Dh & I are wanting ideas on inexpensive vacation spots

[jodim]

We are wanting to take 4-5 days to ourselves to celebrate our anniversary, but don't want to spend a fortune.

We want to stay inside the US, and would love somewhere with lots to do, preferably cheap.

We live in Southern Illinois, and could either fly or drive.

We thought about going to Disney to see the stuff the kids wouldn't let us see this past year, but we're going in 2012 with them, so figured somewhere else for us.

Any ideas appreciated.

 

[Butwhyistherumgone?]

I am no help because I am looking for the exact same thing!! 15 years in Feb
I have been leaning towards Las Vegas becasue of a cheap flight! Can fly to Tampa cheap from here too but the hotel prices there are killing the budget trip

 

[GoofyFairie]

Same here. I would be happy if someone could just tell me how to effectively search on the computer to find family friendly destinations that won't break the bank.

 

[pigletto]

I think one of the reasons I keep going back to Disney is that I *know* disney and it's in and outs and prices. I found it to be overwhelming to try and search for another tropical destination. Not saying we won't go anywhere else, but it is hard to narrow it down.
Travelzoo does narrow down the best deals of the week or month on their website... but I am not sure if it is only for Canadian travelers.

I wish their was a comprehensive place like these boards for other travel as well. Or I at least wish I knew how to start narrowing it down.

 

[Priorityonecb]

We love Vegas for an adult only getaway. Or, a secluded mountain cabin with fireplace and falling snow! A cruise is another good option. Our next adults only dh has decided he wants to go to Savannah, Charleston and Hilton Head!

 

[Abbeys_mom]

Our 10th is in April. Since cheap is very subjective, I can't comment on that. For us, we are flying to NOLA for Jazz Fest (weekend #1 of 2 offered) in late April. It is flights, hotel, tickets and food for about $1500. Cheaper than Europe, so again, it is all subjective.

How about a cheap cruise? You can pick those up for well under $100 pp/ per day, and that includes food.

 

[Muushka]

Cheap cruise, great idea.

If you check cruises that are sailing 75 days or less, you can pick up some good deals.
I sail Celebrity and they are having some great deals right now for cruises leaving in the near future.

 

[cjnix29]

Have you thought about Branson? It's not that far of a drive. We have a timeshare there at Big Cedar, and we just love going. There's so much to do!! It wouldn't be that far of a drive for you either.

 

[Halloweenqueen]

Las Vegas. Nice adult vacation. Cheap airfare. Terrific hotel deals. I'm not a big gambler, but I enjoy all the other things the city offers. Plus I usually stay for free or minimal hotel rate because I sign up for the casino club cards and receive tons of offers.

Entertainment car and restaurant.com have good restaurant offers.

 

[budbeerlady]

Can fly to Tampa cheap from here too but the hotel prices there are killing the budget trip

Priceline can be a real friend in Tampa!!!!!! We stayed before our cruise in the spring. http://www.grandtampabay.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp I was able to get this one for $36 + tax. We LOVED it here and would go back in a heartbeat!!!!!

Priceline is great for 2 people!!! Read up on Florida hotels and won bids here to get you an idea. http://www.betterbidding.com/index.php?showforum=79&

We had a great time at the aquarium by the cruise dock in Tampa also.

 

[Butwhyistherumgone?]

Have you thought about Branson? It's not that far of a drive. We have a timeshare there at Big Cedar, and we just love going. There's so much to do!! It wouldn't be that far of a drive for you either.

not the OP here but I am about 30 minutes from Branson. OP if you decided to go to Branson, let me know and I will give you some ideas.

 

[#1hoosierfan]

It would probably be too far of a drive, but we enjoy Gatlinburg, TN.

 

[mrsklamc]

OP- what time of year, and what kinds of things do you like to do?

 

[ccgirl]

It would probably be too far of a drive, but we enjoy Gatlinburg, TN.

This is what I was going to suggest. We drive from MA. My children actually asked to go back here rather than WDW. There are tons of things to do. I am actually bringing a babysitter this time so we can do some of the adult things and have some alone time. There were some wonderful winery's. We tried 1 but didn't want to drag the kids around wine testing. There is also Cades Cove which is an unbelievably beautiful drive (pack a picnic lunch) but my kids were bored. Would love to go just DH and myself without the kids whining.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[purplegirl247]

Have you ever been to Charleston, SC and/or Savannah, GA? We just spent a couple of days there each and it was very relaxing, with lots of walking to see the sights (which we love!). Definitely more of a grown-up thing, as kids probably wouldn't appreciate the history, the restaurants, etc. Good luck deciding!

 

[mjkacmom]

We love Vegas for an adult only getaway. Or, a secluded mountain cabin with fireplace and falling snow! A cruise is another good option. Our next adults only dh has decided he wants to go to Savannah, Charleston and Hilton Head!

I was going to say cruise or Hilton Head - we've done both without the kids.

 

[lovealatte]

Hilton Head is gorgeous.

how do you feel about the desert? Sedona, Arizona is absolutely stunning.. it's in the red rock mountains and full of artsy shops from local artists. Plenty of gorgeous handmade jewelry and lots of things to do, like helicopter or jeep tours through the mountains. You could also drive over to Scottsdale, which is about 3 hours away.

New Mexico is also amazing! I just have more experience with Arizona.

 

[mainstreetmagic]

I agree with that! I live in Gilbert, which is a suburb of Phoenix. We are probably 10 minutes from Scottsdale. There are tons of inclusive resorts and lots and lots to do in this town! I LOVE Sedona, and we drive up there at least once a year. Slide Rock is super fun - it's in Sedona, and it's a free natural rock formation that is super slippery... lots of fun! Now if only I could find someplace inexpensive for me to travel to that's not in my own area...

 

[lovealatte]

I agree with that! I live in Gilbert, which is a suburb of Phoenix. We are probably 10 minutes from Scottsdale. There are tons of inclusive resorts and lots and lots to do in this town! I LOVE Sedona, and we drive up there at least once a year. Slide Rock is super fun - it's in Sedona, and it's a free natural rock formation that is super slippery... lots of fun! Now if only I could find someplace inexpensive for me to travel to that's not in my own area...

Used to live in Chandler! We miss it.. moving back next August!

 

[JaymeC]

Las Vegas is great and VERY cheap IF you don't gamble Dh and I used to go regularly when we were living in San Diego. Our hotels were usually under $30/night, and were suites. Just don't do the Vegas strip hotels at their hotel site. Either priceline it on the strip or do a google search for cheaper Vegas hotels off the strip. There's a ton to do there. Much more than people expect.

I'm also a huge fan of San Diego. We lived there for a few years, and there's a lot to do. The hotels aren't too expensive as long as you're not planning to stay at the resort hotels. We usually would priceline it when someone was coming to visit for about $60/night and get a nice place. Old Town there is free, as are most of the beaches. Balboa Park is beautiful and has a variety of free and for charge museums, but there are always specials running. And if you really want to you could sneak up for a day or two at Disneyland in LA though I wouldn't recommend visiting LA. Too smoggy and it never lives up to what you expect.

The hotels in DC are a bit more expensive, but I'd love a trip there to go see all the museums, etc again. And that part is cheap or free at least A bit chilly if you're going during the winter or springtime though.