I need to get away for a week in December. Preferably somewhere not too cold. And not too expensive. Under $1K round-trip from Austin, TX. Europe, Asia, anywhere safe for a single male. Been to Paris, Provence, Venice, Rome, Florence, Portugal, Barcelona, and Portugal, so any some place different from the above would be preferable.

Would like to try Asia but I think flights from Texas are pretty expensive.

Thanks

How about Mexico? Or somewhere in South America?

I'd go to Mexico. It's cheap, warm, beautiful, and close to Texas.

I wouldn't travel further since you only have 1 week, plus I don't think you can afford airfare to Asia for the budget you mention.

Is the $1000 for air-fare only, or (hopefully not) your entire trip?

Ausin to Puerto Vallarta RT tickets are ~$500.

Any place specific in Mexico?

The $1K is just my own limit for the flight.

Asia probably is not a good idea since I only have a week.

I'm actually thinking Morocco or Greece, but would the latter be too cold to enjoy now?

Thanks

Suze, about Puerto Vallarta, is there much there besides the beaches? A nice beach right now does sound pretty nice but I'm afraid I might get bored after a few days unless there are other things to do.

Thanks

Puerto Vallarta is a "normal" small Mexican city, pop. ~250,000 as well as a beach tourist destination. It draws gringo tourists but also Mexican families from inland on vacation.

There are a lot of things to see around downtown. Every-day things, the cathedral, strolling the Malecon in the evenings.

Along side working local residents there is also a well-developed tourist infrastructure including bars, cafes, restaurants, galleries, activities, tours of all stripe (jungle tours, ziplines, ATV, horseback riding, snorkeling, parasailing, homes tours, booze cruise, water taxis, etc.)

I'm not saying it is the place for you, but it's where I head for a cheap solo vacation in December (Nov, Jan, Feb, Mar)... that's why I thought of it when I saw your question.

I'm not against Greece or Morocco & don't know about the weather there in December.

I just wouldn't personally spend that kind of money on the plane ticket and travel that far (both length of flights, connections necessary, and consideration of jet lag and time changes) for only a 7 days vacation.

Austai- I'm coming to Austin later this week, from San Jose, CA. Which would be way cheaper than your limit but not what you had in mind I'm sure. ;-). FYI, I like Suze's suggetion.

Suze, how is Puerto Vallarta for a gringo with very poor Spanish-speaking skills?

just fine. no problem. locals appreciate it if you know a few pleasantries, but it is not necessary to get by. anyone working the hotel front desk, waiting tables, vendors, etc. speak at least some english.

Puerto Vallarta is a gentle introduction to Mexico imo. You can stay in the resort areas (Cancun style) called Nuevo Vallarta or in the downtown/Old Town area for a more 'authentic' experience. PV has something for everyone, that's part of the beauty of it.

I also like Oahu (Hawaii) solo. Weather's nice, easy to get flights, there are reasonable priced hotels, and there's loads to see and do around Waikik/Honolulu that isn't just laying on a beach. It's not Asia but 1/2 the tourists are Japanese -LOL!

Hawaiian Air is having a sale and I can get to Oahu nonstop from Seattle for $350 in January!

OK, it's not that cheap but I really wanted to go some place really interesting and not too cold. So I'm going to ...

Morocco!

Wish me Bon Voyage!

bon voyage

Thanks, Suze. BTW, I didn't mean to imply Puerta Vallarta as not interesting.

morocco is too cold this time of year. the desert gets pretty cold at night time. it is interesting as hell but i would reocmmend going there in the spring or fall. summer is way too hot. winters are pretty cold. cancun sounds like a better option. how about south or central america like costa rica or belize? p.s. you will be harassed in morocco, i hope you have thick skin.

no offense taken, not in the least. i love Vallarta but don't consider it exceptionally "interesting" or exotic. but it is cheap and warm, which were two of your requirements. sounds like you might want to check in the weather in Morocco from the post above though?