Kate101

I've already asked about Key West and got some great responses. Here's my deal--and I need to make a decision probably tomorrow or the next day. My husband and I have been invited on a private sportfishing boat (66 feet, our own stateroom and bathroom, etc.) for three days and nights of deep-sea fishing off the coast of Venezuela. It is a lot of flying for us to get there (coming from Utah), so my husband would like to extend the trip. So we have three or four days to fill.

Miami is an option. Going to Key West from Miami is an option. Atlanta is actually a great option as we will probably fly Delta and that is the connecting city. We could rent a car and do some day trips from there. We have not been to any of those cities (other than in an airport).

And the option my husband is most interested in is just getting to Venezuela and spending a few days there before we get on the boat.. I know absolutely nothing about Venezuela. Are there some great places to visit in Caracas or outside or Caracas?

I appreciate any and all responses!

longhorn55

Skip Caracas! I have a close relative that recently lived and worked there and I visited him several times. There are a few semi-interesting places to see outside of Caracas, e.g. Colonia Tovar, a town founded by Germans in the 1800's, but Caracas itself is a big, crowded city with a lot of street crime. Also because of the terrible traffic, it is very difficult to get anywhere. We also went to Los Roques islands and Isla Margarita, but they weren't anything special.

bratsandbeer

Don't know anything about Venezuela except for the bad political situation there. If you were in Florida you could visit many interesting sites, the space center, Everglades, beaches, etc.

Savannah Georgia might be a nice alternative.

CaribbeanChick

I would skip Venezuela... why not a Caribbean island such as Aruba Delta flies there also?
I spent 2 great weeks in Caracas about 10 years ago.. and wouldn't now.. with the unrest and Chavez.. I wouldn't.. VERY sad, beautiful country, the Avila, Colonia Tovar..Let's say my aunt stopped in Isla Margarita las month on a cruise, and stayed on ship and didn't even get off..

I live in Atlanta.. not much exciting in the city, but I agree with Savannah would be more exciting.. IF you choose Atlanta, you can send me a message... so far we have Stone Mountain Park, GA Aquarium, World of Coca Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, CNN Center, Botanical Gardens.. Savannah is pretty combine it with Tybee Island..
Miami might be more exciting if you want to see bluer water..

Good luck!!

christabir

Check what the State Department says about Venezuela. My cousin lived there for a couple of years - they just came back in 2009. They were always inviting us to go down to visit so it couldn't have been too bad. We never made it, tho. I don't know if the road from the airport is open yet (It was to remain closed forever the last time I checked into it - part of the reason we did not go. The alternate route is long and for a while there was some violence. I don't know if that has changed.)

But a layover in Atlanta sounds like it could be fun with side trips. If you go to Miami and didn't get your fill of boats and fishing, Dry Tortugas National Park is spectacular, especially if you dive or snorkel. You can't fish in the park, but sport fishing is allowed right outside.

You might also want to see where you can get from Caracas. You might like one of the beach towns in northern Brazil or fly to Manaus and do a 4 day Amazon River tour (that's what I'd do - "it's so close"!) You can always go to Atlanta - take advantage of how far away you are. Panama, Costa Rica and the Galapagos are "nearby" too.

fontmn

Miami and Key West are both great alternatives, especially in the summer if you like warm weather and the ocean breeze. In Miami, you can stay on the beach and visit the South Beach areas, including Lincoln Road for dining, shopping and people watching.
It may be a bit warm and lots of mosquitos on a visit to the Everglades. But being so close (if you stay in Miami/Miami Beach), you'd really almost hate to miss its subtle beauty. Just bring suntan lotion, mosquito repellent and binoculars.
Key West has a totally different vibe and the drive down is stunning (water on either side for miles). Stop and eat at Alabama Jack's on the way - it's "old Florida" and looks onto the water and mangroves.
So many places to see in South Florida!

padams421

I live in Atlanta. It's a great place to live but not much for tourists. Go to Miami.