Inexpensive getaway
 

My boyfriend and I are ready to escape the NY cold! We were thinking of visiting the Caribbean or Florida for a beach vacation. We'd like a modest but CLEAN hotel on a nice beach, preferably with tennis courts or courts nearby we can use. We only play occasionally but would like it as an option. We'd also like to do some snorkeling if possible and maybe some other outdoor excursions. We're pretty active and like to have that as an option but since we live in NYC, we don't really want a hectic vacation or need a lot of entertainment- we're trying to get away! Any suggestions would be appreciated. Some places I've heard of are the keys and Sanibel Island but I don't know much about them.

This is an idea that might be considered quaint by some, just the way to relax by others. If you want a quiet atmosphere on a good beach, fly into Tampa, rent a car, and drive over to Pass-a-Grille (the south tip of St Pete Beach) and stay in one of the little family owned motels right on the beach. There's a public tennis court nearby, and several good restaurants in easy walking distance--as well as lots more you can drive to if you go into St Pete Beach proper or into St Petersburg.

One such place that always gets good reviews is the Inn on the Beach (www.innonbeach.com) in Pass-a-Grille. I live in the area and this little hotel is always popular and in a good location. If you want something a little different and really laid back, give this suggestion a try. Good luck.

Thank you. I appreciate you suggestion and fast reply. That sounds great except that Tampa and St. Pete are the only places in Fl that I've already been. I'd like to try a new area since I've been going to St. Pete for as long as I remember (have family there). Any other suggestions?
Thanks!

What about the Florida panhandle, and if you are not set on a particular hotel, get a great deal on Priceline. I am doing that for a short trip to FL in April. Marco Island and Sanibel are very nice areas to visit.

Try http://www.site59.com for last minute getaways.

Is the Florida panhandle warm enough in early April? I kinda want guaranteed warm weather. Where exactly is Sanibel Island? Are there any breathtaking beaches in Southern Florida that are must sees?

I would not recommend the Panhandle in April. It will probably be warm but no guarantees. Also, you want snorkeling so you can pretty much rule out Florida unless you go to the Keys. But the Keys don't really have great beaches.

I would definitely go to the Caribbean. It's a great time of year and no threat of hurricanes. Go to the Caribbean board here to narrow down your options. I like St. John, USVI. I don't like Jamaica but a lot of people do. Or maybe Eluethra (sp?) in the Bahamas.

Good luck!!

We're thinking of maybe going to Sanibel Island. If we throw out the snorkeling requirement, do you think it meets our other ones? Is it a nice place for couples or mostly just family oriented? There appears to be a lot of activies, good weather, nices beaches, and restaurants and it's not as expensive as the Caribbean. We'd like to to the Caribbean but maybe another year when we've got more to spend.

Sanibel is actually pretty boring. I'd go to Naples instead. Better restaurants, more nightlife. Or how about South Beach in Miami. That is a really fun place to go.

Check prices for Freeport, Bahamas. That is about the cheapest Caribbean destination because it is the closest. They might still even have a boat that takes you there from Ft. Lauderdale. That way you get the blue-blue water, snorkeling, gambling, and the whole laid-back island lifestyle. And you also get the whole "visiting another country" thing which makes a trip more exciting.

Were you or your boyfriend ever in the military or work for an airline or Fedex, UPS? This site offers up to 75% off cruises and all-inclusives if you qualify.

http://www.interliner.com

We're not really into nightlife and gambling. We live in Manhattan and just want to get away from the craziness for a week and enjoy being outside.

Freeport is much more laid back than Nassau. I love Freeport and Lucaya. It feels like authentic, kick off your shoes, enjoy the beach sort of place.

I'm 34 with a 2 year old and one on the way, so when I say "nightlife" I don't mean partying with J-Lo until 4 am. :) I just mean a little something to do. I just remember being very bored in Sanibel. And you would have to have a car.

Here is the boat to Freeport I was talking about. They have special room rates on the island as well.

http://tinyurl.com/jc7aw

Any affordable (but clean & nice) hotels on the beach you'd recommend Kellie?

I kind of agree that Sanibel is boring but if you're wanting to get away from the craziness and relax and be outside, I think you would enjoy it. You can lay on the beach or rent some bikes. Sanibel is Florida without all the high rises so it feels much more laid back. There have been a lot of threads here lately on Sanibel accomodations so you should search for those.

Another place I would definitely recommend if you've never been there is Key West. Beaches aren't the best but it's a great place to enjoy being outside all day. Bike riding, snorkeling, walking around town, eating, drinking, sailboat cruise, etc. It's laid back but there's also plenty to do. I would actually recommend Key West over Sanibel cause it's just more fun, but it doesn't have to be hectic at all.

It has been many years since I've been there, so I wouldn't know. You should start a new topic on the Caribbean thread and ask.

If it is out of your budget, it is out of your budget. But we love the islands so much more than Florida, so if it isn't too much more, I'd definitly look into it. That blue water just can't be duplicated.

Austin,
Any lodging recommendations in Key West? Less than $200 a night?
Thanks everyone for your help!

There have been lots of threads lately about lodging in Key West too so I'd look at those. Also, you might start a new thread titled "Key West Lodging Under $200" since your current title is a little vague.

Let us know which place you end up picking!

For Wayne:
Thanks for your post.
This sounds like the kind of
place parents would like next
winter, for 3-4 months.
What do you think, they're
very active but don't want
a wild scene, and would likely
prefer less (than more) children.
Thoughts?
TIA very much.