Key West bound

Blueone

Blueone

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Jan 24, 2007
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Lake Erie, Ohio
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2004 420 Sundancer
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Cummins 6CTA 450's
We go to Key west every year in February. Usually with two other couples... this year we have 3 couples going so 8 of us. Looking over the last few months ...flight prices are thru the roof $2,000 for first class and $1,000+++ for coach. So we started to think maybe there might be other alternatives that could be more fun then sitting on a very expensive flight.... For example flying into Ft Myers at the same time is $200.
One idea was to fly into Ft Myers and take the ferry to key west... Another idea was to fly into Miami/Ft Lauderdale and take a helicopter/private plane into key west. I know 8 is a problem plus luggage. Maybe just a limo bus with drinks and a bathroom kind of thing.
So I am just wondering if any of you and or Florida locals know of alternative ways to get down to key west from south Florida ?
 
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Drive. I'm not from Florida, but when we went to Key West I really enjoyed driving down through all the Keys seeing places I had seen in movies and in travel films. Sure it takes a while but what the heck. You only live once. Visit the Green Parrot for me.
 
We were in Key West at the end of September for the 1st time. I can't wait to go back! I was talking with a guy from Ft. Myers, and he told me about the ferry. That sounded like a blast to me. The only thing that cautioned against was that sometimes the ferry will not run due to weather. So if your schedule is firm, that may not be the best way to go. He also said that he's been on it when 1/2 of the passengers are puking over the side!

The next time we go, I want to fly into Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and then drive down to the Keys. I have never done that. It would also provide an opportunity to stop at Costco and load up with some provisions to take down with us. Obviously, you have to figure in the cost of the rental.

Have a blast. As mentioned, we can't wait to go back!

Jaybeaux
 
We go to Key West frequently from Chicago We always fly into MIA or FLL and drive down. The drive takes some time but is beautiful and is part of the enjoyment of the trip.

Also, if you run into any flight difficulties, you have much better options for alternatives through one of those airports.
 
We're going with two other couples in mid December. Flying from Philly to Miami for ~$250 then renting two Cadillac Escalades and driving the rest of the way. We plan on making many pit stops along the way.
 
If you haven't made the drive, very interesting trip. Just don't be on a fixed schedule, traffic can be bad. Try to avoid Saturday mornings, lots of yard sales along the way with resulting traffic delays.
 
FootballFan said:
If you haven't made the drive, very interesting trip. Just don't be on a fixed schedule, traffic can be bad. Try to avoid Saturday mornings, lots of yard sales along the way with resulting traffic delays.
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I did the drive once 3 years ago.. It's definitely something you do once.... but don't ever do it again. It was painfully slow and long especially when you are in a hurry to get down there....and 10X worse when your hung over driving back.
 
Jaybeaux said:
We were in Key West at the end of September for the 1st time. I can't wait to go back! I was talking with a guy from Ft. Myers, and he told me about the ferry. That sounded like a blast to me. The only thing that cautioned against was that sometimes the ferry will not run due to weather. So if your schedule is firm, that may not be the best way to go. He also said that he's been on it when 1/2 of the passengers are puking over the side!

The next time we go, I want to fly into Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and then drive down to the Keys. I have never done that. It would also provide an opportunity to stop at Costco and load up with some provisions to take down with us. Obviously, you have to figure in the cost of the rental.

Have a blast. As mentioned, we can't wait to go back!

Jaybeaux
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We always go down with two other couples and we rent a house in the old town part of key west. We just have a blast it is a fun place. This is the place we rented this trip...it's fairly new I think renovated a year ago.
https://www.historickeywestvacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/villa-josine-new-nightly-rental
 
We did the drive down to Key West from Miami then back up again. Nice enough drive, but brutally slow.
If you plan on having a car in a Key West then make the drive down from Miami.
If you don’t need a car in Key West then I would give the ferry a shot.
 
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Blueone said:
I did the drive once 3 years ago.. It's definitely something you do once.... but don't ever do it again. It was painfully slow and long especially when you are in a hurry to get down there....and 10X worse when your hung over driving back.
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Yeah, if you are going to be in a hurry, don't drive. But if you are going to be in a hurry, do you really want to go to Key West? Seems like it defeats the purpose.
 
My wife, daughter and I will be taking the ferry out of Ft. Myers the last week of Jan. For a few days in Key West.
 
J.Wilt said:
My wife, daughter and I will be taking the ferry out of Ft. Myers the last week of Jan. For a few days in Key West.
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The problem with the ferry is it boards between 7:00am and 7:30am and arrives back in Ft Myers at 9:00pm...so it forces you to stay at a hotel before and after...That's just not going to work in our schedule.
We are down to a Limo from Ft Lauderdale or just fly directly there.... but this is 4 couples ...it's like herding wild cats to get everyone to agree
 
Blueone said:
The problem with the ferry is it boards between 7:00am and 7:30am and arrives back in Ft Myers at 9:00pm...so it forces you to stay at a hotel before and after...That's just not going to work in our schedule.
We are down to a Limo from Ft Lauderdale or just fly directly there.... but this is 4 couples ...it's like herding wild cats to get everyone to agree
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That would drive me nuts. Go separately -- I'll meet them there.
 
Golfman25 said:
That would drive me nuts. Go separately -- I'll meet them there.
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That's why I am starting in October for a February trip :) you should have seen the house decision it took 6 months... This is just a limo or plane decision...
 
Confused???

From Ohio to KWF is $1k? If so, that dosen't seem too much....Flights to KWF can be pricey....What about Miami to KWF?

Anyway, I spent a month on Key Largo last year and we drove down to KW one day....My advice is do it on a weekday so you avoid the Miami weekenders....
 
Blueone said:
That's why I am starting in October for a February trip :) you should have seen the house decision it took 6 months... This is just a limo or plane decision...
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That’s why I avoid group trips.
Just getting my wife and two grown kids to agree on a vacation, or where to go out to dinner for that matter, is torture.
 
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