Choose your destination wisely. The most common destinations include various cities in Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean. Tropical and sub-tropical travel destinations will have slightly different climates, weather, rain or storm seasons, populations, available activities and local culture. Specific areas within these regions will appeal to some personalities while others will not. Decide which destination appeals to you most in terms of climate, weather and social structure and start pinning down a time of year you'd like to visit.
Find a resort that meets your needs. Resorts market their services to various types of travelers and choosing one that's catering to you can prevent undesirable interactions with the staff and other guests. For example, some resorts are family-friendly while others are adults only. Honeymooners will most often prefer an adults-only resort as the clamor of children and family vacationers might disrupt their experience. Some hotels offer all inclusive services, some book traditionally. Visit the official websites of the resorts and read some reviews as well---a vacationing family will likely choose a much different resort experience than a group of students on Spring Break.
Plan activities ahead of time to facilitate your hotel selection. Resorts in different regions will offer different things to do. If you're interested in snorkeling around coral reefs, you may be inclined to visit the Caribbean. For small-town sport fishing, the Pacific Coast of Mexico is probably a great place to search. If you're interested in high-traffic tourism and bustling shopping districts, the Cancun Hotel Zone might provide what you're looking for. Check to see if the activities you're interested in are included in a vacation package, or if they'll cost you extra.
Schedule the time of year you wish to travel. Checking the geography of the region you're interested in visiting isn't just a matter of taste. Most destinations in Mexico or the Caribbean have distinct hurricane or rainy seasons that can make your travel experience a wash. Though you can typically save money by choosing these times of year, you may end up sacrificing some of your vacation to weather. Be mindful of the social calendar---traveling in December around the holiday season will provide a different experience than traveling during Spring Break.
Compare prices and gauge savings for last-minute deals. Get rates from several of the Internet's most popular travel sites for the period you wish to travel. Then, try getting rates for packages for the current month to see if prices fluctuate downwards as "last-minute" deals. The savings might just be worth sacrificing your No. 1 hotel options if you're on a tight budget. If you have the luxury of a flexible vacation window, you can often secure better rates by holding out for good last-minute deals when hotels are attempting to fill vacancies. Getting three or four rate quotes can also help you determine if you're getting a fair price for your trip.
