<p>Reading the threads about entire families planning trips to Europe and many knowledgable replies made me realize that I may be really out of my league on this site. Only took me about 5 years to figure that out.</p>
<p>At any rate I’m looking for ideas for a vacation spot for just husband and myself. It would be for probably 5 days in mid November. We have never been to one of the spots that show white sandy beaches and blue water that seems to sparkling to be real. We are not into “night life” if you will but are more beach/reading/relaxing type people. We do enjoy water activities. We live on the east coast. Price is a definite concern. </p>
<p>Any ideas of where to start my research? Or specific islands, etc…?
Thanks!</p>
<p>We went to Bermuda two years ago Thanksgiving. It was absolutely beautiful, and relaxing. While some of the accommodations are not as cheap as other destinations, you won’t be renting a car (not allowed for non-residents), and flights from the east coast can be very reasonable.</p>
<p>My family is made up of foodies, so food is a major factor in choosing an island.</p>
<p>Going from the East Coast one of the Caribbean islands, Bermuda or the Bahamas are easy to get to. Bermuda tends to be more expensive so maybe leave that out though it is safe and less 3rd world feeling so a lot of less adventurous travelers like it.</p>
<p>Going a bit further there are great beach resorts in Mexico and of course there’s Hawaii. It all come down to what mood you’re in, what culture you want to blend into.</p>
<p>If you gave us a budget I could be of more help. The islands range from the less chic with modest hotels to the uber chic with world class luxury hotels. There are resorts with a feel of the old days where you dress for dinner and all inclusive places where you dine in shorts.</p>
<p>So give some more specifics on what you want and I’ll be happy to practice my travel writing skills (summer internship) to help you find what you want.</p>
<p>In the Caribean, you are in luck as in November, there are still off season rates. My favorite island of all and where I have been many times, is Anguilla. The cost can vary greatly depending on lodging chosen. The beaches are to die for…pure white sand, bright blue water, practically empty. No high rise hotels. No commercialism. No shopping. No cruise ships. Nobody on the beach hacking wares. No big nightlife. Amazing restaurants…do a different one each night. If you want to relax on the beach, no crowds, have a nice dinner, it is that kind of place…more for couples. I could get more specific if you are interested.</p>
<p>Be careful with Bermuda in November. It’s only off the coast of Georgia, in the Atlantic, not the Caribbean, so it can be colder than you may want. It is, however, gorgeous and one of my favorite places.</p>
<p>St. Thomas is a lot of fun, and there’s a underwater National Park that you can “snorkle” through. St. Croix, also in the US Virgins, is smaller than St. Thomas but also beautiful.</p>
<p>The trouble I had with the Bahamas is that it was too laid back for me - service was very slow.</p>
<p>Chevda - when we were there in late November, we were able to spend time on the beach, and in the water. But yes, it can be iffy. Although it’s in the Altantic, they are protected by southern currents.</p>
<p>We really like St. John. Most of the island is a national park. We usually stay at the Cinnamon Bay campground. We stay in the cottages not the tents so it’s pretty civilized and you can be right on the water. (Ask for cottage 10 if possible.) It’s easy to get around on jitneys so you don’t have to drive on seriously narrow and steep roads. The snorkeling is wonderful. [Cinnamon</a> Bay Campground, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands](<a href=“cinnamonbay.com”>http://www.cinnamonbay.com/)</p>
<p>Bermuda is very risky weather wise in November. Caribean has some very nice places. Nevis, St. John, Anguilla are all great, though can be pricey. Ocean Club in the Bahamas is also great and easier flight. I would do later November for any island in Bahamas. </p>
<p>Do you want totally relaxing beaches with no activity? or great snorkling in Grand Cayman? Do you Golf? If so the Ocean Club is great along with great food. Some islands have gambling if you like.</p>
<p>Another thought if you like activity with relaxation (no beach) is Miraval Spa in arizona, this is a favorite of mine. Great couples activities, not just girly spa things. Great food and yes even wine!!</p>
<p>bluejay,
What part of the country are you travelling from?
I’m ashamed to say that I’ve been to the Carribean, various spots in Mexico, California, Arizona etc. Might be able to point out some spots but with airfare the way it is now it makes sense to keep the flight reasonable.</p>
<p>Oops, sorry, just read the East Coast part. I would look at the Carribean for sure. I like the trip advisor website for very specific suggestions, you can search forums by location.</p>
<p>On our first trip, our travel agent told us to go further south if we wanted to be sure of warm weather in the the winter. </p>
<p>If you only want beaches, St. Thomas has some magnificent beaches, but we were disappointed with the food.</p>
<p>If you want a bit of Europe and a bit of Caribbean, how about Martinique? We absolutely loved it. The lush, tropicalness of it. Some beautiful beaches. History. French and Caribbean food. I have dreams about retiring there.</p>
<p>I keep hearing about people going to the Dominican Republic. There are some all-inclusive places down there that are supposed to be great.</p>
<p>I agree that St. Johns has some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen. </p>
<p>If you want to see a few different islands, you might consider a Windjammer Cruise <a href=“Web Page Under Construction”>Web Page Under Construction; We did one of these for our twentieth anniversary. Not a dress up cruise unless you consider putting a shirt on over your bathing suit dressing up! Very relaxing and well priced.</p>
<p>carribean or mexico, but still hurricane season. if you can, go further south like Aruba. otherwise, consider getting insurance. for carribean: I pick st- martin.</p>
<p>price is a concern, try a last minute (sometime more than 2 months out) all inclusive package from AppleVacations or Vacation Express.</p>
<p>how about a cruise. they may sail around real bed weather.</p>
<p>H and I are also into quiet beach/reading/relaxing vacations. Check out the Iberostar All-inclusives outside of Cancun in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. We have been there a few times and it is one of my favorite places. There are two different complexes and are about 30 minutes south of Cancun near/in Playa del Carmen. The last time we were there, we stayed at the Paraiso Lindo and enjoyed it immensely. It was one of four Iberostar hotels at the site. I know they were in the process of building another set of new hotels. We have also been to the Bahamas, Jamaica, and St. Maarten over the years, but have found that Mexican resorts provide a better value and a more friendly staff. We used Apple Vacations through a travel agent and it worked great. The package included airfare, transportation to and from the hotel, baggage handling, hotel, all meals, snacks, beverages, gratuities. Since the particular complex we stayed at was about 15 minutes north of Playa del Carmen, the hotel provided a free shuttle to Playa. There, guests could use the facilities at the other Iberostar complex, including the restaurants. </p>
<p>There are also numerous other hotel resorts in Riviera Maya that you can check out.</p>
<p>Playa del Carmen is a small town, much quieter than Cancun. However, there is some shopping. From Playa del Carmen, visitors can also take the ferry to Cozumel. </p>
<p>If you become adventurous, the hotel travel services offered several side trips by bus (they did cost extra). The ones we took included visiting Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Xel-ha.</p>
<p>If you’re going in November then forget all of the Northern Hemisphere locations…go to Fiji, Northeastern Australia, or somewhere else in the Southern Hemisphere where it will be late Spring/early Summer!</p>
<p>Wow! and Thanks! I definitely have a lot of “research” to do. Thanks for all of the great ideas. The concept of “cottage” is actually more appealing than an exclusive resort. I’ll be back!</p>