My wife and I are celebrating a special anniversary this xmas and I am looking for suggestions for a great place to spend xmas through new years eve. We do not enjoy the colder weather, so skiing and anywhere that dips below freezing are out of the question. We are in our forties and are looking for a romantic/active vacation. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

San Francisco is a great place to be at Christmas time. The St. Francis is a beautiful hotel. There are tons of great restaurants in the city too. It may be a bit chilly that time of yr., but it won't be snowing!!!! When my husband and I are there we walk everyplace. The cable cars are fun too and a good way of getting around. Happy Anniversary.

Try Key West. Great weather, lots of fun, very relaxing.

New Orleans! Usually nice warm weather around Christmas and LOTS to do. One of the few cities that does not shut down during the holidays.

Another vote for New Orleans! Go to the French Quarter Festivals website to see the special Papa Noel rates many hotels have from Dec. 3 to 27th (after that the rates skyrocket for New Years/Sugar Bowl); if you want to stay through New Years, you may have to pay heavy for those last couple of nights--book NOW!
Try turbotrips for cheaper rates for the
final days -- you may be able to combine with Papa Noel if you act fast.

New Orleans at Xmas is really special, and the weather is usually in the upper 60's, low 70's, sometimes there is a cold snap, but normally it is the best weather you will see there all year. The stores in the city are deserted (locals shop in the 'burbs), but there are loads of special events to attend. Go to a wonderful Reveillon dinner for your anniversary (FQF posts all the menus) and eat some of the best that the city has to offer. Music is -everywhere- at the holidays, and a bonfire cruise is a terrific way to spend Christmas eve.

New Orleans is my home, and there is nowhere I'd rather spend Christmas, except possibly in London!

Believe it or not, Disneyworld/Orlando/Kissimmee area. During that time, it's gorgeous. You'll have to head for a tropical area. In Florida it is NEVER cold. Enjoy!

My two favorite travel destinations are Key West and New Orleans. Although weather may be dicey both places, you can practically guarantee good weather in Key West and New Orleans CAN be very, very cold.

Whatever you do, do NOT go to Orlando/Disney World between Christmas and New Years!

It may have beautiful weather, but it is the most crowded and expensive time to be there. The weeks before and after are dead, less expensive, great package specials, and still has the decorations up (Disney has them up after thanksgiving, but immediately takes down right after new years). Lines are long, traffic is congested, and people are cranky as all get out! It may be okay for family reunions, but for a romatic anniversary, you would be crazy! I AM NOT KIDDING! ARGH!

I'd suggest a cruise out of Port Canaveral or Miami, or maybe a trip to the BVIs. Check some of the cruise threads for favorite lines and destinations that suit your tastes and budget.

As part of a New Years vacation, a friend and I went to Sedona, AZ. It was cool but did not snow. The nights were absolutely beautiful, restaurants were great and, although we did not stay long enough to go on any jeep tours and hikes, the landscape is the reason people travel there. The only room I could find was a bed and breakfast, Oak Creek Inn. You couldn't ask for a more romantic place.

The best New Years eve celebration I have attended, not that I attend many, was at Sidney Harbor, Australia. The Sydney Opera House may have a New Year's Eve concert and after the concert, you will have the best view of the harbor fireworks. Sidney temperature is in the moderate mid 70's.

Hello

I would suggest one of the old Spanish colonial cities in the interior of Mexico. The weather is delightful, there are great atmospheric hotels to stay in, and Christmas brings big celebrations. I think my first choice would be a combination of San Miguel/Guanajuato - they are only about 90 minutes apart so over a week you could stay a few days in each. Another choice would be Oaxaca.

Also, and I jsut thought of this as I am writing, is the town of Antigua, Guatamala - one of my favorite places int he world. The setting is beautiful, weather is springlike, again there are some beautiful hotels, and plenty of sightseeing opportunities.

Howard

Might I suggest La Jolla, CA. I find it to be a very romantic, seaside destination. From there, you can, of course, head down to San Diego, or go north to Laguna. If you want outdoors, you can head over to Palm Springs (for a night) to explore Joshua Tree, a really cool desert area.
Second choice would be Key West, but to me that's sort of a "one note" kind of trip. (I LOVE Key West, but it's romantic in a more rustic sorta way than La Jolla.)
Part of your decision (I'm afraid) will depend on how much you're willing to spend, and where you're coming from.

Paul:

If you want to get away in an informal, but very cool setting head down to Cabbage Key in Pine Island sound south of Sarasota, Florida in the Gulf of Mexico. It's an old-style Florida house that's been made a hotel on an island with no roads and no other commercial developments. THe rooms are comfortable and air conditioned, and they'll rent you a boat to get around (you either have to have a boat to get there or take a small 'ferry').

Check them out on the internet (I think it's cabbage-key.com) and seee if it is for you.

I went last year and had a blast---lots to do with complete privacy and active days. It has a unique elegance, but it's not fancy by any means.

Miami is simply the best! It offers food of any kind, great nightlife, wonderful shopping, beautiful beaches, outdoor cafes, eclectic music, street fair & festivals. It is a wonderful, fun-filled place & with the ocean breezes & the moon over the ocean, it can't be beat!

Could think of nothing better than a stay at the Royal Palms Hotel & Casitas in Scottsdale, Arizona. Just returned from a 'perfect' week there. Beautiful, romantic, Mediterranean style accommodation in immaculate grounds and incredible service. Heated pool...wonderful food. Smaller and much more intimate than the larger hotels nearby. Golf courses, tennis and shopping close by....and Sedona and red rock country only a couple of hours away by car for great day trip ( or two ).
Fun things to do at night...like a visit to Handlebar J's country & western restaurant ..an evening we'll never forget !!
The hotel has their own website which I think is www.royalpalms.com
If you wish any more information, feel free to email me. By the way, my wife & I are also in our 40's !!
Best wishes from Scotland !!

Santa Fe is really special at Christmas (if you can find a place to stay!!). There's plenty to do and see both in and around town. Christmas Eve the whole town turns out for a walk around town, people greet each other with hot cider and it is a wonderful walk. Lots to do... especially recommended 10000 waves.