Where could we go in late February

[mindehankins]

I'm feeling guilty because my best friend at work has never been anywhere at all, never even seen the ocean, and want to take her somewhere warm for a few days in February.
We'd like somewhere we can fly in, take a taxi to a grocery store and then to our accomodations. No car rental. We just want to sit on a beach.
I always liked the Lido Beach Resort in Sarasota, but that's $300/night and would rather pay less if possible.
Do you have any suggestions? We're in Western NY state.

[PA Girl]

Do you have any objections to an all inclusive? My mom is finding sone very good deals in Mexico (Xcaret, Playa area) right now for that time of year.

[mbw1024]

key west?

[mrscaptainjay]

Fort myers beach is nice in feb and there are deals to be found.

[mindehankins]

I think an all-inclusive would make her feel bad. I think we need to do something that she could someday afford.
Fort Myers Beach is a wonderful idea. I'm going to look into a place there. If you have any special insight, MrsCaptJay, PM me. Thanks everyone!

[P-600]

How about San Juan Puerto Rico? Tons of direct flights and no passport needed. I've been twice and had a really great time. Isla verde is right near the airport and you can take a taxi anywhere. The restaurants in the San Juan area are some of the best I've ever been too. The beaches aren't like STJ but they are nice. There are small casino's in the hotels. The El Yunque Rainforest is gorgeous..Reminds me of STJ. Old San Juan is a great historical site with awesome shopping and restaurants. PR is alot of Fun!

[toni]

Ooh, I like Puerto Rico too-there's several airlines that go there-air tran, jetblue etc fairly reasonably. I guess it would depend on how warm you wanted it to be, and $$. With the economy the way it's been there seem to be deals everywhere now. West coast of Florida or the Miami, Key West area is definitely warmer than the east coast that time of year. Key West is a lot of fun; don't know anything about flights to it though; we've gone a couple times driving. Anything to get away from our winters. Have fun whatever you choose!

[Lindy]

Minde - Why not St John? Serendip condos is still running a special - $550/week for a studio and $750/week for a one bedroom. My daughter stayed there earlier this month when we went to St John and I went in to see what they were like and I was pleasantly surprised. The one bedroom had a king bed in the unit she rented and then there was a little sitting area with two full sized futons that had a little curtain that could be pulled for privacy if needed. There was a bathroom, a decent sized kitchen and a little dining table inside. (Their website has pictures of all the units too.) The terrace was huge with a 6 place outdoor dining table and I think there were two chaise loungers. The view over looked Cruz Bay and St Thomas - surprisingly nice. It has laundry facilities and a little swimming pool too. My daughter's boyfriend took some awesome picture of the humming birds and iguanas that hung out around their unit. It was within walking distance of Pine Peace and town. You'd have to taxi to the beaches but you know how many taxis are available for that. A BIG plus in my mind is that it's a place that you'd feel comfortable safety-wise, being two women alone, and your friend will think it's such an exotic place! Florida just seems so vanilla (although it's nice there too). Why not BLOW her mind on her first trip?!

[Connie]

One of my favorite places in the world in Sanibel, FL. You really don't need a car once you're on the Island. You can ride your bikes anywhere. The whole Island is filled with great bike paths.

The beach is nice and it's great for shelling.

Plus, airfare is cheap.

We always stay at the same condo, so if you need a recommendation, let me know.

[Terry]

Agree with the above on Ft. Myers or Sanibel. Two of our favs in FL. Clearwater Beach near Tampa is good but the cab fare would be pricey.

Have fun introducing your friend to the ocean. I can't imagine never seeing the water.

[nothintolose]

Mardi Gras is in February...you could always bring her to the greatest free show on Earth

All kidding aside, it's not the ocean but the Florida panhandle has GORGEOUS white sand beaches and beautiful water. Fly into Pensacola airport and get a shuttle or a taxi to a hotel on the beach and stay there all week. When we go there, we pretty much hit the grocery, head to the rental and don't leave till it's time to go home.

[P-600]

I just returned from the Clearwater/Tampa area the temps on Friday morning when we left were 53 degrees... Go somewhere else!

[alw1977]

Minde, you are going to have to fly to your location regardless, correct? I have been to FL many times in the winter months, since my sister lives in Sarasota, and honestly I've never known beach temps there in February. One idea is a Bahamas Cruise. I wouldn't normally recommend cruises, but Royal Caribbean has some great "hot deals" in February from both Port Canaveral and Miami: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacrui ... romoType=1

These run about $269 pp and include meals. Much less than a $200 a night resort. Just something to think about.

[mindehankins]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I'll be looking into all of them. I've never been to Florida in February...always April....so I didn't know it might be cold. I'll look into the cruise as well.
I think somewhere like Puerto Rico or Mexico might be too much for her. Think small town, americana, never been out of this state type person.....
But a cruise....might be the ideal!

[mindehankins]

Oh, and ALW1977...I love Sarasota! Lido Key to be exact, but boy I love Sarasota! Seems like heaven to someone from Buffalo