I need some help Fodorites. Here's what's happening...
My boyfriend and I would like to take a quick week's vacation in January. We would be departing from Houston. He wants skiing, I want Hawaii. I know romance and economics don't exactly go together but we will likely make our decision on the best packaged deal we can get.
That said...can anyone recommend a website for good packaged deals?
Suggestions for a compromise or other vacation spot that you would recommend?

If I am being too general, please let me know and I will give you any more details you need. Thanks a bunch!

ttt

I think skiing may be more expensive than Hawaii with lift tickets etc.

Can you go the week immediately after New Years? That is the slowest week of peak season for both places.

Mexico is always more bang for your buck. Canadian skiing would also be less expensive than skiing out west in the US.

Go Travel: U.S. only. So Mexico or Canada will not work out this trip. We are not sure of exact dates yet, we have to coordinate our vacation time at work.

I'm trying to decide on a location we would both love. He's very active and I'm more the sit on the beach and read a good book type. I know we can't be the only couple like this out there. Any other suggestions?

I can no longer ski. It's the same with us and skiing. Aspen is terrific for other things to do. Lake Tahoe is not bad either, if you like to gamble.'

Problem may be that the time of year you are going is really, really booked. If you can get a place at Aspen you can afford, that would be the best. Our ski club vacations are much cheaper than Hawaii, even with lift tickets. Air fare to Hawaii is high from the Midwest. Lots of the places like Sandia Peak in New Mexico are good for skiing and down mountain have some hot weather-but not so much in Jan.

Best bet for the long term with this problem, is to join ski clubs. But that isn't very romantic. Boy, do I know.

I was thinking Lake Tahoe too - even if you don't like to gamble, which I don't. The casinos are only a small part of Lake Tahoe. I am thinking that a house or condo on the lake might be absolutely perfect. You could do a little skiing, have some romantic time by the fire with a view of the lake, go out to a nice dinner.

Hawaii it is. Now to decide on Maui or Kauai. I'm looking up older posts when I have time but does anyone have a vote?

He would like to play golf one or two days. What is a good course on Maui or Kauai?

ttt for any suggestions. thanks.

I've only been to Kauai. It's beautiful, but if he's active, there may be more to do on Maui. Plenty of hiking etc. on Kauai though.

And now we're back to skiing...
It's still has to be within the U.S. and I'm looking to book the trip the second week of January.
I have never been skiing before. I'd like to have a few other activities planned also.
We're considering Lake Tahoe. Can anyone give me other suggestions as destinations?

Go to www.ski.com for ski packages. I've booked with them before and been quite happy. January (after the holidays, of course) is usually cheaper than the 'prime time' of late Feb. through March. You could also call the central reservations number of any ski resort you are interested in - they will be more than happy to try to put together a package for you to get you hooked!

Lake Tahoe is a fun choice. There's gambling if you like that (I do!). Also, if you stay on the south side, you can take the boat across to Squaw, which is quite a fun trip. You can probably make this trip as cheap or expensive as you want - if you stay in Reno, they're practically giving rooms away, but you have a longer drive to the skiing, depending on where you want to go. Try www.visitrenotahoe.com for information on the area; they seem to have some packages listed as well.

Jackson Hole is a nice destination as well, you can combine that with maybe a snowmobile trip up to Yellowstone or a sleigh ride through the Elk Refuge. And, Jackson is a nice mountain town.

Aspen is fun, too - probably better packages to be had if you stay in Snowmass. Plus Snowmass is the best mountain in the group anyway, and as a beginner, you won't be able to ski Aspen Mtn. anyway (no beginner runs). But, you get to go into Aspen for a night on the town!

Everyplace has its own charm, I'll offer only one more suggestion - Park City. Easy to get to (fly into SLC), nice mountain town, good resorts & ski schools, and other diversions in the town.

Definitely get yourself a lesson package since you have not skied before! If you get a good introduction to the sport, you may find you really love it! Don't push yourself too hard - take a nice long lunch break & leave early for happy hour. Get lodging with a nice hot tub and or pool to relax yourself in the evening.

Give skiing a chance, you might find you really like it!

Please don't choose Aspen. I have lived in Colorado all my life and never recommend it as a destination. If you're looking for a more upscale place, go with Vail/Beaver Creek. The town is nice and has pretty good nightlife as well. Plus the terrain is the best. There's something for every level.

Breckenridge is my other recommendation. It's a great ski town. There's lots of shopping and you can find all sorts of activities. For cheaper lodging close to Breckenridge, look in Frisco/Dillon.

Of course there are lots of other great ski towns in Colorado... but these are always my top two recommendations for all-around good skiing for all levels and good fun.