Winter Vacation Ideas
 

I've been trying to decide on a vacation for my fiance and I for sometime now but I can't seem to decide on a trip. I'm looking to spend anywhere between $800-$1600 for the hotel and flight and I've been thinking of going somewhere in Florida or Mexico. Anyone have any good suggestions for a Jan/Feb trip?

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

Costa Rica. My wife and I went to the Milarepa Hotel back when we were dating, and it was our first trip together, and it was awesome. Bungalows right on the beach with open air bathrooms. Amazing food. Best sushi I've ever had

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

Costa Rica's a great choice. Another is the Florida Keys. Key Largo on the eastern side is extremely scenic and relaxed. It's very close to the Everglades (fan boat tours), has some of the best scuba diving in the world, and if you like to fish they've got great charter trips. Key West on the western side gives you more nightlife and excitement. There are other islands in between. Depending on the type of vacation you're looking for (relaxed vs action-packed/partying), there's a Key up your alley.

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

What about Cancun? I doubt it's infested with the kids for beach week and stuff. Don't know if it gets cold there or not, but I've heard it's really nice.

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

Thanks for the help guys, has anyone ever been to the Sea of Cortez in Mexico? I read somewhere that there is cactus growing on the beach. Seems like that would be pretty cool.

Schneed to answer your question I'm looking for more of a relaxed/romantic type of vacation. The florida keys looks like it would be an awesome vacation.

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

There are some real cheap cruises this time of year to the Carribean. Good value and incredible water and beaches.
Schneed is right. The Keys (and there are many) is the Carribean of the US. The diving in the state park in Key Largo is incredible. Key West is like another country. NO worries if you have not been before, as very friendly people run the diving bus......and none of that "open water" sh..
[url=http://www.pennekamppark.com/]Welcome to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park - Key Largo, Florida Keys[/url]

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

The Keys are incredible. Drove from Maryland to Key West on my honeymoon and had such a blast in Key West that we've been trying to get back ever since.

If you're into the big scene and want to party it up, I'd recommend staying directly in Key West (My wife and I stayed at [URL="http://www.historickeywestinns.com/properties/lighthouse/lighthouse_court.htm"]Lighthouse Court[/URL], directly behind Ernest Hemingway's house...when you look at the link, the picture that comes up, our room door is the one on the right hand side near the pool...it was very quiet there, even though it was pretty full). If you want something a bit more quiet, check out [URL="http://www.fla-keys.com/"]Big Pine/Lower Keys or Marathon[/URL]. One of the daily things to do in Key West is the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square. Definitely check out the sunset cruises, they are a lot of fun.

You can do a 7 day cruise in the Caribbean in your price range. The one place I've always wanted to go to is Cabo San Lucas.

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

What's the closest airport to the florida keys?

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

[url=http://www.keywesttravelguide.com/key-west-travel.html]How to travel to Key West - Air Flights, Car Rentals, and Ferries.[/url]. Never been to the Keys but everyone who has been there says it is awesome . Miami is cool , not sure about what kind of " party " / Rest you two are looking for . Congrads and have fun .

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

Miami is probably the best priced major airport for K West. KW has an airport but I do not know how many major airlines if any go in there. If price is a consideration, stick with Miami. Key Largo is maybe an hour +- from Miami. KW in about 4 hours from Miami with the others located somewhere in between. The drive is great as much of it is over incredible water.
AND check out the Dry Tortuga's for a killer day trip....or camp overnight

[url=http://www.drytortugasinfo.com/?gclid=CNerz6nms54CFQKdnAod3jvqlA]Visit the Dry Tortugas. Ferry Food Drinks Snorkel 100% Price Guarantee![/url]

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

Why not hiking in Afghanistan.
[URL="http://blog.cheaptents.com/hiking-in-afghanistan/"]Hiking in Afghanistan! | CheapTents.com Outdoor Gear Blog[/URL]

If that not exciting enough you could hike in Iran.
[url=http://www.thetistravel.com/en/hiking-trekking.php]Iran Hiking Tour: Attraction in Iran: Walking: Safari: Mountain Climbing[/url]

