In late October there is a short school break here in MN and my friend and I take our girls on a 5 or 6 day trip. In the past we have been to Disney, San Diego, Sanibel, and took a cruise. We want to use frequent flyer miles this year, so we need to book it soon. Looking for tips on where to go; we are 2 moms and two 12 year old girls. Weather is unpredictable many places in October. Looking for somewhere we could either count on reasonably decent beach/pool weather or else somewhere with lots of fun things for us to do. I am stumped this year. Wanted to go to Playa del Carmen, but no direct flights are available in October and I don't want to spend a whole day traveling. Help!

Probably- also bad flight options but Grand Cayman is somewhere I go every year. Also consider NYC- exciting place and so much to do, also New Orleans- again plenty to experience and 12 is a good age to enjoy the music.

I second New York City. I know, no beach, but you and especially the girls will love it! We went this past August and my 13 year old daughter LOVED it - Cannot wait to go back, and has decided she wants to go to college in NYC...

Plus, October is a beautiful time in the NE.

What about Bermuda - I know they had a hurricaine this year, but not a usual event. Temps in October should be 75-80 - my kids call that beach weather although I do not. I imagine you would have to change planes somewhere, but several airlines fly so perhaps you could use your FF miles. On what airline are your miles?

What about South Florida? Off season, very hot, great rates.

Check Miami, Florida Keys, Ft. Lauderdale.

Our miles are with Northwest. Thanks for the ideas so far, you guys are great! Keep 'em coming!

Agree with Florida, suggest Tampa/(Clearwater Beach-for ocean access)/St Pete (TPA) so you can visit Busch Gardens, or Orlando (MCO) where you could do Universal Studios, Seaworld, Space Center, if you have already seen Disneyworld and Islands of Adventure. It is possible to drive an hour so between Orlando and Tampa if you prefer one location over the other.

Here is link to Fodors guide info:
http://www.fodors.com/miniguides/mgr...ndo_disney@112

Hi loangalsal,

Florida weather in October is glorious!
I also second the suggestion for Clearwater, St Pete area - Inexpensive and the beach goes on forever!!

Happy planning!

Consider Charleston, SC. Wild Dunes is a lovely beached area and you can go into Charleston to shop or dine, and of course Sullivan's Island, nearby has great eats as well.

Next time I use my FF miles I'm going to HAWAII!! We were pricing a trip this past May and found it was just as expensive to stay in Key West as it was in Hawaii. Unfortunately, there were no FF seats available for our time slot. They said you need to book 6-12 months in advance.

Another idea is Toronto. I loved this city. Very clean, great transportation, and loads to see and do. It was a good use of my FF miles, too.

Also, South Florida is nice in October, but still hot. However, if you bid successfully on Priceline.com you could get the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort for a song that time of year (unless it's the last weekend in October -- Int'l Boat Show is in town.) I saw rooms going for about $68 this past October, full price is about $175-$200. And it's right on the beach! And the water taxi is loads of fun.

So many choices...
(I'm envious)