Inexpensive Vacation Ideas

I have a free plane ticket through my credit card that expires at the end of he year. We are thinking of doing something early October (while I'm still on maternity leave). The plane ticket is only good for the continental US. I was hoping to spend some time on a beach. I get that doesn't leave a ton of places for October. One place we were thinking is Key West. We could get some nice weather/beach and plenty of outdoor activities. Only thing is, we've been to Florida a lot (not the keys though), and would rather go someplace entirely where we've never been.

So anyone have some ideas, thoughts, or input for this? 


Side note...baby will not be with us. She will be in the hands of my mom and his parents while we are gone.

Corpus Christi.

Too soon? Actually.... probably not soon enough. I don't even know if I'm being insensitive yet. Anyway. Literally anywhere that isn't some stupid shit like Wyoming could be fun. I'd probably go to California somewhere but that's just me.

Why you hating on Wyoming bro? Tetons are f'ing amazing.

Not a beach person so I got nothing for you really. Clearwater is supposed to have some great beaches. Tampa is an easy flight, as well.

Travis of the Cosmos wrote:Corpus Christi.

Too soon? Actually.... probably not soon enough. I don't even know if I'm being insensitive yet. Anyway. Literally anywhere that isn't some stupid shit like Wyoming could be fun. I'd probably go to California somewhere but that's just me.

We did LA 3 years ago. So we were hoping to avoid that. San Diego would be cool, but it may not be the temp I'm wanting in Oct. I don't know, maybe it would be. Also, California might be a bit pricey for us right now.

I would say no, not to soon in regards to Texas. But we don't know the damage yet. So because of that, I would say it's too soon.

Assuming no developing hurricane, Sanibel or Captiva Island off Fort Myers. Very relaxing. Love Captiva, especially.

Torrey Pines.

I would probably go to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom. But that's just me.

Ask Travis about Cincinnati.

Turtleneck wrote:Ask Travis about Cincinnati.

I haven't been in more than a year :(

Turtleneck wrote:Ask Travis about Cincinnati.

Shittiest chili in the World.

The Pantry wrote:

Turtleneck wrote:Ask Travis about Cincinnati.

Shittiest chili in the World.

It is super shitty and weird. Noodles, scoop of chili with a pound of cheese on top. I got it once cause it's like the thing but fuck... it was gross.

Travis of the Cosmos wrote:

The Pantry wrote:
Shittiest chili in the World.

It is super shitty and weird. Noodles, scoop of chili with a pound of cheese on top. I got it once cause it's like the thing but fuck... it was gross.

Thank you. At least we agree on one thing.

The Pantry wrote:

Turtleneck wrote:Ask Travis about Cincinnati.

Shittiest chili in the World.

He went to Cincinnati once and will not stop talking about it. It is as if he had never left Taylor or wherever he is from.

Turtleneck wrote:

The Pantry wrote:
Shittiest chili in the World.

He went to Cincinnati once and will not stop talking about it. It is as if he had never left Taylor or wherever he is from.

When you are on death row one day and you ask for your last meal I'm going to make sure you get nothing other than a serving of skyline chili with a side of skyline chili and to drink, blended skyline chili and almond milk.

Please stop ruining the thread.

God damn it. I wanted some real ideas.

I guess I should have known better.

Anyone been to Key West?

Dendrobates wrote:God damn it. I wanted some real ideas.

I guess I should have known better.

Anyone been to Key West?

No, but you said you've been to Florida a bunch... I mean how much different are you looking for here?

October- I vote San Diego but I don't know shit about it. South Carolina? How hot we looking for here? March I'm personally looking for toasty hot. October I'm looking for a taste of the summer that has past, but not the shitty steamy part.

Travis of the Cosmos wrote:

Turtleneck wrote:

He went to Cincinnati once and will not stop talking about it. It is as if he had never left Taylor or wherever he is from.

When you are on death row one day and you ask for your last meal I'm going to make sure you get nothing other than a serving of skyline chili with a side of skyline chili and to drink, blended skyline chili and almond milk.

Please stop ruining the thread.

I was on Death Roe last night.

Dendrobates wrote:God damn it. I wanted some real ideas.

I guess I should have known better.

Anyone been to Key West?

Perhaps this is what you want to know...?

If you want a beach in Oct, FL might really be your only realistic choice.  We've been to FL way too many times too, so I get that.  One of times we went we stayed at a high rise condo literally right on Siesta Key Beach near Sarasota.  Beautiful white sand and nice sunsets.  You can rent jet ski's, go on those parachute rides, paddle boards, deep sea fishing charters, dolphin boat excursions, etc.

They had a downtown that was beach related restaurants, bars, live music.  Nothing spectacular, but since it's Oct, you've really limited your choices.  Wasn't that expensive and with you already having the travel arraignments, this might be affordable - something around $2,500 including condo, rental car and food.  

Another place we've been to just down the road is Sanibel Island.  A couple of resorts that are right on the beach, but the one negative I had is that there were more kids at those places than the condos at Siesta.  Plus, there's really not much of a night life on the island itself.  Some restaurants, but it seemed Siesta Key had more when it came to that department. It had more nature trails, if that's a thing for you. Personally at my age, I liked the nature stuff more than the 'night life' stuff, but either way can be good. Getting warm and relaxed either way.

Been to LA, but not San Diego.  I'd really like to go and if you're willing to spend just a little bit more, I'd recommend  So Cal, especially since the air travel is already covered.  Just a warning, the Pacific is typically much cooler than the Gulf or Atlantic.

Hows about using the free airfare to get to a port city and then doing a cruise? Should be pretty cheap in October.

Key West in October has some parties. I've never been. I'd recommend doing something like marathon, that way you're in the middle of the keys. It's a long drive from Miami, but very scenic. If you haven't been, do it, doesn't feel like Florida.

Travis of the Cosmos wrote:

Dendrobates wrote:God damn it. I wanted some real ideas.

I guess I should have known better.

Anyone been to Key West?

No, but you said you've been to Florida a bunch... I mean how much different are you looking for here?

October- I vote San Diego but I don't know shit about it. South Carolina? How hot we looking for here? March I'm personally looking for toasty hot. October I'm looking for a taste of the summer that has past, but not the shitty steamy part.

Could have sworn I dropped a picture of Torrey Pines Beach in here somewhere.

Florida Keys are the best bet for beach weather. San Diego is great but by mid October its going to be cool.

I'd fly into SFO or OAK and schlep around Napa. Every place has got a heated pool and you can "explore" wine country.

Key West and Inexpensive Vacation ideas don't really go together. Basic chain hotels are usually much more than you would expect anywhere else. But if you want to gout to the bars and party, it's a good place. Nice, scenic 3 hour drive from Miami, but your free plane ticket may allow you to connect and fly right into Key West. That's usually an expensive connection. Intensity is right, it doesn't feel like Florida.

Sanibel or Captiva that a couple people mentioned are great, too. We were just at Sanibel last weekend, and go once or twice per year. Much quieter and less crowded than Key West, but not a big party place if you want that. Probably some good deals, especially mid-week.

Keep in mind that October is still very much hurricane season. Chances are you won't catch a hurricane, but the reason there is a hurricane season is because the tropics are stirred up. If you count too much on the sun and the beach, it's risky, but if you're cool going with the flow and maybe having to stay in and just bang all day here or there, then you'll be fine.