Which would you choose??? Florida vs Mexico

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mexico might actually be cheaper OP. I would go there and I've been to both. Since your DH doesn't like crowds, he would hate FL during spring break. Too many people. The weather in Mexico is much better. We went to PV for Christmas and it was wonderful. We've been to Cancun and have always had fun there. Much more relaxing.

+1 we looked tickets to Cancun and Orlando for a January long weekend, and it ended up being cheaper to go to Cancun. I like both places, but it just depends on what you want to do. Both places have theme parks (Cancun has Xcaret which is this big nature, water park thing) and beaches and nice weather.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP again--thanks for the helpful suggestions!

Yes, we are looking at end of March. Warm weather is a must for me as I will likely be nearing the end of my rope by then--not a winter person and tend to get very down/depressed post-holidays/pre-spring. So sounds like Mexico would be a better choice.

Kids would like any place warm and sunny. I think they'd be into either but DH hates crowds so Universal might be too miserable for him.

I live in Ponte Vedra which is very close to St. Augustine. To guarantee warm weather in March you need to go farther south. Other places in Florida would work but we are very far north—March can be 90 degrees or 50.
If you do st Augustine, spend time in Amelia and Fernandina beach and forget Disney. It will be too crowded and a hassle. Go to Disney a different time.

[Anonymous]

Mexico! No question. That will guarantee warm weather and beautiful beaches.

[Anonymous]

I would go to Mexico. That sounds far more relaxing than all the driving involved with St Augustine and Orlando.

Plus dealing with Spring break crowds and traffic in Orlando sounds like a nightmare. I'd much rather be lounging on a hot sunny beach with the kid and FIL and enjoying that, than trying to keep up with everyone while in Florida.

Also since you've been to FL, try something new and go to Mexico.

[Anonymous]

Is there time to get passports?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Trying to figure out spring break plans for our family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids who are 6 and 9).

Option 1 is to fly to Jacksonville and spend 2-3 days in St. Augustine--DH and I went years ago and loved it--would visit the old city, the fort, hang out on the beach. Then would drive to Orlando and do 2 full days at Universal, mainly for the Harry Potter stuff.

Kids are not really into rides but I think would love Harry Potter since they've read and LOVED the books. But it seems realllly pricey for what it is.

Option 2 is to fly to Cancun and stay somewhere south--Playa del Carmen or Tulum. Would visit ruins, snorkel/swim, probably do some other touristy stuff.

I went to Mexico as a kid but other than that we've never been. Not sure we could afford one of the higher end resorts, but apart from those, price would be similar.

Anyone done BOTH and want to help steer me in a clearer direction? TIA!

I just went to playa del carmen, ocean riviera paradise. It was all inclusive which lends to a very laid back vacation. The beach in Mexico wasn't great compared to other places I've been. Also just returned from Florida Monday night. Went to key Largo, islamorada and key west. Was also nice but a totally different type of vacation. I'd pick punta Cana over both of them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is there time to get passports?

Usually takes 8 weeks. But, if you're two weeks out from your trip and print your itinerary (and are willing to pay extra $$$), you can get expedited service at the passport agency on 19th.

Also just to weigh in, I would go to Mexico for warm weather. Tulum is gorgeous and calm; Playa del Carmen has lots of activities, but is smaller than Cancun so more relaxing. And yes, it's totally safe - don't believe the Mexico haters.

[Anonymous]

Mexico

[Anonymous]

Used to live in northern Florida. I love st Augustine, hate Jacksonville and Orlando though haven't been to Harry Potter, it might be fun for your kids. I'd pick Mexico if you want warm beach weather that time of year or St Augustine if you don't mind taking the risk of cooler temps. Like pp, I remember times when it was in the upper 90s in march and other times it was in the 50s so I wouldn't count on it.

[Anonymous]

Just avoid these areas!

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-42647501

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there time to get passports?

Usually takes 8 weeks. But, if you're two weeks out from your trip and print your itinerary (and are willing to pay extra $$$), you can get expedited service at the passport agency on 19th.

Also just to weigh in, I would go to Mexico for warm weather. Tulum is gorgeous and calm; Playa del Carmen has lots of activities, but is smaller than Cancun so more relaxing. And yes, it's totally safe - don't believe the Mexico haters.

We made an appointment with our local post office. Had them take the photos. We had already filled out all the forms ahead of time (we were only doing the kids' first time passports). We submitted all forms, the photos and the necessary checks at our appointment. We were told not to call or check on it until at least 2 months had passed. Exactly TEN DAYS later we received the passports in the mail. We did not pay for expedited service. FWIW both DH and I have had high level clearances at one time or another. Not sure if that made it speedy. But, I was shocked to receive them so quickly. DH is also former military.

If you need passports for kids , BOTH parents must go to the appointment. Make an appointment ASAP if you are trying to go in March.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there time to get passports?

Usually takes 8 weeks. But, if you're two weeks out from your trip and print your itinerary (and are willing to pay extra $$$), you can get expedited service at the passport agency on 19th.

Also just to weigh in, I would go to Mexico for warm weather. Tulum is gorgeous and calm; Playa del Carmen has lots of activities, but is smaller than Cancun so more relaxing. And yes, it's totally safe - don't believe the Mexico haters.

We made an appointment with our local post office. Had them take the photos. We had already filled out all the forms ahead of time (we were only doing the kids' first time passports). We submitted all forms, the photos and the necessary checks at our appointment. We were told not to call or check on it until at least 2 months had passed. Exactly TEN DAYS later we received the passports in the mail. We did not pay for expedited service. FWIW both DH and I have had high level clearances at one time or another. Not sure if that made it speedy. But, I was shocked to receive them so quickly. DH is also former military.

If you need passports for kids , BOTH parents must go to the appointment. Make an appointment ASAP if you are trying to go in March.

. We also got our two kids’ passports quickly, within 3 weeks, without paying for expediting. It took longer to get the appointment at the post office.

One parent has to attend, but the other parent can send a notarized form authorizing the other parent to seek the passport if you can’t both be present. E

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just avoid these areas!

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-42647501

Actually, lots of "Level 3" warning areas if you look at the full map: http://time.com/5099238/mexico-travel-warning-map/

[Anonymous]

OP again, we all have passports but I appreciate the recs.

And thanks for all of the helpful suggestions! Strongly leaning towards Mexico, just have to iron out the details! And will plan to visit Florida another (warmer) time. I also LOVE the Keys and DH and I spent a winter in the Everglades—all places I’d love to revisit with kids but for a very different kind of trip.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just avoid these areas!

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-42647501

Actually, lots of "Level 3" warning areas if you look at the full map: http://time.com/5099238/mexico-travel-warning-map/

Scary but great map. Thanks for sharing!