vickib2

I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that I have never had a passport, but I never claimed to be a great traveler. The most "exotic" place I've been is San Francisco. : ) But, it is time to spread my wings a bit, I suppose, although Europe is still out because there is no way I'm spending that much time in the air over water. (got very nervous flying over Lake Pontchartrain when we flew to New Orleans)

DH has decided that we need to take a trip to some place that is warm (although by the time my passport arrives, it will be spring and the cold weather here will be gone). We've been collecting brochures on Mexico and the Caribbean, but we've made no decisions. The pictures are all of 20-30somethings clad in brief swimsuits, smiling dreamily at each other while holding a beverage. Where do 50-something people go when they want to enjoy some warm weather? We are really not the type to loll around in lounge chairs sipping drinks, so I'm really not sure about the suitability of a trip like this. We are definitely NOT interested in ziplining, windsurfing, or SCUBA diving.

DH likes golf and casinos. I like shopping for art, viewing natural scenery and experiencing local culture.

Cost is somewhat of a concern, although I really have no idea of the what this will cost. I don't think we are interested in more than 3 nights.

happytotravel

vickib2: Why don't you consider a cruise, it has something for everyone. Plus it will allow to see many different places, which will help you decide for your next trip. I know that we never would have considered Turkey, but because it was a stop on a Med cruise, we liked it so much we went back for a week. A Caribbean or Mexico cruise would be still give you many options.

suze

Just go to Mexico on your own. Both Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas are great for a first time trip. Of course they put the "beautiful people" on the travel brochures, but believe me that is NOT what everyone looks like on the beach once you get there.

You can somewhat aim your experience (to avoid 20-something party-scene) by the type of hotel or resort you choose to stay at.

hopefulist

You can also alter the experience by the time you choose to travel. Head there during the high school and college spring break weeks and you'll certainly be outnumbered.

I'm 50-something, too, and typically spend a month or so each summer in Central America; we're heading to Mexico for the 1st time this summer. I'd encourage you to spend more than 3 days. You'll barely have time to get in the groove and let your hair down in that time. How about renting a condo in someplace like Akumal? It's smaller and less crowded than some of the other options on the Yucatan and you could eat out some and have a kitchen if preparing some of your own food would help you feel less like you're out in public constantly, a feeling that gets old for us. There are easy tours to Maya ruins and local villages from there and you can snorkel from shore if you'd like. Just a thought!

Keep us posted!

ShellD

I'm not sure if you're into the idea of an all-inclusive resort type in Riviera Maya, but many are adults only. This type of place will often have an older crowd feel to it. While there will certainly be a lot of honeymoon couples, there is often a lot of people who are not young couples there. There are a lot of activites you can do that are not just hanging out at the beach or pool. A larger resort, like Adventura Spa Palace, or Valentin Imperial Maya would be great options. My parents enjoyed a trip to Adventura Spa Palace in their late 50s and it was their first time to Mexico. This year they're joining us on a trip to Costa Rica. And as one of the other posters mentioned, the people you'll find at the resorts are by no means all fit for the brochures! And they're not all young, tan and in bikinis!

I think if you talk to a travel agent you may find a great place that meets your needs. And definitely go for more than 3 days. You need time to get into the groove as hopefulist says...it's very true.

Have fun planning!

suze

Oops, I missed the 3 nights part!! I would definitely NOT bother to fly all the way to Mexico for only 3 nights. You need at least a week to make the trip worthwhile (I think).

packlady

Hi Vickib2... here are a few ideas:
1. San Antonio: Riverwalk, the Alamo, art, music fun, warmth, sports, good fun and...domestic
2. Sedona:...great art, views, hikes, golf, & romance
3. Key West: Fly to Miami and rent a convertible for the 3.5 hr drive to the southern most point of the U.S. Water sports and lots of outdoor music, art, food and fun in the sun.
Ernest Hemingway country.
3. The 3-night Mexican cruise out of Long Beach...leaves Fri aft, returns Mon morn...an inexpensive primer to the longer cruises. Royal Caribbean a better bet for 50 somethings than Carnival.
4. A year ago January, went to Puerto Rico, then took Princess to the Lesser Antilles for a week-long cruise.
Wonderful trip.

Have a great time!

Stewbear

I might suggest St Martin half French/ half Dutch. Has it all casinos, great beaches, golf, incredible food especially on the French side & very US friendly. A perfect first timers choice. One warning it is expensive.
I personally love Mexico but suspect it may be a bit too much of a cultural shock for you.

jetsetj

Sante Fe comes to mind.

vickib2

Thanks for your suggestions. I'm checking everything out.

AnnieSMA

Go where the 50+ year olds are moving to! Consider San Miguel de Allende, a 500-year-old colonial Mexican town in the central highlands, with springlike weather year-round (not humid in the summer like the coastal regions of Mexico) and lots of art and language classes. This town is a haven for single women over 50...fine to go alone to art exhibits, language schools, cooking classes, walking around town. You can rent a little casita or a house through San Miguel House Rentals: http://www.san-miguel-house-rentals.com