My boyfriend and I are considering Florida for a week-long RCI vacation (he won it at work). Only our lodging is covered and we don't have a lot of money to spend. Can anyone recommend a quiet beach location close to a larger airport (we'll be flying from DC and then renting a car)? We'd be happy to spend the week lying on the beach, but don't want to be somewhere like Miami where we'd feel like we're missing out because we need to be frugal.

Alison - Check out Fort Lauderdale. GREAT beach and hotels and restaurants to fit every budget. Fligths into FLL are usually priced pretty well. Even just north of Fort Lauderdale is still a nice area beach wise.

Since you said you just want to hang out on the beach, I'd recommend Melbourne Beach. Not much nightlife, but big quiet beaches and not too expensive.

Alison:
I have used my RCI exchange in Deerfield Beach at the Ocean Club. Small condo right on the beach. They have a heated pool and a jacuzzi. It was very nice. The staff was great. I went there because I wanted a relaxing Vacation. And it was one of the most relaxing. We flew into west Palm Beach but you could also fly into Ft Lauderdale. Have fun.

Alison - The Deerfield Beach area mentioned by Cat is very nice as she says. We actually stayed there last Nov. because I wanted to try out the Embassy Suites there. We had a great time and it is close enough to Ft. Lauderdale that we went to our favorite restaurants there as well. They were offering real good rates then, not sure about now.

Alison:

I feel like I am Lauderdale-by-the Sea, FL, Chamber of Commerce person but I recommend this beachtown highly (5 miles north of Ft. Lauderdale). Stay at the Coral Key Inn for about $64 a night (ask for rm 3, Murphy's bed goes into wall- more room during day) and it has a full kitchen (oven, sink, dishes, silverware, cups, frig, microwave). It is within EASY walking distance to a small mall on A1A that has an Eckerd Drug (for sunscreen and other small items) and a Publix grocery store. No motel can be over 3 stories so wherever you stay on El Mar Drive you feel close to the ocean. Across the street from the Coral Key is easy ocean access. Palm trees line El Mar Drive and the ocean. About a 6 block walk down El Mar Drive will bring you to Mulligan, a local and tourist watering hole where they have drink specials nightly. I was pleasant surprised when on a lark I decided to stay here.

Alison:
Do you have a choice of staying anywhere or just RCI properties?
I have an RCI property in Pompano Beach. Surfrider. Right across A1A from the beach. Quiet but just close enough to Ft Lauderdale. I enjoy my time there, as it is a very relaxing place to stay. An apartment like setting with a pool on the premises. Have a great trip!