elender1

Hello,
I am a 31 y/o doctor in fellowship training making no money but am lucky enough to have a boyfriend who wants to take me on vacation in June for a week. He tells me I can choose essentially between costa rica, mexico, and the caribbean islands. I have never traveled to these areas so am trying to get some help in choosing what I may like. In general, I don't want to be surrounded by crowds of people in over-commercialized areas and don't care anything about night-life. However, I do enjoy good food and comfortable accomodations. We plan on spending part of our time on the beach doing almost nothing, but also would like to snorkel and have some planned activities. We don't dive. I love beaches but am not really a beach snob so I am sure it will be beautiful to me no matter where I go. We would enjoy hiking, etc. I am a runner so any beautiful places to run aside from the beach which I will thoroughly enjoy would also be a plus. Lastly, I would like some authenticity/culture to be a part of the experience. Appreciate any help!-Beth

suze

In your post you asked about "Mexico" but your title only mentions Cozumel. If you mean the entire country Mexico is HUGE and diverse and definitely offers what you describe (but I wouldn't necessarily pick Cozumel) including authenticity/culture, beaches, hiking, good food and comfortable accomodations.

I think the larger of the Caribbean islands also offer it. Negril Jamaica is a favorite of mine. The smaller ones which are more heavily touristed not so much.

Sorry am not familiar with Costa Rica, but there's sure lots of information on this forum. It seems the most popular destination right now, judging by the number and frequency of posts here.

JeanH

I consider Costa Rica as more of a place where you'll be moving around, seeing different areas, Arenal for the volcano, Monteverde for the cloud forest, Manual Antonio for jungle and animals, maybe Osa for less developed jungle and animals. There are beaches, but, I'd save Costa Rica for a time when you're more of a mind to explore.

I haven't spent much time on Cozumel, and probably won't. Just too darn many cruise ships. I know they can be avoided, but, I just don't want the hassle.

I haven't been to all that many Caribbean islands, I'd take a long look at Grenada. Grand Anse beach is lovely. Very friendly people. Nice hiking, lots of history. Wonderful open air market in town. It's a truly beautiful island.

I also liked St. Kitts and Nevis, but think I prefer Grenada.

We were in Negril last fall. Enjoyed our time, but, didn't find it was relaxing as spending time on the other islands I've been to.

Barbados also interests me, although we haven't been yet. Just today we started seriously looking at Curacao and Bonaire.

KVR

I'm sorry, but your question is way too broad. We've been to different areas of Mexico 10 times, 13 Caribbean Islands, some more than once, Cozumel 4 times and planning for Costa Rica in June 2012. Based on what you have stated, I wouldn't even know where to start to assist you.

You might want to do an overview of all the areas that you are interested in and see if that narrows down what you are looking for, and then you can come back and ask specific questions about one destination. There is alot of information on this board and Trip Advisor. You might also look through the Fodors Travel guides at your local book store.

cmazza

Hi I have been to Mexico (Cozumel) Costa Rica and a few of the islands.
Mexico has beautiful beaches, night life and a good value, you can snorkel. Beach destination

Costa Rica is a beautiful country lot of activities animals and nature with a beach. The snorkeling there is not great. You can travel everywhere eat and drink and not worry about it. This is my favorite place, but the beaches are slightly better for laying around in Mexico

I have been to a few of the islands I like Jamaica and the Us virgin islands.
Try to figure out what your priorities are beach? Culture? Activities? Snorkeling? Then go from there.

fishee

I'd cross Cozumel off the list as it's pretty much a destination for divers.

I agree with JeanH that Costa Rica is a great active vacation -- do you want to hike though rain forest, zipline, see wildlife like monkeys, birds, snakes, etc? Less beachy and to me, it's less relaxing, but more of an adventure. Decent food.

Also agree with Suze that Negril, Jamaica is fun, gorgeous, great food (grilled lobster, goat curry, oxtail) and I think the cliffs area is pretty romantic. I like:
http://tensingpen.com/covecottage.html
http://rockhousehotel.com/escape.php


Could I suggest Akumal, Mexico or Playa Del Carmen? U could visit ruins, hike, run, great snorkeling, good food -- but ultimately, it's a relaxing vacation if you need to decompress from a busy and stressful work schedule. Here's a condo complex in Akumal:
http://www.locogringo.com/akumal/yal...tml?ID=937#txt

Akumal and Playa are generally cheaper (for airfare, accommodations, and food) than Costa Rica or Jamaica if budget is a concern.

You prob want to avoid the Caribbean coast July-Nov due to hurricane season.

baldone

Food in Mexico is tops. Costa Rica not so much. Generally speaking. IMO.

zootsi

If you want miles of wide open, uncrowded beaches, good food and low key eco-friendly accommodations, I would recommend Tulum Mexico. Great snorkeling 1/2 hour away in Akumal, Mayan ruins in Tulum and Coba, cenotes, caves, etc.

volcanogirl

You might take a look at Belize. We stayed at Victoria House and loved it; it's on Ambergris, one of the more populated cayes. One of the smaller cayes might fit the bill for you. They have great snorkeling and wonderful food. We liked St. John in the Caribbean as well if you want to check it out. I know it's not on your RADAR right now, but Hawaii sounds like it would really fit what you're looking for.

sfmaster

I also would say consider the Tulum area.... You don't say where you're travelling from but, as a resident you'd like not want to spend a ton of time getting to your destination. Tulum was so easy, quiet, we felt we were IN Mexico, sure very touristy in areas but we didn't feel isolated. I liked the balance of do nothing but chill and some nice excursions (snorkel, ruins). I think Costa Rica might be too much right now. I'd let easy direct flights be a guide.