Need the beach/ocean bad!- Save me
 

I've commited the worst sin possible. I've waited till the last minute during hectic spring break time but I need a break or I'm going to go bonkers. <BR><BR>I'm tired of cold winter here in chicago.My mother and I want a girls trip somewhere warm, near beach, close (say 4 hrs flight) and relaxing. I'll be 13 weeks pregnant at time of travel so I'm fighting this constant tired feeling. Basically looking for calming atmosphere to find a nice beach chair, great book and have a nice glass of juice. <BR><BR>I've lived in hawaii (too far for short trip) Been to Aruba (loved it but too expensive for mom) Thinking Florida area but again I know spring breakers will be everywhere. Could use some great suggestions and willing to entertain the thoughts of any new ideas. <BR><BR>I'm dying for some sun and rest.

Run to a local travel agent asap. Spring break is booked way in advance, so you can best find out what is still available through a local travel agent, and you may luck out and get a package deal.<BR><BR>Some of the outislands in the Bahamas like Eleuthera, Abaco, Cat Island might work. Most of the big resorts are going to be booked and of course the family resorts are going to be filled with kids.<BR><BR>You also might try some of the on-line travel agents like Liberty Travel, but you might have more luck and have to do less homework talking to a couple of travel agents in Chicago.<BR><BR>Have a great time and good luck.

Redshoe, come to Fort Myers, Sanibel or Naples, fly into FT. Myers (RSW). Our weather has been absolutely GORGEOUS. The nation's high 83* was in our southwest area and yes, I live here. Sorry, do not mean to gloat....maybe just little &gt;g&lt;. Judy PS Spring breakers don't come here in large numbers IMO.

Naples or anywhere in the Keys but Key West.

Try the Gulf Coast of FL - Spring Breakers tend to go to the Atlantic Coast or the Panhandle. <BR><BR>Sarasota is nice but Ft Myers has a beautiful beach and it's pretty laid back. Won't be as expensive as the Keys. Naples is very nice and Bonita Beach is one of my favorites!

Check out the Hilton On Longboat Key right across from Sarasota. Friends of mine were recently there and raved about the beauty of the beach &amp; the quietness of Longboat. Short drive into Sarasota provides movies and restaurants (although I guess there are also plenty on Longboat). The Hilton is evidently not too expensive &amp; not terribly large like a typical Hilton.

The first destination I thought of with your requirements in mind was Sanibel Island too. You can fly into Ft. Myers, or Miami might be less expensive, (it's about a two hours away)if cost is an issue. Call the Sundial Beach Resort. You can get an oceanfront 2 bedroom room for about $300 per night. Perfect for relaxation. Enjoy, let us know what you decided. I love it there. Great place for a Mom and daughter.

redshoe - I'm going to Sanibel -specifically Sundial next week - I&quot;ll write when I get back to let you know how it is. Going w/my bfriend, we're just looking to relax and get out of this NYC nightmare winter! we booked our room for 300 a nite. our air was 220 to Ft. Lauderdale, we're driving from visiting family who live there. I was afraid of spring breakers as well but from what I've read/heard it's more family and couples on Sanibel.<BR><BR>

Thanks guys, I'm looking forward to hearing about your trip. I've been mad crazy doing all this research for the great places you recomended.

All I've heard is how EXPENSIVE Sanibel is. You didn't mention your budget. Have you considered the Florida panhandle? My husband and I are doing an April vacation there on St. George Island. We've been before. It is both beautiful and quiet...no nightlife scene. Hence, no spring break madness. I'm not sure if there are any motels on the beach yet. But, there are houses and condos galore. We rented our's through Coldwell Banker Suncoast Realty. I'm sorry I don't have their web address. But, I'm sure you can find it...lots of good pictures and info. phone:800-341-2021.(Near Apalachicola)

Maybe Olive can help but I think that the Hyatt at Coconut Pointe might be a good place. It is a small resort that has a nice spa, a gorgeous pool but it is not on the beach. It does have a launch to a private beach on the gulf which is uncrowded and beautiful.<BR><BR>No spring breakers here and it is between Fort Myers and Naples in Bonita Springs, FL.

redshoe - I'm back from Sanibel and it was wonderful - there was no spring breaker's where we were and if you want sun &amp; relaxation - go there! captiva's even more relaxed. the weather last week was hi-80's every day and the water was wonderful!