V-Flyer

and Key West. So where next????

After visiting the same locations for the last 20 years we think it's time for a change this Christmas.

Any suggestions? We are flying into Miami

Would need to be reasonably close to the following to keep the kids and wife happy

Hollister
Abercrombie
Cheesecake factory
Good shopping/mall
Sandy beaches

We have left booking any hotels till now as we can't decide where to go

I look forward to any suggestions. Thanks

Fort Lauderdale, Vero Beach on the Atlantic Coast ot Fort Myers / Sarasota on the Gulf Coast?

Fort Myers Beach and the area North of Naples.
Instead of hotels try vrbo.

I am biased but would say Sarasota area BUT we dont have an A & F or a cheesecake factory :0

However there are plenty of other things to do and see.

Sunshine 8D

sarasota is the nicer city. FMB area is nice but IMO Sarasota tops it.

also agree -try a villa ,depending how many hotel rooms you book it can work out cheaper

Definitely consider a villa, so much more relaxing that a hotel and often much cheaper. Once you've tried a villa, it's hard to go back to hotels....

As for shopping, I'm guessing you'll be hiring a car, in which case there never seems to be a suitable shopping experience too far away!

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

We need to book 3 rooms.

We've done the villa before a few times in Davenport. Only downside was the pool area as most pools are small and covered by insect nets.

Also the kids don't get to meet up and play with other kids. Their ages are 10,13,16.

sickbag wrote:Thanks for the suggestions so far.

We need to book 3 rooms.

We've done the villa before a few times in Davenport. Only downside was the pool area as most pools are small and covered by insect nets.

Also the kids don't get to meet up and play with other kids. Their ages are 10,13,16.

I would suggest look at condos.
They will usually have excellent pools and facilities. The only thing missing is the restaurant but plenty choice in the US.
Like a hotel but with full apartment - and three bed condos are available via vrbo

Word of warning on staying in a condo with kids is to check out the rules and regulations. My building has very strict rules with regard to children and the pool and leisure areas therefore we don't get many families staying.

Sunshine 8D

Sunshine wrote:I am biased but would say Sarasota area BUT we dont have an A & F or a cheesecake factory :0

However there are plenty of other things to do and see.

Sunshine 8D

But you can take a trip to Tampa in under an hour and visit the International Plaze which has both. Make a day trip out of it.

Fort Lauderdale is a nice place to go.

Firstly I am envious! Another vote for the Sarasota area but the beach side like Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key or Lido Key all totally beautiful, simply love that area.

On our last couple of visits, we've been along the gulf coast just down from Clearwater to Indian Shores and this year Redington Beach, which were great choices for a couple of teenagers coz there was soooo much to do.

From all these places shopping malls are in driving distance as well as the outlet stores at Ellenton. Although I do feel you cannot beat the choice of shopping offered in Orlando.

The drive to the Sarasota part of the gulf coast is pretty long considering you're flying into Miami. Have you looked at Marco Island?

Enjoy

Thanks for the suggestions so far

Sarasota looking promising....

Marco seems a bit quiet.
We've also done fort lauderdale and sunny isles previously.

We are trying to stay as far south as possible as it can get cold at xmas.

Thats why we settled on Naples for the last 5 years.

In the past we'd do a week in Orlando and 2 weeks down south.

Cocoa Beach is very nice too.

Cape Coral is very nice too

But you can take a trip to Tampa in under an hour and visit the International Plaze which has both. Make a day trip out of it.

Very fond memories of International Plaza! Great Mall with all the favourites - well recommended y)

I think you can't go too wrong anywhere down around Fort Myers, Clearwater, Sanibel etc - beautiful beaches - jealous!