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

[quote=Hog1;632554]Miami is probably the best priced major airport for K West. KW has an airport but I do not know how many major airlines if any go in there. If price is a consideration, stick with Miami. Key Largo is maybe an hour +- from Miami. KW in about 4 hours from Miami with the others located somewhere in between. The drive is great as much of it is over incredible water.
AND check out the Dry Tortuga's for a killer day trip....or camp overnight

[url=http://www.drytortugasinfo.com/?gclid=CNerz6nms54CFQKdnAod3jvqlA]Visit the Dry Tortugas. Ferry Food Drinks Snorkel 100% Price Guarantee![/url][/quote]
Yeah, Miami or Fort Lauderdale depending on the airline. I know Southwest flies nonstop from Baltimore to Fort Lauderdale relatively cheap. And it's only about 20-25 miles between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. You can fly into Key West, but it'll double or triple your airfare costs easily. Plus flying into Miami/Ft. Lauderdale forces you to rent a car, which comes in handy when day tripping around the Keys.

The drive from Miami/Ft Lauderdale into Key West is incredible. For our honeymoon, my wife and I had my Uncle's convertible, so that made the trip that much more amazing, getting a full view of the surrounding waters and land. We drove in at night, so while it was dark and couldn't see much, the sky views were awesome.

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

[quote=firstdown;632834]Why not hiking in Afghanistan.
[URL="http://blog.cheaptents.com/hiking-in-afghanistan/"]Hiking in Afghanistan! | CheapTents.com Outdoor Gear Blog[/URL]

If that not exciting enough you could hike in Iran.
[url=http://www.thetistravel.com/en/hiking-trekking.php]Iran Hiking Tour: Attraction in Iran: Walking: Safari: Mountain Climbing[/url][/quote]

[I]Adventure Travel in Afghanistan
Adventure holidays in Afghanistan are now a possibility. A 17 day tour is available from ResponsibleTravel.com. The tour will take you to many interesting places, including Kabul, the country’s capital, Herat in the extreme West of Afghanistan, Mazar-I-Sharif in the North, which is the home of the magnificent Shrine of Hazrat Ali (Blue Mosque), and of course the impressive Bamiyan Valley.

Responsible Travel work with independent Afghan nationals who provide vehicles and are tour guides, as well as supporting organisations such as Adopt-A-Minefield, who clear land mines, and Climate Care, who invest in projects which will reduce carbon emissions.[/I]

where do i sign up!!!

[I]Afghanistan Facts
Afghanistan is possibly most famous for being the country at the top of the drop down list when you have to select your country on websites.[/I]

i know thats what i always think of when i hear afghanistan

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

[quote=BDBohnzie;633214]Yeah, Miami or Fort Lauderdale depending on the airline. I know Southwest flies nonstop from Baltimore to Fort Lauderdale relatively cheap. And it's only about 20-25 miles between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. You can fly into Key West, but it'll double or triple your airfare costs easily. Plus flying into Miami/Ft. Lauderdale forces you to rent a car, which comes in handy when day tripping around the Keys.

The drive from Miami/Ft Lauderdale into Key West is incredible. For our honeymoon, my wife and I had my Uncle's convertible, so that made the trip that much more amazing, getting a full view of the surrounding waters and land. We drove in at night, so while it was dark and couldn't see much, the sky views were awesome.[/quote]
I totally forgot about Fort Lauderdale.......

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

[quote=Hog1;633252]I totally forgot about Fort Lauderdale.......[/quote]
Yeah, West Palm Beach has an airport as well.

Best thing to do for flying to South Florida is see which airlines have direct/non-stop flights from your home airport and go from there. I know Miami is a hub for American, and I know Fort Lauderdale is a hub for Southwest.

For example, [URL="http://www.bwiairport.com/en/flight/nonstop-flights"]here's a link to BWI's list of daily nonstop flights and where they go[/URL].

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

[quote=BDBohnzie;633485]Yeah, West Palm Beach has an airport as well.

Best thing to do for flying to South Florida is see which airlines have direct/non-stop flights from your home airport and go from there. I know Miami is a hub for American, and I know Fort Lauderdale is a hub for Southwest.

