Advice on Warm Sun/Beaches
Nov 29th, 2001, 03:00 PM
#1
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Advice on Warm Sun/Beaches
Midwesterner here, looking for advice...my spouse & I (no kids)are looking for somewhere new to vacation for 7-14 days in Jan,Feb or March. Definitely looking for a warm area to get away from OUR weather! We would like to be near the ocean, have access to good seafood restaurants, local shops (not malls!) to explore, etc. We love to stroll the beaches or take sailing excursions, as we're not into active water sports such as snorkeling, jetskis, etc. anymore. We just want to relax, explore the area we visit, see the sights, without a lot of traffic or crowd hassle. We have been to Hawaii, Key West, Sanibel Island area, Playa del Carmen & Cozumal - anywhere new you enjoyed that you could recommend? Thanks!
Nov 29th, 2001, 10:06 PM
#2
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You've posted this question at the USA forum, and you've just listed the only place in the USA that has reasonably warm midwinter beaches...Florida (and Hawaii, off continent).
So....if you want other suggestions you'll be looking at: Caribbean/Aruba/Curacao, Costa Rica, Rio de Janeiro, Tahiti/Bora Bora, Australia (Queensland esp), Bali, Seychelles, Thailand/Phuket and then the more obscure places. In Mexico, don't forget Cabo.
What's your budget and how far are you willing to travel?
So....if you want other suggestions you'll be looking at: Caribbean/Aruba/Curacao, Costa Rica, Rio de Janeiro, Tahiti/Bora Bora, Australia (Queensland esp), Bali, Seychelles, Thailand/Phuket and then the more obscure places. In Mexico, don't forget Cabo.
What's your budget and how far are you willing to travel?
Nov 30th, 2001, 03:05 AM
#3
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I vote for Puerto Vallarta if you are willing to go to Mexico. Search latin america threads for much advice if you want information. Otherwise if you want to stay in the US, maybe go to California-San Diego, Carmel, Santa Barbara...but you won't get the warm weather you would get in Mexico. What about a Cruise? Many options there, but southern Carribean cruise would fit the bill...
Nov 30th, 2001, 03:30 AM
#4
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Go to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. They are just beginning to really develop it! In 10 years, it will probably be a huge tourist area like Cancun and you'll be glad you went there before everyone discovered it! Negril in Jamaica is nice and more laid back than Ocho Rios or Montego Bay. Check the Caribbean threads.
If you do decide on west coast Mexico, like Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Acapulco or Cabo, be aware that the beaches won't compare to where you've been and the weather might be warm but the water won't be!
If you do decide on west coast Mexico, like Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Acapulco or Cabo, be aware that the beaches won't compare to where you've been and the weather might be warm but the water won't be!
Nov 30th, 2001, 06:03 AM
#5
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Dakotah,
I disagree with Randy's assumption that HI and FL are the US's only reasonably warm coastal areas from January through March. I live in North Myrtle Beach SC, and the average daytime high temps here are 60 in February and 68 in March. From personal experience, I can tell you it can be quite a bit warmer than that.
Further south, and especially in March, you should have great weather for a trip to the place I think you must see based on your stated preferences......
Charleston SC and the surrounding beaches. If you want a great, natural beach setting, try Kiawah Island. It's about 45 minutes to drive into Charleston, where you'll find lots of history and great restaurants. Kiawah is a private resort that is nicely done and the beach there is fantastic (relatively unspoiled).
Wherever you go, have a great time!
I disagree with Randy's assumption that HI and FL are the US's only reasonably warm coastal areas from January through March. I live in North Myrtle Beach SC, and the average daytime high temps here are 60 in February and 68 in March. From personal experience, I can tell you it can be quite a bit warmer than that.
Further south, and especially in March, you should have great weather for a trip to the place I think you must see based on your stated preferences......
Charleston SC and the surrounding beaches. If you want a great, natural beach setting, try Kiawah Island. It's about 45 minutes to drive into Charleston, where you'll find lots of history and great restaurants. Kiawah is a private resort that is nicely done and the beach there is fantastic (relatively unspoiled).
Wherever you go, have a great time!
Nov 30th, 2001, 07:12 AM
#7
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Chuck:
You just proved my point.
I stated that the only warm beaches in the US in MIDWINTER are in FL and HI.
If you consider 60 degrees a warm midwinter temperature, suitable for beachgoing, then you're either an Eskimo or you wear a wetsuit to the beach!
