Can anyone suggest alternatives to the islands for a Feb. vacation? Prices for the Caribbean have gone up since I started researching, so I started thinking about looking for something else. We must travel President's week - work leaves no flexibility in dates. We want a direct flight from Newark no longer than 4-5 hrs., have 6 days and a budget of $3,000 - $4,000 including flight & hotel. The most important criteria is to go someplace where the weather will be warm in Feb. Not Florida, we'll be there in Dec. We like the beach, the desert, hiking, city culture - we're open. No interest in nightlife. Any suggestions appreciated.

Mexico (Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, to name just a few possibilities). Finding where you can get to nonstop in 4-5 hours from Newark will be the trick.

Thanks, suze. But I should have said in OP, not Mexico. You're right about the time, maybe we'll have to up flight time to 6 hrs.

Are you looking for someplace in the U.S. then?

because I don't think there is anyplace besides Mexico or the Caribbean islands that fits your other requirements.

The U.S. would be fine. We've enjoyed hiking trips in Arizona and Utah in the spring, but Feb. would be a bit cold and maybe too icy. Daytime temps in the 70s would be fine.

I just don't think what you're asking is possible. A beach, weather in the 70's, not Florida, Caribbean or Mexico, in February and only a 4-5 hour flight from New Jersey.

Maybe repost on the U.S. forum? As you see, hardly anyone reads this "Travel Tips" branch.

Have you looked at Puerto Rico ? There are flights that week for $350. There are lots of air/hotel packages available on expedia etc. for $600-800 pp. Weather is great, you'll have the beach and lots more to do. Flight is only 4 hours. And it sounds like you do want a Caribbean vacation, which you would still be getting.
http://travellingdad.wordpress.com

After some investigation, we may well end up in Puerto Rico, for all the reasons travellingdad points out. We were never opposed to Caribbean vacation, I was just looking around for alternatives as the prices started to rise. Puerto Rico looks good, lots of flight options. Thank you both for the responses.

There are relatively cheap non-stop flights on Saturdays from Newark to Guatemala City. From there, head for Antigua (charming, historic city) and then Lake Atitlan. I don't think there's any really beachy you'd want to do in Guatemala but there are other things to do. You can probably get a nice, small hotel for $50-100 a night in Antigua.