<p>We are planning to take our 2 sons (22 and 19) and their girlfriends on a vacation during the week between Christmas and New Years. We would like a warm weather location (we live in the northern plains) with lots of activities available so that everyone can find something they enjoy. We have ruled out Mexico; however a relatively safe Caribbean island would be an option. We do not want to go on a cruise. We have considered Hawaii, but the travel time for only a one week vacation might be a little much (you can get virtually nowhere on a direct flight from where we live).</p>
<p>What are your favorite warm weather vacation destinations? If you have a particular resort (or even a condo/home) that you like, please include that information. We would prefer a more adult oriented location (older teens would be great, but would prefer not to have lots of small children running around - love kids, but just want to be able to relax by the pool in peace :-)).</p>
<p>Thanks in advance - I always get great advice here!</p>
<p>If you must change planes in any event then I would think Maui or the Big Island could be fun. I would look into an apartment and also when you arrive rent snorkeling gear for everyone for the duration. If you go to Maui consider driving to Hana and around the island.
Food is very $$$. So cooking some meals and hitting happy hours (under 21 allowed) on the beach is the cheapest way to go.
I have no info about the Caribbean but Hawaii is an easy place to visit.
It sounds like you will have to rent a minivan for 6 people so would look into the cost of that as a first thing.
Can you give some idea of budget? Cheap? Luxurious?</p>
<p>I know you have discounted Hawaii but Maui might be worth a second look. Check 'vacations rentals by owner" (VRBO.com) for available rentals. Christmas week is very busy…but it’s busy everywhere. There is a Costco right by the Kahilui airport which can greatly reduce costs if you plan ahead. Also, with 6 people (adults) maybe it’s better to rent 2 vehicles and reduce the stress of everyone having to agree on a plan.</p>
<p>I personally can think of nowhere better than HI! There are so many different microclimates in the different parts of our state, from HOT and sunny to cooler. There is golfing, windsurfing, snorkeling, surfing, stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, and so, so much to do!</p>
<p>Hawaii is truly a memorable destination and it doesn’t have to be much more expensive than most others.</p>
<p>My family’s favorite place to go for winter vacation is the Florida Keys (we’re actually going to Marathon Key for Christmas!). They’ve got great beaches, delicious food, and lots of activities(fishing, kayaking, sports, etc.). Most importantly, it’s just an incredibly calm, relaxing environment. </p>
<p>If you’re looking for a little adventure, the Everglades and Key West are fairly close by.</p>
<p>We enjoyed the Dominican Republic in January. At Punta Cana airport, there were direct flight leaving for Yekaterinburg! So you may have direct flights from somewhere close by the upper midwest.</p>
<p>Like others, though, I wouldn’t totally discount Hawaii. If you’ve got to go through Chicago anyway, I’m sure there are direct flights from ORD to Honolulu and probably Maui and Kona as well.</p>
<p>There are many great options in Florida! Here are a few:</p>
<p>The Tampa / St Pete - Clearwater area offers great beaches with many things to do close by (Shopping, Restaurants, Museums, Busch Gardens etc…). Clearwater beach is very nice.</p>
<p>Miami Beach / South Beach - Very hip with tons to do & see. Great restaurants! Lots of nightlife options. Beautiful beach. I like to stay in the area around the Eden Roc or the Fontainebleau. You can fly into either Miami or Ft. Lauderdale</p>
<p>The Keys - peaceful, laid back and beautiful. We are partial to Islamorada. Key West is a blast!</p>
<p>The list of places in Florida could go on & on (Naples, Sarasota Area, Palm Beach)!</p>
<p>Puerto Rico? Don’t need a passport; it’s affordable (flights and hotels) and if you stay in Old San Juan or Condado, there is enough night life activity for everyone.</p>
<p>St. Thomas is also lovely. And my brother took his family to Virgin Gorda (British Virgin Islands) – loved it.</p>
<p>I’ll second Sportsmom. In Palm Beach, the Breakers.In Boca, The Boca Resort. Lots of hotels in South Beach from the big ones to small boutiques, like French one or deco ones. I like the Keys. Its 2 hours (if traffic moving) between Key West (at bottom) to top. More details if wanted.</p>
<p>We’ve been to Hawaii in December and it was unseasonably cool weather.</p>
<p>I agree, stay away from Mexico, imo.</p>
<p>We have been to several Caribbean islands and I would recommend either Aruba or Saint Maarten. They are both more lively than some of the other quieter islands. Good for older teens.</p>
<p>I’ve spent countless vacations in Florida in late December which have been cold, rainy and downright yucky so if you don’t want to take a chance week could be a bust go farther south. St. Thomas, St. Marteens/St. Johns, Anguilla, Jamacia. PR is also a very good suggestion. </p>
<p>I didn’t like Aruba at all - too dessert-y and the beaches were rocky.</p>
<p>If cost is a large factor, I would stay with the Florida Keyes. There are a variety of accomodations in all price levels. Next I would consisder Puerto Rico, Costa Rico and Hondouras.</p>
<p>I’ll second the suggestion of Grand Cayman. Lower key but nightlife can easily be found if you want it. We were at a beach bar one night and Ziggy Marley showed up unadvertised and played a few songs! Swimming with the stingrays was a big hit and the beaches were beautiful. Flights were plentiful.</p>
<p>Edited to add that I think we were there in late January, albeit a number of years ago, and the weather was perfect.</p>
<p>Thank you for all of the great suggestions! I really do want to get to Hawaii someday, but I think I would like to go when I can stay longer. I think I will check out some of the recommended islands. We have been to Florida many times and may be interested in trying someplace new.</p>
<p>Cost isn’t a major factor. We would prefer to stay in a house or condo rather than in hotel rooms. I am most concerned with ease of travel. It takes one flight just to get to a major hub. We could drive to Minneapolis if necessary to eliminate some of the travel delay risk. I will come back with more questions once I do some research.</p>
<p>"We have ruled out Mexico; "
-I do not know why, but from my prospective, it is a big mistake. Cozumel has been our favorite destination for about 16 years and it will be our next vacation. We have gone to other places (Jmaica, Cayman, cruise,…) nothing measure up ro Cozumel for us, the only negative trend that we have noticed is that it is getting more crowded and specifically with the HS kids coming with their parents, and we do not care for that. So, we decided to go a bit earlier next year, see what happen.
I do not like Florida at all, it is not a vacation for me, but others might love it. How you can listen to other people, got to try yourself and see.</p>
<p>Just a dream to go with family in winter, but after a little time in Puerto Rico, would go back in a heartbeat. There is history in Old San Juan, amazing beaches, kind people, all sorts of nature to explore.</p>
<p>I’ve been to a number of islands, and we keep returning to St. John. You simply can’t beat it. It does require a short ferry ride from St. Thomas, but you fly directly into St. Thomas. St. John is unspoiled, but plenty to do with excursions to other islands, snorkeling, fun bars and cafes etc. Much of the small island is still national park, so it is very uncrowded and special. That is a busy week everywhere, but St. John has a cult following and there is good reason for that…</p>