Searching for My Lost Shaker of Salt

"Wastin away again in Margaritaville.....

Searching for my lost shaker of salt........"

~Jimmy Buffett~

It is the time of year when everyone has spring fever.....even toboggan loving, freeze my butt off, snow all day long, cold-weather loving ME!!  Something about laying on a beach, sipping a fruity drink with a little umbrella, is really calling my name!!  And, since Michael gave me the "go-ahead", I've been searching and researching all sorts of tropical vacations and have narrowed them down to a few.  I'm hoping to book something in the next week or so!

On my quest to find the perfect, yet fairly priced, vacation, I came across lots and lots of great places that I'd like to share with you in case you have the same itch for a sandy beach.  I mean, who doesn't love a good deal, right?

• RIU Resorts:  This is a massive chain of hotels and all-inclusive resorts all over the world.  I was particularly interested in their all-inclusive packages since a couple of friends recommended them.  Out of all the all-inclusive resorts, this one gave you the most bang for your buck.  The cheapest one I found was a 7 day all-inclusive trip to Hotel Cancun for $2332 - which includes airfare out of Atlanta.  Not too bad considering that is all of your meals, alcohol and resort activities. 
• Sandals Resorts:  If you want a great couples getaway, you need to check out these resorts NOW!  They have 65% off specials going on for 1 more day so get in while you can.  I was able to find a 7 day trip in July to the Grand Riviera Beach resort for $3347, including airfare.  This is a bit more than the RIU Resort price but it is for couples only.  It is also an all-inclusive resort.
• Couples Resorts:  And speaking of couples, here is one named just for that!  I know several friends that went to one of these resorts on their honeymoon.  The cheapest package I found was to Tower Isle for $2807, including airfare.  They also have some really great offers so take a look at their specials if you happen upon their website.  Yet another all-inclusive. 
• Secrets Resorts:  Here is a secret about this line of all-inclusive resorts.  They are opening a new resort in Huatulco, Mexico in June and are offering $99 per person per night.  Huatulco is located in southern Mexico on the Pacific coast, a little below Acapulco.  I found a 7 day trip, including airfare, for $2587.  That is a really great price for a brand new resort.  Check it out!
• Breezes Resorts:  This was the 2nd cheapest all-inclusive resort I came across.  I found a 7 day trip, airfare included, to Trelawny, Jamaica for $2430.  This place seemed to be a great place for groups so if you are planning a girls' trip, family reunion or something along those lines, this might be the place for you.
• Palace Resorts:  If you book right now, you qualify for a $1500 resort credit. This is an all-inclusive resort but you can use the credit for extras.  This really nice couple that will allow you to use their presidential premier membership to book:  Pippins Vacations.  These are some really beautiful resorts and have some great golf courses as well.  I found a 7 day package at the Sun Palace for $2909.  You could probably get some better deals going through Pippins Vacations as I got this price straight from the Palace Resorts website booking area.
• Carnival Cruise Lines:  If you haven't been on a cruise, there is no better time than the present.  Carnival has all sorts of specials and upgrades especially for those who are past guests.  In my opinion, cruising is like an all-inclusive resort that floats and happens to stop at some really great ports.  I found a 7 day cruise to Nassau, Bahamas, Half Moon Cay and Grand Turk for $1004.  That is $71 per person per day.  That is a bargain if I ever saw one!! 

Please note, all the prices are for 2 people but you can certainly book these trips for 2 or more.  Have fun!!

Now that you are armed with all these great deals, count your change, cash that tax refund check and go on vacation!  Don't forget to have a margarita (or 2 or 3) for me!!  Extra salt please!!