Would love suggestions for 5-6 women,old high school friends, who want to celebrate turning 50. Prefer sun,sand & some shopping but mostly relaxing place to catch up. Also good food & drink but no all inclusive hotels.

Give more info, Mary...where are you starting from? How much do you want to spend? The more specifics, the better!

The reunion sounds fun already. Just getting the gang together will be the best part, no matter which location you choose.

Even though it doesn't sound like what you're seeking, I'll suggest my hometown of New Orleans. No sand, but a lot of fun, lovely architecture, and great restaurants.

Do you want to consider Canada as a destination? Your U.S. dollars go far here - happy to suggest some locations if you're interested.

John, Thanks for the New Orleans suggestion which is a great idea even without the beaches. We come from ND,WA,CA,MN and since we are planning this for a couple of years from now,don't plan on going low budget but can't afford to be overly extravagant either. Early planning stages but will add your city to my list. Thanks!

Why not consider Las Vegas. Lots to do and some of the hotels have beaches.

Florida`s Gulf beaches..from Clearwater,St.Pete.Anna Maria,Longboat Key,Siesta Key to Sanibel....

Mary, Naples, FL has sun, sand, and plenty of good, interesting shopping-- not the typical t shirt/towel/shell places so common in the FL beach communities. I drive down from Tampa just for their shopping.

There are a couple of super hotels that would love the opportunity to pamper you, Ritz Carlton, or Registry (and in that order). Have a super time wherever you end up. How long has it been since you've seen each other?

Your every whim could be catered to at Las Mananitas, a small inn in Cuernavaca, Mexico, near Mexico City but at a lower altitude with a climate of eternal spring. No beach, but gorgeous rooms (only about 21 of them), garden pool and restaurant. Impeccable service, shopping and sightseeing if needed to break the monotony of lolling by the pool visiting. It is totally relaxing there!

Dear Mary, My group has does this. We thought we liked sun and sand too- until we all went to the "big city" together. HAD A very, very good time. (Nothing like bowling at 3 am in Marina Towers on the spur of the moment to bring back old memories.) We did Chicago, but New York would be the best ever. You could walk, shop, eat and be entertained and NEVER be bored. Lots of time to catch up on talk too- can dine and chat the night away. Lots to see and do while rekindling old friendships, which can be the very best.

I would second the Las Vegas suggestion. You can generally get good airfares from anywhere in the country. The latest hotels have added lots of shopping and restaurants featuring famous chefs. Not much sand to speak of, but the pool areas are nice.

If I didn't like to gamble so much and circumstances were different Vegas would be great but...

CMcdaniel, What time of the year is best for Florida? I was in West Palm in Nov. but had some torrential rainstorms. To answer your question, a couple of the girls have not seen each other for a very long time but I manage to see most of them once a year. Florida is high on my list along with New Orleans and Mexico. Thanks!

Two words: Key West

Mary - CMDaniel's advice is always excellent - you can definitely rely on it. And be sure to pass along my best wishes. My experience with weather down there (I'm no expert but do travel down a few times each year): July-late September are hot (low 90's), and the Gulf's water can approach the upper 80's. I like April, May and June, plus October. There is always a lot of sunshine out at the beaches. Lack of rain is a problem much of the year. Obviously you want to watch the fall for storms (two recent storms recently). Have a good time. Weather isn't the big issue - it's restaurants. Get CND's take on that - it will be a big help to you. JC

How about Saskatchewan?

My friends and I do this get away every year and go to a different place each year. I think you could all easily fly into Phoenix or Las Vegas and you would certainly have the sun and loads of shopping. I would suggest Embassy Suites Biltmore in Phoenix for being in the middle of things with the addition of ease in traveling around the city and Scottsdale.