My husband and I are hoping to go, for the first time, to Mexico, or somewhere else south of the border, for our 20th wedding anniversary in March. Any tips/pointers/best places to stay. We're obviously looking to not spend a ton, and are considering all-inclusives just for relaxation and ease, but are open to other tips. Help?

If you're not big drinkers - cruising is another option. 1 bed, see 3-4 places (in a week)... it's my favorite way to travel! The reason I bring up drinking is at an all inclusive it's included... on a ship it's extra.

yah, i've looked at cruises too... any particular ones you like? and cost?

If it's just your husband and yourself, I would choose an adults only resort, there are many that are in the Mayan Riviera that are just breathtaking. Secrets are beautiful but there are also many others. A good travel agent can also recommend good adults only resorts for you in various areas in Mexico. Cabo San Lucas is also very nice, but the Mayan is the nicest for beaches and water, etc.

Playa del Carmen area is amazing and if want something really chill and safe, check out isla mujeres.

I would recommend Dominican Republic Punta Cana, we gave been there and so have many of my friends and the ones who have also done Mexico like DR best.

following as we are looking too - but anything besides Mexico - been there too many times allready, 20th anniversary is 2016- so lots of time to save up

Following

Cabo all the way. http://www.groupon.com/getaways?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=Google&utm_campaign=US_DT_SEA_GGL_TXT_GET_SR_CBP_CHG_YBR_k*groupon%20getaways_m*e_d*USA-Getaways_g*Groupon-Getaways-Exact_c*40330319687_sp*g#search?destination_id=211f63c2-fc04-4778-b857-7072e41c853b&destination_name=Cabo%20San%20Lucas%2C%20Mexico&check_in=2015-03-09&check_out=2015-03-23

Have you looked at Cuba? If you're looking economical it's way cheaper than Mexico. We've done Cuba 3 times and have never had an issue. You can find done nice places there. If you can afford it I'd suggest the Mayan riviera we love it and are booking again for the spring. We did one trip to Dominican in Samana hated it. Maybe it's because it's a less touristy spot but can't see us returning to DR anytime soon. If you're looking to compare prices www.tripcentral.ca shows you the current prices for every single day. Very good for comparing. Also trip advisor is good once you've narrowed it down to a few resorts.

If your not looking to spend a ton, DON"T CRUISE.. They nickel and dime you for EVERYTHING.. Including soda beverages. I won't cruise again till im in my 70's.

Ingrid - we've cruised Celebrity and Princess, I've also cruised Holland America. Celebrity & Princess are awesome and I've heard good things about Royal Caribbean too. Holland America is for older folks (seniors) really. Carnival is known for less expensive fares but they also have the reputation of a "party" ship (years ago my mom didn't enjoy them).
We've cruised the Caribbean (x 3) and Alaska (x 1)... Want to do Hawaii, Panama Canal, Mediterranean, Australia...
I don't agree with Alex (above)... We've never had an issue and you can opt out of automatic tipping (or not we've done it both ways). It's no pricier than some all inclusives or destination holidays

there's no place like Hawaii. Love, love love the Big Island. Mexico is nice but Hawaii is paradise!!

We have been on a carnival and royal caribbean a few times, loved royal caribbean (oasis and allure). They will charge for a PPP package, we just drank the flavored water that is free. Also liked grand begin principe in maya Rivera!

"Pop" package

Playa del Carmen on the Mayan Riviera www.mayanrivieracondo.ca - not an all inclusive, great condo a few blocks from the beach

I would pass on a cruise for a decade or so also Alex. Have been on one.. It was fine . . But have heard people love Nuevo Vallarta

Secrets and Rui resorts are a good choice. I would look on signature vacations. Jamaica and Costa Rica are our favs

Not yet cabo after the hurricane as that's pretty soon after. Nuevo vallarta is nice walking to Bucerias and day trips all over if you want. Looking to save usually air transit has deals to Royal Decameron closer to the date. People are here right now for $650.00/person/week all inclusive. 8.7 rating on trip advisor.

Julie is right about the Royal Decameron great price, super staff, amazing beach and ocean is calm with sand under foot no shoes required. Spent a week there in
July . Great time for a bargain price all inclusive.

the entertainment at the Royal DeCameron is amazing. They put on top rate shows - shows you would pay good money for here - every other night. the alternate nights are game type shows that really cater to the spanish speaking crowd - but they can be fun too.

Cgo all inclusive! It is so freeing to not have to pull your wallet out all the time.it is amazing.love,love the mayan riviera. Go at least 4 star resort,on the beach.barcelo resorts a great! We enjoyed the excaret as well,but not for long walks on the beach?

I don't like AI's, they're all the same to me, no matter if you're in Mexico, DR, Cuba or wherever. But I agree it's convenient ant probably cheaper in the end.

Barceló in the Mayan Rivieria and the Occidental X-Caret are really good choices

Dreams Villamagna in Nuevo Vallarta (Puerto Vallarta). I've been to both sides of Mexico (PV & Cancun) and I liked PV so much better. Check out "Vallarta Adventures" ... they're an awesome tour group with great safety, great tour leaders and lots of different things to do.

If you're looking for March definitely consider Cabo. They are re-rebuilding very quickly. Follow on tripadvisor with all their updates. Airport opens next week. You can do all incl or rent a condo from vrbo. Eating out is as cheap or expensive as you want. ( I LOVE Cabo.)