Hot winter get-away 2014

[cracher]

Have you considered San Clemente (45 min north of SD, or 75 min south of LAX)? Not all-inclusive, but how hard is it to pull out your visa to cover your bar tab? It's one of my favorite surfing spots. Plenty of of high-end amenities (golf, food) and, if you run out of activities, you're a very short drive from either SD or LA. The weather starts getting decent by March.

[zyzz]

I stayed at the Royal Decameron Complex my most recent trip. Great price, clean resort with lots of nice pools. Great beach. It's a bit older but it's so clean you don't even notice,

[burnin_vernon]

I am in the finishing stages of planning a road trip of the Yucatan. 13 days on the road, and finishing with the last 4 days in a Playa del Carmen all inclusive.

If anyone has any experience/tips of such a trip, I'd like to hear them.

[lucky1]

Driving from Calgary?

[burnin_vernon]

Flying to Cancun, Going straight to Isla Mujeres, with sleeps in Valladolid, Merida, Campeche, Bacalar, Tulum, Cozumel, and PDC.

[Regular_John]

The wife wanted to go somewhere warm this year, I wanted to go somewhere new... We're going to Tokyo for a week. I expect slightly nicer weather, but certainly no tropical climate. However I do expect killer sushi, and much photo taking.

This only tangibly fits the theme of the thread, and for that, I'm sorry.

[InglewoodFan]

Originally Posted by burnin_vernon

Flying to Cancun, Going straight to Isla Mujeres, with sleeps in Valladolid, Merida, Campeche, Bacalar, Tulum, Cozumel, and PDC.

No real road trip advice, but Isla Mujeres is so great. Such a laid back vibe. We've been to Cancun area a half dozen times now and it is by far our favourite. Sadly for OP, the surf wouldn't make the grade.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by jaydorn

The wife wanted to go somewhere warm this year, I wanted to go somewhere new... We're going to Tokyo for a week. I expect slightly nicer weather, but certainly no tropical climate. However I do expect killer sushi, and much photo taking.

This only tangibly fits the theme of the thread, and for that, I'm sorry.

[FlamesAddiction]

Personally, I prefer the southwest side of Mexico as opposed to the Mayan Riviera side. Mexico is a big and diverse country and there is probably something there for everyone.

We are looking at Central America this time around. Maybe Nicaragua or El Salvador.

[Ducay]

Cabo, San Lucas

[Northendzone]

a few years back we stayed at some resort near playa del carmen - the resort was acceptable; however, the two things i did not like were:

- the beach was not as nice as it was at our resort in cancun
- the two hour drive from the airport to the resort

just my observation - have fun with planning the trip

[bizaro86]

Originally Posted by Ducay

Cabo, San Lucas

If you're booking in Cabo I'd want independent confirmation that the resort is recovered from Hurrican Odile

[undercoverbrother]

We have booked our trip to see family in Cayman Islands. They just built a house with a guest house, 5 min walk from 7 mile beach.

When that snow hit a couple of weeks ago, my son started the countdown calendar to mid-Jan.

Best part of the trip is he is an Oiler fan.

[brocoli]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

Personally, I prefer the southwest side of Mexico as opposed to the Mayan Riviera side. Mexico is a big and diverse country and there is probably something there for everyone.

We are looking at Central America this time around. Maybe Nicaragua or El Salvador.

We did a trip to Panama last year. It was amazing. The jungle is like nothing I have ever seen. Just lush everywhere. Very friendly people and we felt very safe. The other thing is that I have never seen the ocean as calm as it was there as well. There was not a wave to be seen.

[Sammymydog1]

Just got back from Nuevo Vallarta last night - 20 mins North of Puerto Vallarta.

Nicer beaches, quieter area. We don't even bother going into PV. We enjoy going into Bucerias, small town about 15 mins. Noth. Lots of activity around the resorts & plenty of sunshine & cerveza. Can usually find some good rates in the area.

As for Cabo, I know a few people who are aware of damages at places they own (timeshare) there & have cancelled plans to go there this winter...

[jeffporfirio]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

...We are looking at Central America this time around. Maybe Nicaragua or El Salvador.

Steer away from El Salvador and Honduras when travelling to Central America. Things are pretty awful in both places right now, crime has gone off the radar, and there is a lot of political instability.

Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama are all safe bets.

source: lived in El Salvador and Honduras, and still have family in El Salvador.

[Bigtime]

Originally Posted by cral12

As I ponder a winter getaway, can we live vicariously thru others who already have vacations booked?
Where are you headed this winter?

Funny enough (in light of the new thread) we are going to Cabo San Lucas in a few weeks. I've never been except for a day stop there on a cruise back in 2002. Just a Sunday to Sunday trip staying at a resort right on the point apparently.

Spring break next year we are taking the kids to Disneyland and Maui.

[prarieboy]

I was in Nuevo Vallarta last spring and loved it. Great weather, beach, lots to do.

I'm tempted to go back this year for my 50th birthday I liked it so much. What other places should I consider? Any absolute favorites you have?

As for the OP Nuevo Vallarta has all you are looking for but the waves at times were not that big. People were out on Boogie boards each day. One thing about the water there, it is not as clear as the Caribbean or farther down the coast.