Jackie

Where would you spend a 50th birthday in March? Must have warm weather and remain in the "homeland". At the moment, thinking the west coast of Florida, but that seems pretty pricey. Would be flying out of Boston and traveling with my sister.

Lulu

Puerto Rico, you'll have a ball and so warm.

Gerry

Hawaii!!!

Cindy

Try the Florida Keys - you should be able to find a reasonable rate somewhere if you can work around spring break.

John

New Orleans is gorgeous in March.

Jackie

Thanks for the advice so far. I've been to Puerto Rico and Hawaii. I would go to hawaii again, but for now not comfortable traveling across water--looking for some place warm that I can drive home from if necessary.

Randa

How about Charleston, SC? I live down here and can tell you Charleston is gorgeous in the spring. You can make a day trip down to Savannah, or Hilton Head if you prefer, but just staying in Charleston is wonderful enough. Depending on when in March you'll be here, Charleston can be very warm during the day or a bit cool, but not too bad. By the way, congrats on turning the big 5-0, which I did last month!

Arabella

Jackie,

What do you and your sister like to do? Are you looking for more of an active vacation with tennis, golf, swimming or are you more interesting in sightseeing? Are historic sites more important than shopping? Do you like music? Tell us more about what you'd like to do.

garyt

Jackie - The Ritz Carlton in Naples... viewed by experts as one of the top luxury hotels in the country. Pricy? yes, but how often are you 50?

Debi

Jackie - first, Happy Upcoming birthday! My 50th is also in March and I'm trying to figure out the same thing. Florida is always good - although it's probably not hot enough to swim, it's still way better than New England in March! I'd try the Keys, though. You can find extremely reasonable places in the upper keys which puts you close enough to Key West to spend the day - but also close to Miami, etc. It's laid back. Downside -no good beaches. So, you could go anywhere along the Gold Coast - Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Boca - or Ft Lauderdale, etc. You can find reasonable places there - and the beaches are great, fabulous restaurants. You could, of course, always to Disney World. I personally love the place and the older I get, the more I seem to enjoy it (and since I don't remember anything any more - I don't tend to embarass myself.....) Or, you could try Sannibel or Marco Island. Whatever you do - have a great time!

chuck

If warm weather is a prerequisite, how about: Tucson, Phoenix or San Antonio. I have relatives in Tucson, and although I haven't yet visited, it sounds like great southwestern scenery.

I have been to San Antonio and loved it. My wife & I stayed near Riverwalk and had a great time--a fun, welcoming, laid back place. We stayed at the Menger Hotel and were very pleased with that.

Have a great time, and happy birthday!

Jackie

Thanks for some interesting options I hadn't considered.

Arabella: My ideal vacation would include reading on a beach (or by a pool) under an umbrella while a waiter serves me margaritas, nice restaurants overlooking water, historical sights/sightseeing, botanical gardens, antiquing and a little shopping.

That being said, I posted this question on Saturday; on Sunday the bombing began and a new anthrax case was discovered. Tonight, I spoke with my sister and she now wants to "wait and see". My trip plans are pretty shaky at the moment.

Debi

While I understand your sister's concerns - it's your 50th birthday!! You've got to go somewhere - so to add to the person who recommended Arizona, and knowing you like the relax, by the pool thing - another option is Palm Springs - very warm, nice resorts, beautiful if you like the desert. Tucson is also not bad - kind of interesting. You could probably even get a very reasonable trip to some place like Cancun.... If you go to Phoenix (also an interesting place) take a couple days and go to Sedona - absolutely gorgeous!

Fellow New Englander

If I had my choice, I'd head to the Breakers in Palm Beach, FL. There's a great spa, nice restaurants; shopping (although pricey); pool, golf, beautiful architecture. We went there for our 10th Anniversary and enjoyed it. Although I will warn you, it is expensive. I believe they may have special deals though. A wonderful place to celebrate. I'd go back just for the Spa.

Beachbum

Jackie,
Congrats on the upcoming event! If I may throw in another tidbit of advice...spend the money. Not only do you turn 50 once, but the pricier places will not be overrun with families and teens on spring break...your serene vision of reading by the pool shattered by squealing kidlets and teen boom boxes.
Although I have not been there yet, on my list is St. Augustine, FL. I understand wonderful shops, history, and beach all in one quiet place. I believe their website is www.oldcity.com
Have a great trip, and go ahead and PLAN! you can always cancel later if you feel the need.

jackie

Wanted to follow-up and let you know that I opted to take my chances and fly over water after all. Booked a trip to Tortola this morning!. Thanks for all your help.