Jetskiing and snorkelling in South Carolina in January? Not for me.
Gotta go much farther south for that.
And whoever suggested Southern California for January or February, I'd say the exact same thing. Not nearly warm enough (90+% of the time) to enjoy the beach.
You just proved my point.
I stated that the only warm beaches in the US in MIDWINTER are in FL and HI.
If you consider 60 degrees a warm midwinter temperature, suitable for beachgoing, then you're either an Eskimo or you wear a wetsuit to the beach!
Jetskiing and snorkelling in South Carolina in January? Not for me.
Gotta go much farther south for that.
And whoever suggested Southern California for January or February, I'd say the exact same thing. Not nearly warm enough (90+% of the time) to enjoy the beach.
Nov 30th, 2001, 08:36 AM
#9
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Randy,
I think we are defining reasonably warm from different sets of assumptions.
I think 60 degrees-plus in February is reasonably warm for the original poster, Dakotah, because he or she specifically stated he or she had no interest in getting in the water. Walking and relaxing on the beach in temps above 60, especially for a Midwesterner, would be comfortable IMO.
If Dakotah does not consider that warm enough, then I agree it's time to head further south.
I think we are defining reasonably warm from different sets of assumptions.
I think 60 degrees-plus in February is reasonably warm for the original poster, Dakotah, because he or she specifically stated he or she had no interest in getting in the water. Walking and relaxing on the beach in temps above 60, especially for a Midwesterner, would be comfortable IMO.
If Dakotah does not consider that warm enough, then I agree it's time to head further south.
Nov 30th, 2001, 02:44 PM
#11
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Thanks for the posts - I'm new at posting, as well as computer usage, so thanks for bearing with me! I really do enjoy temps of 70-80+ degrees, but when you're coming from -40 wind chill, 60 is just fine! We are looking at beaches more for strolling, shell-seeking, natural enjoyment rather than the active physical activities. We do enjoy light kayaking, though. We aren't too familiar with outside US travel (what requirements are needed), so that's why I posted in US. Is the Carribean easy to go to? Passports, etc.? Safety factors?
Nov 30th, 2001, 05:10 PM
#12
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US territories and such (US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico) require no passports or special documents.
In fact, virtually everyplace in the Caribbean welcomes tourists from the US with either US driver's license or birth certificate.
If you really want to make the most of your 'winter break' trip, I'd head south of the US (you already know Mexico) and hit one of the Caribbean favorites. There's plenty to choose from, but there are things you need to know about each island.
My favorite for simply warming up during winter with low stress and high safety factor is Grand Cayman. Beaching and snorkelling are the highlights. But it's a flat, scrubby island and it can be expensive.
Aruba has the most predictable weather (year round) but is also flat and scrubby. Actually it's a desert island. But also very safe and easy to manage for first timers. Plenty of good resorts and miles and miles of beaches.
I'm not a fan of Jamaica only because of the horror stories I've heard. I know lots of people like it, but it's just not someplace I ever want to visit.
The British Virgins are safe with good beaches and some very nice places to stay, but there's little in the way of towns.
I don't like St. Thomas for the same reasons I don't like Jamaica, but I've been to ST.
St. John is very pretty and small. Some of the best beaches in the Caribbean are there.
There's a Caribbean island for almost every taste. You just have to match up your goals with what's out there.
In fact, virtually everyplace in the Caribbean welcomes tourists from the US with either US driver's license or birth certificate.
If you really want to make the most of your 'winter break' trip, I'd head south of the US (you already know Mexico) and hit one of the Caribbean favorites. There's plenty to choose from, but there are things you need to know about each island.
My favorite for simply warming up during winter with low stress and high safety factor is Grand Cayman. Beaching and snorkelling are the highlights. But it's a flat, scrubby island and it can be expensive.
Aruba has the most predictable weather (year round) but is also flat and scrubby. Actually it's a desert island. But also very safe and easy to manage for first timers. Plenty of good resorts and miles and miles of beaches.
I'm not a fan of Jamaica only because of the horror stories I've heard. I know lots of people like it, but it's just not someplace I ever want to visit.
The British Virgins are safe with good beaches and some very nice places to stay, but there's little in the way of towns.
I don't like St. Thomas for the same reasons I don't like Jamaica, but I've been to ST.
St. John is very pretty and small. Some of the best beaches in the Caribbean are there.
There's a Caribbean island for almost every taste. You just have to match up your goals with what's out there.
