Bachelorette party: Cancun vs Miami?

[shaynaatl]

I'm helping to plan a 3-night bachelorette party in October.  It will be about 10-12 of us.  We have it narrowed down to the Hard Rock All-inclusive hotel in Cancun, or a beach house rental in Miami.  Hard Rock would be $200 per person per night (that would cover everything except flights).  House rental would be approx $75-100 per night per person, but all food/drink would be extra.  Flight prices are very similar.  Total cost is a factor, but overall fun is most important.

We will probably do bars for two of the nights, and a trendy club another night.  Our group went to Cancun a few yrs ago, but haven't been to Miami in a while. 

Which would you prefer?  Any advice or tips?

[lilac05]

Neither. I hate when short bachelorette parties take up a good portion of my vacation money. I'd probably be a party pooper and not go to either one.

If that kind of stuff is the norm for your group, then I'd poll the people who would actually attend, and make a decision from a straight vote.

[CloudBee]

Stay close to home, or choose Miami.

Where are you coming from?

[hainesherway]

Where are most folks coming from? Or are they all over the place? Flight cost would be a big factor for me.

Do most of the girls already have a passport? It's needed to go to Mexico. If not, Miami would be a better choice.

[shaynaatl]

Group is coming from Atlanta and Dallas. Flights are running around $270 for both cities.

[shortstax]

I voted Cancun, just because deciding on lunch/dinner destinations with that many girls can be problematic (although it totally depends on the group.) The all-inclusive takes that out of the equation

[marina007]

I also vote cancun - you can eat/drink a lot for the price difference. I am so over expensive destination bachelorettes, though, but I'm also over 30, with a child, which has made me more miserly

[Deleted]

I like the all inclusive. that way nobody is suprised with a huge/extra bill. It's easier for most people to budget this way.

[wanderlustfoodie]

I voted Miami only because I have zero interest in Cancun. If it were a different Caribbean city, my answer might likewise be different.

[mbcdefg]

Jul 31, 2014 10:41:15 GMT -5 lilac05 said:

Neither. I hate when short bachelorette parties take up a good portion of my vacation money. I'd probably be a party pooper and not go to either one.

If that kind of stuff is the norm for your group, then I'd poll the people who would actually attend, and make a decision from a straight vote.

Ditto. I don't want to attend an OOT bachelorette.

To actually answer your question, I've never been to Miami or Cancun so I can't answer which is better. I feel like I'd rather go to Miami for some reason, though.

ETA: I'll also add that all of my friends live local to me, so we've never needed to fly, or drive more than an hour, for each other's weddings. If I was already flying to visit them, maybe I'd feel differently. But the bachelorettes I've attended have all been in NJ or NYC - I was invited to a NOLA party once but declined.

[scout8]

I also voted Miami because I don't like Cancun at all. I also think it is more fun when you can all stay in a house together.

[Susie]

Ugh, they both sound kind of brutal.

Coordinating 10-12 people for 10-12 separate payments for a house, food, booze, etc. sounds like misery. An AI would be much easier. But I would have little to no interest in spending hard earned vacation money and time going to an AI in Cancun.

I'm still in the camp where a 3-day destination party that requires airfare, etc. for 10-12 women (who can't possibly all be in the bridal party?) is really over the top. And I say that as someone who attended one in Miami earlier this year. I thought IT was a little excessive, but one of the girls generously used Starwood points to cover the hotel rooms for everybody, and there were only maybe 5-6 of us.  That helped a lot.

[L]

I think a beach house rental sounds much more fun.  Also, I have zero desire to ever go to Cancun.

But I think you should poll those who will be spending their vacation time and money on this trip - our opinions really don't matter.

[countthestars]

Miami. I hate customs.

[bryantpark]

Jul 31, 2014 11:48:42 GMT -5 Susie said:

Ugh, they both sound kind of brutal.

