I have combed through many messages, but am just overwhelmed with choices of where to go for our 10th anniversary. Any help is appreciated! We are going for a week in July, would like to keep it around $5-7K total if possible. We have been to Mexico several times and enjoy lazing around the pool/beach, but honestly the heat and humidity in the Carribbean is not really what we want this time, especially with hurricane season. We like to have options of things to do, but aren't the hiking/kayaking athletic types. We have thrown around the ideas of Hawaii (I'm told it's not so hot and sticky), San Francisco, and an Alaskan cruise. Are we way off base with these, or do you have other suggestions? Thanks!!

What about Seattle, then up to Vancouver. I've heard it's beautiful.

You've mentioned three really different vacation options. If a beach vacation is what you want, you will be happy with Hawaii in July. Some islands and areas are hotter or more humid than others --for example Maui is a drier heat than Kauai and is hotter in the South, a bit cooler in the West, but the trade winds make it quite a pleasant time in the summer in either area and a wonderful tropical vacation.

Alaska is a whole nother animal! July is a prime time to go on a cruise there. I have not been there as yet, but have just started to research it a bit. There is lots of info on cruisecritic.com on the cruises, ships, etc. San Francisco is cool weather, even in summer, except for the rare heatwave. It would be a wonderful city destination - lots of wonderful sights, great restaurants, really unique city. All 3 would be great in July, but what type of vacation do you really want?

An Alaskan Cruise would probably be a great idea or the Alaska Marine Highway if you'd like to save $.

Not sure where you live...a couple of ideas (trips we've done) - West coast trip we spent 2-3 nights each place. We flew into San Francisco-rented a car and drove down the coast to Carmel/Pacific Grove area- then did 2 nights in Napa Valley and did the winery tours - then a couple of nights in Lake Tahoe (beautiful!) and then back to San Francisco for a couple of days...
Another suggestion would be an East Coast trip - up through Maine - take a ferry over to Nova Scotia...

Congratulations on your anniversary! Seattle to Vancouver would be a great trip. There is so much to do!
Another idea could be to do a trip up the PCH.
ALso, a trip to Montreal and Quebec could be very nice!
Aruba would not be very hot because there is constantly a breeze blowing and it is out of the hurricane belt. It is beautiful!
Have fun!

You'll spend a lot less dinero should you visit the wonderful colonial mountain cities of central Mexico, and the June - Oct weather is wonderful - not anything like the hot/humid coastal summers.
M (SMdA, Gto.)

If you are thinking about heading towards Vancouver, then you MUST go to Victoria on Vancouver Island. It is charming and romantic and gorgeous in the summertime. My husband and I went there on our honeymoon (a road trip from California to Michigan) and it was one of our favorite stops. Stay at Abigail's Hotel, a few blocks from downtown Victoria. They had the best service of anyplace we've ever been and can recommend excellent restaurants within walking distance (we only used our car to drive to the famous gardens nearby). I think our room was the Foxglove or something like that - exquisite!! There is plenty to do in town and on the island for several days.

If you could postpone your trip to Sept/October you should do the 6 New England states. Especially New Hampshire White mountains?With the foliage it's unforgettable.Greetings from Belgium.Paul

Cruising Alaska would be my pick. It's a wonderful trip, and would be great for a special occasion.

I have taken Alaska cruises out of both Seattle and Vancouver. And they were a bit different.

If you depart out of Seattle, most of the will also stop in Victoria BC. It also goes around Vancouver Islnad, as opposed to between there and the mainland. So a bit more time with open water, it seemed. But it was quite a pretty stretch of coast, going out of Vancouver.

I thought the departure from Seattle went a lot more smoothly than from Vancouver. Longer lines there, and felt beat by the time I got on board. Seattle seemed a lot smaller, and easier.

I believe there are only two lines, though, that go out of Seattle, which might limit your choice.

Take a look at Bermuda, beautiful weather in July, not hot like in the Caribbean. Clean, safe, beautiful water and beaches. If you live closer to the east coast, this would be a lot easier trip than Hawaii, but it's impossible to beat Hawaii. I like the idea of the Alaska cruise too.

I too like the idea of the Alaska cruise. July is a perfect time for it.