Vacation recommendations. Where should I go?

In My Humble Opinion
1

Next Winter, maybe January or February, I’m hoping to go somewhere for two or three weeks.

It has to be hot and sunny, near water, and as cheap as possible. I can save a little bit of money between now and then, but not a ton, for sure. I’ll almost certainly be going alone.

Those are the only requirements. Hot, sunny, near water, and cheap.

Problem is, staying anywhere for two or three weeks gets a little expensive. Do you think I could rent a room in a house somewhere? That would definitely be cheaper than a hotel or resort or something.

Anyway, I live in New York, and I can get by okay in Spanish, although I wouldn’t say I’m fluent at all. And anyway, language is not a consideration. Where should I go?

2

Are you a lounging-on-beach vacationer, or an active vacationer? For activities, do you prefer outdoor/physical stuff, historical/cultural, drinking/gambling, or built-for-tourists (think Vegas, or theme parks)? Do you prefer resort-ier areas, rural areas, cities? Are you open to hostels?

3

You want “hot” in January, you’re gonna have to get near the equator or else cross it, I’d wager. I originally thought “Padre Island (TX) or Mexico” when I skimmed the OP, but neither of those places is ezzactly hot in January…

4

This vacation should be pretty loungey. A natural setting would be best, maybe with at least minimal amount of night life.

South Mexico might actually be warm enough for my purposes. Aruba or Curacao would be awesome, but they’re probably on the expensive side.

5

The Carribbean perhaps? Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands might be good, though possibly a bit pricey, but as a benefit you don’t have to leave the country. Jamaica? The Dominican Republic?

Maybe somewhere in Florida other than Tampa, Orlando, Miami, or Key West?

Death Valley?

Somewhere in the Southern Hemisphere might be good, since it’ll be summer there anyway! Though, airfare may be a bit on the pricey side. What about Australia or NZ (possibly pricey) South Africa? Brazil?

6

Costa Rica and Panama are not too expensive, but (as you say) any place where you’re looking for a couple of weeks’ worth of food and rent is going to be a li’l pricey. Any place will have 'spensive and cheaper accomodations, so you just need to do some research.