I need cheap vacation ideas~~~

[pumpkinfish]

WDW is out as we are going in October for a week.
I looked at Vegas but I just don't know any more...

DH has 4 day breaks with work and we NEED to get away for a quick break. We've had mini vacations recently but they were to see family and friends. I want to plan something that gets us away and possibly do something different as we are creatures of habit. He has 4 days coming up starting Sept 1st....Airfare and hotel need to be within $1500. We are in SE Va and often go to OBX or the mountains. But been there done that. We need something new. I thought maybe a cruise but the cost isnt in our favor...plus DH isnt a fan.

I've been in the same kind of vacation loop and need new inspiration! I'm not opposed to a destination we drive to either. We've never "done" DC together so that's a thought...

 

[akcire]

My husband and I just did DC, we had a great time. We stayed at a Renissance, the high end Marriott, at the Hotel M -near DuPont Circle for about $100 a night. We were a short walk to the metro and a long walk to the white house.

It was really interesting. If you go contact your congress person to get congressional tours. They are free. Oddly, our favorite tour was the Library of Congress.

My other suggestion if you want to get away is to look at the state of Kentucky park service, they have tons of state parks and some really cool resorts.


Good luck

 

[pumpkinfish]

Thanks for the response! I'm leaning towards DC...my uncle does secret service at the white house and can get us the tour...and we'd like to do the touristy things around the area......

I think the biggest issue is what KIND of vacation do we want, kwim??
That's why I'm thinking not Vegas because it's too much hustle and bustle...but maybe that's what we'd like? To really let our hair down? We went to Vegas before in 05 but that was with family. We'd like to explore a little more on our own.

Argh! DH also mentioned DL....or going to orlando and doing universal.

 

[cindycastle30]

How about New Orleans. My husband and I went there for 4 nights in May and it was around $1000. We drove from Wisconsin. There is so much to do there and you can really make it into a bunch of different vacations. We stayed at the St Louis hotel and it was just under $100 per night including parking, decent enough older hotel (which most are there) We had so much fun and it was really cool just wondering around. We have been there with our kids, but it was a total different experience with only adults. There is a lot to see and take in, and the history of the city can't be beat. Great now I want to go back!! It can also be a very budget friendly destination also if you research it. Let us know what you decide to do.

 

[sunlover13]

A vote for Vegas here! It doesn't have to be all hustle and bustle if you don't want it to be. Especially if you stay at a more luxurious resort, you would never have to leave. Plus, some of the pools are wonderful and you can just relax all day at the pool, do dinner & a show in the evening. There are a ton of great deals out there right now and the rooms are heavily discounted. So are the shows for that matter. A lot of the Cirque shows are buy 1 ticket, get 1 for $25 right now.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

 

[pweyl36]

how about Great Wolf Lodge? They are having a labor day special. you can also visit Williamsburg.

 

[debsays]

Southwest Airlines has a special going on now travels to Vegas....one goes for free.

 

[mrsklamc]

I was also going to vote for vegas. Lots of specials right now and i can be anything you want it to be- hustle and bustle not required.

 

[mrsklamc]

Oh and you COULD definately get a cruise in for that price right now if DH was inclined to change his mind.

 

[torinsmom]

Universal would be fun and cheap! We just got back and were able to get Hyatt Place Universal for $30/nt on Priceline and airfare is pretty cheap. They have 3 months passes at Costco for $89.99, so the passes would still be good on your WDW trip in October, if you needed a break.

We also went to DC in June and you can get some great hotels on Priceline for a reasonable price. Almost all the attractions are free and there are lots of cool things to see there. We loved the National Zoo.

Marsha

 

[pumpkinfish]

Alright, so DH wasn't going for the universal idea. "So why don't we just go to Disney then?". Told you...we are creatures of habit.

I know I can get a great deal at Vegas...I've priced it out...even for a suite at MGM or a regular room at Bellagio (and maybe do the $20 trick for an upgrade). Maybe I just wish we had more time at Vegas (I won't want to come home).

Now New Orleans is a GREAT idea! Thank you! See, hadn't even thought of it...and DH just asked the other day if POFQ had DVC Poor Dh. We stayed there several times before DVC and DH wants to go back! Hmmmmm...Let me price that out. I'll need some help on places to stay though...

 

[micheleq]

What about Charleston or Savannah?

 

[caligirl stuck in va]

Or maybe Savannah? I know it's on my list to get to someday!

DC is good, too. So many awesome FREE things to do! And you wouldn't have to pay for airfare.

If you do look at Vegas again, look into the new Red Rocks resort. Not on the strip so extra peaceful and in a beautiful area. More to do in Vegas than the strip, definitely enough to keep you busy for a few days (and you can go down the strip and have fun there, too)!

 

[AKL_Megs]

How about a camping trip?

A camping trip is the GREATEST retreat for my DH and me.

Of course, if you don't have the equipment, it's expensive the first time, but if you plan on making it something you do yearly, it's an investment.

 

[Irin997]

How about a quick beach trip to Florida, like Miami, Key West, or St. Pete Beach? My BF and I were pricing a 3 night getaway to St. Pete Beach outside of Tampa & St. Petersburg for about $350 PP including airfare, hotel, and car rental in October. We also priced Key West for the same inclusions about $600-$800 PP.

And I would say Vegas but I like to gamble so it wouldn't be a cheap vacation for me!

 

[akcire]

Now New Orleans is a GREAT idea! Thank you! See, hadn't even thought of it...and DH just asked the other day if POFQ had DVC Poor Dh. We stayed there several times before DVC and DH wants to go back! Hmmmmm...Let me price that out. I'll need some help on places to stay though...

Travelzoo just sent me their list of weekly deals $79/$89 at Sheraton near the quarter. Stop at Pat O'Brien's for me. Also breakfast at the three sister's is awesome or the Bluebird cafe, and I am sure you know about Cafe du Monde. This makes me want to go to New Orleans, but I am on a diet. New Orleans is not a diet city.


$79 -- New Orleans Hotel by French Quarter, incl. Upgrade
http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/11409818-619035/
Source: Sheraton New Orleans

If the link doesn't work send me a PM with your email and I will forward what they sent to me.

 

[lovehoney]

I second Kentucky. I've always wanted to visit Mammoth caves.

I'm not sure I would do New Orleans in late July or August. It's super hot and humid.

 

[LadyBeBop]

I second Kentucky. I've always wanted to visit Mammoth caves.

I'm not sure I would do New Orleans in late July or August. It's super hot and humid.

And it's hurricane season as well.

Mammoth Caves is cool and reasonable.

But if you've never done DC, and you're that close...well I think I'd do DC.

 

[tracys2cents]

You could fly into Vegas arriving late morning, take the 2.5 hour drive up to the beautiful ZION NATIONAL PARK for a night or two, then go back and spend a night in a luxury room in Vegas for the last night or two. I saw a $119 rate at Wynn or Encore advertized on the strip any Sun- Thurs

This would make it a little more of a "getaway" and not just a typical "few nights in Vegas". You'd get a nice drive in, the scenery, the outdoors, etc

 

[3boymthr]

How about someplace out of the country? My cousin is going to Punta Cana. It's supposed to be beautiful. She got an all inclusive deal through Hotels.com for 5 people, including hotel, airfare, food and alcohol for $3600 for 7 nights. I just checked travelocity and you can get there for three nights for about $1,200 for two people maybe a little more if you go longer.