We are last minute, kicking around the idea of a long weekend away with another couple sans kids for 12/15 - 12/18. Our friends parents can only do this weekend.

Looking to spend about $1200 per couple and would like to do something warmer than Detroit. Any suggestions?

San Diego

You might be able to find a 4 day all-inclusive deal for Cancun or Puerto Vallarta for that price. Check out the 40 Best Bets in Budget Travel magazine for ideas.

Thanks for the suggestions. I guess I should have stated that we are in Detroit and don't want to fly cross country just for the weekend.

We have checked out Mexico and first hits gave more like $2000 per couple. I will definately check Budget Travel.

Any other suggestions? Is Florida totally crazy that close to Xmas? Miami or the Keys maybe?

I think Miami or the Keys would work well; that would have been my suggestion. Might be hard to keep total under $1200 per couple, though, if you are including food and entertainment.

We went to Las Vegas one year during this time--stayed at the Bellagio for a great rate. All the hotels were offering discounted rates. The rates won't be showing up yet. Register on the websites of the hotels you are interested in and they will send you their webrates when they are posted. Some of the shows though are dark around that time.

It was warm but not hot. My husband did laps in the heated outdoor pool but it was not really warm enough for swimming.

Great, uncrowded time to visit Las Vegas.

I agree with Dreamer, but I would probably be inclined to head to Key West. We've been in Miami a couple of times in the middle of December and just our luck, it turned out to be "Unseasonably Cold" Definitely wasn't beach weather, although it will be warmer than Detroit.

Another thought, how about Grand Bahama Island?

Miami can be 86 degrees or 33 degrees during that time of the year. Those numbers are the record highs and lows.

Getting to Key West will take longer than getting to San Diego.

I think Miami, Ft Lauderdale or Ft Myers are you best bets. While lodging in Miami will likely cost more, I'd look at the cost of flights to each first.

You don't want to fly cross country but you want warmer than Detroit?

I think you will have a 3 hour flight to get anywhere warmer than Detroit in December.

I'll still stick to SD. It cannot be longer to travel to than Key West.

New Orleans

South Florida can be cold. I remember a couple of years ago in the keys it stayed in the 50s for an entire week over Christmas.

To guarantee warm weather, you will have to go further south.

check travelzoo's specials for a deal.

South Florida can by iffy.

I'd vote for San Diego.

I know travel time will be about the same but then we have to deal with jet lag. We each have two little kids and I have done that before. I don't do well with jet lag!

We are going to check to Bahamas too. Thanks for the suggestions!

mcg, you won't have "jet lag" problems going from motor city to San Diego. The time change is in your favor. I know. I just did it.

Unless you are referring to jet lag when you get home. But, on your trip? No problem.

motorcitygirl, go further south than the Bahamss. Their weather will be very similar to South Florida's weather.

There are probably some direct flights and deals to Jamaica from Detroit.

Because that is the slowest time of the year for the caribbean, you should find fantastic deals.

I just checked Hotwire for packages from Detroit to Jamaica. Direct flights and they start at $500 per person and that includes all taxes.

All inclusive packages start at $700 per person. Since you probably aren't including food and booze into your $1200 budget per couple, I'd say that still falls within your budget.

stars...that is exactly what I am referring to...with little kids. We just did Carmel in February and it almost killed me coming home.

also vote for Keys or San Diego!

Do you want to relax or sightsee?

Okay, so we decided to make it easy and go to Mexico. Thanks for all the input!