sjukich

Hey everyone. I'm trying to decide where to go on our next trip. First off here's a little background on myself and my wife so you guys can better help us decide. I'm 27, she's 25 and we have done our fair share of traveling in the past few years, Mexico, Hawaii, Belize, and parts of the US. We got back from 3 weeks in Belize in May and June and it was by far the most amazing trip we have taken. We love to scuba dive, eat good food, hike, and do pretty much anything outdoors. We found Belize great because it wasn't too touristy, there were lots of things to do off the beaten path, we got to explore lots of different parts of the country and there was awesome culture.....oh yeah and great diving!!! We are trying to decide between Fiji/New Zealand, Honduras, and Costa Rica. We are looking to spend 2-3 weeks, price isn't really a factor since we will make it work where ever. We like places that aren't too touristy but do like to stay in nice hotels with great amenities. Outdoor activities and things to do are key, we do like to lounge but not all day. We will be going in late May early June. Let me know what you guys all think!

sylvia3

I think you are 1%-ers.

sylvia3

Seriously, if it's about water, you might want to give Fiji a try.

hopefulist

Hello again (also saw your posts on Thorntree). Guatemala is my favorite and combines well with Belize or Honduras. With just 2 weeks I'd stick to Honduras but with 3 I'd start in Guatemala before heading there. My photos with blog, travelogue, and review site links are below (should have my 2012 Guatemala collection finished tonight or tomorrow).
http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections/

RAC

Honduras supposedly has some lovely diving in the Bay/Hogg islands. Costa Rica has okay diving off of Cano Island and (if money and time are truly no issue) maybe the best diving on the planet around Isla del Coco.

suze

Tough choice. I've never been to any of them, but think they all offer what you seek!

sjukich

1%er....? I'm a fireman with a good schedule and the willingness to max out a cc. I'm still interested in CR and Honduras but I think I'm leaning towards Fiji just because it seems to offer a ton with some great diving, not 100% though. Another big reason is my wife and I are planning on having kids in the next couple of years and I can see slipping away for a small trip to CR or Honduras but not 2 weeks to Fiji. Any other advise? Anyone been to all 3 places?

Leah_b

Hi,

I loved Costa Rica! It's a great destination if you want to avoid places that are too touristy. The rainforests are beautiful and the beaches vary from idyllic and secluded to others where you'll often end up sharing the sand with monkeys from the bordering forests, like in Manuel Antonio beach. It's also great for adrenalin junkies like me, with activities like white water rafting and ziplining.

I found a good deal for white water rafting in Costa Rica on this site http://www.travelizer.co.uk/themes/active/ I don't know if the deal's still up, but they have a lot of useful links for sporty and active holidays.

sylvia3

Costa Rica is great, but the diving is NOT. Really. If diving is your aim, that is NOT the place to focus on it.

p.s. Sorry, the facetious comment (immediately followed by "seriously") was in response to
"I"m 27, she's 25...fair share of traveling in the past few years, Mexico, Hawaii, Belize, and parts of the US...3 weeks in Belize in May and June...2-3 weeks, price isn't really a factor...nice hotels with great amenities"

I'm in my 60s, and we still don't get the "nice hotels with great amenities" unless there's a coupon

sjukich

I think my worry is stuff to do outside of diving. I know that Fiji and Honduras are both great dive sites, not sure which is better but that is only one part of the day. I also love doing all the stuff on the land, good town and culture, wildlife, fishing, and maybe even some great hikes

Patty

Have you considered Australia? 2-3 weeks isn't a lot of time but you could stick with one area like Queensland. Besides the Great Barrier Reef, there's the Daintree rainforest and the Atherton Tablelands with good wildlife viewing opportunities.