Ideas for a non-disney trip for 2 adult couples in the spring?

[moopdog]

My husband and I AND my best friend and her husband both celebrate our 15th anniversary next year. We are thinking of the 4 of us going to a resort type vacation, all inlusive would be nice, but not required.

The catch: we are all on a budget! We can't be extravagant, but need a getaway! And we need a deal!! LOL.

We would be flying out of Philly, and are mostly considering anything that doesn't require a passport (maybe the Keys??). Although....my friends said they would get passports if need be (we have ours already). So I guess a tropical destination is not totally off the table.

 

[lauradis]

South beach in Miami, is great location for tropical, grown up vacation spot, plenty of happy hour specials.

 

[eliza61]

I know you said a resort but I'm going to throw out an alternative.

VEGAS, BABY. I too fly out of Philly and there are always great deals to vegas.

Now let me also say that dh and I were not and are not big gamblers. Seriously I may spend 20 bucks total.

We loved Vegas.
First of all the rooms are usually ungodly cheap even on the strip. I've gotten 100 dollar a night rooms at Cesears that were waaaay better than the GF.
New Years eve (a major holiday) we stayed at the Monte Carlo hotel and casino for less than 100 bucks a night.

Next. Food is excellent and also really inexpensive.

Tons of things to do. so much live entertainment it will make your head spin.

As you can see I love Vegas. It's a great vacation.

 

[rabx5]

A cruise. You can not beat the value.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

It's been years, but DW and I really loved Vegas too! Great suggestion.

 

[wiigirl]

It's been years, but DW and I really loved Vegas too! Great suggestion.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

A cruise, Vegas or Key West.

 

[maxaroni]

I know you said a resort but I'm going to throw out an alternative.

VEGAS, BABY. I too fly out of Philly and there are always great deals to vegas.

Now let me also say that dh and I were not and are not big gamblers. Seriously I may spend 20 bucks total.

We loved Vegas.
First of all the rooms are usually ungodly cheap even on the strip. I've gotten 100 dollar a night rooms at Cesears that were waaaay better than the GF.
New Years eve (a major holiday) we stayed at the Monte Carlo hotel and casino for less than 100 bucks a night.

Next. Food is excellent and also really inexpensive.

Tons of things to do. so much live entertainment it will make your head spin.

As you can see I love Vegas. It's a great vacation.

I have heard this from numerous people. We fly put of Philly as well and the amount of people we know going to Vegas is amazing. Seems to be a very good suggestion

 

[moopdog]

Okay, I should have clarified. Our friends have been to Vegas multiple times, and we have done cruises multiple times. So, we are looking to do something besides either of those trips.

As for South Beach, I think we are looking to mostly relax and do next to nothing, as we lay in the hot sun by some clear waters. We would like to be able to have fun things to do nearby, but more along the lines of a party boat or fishing or snorkeling type stuff. Not so much the night life scene. Does that narrow it down better??

Thanks so much!!

 

[JandJ]

I was going to recommend a cruise because you cannot beat the value, but since that's out . . .

If your friends are willing to get their passports, I'd recommend Mexico. DH and I did that a few years ago at Christmas and I'd love to go again. Cancun, Cozumel, and Playa del Carmen are all wonderful and not outrageously expensive. There are plenty of all-inclusive resorts and if you're a bit more adventurous you could book a condo through one of the vacation rental websites (we did that and it was FABULOUS!). You can just sit around the beach/pool, take a tour of the ruins, go snorkeling, shopping, find wonderful restaurants. Our entire week, including airfare, the condo (which was brand new and very high-end), airport transfers, all meals, visits to Chichen Itza and Coba, and a 2-day car rental was less than $1200.

Otherwise, I'd recommend Clearwater Beach or the St. Pete Beach area in Florida. Plenty of nice hotels, relaxing, day trips, and restaurants. It's not the nightlife scene of Miami but still has plenty to see and do.

 

[dsneprincess]

Vegas!! Hands down, even if you are not a gambler, maybe esp. If you are not a gambler budget wise....

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

A cruise. You can not beat the value.

Also as long as it's a closed loop, meaning you sail from and return to the same port, you don't need a passport. What we like with cruising with friends or extended family is that it gives us time together but also a little time apart so we're not together 24/7. Also, on DCL it gives me my Disney fix without the crowds & hassles of visiting a Disney park.
A Disney cruise makes a park visit feel like work. Yes, we have cruised without kids and so did our friends. Our other Disney loving friends haven't done it yet but said they would if they had someone reliable to stay with their teens who are not quite old enough to stay home alone that long.

Ooops! Just read through the whole thread. OK, another vote here for getting passports & going to Cancun. The ocean is out of this world beautiful and most hotels are right on the ocean. The only hard decision you have to make is should we lay by the pool or the beach? Also lots of tours & water sports available if you're in the mood.

 

[maxaroni]

Plenty of all inclusive resorts in Jamaica and Dominican Republic. You can do as much or as little as you want.