Advice on where to travel in August
May 31st, 2010, 07:02 PM
#1
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Advice on where to travel in August
Hi there,
I'm looking to travel somewhere in August and would greatly appreciate any advice/recommendations on where to go.
I'm interested in the Caribbean but I'm also aware it's hurricane season during my vacation time.
After a little research, I have come up with a few choices:
Aruba
Barbados
Curacao
St. Lucia
I have never been to any of these destinations and would like to know what experiences others have had. Are these ideal places during that time? Should I be looking at other options beyond these ones? Although weather is never predictable, I would like to minimize my chances of a lot of rain as I'm only going for a week.
I've have little travel experience, so any help/opinions on these choices would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
I'm looking to travel somewhere in August and would greatly appreciate any advice/recommendations on where to go.
I'm interested in the Caribbean but I'm also aware it's hurricane season during my vacation time.
After a little research, I have come up with a few choices:
Aruba
Barbados
Curacao
St. Lucia
I have never been to any of these destinations and would like to know what experiences others have had. Are these ideal places during that time? Should I be looking at other options beyond these ones? Although weather is never predictable, I would like to minimize my chances of a lot of rain as I'm only going for a week.
I've have little travel experience, so any help/opinions on these choices would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
Jun 1st, 2010, 05:01 AM
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I've traveled to many of the Caribbean Islands, including; St Lucia, Curacao, St Martin etc.
But there is one Island that once I got there I didn't want to leave and for 3 years now have lived on the Island of Roatan. What the heck is Roatan? Where is Roatan? For stories about Roatan check out http://roatanvortex.com You won't be disappointed.
But there is one Island that once I got there I didn't want to leave and for 3 years now have lived on the Island of Roatan. What the heck is Roatan? Where is Roatan? For stories about Roatan check out http://roatanvortex.com You won't be disappointed.
Jun 1st, 2010, 06:00 AM
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We've been to all except Barbados. In order to make a good recommendation it would help if you supplied more information in what your looking for in a vacation besides good weather.
Are you going alone or with others, are there any children going, budget, where are you flying from, what type of accomendations are you seeking; hotel, AI, villa, rental. What do you want to do on vacation/activities, do you snorkel or dive?
Aruba is very Americanized, which most people don't like, but is one of the things we do like about it. It's safe, transporation is convenient, there are tons of resturants, bars and shopping. The Island is easy to get around. Eagle Beach is very nice. The water clarity is not that great, but we enjoyed the snorkeling.
We didn't care for Curacao. It is difficult to get to from our area of Texas. There is not one long stretch of beach, but several coves/inlets all over the Island. Mainly on the West Side. The beaches are made up of mostley crushed coral, so you'll need water shoes. It's difficult to get around without a car. We found that the resturants are spread out all over the Island. Public transporation is inconvenient. Though it's considered one of the best Islands for snorkeling, we didn't find that on our trip. The Sea Aquarium is a very nice place if you want to swim with the fishes.
St. Lucia is very lush with mountains, flora, fauna and waterfalls. The beaches are a coarse light brown and the water is a deep blue. The roads are winding and difficult to drive. Some people rent a car, but we didn't. We did 2 full day tours that took us all over the Island so we got to experience a vast majority of it. Shopping is limited to a craft market and a duty free mall area. It's DH's favorite Island of the ones we've been to. I prefer Aruba. St. Lucia can be a little difficult to get to and airfare can be more expensive than other destinations.
All Islands are quite different. You may want to do some research on the type of Island your looking for and then re-post with some specific questions.
Are you going alone or with others, are there any children going, budget, where are you flying from, what type of accomendations are you seeking; hotel, AI, villa, rental. What do you want to do on vacation/activities, do you snorkel or dive?
Aruba is very Americanized, which most people don't like, but is one of the things we do like about it. It's safe, transporation is convenient, there are tons of resturants, bars and shopping. The Island is easy to get around. Eagle Beach is very nice. The water clarity is not that great, but we enjoyed the snorkeling.
We didn't care for Curacao. It is difficult to get to from our area of Texas. There is not one long stretch of beach, but several coves/inlets all over the Island. Mainly on the West Side. The beaches are made up of mostley crushed coral, so you'll need water shoes. It's difficult to get around without a car. We found that the resturants are spread out all over the Island. Public transporation is inconvenient. Though it's considered one of the best Islands for snorkeling, we didn't find that on our trip. The Sea Aquarium is a very nice place if you want to swim with the fishes.
St. Lucia is very lush with mountains, flora, fauna and waterfalls. The beaches are a coarse light brown and the water is a deep blue. The roads are winding and difficult to drive. Some people rent a car, but we didn't. We did 2 full day tours that took us all over the Island so we got to experience a vast majority of it. Shopping is limited to a craft market and a duty free mall area. It's DH's favorite Island of the ones we've been to. I prefer Aruba. St. Lucia can be a little difficult to get to and airfare can be more expensive than other destinations.
