You can afford to have a vacation where you can sip an exotic drink from a pineapple.
The idea of a tropical vacation is very appealing, but you might think it would be too expensive for you to get away to a place where you can sip a mai tai from a fresh pineapple and then put the little drink umbrella in your hair. On the contrary, dear traveler, there are many inexpensive tropical getaways and, depending upon where you live, airfare can be affordable as well. So, pack your bathing suit and sunscreen, because it's time for you to go to the land of palm trees and sandy beaches.
Rose Hall Jamaica Resort
Kids under 4 stay free at Rose Hall.
Acquired by the Hilton Hotel chain in 2010, Rose Hall Resort and Spa retains much of its old charm, but has truly affordable all-inclusive deals that can only be offered by big companies. Coupled with the $89 each way JetBlue air fare (in 2010, from New York's La Guardia airport) to Montego Bay, you can put together a reasonable deal. Choose a double room with a resort view and you can get a package for as little as $119 per person (as of 2010) that includes all food and drink; kids under age 4 stay and eat free. Sugar Mill Falls Waterpark is part of the hotel, and features movies, a swim-up bar, live music, cabanas, a winding drift river, and plenty of on-site activities for adults and children. On 400 acres between the mountains and the sea, Rose Hall has three restaurants and a beautiful stretch of private beach with attendants that provide food and beverage service. For an extra fee or a more expensive all-inclusive package, you can take advantage of the hotel's golf course, tennis courts or spa. There is usually a surcharge on all-inclusive packages for children over 4.
Rose Hall Jamaica Resort
Rose Hall Road
Montego Bay, Jamaica, WI
1-876-953-2650
Hilton.com/RoseHall
The Big Island of Hawaii
The best nightlife on the Big Island is provided by the volcano.
Hawaii, the biggest island of the seven in the chain, is much less frequented by tourists, and is more affordable than the more popular Kauai, Oahu, and Maui. Flights directly to Kona, home of the black sand beaches, are as cheap as Honolulu, and if you go during April or May, prices will be very low (around $400 in 2010). You won't have to deal with pricey hotel transfers or ground transportation, either, as shuttles are very cheap. Even fancy beachfront resort hotels start at about $110 (in 2010), and if you eat at local Mexican or Japanese restaurants, you'll be able to fill your tummy for less than ten bucks. Better yet, buy local produce and bread and whip up your own picnic for a pittance. You can find accommodations that will leave you plenty of cash left over to spend on your entertainment, which will doubtless include a visit to Volcano Park. There is not a lot of nightlife on the Big Island, but if you want a secluded, back-to-nature sort of tropical vacation experience, try Kapoho, or Vacationland as it is known by the locals. You can get a terrific room right on the beach for as little as $30, and if you want to rent by the week, the rates are even better. Kapoho is known as a great snorkeling spot and it has beautiful beaches, but be aware that you won't be able to nip out to the movies or a big-ticket restaurant. Prowl the tide pools, look for honu sea turtles, and try to spot the Pua O Kapoho flower by the side of the road.
Always say aloha --- which means both hello and goodbye --- and mahalo for thank you.
Vacationland Hawaii, HI 96778
vhca.info
Costa Rica
The Hemingway is not only inexpensive, but will book you a surfing tour.
Bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Caribbean Sea on the east, Costa Rica is a narrow country that supports several vastly different ecosystems: beaches, rainforests and farmland. The most affordable way to vacation in Costa Rica is to stay in the capital city of San Jose, from where you can easily reach either coast, find bargain accommodations and enjoy the security and comforts of home with a Latin American flavor. There are many inexpensive hotels, but the Hemingway is imbued with history and class, and offers double rooms going for 40 USD per night (in 2010). This venerable establishment will book you a surfing expedition, jungle zipline canopy tour, or volcano visit with the most reputable guides in the city and at a bargain price. Seriously, you will have WiFi, maid service, free local phone and cable TV.
The Hemingway
Avenida 9, Calle 9
San José 33102, Costa Rica
011-506-2221-1804
hemingwayinn.com
Tags: Rose Hall, Costa Rica, book surfing, Hall Jamaica, Hall Jamaica Resort