Coordinating 10-12 people for 10-12 separate payments for a house, food, booze, etc. sounds like misery. An AI would be much easier. But I would have little to no interest in spending hard earned vacation money and time going to an AI in Cancun.

I'm still in the camp where a 3-day destination party that requires airfare, etc. for 10-12 women (who can't possibly all be in the bridal party?) is really over the top. And I say that as someone who attended one in Miami earlier this year. I thought IT was a little excessive, but one of the girls generously used Starwood points to cover the hotel rooms for everybody, and there were only maybe 5-6 of us.  That helped a lot.

This 100%. This is one trend that I am so glad I missed. They seem to really be getting out-of-control and just way too over-the-top. If someone had a house in their family and it was free it makes a lot more sense to me but all I can say is I feel like this would be a total disaster.

[cheezer]

I generally dislike all-inclusives so I'd choose Miami. Plus seems easier to get to for people from Atlanta.

[CloudBee]

Jul 31, 2014 10:51:43 GMT -5 shaynaatl said:

Group is coming from Atlanta and Dallas. Flights are running around $270 for both cities.

Have everyone drive to New Orleans or Memphis. Halfway!

[Deleted]

To the naysayers: some people actually like destination bachelorette parties. I do. For all you know, the OP's whole group is looking forward to it and is happy to use their time and money on this trip and so on. There's nothing in the OP that suggests otherwise. So really, no need for judgment.

I vote for Miami because although I've never been to (a) Cancun or (b) an all-inclusive, I personally have no desire to do either. And Miami is a fantastic mix of beach plus big city food and nightlife. But OP, I'd just poll the group and see what the consensus is.

[delawarejen]

I think this should be put to a vote among the ladies who are participating.

[lilac05]

Jul 31, 2014 14:09:20 GMT -5 v said:

To the naysayers: some people actually like destination bachelorette parties. I do. For all you know, the OP's whole group is looking forward to it and is happy to use their time and money on this trip and so on. There's nothing in the OP that suggests otherwise. So really, no need for judgment.

The question was "which would you rather do?"  There's no judgement when I say, "Neither.  I don't like destination bachelorette parties."  That's not saying they're horrible for everyone, but I can say I hate them without judging people who like them.

I wish I had the time, money, etc. to take long weekend vacations with my girlfriends, but I don't.  I have to choose family or friends...and would rather vacation with my husband & kids.  Shoot, I pass on nice getaways alone with H so we can spend the money on nice family vacations that include the kids, too.

[Deleted]

Jul 31, 2014 14:25:31 GMT -5 lilac05 said:

Jul 31, 2014 14:09:20 GMT -5 v said:

To the naysayers: some people actually like destination bachelorette parties. I do. For all you know, the OP's whole group is looking forward to it and is happy to use their time and money on this trip and so on. There's nothing in the OP that suggests otherwise. So really, no need for judgment.

The question was "which would you rather do?"  There's no judgement when I say, "Neither.  I don't like destination bachelorette parties."  That's not saying they're horrible for everyone, but I can say I hate them without judging people who like them.

I wish I had the time, money, etc. to take long weekend vacations with my girlfriends, but I don't.  I have to choose family or friends...and would rather vacation with my husband & kids.  Shoot, I pass on nice getaways alone with H so we can spend the money on nice family vacations that include the kids, too.

But you understand that that wasn't the question, right?  The question was, given these two options and assuming you were able/willing to go, which would you want to do?  That you don't want to spend your money or vacation time that way doesn't really help answer the OP's question.

[Deleted]

Jul 31, 2014 14:09:20 GMT -5 v said:

To the naysayers: some people actually like destination bachelorette parties. I do. For all you know, the OP's whole group is looking forward to it and is happy to use their time and money on this trip and so on. There's nothing in the OP that suggests otherwise. So really, no need for judgment.

I vote for Miami because although I've never been to (a) Cancun or (b) an all-inclusive, I personally have no desire to do either. And Miami is a fantastic mix of beach plus big city food and nightlife. But OP, I'd just poll the group and see what the consensus is.

