My friend won two airline tickets (Northwest) to anywhere in the Continental US, Alaska and Mexico that need to be used up by late fall of 2003. Any suggestions on where to go that would be inexpensive and safe for two women. We live in the Minnesota, so the mid-west wouldn’t really be an option.

Go to Cabo in Mexico.

It would be helpful if you told the people here what are your interests outside of inexpensive? What do you like to do? Do you want warm, or cold? What are your hobbies?

We are looking for a relaxing long weekend. Nothing major, just time to get away. My friend is not a great fan of heat and has not traveled much. I am up for just about anything.

I find Palm Springs to be quite inexpensive and suitable for my tastes.

If it is a cooler climate might I suggest Vail, charming little town set away in the beautiful Colorado Rockies.

Of course all of this depends on where you summer. Do you frequent the Hamptons? If not, might I suggest a lovely cottage there.

You mention going for just a long weekend. I realize you may have restrictions on your ability to get away, but it really would make sense to try to go for a week. The airfare is already paid for, so it's just a matter of a few extra hotel nights, which you're probably splitting with your friend. Why not get the most out of your trip?

I agree with Madge. Again you fly someplace, I would at least make it 5 days minimum if at all possible. Late fall I would assume is end of Dec. so you are getting into the high season shortly. I wouldn't drag my feet on it to long. Lock in a plan. Ideas, New Orleans, interesting place, Arizona perhaps, San Diego Calif. You must have some idea where you would like to go? Miami Florida, or Ft. Lauderdale. Just to name a few.

Just don't try to go to Sandals!!!

Just doing a long weekend due to lack of vacation time. I am doing a cruise to Alaska in June and family vacation in July.

You could do a lot worse than Arizona. The scenery is wonderful especially in the evening light. I would suggest a spa for a really relaxing weekend. My wife and I have stayed at Enchantment in Sedona. I am not really into the treatments, but it is a great place and the setting is wonderful. Sedona can be very busy during peak times, but pick an off peak weekend and it will be peaceful and relaxing. walking on the trails is great too. I agree with the others on the board too though - at least try to make it a three night weekend or you'll spend all your time travelling - hardly relaxing!

Skip Cabo if you don't like heat and humidity. It is very hot and very humid. We were there recently and two in our group had heat stroke. There are lots more places to go than Cabo.

Although most people spend a lot, it is hard to find a place with more entertainment and activites that are free, than Las Vegas. If you are careful on the dates, there are some great hotel deals, as well.

Keith

I would check out Alaska in the summer. Long days and beautiful scenery. It would be a unique experience.

Under destinations on this website, there is some info on Anchorage that you could check out.

Come to the beautiful Monterey Peninsula in California. The weather is very mild here. There are a million things to do. Beautiful beaches, tidepools, hiking trails, aquarium, Carmel Mission, Big Sur Coast line, Clint Eastwood lives here. Rivers, fishing, GORGEOUS SUNSETS, boat tours, wild animal parks, beautiful scenery, tons a great restaurants, Cannery Row, I could go on for days! Been here all my life and I'll never leave. E-mail me if you have any questions. Have fun wherever you end up!!!!!!!

The problem that I see, is that if you are going for a long weekend, you are not going to want to spend most of your time on the airplane or at the airports. I would look to see where you could fly and not have any connections. You say that the midwest is not an option, but Chicago is a great city to visit for a long weekend. Seattle is another of my favorites, but I would try to go during the summer.

Don,

They are in Minnesota and flying Northwest. Most of the continent is within a single flight or maybe one change.

Keith

I know NYC and inexpensive don't seem to go together, but there are some great hotel deals out there, say in March or October (around $120/nt (or less if you try priceline.com)). There are so many restaurants and attractions that aren't expensive (and PLENTY that are), and so much to do. Buy metrocards ($4/day each) and explore Manhattan for a couple of days? I was there in Oct 2002 with a woman friend and we felt very safe walking or taking the subway (though there are obviously areas to avoid at night, as with any city).

I suggest it as with only a weekend, you will achieve so much in a short time as everything is near at hand.

Go to Washington, DC. There are great museums (free), tours (contact your Congressman for White House and Capitol tours), walking through Georgetown, easy Metro access to famous sites (inexpensive). I like the Hilton in Alexandria (have Internet rates) -- but there are many other affordable places on/near the Metro. Check to see what's playing at the Kennedy Center. Wear yourself out during the day, do not walk around late at night.