Where would you go? 4 day vac, but inexpensive..help!
 

My husband and I have an anniversary coming up the end of March. We want to take a 3-4 day "mini vacation" (Thursday afternoon/evening to Sun night or monring moring return).

We have $350 voucher from American that we need to use and would prefer a warm climate. (We just returned in December from London so we've had our fill of cold/rainy palces.) Not Disney or Florida (grew up every summer there).

We can't book until after March 15 in case my job status changes. So, looks like a last minute type package is our best bet. We live in Austin, so we could fly out of here, DFW or SAT easily.

We'd like a place to relax, unwind, spend time together, try new things, new foods, new drinks, maybe go out dancing, etc. Very low key...

We've even thought about a cruise...leaving from Galveston, TX.

We need to keep total expenses to less than $750-1,000 provided we can use the voucher.

Suggestions? Which websites/places have the best last minute deep discounted deals? Are the "package" deals actually better or can you find discounts booking air/hotel separately? (I think though to use the voucher, I can't book an AA Vacation..it has to be straight air only. Does anyone know?)

Please help with any thoughts you may have. Thanks!

How about Phoenix? It should be pretty warm and there are lots of wonderful resorts and hotels. Just a thought.

You've got lots of questions that I can't answer. Once when we were low on cash, we headed to Jamaica. Cheap, fun, sunny. Lots of bargains. Book a place on the cliffs of Negril. Relax.

Is Mexico too close to home? Mexico City can be a lot of fun. Just like Jamaica, it's cheap once you get there.

Thanks for your thoughts. Mexico is not too close. We've thought about Cancun, but I can't find any airfare for less than $375 each and hotels are running over $100 per person.

Jamaica...hmmm. What airports would we fly into? Do you remember the name of the place you stayed?

Oh, yes...how to forget. I stayed in Xtabi (http://www.resorts-jamaica.com/resorts/xtabi/). We had an octagon-shaped apartment overlooking the cliffs -- climb down a ladder and snorkel right there. The hotel would bring us meals that local women made. We'd walk down to "the village" and eat, shop, go to market. You can stay either on the cliffs of Negril, or the beaches. We have beaches in Florida so I've always liked the cliffs. Take a gypsy taxi to the beach area if you like.

I've only flown into Montego Bay via Miami. But I suppose there's other airports, definitely try Kingston.

Always check what's going on there politically. Sometimes things get a little rowdy down there, but most of the time it's "no worry".

If you want more info on Jamaica, post on "Caribbean" where Jamaica fans will see it.

Melissa, there is a really cool motel in Acapulco that sits on a cliff 600 feet over the Pacific Ocean. The pool is situated near the edge so can you imagine the views? All the rooms face the ocean.

It is the Las Flamingos and was the home of Johnny Weissmuler (sp?) the original Tarzan. It was also home to John Wayne and that bunch during the 1940s. It is unbelievably charming and goes for around $60 per night in season!

I had lunch there one afternoon with a good friend who is from Acapulco. He was nice enough to give me and my friends a tour of his hometown. He said it is one of Acapulcos hidden gems most tourists miss.

I would stay there in a heartbeat.

First, think about Priceline as a way of getting good hotels for very cheap rates. New Orleans comes to mind if, again, that's not too close. Save on the hotel, splurge on restaurants. AA has a zillion flights out of DFW, probably easy hops from Austin.

San Juan Puerto Rico is also an easy AA hop and, again, Priceline might get you a good place cheaply.

Other choices that come to mind are Washington DC (might be spring weather), San Diego, Phoenix (a mini-slump after spring training ends), Charleston or Savannah. A mini-cruise out of Galveston or New Orleans is indeed a good idea.

Well, if you want to be really spontaneous, you could always just sign up for the weekly e-mail of American internet specials and watch until there's a good fare to a spot you're interested in & book last minute. I usually see specials from DFW in the e-mail (I think there's a special fare to New Orleans right now)and your Thurs-Sun travel dates fall in line with their date restrictions. If you'd rather pick a place beforehand, I'd vote for Mexico or the Caribbean (Dominican Republic is nice & inexpensive).

I would go on a cruise. Your $350 voucher would cover a ticket to Miami ($298 from DFW) from where you can take a 3 night cruise (departing 3/19 or 3/26) on either Carnival's Fascination or Royal Caribbean's Majesty of the Seas to the Bahamas. Don't know if your $350 coupon can apply to more than one ticket, but if so, that would pay $50+ of the $298 ticket you would have to purchase. The cruise should be no more than $750, with taxes and port charges. That was the price I got online for the Fascination, and I've been told that Carnival is always higher priced than Royal Caribbean, after all the fees are added up. Royal Caribbean's price including port charges is $324 per person, but I could not get a final price online, with all fees included. Leaving about $50 for cabs between the airport and cruise ship dock, that makes the maximum total cost $1,050-1,100, which is slightly over your budget. Of the two, the Majesty of the Seas is probably the nicer ship. I know someone who took this cruise a year ago and said the ship was lovely. Cruise411.com advertises a lowest price guarantee, but I'd also check with Hotwire and other discount sites. There are also 3 day cruises from Los Angeles (to Mexico) and from Port Canaveral (to Bahamas), but the ground transportation costs would be much higher.

