If you want some cheap, warm and all inclusive the Dominican Republic could be a good option. The downside is that you probably don't want to leave the resort and venture out to much. If warm, exotic and cheap is what you want...check out Nicaragua. I can give you more ideas around places and what to do if either of those options are of interest. I'm also assuming that you have $1000 per a person. Nicaragua is one of my favorite places and is super cheap once you get there. The people are very friendly and Nicaragua offers cheap places to stay. You can roam mango and lime farms, hike volcanos, visit historic sites, hire a private guide for very little (or rent a car), find a private beach spot or eat a huge meal for a few dollars. 

Here's a few pictures from my trip:

http://procknal.zenfolio.com/p965722240

Mike

Posted Jan 12, 2011

I'm a fellow Minnesotan and took a non-inclusive winter vacation to the Dominican Republic last year, and it turned out to be one of the best trips of my life.  My husband and I, and another couple, flew into Puerto Plata and took a public bus (affordable, comfortable, and dependable!) south to Santo Domingo.  We stayed at a great little boutique hotel in the colonial area and just walked around the city for a few days. 

Then we bused back up north and spent about a week in Cabarete, which is a small beach town on the north coast that's famous for kite surfing.  We did some "adventure" day trips with an org called Iguana Mama, including mountain biking, white water rafting, repelling down waterfalls, a jungle/waterfall hike, and a day of sailing.  Besides the sailing, all were really really great.  We stayed at a lovely hotel on the edge of town but within easy walking distance of the restaurants.

I found the people and culture of the DR to be absolutely wonderful.  I have some Spanish skills which was helpful, but no one else that I was with had any Spanish and they got by just fine.  The only thing that really caught me off guard was the prostitution.  I didn't realize that the DR is such a destination for sex tourism, but it is, and it's pretty obvious if you have your eyes open.  That said, I absolutely loved it and would go back again in a heart beat.  My travel companions and I agreed that it's the kind of place that you could take off for a long weekend getaway if the timing was right, or go for a few weeks of fun and there's plenty to keep you busy.  I can't recommend it enough!

Posted Jan 18, 2011

Hi Jerod! I totally agree. The Dominican Republic is one of the best bangs for your buck when it comes to exotic island destinations. It has gorgeous beaches, most resorts are all inclusive and everything is cheap. But to Michael's point, if you wonder outside the resort you will find that communicating can become a challenge as not many people speak English. Puerto Rico and USVI are a lot easier to get around / communicate and you don't need a passport but things are a bit pricier. One option you might want to consider is Key West. It is a short drive from mainland Florida and is accessible through 3 major airports: West Palm Beach (PBI) Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Miami (MIA). So you might get a real break in the airfare as with enough time in advance you can book a direct flight from one of the low cost carriers like Spirit or Jet Blue.

Posted Jan 15, 2011

I loved Nicaragua, and it was REALLY affordable! The people are wonderful, the food is tasty, and the scenery is interesting (Surfing, volcano boarding, sunbathing, volcanos, etc). You get the best of both preferences...exotic and affordable. I stayed in Grenada and San Juan del Sur when I went in October, but a friend spent time last February on Omotepe Island and in Leon so there are many options. Enjoy where ever you go!

Posted Jan 16, 2011

St Thomas is fantastic.  Warm.  Not crazy expensive.  A reasonable flight from MN.  And, if you go, take a day trip to BVI.  It's amazing! (bring your passport for this one...)

Posted Jan 17, 2011