Hi everyone, now I know that there is lots here who holiday most of the winter or at least part of it...We are looking to rent a place this winter for at least 5 weeks - 8weeks. I'm looking for a location that isn't always windy, has lots of sunshine, a preferably a beach near by. We have had suggests for Yuma, Arizona, but I would like more suggestions...I don't want to be in a place where it gets really cold at night. I would like to be kinda central, so that we can travel around and do activities ect.

So anyone have suggestions on areas we should look at?

Thanks bunches

We liked the Port Isabel, Texas area. For hardy Canadians like yourself it's swimable, lots of good birding along the coast around Aransis there are winter whooping crane nesting grounds and you can take boat rides to get as close are you can. You might also consider the Big Bend area if you want to travel a ways. Organ Pipe Natl park is very worth seeing.

texas loves its winter visitors and calls them winter texans instead of snowbirds like some other states do. lots of nice polite people there and you can get across the border to visit Mexico, but I don't know if I'd feel safe doing that right now with all the drug wars going on.

If you want to come further east there is the gulf coast, Al, Miss, La. The water is not as nice as PI, it's lazy and pretty shallow but if you've got young kids that may appeal to you. New Orleans is wonderful and lots of sight seeing, tourist stuff. I don't know how many cabins or tourist things remain on the gulf coast after the hurricanes, but it might be worth checking if it interests you.

If you want expensive there is Key West. Wonderful, but very pricey....

Have you considered Mexico like Cabo San Lucas or interior away from the fighting? I know some Canadians from Ottowa I could put you in touch with that have rentals on Cozumel, don't know anything about their place, but it's a wonderful place to dive and snorkel! If you want their info PM me.

East coast...How abt Hilton Head SC...

The Grand Strand area of South Carolina is a winter favorite for my Canadians. PM me for more info.

Anywhere in Florida along the gulf coast...

Try San Diego. By the beach (several), cool at night. Lots to do, Legoland, Seaworld, Embacadaro, The ship "The Star of India", Mexico is not far (but travel there at your own risk, really not safe at this time due to the drug cartels). Del Mar has some unique shops. There is a nice drive up highway 1 or I5. San Clemente is not too far away and would be a nice place to stay also.

Winter in Texas is great fun. I love the Pt. Isabel, Tx suggestion. Padre Island is fun if you prefer beach and Corpus Christi is close by for city life and activities. San Antonio is not near the beach but a beautiful city with lots to do. Easy day trips into our beautiful hill country area. Check them all out online.

Carolina Beach, North Carolina

Prices are low. It's not crowded. It's close to Wilmington, if you need some city life. It wouldn't be as warm as places farther south, but it is a wonderful place.

You know, depending, disneyWorld or Land can be fun at least once in your life even if you don't have kids. we were at the one in Fla about 5 or 6 yrs ago and were talking to others in line and the place was just filled with folks from the UK who said due to the dollar/pound ratio it was dirt cheap for them!

If you go to either Fla or Ca they are worth a day or 2.

BTW, we've also had a pretty good luck at getting cheap motel rates in the winter in Va Beach, Va, and some of the NC/SC beach front resorts as it's considered too cold here for that time of year.