I have 4 days in early October I can sneak away with my wife to celebrate our anniversary. We don't want to go too far as we only have a few days we can be gone and we don't want to waste too much time traveling. We are open to anything but I know wife is eager to simply relax. Likely not going to be a very active trip (although a few activities will likely be mixed in)

Any recommendations? Below are a few spots we have been in recent years and would prefer to try something new.

Sedona
Santa Fe
San Diego
Riviera Maya/Cancun
Charleston
San Miguel de Allende
Puerto Vallarta

Not a lot to go on, but...

Sarasota (Fly to TPA or SRQ)
Asheville
Key West
Tucson

I'd like to suggest Palm Springs or Monterey, CA, but those would involve a bit of driving as well.


EDIT: Checked the Asheville flight and it's 4h4m. I'm leaving it.

Both United and Alaska Airlines have ~4.5 hour non-stops from Houston to Portland in early October for pretty good prices. The locals call mid-September to mid-October 2nd Summer on the Oregon coast. You could do a few days in the Columbia River Gorge and spend the rest out along the coast. We were there last September staying at a VRBO just south of Yachats and it was an awesome trip.

I often guide clients toward Los Cabos because it offers some of the best resorts, especially when it comes to stunning pools and views right on property. That said, I always recommend getting out at least once to explore San Jos del Cabo or enjoy a great local restaurant.

Tucson and Scottsdale are also great ideas, we've done both as quick four-day getaways at beautiful resort properties, and they're perfect for relaxing and unwinding.

I've booked several trips to the Sarasota area recently, and clients consistently love the beaches and the variety of properties there.

Portland, Oregon is another favorite of mine, and the coast (including Cannon Beach) is only about an hour away. The Willamette Valley is incredibly scenic and peaceful, even if wine isn't your main interest.

There are so many great options, and the best fit will really come down to your budget, flight options, and overall preferences.

Calgary is a 3.5 to 4 hour flight from IAH and Banff is an easy 2 hour drive from the airport. Exchange rate is about 0.73 US dollars for 1 Canadian dollar. Fall is a great time to visit.

I would second the recommendation for Banff and Cabo.

Other suggestion would be Big Sur, specifically the Alila Ventana hotel. One of my faves!

Antigua, Guatemala is a beautiful place to chill.

San Pedro, Belize

Puerto Rico

Aruba. 4.5 hours but direct from iah

October is prime leaf viewing in New England. Fly to Boston and rent a car. Go to New Hampshire and Vermont.

Carmel-by-the-Sea
Newport, RI
SLC / Park City

Fly in to Liberia, Costa Rica and enjoy Playa Conchal and the Westin Conchal. Less than an hour from the airport and a beautiful beach.

If you enjoyed Charleston, I'd suggest Savannah. Weather would be great and it is perfect for a laid back anniversary trip.

Grand Cayman is a super easy trip from Houston if you are interested in something beachy. There are also direct flights from Houston to Palm Springs and Joshua Tree NP is nearby.

lazuras_dc said:

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I'd do grand cayman if looking for beach

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100% concur on Grand Cayman. Easy Houston flight, safe, Seven Mile Beach is amazing (no waves most of the time), and the top-flight hotels are great.

Schall 02 said:

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lazuras_dc said:

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I'd do grand cayman if looking for beach

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100% concur on Grand Cayman. Easy Houston flight, safe, Seven Mile Beach is amazing (no waves most of the time), and the top-flight hotels are great.

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And potentially "cheap" during October hurricane low season.

DP

Napa
Avon/vail/breck
Park city

Somewhere with a view that has good food and you can do as much or little as you'd like.

OP,

If you decide to do Napa, it can be three hours in the carfrom SFO on a weekdend or holiday. It's a much easier drive to fly into Sacramento. Alternatively, you could fly into STS, but that requires a connection on UA.