Agree with Gabriele's idea to Miami & then a cruise ship. Your meals are paid, entertainment included, not too far away by plane. I don't think RCCL's Majesty is doable as sailing dates are Mon-Fri(4nt) and Fri-Mon(3nt). But it sure is a great ship. Was our 1st cruise and now we try to do 1 per yr. Not sure about Carnival. Good luck.

Or you could even do Miami alone, you can get Miami downtown 4* hotels for $35 via Priceline, south beach will be higher with spring break. www.biddingfortravel.com

How about Vegas? So many different places to stay. Many different budgets. You can choose Mandalay Bay, like the beach, Paris, Venetian, Bellagio, or stay at a reasonable place (MOnte Carlo) and go to all of the different hotels.

The food there is awesome. Lots to do. Great walking town. Shows. Stars, celebrities, shopping. It is a fun place for 3 or 4 days. You don't even need to rent a car so you can get away pretty cheaply if you don't gamble a lot.

I was going to suggest the same idea as the above poster. What about Vegas? You can go there on a tight budget as long as you are not a heavy gambler. I know we've spent under $1,000 on air/hotel to Vegas. That would be a nice weekend getaway vacation. There are lots of hotels to choose from. Vegas always runs specials too.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. Some very good ideas! Hadn't even thought about Miami or Puerto Rico.

Thanks for the thoughts on Vegas, but we've been twice. We've also been to New Orleans. But...how's Reno or Lake Tahoe around the end of March? Still cold or bearable? What is there to do?

Keep the thoughts coming! I'm doing lots of seraching

Have you checked travelzoo . com. I am on their mailing list. They have really good specials, but I have to admit I've never purchased through them...timing was never good, otherwise I would.

I guess you found Jamaica and Mexico to be over the top.

If you're thinking about Miami (good choice) then maybe you would also consider Key West. The other suggestion I have is New Orleans.

Tandoori - Jamaica from here is more than we can afford, but Mexico is still a possibility. I've seen $79 airfare on worryfreevacations.com on a last minute deal the last couple of weeks. Anyone ever book thru them?

The hotel in Acapulco suggested by GoTravel sounds like what we'd like, but I can't find their website or #. I can only find thru travelhero, etc. I've posted on the Latin America board, but know one's biting...

Latin American board is the right one but your post is a bit diffused. Get to the point or no one will open it up. Try this: MEXICO ACAPULCO HOTEL RECs???

Keep trying. I know you'll get what you need -- it's definitely out there. Mexico has a lot to offer -- great money value. Good luck.

I used to have the website for the Hotel Los Flamingos and I tried for an hour the other night to find the thing.

Have you read the reports on TripAdvisor.com? They are all glowing. I wish I even had photos to send you.

Let me look and I'll try and post.

Mellissa, if you want to cruise, you can go to Mexico out of Galveston. RCCL or Carnival. I think vacationstogo.com has last minute "countdowns" on cruises... The closer you get to the departure, the lower the prices get on cabins. You can just drive to Galveston and take a 3 day cruise.

Also, where on earth have you found airfare to Mexico for $375??? Last year I couldn't find anything uncer $600!

Another thought would be phoenix. On SW it's just a short (non-stop) flight.

Thanks Tandoori - I'll repost.

GoTravel - I'll take anything you can find. That hotel sounds great, but I can't figure out how to get rates, etc.

Austin - I think the $375 airfare was from DFW on worryfreevacations or funjet. Although worryfree special on Tues-Thurs has shown $79 fares.

Ok - several have suggested Phoenix. Where to stay, what to do? Just not a spot I'd think to vacation, but we'd try if there's something to do.

GoTravel, you piqued my interest with your description of the Flamingo. I typed "Hotelflamingo.com" using a Google search, and came up with their website - unfortunately in Spanish! But the photos look nice....

Try "hotelflamingo.com/flamingos/index.htm

At one time, I had the website. I have looked and looked and cannot find this website.

Both Fodors and Frommers gave Los Flamingos glowing reviews.

Molly, I tried that website and got a hotel in Cozumel? Is that correct?

