Christmas Vacation Ideas

[phiferpharm]

It's funny - and probably a good way to get multiple ideas, how different people perceive the same place. I think those of you who are nervous about Jamaica may have a point, but since I have a neighbor in Miami (I have property in Miami in addition to North Florida), who helped me out on where to go, and with some of his relatives,I think my perception is not necessarily a good one for someone going to the Islands for the first time.

As far as Key West- well it is a unique experience, but I spend time there each year with my boat. You do need to be aware (frankly anywhere in the Islands or in the Keys) that appearances may be deceiving.

I do agree that cruising is a good idea if you want short glimpses of multiple places, but if you are really interested in good Beach time, they may be disappointing. You have a short time in each destination.

I would almost think that a good time could be had in the Bahamas, but the weather may not be all you would like in late December/January. I've spent time on many of the Caribbean Islands doing Military duty before I retired and still enjoy going over to the Bahamas to dive the best. Frankly, wherever you go should be a fun experience.

 

[MossRoad]

I'm thinking about getting away to some place tropical for the Christmas Holiday. Probably the week after Christmas, to include New Years. I've been seeing a girl who is also very excited about this idea, and we've been trying to come up with where we want to go. We both want a warm beach location with a fance pool and nice rooms. Touristy type things would be a bonus, but mostly we just want to be in a place that is very relaxing.

My passport expired in May of this year and I'm gonna work on getting it renewed. I might not have enough time for this, so that will be an important consideration. Florida, Hawaii and the US Virgin Islands come to mind for domestic locations.

All inclusive resorts for adults are my favorite. I'm not sure about a cruise, but we've talked about that too.

We'll be flying out of DFW in the Dallas area.

Europe is an option too, but only if I can get my passport in time.

Where have you been that you would recomend?

Where do you want to go? and why?

What site do you go to for travel deals?

Thank you,
Eddie

Tropical killed it for me!!! :laughing:

Many times before we had children, my wife and I went to the Niagara Falls area in the week between Christmas and New Years. They have the festival of the lights there. Lots of Christmas lights, the falls are usually frozen and so is just about every building, railing, etc.... within a quarter mile. Really pretty light displays on the falls mist at night. We'd go cross country skiing during the day, see the falls after dark and snuggle up for a long winter's nap at night. :thumbsup:

 

[charlz]

Hawaii is always nice, Maui and Kauai are my favorite islands so far. Being in TX the Caribbean is close. I really liked Martinique but you get by easier if you speak some French, at least where we were away from Fort-de-France. French Polynesia (Tahiti) is awesome and awesomely expensive. Seemed like everyone spoke some English there. I don't think I would stay on Tahiti proper though, little too industrial looking for my tastes.

Last time in Kauai we stayed at Outrigger Waipouli Beach which is beautiful. The pool and hot tub area is very nice however the beach right there is not the best for snorkeling etc but you can drive north and find better beaches. You are actually renting someone's condo so you have a kitchen etc. and there is a little shopping area with grocery store right across the street.

Outrigger Waipouli Beach Resort - Kauai, Hawaii - Vacation Condominium - - Outrigger Hotels & Resorts

Kauai also has Waimea Canyon which is the 'Grand Canyon of the Pacific' and well worth the drive.

 

[inveresk]

Well, you're spoilt for choice, so many beautiful places within easy striking distance. If you get your passport, some of the Caribbean islands have a lot to offer. Nevis is small, intimate and not a tourist trap. The plantation inns there offer great accommodation and there's also a 4 seasons.

Grace Bay in Provo in the Turks and Caicos is one of the best beaches in the Caribbean and the diving is spectacular. Grand Turk is quieter than Provo, still has great beaches and wild horses roam the island (which my date found very romantic).

There are some good destinations in Mexico that have a low density of development but good facilities. We explored the far south on the pacific side last winter, close to the Guatemalan border. We really enjoyed it and would go back.

Tobago is beautiful and the people a delight. If your into diving, there are some good coral reefs around the island but the water isn't as clear as some of the other Windies islands.

St Lucia we liked but the begging was aggressive and spoilt it for us.

Cuba, which is caught in a 60's time warp, can be fun if you have a Canadian passport! Great music and Samba dancing and some fabulous beaches.

If you stay in the States, Sanibel in FL is very nice and there's lots to do and see nearby. CA can be very pleasant at that time of year if you're far enough south. I especially like Santa Barbara and Laguna Beach.

Wherever you end up, I wish you well with your new lady.

