My boyfriend and I would like to do a trip sometime during our winter break, which runs from about Dec. 22 to Jan. 15. We live in the Philadelphia area, and are looking for a trip between about four d
My boyfriend and I would like to do a trip sometime during our winter break, which runs from about Dec. 22 to Jan. 15. We live in the Philadelphia area, and are looking for a trip between about four days to a week.
With all expenses, we would like to keep it around $500 per person. We are pretty open to ideas -- we have thought of staying at a beach resort in South Florida, going to San Francisco and staying at a youth hostel, or taking a cruise out of Baltimore. We also are willing to drive to a destination. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! I especially would appreciate feedback on cruises since neither of us have been on one.
If you don't mind commuting to New York you can find 7 day Bahamas cruises on NCL in your price range for late December into January. Check their website. If you don't yet have passports you need to apply right away so you can get them in time for your trip. A cruise may be a good option for you. Some people love cruises, others hate them but you really need to experience it for yourself and make up your own mind.
Staying in the USA and looking at your two other choices you mentioned:
R/T airfare between Baltimore (BWI) and San Francisco (SFO) is running about $450 per person for Dec/Jan right now. However if you are willing to fly out of Washington National (DCA) you can get a r/t on Air Tran for $270 per person. Be sure you understand the extra fees Air Tran charges and add those in to the fare.
Even cheaper are flights between Philadelphia (PHL) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL). I'm seeing a non-stop US Air flights with availability after New Year's for $191 round trip including taxes per person.
Understand these fares are what I found right now and by the time you get around to making a decision and purchasing your trip the fares may very well have changed.
With your budget I'd probably head for South Florida for a few days as my own first choice.
Thanks for the suggestions. We were actually able to find a similar airfare deal to San Francisco out of Philly with Frontier Airlines for $270 a person, including taxes. The Hotel des Arts has rooms for $70 a night, and is running a promotion- pay for 5 rooms and get 2 free. We will have to budget a little bit more money, but it seems like a fantastic, affordable opportunity to go see San Francisco! P. Weber, would you mind if I ask you for some recommendations after I do research, since I see you are from Northern California?
During the Christmas holidays and the week up until New Year's, prices to warm destinations are often very high due to school vacation and holiday travel. However, within a few days after New Year's prices often drop dramatically--I guess everyone has run out of money! I would aim for around Jan. 7-14. You may be able to get a nice little cruise for that, or a few days in the Miami area. South Beach can be VERY expensive, however--sometimes up to $500 for ONE night in one of the hot hotels. The NCL cruise to FL/Bahamas from NY or a cruise from Baltimore might be worth considering. You should know that in January cold snaps sometimes extend all the way into Florida and even the Bahamas--it can drop into the low 60's in the daytime, lower at night. There is a lot to do on a ship, though. If you are not into nightlife, have you considered the Keys?
There are always great deals on last minute cruises. The problem is getting to the port. I think you would LOVE a cruise, but there are lots of options out there and it can be confusing. What's your goal? Sightseeing? Beach/sun? Relaxing? Think about what you want to do before choosing a destination. Bon Voyage!
