<p>OK, it might be a bit early to be thinking about this, but I am tired! I love the holidays, but they are a lot of work and I am fantasizing about a getaway next year instead of being home for Christmas. I just brought it up with my immediate family and they are on board too. SO…if you could go away somewhere warm but only have about 5 days (let’s say leaving 12/23 and returning 12/28 or 29), where would you go? We are on the east coast, so somewhere like Hawaii is too far. But a couple of places that came to mind were either Phoenix or somewhere in the Caribbean. I have not been many places in the Caribbean (only to St. Lucia and Antigua - and both of those were about 25 years ago), so not sure what would be good spots. It would be me, DH and two sons - one in college and one recent grad. Suggest away! :)</p>
<p>Hi:</p>
<p>I suggested Puerto Rico to someone else recently who went and I think she had a good time! St. Lucia is too far for such a short visit. I would pick a Caribbean island that’s close by, even the Bahamas…</p>
<p>If you want adventurous and you mentioned Phoenix, then going to Sedona, AZ is a nice spot, but 5 days would be too long. You could combine Sedona with the Grand Canyon, like our family did a few years ago…also lots of sightseeing in that area…even combining it with Sante Fe would be nice! </p>
<p>what airport is the closest?</p>
<p>Don’t alot of people from the east coast go to the Dominican Republic for warm vacations?</p>
<p>I think Caribbean sounds good…I love Phoenix and would go again, but we’ve been there a couple of times (to Sedona and Grand Canyon too). I also think the latter two could be colder than I would like.<br>
Rockymtnhigh - Closest airports would either be Dulles or Reagan.
Madison - Don’t know about DR…if they do, I don’t know them :)</p>
<p>One of the reasons I would recommend Puerto Rico is because it combines sightseeing with beaches and water activities. It’s also close by the east coast and they have the dollar currency. It is certainly tropical enough 
I’ve been to many, many Caribbean Islands. It depends on what you’re looking for. St. Martaan is one of my favorite…also the Florida Keys (Key Largo) are great, especially for snorkeling…</p>
<p>Costa Rica. Plenty to do for your sons. We did a few trips to Casa De Campo in the Dominican Republic - it was fine when the children were little. But not much there for teenagers except the beach/pool. </p>
<p>I love Phoenix at this time of the year…but it’s not going to be hot. Pleasant, but not hot.</p>
<p>I recommend Grand Cayman, but the east side, not where most of the tourist go. Also, I hear Key West is quite fun at the holidays. </p>
<p>We loved Costa Rica for the variety of outdoor activities offered (hiking, zip lining, white water rafting, etc). We did not like Puerto Rico, but obviously many others do. We have learned that we need a mix of beach relaxing time and physically active time. </p>
<p>I haven’t looked into traveling during Christmas holidays in years but I thought that some resorts have seven or ten night minimums during the holiday week. </p>
<p>I think Costa Rica may be far to travel for just 5 days, but it’s on my bucket list.</p>
<p>Cancun, Tulum , Yucatan Peninsula</p>
<p>@1214mom – IIRC it was a five hour flight out of NY. Direct, non-stop but still a longish flight. Having said that, we went to northern California for five nights this summer and that was six hours. </p>
<p>I think we spent eight nights in Costa Rica and still did not see most of the country. Wonderful vacation destination.</p>
<p>St John - USVI- you can rent a villa with a pool and a beautiful view for the whole family. The island is very villa oriented, not so many hotels. </p>
<p>Thanks ct1417. I will get there eventually. It’s not someplace my husband wants to go, but it sounds wonderful to me. I agree with
Eyemamom, we loved St. John. </p>
<p>Several years ago, we did Bermuda for Thanksgiving. It would be an easy flight from the east coast. The weather was very nice, although swimming at the beach was almost borderline for me (although Ds thought it was fine).</p>
<p>OK-check this out - direct flight DC to Iceland- Icelandair has 5 nights with hotel and warm geothermal spa- there are packages that include hotel (Iceland does not have fancy hotels but you don’t go there for that, and the people make up for it) and airfare. 6 hour flight I think. This does include warm water and would be different. </p>
<p><a href=“Reykjanes Peninsula travel - Lonely Planet | Iceland, Europe”>http://www.lonelyplanet.com/iceland/blue-lagoon/activities/natural-landmarks/blue-lagoon</a></p>
<p>hmmm–we are on the West Coast and D is on the East Coast and we are discussing New Orleans for next Christmas.
Other thought is key west. H and I are going to Palm Springs at the end of Jan. but not sure D would find that interesting.
Bermuda sounds perfect. Is there snorkeling?</p>
<p>rockymtnhigh - While I’d love to go to Iceland someday, despite the warm water it was not what I was thinking when I said “warm” :)</p>
<p>oregon - DH and I just took a trip to New Orleans a few weeks ago. Really nice to be there around the holidays.</p>