Have you thought about just vacationing in Florida? Looking at some of the photos of Destin and Siesta Key the water looks almost as nice as Caribbean water. We have actually been tossing around the idea of going there vs. Cancun vs. Caribbean cruise vs. Caribbean islands......we can never make up our minds :)

I love the Florida Keys!

The Keys are a wonderful area and Key West is one of the more funky places you will ever visit. But be forewarned...it's not much for beautiful beaches. There are many fun things to do in Key West though. I always enjoy the Conch tour and there are some good restaurants. You MUST go to the pier for sunset as it is a daily event. There are many street performers and vendors at the pier several hours before the sun goes down. Cruise ships now stop in KW which is a bummer...so you might want to plan your trip after checking the calendar for ships that will be in port during your time frame. Some of the other Keys on the way down would have nicer beaches.

The beach at Bahia Honda state park is pretty darn nice.

I was surprised by the lack of beaches in Key West too. Still a very fun place to go. We also liked the Conch tour, great snorkeling, Mallory Square, and the treasure museum there. Lots of good places to eat as well.

Sparkelgem, do you like to snorkel? ..if so, Antiqua is nice and all of their beaches are open to the public. They have beautiful beaches.

oops! I mean Danasgirl :)

suze...you are absolutely right about Bahia Honda. I was referring to Key West with my beach comment.

Oh.. you all just brought back some memories. I spent a few nights camping on Bahia Honda many, many years ago during college spring break.

I'm a beach junkie and that is one special beach.

Flights from Florida to Cancun are not bad (1 1/2 to 2 hrs.) Jetblue has direct flights from Orlando and American from Miami. Other than the Bahamas, Cancun is closer than any other destination in the Caribbean. And actually Florida cities are closer to Cancun than Houston, check the map. I second the recommendation of Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen. I live in Orlando and it is a very easy trip to Cancun/Riviera Maya area.

Yes, but Houston is closer to San Diego so no need to fly all the way to Florida. I think Houston to Cancun is only about an hour and a half if I remember correctly.