Planning a winter getaway...not by boat :-)

[Kevin]

Hey gang, figured this was a good way to get info/ideas. I'd like to take a vacation in January for about a week from Minnesota to either Mexico or somewhere in the Carribean. Here's where I'm running into a snag, I'd like to do the Flight+Hotel for under $2000 (the cheaper the better) for 2 people. Ideas for location, vacation deals, etc?
Thanks

[LOLA]

Being from Mankato,( son in Big Lake) why on earth would you want to get away during that part of the year...lol...If you could do a swap with someone else on their boat?or......Go to FEMALE BOAT OWNERS, I'm offering a vacation but you need to help me learn to sail. It would be in Myrtle Beach SC. You would pay for own food. I will be in Calif, first half of month...could do end of Jan...just an idea

[John Berens]

About 12 or so years ago we went to St. John in the US Virgins. We stayed at the National Park campground. For about $55 per night we got a what they called a cabin...two cinder block walls on the sides, screened walls front and back, a coleman stove, icebox, kitchen utencils, and bedding. (No TV or AC). It was great....one of the worlds best beachs 100' away, bathing facilities just down a path, (showers were enclosed but no roof), pretty good restaurant, and a convenience store. We found it very safe and enjoyable.
We have also stayed at Maho Campgound, also on St John. This privately owned resort was also great.

[Suky]

Ms Lydia's guest house in Placencia Belize... simple accommodations right on the beach for about $ 25.00 a night.
have fun...

[Lara Hummel]

My husband took me to Puerto Rico two years ago for my birthday - it was simple, us territory, so you don't need passport, and they use dollars, and cheap - i think we did a 5 day trip for like $6 or 700 bucks.

I would reccommend the Hilton Caribe - they're hurting for tourism there, so I bet you could get a great room for cheap - otherwise, we stated in the Hotel Normandie - awesome hotel, and happens to be RIGHT NEXT to the caribe (honestly, we just snuck over and used their beach and pool that had a swim up bar.. haha)

To eat, i would reccommend the Parrot Club - the chef competed on Iron Chef America, the food was delicious.

When looking for your flights, I would also recommend leaving and returning on a tuesday or wednesday - flights are cheaper that way.

I just put your details into expedia quickly, and I'm getting several hits WELL under $2000.

http://www.expedia.com/pub/agent.dll?qscr=cmfd&qsfr=cmfd&it...

It's worth a look.

Good luck!!

[PCarrico]

I just looked at flights to Costa Rica.
I have a few friends and relatives that go there frequently and they absolutely love the place.
There are a few tours there that focus on the natural beauty- Volcanoes, rain forest.
With the coast line and bays, obvious good sailing.
Every tried surfing?
That's what got my brother in law going there. He went to a surfing school near Witches Rock as a beginner surfer,
Here's 1 example of an eco-tour

[Charles Cohen]

You can get a week in Oaxaca, Mexico for two people for $2,228 -- flight, hotel, taxes, and fees. Leave from St Paul on Jan 9, return Jan 16, and stay at a Holiday Inn Express.

That's the best Travelocity can do. You could do it cheaper by staying in a less-expensive Oaxaca hotel, but they won't pay Travelocity's advertising costs and commissions.

Charles