
- Hot in Feb
- Hospital in Mombasa is meant to be very good.
- 9 hr flight
- they really look after you well (all inclusive)
- Snorkeling straight off the beach (water nice and warm this time of year), national marine park inside a protective reef = calm
We paid £2500 (shopping around) for 2 of us for 14 nights all inclusive end of Feb last year.
Been to Barbados a few times now and last year we saved a grand by staying at a 4 star resort which was about 1/2 mile inland.
We found this place brilliant and well worth the compromise particually when the hotel were laying on a free bus to the beach pretty much as required.
Also went to grenada in 2010.Nice place but was alive with mozzies when we went which was a right pain in the arse.
We found this place brilliant and well worth the compromise particually when the hotel were laying on a free bus to the beach pretty much as required.
Also went to grenada in 2010.Nice place but was alive with mozzies when we went which was a right pain in the arse.
helmutlaang said:
Been to Barbados a few times now and last year we saved a grand by staying at a 4 star resort which was about 1/2 mile inland.
We found this place brilliant and well worth the compromise particually when the hotel were laying on a free bus to the beach pretty much as required.
Sugar Cane, at a guess...it's one we're still considering, and the inland one I ref'd in the OP - looks really nice and one of Becs' colleagues went there last year.We found this place brilliant and well worth the compromise particually when the hotel were laying on a free bus to the beach pretty much as required.
Kenya / hospitals...nah, not a chance. Resort looks lovely, but I don't think so...aside from the medical side (inc. malaria, yellow fever, dengue, TB, etc. etc. - we were in TZ two years ago) the crime and terrorism risk is a LOT higher than e.g. Barbados (although I was badly surprised at the stats for Tobago and Antigua!).
Lusifer - Becs is 19 weeks pregnant...we're probably being over-cautious but neither of us want to take that big a chance. Anywhere malarial is right out as Becs can't take any prophylaxis nor use repellent.
Thanks again for the ideas...if nothing else we've got a couple of thoughts for the future!
Thomas Cook (Economical is spacious) - Florida (8hr's) - Sarasota (lovely!) Gulf coast of Florida is superb! Locations such as Clearwater, Boca Grande and Siesta Key boast some of the best beaches in the USA. Stunning scenary, perfect place to relax in the sun this time of year! Jetski and Boat hire are around $80 (roughly £50). If your lucky, Dolphins like to swim by the side of you whilst Jetsking! Fabulous experience! Bush Gardens is also a popular attraction to visit! A guarantee fun day out! Located in Tampa Bay, one hour drive from Sarasota.
I've also visited the Florida Key's, and to be honest, I was rather disappointed! I don't know if you are aware but, if you try and check the FL Key's out via Google map, you'll find it doesn't reveal a great deal! Thats because it's military orientated! There is a US Airforce base located in Key West (last island) which unfortunately, contributed to the dissapointment of my stay. Fighter Jets fly low over the Beach's which seemed like every 20 minutes! I believe they fly over to Cuba and back (training exercise?!) Anyway, relaxing/sun lounging was out the equation! The noise from the planes was very loud, as you can imagine! On top of that, the beach's are man made! Small,Short and narrow, very rocky in the shallow area's, tough on the feet. You have to swim out a little to tread the soft sea bed! Also, many of the amenities there are for the use of Military personel only! So there is not a great deal to do in the day! On the plus side, Key West is an old styled American town, with a traditional old fashioned fishing town vibe to it! There are plenty of resturant's, and there is a great atmosphere at night on Duval St! Loads of bar's to get drunk in! Most with live bands playing country rock!! Accommodation wise, We stayed at the "Southern most point hotel" which was amicable and clean, situated next to the beach (and yes, the planes do stop flying at night!) Hotel cost $70 a night!
Anyway thats enough of my ranting! So please be warned, Don't be fooled by the Key's paradise like perspective! Take my perception on board, else you might be disappointed!
