Award trip to Europe or else?
Nov 27, 2016, 4:41 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: ORD, RDU
Programs: UA, AA, Marriott
Posts: 364
Award trip to Europe or else?
Hey all!
I have 200k Miles burning a hole in my pocket, so wife and I decide to take a trip. Unfortunately, with our schedules we are limited to 9-10 days in the end of February. We were looking at Turkey/Greece or Spain/Portugal, however, we were hesitant because it's still cold and we can't swim. Is there anything you guys recommend? Any Greek island that might be warm?
Also, any recommendations for Option B and C? We were talking about Brazil, Bahamas, Costa Rica? I wanted to go to Japan or Bali but she doesn't want to travel that much for just 9 days.
Thanks for your help! You are all wonderful and helped me plan numerous trips!
I have 200k Miles burning a hole in my pocket, so wife and I decide to take a trip. Unfortunately, with our schedules we are limited to 9-10 days in the end of February. We were looking at Turkey/Greece or Spain/Portugal, however, we were hesitant because it's still cold and we can't swim. Is there anything you guys recommend? Any Greek island that might be warm?
Also, any recommendations for Option B and C? We were talking about Brazil, Bahamas, Costa Rica? I wanted to go to Japan or Bali but she doesn't want to travel that much for just 9 days.
Thanks for your help! You are all wonderful and helped me plan numerous trips!
Nov 27, 2016, 6:18 pm
#2
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Heraklion, Greece
Posts: 7,565
Greece in February? It can be close to freezing (~5% chance) or around 25 oC (~10% chance) or anything in between, the above combined with rain or sunshine or snow. As for islands, they will usually be a few degrees warmer than the continent. Bottom line: weather is a gamble, if you want to be sure (and close to the US) I'd go for Costa Rica. 
PS I love Greece in the winter!
PS I love Greece in the winter!
Nov 27, 2016, 6:42 pm
#3
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: ORD
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Platinum/LT Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 5,594
February won't be warm anywhere in Europe. Of your choices, I would probably go with Portugal/Spain.
But give Japan another look. 9 days is enough time to enjoy Tokyo and maybe Osaka. I've gone for only 6 total and had a great time. I see you're from Chicago...weather in Tokyo will probably be similar so its not a warm vacation. But there's so much to do indoors in Tokyo of course.
But give Japan another look. 9 days is enough time to enjoy Tokyo and maybe Osaka. I've gone for only 6 total and had a great time. I see you're from Chicago...weather in Tokyo will probably be similar so its not a warm vacation. But there's so much to do indoors in Tokyo of course.
Nov 28, 2016, 6:34 am
#6
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: OTP
Programs: AF/KL platinum, Turkish gold, QR gold
Posts: 1,572
Anywhere else Europe is too cold for swimming (in the sea) for sure even if the weather hits 25 degrees Celsius.
Nov 28, 2016, 6:57 am
#7
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: ORD
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Platinum/LT Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 5,594
Would you consider South America? Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay should all give you those things. Note that the more southern points like Buenos Aires can take a while to get to, since you didn't want to travel too far.
Nov 28, 2016, 7:57 am
#8
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: LAX
Programs: UA/AA
Posts: 1,741
Go to Mexico or the Caribbean to warm up (like the rest of Chicago)
Even places like the Egyptian Red Sea resorts of Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada, or even the Middle Eastern resorts in Dubai/Abu Dhabi aren't really beach weather until the early Spring.
And, the Canary islands in February will in the high-60's (if your lucky)....not exactly beach weather.
Even places like the Egyptian Red Sea resorts of Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada, or even the Middle Eastern resorts in Dubai/Abu Dhabi aren't really beach weather until the early Spring.
And, the Canary islands in February will in the high-60's (if your lucky)....not exactly beach weather.
Nov 29, 2016, 2:54 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: ORD, RDU
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We definitely considered Brazil and Argentina. Two problems though: 1- my wife is pregnant so Zika is definitely a concern. 2- for some reason both of those destinations are 65k miles one way per person, compared to Europe or Carribean.
Nov 29, 2016, 2:55 am
#10
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Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: ORD, RDU
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Posts: 364
Any luck on weather in Portugal?
Nov 30, 2016, 6:14 am
#11
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Heraklion, Greece
Posts: 7,565
Dec 4, 2016, 10:55 pm
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: ORD, RDU
Programs: UA, AA, Marriott
Posts: 364
South America and Central America are unfortunately out because of Zika (my wife would be 5 months pregnant). We looked into Netherlands/Belgium but it will be very cold. Any other recommendations?