My hubby and I will be married for 10 years early next year. We had dreams of Hawaii for our 10 year, but our son had major heart surgery this summer (equals major bills) and that is not looking possible. We want to go to a place where we can relax on a beach without our kids. We need a break and this can also help us reconnect since this has been a stressed filled year. We would be flying out of Chicago and am looking for reasonable, but nice suggestions for tropical locations. Location tips and hotel suggestions would be awesome! Thanks!
I second an all inclusive. I loved the Moon Palace outside Cancun, but it allows kids. Personally, if it was just my husband and I, I'd look for an all-inclusive adult only hotel. I know the Palace chain has some, and there is Sandals. I've never been to a Sandals resort, just saw commercials. Just be careful when researching adult only resorts, you may end up at a swingers resort.
My husband and I took a wonderful trip for our 10th anniversary. I put it together in about 2 days on the cheap -- big time. It wasn't tropical, but it was fantastic and didn't break the bank. We went to San Francisco for a couple of days (flew SW into Oakland and took the BART into downtown,) then rented a car and went into Sonoma/Napa for a few days, then flew out of Oakland and into Las Vegas for a few days. Some of the plane legs were $59 per person. It was super, relaxing but not on the beach. Check out some of the packages Southwest offers -- they are so cheap and it is easy to fly out of Midway.
San Marco Island off the coast of Florida is wonderful from what I have heard. We planned to go years ago but couldn't. My best friend and her husband did and they loved it! Quiet and not as crowded and often less expensive. Sanibal island right near it is supposed to be nice too! Praying for you guys! Hope you are able to get away and have a wonderful time!
Another idea to consider is a cruise. There are multiple that leave out of Florida, and the total price is pretty reasonable depending on how many days you want to be gone. You'll need to budget for excursions on the islands (WAY cheaper to go through the local guys once you get to the island than to book through the cruise lines) and alcohol. But if you're not huge drinkers, the bar tab doesn't amount to that much. My personal favorite cruise line was Royal Carribean.
I know you said tropical, but in case that isn't possible, you may like what we did for our fifth anniversary this summer. Did you know we have a Waldorf Astoria in Chicago? We have been to many really nice hotels, but none as great as this one! The spa is spectacular and the room was too! Happy Anniversary! Hope you get the celebration you desire! Blessing for your son!
The Florida Keys? It would help to know what time of year you want to make this trip.
But you could drive to Florida from Illnois in about a day, saves the cost of flying and renting a car.
If it's spring or summer Cape Cod might be a nice vacation spot.
Wherever you go, don't go during peak seasons. It will be more expensive.
Look for beachy type areas closer to your state. The Hamptons also has beaches for example, but is not the "tropical" type locale type.
Hawaii, just to let you know, is very expensive, as far as everyday food/meals/transportation/shopping etc. So you need to figure that into your budget.
Set a budget first.
Anywhere on Riveria Maya. You fly into Cancun and it's about 30 min south. Most hotels have a shuttle, so it's easy and convenient. Chicago to Cancun was about 2 hours, I think.
Go to Bookit.com and search for all-inclusive vacations. We spent 7 days at the Allegro (beds are quite hard.... that was my only negative) and the total cost including airfare was around 1500 for 2 people - and that is all inclusive.
What is your budget? And when are you going? If you go in Nov-Mar it will cost more..... if you go AFTER spring break, prices go down.
Jamaica also is a direct flight from Chicago and is quite reasonably priced.
Have fun!!!!!
