$1200.00 and 3-5 days where to go?

Where are you starting from? That makes a big difference in $$$ and destinations.

sorry about that. I am starting from NY.

Usually you can get some decent coast to coast air fares (less usually than shorter flights) because LAX and JFK and very busy competitive airports. Maybe a 3-4 night stay in So. California. Lots to do there and it can be done economically.

I'd go to hotwire.com and try typing in various options to get an idea of the fares....this is a great website that will give you the fares first without obligating yourself. Don't do this on priceline.com or you'll get stuck with that location if your bid is accepted. On priceline.com you must give a credit card etc. before you even find out. Hotwire.com will allow you to play around with different options.
Usually traveling on Tuesday, Wednesday, (maybe Thursday) and Saturdays will give you the lowest fares, also make sure you stay over a Saturday night. Sounds like fun for you!!

So. California is great, but the weather won't be that good that time of year. That being said, I still love LA and San Diego for eating out, shopping, etc.

You could try to get a hotel and air package to Mexico (several provide this such as American or Apple Vacations). Puerto Vallarta is great and inexpensive (much more old Mexico spirit). Cancun is very Americanized, but has prettier beaches and the crystal clear water (would be a good option if you just wanted to decompress for a few days). Advantage is once you're there, Mexico is pretty inexpensive.

South Beach is another option, but it's expensive and weather tends to be dicey that time of year.

Your preference is for a warmer climate; however have you considered going to Europe? As long as you avoid the Xmas rush, you can often get great prices at that time of year to either London or Paris. It's also the low season and with fewer tourists, should be able to enjoy the city and get reasonably priced accommadations.

The big wild card here is airfares. You could always drive down to the Charleston area, but there is no gaurantee it will be warm.

I'd look for good internet airfare deals in Florida. Ft. Lauderdale would be doable.

(airfare - roughly $400 total, lodging for 3 nights - roughly $350).

One good night in Vegas and that $1,200 could become $10,000....

Jamaica, very inexpensive. Look at Air Jamaica's website for packages.

Dominican Republic.

My other recommendation is Key West, but it may not be what you're looking for, as there really aren't any decent beaches. But there is lots of sunshine, and it's such a fun place.

I thought London too (with lots of theatre tickets!) until I saw the warm requirement. I think the best idea for a budget may be an all-inclusive in florida or cancun. Do a search here - you should pull up some good stuff.

Why not a cruise? You may be able to find a reasonable price to the Caribbean on a cruise during that time. Plus your food and entertainment will be included. No need to pay extra for that. Only Liquor will cost out of pocket.Check out website- Bestpricecruises.com

Is $1200 your budget including air or after you buy your airline tickets? Assuming it is in addition to air fare. Coming out of NY you can get some smoking' deals in the winter months. Check the consolidator like Go-Today to see what might work for you. If you are looking for warmer climes in Europe in the dead of winter you will want to look further South, Italy, Spain or Greece. Someone suggested a cruise and maybe there is something in the Mediterranian. A Carribean cruise might work for you also.

Why bring up a 9 year old post? And why reco europe for warm weather in the coldest winter on record?

Makes no sense!

Oops, I didn't check the posted date. Hope they had a nice trip. Good catch NY.

I am just curious, AS, how did you even find this query?

Aisleseat,
Did you factor in inflation?