Well, it seems that the craziness of All Inclusive season has begun, and people are looking for deals that should be accompanying the recession that we are supposedly still a part of. The strange thing is, we are still traveling. En Masse. That has not changed. Flights are not empty, and although hotels aren't near capacity, they are still making enough to charge a decent rate.
Where are the hot destinations this year? Well it's hard to say. Hurricane season is still if full swing when it comes to the Mayan Riveria, as well as Cabo San Lucas. The weather has finally turned nice in Canada, as well as the United States (minus the West Coast where fires are burning uncontrollably with no real end in sight.) and people are wondering if it's too early to head down to the beach.
5. Bahamas
- Over rated and over priced - especially if you are coming from the Western part of Canada. A 7 day all inclusive package easily gets reduced to 5 when you figure that you have to spend two full days traveling. The resorts are few and far in between, unless you have the pocketbook to stay at a place like Sandals or Atlantis. I would suggest another destination for you 1 week sun seekers.
Varadero
4., Cuba
- The food, not so great. The resorts, can leave some people wondering where their money went. But the real reason that this destination is so low on the list? The lack of American influence. While Mexico may be too American, a little salt and pepper would go a long way to making this a top tier destination to visit.
3. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- Beautiful beaches and beautiful resorts. This is a laid back version of my number 1 pick. Still a great place to go, I just feel that it is overrated at the moment. Too many people are going, and too many resorts are dropping their prices to get the masses in. Leave it for a good three years and the budget seeking travelers will have found a new destination.
2. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
- While I'm not struck on Mexico as a whole, this little gem is well worth the time and money to visit. Not a tourist trap, and focusing on the high end resorts that cater to those that want to be pampered, this is a great place to go to sit on the beach, eat good food and recharge the batteries before heading back to Canada, the land of snow and work.
1. Negril, Jamacia
- The land of the party, this is a great destination for everyone! Lacking the American influence that is so standard in most of resort laden Mexico, Negril has it all. Amazing beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see, cliff jumping for the not so faint at heart. There is also zip lining, atv'ing, bartering with the locals, it has it all. But be warned, this place is not for the reserved. The Jamacians, although they are a fun loving people, are known to be loud and in your face and won't take no for an answer!
