cany10011 Posted December 29, 2022 Share Posted December 29, 2022 (edited) Hope everyone is having a great holiday with friends and family! Just planning some trips for 2023 (already booked trips for April - Amsterdam/ Paris and December- Paris). Any thoughts for a romantic 5-day getaway from the frigid temps of NYC in February? Looking for something within 5 - 7 hour direct flight. Thought of Hawaii but it's too far. Prefer more cultural than beach (or both if possible) with good food options. Friends have suggested these: Mexico City - have been and love it Key West- have only been to Miami many times but never Key West Lagos, Portugal - have been to Lisbon, Porto a few times but have not traveled south Ibiza/Formentera, Spain - have been to Barcelona and Madrid many times but wouldn't mind something different Aruba - never much a Caribbean person, but my friend wants some sun- or are any other islands better? Have been to Antigua and Puerto Rico only. Edited December 29, 2022 by cany10011 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+ Lucky Posted December 30, 2022 Share Posted December 30, 2022 Mexico City hands down. Key West has gone straight, Portugal and Spain require too much time in transit, and Aruba...Aruba? I've never heard of anyone who went there but maybe? cany10011 and MikeBiDude 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cany10011 Posted December 30, 2022 Author Share Posted December 30, 2022 48 minutes ago, Lucky said: Mexico City hands down. Key West has gone straight, Portugal and Spain require too much time in transit, and Aruba...Aruba? I've never heard of anyone who went there but maybe? 2 friends mentioned Aruba. It never even registered to me as a place to visit as I am not a beach person. But, my friend who is traveling with me wants sun so I asked around and others suggested Aruba or St. Maarten. musclestuduws 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+ EVdude Posted December 30, 2022 Share Posted December 30, 2022 Of the ABCs, Bonaire is my fav. Best snorkel and scuba. But don’t believe you can get there nonstop. Jet Blue flies nonstop to Curacao. Very quaint and interesting Dutch island with nice beaches. Aruba can easily fulfill your needs too. musclestuduws and cany10011 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+ azdr0710 Posted December 30, 2022 Share Posted December 30, 2022 Mexico City is at 7350' elevation, so, though a ways south, could be cool at all hours in February. And no beach. However, it's a fantastic place with a ton of culture. I'm thinking the Caribbean. cany10011 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lazarus Posted December 30, 2022 Share Posted December 30, 2022 I would skip Key West. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cany10011 Posted December 30, 2022 Author Share Posted December 30, 2022 2 minutes ago, Lazarus said: I would skip Key West. Wow... no one likes Key West. I would only go to see Hemingway's cats. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 30, 2022 Share Posted December 30, 2022 1 hour ago, cany10011 said: Hope everyone is having a great holiday with friends and family! Just planning some trips for 2023 (already booked trips for April - Amsterdam/ Paris and December- Paris). Any thoughts for a romantic 5-day getaway from the frigid temps of NYC in February? Looking for something within 5 - 7 hour direct flight. Thought of Hawaii but it's too far. Prefer more cultural than beach (or both if possible) with good food options. Friends have suggested these: Mexico City - have been and love it Key West- have only been to Miami many times but never Key West Lagos, Portugal - have been to Lisbon, Porto a few times but have not traveled south Ibiza/Formentera, Spain - have been to Barcelona and Madrid many times but wouldn't mind something different Aruba - never much a Caribbean person, but my friend wants some sun- or are any other islands better? Have been to Antigua and Puerto Rico only. Bear in mind that while there won't be snow in Lagos or the Balearic Islands, it's definitely not beach weather in February; you'll need some warm clothing in February. It's also way off season in those places, and no direct flights. You already apparently know about Mexico City--there are certainly good food options, and you can decide if it's romantic. I don't know how much culture you'll find on Aruba. I'm also not a big fan of their beaches because it's windy there most of the time, and if you're on the beach, you'll feel like you're being sand-blasted. Among the ABC islands, Curacao offers the most cultural opportunities, a good selection of restaurants, as well as some nice beaches which aren't windy all of the time. Bonaire is great if you're a diving enthusiast, but no beaches and little in terms of culture, and restaurant options are limited. Among Caribbean islands, if your primary concern is cuisine and culture, I'd opt for the French islands, particularly Guadeloupe and Martinique. Not sure about direct flights from NYC, though. I'm not as down on Key West as some others, and there are probably no direct flights from NYC, but you should be able to get there in 7 hours or so. My recommendation might be for a place you haven't mentioned: Puerto Vallarta. You can fly nonstop on JetBlue, there's lots of culture including plenty of art galleries, and lots of outstanding restaurants. In fact, my favorite restaurant in the whole world is there: Cafe des Artistes, which is extremely romantic. You can also have mariachis serenade you and your lover at a beachside restaurant such as El Dorado or La Palapa. There's plenty to do in the evening also, including musicals, drag shows, or sexy reviews. 