Winter Vacation Ideas

[WaldSkins]

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?

[SmootSmack]

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

[Schneed10]

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.

[InsaneBoost]

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.

[WaldSkins]

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.

[Hog1]

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..
Welcome to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park - Key Largo, Florida Keys

[BDBohnzie]

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 Lighthouse Court, 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 Big Pine/Lower Keys or Marathon. 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.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Originally Posted by BDBohnzie

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 Lighthouse Court, 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 Big Pine/Lower Keys or Marathon. 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.

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.

[BDBohnzie]

Originally Posted by TheMalcolmConnection

That's so crazy! When my wife and I got married down there, that's where we stayed.

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.

[WaldSkins]

What's the closest airport to the florida keys?

[budw38]

How to travel to Key West - Air Flights, Car Rentals, and Ferries.. 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 .

[Hog1]

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

Visit the Dry Tortugas. Ferry Food Drinks Snorkel 100% Price Guarantee!

[BDBohnzie]

Originally Posted by Hog1

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

Visit the Dry Tortugas. Ferry Food Drinks Snorkel 100% Price Guarantee!

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.

[Hog1]

Originally Posted by BDBohnzie

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.

I totally forgot about Fort Lauderdale.......

[BDBohnzie]

Originally Posted by Hog1

I totally forgot about Fort Lauderdale.......

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, here's a link to BWI's list of daily nonstop flights and where they go.