Vacation in 2 weeks - where would you go?

[laura]

Now that the boards are split, there really isn't a good way to encompass all possibilities, but I need help. My husband just got a great new job and in between his 2 weeks' notice and starting his new job, we're going to take a vacation. We can only do Sat-Thurs (Feb 10-15) b/c we are already committed to a weekend in Tahoe w/ friends for Pres Day weekend. My only other criteria is that it needs to be approximately 5 hours or less away from San Francisco, by plane. I'm thinking of the following possibilities, but have not seriously researched anything yet b/c I did not want to jinx the job offer:

* Hawaii (have been to Maui & the Big Island)
* Mexican Riviera
* Cabo San Lucas
* Ixtapa/Zh

What else? Where would you go? Obviously we're leaning toward beachy, but we are open to lots of things; we would prefer not cold since we already have skiing covered w/ the Tahoe portion and also not east coast. Price is not a huge issue, within reason; we were planning to take a big trip for our 5 yr anniversary in May and now that isn't happening, so this is sort of the replacement. Off to research...

TIA!

[Adaya]

Since you've been to Hawaii before, maybe branch out to one of the other places unless there's another island you really wanted to see.

Cabo would be my pick since I've heard really good things about it. I've been wanting to go there.

Wherever you go, have fun!

[wendalah]

I am a Hawaii fiend as you know, so I'd choose Kauai (since you haven't been there before). DH and I were eh on it the first time we visited, then our second time to the island we really enjoyed it. I recommend the Hyatt in Poipu highly. It's DH's favorite resort ever (even more than the Mauna Lani ;) ).

[lawyergirl25]

Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo. I was just there in December and I fell in love with the area. The beaches are gorgeous and the whole vibe is very laid back. I wouldn't hesitate to visit again.

[HeatherFL]

Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo

[laura]

My preference for Hawaii over Mexico has to do w/ the fact that we're pretty big foodies, esp when on vacation, and I don't know much about good cuisine in the areas mentioned in Mexico (except a little in Cabo) - can anyone speak specifically to that?

wendalah - I am actually mostly leaning toward Kauai for just such reasons (and toward the Hyatt specifically), but I'm wondering if you could give a little more info, such as why did you not care for it the first time, how does the island compare to Maui (besides less populated), how are the dining options compared to Maui/Big Island, etc? Any input would be greatly appreciated!

[wendalah]

I think we weren't as keen on it the first time because we only had 3 full days there and were a little rushed. The second time we had 6 days and took our time without an agenda. The best way I can describe it as compared to Maui is: It's greener and lusher, and it's very laid-back. It has a more tropical jungle-ish feel than Maui IMO. There isn't the same sort of development there--no Kihei-type areas. Towns are smaller and "lower" built and they have a more old-time feel to them.

We liked the food there but keep in mind we are vegetarians so our idea of good may differ from yours. The Hyatt had a lot to do with why we enjoyed ourselves so much. We were treated very well and the resort is super-relaxing and beautiful.

[mpc863]

we went to kauai for 6 days in august and we loved it. we stayed at the hyatt and the princeville. i agree with wendelah's dh - it's my favorite resort every! we prefer it to maui. i thought the food was only so-so. it's good but pricey and nothing out of this world.

i haven't been to cabo but i have read that many famous us chefs have opened restaurants there (charlie trotter is the one i can remember off the top of my head).

[lawyergirl25]

There's a resort area in Ixtapa that has lots of restaurants, but I couldn't tell you what they are, unfortunately. When I was in Mexico, I stuck to tiny local eateries - I wanted delicious authentic Mexican food and that's where I could find it.

Here's a website that might be helpful: http://www.zihuatanejo.net/

[Shapsgrl]

I would say Hawaii, and then Cabo.

If you have any specific questions about Cabo feel free to ask. I am getting married down there at the end of March, so I've done my research ;)

[jennylou]

I'd go to Hawaii. :)

PS - you could put this thread in travel talk if you'd like, since it encompasses more than the US. It's up to you, you can PM me if you want me to move it. :)

[laura]

Where's a good place to stay in Cabo? Is a rental car required?

[HeatherFL]

Then I'd choose Maui again. :)

[Shapsgrl]

The top three resorts are Las Ventanas Al Paraiso, The One & Only Palmilla, and the Esperanza resort. I haven't stayed at any of them (boo!) and unfortunately we won't be staying at them for our minimoon as rates are running upwards of $800/night when we are going to be there.

We're staying at the Marquis Los Cabos which I have not stayed at, but gets great reviews. I've also stayed at the Westin which was nice, but I am not sure I would recommend it. We're getting married at the Cabo Surf Hotel which is a really small boutique resort - great if you don't like big hotels and like to surf and relax in a low-key atmosphere. But the rooms are huge luxury rooms.

I would recommend a rental car, because cabs can get very expensive and in general the area is very easy to navigate and the roads are safe. Having a rental car will also allow you the opportunity to do a day trip to Todos Santos which is amazing. It's whale watching season through March so that is pretty unique, too.

I love Hawaii, but Cabo obviously offers something different, and it's a lot closer so if you're only going for a short trip you have more time to relax and enjoy.

http://www.hemispheresmagazine.com/ just did an article on three perfect days in Cabo that might be of interest to you.

ETA - the dining in Cabo is also world class. So many great restaurants.
One thing Cabo is not is cheap! it's as expensive as Hawaii.

[laura]

Ok, I am leeeeeeeeeeeeeeaning toward Cabo just based on proximity (3 hr flight!) and the fact that I think Kauai will be too rainy at this time of year. I think we will stay at the Marquis if so, but could anyone tell me what there is to do in Cabo? I understand the beaches are not swimmable, but can you do a snorkel tour of any sort at all? I do want to do some whale watching, just not sure what else to anticipate; I could lounge and spa pretty much the entire time, but that won't fly for my husband. :p I'm going to try to find a book about Cabo tomorrow...

