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I've been trying to avoid vacations over major holidays lately but need a short getaway soon and it looks like I'll be scheduling something for Labor Day weekend.
Initially I was going to return to Secrets the Vine in Cancun as the food there was pretty great (I'm a foodie) and it was adults only so no kids and so it had a pretty relaxing vibe overall.
I decided to try somewhere new instead and was settled on going to Clearwater Beach, Florida as it's a short flight away from me, appears to be a gorgeous beach with pretty sunsets, and is known for having pretty amazing restaurants very close to the beach. I just need ~6 days to break away and recharge. In looking at photos online lately, however, I'm starting to think more and more that it's going to be reallllly crowded (read lots of reviews on Tripadvisor about this and things like loud music on the beach; most of these comments were centered around holidays).
I fully understand that by choosing a major holiday to travel my options to get what I want (nice beach with pretty waters, good food options, but semi-quiet for relaxation purposes) might be restricted because it's just natural lots of people will also be vacationing during the same time. I'm starting to open up to other options but no clue where else to look into at the moment...any recommendations?
Labor Day in CB isnt too bad as schools are back in session, reducing the number of families on vacation. I've never experienced loud music on the beach the many times I've been there. Near Pier 60 there is some as it's a entertainment area with street musicians and such.
I would also look at Aruba for something different, but at this late date unless a last minute deal was found, airfare and rooms may be pricey.
Labor Day in CB isnt too bad as schools are back in session, reducing the number of families on vacation. I've never experienced loud music on the beach the many times I've been there. Near Pier 60 there is some as it's a entertainment area with street musicians and such.
I would also look at Aruba for something different, but at this late date unless a last minute deal was found, airfare and rooms may be pricey.
So you think it might still be worth a visit? I was looking at a Wyndham hotel; not sure how close that is to Pier 60 but I'd imagine pretty close.
I went to Aruba last summer (not a good trip so I'd love to perhaps do a redo one day) but you're right...at this time Aruba would probably be too expensive.
I'm awaiting some points to post and two checking account cash bonuses to also post to help fund the trip so I do have a little bit of flexibility with price as hopefully I won't be paying a ton 'out of pocket' so to speak.
Thanks...might look into that...not familiar with Sarasota beaches but as you mentioned, it's only an hour away so they must be nice too right?
If you want to avoid crowds, that's not the place to go, especially if heading to Siesta Key beach, but most any of the beaches, this time of year, near and around Sarasota, will be crowded. I know, I lived in Sarasota, 5 minutes from Siesta Key, for six years. I loved the area, but, it is a tourist area and they swarm there a good 8 months out of the year. Finding parking is usually a nightmare.
Oh you might want to try Madeira Beach, I used to go there sometimes, not as crowded as St Pete or Clere Water Beach.
So you think it might still be worth a visit? I was looking at a Wyndham hotel; not sure how close that is to Pier 60 but I'd imagine pretty close.
I went to Aruba last summer (not a good trip so I'd love to perhaps do a redo one day) but you're right...at this time Aruba would probably be too expensive.
I'm awaiting some points to post and two checking account cash bonuses to also post to help fund the trip so I do have a little bit of flexibility with price as hopefully I won't be paying a ton 'out of pocket' so to speak.
I've been there over Labor Day a couple times and didnt find it busy as it is over spring break. Of course there are no guarantees what it may be like this year, here or anywhere else.
CB is very compact and highly walkable with everything of interest, the hotels, beach, restaurants and shops being no more than a mile away. You wont need a car, just use Uber from TPA at approx $30 each way. I use Pier 60 as ground zero, the center point. The Wyndham and Pier 60 are less than a quarter mile apart. Use Google maps to get a lay of the land.
I decided to try somewhere new instead and was settled on going to Clearwater Beach, Florida as it's a short flight away from me, appears to be a gorgeous beach with pretty sunsets, and is known for having pretty amazing restaurants very close to the beach.
I went to Clearwater Beach in December. It is nice but it was pretty crowded then.
You might want to look for a less touristy place nearby.
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