This is from Fodors:

LOS FLAMINGOS
Av. López Mateos, Acapulco, Guerrero 39390, Mexico
Phone: 744/482-0690
Fax: 744/483-9806
US$75 to US$150
Old Acapulco
User Rating:
Rate It


Almost a historical monument, this hot-pink, cliff-side hotel was the favored hangout of John Wayne, Johnny ("Tarzan") Weissmuller, and the rest of the gang from Hollywood back in the 1950s. Today it draws Europeans for its fine views and its coco locos, (rum drinks served in a green coconut, Acapulco's signature concoctions), which barman Esteban Castañeda will tell you were invented here in the 1960s. Rooms have bright pink walls and spartan, shower-only baths. Weissmuller liked to stay in the circular two-bedroom master suite. The hotel provides free transportation to the beach and downtown. www.acapulco-cvb.org/losflamingos. 46 rooms, 2 suites. Restaurant, pool, bar, laundry service, free parking. MC, V.

My first response was San Diego then Phoenix. I think San Diego probably has more to offer for full day type activities (zoo, Sea World, Old Town etc) than Phoenix.

Or I also like the very spontaneous. Site59.com offers last minute packages. I enjoy checking to dream about where I am headed for the coming weekend. Someday we'll get to that spontaneous.

I haven't done a cruise, they definately have pros and cons but the all inclusive would really help on a budget, then you know what you will be paying.

Let us know what you decide!

GoTravel, I think that you are right - they are indeed two seperate places! Ah, well!

I'm surprised that they don't have a website - I'd sure like to see photos of the "real" Flamingo......

Melissa, I've looked and looked and cannot find the website. I'm so sorry I recommended a place and then can't direct you to photos.

I did grab a brochure from there and will look for that. If I find it I'll post my email and if you email your address, I'll mail you the brochure.

For what it is worth, it is spectacular!

By the end of March, you can travel a little further north of the Red River. Heck, it's almost time to turn on the A/C here in DFWland by then!

Nashville, Memphis, Charleston could all be added to the list for that time period without packing long underwear.

If there's not enough to do in Phoenix (for me Phoenix is all about the great resorts in Scottsdale and those are expensive), how about Sedona? Great place, you can hike, golf, horseback ride, great food, nice shopping, fish in Oak Creek (stocked in March, but there will be holdover trout from last year), one of the prettiest places in the states other than some of the natl. parks. and good spas for a massage or facila too (you can even get a massage creekside).
I live on east coast and have done it several times as a 4-5 day weekend, so you can do it. A friend of mine goes there for 4 day weekends from Houston all the time- get there early on Thurs., go for a hike or get a massage, play golf or whatever, and have Fri and Sat to do everything else or just enjoy the views, and sunday drive back to Phoenix for your flight in afternoon. More relaxing than it might sound, the drive is part of the relaxation btwn Phoenix and Sedona as you go thru so many changes in the environment, cactuses, and ecosystems. Fly to Phoneix and then you can rent a car right on airport grounds at Avis (no bus, car is there in the garage) and it is a pleasant 2 hr drive thru desert and into Sedona. There are reasonable places to stay, Kokopeli Suites, another suite place that starts w/Casa on the west side of town on the hwy, right where you turn to go to Enchantment, and many others (i haven't stqayed in any of those, just observed them and seen ads). If you've never been to that area it is awesome and beautiful and a big change from Austin. As pretty as natural areas around Austin are- I used to live in Austin- you will find Sedona red rocks impressive. Lots of posts on this forum on it.
I've been answering another post today on Sedona and am now ready to book another trip. I need more frequent flyer miles!

Here's some info on Los Flamingos:

Los Flamingos
Address: Av. López Mateos, Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico
Phone: 74/82-06-90 Fax: 74/83-98-06
Location: Old Acapulco Price range: $50 to $100
From Fodors.com: Almost a historical monument, this hot-pink hotel was the favored hangout of John Wayne, Johnny 'Tarzan' Weissmuller, Errol Flynn, and the rest of the 'Hollywood gang' back in the '50s, and their photographs adorn the walls of the lobby. The hotel is strung along a cliff that has some of the finest views in Acapulco -- from Pie de la Cuesta all across Acapulco Bay. Los Flamingos attracts plenty of Europeans who come to bask in the ambience of Old Hollywood and toss down the coco locos, rum drinks that barman Esteban Castañeda will tell you were invented here in the 1960s. 234 rooms, 2 suites. Restaurant, pool, bar, laundry service, free parking. MC, V. www.acapulco-cvb.org/losflamingos

PS I think before you call, there should be a 011-52 in front of the above phone number.

Thanks everyone!

FYI- the website listed on Fodors for Los Flamingos(thru the cvb) does not work. If you try the just the cvb and do a search you get expedia, travelocity, etc. I've even tried thru them, but no luck. I think I'll try calling this weekend.

GoTravel - please let me know if you find the brochure.

Austin - check out 11thhourvacations.com for specials to Cancun. They currently have a package including airfare to Cancun for $312.

Tmh - thanks for the suggestion. I grew up in Nashville so we'll pass on TN. I've passed thru Charleston in college and remember now thinking I'd like to visit again someday. It will be warm enough then? Is there an airport there?