I know that topics like this have been done so many times, but I am now fine-tuning it for my personal question. I have two weeks (March 4-20) in which I would like to travel with my family. I am looking for a place to go. Mostly, it must be warm. However, I would also not like to go to Europe due to the Euro. Preferably, I would like something cultural/intellectual: not just beaches in Hawai'i (which by the way, were really a fun family vacation). Finally, I do not REALLY want to go someplace really far away (mostly referring to Asia/Australia) as I don't have that much time.

Thanks in advance

Well, you've ruled out the Euro zone, Hawaii, Australia and Asia, so there's not much left.

Africa is always a possibility. March is either late Winter or late summer (depending on hemisphere). Your best bet may be somewhere in South America. In terms of flight time, deep South America (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, etc.) is not much further than Europe and the Dollar goes much further down there. Brazil might be a good choice, as it is on the Equator and should be warm. Rio is a fascinating city, and, with two weeks, you could venture to another destination in Brazil as well.

Hmmm, Africa sounds nice. Nine days of hard safari in South Africa and Namibia followed by a nice relaxing five star break in Cape town. I hope to at least fit in the five star bit myself at the end of January following some business in Southern Africa.

Regards
I

Mexico has several destinations that meet your criteria. The Baja being one and also a few on the mainland side, but on the West coast. The Eastern side tends to be very commercialized. If you need a hotel suggestion, I would be more than happy to provide one.

French Polynesia would be my recommendation. Eight hours away from Los Angeles...not too far away, but far away enough to feel that you are in the middle of no where.

The people are incredible and the weather superb! Happy travels.

Durham may meet all your requirements and is not too far away

Kidding aside I'd recommend Egypt. Low cost tours are available including a cruise down the Nile. I'd recommend a cruise operated by the Oberoi groups as they have two adjacent state rooms combined into one on many of their boats. You can also combine this with a trip to Israel as there are combo tours to these two regions.

Eastern Mexico too commercialized? Have you ever traveled through Quintana Roo and Yucatan? There are far more cultural activities (Mayan ruins, etc.) than in Baja, and southern Quintana Roo is far less commercialized than Cabo.

I'm ONLY talking about the ports of call that the cruise ships go to. I have only passed through a few cities on one occasion. I'm sure you might be able to offer better advice than me in that area. Cabo San Lucus is commercialized San Jose Del Cabo is not.

Easy to get to. Lima is okay. But go to the Nasca Lines then onto Cusco and Macchu Picchu. There should be enough to entertain everyone in the family and it would be nice weather. I went in 3/2004 and had a wonderful time.

Belize or Costa Rica perhaps?

Thanks for all of the suggestions. To add to it, I am willing to go to the Euro zone - I just don't want to go somewhere where my trip is going to be incredibly expensive. However, I was actually considering Barcelona being as it is not that pricey. Reasonably priced places with good weather in Europe are welcome (I love Europe). In addition, Mexico is being considered.Now, I believe that Africa and S. America are also good choices. So much to consider now...


Thanks

How about Istanbul and a little travel in Turkey? Decent weather, great exchange rate (not on the Euro yet), lots to see and do.

I'm in Barcelona right now and, while it's less expensive than Paris, I wouldn't call it a "bargain" these days because of the Euro exchange rate.

Yeah, I absolutely loved Turkey (and Morocco) when I was there. Unfortunately, my family is not so hot on going there right now.

I think that much depends on your budget and how well-traveled/adaptable you and the family are. My first thought would be that Costa Rica or Panama or possibly Belize would be the best balance of proximity, cost, and different-but-not-India-different adaptive requirements. Am not sure why someone mentioned French Polynesia; it's currency, the XPF, is pegged to the euro and the prices there now with the dollar trading around 90 are just unbelievable (was there with the dollar at 98 and it was bad enough). A Big Mac, fries and Coke in Papeete will set you back $7.50 and it's one of few options under $10. You also won't find many t-shirts under $20. We're talking Tokyo prices, if not worse. Will be going to the Cook Islands in the not-distant future where the dance shows are better and prices about half what they are in Tahiti.

One word; TEXAS ! ^ ^