 

[tungularafishcamp]

U dont have to have a canadian passport for cuba, can get cheap tickets there thru Mexico. Just take loonies or euros to spend as it is illegal for us to spend us dollars there.
Rick

 

[Egon]

Really can't give any advice as I've never been outa Snow Country during the winter. [ It's that Sking thing]

But seeing as no one has mentioned French Polynesia I will.

 

[frogfish]

Take SCUBA lessons wit your fried and head to Bonaire. About 10 degrees off the equator so always warm and the people are always friendly. If you don't want to dive, try Curacao or Aruba.

Where ever you go, take pics and send a postcard

 

[TCowner]

Eddie, Forget the southern /warm weather Christmas vacation idea and head north.

I recommend Hayward Wisconsin. You and your guest rent two snowmobiles and spend three days touring the northwoods of Wisconsin. It's safe (muggers and thieves don't like the cold) and the beauty of the area at Christmas time can't be described, it needs to be experienced.

Remember, its Christmas. The Christmas cards always show a beautiful winter scene, they don't show a tropical beach.

 

[EddieWalker]

Interesting location. I'm from Hayward California!!!!

While the idea of a white Christmas has it's appeal, the whole getting out and to the beach for the holidays has a lot to do with not wanting to deal with or be a part of Christmas this year. Kind of sad, but maybe it's turning a negative into a fun positive. I also just want to sit on a warm beach someplace and soak up the sun with a pretty girl.

Thank you everyone for you suggestions. I've been all over the internet looking at ideas and options. This is harder then picking a tractor to buy!! almost

Eddie

 

[RobertN]

Charter a sailbot in the USVI.

 

[forgeblast]

St Lucia we liked but the begging was aggressive and spoilt it for us.


wow we didnt have that situation. the only time we were hassled was at the drive in volcano. we even walked through town and ate dinner there too. It might have been the guide we were with, he really seemed to know what was what.

 

[bdeboer]

We've had good luck getting last minute deals with Apple Vacations. Even booking within the last two weeks. Although it will be 5 years next February when we last went to Cancun.

We did that one time with Carnival and got a nice upgrade from New Orleans.

 

[inveresk]

we didnt have that situation. the only time we were hassled was at the drive in volcano. we even walked through town and ate dinner there too. It might have been the guide we were with, he really seemed to know what was what.

We stayed at a really nice boutique hotel in Soufriere but anytime we ventured any distance from the hotel, the panhandlers were thick on the ground so it discouraged us from exploring too far afield on foot, something we usually enjoy.

 

[jimmyj]

I don't know anything about the place but friends of mine go to Belize every year. My wife and I have not been to a vacation in a warm place in over 25 years and will be this year so we are doing the same sort of search. Belize sounds good from the description.

 

[Uncle Doug]

We cruise several times of year. You do not need a passport for a cruise leaving a US port and returning to the same US port. You will need a state issued birth certificate and a photo id.

Cruises out of Galveston are not bad but limited destinations. We have done a US Virgin island tour out of FL and the water and beaches are much better the futher east you go. Cruise prices will be higher during the holiday season but you might pick up a bargin if the ship is not full.

As far as looking at cruise prices I use Carnival.com or Travelocity.com

If you end up in Cozumel, check out the Cozumel Bar Hop. It is ran by a friend of mine.

 

[niemeyjt]

I'd make an alternate suggestion - delay it a week or two and go outside school holidays.

You say you prefer adult resorts, so this will reduce likelihood of having screaming kiddies spoiling your holiday.

The other bonus, certainly over here, prices are hiked during school holidays, so going outside that time will give you more bang for your buck.

J

p.s. and it gives you longer to get your passport renewed

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Eddie, I hope that's not a picture of her standing beside you. :laughing:

 

[EddieWalker]

Thanks again everyone for all your advice. Right now, it's looking like my passport isn't going to be here in time. It might, but I'm not comfortable making plans on having it in time for the trip.

We're talking Florida right now, but haven't ruled out Hawaii or the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Anything else out there?

Thank you,
Eddie

 

[ljellio]

My wife really enjoyed our carnival cruises we would love to revisit Costa Rica and/or Belize but whatever you do stay away from Panama.

 

[RadarTech]

Thanks again everyone for all your advice. Right now, it's looking like my passport isn't going to be here in time. It might, but I'm not comfortable making plans on having it in time for the trip.

We're talking Florida right now, but haven't ruled out Hawaii or the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Anything else out there?

Thank you,
Eddie

Eddie,
They have an expedite fee for the passport.. I had a coworker get one in 5 days!