Travel Ideas - Help us!

cschuma2

I am hoping that you ladies will be able to give me some ideas to start researching for travel.  DH and I are able to take time for travel in the beginning of March 2014.  We're looking to get away for 7-9 days.  Budget isn't really strict, but I would hope to keep airfare under $500pp and use priceline/hotwire to keep the hotel under or around $100-125/nt.  We would be flying out of Detroit.  We have passports.

We want to go someplace warmer.  It wouldn't have to be beach weather warm- but we want to at least get away from snow and ditch the jackets during the day.  Average daily highs in the 60's are a minimum.

We're hoping to get a little variety with 2-3 destinations in the same trip that aren't too many hours apart.  We would like an urban setting for a few days.  We like history, culture, architecture, museums, unique attractions within the city.  We don't like shopping, nightlife.  We also are interested in a quieter national/state park(s) setting with awesome hiking and scenery.  We definitely are active and adventurous travelers.  We can appreciate a relaxing day, but I would feel like I wasted time if I spent an entire week only laying on a beach.

Excessive crowds would be a negative too.  We both have a strong desire to go to New Orleans.  However, I can't imagine being there during Mardi Gras so we'll have to visit at another time.

Many of our travels seem to be to more northern destinations.  The only warm/warmish destinations that we've traveled to are Las Vegas, Miami, and various Caribbean ports on a couple of cruises.  That leaves a lot of unexplored land for us to discover!  Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

hutchsl

Well that time of year you will encounter spring breakers. So you need to select spots they would not be interested in. I have liked Costa Rica (beach, rainforests, volcanos) and Puerto Rico. We have been there over Thanksgiving the last couple of years. One thing you might want to do is concentrate on where the cheaper airlines go from your area such as Southwest Airline destinations. They do go to PR.

dalm0m

Would you be open to a cruise?  If you skip the mega ships, the crowds won't be so bad.  You will get to go to many islands.  Puerto Rico will give you the urban flair which you could also get with a pre- & post cruise stay in Miami.  Based on everything else you described, I think you could be happy on Princess or Celebrity.

MrsLee04

We went to San Diego in March once.  It was not beach weather, but warm like you desire.  It's a great city with lots of culture and lots to do.  If you're wanting some days of nature you could drive north for a bit.  When we went we had flown into LA then drove down to SD and the drive was wonderful.  There were lots of great places to stop and hike or sight-see. 

hutchsl

cschuma2 said:

We want to go someplace warmer.  It wouldn't have to be beach weather warm- but we want to at least get away from snow and ditch the jackets during the day.  Average daily highs in the 60's are a minimum.

We're hoping to get a little variety with 2-3 destinations in the same trip that aren't too many hours apart.  (Not sure it meets this requirement)

 

We would like an urban setting for a few days.  We like history, culture, architecture, museums, unique attractions within the city.  We don't like shopping, nightlife.  We also are interested in a quieter national/state park(s) setting with awesome hiking and scenery.  We definitely are active and adventurous travelers.

______________________

For a quiet NP that is good that time of year, consider Big Bend NP in Texas. You would have to fly to El Paso and drive 4.5 hr or fly to San Antonio and drive 6.25 hrs.

 

There is a lot to see and do in San Antonio (Riverwalk, Old Spanish missions,etc.).

 

El Paso is also not to far from Carlsbad Caverns. Hotels are not cheap in Carlsbad. 

 

Big Bend has a NP lodge and some lodging outside the park but not extremely close (30 min or so away). We stayed at the Gage Hotel in Marathon and Terlingua Ranch in a cabin. In the park there is hiking in the mountains, desert and rafting trips on the rio grande. After March/April is gets too hot there at least for the desert area  

alithebride

southern california may fit your requirements.

i think for that price you'll have a tough time in the caribbean. it's the priciest (aside of christmas/new years) and spring break. can you only travel then?

have you priced anything out?

jameslonggan

I am traveling alone for almost 2 years and I love solo unplanned trips. Go to asian tropical countries like thailand, cambodia, vietnam, philippines, malaysia, singapore. If you don't want to hit the beach then you can visit other tourist attractions like history, culture, temples, museums and etc.

jameslong

jameslonggan said:

I am traveling alone for almost 2 years and I love solo unplanned trips. Go to asian tropical countries like thailand, cambodia, vietnam, philippines, malaysia, singapore. If you don't want to hit the beach then you can visit other tourist attractions like history, culture, temples, museums and etc.


Visit also mexico! the place is kind of a laid back. Goodluck mate and enjoy!


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