OT: Vacation Recommendations?

Long story short:
I've never gotten myself into the swing of the band life and have not been as successful as I would like to be.  I've been seeing a therapist to help me with my food/overeating issues.  Today, we discussed my lifelong habit of rewarding myself with food and the need to replace the reward, i.e. a vacation!  I've never been on a vacation before and I would like to start saving money to go somewhere warm this winter.  What are some recommendations on places/cruises/resorts that any of you have enjoyed?  I need to put it off until this winter so I can save money, build annual leave, and hopefully, lose enough weight to look good on some beach.
 , Jamie

P.S., to make the vacation planning seem more real, I'm going to get some brochures for some interesting places and put them all over the fridge.

 In the US?

Key West, Miami/South Beach, New Orleans, San Diego, Las Vegas

Outside the US?

Cancun, Cozumel, Paradise Island, Grand Caymen, St. Thomas, St. Maarten

I've loved every cruise we've taken :)


All the above are very fun.

Enjoy the planning!

This sounds like a good idea, replacing food rewards with vacation/trip rewards.  I think I will get some brochures also and hang them on my fridge, pantry, cabinets.  And start a vacation fund. I Have always wanted to go to London.  Or even a long trip to AZ, grand Canon and Sedona.

Well, my favorite place to vacation is Disney World. lol! However, in January I went on a cruise to the Bahama's with my husband. I had no desire to go on a cruise at all. I ended up loving it! (as everyone said I would) Our next one has been booked for about 3 months now. lol!! We are going again in January 2013. We are going to Cozumel and, um, 3 other ports. lol! I can never remember which ones. Grand Caymen I think is one of them, but I'm not 100% sure. I would recommend a cruise though. They are relativly inexpensive and alot of fun. We cruise Carnival. Oh and the first one was 4 days. Our next one is 7 days.

Disney World is my favorite place so far as well !!!! We thought about a cruise this year though and almost booked one. One day though! I would vote on a cruise if you are not taking kids along. We have numerous friends that go all the time and love them. :) How exciting for you and such a good plan ! Let us know what you narrow it down too or decide on.

Cruises are great., I have been on about 6.  I love Royal Carribean.  I have to disagree about taking kids.  There is a kid club that keeps the kids busy all day.  They can even have dinner there.  Dining room is boring for little ones.  I went on a cruise with my nieces and nephews and they just loved it.  A vacation is a great reward!

I like cruises but I love all inclusive resorts, whether it is here or abroad. They are no brainers and there are beaches, activities, casinos and restaurants all on one site. One price and no more money unless you pick an excursion or sometimes the motorized trips/tours. Go on line and look at what is available. Vertically every major big hotel chain has them or pick a specific place and see what is there.
 
Good luck. 

Hawaii ( The big island ) is one of the cheaper Hawaiian islands to visit and waters are really warm. Cali beaches IMO are too cold. If you research places on the Internet to eat beforehand you will save money on eating out. If you spend more money on a condo verses a hotel room. You will save money by being able to cook some of your own meals.

Oh sounds like a wonderful idea... My suggestion? MONTEGO BAY JAMAICA ... I went last year and stayed at an all inclusive resot (Iberostar Rose Hall Beach) and i LOVED it!!!! 8days cost us about $2200 (but it was all inclusive and we only spent money on the occasional tip and excursions off the resort but i still came home w/ more than 1/2 the spending money i took there! BONUS!) cant wait to go back... EVERYTHING was amazing, im sure you will enjoy a nice vacation wherever you choose to go! Have fun!