Hi, everyone. We're planning our April break with our 14 and 17 year old sons. This will be our last family vacation together because my son heads off to college next year. We're thinking of either the Carribean or Mexico; Carribean to hopefully see rain forests, volcanos, etc., and Mexico to see jungles, ruins, etc. I haven't read anything about those in any messages. Anyone been to rain forests or jungles or other good ideas along those lines? Thanks a lot!

We are going to St. Lucia in April. We picked this Island because it has a tour of the rainforest and a volcano to visit. We have two 12 year olds and this seems perfect for the kids. Sounds like it is what you are looking for as well. Good luck.

Another good island option for great beaches/rainforest exploring is Guadeloupe. But, if you want true rainforests and volcanoes, go to Costa Rica to the Arenal Volcano area, there is lava constantly shooting out the top of the volcano and down the side of this mountain! One of the neatest sights I have ever seen! Go to the latin forum and search for Costa Rica. Plus, there are good beaches on both the pacific side and caribbean side of the country. Also, lots of good activites for teens! They would love it!

Another place to consider is Belize (which should have recovered from the hurricane by the start of December). Use Ambergris Caye as a home base, and take excursions to the Mayan ruins at Altun Ha or Lamanai (or go as far as Tikal in Guatemala -- this can be arranged as a day trip). Many of these tours are done at least partially by boat, so you get a fascinating look at the river ecosystem. You can also take jungle, mangrove and reef tours from Ambergris. There are also a number of resorts in the jungle itself, though I have not stayed at any of them. Just be aware that if you stay on Ambergris, it is not for the beach -- the best beaches are on the barrier reef itself.

Costa Rica would fill your requests for both volcanoes and rain forests. We were there this last Feb and loved it!

Hi Jan. I saw your post on the Latin America board too. St. Lucia is very nice; we were there two years ago and I highly recommend it. They have lovely rainforest hiking there. However, there is nothing like the wildlife you will see in Costa Rica. Also, while St. Lucia does technically have a volcano, it's not what you might traditionally think of when you think of a volcano -- a large cone with a crater. It is more like a bunch of sulferous bubbling pools. Interesting to visit, but it is not the same kind of volcano experience that you would find in Costa Rica or Hawaii. Just my humble opinion.