I was originally planning a trip to New England for this summer, but bf's parents surprised us. He graduated from law school so their graduation gift is a trip to go wherever we want, within reason of course. Basically anywhere in the States, Caribbean or Mexico is good!

Possible ideas we have for the trip are:

San Diego
Bahamas
Miami
Cabo
Puerto Vallarta

The only time we can go is early August, due to work schedules. However, seeing as it is hurricane season...I'm wondering if we should rule out any Florida or Caribbean ideas. Would it be unwise to go there that time of year?

Any insight on Mexico? Neither of us have ever been there.

Any other ideas are welcome. We're looking for a beach setting but ideally a place that has other fun things to do (nightlife, shopping, etc). I'm unsure of his parents' price range (they really didn't give us one) they just told us to get some ideas for places and then we can discuss.

Thanks!

Out of the places you listed, I personally (and I realize it's just my opinion) would rule out Miami and the Bahamas. It being during hurricane season is a concern, but I can't stand the heat and humidity of either places in the middle of summer.

What your interest are would be a factor regarding your other mentioned locations.

If you are looking primarily for a beach/water vacation, then I would lean towards wither Cabo or Puerto Vallarta. I would then narrow these two choices down depending on your other interests (touristy, nightlife, etc). If I was looking for a busier kind of atmosphere, I would lean towards Cabo.

My choice of all of your itineraries would be San Diego though. Is a more well rounded choice, again in my opinion. Nice beaches, nice weather and lots of other activities to do (i.e. the zoo, Seaworld, etc).

Again, just depends on the atmosphere you're looking for and what you want to do when you get to your destination.

Hope this helps.

You will definitely cook in Miami or the Bahamas or Cabo in August. But that's a great time of year to go out west to the national parks or to San Francisco and spend several days in the California wine country.

Why rule out NE? Cape Cod is lovely, as are the Vineyard and Nantucket. Mt. Desert Island in August would be fun and there is at least a bit of nightlife (maybe not much) in Bar Harbor.

After taking the bar (I assume your boyfriend is doing the July exam), who wants to worry about the stress of having to make last minute changes due to hurricanes? Good luck to him, by the way, and make sure he studies.

Why not Canada? The beaches of the province of Prince Edward Island(PEI)are beautiful. And, early August is the perfect time to go there! The PEI "fresh lobster suppers" are amazing! You cld tack on a few days & visit Halifax in Nova Scotia for your shopping & nightlife. Fly to Halifax. Rent a car & drive to PEI.

Nova Scotia ? Vancouver/San Juan Islands ?

Thanks for the replies!

Cantstayhome, the only reason we were going to New England was it's close, and cheaper than flying somewhere. We had no idea his parents were going to pay for us to go on a trip this summer and both of us are broke (yay law school) so an expensive vacation wasn't an option, and New England seemed like a good alternative. We have friends on the Cape so can go up there anytime, and since we have the opportunity to go somewhere we've never been, we'll take it! Thanks for the best wishes, by the way.

San Diego is high on my list, as well as Puerto Vallarta and Cabo. Good point, the humidity in FL in August would not be fun!

Haven't considered Canada but will look into it. San Fran is off the list because I was just there recently.

How about Europe? Is that without reason?

I would loooove to go to Europe (Bf is itching to go to Italy, I've been twice). But I think that might be out of the question budget-wise unless we could find a really good deal.

Hmmmm (can you tell I'm desperate for a trip and living vicariously here) . . .

Another suggestion if you do end up going to Mexico would be to check out Puerto Escondido to see if you can fit it into your travel plans. I haven't been, but a friend has and it sounds lovely. I've been only to Cancun (actually while in law school, so a real budget trip), so can't help on the other Mexico places!

Hawaii? Bermuda? Sonoma/Napa?

San Diego is nice and definitely worth a trip, but wouldn't be my pick if it were a let's go anywhere kind of vacation.

How about Montreal and Quebec City? Beautiful in the summer, Quebec City is almost like being in France!

Lately I've had a hankerin' (did I just say that?) to head to Tulum and stay in Cabanas like Cabanas Las Conchitas,Los Lirios, Zamas or Hotel Ana y Jose, the beaches and the vibe there are JUST like the Corona commercials and, the flights to Cancun just went on sale, great rates...google those hotel names plus Tulum and just look at the pictures and tell me that wouldn't be the perfect antidote to law school.

That's where I'd go if I were you, no doubt about it...PS, I've always traveled during hurricane season to places I shouldn't go, but I've been lucky. I like to live on the edge

Also if you want a little less rustic, try Las Ranitas and Suenos Tulum. Check out the prices, you'll have a great trip with great food without breaking the 'rents bank.

Puerto Vallarta would be good -- hot, but good. Anywhere in Mexico would be good! (maybe not Cabo)
We have a trip planned to Cancun in August. I know its hurricane season, but we've been lucky before...

Nina, didn't you find Cancun way too hot and humid that time of year?

I love it there, but went one year in the middle of summer and was absolutely miserable. The humidity was so thick you could have cut it with a knife.

We definitely love it down in Tulum and Playa Del Carmen, but we've started going down either in February (when we've forgotten what summer feels like) or April.

Do a post on the Latin America board, if you want Puerto Vallarta and Cabo ideas. Suze has been to PV a lot and has great ideas. I did some research there for a friend who went to PV in March.

Cabo!

I would think Mexico would also be really hot. Not sure where you live but if Cape Cod is close, I'd say San Diego or San Francisco or the Pacific Northwest and/or BC (British Columbia). The US dollar is strong against the Canadian dollar.

Hi shortcake, I love PV but have always gone there in February..perfect weather. I had a good friend who loves hot weather. A few years ago he went to PV in August and found the weather so hot and miserable he came home early. He spent most of his time in his A/C room..I felt so bad for him.

I was thinking of Suze too..as she has spent lots of time in PV. So do check out the Latin American Board and Suze's posts as trippinkpj suggested.

I'd suggest Aruba if you want to travel during hurricane season.