May I suggest renting your own bungalow on a beach rather than a hotel room? Much more private, your own kitchen, etc. Just a though. Check out vrbo.com.

I can't speak to where in Florida to go, though. Maybe Google it, i.e.: best beach spots for single women/safety. If you write just "singles", i think you'll get a party scene, not necessary remote relaxation spots.

also consider Costa Rica. Affordable and safe.

What about a cruise? Fly in. Bus to ship. No transportation worries. On the ship walk to everything u need & want. You get to visit a few places effortlessly. Traveling is painless. Then a bus takes u back to catch the plane to go home feeling rejuvenated!

Santa Maria island is nice. I agree with Tib about something rather than a hotel room. On second thought though, you might feel safer in a hotel if you go alone. We've actually had a wonderful past couple of weeks (my husband and I) and lots of R&R, so we're feeling pretty good and ready to start the new year! We usually take a short trip for our anniversary, which is coming up before long, and then will be doing some traveling in April.

No specific recommendations, but if I wanted a solitary get away, I'd probably look for the homey-ness and coziness of a B&B. This link is just for an example. You can be as solitary as you want, but eating situations are usually more social so you don't have to be totally alone if you don't want to. Some place like this allows you to head into town to go exploring if you want, or hang out at the pool if you want. I've eaten at Sundy House in Delray Beach as a restaurant and the food was absolutely outstanding. No idea what staying there is like. Near downtown, but not on the water....

I would suggest Shutters Hotel on the beach in Santa Monica, but not in Dec/Jan when it can be rainy and "cold", specially near the beach.

FWIW, Norwegian has some unbelievable fares to places like Martinique and Guadeloupe right now.

Where is Santa Maria island, tinam61? I know Anna Maria island but I've never heard of that one.

While I absolutely love the Gulf Coast area, it will still be a little chilly this time of year (50-60 degrees) but less crowded and still good seafood. We love the highway 30A area and you can find loads of good accommodations beachside in Bluewater Beach, Watercolor (a lovely hotel), or a condo or beach house in the surrounding area within a short drive. You'll have to travel further south to Daytona, Miami or Key West, if you want warmer waters, and like runninginplace said, it will be more crowded and pricey. Sanibel Island might also be worth looking at if you want remote. Not too far from St Pete.

I'm sorry Writersblock, I had the name wrong - you are correct Anna Maria island. And as Outside mentioned, Sanibel Island area is also nice!

Thanks, tinam61. Actually there is a Santa Maria Resort just across from Sanibel, so I thought maybe that's what you meant.

How do you think you want to spend your time? How much are you looking to spend?

Without having that info, and given your preference for Florida, I will offer up what I would do.

I would go far south into FL to get the best weather; eg Miami. I also like Miami because there is a lot to do. I personally would not want to be someplace too quiet or too couples-oriented if I am by myself. I would want options. I also envision a solo get-away as being an ideal time to visit a spa. Get some treatments and massages, take a few classes, and enjoy spa cuisine. That would lead me directly to Canyon Ranch Miami. In fact, I wish I could go!

Edited to add: Nix Canyon ranch Miami... bad reviews.

I have been to the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne for a conference and that was lovely with a nice spa. For several years we used to go to Fisher Island every year in Feb. and I like it there, but it is isolated and maybe too quiet. Great spa though.

We visit Anna Maria and Sanibel often. Both are beautiful but I would not visit either without having a car. There are some nice hotels on Marco Island where you might be comfortable not leaving the campus. The Marco Island Marriott is one that we enjoy.

Oops! Good points Maddielee! Obviously I was not giving this post my full attention when I responded. It's interesting too how we differ on what we like. I, personally, do not care much for Miami (big cities in general) and much prefer an out-of-the-way place. Not much of a spa person either but I'm thinking Pattycakes might like that. She does say though that she wants beach area (I think) and would not venture far from hotel. Reading between the lines, I'm thinking she is wanting more "rest" than "recreation". Sorry to speak for you Pattycakes - please correct me if I've interpreted you wrong.

Do your research, but I really don't think you will have much luck for Florida, or most warm weather destinations booking this late. But , you will be prepared for next year!

I agree with Nichols. You can probably get a really good last-minute deal for a cruise especially if it doesn't matter to you what ports you go to. There are many activities for you to do during the day on the ship and you can also participate in excursions if you feel like it.

I go to Anna Maria Island frequently and I disagree about having to have a car. There is a trolley on the island. That and a bicycle can get you anywhere you need to go. You would need to shuttle to the island from the airport. This island is very old Florida. There is no great single nightlife, just great people who don't want or need the singles scene. The only downside is that I think you might have trouble making reservations in a hotel.

A friend of mine goes by herself to Key West every year for a week around Christmas time. She has a great time. I'm seeing her for dinner tomorrow and will ask her where she stays.

If you do not plan on getting a car there is a little section on the Jupiter Tequesta border that's nice. I'd keep an eye on the weather forecast though. Days have been nice but tonight's a bit nippy. Tuesday week on...afternoons in the seventies or eighties, the evenings in the 60's. Lots to do if you feel like venturing out. The longest you would have to walk is a tic over 1 mile. There are a couple of Tiki type waterfront restaurants that overlook the lighthouse, there are boat tours of the rich and famous. I went on the one listed below with visitors and it was fun . There is also kayak rentals about a half a mile from the resort. You can wear shorts or casual type clothing everywere as this little section is casual to upscale casual. Safe area for walking. The resort might have bike rentals but not sure. http://www.jupiterbeachresort.com/about-us/ http://www.utikibeach.com http://squaregrouper.net http://manateequeen.com https://www.guanabanas.com http://m.jupiteroutdoorcenter.com/?dm_redirected=true#3030

Sorry to be getting back to everyone so late~had 2 of my 'grown up' grands visiting from NC and VA. GS was driving back to CA where he would be leaving for an assignment in Hawaii and would be transporting the truck, bringing sister so they could switch off the driving. We were having a very bad rainstorn, and an hour out of Austin, the truck slid into a ditch while GS was changing lanes. As luck would have it, the vehicle was declared totaled, but miraculously neither was injured, just pretty shook up, understandably so!

The kids just left yesterday, so i'm back, but still need to read thru all the posts, hopefully this evening. I haven't given a thought to my getting away since the kids were here. Thank you all for taking the time to share your experiences. ;)

My girls were up in the air about me going on a trip by myself, so am changing my plans. My sis had a fire in her home several months ago, so will be going back to IL help with some of the cleanup as well as make a few new decorating decisions~cabinets, flooring, paint colors mainly. My BFF lives not too far away so will be spending time with her also......yeaaaaaaaa! In spite of the fact I might be freezing my buns off, i'm excited to see both of them! BFF has already lined up an auction we'll be going to, and may go stay at a B&B in the St.Charles/Batavia area where there are a lot of neat shops. Hopefully will be leaving at the end of the month after I get my space ready for Valentine's day over the next few days.

The people really make the vacation, not the place. Have a great time in IL!

I like how your daughters show how much they care about you.

Well, you can get out those Florida brochures and 'think warm' while you're in Illinois! Enjoy those special people in your life. It will be fun!