[Jennifer]

Honestly, while a lot of people rave about Cabo, I wasn't super impressed and would pick Maui again any day.

We went to Cabo last spring wanting a change from our usual trip to Maui - and honestly I was disappointed. We loved hanging at our resort pool - but the water was SO cold when we went snorkeling - and there wasn't much to see (in the spring, summer the water is supposed to be much nicer). Seemed like deep sea fishing was HUGE if your husband has any interest. Going to town was "eh" to me - very crowded and we felt really hounded by time share sales and street vendors. We felt the same way on the beaches. You mentioned food - I KNOW there must be great restaurants somewhere, but we certainly didn't find them...we were SO disappointed with the meals we had. We did have delicious fish tacos at one of the beach bars and the guacamole at our pool was great - but beyond that we weren't impressed.

Our three hour flight down was really quick, but immigration took us another 2.5 hours before we got our luggage and our flight home detoured through Vegas - which with customs, changing terminals etc to get back on our original flight (on a flight billed as "one stop" so we didnt' think we'd even get off the plane) took over 6 hours. It ended up involving a LOT more travel time than we expected (we heard the immigration lines were unusual, so yours may be much quicker!)

I KNOW I'm biased since our trip was only okay- but I'd do a repeat trip to Maui in a heartbeat over Cabo - and with direct flights from the bay area it's a super fast trip (and for us has always been MUCH easier than our trip to Cabo) - and there is so much to do.

I'm glad we went to Cabo - and I'd do it again for a long weekend - but I'd plan on really just staying at my resort and lounging during the day...and I'm really not a stay at my resort person normally!

[laura]

Hrmm. Thanks for that info, that is actually sort of all of my fears about Cabo! I mean I'm sure it's fine for a long weekend, but for 5 nights I'm concerned we will be bored.

Perhaps we should just go back to Maui... I did love it there but my husband did not LOVE it, he just liked it okay. I was thinking that maybe staying in Lahaina would provide a different experience which might make it more interesting for him; honestly we didn't even get over to Lahaina last time we were there, we mostly stayed in the Wailea area (we stayed at the Four Seasons). HMM.

[Jennifer]

Sorry to be the Cabo downer - I know some people love it - we just had a horrible time (compared to other vacations - it was still better than being home and working ;)).

We always stay in the Lahaina area - so much to do and great restaurants - we're actually splitting our trip in March for the first time to get a few days down in Wailea since I'm interested in spending some serious time at the beaches down there- but my DH is always happier in West Maui. Maybe if you planned some activities (whale watching, snorkeling trip, hiking either at the volcano or to waterfalls on the road to Hana etc) he'd have a better time?

[c'est la vie]

I'd say Hawaii (Kauai), then Cabo or Ixtapa.

ps. We were in Kauai in April and the couple of rain showers we had only lasted for 10 minutes or so.

[Shapsgrl]

As what there is to do in Cabo, there's the obvious lounging and spa-ing.

In addition there is

world class golf
snorkeling - you can get a water taxi from Medano Beach to Lover's Beach where there is a lot of snorkeling. Or if you are into diving, there are some great dives as well
zip-line tours
from a website
ZIP LINE TOUR – CANOPY COSTA AZUL
Fly across Costa Azul Canyon on more than three miles of zip lines over river beds, treetops and rugged countryside. Expert guides and equipment handlers ensure your enjoyment and safety on a one-of-a-kind adventure in Los Cabos.
PHONE: 011 52 624 115-4112
EMAIL: canopycostaazul@hotmail.com

horseback riding
you can day-trip to Todos Santos - Highly recommended - you have to stop at Art & Beer on your way for the "bloody caesars"
ATV tours
Surfing lessons

etc, etc.

And there are some really fantastic restaurants. In San Jose, La Panga Antigua is fantastic. there is also fine-dining at Charlie Trotter's "C" in the Palmilla, Nik-San Sushi in downtown Cabo is great, Mi Casa and The Office are both classics for Mexican Cuisine.

It's like any resort town. there is a lot to do, you just have to find the right things for you and do a little research. I love the tripadvisor forums for help with Cabo. And given that I've researched the heck out of it for my wedding I would be happy to pass along anything that I know.

I like Maui a lot but for me it's not worth the flight for a 5 day vacation. So I think I would go with Cabo.

[bookworm]

Cabo was beautiful, but I'm another one who won't go back. Given that it's so convenient, I might still recommend it for you (it's not convenient for me). And I haven't been to Hawaii, so I can't compare it to that.

We stayed at an older, local place near town and the marina. Hmm, I just went to look for the website, and it has apparently been sold. Oh well, it was charming.

What I liked: the hotel, the view of the ocean, generally relaxing.
What I didn't like: the sand was so sharp it hurt to walk on the beach, lots of people harrassing you once you left the resort (including really little kids, which always makes me sad... I prefer my vacations sans middle class guilt :o )

I remember the restaurants being ok but nothing special. The guac and tacos by the pool were quite good though :).

[justHB]

You know I'm a huge Maui fan.

DH says for Cabo we should do a 3-night trip. He thinks 5 nights would be too long and we'd get bored just sitting by the hotel pool.

We're going to be in Maui for 6 nights (at the same time you're planning your trip) and looking over our schedule, we have something to do everyday.

[laura]

Do you mind if I ask what your plans are? I promise I won't stalk you ;), we're going the next week now, I think.

[justHB]

Do you mind if I ask what your plans are? I promise I won't stalk you ;), we're going the next week now, I think. I'll email you our schedule. You know I'm all about plotting it out by time. :D