go_laura

Have never gone wrong with Fodorite suggestions, so I look forward to your ideas.

We're from Philadelphia area, in our early fifties, want warm weather, open to beach vacation but doesn't have to be. We likely have only a week or maybe week and a half, so prefer to make max of one flight change tho' that's not written in stone.

A place that would include at least a few of following favorite activities would be best: hearing live music, interesting and delicious non-fancy local dining, outdoor cafes for hanging out, beautiful parks or gardens or other types of nature, outdoor markets, interesting architecture, light hiking.

We'd like to go somewhere we've never been, and some places I could imagine could be suggested that we've already been include Puerto Rico; Austin, TX; Santa Fe, NM; Sanibel Island, FL; many parts of CA; Melaque, Mexico.

Thanks in advance!

thursdaysd

Argentina?

go_laura

interesting idea, thanks, think I'll go look for some trip reports in the South America forum, and also check how long the flight would take. Do you have specific areas of Argentina you've been and enjoyed?

thursdaysd

Click on my ame for my TR. Iguazu and Patagonia.

Rastaguytoday

Agree about Argentina.

go_laura

Any other ideas, anyone?

halfapair

What about Australia near Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast?

Katzgar

with only 11 days or so I would aim you at someplace close. the Florida Keys or a caribean island. The Bahamas maybe? New Orleans has great food and architecture.

http://www.louisianatravel.com/river-road-plantations

http://www.viator.com/new-orleans-to...f=02&aid=g2875

go_laura

Australia is on my wish list but for when I have more time available. Thanks for the New Orleans links, that's been on our short list so far and will check them out this weekend! We've gone back and forth about whether we have interest in the Caribbean Islands. Thinking now too of somewhere in Arizona. Keep ideas coming please, that's what's fun about this early stage of beginning to plan!

TC

Here is the link to one of our significant anniversary trips....Paris. It was amazing!

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...experience.cfm
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On another anniversary we spent a week in the South of France....Provence. All of the B&Bs we used were sexy and private. The food was outstanding. Lots of tiny, street side cafes. Rolling hills covered in lavender and sunflowers, delightful markets everywhere, hiking, biking, and glorious wine.

We spent three nights near Cassis. Beautiful water views.

Three nights at L'Eveche in Vaison la Romaine. Stunning B&B in the historic section of the city with views over the mountains and city below. Amazing food and perfect hosts. This city is a must!

http://eveche.free.fr/uk_index.htm

On to Mas de la Beaume in Gordes. This beautiful B&B looks across the valley at the city of Gordes. An outstanding view, especially at night. Hostess gave much attention and lots of great restaurant recommendations and driving routes. This B&B has been featured in many magazines.

http://www.labeaume.com/page1anglais.html

Last - but not least - was staying in Avignon with the most congenial Madame Michele at Villa Agape. I am not sure that Villa Agape is for rent any longer, but there are many other beautiful places in Avignon.

I found all B&Bs on the following web site and booked them directly with the owners via email.

http://www.avignon-et-provence.com/i...l#.UjseMcu9KSM
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How about a river cruise specializing in wines?

http://www.avalonwaterways.com/wine-...iverCruise2014
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Another favorite place of ours is Amsterdam. So easy to get there. Very easy to walk the city. Amazing architecture. Outstanding food. English spoken everywhere. Very bike friendly. Beautiful gardens. A week is just about the right length of time for Amsterdam.

geribrum

New orleans? Hawaii?

go_laura

TC, this last May we traveled to Provence and Paris! This will be a Feb. trip, or we might put it off to March if desired destination weather demands it.

New Orleans is starting to rise to the top so far (tho' I don't want to go for Mardi Gras, can't deal with that level of crowd OR drunkenness). But still open to more ideas. Hawaii seems far to travel for such a short time, but I think I'll look into it, as it's somewhere I've always wanted to go.

TC

NOLA would be interesting if you've never been. Keep in mind that the temps aren't "beach weather" in February. Averages are mid 60s for a high and lows in the 40s at night.

Have you been to the East side of Mexico? Such as Cozumel. Wonderful food. Beautiful water. Lots of nature. Easy flights. Small town feel with lots of great people. Not the party crowd that you get in Cancun.