travel to the caribbean from BOS (hotel, hotels, reservation, airline)

[foxboro82]

I've lived in the boston area for a while now and would like to visit the bahamas someday - I was thinking to buy a hotel/flight package for myself and my friend. would you say this is like anything, to just go to priceline or expedia and check the packages for best rates?

also, any recommendations on destination for a first time visitor (and budget-minded). thank you.

[ChunkyMonkey]

Although a package deal is typically cheaper, the selections are not that great. Most are higher end American chain hotels. Depending how budget minded you are, I've often book hotel and flights separately if I found a hotel I like that is not available in packages. I tend to prefer smaller out of the way local lodging rather than mass tourism giant resort hotels.

Here are some sites for you:
kayak.com - for hotels and flights
expedia.com, travelocity.com - packages
jetblue.com - packages from BOS. Only airline with nonstop flights from BOS to Bahamas.
tripadvisor.com - for reviews on hotel
hotels.com - for hotels
priceline - haven't really used this before but worth a shot.

Good luck.

[annerk]

Keep in mind you'll need passports to fly to the Bahamas. Plan on a two month turnaround for new passport processing.

Without a passport you can fly to Puerto Rico or St. Thomas.

[cb at sea]

If you've never done this, go to a travel agency in your town.....that way, you'll get the brochures with the info you'll need! Let the travel agent do the legwork for you...and they are there to help should something go awry.

I would never use Priceline or another online agency like that for any more than a hotel reservation!