Due to a career change my dh and I are able to take a winter vacation for the first time ever. We are thinking February and probably 5 nights/ 6 days. We live in the northeast so we will want to go somewhere warm. My dh loves history and nature. Otherwise we are flexible. We are not interested in Mexico. As always thanks for all your help and ideas.

Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Alabama is nice in the winter. Lots of hiking and southern history. Try this web site if you're interested: www.thebeachiscalling.org.

Costa Rica

If you want to stay in the US then Key West is the obvious choice. Otherwise the Caribbean. Puerto Rico has all that you are looking for & you can likely get there on a direct flight.

In or out of the USA?

I would look into a Caribbean cruise, you will be guaranteed good weather, warmth & sunshine in February. With the slumping economy, cruising has never been less expensive. You can figure $150-$200 per day for room & meals on cruise ship for inside/possibly outside stateroom. Air fares have also come down significantly.

Don't forget Hawaii.

How warm do you need it to be?

Because for shorts weather in February, you'd have to go to Hawaii or south Florida in the US. If you're OK with wearing a light jacket, Phoenix.

Outside the US, how about Belize? Snorkeling on the coast, birding and ruins inland. Or Puerto Rico?

Argentina and Peru have been great trips for us. Brazil? Does it have to be US? If so, Key West is really the only truly warm place in Feb.

Truly warm in Feb. in US: yes, Key West but also Hawaii.