All Islands are quite different. You may want to do some research on the type of Island your looking for and then re-post with some specific questions.
Jun 1st, 2010, 05:34 PM
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Thank you for your responses!
I guess I should have started off with stating my travel experience is very limited due to a fear of flying. I have only left Canada twice; my first trip being in 2008. I went to the Dominican Republic and then traveled to Vegas last Summer. Due to my limited experience, I'm not really set on a lot of criteria.
I found the above destinations while researching places not hampered by hurricanes and stumbled across this forum while in the process. I thought there was no better way to get advice than from those who have experienced them.
To be honest, Aruba had been my choice for quite some time...but after reading things online I got sidetracked with other options and have become overwhelmed. haha
What I can tell you is that besides great weather, I'm looking for a generally relaxing vacation with some activities incorporated into the mix. I like horseback riding and anything to do with the water. I did enjoy snorkeling the one time I was able to do it in the Dominican! lol
It will be a couple's vacation...no children and I'll be departing from Toronto, Canada.
I was looking to stay at an all inclusive resort but I'm not set in stone on that. I won't be driving at all.
It's quite important that the place I choose be safe. I would love to experience the life outside of the resort..maybe tours if there's anything worth recommending?
For example, I really wanted to travel to Mexico to see the Ruins in the Riviera Maya but my travel time prevents that.
Environment is important..so your description of St. Lucia is very appealing. The beach is a key requirement for us..I think we'll avoid Curacao.
Anyway, you always see great pictures (from all of the places I listed) but it's different when you hear it first hand.
The vacation duration will be roughly 5-7 days and we'd like to spend no more than $1250 each...although we are willing to spend more if we find something we fall in love with.
Is there one place over the other you would recommend based on the information I provided? Are there any "must see" attractions/monuments in your experience?
Sorry for the long post and thanks for taking the time to reply. You've been helpful thus far!
Thanks again!!
I guess I should have started off with stating my travel experience is very limited due to a fear of flying. I have only left Canada twice; my first trip being in 2008. I went to the Dominican Republic and then traveled to Vegas last Summer. Due to my limited experience, I'm not really set on a lot of criteria.
I found the above destinations while researching places not hampered by hurricanes and stumbled across this forum while in the process. I thought there was no better way to get advice than from those who have experienced them.
To be honest, Aruba had been my choice for quite some time...but after reading things online I got sidetracked with other options and have become overwhelmed. haha
What I can tell you is that besides great weather, I'm looking for a generally relaxing vacation with some activities incorporated into the mix. I like horseback riding and anything to do with the water. I did enjoy snorkeling the one time I was able to do it in the Dominican! lol
It will be a couple's vacation...no children and I'll be departing from Toronto, Canada.
I was looking to stay at an all inclusive resort but I'm not set in stone on that. I won't be driving at all.
It's quite important that the place I choose be safe. I would love to experience the life outside of the resort..maybe tours if there's anything worth recommending?
For example, I really wanted to travel to Mexico to see the Ruins in the Riviera Maya but my travel time prevents that.
Environment is important..so your description of St. Lucia is very appealing. The beach is a key requirement for us..I think we'll avoid Curacao.
Anyway, you always see great pictures (from all of the places I listed) but it's different when you hear it first hand.
The vacation duration will be roughly 5-7 days and we'd like to spend no more than $1250 each...although we are willing to spend more if we find something we fall in love with.
Is there one place over the other you would recommend based on the information I provided? Are there any "must see" attractions/monuments in your experience?
Sorry for the long post and thanks for taking the time to reply. You've been helpful thus far!
Thanks again!!
Jun 2nd, 2010, 08:22 AM
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Aruba would be a good choice in August. There are a few AI hotels, but Aruba has so many resturants/bars and it's easy to get to that AI is really not necessary like in the DR. Food and drink can be expensive though. I'm not sure $2,500 for air and hotel is an adequate budget. Maybe more like $3,000 for a lower budget hotel like the Holiday Inn.
For things to see and do, take a jeep tour to the other side of the Island, a catamarn snorkel trip, a beach hopping tour with DePalm, shopping in Downtown or the strip area on Palm Beach, there are water sports station set-up on Palm Beach, a butterfly farm, bar hopping tour at night and beach bars on Palm Beach.
We frequent Mexico every year due to price, but we go either in November or December. In August, it will be HOT and HUMID. It is hurricane season at that time, so if you choose that destination just get the hurricane/trip insurance that you can cancel for any reason, not just if your hotel closes or if your flight is canceled.
