Trip planning mode - add on to New Orleans

Greg and I aren't travelling anymore, but our daughter and husband are planning a trip next year during Mardi Gras to NO. Can get airfare using our miles, will probably use VRBO or airbnb.

They are thinking of a few days to recover, probably from Wednesday after Fat Tuesday to say Saturday or Sunday. We've never been to anything on the Panhandle. I know it won't be warm enough for beach or swimming, but looking for suggestions I've seen references to Gulf Shores. Not sure about that one. I've read about and know about Destin and Panama City. Destin is closer. Would it be pretty much a laze around few days or are there things to do? Trying to placate my son-in-law as he's not completely sold on the NO idea. A few quiet days might get him on board.

And I am SOOOO happy to be planning a vacation, even if they decide not to go and even though I'm not going!!! Thoroughly love living vicariously, which is why I'm here so much.

Guess it depends on what they're looking for. Since they're flying in to New Orleans, I'm assuming you're flying out of NO too? Anyway, why not spend the whole week there and wind down there? Plenty to do and see, and you could probably rent a full week timeshare cheaper than nightly through VRBO. And you may not even need a rental car at all.

ace2000 said:

Guess it depends on what they're looking for. Since they're flying in to New Orleans, I'm assuming you're flying out of NO too? Anyway, why not spend the whole week there and wind down there? Plenty to do and see, and you could probably rent a full week timeshare cheaper than nightly through VRBO. And you may not even need a rental car at all.

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They may do that. Timeshare and hotel rentals are nuts expensive for the time around Mardi Gras, of course, but some inquiries on some of the by owner sites seem to be at least doable. So they'd be a week in NO, and yes, flying in and out of there.

Son in law is much more of a nature laid back type. So as a bit of a gift/concession, our daughter is hoping a few quiet days of just the two of them having some wind down time in a quieter setting will enthuse him somewhat.

In early Feb, you're looking at temps in the 50s and 60s down in that area (including the panhandle). It's hard to recommend any of the beaches during that time of year. But, its possible they might like it, even if they can't swim because of the weather.