Key West or other beachy travel ideas?

[gailrmv]

hi! I am planning a 4-5 night trip in spring for DH and me. We''re thinking about going to Key West. Just wondering if anyone has recommendations about places to stay, things to do, etc? We like to be active and do outdoorsy stuff, and definitely want to do some snorkeling while there. DH is not really a sit-by-the-pool kind of guy, so there needs to be more to do.

A quick look online showed me that hotels are pretty pricey in Key West, so I got to thinking, maybe we could go to the Carribean or Mexico for around the same price. But I got overwhelmed since I haven''t been to those places and don''t even know where to start looking.

We''re not really into big crowds or tons of organized activities. We went on a cruise once and it was not for us. We are more solitary travelers and like to set our own pace.

I''m going to look in some travel books over the weekend, but in the meantime, anyone want to share their favorite travel spots?

 

[diamondfan]

Sanibel is nice, great for shelling. Depending on the time of year, Bermuda can also be nice.

 

[gailrmv]

Thanks, DF! Bermuda! I don''t think I know anyone who has vacationed there. What is fun to do there? Where do you like to stay?

 

[eks6426]

I vote Akumal Mexico. Akumal is south of Cancun about an hour from the airport. It is probably 1/2 our south of Playa Del Carmen. Akumal is a small beach town that has 2 bays which are both fabulous for snorkeling. Plenty of fun local restaurants. While still touristy to some extent it is abolutely nothing like Cancun with giant hi-rises and crowds. I was there last summer and introduced my 10 year old to snorkeling. We saw giant manta rays & sea turtles not to mention the usual colorful fish. There is also a laggon called Yal-Ku which offers interesting snorkeling in a fresh/salt water mix.

In the area, you can view the ruins or even go snorkeling in a Cenote.

The best place for info on this area of Mexico is locogringo.com.

http://locogringo.com/akumal/

Be sure to check out the forums...they are very useful with lots of people who are passionate about the area...kind of like PS for Mexican Riveria.

Picture is of Akumal Bay. You can swim to see the giant turtles from here.

 

[thluckiest]

St. Augustine is by far my most favorite place to visit in Florida (and I''ve lived here 8 years and have just about been everywhere!)

Savannah, Georgia is my all time favorite vacation spot.

 

[Rosebud8506]

DH and I just booked our flight to Key West last night! We still are not sure where we are going to stay, but I have heard some great things. We have been to the Caribbean, but we wanted to stay within the US this time around.

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 2/1/2008 3:16:25 PM
Author: thluckiest
St. Augustine is by far my most favorite place to visit in Florida (and I've lived here 8 years and have just about been everywhere!)

Savannah, Georgia is my all time favorite vacation spot.

I love Savannah, GA but think the water might be too cold for the spring since Tandogmom said she wanted to snorkel. I do love Savannah, Tybee Island and Hilton Head.

Gail, I have 2 friends who went to Bermuda and loved it. It is on my short list of places to visit.

I am excited to hear what you decide; how fun!!! Pweez, pack me in your bags w/you. hehe

 

[Harriet]

Miami Beach is becoming a favourite of mine. It''s close, there''s no time difference, and you can do as much or as little as you want.

 

[brazen_irish_hussy]

I LOVE Key west.
Its been years so I don''t remember where we stayed or what companies we used, but I will give what reccomendations I can.
Dry Tortugas- This is an all day excursion, but it is truely an amazing trip with wildlife, an old fort and wonderful views.
Hemmingway house- it isn''t athletic but the grounds are paradise and there are polydactyl (6 toed) kitties running around and it is a lot of fun.
Sea Kayaking-go at sunset, it is the most amazing experience. Especially if you see the green flash which is like nothing else in the world.
Sunset festival-every sunset there is a tiny mardi gras style party in key west which is a lot of fun.

I have heard you can swim with dolphins but have not done it myself.

 

[gailrmv]

Thank you guys all for the great ideas and keep em coming! I am still learning a bit about key west and picked up a travel book over the weekend. Two friends were telling me about their fun in St John so I''m looking into that too! Pricey though! Bermuda sounds intriguing, but it seems hard to get to - not many flights. DH and I have been to Hilton Head a bunch of times (love it) and have been to St Augustine too, so we''re looking to try something different - definitely something warm - will let you guys know what we decide! Thanks again for the ideas and keep em coming!

 

[Fancy605]

I have been researching Key West myself, and I too have found it is cheaper to just go out of the county than to get to the keys and stay there. I''ve been looking for other ideas as well, and here''s what I''ve found:

I have never been to the Bahamas before, but flights there are SUPER low compared to other places right now (even less than the keys) or at least they are low from ATL.

My personal favorite place in the entire world is Provodenciales on Turks and Caicos. I am pining to go back, and there are some pretty low prices on flights and lots of good hotel deals to be found.


If you like Hilton Head, you may like the Outer Banks in North Carolina or Sea Island here in Georgia (of course those places may be cool in the spring).

Clear Water is another nice Florida Beach. It should be warm there. Destin, Fort Lauderdale, and Panama City are also pretty good beaches (Though super touristy)