9:10am - 2:11pm (Nonstop) JetBlue Airways WiFi, entertainment and power on this flight Show details $326.75 roundtrip for 1 traveler$327 $326.75 roundtrip for 1 traveler Blue Basic Cabin: Economy Seat Seat choice for a fee Bags Carry-on bag not allowed 1st checked bag:** $35 Flexibility Non-refundable Change fee applies Price Drop Protection We’ll refund the difference if the price drops before you fly. Add to this flight $20 Select $370.05 roundtrip for 1 traveler$371 $370.05 roundtrip for 1 traveler PopularThis is a popular fare Blue Cabin: Economy Seat Seat choice included Bags Carry-on bag included 1st checked bag:** $35 Flexibility Non-refundable No change fees Price Drop Protection We’ll refund the difference if the price drops before you fly. Add to this flight $23 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cany10011 Posted December 30, 2022 Author Share Posted December 30, 2022 (edited) 16 minutes ago, Unicorn said: Bear in mind that while there won't be snow in Lagos or the Balearic Islands, it's definitely not beach weather in February; you'll need some warm clothing in February. It's also way off season in those places, and no direct flights. You already apparently know about Mexico City--there are certainly good food options, and you can decide if it's romantic. I don't know how much culture you'll find on Aruba. I'm also not a big fan of their beaches because it's windy there most of the time, and if you're on the beach, you'll feel like you're being sand-blasted. Among the ABC islands, Curacao offers the most cultural opportunities, a good selection of restaurants, as well as some nice beaches which aren't windy all of the time. Bonaire is great if you're a diving enthusiast, but no beaches and little in terms of culture, and restaurant options are limited. Among Caribbean islands, if your primary concern is cuisine and culture, I'd opt for the French islands, particularly Guadeloupe and Martinique. Not sure about direct flights from NYC, though. I'm not as down on Key West as some others, and there are probably no direct flights from NYC, but you should be able to get there in 7 hours or so. My recommendation might be for a place you haven't mentioned: Puerto Vallarta. You can fly nonstop on JetBlue, there's lots of culture including plenty of art galleries, and lots of outstanding restaurants. In fact, my favorite restaurant in the whole world is there: Cafe des Artistes, which is extremely romantic. You can also have mariachis serenade you and your lover at a beachside restaurant such as El Dorado or La Palapa. There's plenty to do in the evening also, including musicals, drag shows, or sexy reviews. 9:10am - 2:11pm (Nonstop) JetBlue Airways WiFi, entertainment and power on this flight Show details $326.75 roundtrip for 1 traveler$327 $326.75 roundtrip for 1 traveler Blue Basic Cabin: Economy Seat Seat choice for a fee Bags Carry-on bag not allowed 1st checked bag:** $35 Flexibility Non-refundable Change fee applies Price Drop Protection We’ll refund the difference if the price drops before you fly. Add to this flight $20 Select $370.05 roundtrip for 1 traveler$371 $370.05 roundtrip for 1 traveler PopularThis is a popular fare Blue Cabin: Economy Seat Seat choice included Bags Carry-on bag included 1st checked bag:** $35 Flexibility Non-refundable No change fees Price Drop Protection We’ll refund the difference if the price drops before you fly. Add to this flight $23 Thanks so much. 3 friends just went there earlier this month and enjoyed it. I just didn't know if it was too rowdy or spring break feel (no offense)... I'll review and give it some thought! Thank you Edited December 30, 2022 by cany10011 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 30, 2022 Share Posted December 30, 2022 22 minutes ago, cany10011 said: Thanks so much. 3 friends just went there earlier this month and enjoyed it. I just didn't know if it was too rowdy or spring break feel (no offense)... I'll review and give it some thought! Thank you For a more quiet/non-rowdy experience, just avoid a hotel in the Romantic Zone. The south hotel zone can have a more secluded, tranquil feel, but you'll need to take transportation (cabs, Uber, or buses) to get to the restaurants and action. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xavitv Posted December 30, 2022 Share Posted December 30, 2022 If you want to do Spain. Southern Spain is always nice, Malaga, etc cany10011 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 30, 2022 Share Posted December 30, 2022 3 hours ago, Xavitv said: If you want to do Spain. Southern Spain is always nice, Malaga, etc While Málaga does have the mildest winters in Europe (warmer than southern Portugal), it will still be quite cool, and you'll need a good jacket and/or sweater. Definitely not beach weather. It's also their rainy season, though heavy rains are rare. Also, of course, no direct flights from NYC. According to Wikipedia: "Málaga experiences the warmest winters of any European city with a population over 500,000. The average maximum temperature during the day in the period from December to February is 17–18 °C (63–64 °F). During the winter, the Málaga Mountains (Montes de Málaga) block the passage of cold winds from the north." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cany10011 Posted December 30, 2022 Author Share Posted December 30, 2022 7 hours ago, Unicorn said: While Málaga does have the mildest winters in Europe (warmer than southern Portugal), it will still be quite cool, and you'll need a good jacket and/or sweater. Definitely not beach weather. It's also their rainy season, though heavy rains are rare. Also, of course, no direct flights from NYC. According to Wikipedia: "Málaga experiences the warmest winters of any European city with a population over 500,000. The average maximum temperature during the day in the period from December to February is 17–18 °C (63–64 °F). During the winter, the Málaga Mountains (Montes de Málaga) block the passage of cold winds from the north." Thanks Unicorn. I agree with you. I'm leaning towards PV, but will check with my friend who will be visiting from Berlin. He says it is always grey there and wants to visit a sunny spot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CuriousByNature Posted December 30, 2022 Share Posted December 30, 2022 I have been to Aruba and St. Marten. Aruba has beautiful waters but is quite a dry and arid land. St. Marten is more lush, and you have the advantage of being on an island with two cultures - Dutch and French. PV is a great city that has both touristic and authentic cultural characteristics. musclestuduws, pubic_assistance and cany10011 1 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomas_Belgium Posted December 30, 2022 Share Posted December 30, 2022 What do you exactly mean with "romantic" please? Brothels or other stuff... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+ Charlie Posted December 30, 2022 Share Posted December 30, 2022 I agree with @Unicorn that the French Caribbean has the best food. I like St. Bart's, but it isn't very gay. cany10011 and + nycman 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+ WilliamM Posted December 30, 2022 Share Posted December 30, 2022 9 hours ago, Unicorn said: While Málaga does have the mildest winters in Europe (warmer than southern Portugal), it will still be quite cool, and you'll need a good jacket and/or sweater. Definitely not beach weather. It's also their rainy season, though heavy rains are rare. Also, of course, no direct flights from NYC. According to Wikipedia: "Málaga experiences the warmest winters of any European city with a population over 500,000. The average maximum temperature during the day in the period from December to February is 17–18 °C (63–64 °F). During the winter, the Málaga Mountains (Montes de Málaga) block the passage of cold winds from the north." One doesn't need a sweater at night in Spanish towns adjacent to Malaga.I spent a winter in Spain cany10011 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 30, 2022 Share Posted December 30, 2022 47 minutes ago, WilliamM said: One doesn't need a sweater at night in Spanish towns adjacent to Malaga.I spent a winter in Spain Obviously, some people are more "warm-blooded" than others, and may have different fat distributions. I presented the OP with factual information. If the highs of the day average 17–18 °C (63–64 °F), then one can expect cooler temps in the evening. If you don't need a sweater with temps in the 50s, good for you. I trust the OP to make clothing decisions based on statistical data. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+ WilliamM Posted December 30, 2022 Share Posted December 30, 2022 I have written often that collegeprofessors worn students to avoid Wikipedia. @Unicorn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+ WilliamM Posted December 30, 2022 Share Posted December 30, 2022 @Unicorn I Audi college courses at the University of Pennsylvania, especially history and political science courses! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 30, 2022 Share Posted December 30, 2022 (edited) 37 minutes ago, WilliamM said: I have written often that collegeprofessors worn students to avoid Wikipedia. @Unicorn Yes, too often and too worn. If you know of better data, we're all ears. You somehow think your personal experience is more valuable than hard statistics? Edited December 30, 2022 by Unicorn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+ WilliamM Posted December 30, 2022 Share Posted December 30, 2022 14 minutes ago, Unicorn said: Yes, too often and too worn. If you know of better data, we're all ears. You somehow think your personal experience is more valuable than hard statistics? I have no response because "the hard response," comes from Wikipedia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cany10011 Posted December 30, 2022 Author Share Posted December 30, 2022 4 hours ago, Thomas_Belgium said: What do you exactly mean with "romantic" please? Brothels or other stuff... Not interested brothels or hiring. Traveling with my own companion for some rest and relaxation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cany10011 Posted December 30, 2022 Author Share Posted December 30, 2022 3 hours ago, Unicorn said: Obviously, some people are more "warm-blooded" than others, and may have different fat distributions. I presented the OP with factual information. If the highs of the day average 17–18 °C (63–64 °F), then one can expect cooler temps in the evening. If you don't need a sweater with temps in the 50s, good for you. I trust the OP to make clothing decisions based on statistical data. I appreciate the information. Have been to Portugal and Spain in the Spring and realize it is jacket weather still. Leaning towards PV. I'll discuss with friend and see what he prefers. + WilliamM 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomas_Belgium Posted December 31, 2022 Share Posted December 31, 2022 18 hours ago, cany10011 said: I appreciate the information. Have been to Portugal and Spain in the Spring and realize it is jacket weather still. Leaning towards PV. I'll discuss with friend and see what he prefers. Although I never been to Key West, this would be my choice. cany10011 and pubic_assistance 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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