Sedona is beautiful if you like outdoor activities.
So how old is D? That could open more possibilities for fun trips!
If I were in Florida with my daughter, I’d take a deep sea fishing charter. Catching a big fish is pretty cool.
^The D is a college junior.
Florida suggestions: In Key Largo you can see the boat they used for The African Queen - not worth more than a quick photo op, but fun! We have relatives who stay in Islamorada every year and they rave about it. Something we didn’t do, to my disappointment, was Dolphin Connection on Duck Key. I really wanted to get an original dolphin painting! Bahia Honda State Park on Big Pine Key has a wonderful beach.
For Puerto Rico, I took my suggestions from the helpful folks here: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/1698203-early-mid-december-vacation-destination-ideas.html#latest
I would go where you are guaranteed warm weather - try a spa in Arizona. Miraval is very nice.
Before taking a deep sea fishing trip–how sea sick do you get? Honestly some die hards get sick and then if you catch some great fish can you bring it back? Or just donate to the guide?
Beside cruising we loved visiting SanDiego
My D and I took a 5 day cruise to the Caribbean last Feb. She had a week between jobs and we really didn’t care where the cruise went. It was so very relaxing and WARM for her since she was coming from NYC.
I am planning a spring trip to Kiawah island,Charleston,Savannah, GE for a Spring break as well.
I did Charleston and Savannah with my mom years ago. We had a great time and the food was fabulous. We stayed in B&B’s in both towns.
We did a trip with both our kids–caught Amtrak from LA to Seattle & then drove & went to national parks from Seattle back down to LA. It was great & you can spent as long or short at each place as you choose. There were 4 of us–H, me, D & S. There was intermittent internet and the beds on the train were pretty comfortable and food was good.
I am going away with my two Ds this spring. We are going to the Blue Diamond in Cancun. It is all inclusive. We are going to lounge by the pool and eat. I know OP doesn’t want to leave the US…Phoenix and Palm Spring are very nice in March.
Hi Katie – What did you end up deciding to do?
I did Key West as the D in a mom-D trip and loved it. We ate, drank, went snorkeling on the reef via catamaran, took a sunset cruise and walked around. I’ve been back a couple of times since and done all of those things and some beaching. It’s been a long time though, it’s a lot more built up now than it was then (80s into early 90s).
The drive from Miami is a favorite, love to stop at Islamorada for the raw bar at Holiday Isle, nice halfway or so point.
I am so glad I started this thread as Puerto Rico was never on my radar as a possible vacation spot . Over the weekend my daughter and I chatted and decided that it is our Spring break destination! I think it will offer a “foreign” feel (without needing a passport!) as well as a good balance of relaxing on a beach with tropical beverages in hand as well as some very interesting excursions. I am also thankful for several other trip ideas that I have stashed away for Easter and future vacations. Now…anyone been to PR? Suggestions on hotels/excursions/restaurants will be much appreciated! Thanks so mcuh for sharing your collective knowledge.
I’ve never been to Puerto Rico but my brother and SIL have been twice with their college age children (niece is 20) and stayed here both times and loved it: http://www.laconcharesort.com/default-en.html
Great choice! DH and I really enjoyed both forts (but we’re history buffs), the restaurant Jibarito has wonderful traditional cuisine with not many tourists. If you like science, the trip out to the Arecibo radio telescope is worth it, but not so much if that’s not your thing. The El Yunque rainforest is another nice day trip and easily doable with a rental car. Tripadvisor has some good reviews.
We stayed in “new” San Juan and took the bus into the old city. There’s also a free tourist trolley that we could take into town but it didn’t return late enough to meet our needs. It saved us some cash, but I’m no fan of the San Juan bus station, where we spent more time than I would have liked. Taxis are plentiful and more convenient (look for the el morro logo on the side).
Barrachino, the home of the pina colada, is a nice stop, even if you don’t drink. I really liked the Casa Blanca, the home of the Ponce Deleon family - it’s being renovated, but is free and makes for a nice hour. There are several art museums if it rains, and of course, the beach is lovely!
I’ve stayed at the Hilton in San Juan. It is a very nice complex. It is on the water, has nice rooms with great bathrooms (haha), multiple pools with the usual swim up stuff, close to old town and the fort. ( Can’t remember the name)
We have stayed at the Sheridan in Old Town and loved the location. We would go up to a cafe in the morning and people watch and do the same in the evening. Friends of ours stayed at the El Conquistador on the coast and enjoyed being in a resort. My youngest d and her friends stayed here: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g147320-d736864-Reviews-Coqui_del_Mar_Guesthouse-San_Juan_Puerto_Rico.html They found in convenient, reasonable and the hosts were very friendly and helpful. I also love getting food from the street vendors. We had the best bbq chicken from a guy on the beach. Do be alert as there is crime. Don’t go to deserted beaches- use common sense and enjoy yourself.
I am thinking we would like a cushy resort type hotel so that can have a few “lay on a beautiful beach and drink fruity beverages” days and then will plan several excursions to venture away from the hotel. On the list are the El Yunque rain forest, the El Morro Fort, old San Juan for wandering and soaking up the local culture, and the bioluminescent bay one evening…I would love any hotel suggestions (positive or negative) and other ideas for excursions/tips and tricks/etc!