Unless we have an absolutely balmy winter, there is little chance the the Maids will be back in the water by early April. They cannot go in until all the ice in the river and lakes is gone, and that is usually late April to early May.

I believe that September is the best time. Still good weather, everything is still operating, crowds are much less and prices are better than summer.

Mid September is our favorite time to go.

Ok, thanks. Sounds like Sept it is. So, we'll have to put off a year. So, now I just need to figure out WHERE to go before our SWA credit time runs out! haha. Thinking of Lake Tahoe/Reno maybe.

Clearwater beach by Tampa is very nice in the winter. Tampa airport is big but not very big like Miami's airport you can get lost in.

I rented a car from budget at the Tampa airport, worked out very well. Right where you pick the luggage up is the car rental desk..right across the small road.

I was off the plane and in my rental car in like 30 mins. Stayed a few miles away from the beach at a Hampton Inn for under $100 a night. Clearwater has a very nice public beach with bath houses you can change in your swim suit, just need to pay for parking.

Just a thought.