Need a tropical vacation.

[Jackimalyn]

My girlfriends and I wanna get away at the end of the summer. We wanted to rent a house on Myrtle beach but for some reason the flights there are like $400 and up. Anyone have any comparable alternatives? Miami looked ok...

We're from Wisconsin so anything above 65 is beach weather for us. We want to spend less than $1500 a piece and stay about a week. None of us are over 25, so we'd rather not have to rent a car (under 25 to rent a car is $$$$) Nightlife and other tourist-ie things would be nice too. We'd rather stay in the country too.

Let me know if you have suggestions! Thanks :)

[WannaBrie]

I'm not sure about airfare from wisconsin, but the island of cozumel is very inexpensive. Plus there are so many things to do and see on the island. Especially if you scuba dive or snorkel. Cozumel has one of the most fabulous reefs in the world. i've been there several times and loved it.

[Jackimalyn]

Really? My friends would have to get passports but if we save on everything else it may be worth it. it looks gorgeous!

[WannaBrie]

the food is pretty inexpensive, and some places probably have packages for groups. There's Mayan ruins to explore, horse back riding, long stretches of beach without a soul on them...Some nightlife, clubs, shopping. Used to be you didn't need a passport, but if you plan on going, you should be able to get one in time.

[tuliptree]

Jacki, I have one question. Can I come???? :p A tropical vacation sound so perfect. Sigh....have fun where ever you go!

Brie, sounds really nice, you have me convinced! :)

[marshdesign]

DONT GO TO MYRTLE BEACH! that is not tropical in any way. I grew up 2 hours from there and its a trashy beach compared to other location you can go to. I just got back from Miami for the 2nd time this year and it was pretty cheap. We got a 100 dollar a night motel in coral gables and it was totally fine. 15 min from south beach though. Miami is very fun and worth it! If you like to dance or eat out this is the place to be. My brother lives there so I get to go pretty often :)

[CkretAjint]

I vote for Miami as well! :)

[Jackimalyn]

Thanks guys. I cant wait, I hope I can convince my friends to go to Cozumel but otherwise Miami's lookin good.

Thanks for the advice on Myrtle beach, I thought it was a decent place?

[WannaBrie]

it used to be ok. i went there for my high school graduation trip, but that was, well, many years ago and even then it was pretty run down. This year I am thinking of taking a family vacation with my parents, my bro and his wife and my son to Tybee Island in GA. We've been looking at cottages here:

http://bookings.mermaidcottages.com/

a couple of other nice places are Savannah, GA, Cocoa Beach, Fl, The Keys are always very cool, Key west is especially fun during Fantasy Fest which is in October if you can wait that long.

[CSGdesigner]

What do fights to Boston or New York cost? Fly to one of the two and take a cruise to Bermuda. I think there are also trips to Key West.

[TheBluePanda]

If you're young and lookin to party.. I'd pick Miami over Myrtle Beach anyday. It's a happenin place with lots of latin flavor.

[Silence04]

Clearwater Beach is pretty nice too, great sand... however there aren't a lot of nightclubs, mainly live-band-beach-bars.

[Jackimalyn]

live band beach bars sounds so nice right now! i cant wait. im definately going to check out some of those places... but I dont think well take a cruise to bermuda. At least not this trip. I'll keep it in mind though :)

[budafist]

Dude, I found this collection of dollar friendly destinations (http://www.concierge.com/ideas/budget/tours/1890?page=0) yesterday. Awesome!

Oh and this collection of budget beaches (http://www.concierge.com/ideas/budget/tours/1343).

[garricks]

All I can afford this year is to buy some tropical fruits, make a smoothie, and sit in the back yard. :D But it's better than nothing!

[CkretAjint]

Atleast you have a yard to sit in... :(

[budafist]

Well, my fiance is terrible at saving money so he is considering to take a job in Australia for 3-4 months so that he can bring all that money home so that we can travel around the world. He's sent his CV and it's all very new to me since he only decided this 2 days ago. It's a really good idea but man I'm going to miss him if he goes. :(

[urstwile]

I'd recommend San Diego, but it's not that easy to get around without a car if you're not familiar with the city. Our mass transit here sucks, and it's not super friendly as a pedestrian city, except in certain parts.