Mexico or Caribbean Options

[dmclone]

For the last 4 or so years we've spent a week on isla mujeres, MX. We really love it but this year we want to try something new. We always go with another couple and split the cost of the house.

No all inclusive. We want our own house w/pool.
Easy transportation to bars and restaurants. We use a golf cart on Isla Mujeres and it worked well. Taxi service was dicey.
Somewhat safe
Laid Back-Too old for "clubin"
Don't snorkel and probably only spend a day on the actual beach.

Any places you've been that you love?

 

[bos]

We planted our asses in aruba the past few years. Very desert like so if lush and palmy is your thing avoid Aruba. Very cool history and lots to do. We rent a car but the taxi service is safe and good. The entire island is about 20 miles long. The whole island is friendly and laid back. Water is beautiful. Lots of great VRBO options as well.

 

[CloneIce]

We love Grand Cayman. Very laid back, easy to get around, lots of great restaurants and 7 mile beach is amazing. Safe as could be. Not sure about a house w a pool we got a place right on the gorgeous beach for a great price

 

[coolerifyoudid]

Friends of our go to Turks and Caicos every year. They rent a house with another family and love it.

 

[Dr.bannedman]

puerto rico

 

[ISUCyclones2015]

Turks and Caicos is your best bet. Lots of home options. Completely safe. Not as expensive as other countries (but still pricey compared to Iowa). I was there for a week for work and loved every second of it. There's not really any clubs or crazy bars so it's super laid back and has an older than most crowd.

Cayman is good but your options are limited for housing on the good side of the island without giving up your arm leg and left testicle. I loved the island but checking my credit card statement at the end was eye opening.

I would do Curacao before Aruba for a laid back get away. Aruba is too busy to relax IMO. Plus it's lost a lot of its charm with all the tourist crap.

 

[bos]

Turks and Caicos is your best bet. Lots of home options. Completely safe. Not as expensive as other countries (but still pricey compared to Iowa). I was there for a week for work and loved every second of it. There's not really any clubs or crazy bars so it's super laid back and has an older than most crowd.

Cayman is good but your options are limited for housing on the good side of the island without giving up your arm leg and left testicle. I loved the island but checking my credit card statement at the end was eye opening.

I would do Curacao before Aruba for a laid back get away. Aruba is too busy to relax IMO. Plus it's lost a lot of its charm with all the tourist crap.

Are you talking about where the ships come in? I’m not aware of a concentration of tourist traps or anything other than that area.