Vacation Plans

We are going on vacation from November 21-Dec. 1st. Its been a looong time since we have gone on a vacation (besides short trips to the NJ shore). Last plane trip was in 2002 to California for Manny's brothers wedding, before that in 2000 for Jami's wedding in NM...so while those were both a ton of fun and we did a lot and saw a lot of new things, it was not a true vacation that we planned 100%.

It will be a 3 part trip. Here is our plan:

1. Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood, FL: stay in Fort Lauderdale on the beach. Check out Hollywood, Ft. Lauderdale. Manny will try and line up job interviews. Not sure if we will venture into South Beach area (have done it so much pre-kids and can do that after moving there).

Hotel web site:
http://www.pelicanbeach.com/

Trip advisor web site with great candid photos:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g34227-d80483-r5830463-Best_Western_Pelican_Beach_Resort-Fort_Lauderdale_Florida.html

2. Key Largo (Florida Keys): staying Bayside at the Sheraton Beach Resort water view room. Will do swim with the dolphins (in Key Largo- they do have SWD in a few other places in the Keys and Miami etc. also), lots of snorkeling, exploring, bay beach swimming, rent a boat, scenic restaurants (I already picked these), gorgeous sunsets and manatees! The hotel also has a wooded path through the forest and a nice pool. I am looking forward to the snorkeling - Key Largo is famous for great reefs. Will also venture as far south as Marathon and Grassy Key and No Name Key (mile marker 30 or so) but not all the way to Key West.

Tidbits: did you know George Bush Sr. goes to Key Largo every year and stays in the "presidential suite" in the gorgeous Cheeca Resort in Key Largo?

2 famous movies about Key Largo: key largo and african queen. The REAL African Queen is right on the marina in Key Largo.

There is even a 9 hole golf course at Cheeca and Jack Nicklaus goes there too. Another visitor is Gen. Schwarzkopf.

official hotel website:
www.keylargoresort.com


hotel on tripadvisor.com, has great candid photos taken by people who have stayed there:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g34344-d207829-Reviews-Sheraton_Beach_Resort_Key_Largo-Key_Largo_Florida_Keys_Florida.html

3. Beaches Turks & Caicos, the Caribbean (all inclusive): I booked a one BR suite in the villas with concierge service. In addition to the all inclusives it gives us fully stocked mini bar (so always have milk/juice etc. and snacks for the kids). Besides all the awesome caribbean features and gorgeous pools it includes the kids camp and it has Sesame Street there (the characters, shows, activities), nannies, etc. We will put Skyler in the kids camp for a few hours so we can snorkel. Also includes 2 scuba dives/day. It has 10 restaurants. They have nannies if you want to go to the "adults only" fine dining restaurants (one is a good French one). They have a kids "pirate" pool and an "X-box" room. Michael Jordan vacations here.

www.beaches.com


I have been using this GREAT website for my hotel and trip research- it has traveler reviews under each item (hotel, tourist site, etc.) and also candid travelers photos. Great for finding out the "real deal" and more info. then a hotel's web site gives. Of course, you have to not take the reviews TOO seriously as some people find fault in anything, even a 5 star resort or Four Seasons. Some of the comments can be quite comical. Also good for finding out tips, what to do, even what part of a hotel/resort is best to stay. I would never have thought to have all the swim gear and suits packed in the carry on in case you can't check in right away (most hotels you can use the premises even if your room is not ready yet).

www.tripadvisor.com