I disagree with the first paragraph strongly.  She got on a message board and should therefore expect to hear a range of opinions, not just confined to what she wants to hear (Cancun or Miami).  I do think it is absolutely vital to say that it could be over-the-top and she should ask the attendees what they can afford beforehand. 

I'd have to have a very privileged circle to expect my friends to throw down over a grand for my bachelorette.  I think I just went out to eat for mine.  The whole thing is just not my scene.  It reminds me of those Real Housewives trips, but those are comped...

[lilac05]

Jul 31, 2014 14:32:44 GMT -5 v said:

Jul 31, 2014 14:25:31 GMT -5 lilac05 said:

But you understand that that wasn't the question, right?  The question was, given these two options and assuming you were able/willing to go, which would you want to do?  That you don't want to spend your money or vacation time that way doesn't really help answer the OP's question.

The part about being willing/able to go wasn't in the question, though.  All that was mentioned was that they went to Cancun a few years ago.  And, that may not even be relevant information.  A few years ago, I didn't have kids and I had a lot more time and money at my disposal.  So, even though I may have done it a few years ago, I wouldn't do it now.

We can agree to disagree...my answer of "neither" still stands.  

[noodleoo]

Jul 31, 2014 14:32:44 GMT -5 v said:

Jul 31, 2014 14:25:31 GMT -5 lilac05 said:

The question was "which would you rather do?"  There's no judgement when I say, "Neither.  I don't like destination bachelorette parties."  That's not saying they're horrible for everyone, but I can say I hate them without judging people who like them.

I wish I had the time, money, etc. to take long weekend vacations with my girlfriends, but I don't.  I have to choose family or friends...and would rather vacation with my husband & kids.  Shoot, I pass on nice getaways alone with H so we can spend the money on nice family vacations that include the kids, too.

But you understand that that wasn't the question, right?  The question was, given these two options and assuming you were able/willing to go, which would you want to do?  That you don't want to spend your money or vacation time that way doesn't really help answer the OP's question.

Did you see the post recently about the girl who didn't even go to a bachelorette and was then sent a bill for $240? For a party that a BM planned without asking everyone their budgets? I think many people force these things on others and peer pressure them into going because  the bride really wants it and will be SOoooo disappointed if we don't do it (when often I think that's not true). So yes, I think posting the perspective that these expensive destination bachelorette parties are over the top is relevant.  And that OP really should be asking the invitees where they want to go and how much they can afford before us. 

[Deleted]

Jul 31, 2014 17:18:35 GMT -5 noodleoo said:

Jul 31, 2014 14:32:44 GMT -5 v said:

But you understand that that wasn't the question, right?  The question was, given these two options and assuming you were able/willing to go, which would you want to do?  That you don't want to spend your money or vacation time that way doesn't really help answer the OP's question.

And that OP really should be asking the invitees where they want to go and how much they can afford before us. 

How did you know she didn't? Again, some people really like these things and aren't going to balk at the logistics.

The judginess is quintessential MM, but kind of irrelevant to her question regarding which place sounds funner. And we don't know enough backstory to know whether she deserves a lecture/etiquette lesson.

[LoveTrains]

The beach house rental sounds more fun and I love the idea of everyone staying all together like that. BUT it seems like a huge PITA to coordinate so I would probably go with the Cancun all-inclusive idea.

[RoxMonster]

I would prefer a close-to-home B-party.

But, if I was choosing between these two with the details you gave me, I'd do Miami. It is cheaper per person, and if someone wants to save money, she can choose to eat and drink cheaper (or not drink at all); whereas these are automatic costs with the AI that jack up the price. No passport is required, so people who don't already have one don't need to buy one (extra $$$). And since you will probably be partying wherever you stay, do the stand-alone house because it would annoy me if a loud and raucous party was happening at the resort where I was staying.