Hi everyone. I'm doing some research for a friend who is looking to get away for just 3 days or so from NYC. Here's the criteria: somewhere direct from NYC, not too far (i.e. 3 hours or so on a plane), warm (palm trees & sunshine a plus), and relaxing. Any ideas?

Bermuda, the Florida Keys, the Bahamas, and the Turks & Caicos all come to mind.

When? In August the Jersey Shore is warm and relaxing. So is Maine.

Now? Mexico would be my choice. The Caribbean is too far of a plane ride. Most islands are at least 3 hours from Miami.

Whoops-didn't give the time frame: it would be the first week in April.

"Now? Mexico would be my choice. The Caribbean is too far of a plane ride. Most islands are at least 3 hours from Miami."

Wha???? from NY????

Puerto Rico (3.5/4 hr direct flight)

Can you recommend an area of Puerto Rico that would be a quiet, laid back kind of place?

Vieques - there are several nice hotels there.

Go to the Riviera Maya Mexico.

I just returned from Turks and Caicos a few weeks ago, and it was AWESOME.

It might help if you were more descriptive about the types of activities your friend is seeking.

The activities would be laying in the sun, basically! She will be traveling alone and just wants sun & relaxation, maybe a spa.

Puerto Rico. It's a short, direct flight. If you choose a resort near the airport, you can avoid the hour long ride to the other side of the island. Beach, golf, gambling, spa -- sounds good to me!!

My daughter and her friends in NYC just booked 4 days in Dominican Republic - direct flight, around 3.5 - 4.0 hrs I believe, I know they leave around 8am and are there by lunch! - all they wanted was sun, pool, water, etc - they did an all inclusive through cheapcaribbean.com - which although seh doesn't usually like all inclusives, for what they want and what they are looking for, direct flight warm weather, drinks with umbrellas, nice hotel w/ pool on ocean,e tc, etc - it fit the bill.

Jet Blue to Florida.

Many, many options.

www.jetblue.com