December travel - where to go?
 

My husband and I have 5 days to travel in December (12/26-12/30, dates not flexible, though could stay until 12/31) and am trying to figure out where to go. I am located on the East Coast of the US. Have thought about Austin, Phoenix, San Fran, San Diego, but am open to other places. I have always wanted to see Montana, Wyoming, etc., but think I should save it for summer/spring/fall. Am absolutely open travel abroad, but do keep in mind that I only have 5 days (two of which would be travel days). Love the outdoors, don't mind the winter weather (though this trip wouldn't be for skiing) and would like to stay away from the East Coast since I've traveled much of it already. I also have a trip to New Orleans booked for March, so staying away from that as well. Suggestions?

My first thought was a European Christmas fair, but I think they will be over before you could get there.

I think Banff in the Canadian Rockies is among the most beautiful places in the world, in any season.

Savannah & Charleston/Hilton Head/Seabrook Island?

Cuba or Belize

You list cities but say you love the outdoors. The two don't really mix in my book.

If you like hiking and desert; would like a good chance of seeing bighorn sheep as you hike; want an upmarket room rather than a low priced motel (although those are available as well); like a bar/restaurant with some real atmosphere for evenings, then I can suggest something for you.

Fly to Palm Springs and rent a car. Drive to Borrego Springs (1-1.5 hours) and check in to La Casa Del Zorro or the Borrego Valley Inn. Visit the Anza Borrego State Park visitor centre (unique semi-underground)before taking a hike up Borrego Palm Canyon. Dine at Carlee's Bar.

http://www.abdsp.org/

http://www.lacasadelzorro.com/experience.php

http://borregovalleyinn.com/

https://www.google.ca/search?q=anza+...A&ved=0CBwQsAQ

http://www.borregospringschamber.com...gosprings.html

http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant...alifornia.html

Developers have been trying literally for decades to turn Borrego Springs into another Palm Springs. None have succeeded. There is probably more quiet money in Borrego Springs than loud money in Palm Springs. They like it laid back and unchanged. The claim to fame is not one traffic light, just a traffic circle (roundabout as they say in the UK) called Christmas Circle. Since my first visit in the 70s till today, almost nothing has changed really. It's what the southwest used to be.

I've travelled all over the world and Borrego Springs remains one of my favourite places to visit.

I would choose San Diego. In December you have the opportunity for some lovely coastal walks, biking, hiking, and exploring the surroundings in warm weather. San Diego also has the zoo, downtown shops and Balboa Park, which is good at all times of the year. The neighborhood of La Jolla is a good choice for some luxury boutique hotels, otherwise Pacific Beach is a good place to base yourself too. I don’t think I would choose to go abroad because for that length of time you just eat up days traveling.

In that area WilliamT, I prefer Del Mar. But since the OP hasn't even bothered to return and even acknowledge having read anything anyone has bothered to suggest, why add a new suggestion now?

Simple common courtesy is something a great many forum(all kinds) posters seem to lack.

I know this post is over a year old, but I want to apologize for not responding - I sincerely thought I had responded.

We ended up going to Borrego Springs and fell in love. We hiked, ate at Carlees, did a stargazing tour with Dennis Mammama, and then drove to the San Diego area and spent a night in Ocean Beach. Favorite vacation we've had yet.

Sounds wonderful -- thanks for reporting back