For example, [URL="http://www.bwiairport.com/en/flight/nonstop-flights"]here's a link to BWI's list of daily nonstop flights and where they go[/URL].[/quote]
Miami is a hub for illegals.

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

I hear Kosovo is nice this time of year.

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

So now after all the love shown for the Keys, I think that's where im taking the GF. Are there any specific hotels anyone could recommend?

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

These are two cool places. The Cuban place is a historic inn. We stayed there one time. Had a HUGE two bedroom deal with a loft and kitchen. Not to bad on the money either. Gigantic 2nd floor balcony overlooking Duvall street. Good location uptown and still within walking distance down.
The Marina area is beautiful, but pricey. Killer location on the Marina...downtown. There are MANY historic places to stay reminiscent of the Pirate days of Key West. I would stay at one of those.
After you have picked hotel, Can we do "things to do"???

[URL="http://www.casadeluces.com/"]Cuban Club Suites of Key West, Florida[/URL]

[url=http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1780]Westin Key West Hotels: The Westin Key West Resort & Marina - Hotel Rooms at westin[/url]

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

@Hog1 - yeah, that Westin is nuts...my wife and I went in the lobby just to look around and it was incredible.

The hotel I stayed in is linked above, and is part of a [URL="http://www.historickeywestinns.com/index.htm"]group of inns in Key West[/URL]. It was nice place, quiet, and convenient.

The closer to Mallory Square/Marina you stay, the more expensive it gets. I'd say the average hotel rate will be around $200/night if not more, depending on when you arrive and leave. If you stay for a week, I'd strongly suggest looking into condo/house rentals. You'll pay similar prices to a hotel, and have more privacy.

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

[quote=BDBohnzie;637104]@Hog1 - yeah, that Westin is nuts...my wife and I went in the lobby just to look around and it was incredible.

The hotel I stayed in is linked above, and is part of a [URL="http://www.historickeywestinns.com/index.htm"]group of inns in Key West[/URL]. It was nice place, quiet, and convenient.

The closer to Mallory Square/Marina you stay, the more expensive it gets. I'd say the average hotel rate will be around $200/night if not more, depending on when you arrive and leave. If you stay for a week, I'd strongly suggest looking into condo/house rentals. You'll pay similar prices to a hotel, and have more privacy.[/quote]
How do the Inns measure up privacy wise? Like is it going to be weird having sex at one??

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

[quote=WaldSkins;637112]How do the Inns measure up privacy wise? Like is it going to be weird having sex at one??[/quote]
I don't remember hearing anything, or getting weird looks the next morning per se, but I do remember being pretty hammered both nights, so that could be fuzzing my memory a bit as well. Lighthouse Court is a bit more open than the others perhaps, but it was quiet. Open meaning, all the room doors let out into the courtyard, where the pool and breakfast area are.

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

I'm sure that you won't be the first to have sex in one of them.

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

If you want to......have sex? Stay away from the Monastic looking places...tooo many monks. You don't want to get that started
BUT I checked with the Cuban place and they have openings from $99 p/night for a suite. We paid more like $200 for 2 private bedrooms, loft br, living room and kitchen. Nice place a great location......cool history.
The Westin is cool but starts at $300 p/night. AS [B]BD[/B] says....it's beautiful, but pricey. Make sure you scrutinze the Inns closely. As every SOB with a shack calls it a B&B. There are some great B&B's with much history on the Island, just call and ask questions.

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

How long are you planning on staying?

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

[quote=tryfuhl;637228]I'm sure that you won't be the first to have sex in one of them.[/quote]

We just had a bad experience one time at a B&B and we're trying to avoid it. I've never stayed at a Inn before so I really don't know what I'm getting into to. What do they compare to?

