non-Florida holiday ideas for Nov / Dec?

[Hilary]

DH and I have booked time off at the end of November / beginning of December and are hoping to grab a late availability trip a couple of weeks out from then.

Whilst Florida is still a hot contender (if we can find a 'bargain' flight - or then agian, maybe even without the 'bargain' bit! ) where else might be a possibility for a flight or package to a destination with temperatures in the 70s to 80s at that time of year?

I quite fancy doing something with no planning whatsoever in a lucky dip kind of way, but don't want to end up somewhere freezing - we're hoping for a winter-sun-plus-interesting-things-to-do kind of trip rather than a city break where the climate's not so important. A change from our usual kind of break.

Any suggestions of good places to think about?

 

[jjpenguin]

Safari in Africa, no time difference and lots to see & do
Goa for a bit different fun in the sun

 

[Claire L]

How long do you want to go for? Also is it a beach holiday as well with a bit of exploring the locality that you are looking for?

Claire

 

[gilld]

The obvious place is the Caribbean. We particularly like Grenada or the Grenadines - fabulous diving and snorkelling and much less commercialised than Barbados, Antigua and St Lucia.

 

[Hilary]

Ooh, I'm excited already by those suggestions .. only another five months to wait!

While a safari would be great, I think I'd feel too guilty about not taking DDs to be able to enjoy a two-of-us trip!

I do like the idea of Goa or the Caribbean

How long do you want to go for? Also is it a beach holiday as well with a bit of exploring the locality that you are looking for?

We'll only have a week, but we've been to Florida for that length of time and found it was fine, so any other long-distance trip with (up to) similar flight times would be okay.

I don't really 'do' beaches very well - unless maybe there's an activity attached. We live practically on top of some of the nicest UK beaches but I never go to them (it's a sand-aversion thing!). However, we definitely like the coast, and while we'd prefer to spend time in a harbours and marinas kind of environment, a beach would be great as long as there was plenty to do as well.

 

[florida sun]

I dont know about this one Hilary, but friends of mine have recently come back from Bermuda and they loved it. There were loads of things to do, and plenty of things to see.

 

[gilld]

I don't really 'do' beaches very well - unless maybe there's an activity attached. We live practically on top of some of the nicest UK beaches but I never go to them (it's a sand-aversion thing!). However, we definitely like the coast, and while we'd prefer to spend time in a harbours and marinas kind of environment, a beach would be great as long as there was plenty to do as well.

If you don't like beaches much, what about Singapore or Bangkok? Both very hot, with loads of culture and things to do? Or a Nile cruise with all the temples.

 

[carolfoy]

I'd go with egypt or perhaps dubai, both hot and lots to do apart from the beach

 

[alisonbestford]

I do like the idea of Goa or the Caribbean

Goa is beautiful - especially if you stay further 'down South' - away from the typical touristy bits

Yes, there are lovely beaches but also markets and plenty of places to go sightseeing.
You simply hire a driver and a car for the day (which costs little) and off you go

The people are lovely and can't do enough for you and the food is delicious - and sooooo cheap

 

[kkymmy]

I'd go to Dubai just for the airport...it's amazing!

 

[alisonbestford]

I'd go to Dubai just for the airport...it's amazing!

But if you go to Goa you may stop over in Dubai airport for re-fuelling anyway like we did................
And, yes, it is pretty amazing

 

[gilld]

What about a week in the Maldives? Although I wouldn't go that way for a week, lots do and it really is the most beautiful place on earth.

 

[Hilary]

Thanks for all the suggestions

I'm going to get a few brochures for all of these places to do some research so that I'll have a better idea of a good offer if / when there are any late availability deals out there.

Because I'm in the middle of changing jobs, I need to have my holiday dates fairly well planned so that I can book them in once I start the new job, so DH and I are currently debating various options for our planned time off for the next 18 months - it's almost hard work! I should add that Florida will definitely feature in at least one trip (just in case any of you thought I'd given up on it! )

 

[kkymmy]

I'd just like to point out that I have only been to Dubai for connecting flights, therefore have only seen the airport and the country from the air! Still looks pretty cool though, especially that new exclusive palm tree resort...supposedly the Beckhams have a villa there....oh the joys

 

[Frances999]

The Maldives will certainly you offer the sun but if you're looking for some culture or "proper" sightseeing you may be disappointed. There are an abundance of activities on the islands, and you can take a day trip to Male but, for me, it will always just be a place to go to truly unwind, relax and get some diving. We've only ever been for a week, as I find it just the right time.

I think one of the Caribbean islands might be ideal - there can be lots to see and do and the flight time will be shorter.