I think my gf & I might finally get to go somewhere later this year, but we don’t know enough about different places to decide where to go.
We’d probably be going for 4-5 days, and we definitely want someplace relaxing and moderate/warm in late fall to winter. I’m mostly interested in beaches, but she suggested Napa(sp?) Valley and I could see that being cool too. Wherever we go, we are both interested in having some fine dining and interesting local shopping/nightlife nearby, so my original idea of Bora Bora is out; that’s probably too remote. I also don’t think she’s too hot on Mexico, either, for some reason.
I’m also interested in lodging and entertainment recommendations or critiques, if you got 'em. Thanks!
Flying. Budget, probably $2K-ish. Hotel, vacation home, b&b… somewhere with a private room. Doesn’t have to be 5-star, but something comfortable and pleasant.
Any hotel at Ka’anapali is going to be good. That also gets you close to Lahaina, which has good shopping, nightlife, and dining. One of the upscale places down in Wailea/Makena would be good, too.
If you’re patient and diligent, you can usually find somebody trying to rent out their timeshare week on eBay.
With only 4-5 days, I’d stay in the same time zone to optimize your experience. So, if you are on the East Coast, then Puerto Rico, or St. Croix or St Maarten. Maybe Costa Rica. I would consider Hawaii, Cabo if you are on the west coast.
My vote is for a cheap Caribbean island. You get a ton of bang for your buck in St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, Virgin Islands, etc. Problem is, there’s a TON of jewlery stores (because of the lack of taxes) - if the heat is on for a ring on you, it would be better to go elsewhere.
If you are interested in outdoorsy hiking and sightseeing, or even new0agey stuff, we found Sedona Arizona to be very very nice. There are all price points for lodging.
Good ideas! I looked into Maui on my lunch break… wow, I see what people mean when they say Hawaii is expensive. I’d love to go, though. Touristy as it may be, it looks perfect to me. Course, I say that about pretty much anyplace that has white sand, palm trees, and clear blue water.
I’m interested in Cabo, too, but I don’t think I’m going to be able to sell the gf on it. I know it would be a lot cheaper than any island, though, so I’ll at least throw it out there and see if she bites.
Hello Again, we might stay as long as a week, depending on what we can afford when the time comes, but either way, I agree it’d be smart not to spend too much time on jetlag. Unfortunately, though, I’m central, which doesn’t leave much but Mexico and Canada. (Needless to say, I ain’t goin’ to Canada.)
lindsaybluth, thanks for the idea; I’ll look into those. Bang for the buck is definitely good!
Huh! Well, that certainly makes them more attractive… I’ve heard good things about Costa Rica anyway, and someone mentioned today that Panama is “the new Costa Rica”, whatever that means, so I’m looking into that too.
Second Maui, and the suggestion about finding a rental. We’ve stayed on Maui and Kauai a couple of times, and just rented an condo/apartment. Then we cook breakfast there, took sandwiches to the beach, and went out to dinner/entertainment if we felt like it. On Maui, you could rent a place near Kihei, then for entertainment take a short drive north to Lahaina or Kaanapalli, or south to Wailea.
ETA: if you like really cool, pristine beaches, Kauai is best. But its totally rural, they roll up the sidewalks at sundown. If you want fun after dark, Maui is better. Or go to Oahu, lotsa nightlife, but crowded beaches.
I was just in Belize last summer, and it was great. Its a diver’s paradise with the second longest reef system in the world, and endless miles of beaches. I can’t say how much night entertainment you’ll get; we stayed in San Pedro, which is small, but some of the restaurants were outstanding. And its a former British colony, so everyone speaks English.
ETA: As you survey places around the Carribean or CA, be mindful of when hurricane season is.
I just went to Kauai a few months ago with my husband and we had an amazing time! To grab flights and stay for $2k isnt impossible either. We got crazy lucky on our flights and paid $600 for BOTH OF US. The deals are out there… but can be hard to find.
You could always come out to my town… good 'ol San Diego. The weather is warm well into the fall season and there are tons to do.
Either way, check out VBRO and rent places… you can find awesome deals, and can be refreshing alternatives to the standard hotel.
Dude, I wasn’t even thinking about condos… I don’t know why I just assumed we’d have to stay at some expensive hotel. Forgot all about VRBO! Who needs a luxury resort when you’re in a freaking tropical paradise…
nevermore, I should definitely add that you get bang for your buck, but it’s relative. It’s certainly not Cabo bang-for-your-buck, nor is it Atlantic ocean beach bang for your buck, but it is “white pristine beaches, distinct lack of tourists and feeling of untouched beauty” bang for your buck. The closest US beach I can think of that come close are some beaches in Malibu; my uncle’s oceanfront home (as in, he owns the footage in front of his house) in West Palm Beach is a sad little thing in my eyes once I laid eyes on (and set foot on) Megan’s Bay.
cormac262, thanks! She’s my favorite character. Probably wouldn’t have the handle if I’d paid-to-post when I started lurking back in 2003.
Probably wouldn’t have the handle if I’d paid-to-post when I started lurking back in 2003.