ideas for a November vacation (cruises, cost, rent, Paris)

[poopycat]

I'm a single female with a week of vacation time coming to me in November, but I could extend the trip for up to 10 days. I'm comfortable traveling on my own (hopefully I'll meet the right travel companion someday though )

I live in Texas, so I have had plenty of hot weather, so being in more temperate climates or even cool climates would not bother me. No snow, or freezing temps, thank you, but 50 degrees doesn't bother me. Warm weather is good too, as long as we're not talking about 90 degrees plus...I could stay where I am for that!

At times, I think I would like something peaceful, where I can just relax and maybe walk along the beach. It's been a very tough year. At other times, I long to go to Europe again. I love England, but November is probably not the greatest time to go there.

If I do go to a foreign country, it would need to be something "easy" - relaxing, comfortable, easy to get around, and many locals who speak English. I'm not in the mood for anything particularly adventurous. I don't feel comfortable going to restaurants on my own, so it would probably need to be a place where there are grocery stores or takeout. Cruises aren't really my thing either.

Any ideas on some places where I can escape and be somewhere that is relatively peaceful but not completely remote from civilization?

[Phil306]

Paris.

[StealthRabbit]

I'm not keen on Paris in winter, especially their beach access....

cook islands
Belize
Canary Islands

or a little closer...
Panama City and points west (FL)
San Diego or Baja / Sea of Cortez
Hawaii (not my favorite, but others in my family like it)

Blue Ridge mtns or Washington DC (lack of beach, but nice and 'crisp' weather)

Do your next UK trip in the spring. There is a nice trek along the coast (Wales) using horses and inns. Sounds like a great 'girl-thing'.

Have a blast and get a recharge.

[SXMGirl]

St. Maarten might be a place that you would enjoy. I was just reading that the Sonesta Maho has a special~~the longer you stay, the less it costs. Maho is a great area, not too far from the airport, and is a place where you will find a lot of young people. The beach is good and English is spoken. If you choose to rent a car, there is one main road around the island. DM me if you would like more info. I have been there alone, and people are very friendly. Across the street is a grocery with a hot bar, but there are lots of beach bars to hang out and eat.

[poopycat]

Thanks everyone! I have a lot to think about.

The Cook Islands look amazing. Is St. Maarten safe? As I was reading about it, I saw a few comments about it being a little dangerous for foreigners and especially women.

[SXMGirl]

SXM is safe, but like many places today, the recession has hit hard. Like anywhere, you have to be aware of your surroundings. The Maho area has lots of tourists. No matter where you choose to vacation, make sure that you don't flash money, aren't out late at night by yourself, etc., just like at home.

[savyjames]

Cook Island is nice choice.

Here, avg. max. temperature around 25C in winter and 29C in summer. Rainfall mostly occurs in summer, usually in the form of afternoon storms.

If you're planning to sail to the islands, you must enter through one of these five ports : Rarotonga, Aitutaki and Atiu in the Southern group
Penrhyn and Pukapuka in the Northern group

Have a nice tip!!!