brafit

Here goes...
First of all, much thanks for all the help I was given previously on a trip that eventually didn't materialize.

Now...I am desperately in need of a change of scenery. I probably won't be able to travel until November/December and most likely only over Xmas or New Year's because I just started a new job and can't really take time off for vacation, so I have to take advantage of long weekends.

I would love to go to Europe but don't want to waste 2 days travelling. I do have a budget in mind but would be very flexible if a suggestion sounded irresistible. And I definitely plan to go alone. I live and work in Washington DC and don?t want to see anything that even remotely resembles it (although a good nightclub or 2 would be welcome).

I detest the cold but don't necessarily need sand and sea (probably couldn?t afford it anyway), and as much as I would prefer to leave the US I would be open to sticking around if the place/price is right.

So, where does everyone live and can you recommend a quick 4-day pick-me-up?

Thanks in advance.

Eloise

Montreal generally rates high as a fun city with a nice European influence.

But if you detest the cold, I'm not sure Montreal is the place for you, even though you can wander through miles of underground shopping malls that connect to hotels, restaurants, concert halls, movie theaters, etc., without ever sticking your nose out into the cold.

rex

Brownsville, Texas?

Doesn't get much different from Washington, DC than that.

And warmer than almost of all of Europe, all winter long.

Best wishes,

Rex

bob_brown

Let me see if I have this straight.
1. You want to visit Europe in the winter, but you want warm weather.

2. You want to go to Europe but you don't want to spend 2 days traveling.

I suppose a Greek Island, Portugal, Italy south of Rome, or the south of Spain would fit the bill. But there is no way I know of to get there without using up most of a day going, and a whole day returning.

About half your time would be used in travel.

How about Jamaica or the Bahamas?
Or Aruba?

111op

NYC doesn't quite fit your criteria, but you're brave enough to take the Chinatown bus, the trip each way will set you back a mere $10.

Christina

I you are willing to go at Thanksgiving, I'd suggest Mexico or the Caribbean. They have great low-season rates at that time period, it's have hurrican season, but the weather is in the 80s, as usual. Don't know why you didn't mention that weekend as most employers I know give Friday off, so you already have four free days. The flight is less time than to Europe, also, although may take 5-6 hours if you have to transfer.

I went to Puerto Vallarta one Thanksgiving from DC and loved it. I got a room at about half their high-season rate. Another year I went to Guadeloupe (the French island in the Caribbean) for Thanksgiving, same deal (low rates then there, also). Neither of these places resembles DC at all, that's for sure. I love Mexican food and margaritas and the music, and Guadeloupe was great for the French flavor, rain forest, volcano, hiking, laid-back port cafes, etc.

The good thing for these places is you don't need to pack much, either.

brafit

Thanks to those who tried to respond seriously.

Like I said, I've more or less discounted Europe as an option. I was seriously considering Montreal but yup the weather was a deterrent. Done NYC on every bus that exists...will be doing New Orleans and Vegas in the next couple months but not alone which is really important to me.

Christina, Guadeloupe is a brilliant idea. I'm actually from the Caribbean so I wasn't really considering it because I figured I could always just go home and save a bunch of money but I completely forgot about Guadeloupe. I've been to Martinique a couple of times and loved it and have always wanted to try Guadeloupe. I can't go at Thanksgiving because there is somewhere else I might have to be so I hope the rates at Xmas aren't ridiculous but thanks for reminding me that there is a whole other side to the Caribbean that I should really look into more.

mikemo

We were in Montreal last 1st week of Dec when the N'Easter blew through - the back-end in M was actually quite romantic and the "old town" was "deserted" - kind of fun being the only guests in the River Front B&B.
Still too cold for me for a long visit.
M

mikemo

Oh, the food was great and the USD still buys something.
I actually went to High Mass @ Cathedral Notre Dame on Sunday and contributed $5.CN - pretty nice choir and organ.
Other than weddings and funerals, I avoid organized religious stuff.
M

bx3

cancun

rex

Did my answer seem less than serious?

Christina

brafit, I had no idea you were from the Caribbean -- I can see why you'd want someplace different. Guadeloupe was nice, though, much more laid back than Martinique (from what I hear). You know Guadeloupe was the agricultural island and Martinique the trade center, I guess.

I am afraid Xmas/NY is peak season in those areas, though, so you won't get the good discounts as you do at Thanksgiving, that's why I suggested that. In fact, I think year-end holidays are their peak rates.