I've also visited the Florida Key's, and to be honest, I was rather disappointed! I don't know if you are aware but, if you try and check the FL Key's out via Google map, you'll find it doesn't reveal a great deal! Thats because it's military orientated! There is a US Airforce base located in Key West (last island) which unfortunately, contributed to the dissapointment of my stay. Fighter Jets fly low over the Beach's which seemed like every 20 minutes! I believe they fly over to Cuba and back (training exercise?!) Anyway, relaxing/sun lounging was out the equation! The noise from the planes was very loud, as you can imagine! On top of that, the beach's are man made! Small,Short and narrow, very rocky in the shallow area's, tough on the feet. You have to swim out a little to tread the soft sea bed! Also, many of the amenities there are for the use of Military personel only! So there is not a great deal to do in the day! On the plus side, Key West is an old styled American town, with a traditional old fashioned fishing town vibe to it! There are plenty of resturant's, and there is a great atmosphere at night on Duval St! Loads of bar's to get drunk in! Most with live bands playing country rock!! Accommodation wise, We stayed at the "Southern most point hotel" which was amicable and clean, situated next to the beach (and yes, the planes do stop flying at night!) Hotel cost $70 a night!
Anyway thats enough of my ranting! So please be warned, Don't be fooled by the Key's paradise like perspective! Take my perception on board, else you might be disappointed!
Cheers Park'O.
Keys...the jets stuff is actually selling it to me. Whilst the whole 'jet ski' thing up the coast does nothing, bizarrely. FLA is still a consideration though...just need to be careful where, otherwise we could end up in an OAP village, or as you suggest a military-village.
Hmmm...
Keys...the jets stuff is actually selling it to me. Whilst the whole 'jet ski' thing up the coast does nothing, bizarrely. FLA is still a consideration though...just need to be careful where, otherwise we could end up in an OAP village, or as you suggest a military-village.
Hmmm...
havoc said:
Sugar Cane, at a guess...it's one we're still considering, and the inland one I ref'd in the OP - looks really nice and one of Becs' colleagues went there last year.
Kenya / hospitals...nah, not a chance. Resort looks lovely, but I don't think so...aside from the medical side (inc. malaria, yellow fever, dengue, TB, etc. etc. - we were in TZ two years ago) the crime and terrorism risk is a LOT higher than e.g. Barbados (although I was badly surprised at the stats for Tobago and Antigua!).
Lusifer - Becs is 19 weeks pregnant...we're probably being over-cautious but neither of us want to take that big a chance. Anywhere malarial is right out as Becs can't take any prophylaxis nor use repellent.
Thanks again for the ideas...if nothing else we've got a couple of thoughts for the future!
Yup correct it was Sugar cane club.Kenya / hospitals...nah, not a chance. Resort looks lovely, but I don't think so...aside from the medical side (inc. malaria, yellow fever, dengue, TB, etc. etc. - we were in TZ two years ago) the crime and terrorism risk is a LOT higher than e.g. Barbados (although I was badly surprised at the stats for Tobago and Antigua!).
Lusifer - Becs is 19 weeks pregnant...we're probably being over-cautious but neither of us want to take that big a chance. Anywhere malarial is right out as Becs can't take any prophylaxis nor use repellent.
Thanks again for the ideas...if nothing else we've got a couple of thoughts for the future!
Would recommend it to anyone,only around 40 apartments so really quiet.In a beutiful setting and the staff are amazing and nothing is too much trouble.Food is also amazing.
If you need a de-stress this is the place for you.
Transfer time is quite long but we got private transfers for around £30 return.Still takes an hour but is a good way of seeing the island.
Cape Verde Islands, just 400 miles off the west coast of Africa.( DAKAR). Currently 25 degrees , friendly, sunny and warm, Stay in Santa Maria on the island of Sal, direct 6 hour flights from Gatwick, Manchester or Birmingham, guessing around £2k all inclusive, 2 people sharing, try Thomson or Thomas Cook. We been 5 times and always had brilliant time, not much nightlife, on resort entertainment a little cheesy. Quiet but at the RIU Garopa or Funana they have snorkeling and water sport club on the beach, with wrecks to explore in the clear warm water.
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