I don't understand your comment that you don't have enough time to visit the Mayan ruins. If you stay in the Playa del Carmen or Riviera Maya area, the ruins are just a day trip. There is Tulum, Chichen Itza and Coba. You can also go to eco parks like Xcaret or Xel-Ha, ATV tours, cenote swimming, caves, horse back riding on the beach at Maroma, speed boats, catamaran snorking, zip lines. There is just so many things to see and do there.
Mexico has several AI hotels. The budget you have is going to get you more. Adult only or Couple only hotels are going to be more expensive. There are several non-AI's right off 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen. Several are about a 10 minute walk to a public beach, but there are several that sit right on the beach. For our next trip in December we chose the Makehal Beach Hotel. Cabana rooms right on the beach. We've been to several AI's in that area and decided a non-AI on the beach would be the way to go this time.
Cozumel is a good option also. Choose a hotel in the San Migual area and you can walk to resturants/bars and shopping. However, there is just more things to see and do in the Playa area, but you can take the 45 minute ferry between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen.
If your interested check out our vacation picture site. You might find a destiantion that interests you.
http://community.webshots.com/user/kvrlvn
For things to see and do, take a jeep tour to the other side of the Island, a catamarn snorkel trip, a beach hopping tour with DePalm, shopping in Downtown or the strip area on Palm Beach, there are water sports station set-up on Palm Beach, a butterfly farm, bar hopping tour at night and beach bars on Palm Beach.
We frequent Mexico every year due to price, but we go either in November or December. In August, it will be HOT and HUMID. It is hurricane season at that time, so if you choose that destination just get the hurricane/trip insurance that you can cancel for any reason, not just if your hotel closes or if your flight is canceled.
I don't understand your comment that you don't have enough time to visit the Mayan ruins. If you stay in the Playa del Carmen or Riviera Maya area, the ruins are just a day trip. There is Tulum, Chichen Itza and Coba. You can also go to eco parks like Xcaret or Xel-Ha, ATV tours, cenote swimming, caves, horse back riding on the beach at Maroma, speed boats, catamaran snorking, zip lines. There is just so many things to see and do there.
Mexico has several AI hotels. The budget you have is going to get you more. Adult only or Couple only hotels are going to be more expensive. There are several non-AI's right off 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen. Several are about a 10 minute walk to a public beach, but there are several that sit right on the beach. For our next trip in December we chose the Makehal Beach Hotel. Cabana rooms right on the beach. We've been to several AI's in that area and decided a non-AI on the beach would be the way to go this time.
Cozumel is a good option also. Choose a hotel in the San Migual area and you can walk to resturants/bars and shopping. However, there is just more things to see and do in the Playa area, but you can take the 45 minute ferry between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen.
If your interested check out our vacation picture site. You might find a destiantion that interests you.
http://community.webshots.com/user/kvrlvn
Jun 2nd, 2010, 08:57 AM
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Thank you KVR. Your replies have been very informative.
I was referring to the month I would be going (August) when I made the time comment in reference to the Mayan Ruins. Due to hurricane season, I'm a little hesitant about traveling to Mexico during that time but it's somewhere I'd really like to visit.
In terms of arranging excursions, do I set up these things once I'm there? Or is it something I book along with my trip? Please excuse my ignorance here..like I said I have limited travel experience.
Thanks again, I'm looking forward to checking out your site!!
I was referring to the month I would be going (August) when I made the time comment in reference to the Mayan Ruins. Due to hurricane season, I'm a little hesitant about traveling to Mexico during that time but it's somewhere I'd really like to visit.
In terms of arranging excursions, do I set up these things once I'm there? Or is it something I book along with my trip? Please excuse my ignorance here..like I said I have limited travel experience.
Thanks again, I'm looking forward to checking out your site!!
Jun 2nd, 2010, 10:27 AM
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i think you'd like barbados. you can fly west jet nonstop on 8/14 to 8/21 from pearson for $444. that's about $300/pp less than flt to aruba. price found on kayak.com
a fodor regular, lois swanson, has built a wonderful site to read through after 25+ visits. http://www.barbadostips.com/Barbados_Tips/Welcome.html
to avoid driving you might want to find a place near The Gap. but i'd sure advise you rent for one day so you can go see thee sites. it's british and driving is not difficult. plenty of tours available though.
a fodor regular, lois swanson, has built a wonderful site to read through after 25+ visits. http://www.barbadostips.com/Barbados_Tips/Welcome.html
to avoid driving you might want to find a place near The Gap. but i'd sure advise you rent for one day so you can go see thee sites. it's british and driving is not difficult. plenty of tours available though.
Jun 2nd, 2010, 11:24 AM
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We usually book on-line before going. That way we can pay with credit card and it pay off the card before we go. All hotels will have a tour/excursion desk if you want to wait until you get there.
