<p>DH and I want to go somewhere once my classes end in early December before the Christmas rush/price increase. He has a preference for warmer weather, we both prefer locations where there’s something of historical/cultural interest to see in addition to touristy stuff, we’re good for a day or two of lounging by the pool or beach. Probably not adventure travel or terrifically sporty. He snorkels, I inhale the water by mistake. We walk/hike but don’t climb rockfaces. Cost is a factor; otherwise I’d be booking a photo safari. :)</p>
<p>We’ve tried a cruise and enjoyed it but that wouldn’t be our first choice this time around for a number of reasons. We’ve seen a fair number of the big European destinations, but not together and not in winter, so that could be an option. Caribbean is wide open except for the Bahamas (previous trip). Continental US has potential but not sure where to go. We did Florida Keys a couple of years ago and found we enjoyed Key West less than the smaller towns along the way to-and-from, although that could be because we had a miserable hotel there.</p>
<p>What about savannah, or charleston! Or St. Augustine? Or Sanabel Island?</p>
<p>ETA…my husband and I were in Orlando of all places the first week of December a couple of years ago. It was terrific…not crowded, and very inexpensive air fares. We stayed at the Ritz Carleton which was absolutely terrific. Spent a day at Epcot only. Went to Celebration for dinner at the Columbia (interesting town that Celebration!), and spent one day in Winter Park…or was it Winter Garden…the one near Orlando…a neat little retro downtown, just nice walking around.</p>
<p>We also drove to Sarasota to see a friend for a day (should have spent the night…lots to see there too).</p>
<p>It was an inexpensive but really relaxing and nice trip.</p>
<p>Well…the Ritz wasn’t inexpensive…but it was worth it! There are many choices of hotels!</p>
<p>Hmm – Warm in Dec with some cultural sites? How about someplace in Central America with ancient Mayan sites, like Belize or Guatemala? Or maybe South America – Buenos Aires, maybe? Full disclosures: I’ve never been to any of these places but they are on my list!</p>
<p>I always enjoy Puerto Rico. Exotic but familiar. No passport needed and they use American dollars as they are a US Commonwealth. There are some lovely resorts. The weather is good and you can go hike in the rain forest.</p>
<p>You have to deal with being worried about the political situation, but we went to Jordan two years ago in December and it was fabulous. Amazing Roman ruins everywhere, Petra is even more spectacular than we had imagined. Wadi Rum dessert is gorgeous and easy to walk in, though mostly you run around in open topped jeeps. Loved the food. And because tourism is down so much there are great deals and you’ll be treated great. </p>
<p>That said, I think I’d go to South America.</p>
<p>^My son loved Jordan so much when he was there for two months this year that he wants to go back as a volunteer again. He said the people were so warm!</p>
<p>You don’t mention how many days you have to spend. </p>
<p>For something quick-n-easy, how about L.A.? It has great museums (J. Paul Getty Villa), beach, colorful street food scene, and cultural kitch too. </p>
<p>Barring earthquake potential, it’s low on crisis risk (ebola, MERS, political coup, intestinal bugs, French workers strike, quarantined cruise ship).</p>
<p>The Caribbean has many great spots but never go that time of year-is it still hurricane season?
I love the island of Roatan for snorkeling and its beach on West Bay.<br>
Grenada is a cool place too. We went there and at first were a bit turned off and wondered what we were doing there. Ended up loving it and would return in a heartbeat. You probably need to give a range of what you are willing to spend and where you are flying from. I know flights were very pricey to the places I mentioned when we vacationed.
Puerto Rico has lots to see and do…Rincon, Vieques, old San Juan just to name a few.</p>
<p>My first spot I would recommend if staying in the US would be San Francisco and surrounding areas. Napa, Sea Ranch, Alcatraz…could go on and on. Lots of historical/cultural interest!</p>
<p>Snorkeling became a lot more fun when we invested in our own equipment. Dry snorkel was the key to enjoying snorkeling for me. In fact just buy the dry snorkel for yourself and rent the rest if you don’t want to invest in a bunch of equipment or haul it all on vacation. You’ll be amazed at the difference!</p>
<p>I ditto everyone who said Puerto Rico. You have the historical spots (El Morro in Old San Juan…beautiful!) plus all the great places on the Island. I think it would be a win-win for all your needs.</p>
<p>This would be an obvious, easy one for us. Snorkel, beach, warm, a little hiking? Sounds like Hawaii to me. If you live somewhere that Alaska airlines flies to, you can get a round trip that time of year for a great deal, usually. Kauai if you want fairly rural and plenty of places to hike, Maui if you want a little more civilization, Oahu if you also want the big city. Different reasons for all islands, but all are beautiful, have great beaches and snorkeling. No language issues, you can rent a condo fairly cheaply. Hawaii is our go to for a cheap, easy, relaxing vacation. You can never go wrong there.
Snorkeling out to the crater on Maui, or Hanauma Bay in Oahu, so beautiful.</p>
<p>How much do you want to spend…and how much time do you have? If you have time to travel 30 hours in each direction…plus a week to 10 days to stay there…go to Capetown.</p>
<p>Bus,alaska Air had sales recently for $199 each way to Hawaii from San Diego during Ebola scare. The fares went back up today. But Hawaiin Air has it reasonably cheap as well. I just checked for my secretary today, it should R/T about $500.</p>
<p>“Bus,alaska Air had sales recently for $199 each way to Hawaii from San Diego during Ebola scare. The fares went back up today. But Hawaiian Air has it reasonably cheap as well. I just checked for my secretary today, it should R/T about $500.”</p>
<p>Both good deals for such a long flight. We just went and had an even better deal. Our company paid for a first class ticket out there, and we paid $198 for the way back on Alaska Airlines. El cheapo.</p>
<p>@teriwtt was right - so many good ideas! Right now, I’m liking the Puerto Rico concept for this getaway, and that’s a destination that was never on our radar at all. DH has been working late all week so we haven’t had a chance to discuss plans, but he may come home to a full itinerary…</p>
<p>And then I can start planning another trip for the summer. :)</p>