<p>
You could at this end of the state (water temp’s about 71-74 now but never as warm as Fla or Hi) but definitely not up in the SF area (I used to scuba dive quite a bit in Monterey/Carmel - definitely always cold up there).</p>
<p>Belize actually has several 4 star plus hotels though they are not particularly cheap. If you want cheap tropical luxury, head to S. America that time of year.</p>
<p>Top Belize Resorts:</p>
<p>Ambergris Caye Region</p>
<p>Azul Belize — Ambergris Caye, Belize</p>
<p>Cayo Espanto — Ambergris Caye, Belize</p>
<p>Mata Chica Beach Resort — Ambergris Caye, Belize</p>
<p>Victoria House — Ambergris Caye, Belize</p>
<p>Inland Belize</p>
<p>Blancaneaux Lodge — Mountain Pine Ridge, Belize</p>
<p>Chan Chich Lodge — Gallon Jug Estate, Belize</p>
<p>Ka’ana Boutique Resort and Spa — Cayo District, Belize</p>
<p>Maruba Resort Jungle Spa — Maskall Village, Belize</p>
<p>The Lodge at Chaa Creek Rainforest Reserve, Adventure Centre and Spa — San Ignacio, Cayo District, Belize</p>
<p>Placencia Peninsula</p>
<p>The Inn at Robert’s Grove — Placencia, Belize</p>
<p>Turtle Inn — Placencia, Belize</p>
<p>I have to say that the Caribbean islands during the holiday period are overcrowded, overpriced, and filled with people that I would rather not spend time with. People “reserve” beach chairs in four spots and then never show up, just one example of the behavior that I find to be bad. Friends of mine go on cruise trips and they tell of having to “reserve” chairs by the pool. This is something that really bothers me. I also like a warm spot, but I would go to Phoenix/Scottsdale over the caribbean any time. However, it is not always that warm, and it can rain. Of course it rained plenty in Puerto Rico when I was there over the holidays years ago. In phoenix you can golf or play tennis. I also prefer the USA, but that is a quirk of mine.</p>
<p>I have been to the Carmel area in January, and I loved it. I swam outside, in a heated pool, not the ocean, but it is not sun bathing weather. Sunny yes, and warmer than NJ by a landslide. I really loved this spot.</p>
<p>Hawaii is really hard over Christmas. We looked into rentals (condos or a house) and over Christmas, most rent for two full weeks. It’s also a problem to get airline tickets over Christmas–you have to get your tickets way ahead.</p>
<p>I have been to Phoenix/Scottsdale over Christmas, also to Las Vegas and to San Diego. (Can you tell my anniversary is near Christmas). None of them were sun bathing warm weather. One trip to Scottsdale I was out by the pool in a warm robe and with a cup of tea.
I’ve also done the Mexico cruise out of LA around Christmas. The weather is a bit unpredictable. Sunny some days but we had a few where it was very stormy. One day they closed all the outside decks of the ship.
We’ve also done Hawaii in December. Weather unpredictable.<br>
I would look at belize, carribean as has been suggested.</p>
<p>Guatemala–Antigua (colonial town), Chichicastenago (mountains, mayan indian market), Palenque and Tikal (a fabulous excavated Mayan city) and Lake Atitlan (Aldous Huxley thought it the seconc most beautiful lake in the world)</p>
<p>South Florida is warm in December. There are deals to be had on flights (hurry, lots of sales this past week), as well as renting condos on the beach or staying at resort hotels. You’re not going to find much all inclusive in the states, but you can put together a nice trip. Beach trips are relaxing. Maybe not lots to do like Disney is, but with teens it can be nice. You can have fun at a beach house or condo, do some cooking to save $ (breakfasts and lunches) and eat out for dinner. VBRO (vacation rentals by owner) and other sites have quite a few choices. You have to sift through to find one week or 10 day rentals but they do exist. Even as north as Cocoa Beach is doable weather wise. You could spend a day at Kennedy Space Center. Now, historically there are some colder Decembers, but to be honest, most Decembers are quite nice. Heck, it is HIGH SEASON in Florida. You don’t have the extreme heat, few bugs, nice breezes, and the east coast is along the gulf stream and it is warmer than inland and warmer than Disney/Orlando.</p>
<p>What about Puerto Rico? I have friends who vacationed there last spring and loved it. I dont know how expensive it would be at Christmas to New Years. I would think they have all inclusive type resorts.</p>