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

[quote=Hog1;637272]If you want to......have sex? Stay away from the Monastic looking places...tooo many monks. [B]You don't want to get that started
BUT I checked with the Cuban place and they have openings from $99 p/night for a sweet.[/B] We paid more like $200 for 2 private bedrooms, loft br, living room and kitchen. Nice place a great location......cool history.
The Westin is cool but starts at $300 p/night. AS [B]BD[/B] says....it's beautiful, but pricey. Make sure you scrutinze the Inns closely. As every SOB with a shack calls it a B&B. There are some great B&B's with much history on the Island, just call and ask questions.[/quote]

Where are you talking because i'm totally lost? And to answer your other question, we are going for a week.

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

[url=http://www.casadeluces.com/]Cuban Club Suites of Key West, Florida[/url]

[url=http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1780]Westin Key West Hotels: The Westin Key West Resort & Marina - Hotel Rooms at westin[/url]

From one of my earlier posts.

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

BTW, as has been stated, there are many keys. All have a different flavor with much good stuff to do. Since you have a week, you may want to consider Everglades Nat Park for a couple of days. Stunning water and scenery. Great camping and wilderness canoeing and kayaking

[url=http://www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm]Everglades National Park (U.S. National Park Service)[/url]

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

[quote=BDBohnzie;632326]The Keys are incredible. Drove from Maryland to Key West on my honeymoon and had such a blast in Key West that we've been trying to get back ever since.

If you're into the big scene and want to party it up, I'd recommend staying directly in Key West (My wife and I stayed at [URL="http://www.historickeywestinns.com/properties/lighthouse/lighthouse_court.htm"]Lighthouse Court[/URL], directly behind Ernest Hemingway's house...when you look at the link, the picture that comes up, our room door is the one on the right hand side near the pool...it was very quiet there, even though it was pretty full). If you want something a bit more quiet, check out [URL="http://www.fla-keys.com/"]Big Pine/Lower Keys or Marathon[/URL]. One of the daily things to do in Key West is the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square. Definitely check out the sunset cruises, they are a lot of fun.

You can do a 7 day cruise in the Caribbean in your price range. The one place I've always wanted to go to is Cabo San Lucas.[/quote]

That's so crazy! When my wife and I got married down there, that's where we stayed. You truly can't go wrong with the keys. I was down there during Thanksgiving and there's a lot to be said for a place with no dress-code, open liquor laws, and live music at all times of the day. We go there often so hit me up if you want anything recommended.

For sure though, don't fly directly in, go to Miami (it'll save some money) and drive down. The drive is half the fun.

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

[quote=TheMalcolmConnection;637437]That's so crazy! When my wife and I got married down there, that's where we stayed.[/quote]
Awesome. We thought it was a nice place to stay.

We stayed 3 nights and had to call them a few times along the drive to make sure they would stay open for us to check in. It's a long drive from Savannah to Key West (not sure what I was thinking...on the entire trip from Gaithersburg to Key West and back via Williamsburg, Charleston and Savannah, I did all but 5 hours of driving, fortunately for me, that 5 hours was during the Savannah to Key West leg), but we left Savannah at 8am and pulled into the hotel a little before midnight. By 10am the next day, I had beer in hand strolling up and down DuVal Street.

@WaldSkins - if you are going for the week, definitely check out the other Keys for daily excursions along with Hog1's suggestions of the Dry Tortugas and Pennekamp Park.

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

Ive been trying to book a flight,car, and hotel for awhile now and can't seem to find an inn on a travel site. If you book it all seperately it's way more expensive. If i can't figure this out i might just get a hotel.

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

[quote=WaldSkins;638260]Ive been trying to book a flight,car, and hotel for awhile now and can't seem to find an inn on a travel site. If you book it all seperately it's way more expensive. If i can't figure this out i might just get a hotel.[/quote]
Go talk to a travel agent. They have access to info and deals that may not exist for you?

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

[quote=Hog1;638264]Go talk to a travel agent. They have access to info and deals that may not exist for you?[/quote]

Yeah that's what im going to do. Im sick of planning this all ready.

Re: Winter Vacation Ideas
 

Trust me/us when we say it'll be completely worth it.

Don't be afraid to piece a trip together. I've found that I usually get the best flight deal directly from the airline. Plus the Inns may have online or phone deals that you can't get through a all-in-one travel site. It may take longer, but hang in there and you'll find the best deal.