When you decide what destination you are going to, I'll be able to recommend on-line tour operators to look into as well as hotels.
We have Barbados on our list, but wanting to do day trips to Grenada and Grenadines, so having to wait until we have saved enough. Hopefully 2012.
From your comments, I don't think you can go wrong with Aruba. We finally have return plans for next May.
When you decide what destination you are going to, I'll be able to recommend on-line tour operators to look into as well as hotels.
We have Barbados on our list, but wanting to do day trips to Grenada and Grenadines, so having to wait until we have saved enough. Hopefully 2012.
From your comments, I don't think you can go wrong with Aruba. We finally have return plans for next May.
Jun 3rd, 2010, 05:33 AM
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We have been to all of these islands. My choice would be either Barbados or Curacao. Barbados has it all - wonderful dining and nightlife, great weather, lots to see/do, beautiful beaches. I do not recommend an AI here as there are way too many awesome restaurants that you wouldn't want to miss.
Curacao is another sure bet. US currency is accepted everywhere. Dutch is the official language, but they also speak English. Taxi's are easy to find by the TX on their plates. Temperatures are warm throughout the year. In fact, it's less humid than many Caribbean islands. You can eat and drink freely as their level of cleanliness is good.
Aruba was very casual and VERY commercialized.
St Lucia is the only place that we came away from not feeling good about. It rained a lot. The roads were difficult for many people that didn't normally have motion sickness. The island is not known for it's beaches. They just don't understand tourism there. AND, I had bites all over my body.
Curacao is another sure bet. US currency is accepted everywhere. Dutch is the official language, but they also speak English. Taxi's are easy to find by the TX on their plates. Temperatures are warm throughout the year. In fact, it's less humid than many Caribbean islands. You can eat and drink freely as their level of cleanliness is good.
Aruba was very casual and VERY commercialized.
St Lucia is the only place that we came away from not feeling good about. It rained a lot. The roads were difficult for many people that didn't normally have motion sickness. The island is not known for it's beaches. They just don't understand tourism there. AND, I had bites all over my body.
Jun 3rd, 2010, 04:07 PM
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Thank you all again!
Virginia, thanks for posting that link for me...It's full of great information!! And knowing: Your description of Barbados has made it very tempting too.
We are leaning towards Barbados or Aruba based on all the information we've gathered thus far. We're still doing more research to see what would fit us best between the two. To be honest, I wish I could afford both this year! lol
I will let you know when we decide. It would be nice to receive some feedback on restaurants/sights people here have actually been to.
Thanks again!!
Virginia, thanks for posting that link for me...It's full of great information!! And knowing: Your description of Barbados has made it very tempting too.
We are leaning towards Barbados or Aruba based on all the information we've gathered thus far. We're still doing more research to see what would fit us best between the two. To be honest, I wish I could afford both this year! lol
I will let you know when we decide. It would be nice to receive some feedback on restaurants/sights people here have actually been to.
Thanks again!!
Jun 4th, 2010, 03:59 AM
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Can def. help you on restaurant recommendations, but for Aruba!
Madam Jeanette
Chalet Suisse
Passions
Marandi
Marina Pirata
The Plaza for a nice lunch or coffee/dessert
to name a few..
Let us know when you choose I can give you more details on the restaurants, never been to Barbados.
Madam Jeanette
Chalet Suisse
Passions
Marandi
Marina Pirata
The Plaza for a nice lunch or coffee/dessert
to name a few..
Let us know when you choose I can give you more details on the restaurants, never been to Barbados.
Jun 4th, 2010, 04:00 AM
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Here are some helpful links for Aruba, they also have great forums..
www.aruba.com www.aruba-bb.com www.visit-aruba.com to name a few...
www.aruba.com www.aruba-bb.com www.visit-aruba.com to name a few...
Jun 4th, 2010, 04:11 AM
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you can get that info several ways. type the island name into the search box above to read through other ppls q&a's, start a new post with particular island in title, if you have selected some resorts you can use a site called tripadvisor.com to read reviews of individual hotels, restaurants and some 'sights to see'.
now i must warn you, there is a disease - DIF - and i suspect you already have it. dreaded island fever is the horrible feeling you get shortly after boarding the plane for home (sometimes lasting months) - the one where bolting from the plane & staying on the island forever feels like your only choice in life. this is the statement that concerns me: "To be honest, I wish I could afford both this year!"
keep us posted.
now i must warn you, there is a disease - DIF - and i suspect you already have it. dreaded island fever is the horrible feeling you get shortly after boarding the plane for home (sometimes lasting months) - the one where bolting from the plane & staying on the island forever feels like your only choice in life. this is the statement that concerns me: "To be honest, I wish I could afford both this year!"
keep us posted.
