I face the big 50 on December 19. I live in LA and have travelled quite a bit, and I know I want warm and sunny. Any suggestions for a great Caribbean destination for me, nonathletic hubby and son(9)? I was thinking the week before Christmas, snorkeling, some sightseeing/ruins, good food and not too pricey. Costa Rica? Is there a special place in Mexico (love Oaxaca, been to Yucatan and would consider going back). We even like Atlantis, Bahamas,for the water fun aspect (not the casino!). Argentina instead? Ideas? Comfort? Thanks much!

Forget celebrating in the Caribbean. Come to Hawaii to celebrate your 50th! You can go island hopping on the Pride of Aloha (Norwegian Cruise Lines) for 7 days. Winter brings big waves to the north shore of Oahu that are a sight to behold. You can still snorkel in calmer waters on the south shore, eat at great restaurants, and have some great shopping at Ala Moana Shopping Center, one of the largest in the U.S.

I would post this on the Caribbean board. You may get a lot of great responses that way. If your husband is non-atheletic, than Costa Rica probably won't be for you. It is more of an adventure trip.
Aruba is hot, sunny and you can have the watersports or not. The Hyatt, Marriott or Radisson would be great hotels. For a relaxing snorkeling vacation, how about St.John or Grand Cayman? Like I said before, post on Caribbean, you will get alot of answers.

slcmama - hmmm, I'm facing the big 50 just 6 months after you, and your post made me think that maybe I should start planning something really special for myself --

anyway, whether you are interested in Hawaii or the Caribbean, both good choices, how about a 10-day cruise to explore either of those options. DH and I started crusing in 2002 and are now addicted. It's a nice relaxing way to vacation and still explore some of the sights you mentioned. If you don't drink much and can stay out of the casino, it's almost "all-inclusive".

Just a thought - now, I need to go and think about my 50th!

My husband and I are celebrating his 50th birthday and my 40th birthday with a trip to Kauai and Maui this July. I can't think of a more perfect place to go...I am sure anywhere on Hawaii would be a great place to celebrate sigificant birthdays.

Thanks to those who responded. But I am not a cruise kinda girl (unless I could afford the big suite with balcony, which I can't) and so far, having been to Oahu and Maui, I kinda prefer the Caribbean. The ocean is gentler and warmer. Thanks, and I will try Caribbean posting.

Aruba, Cayman, St. Barts...you can't go wrong with any of these. Tho everyone I talk to says Costa Rica can't be beat in terms of beauty and price.
Happy Birthday and enjoy!

I just loved Costa Rica - it is so diverse. You can stay in the rainforest in the middle of nowhere (on the Osa Peninsula), next to an active volcano with spectacular red lava (Tabacon Springs Resort next to the Arenal volcano) or one on many beaches (Tamarindo beach comes to mind).

Another idea would be Roatan. It is unique and the snorkeling/diving are top notch.

Warm & sunny?
Ambergris Caye, Belize... just back & I can't wait to go again.
Check out ambergriscaye.com... they also have a great message board.
Happy decision making.