Hi,
We want to go on a short (one week) vac w/ our kids the first week of June. One is 11 yrs old and our other son is almost 20. Please offer some advise on where he (the 20 yr old) would have the most fun. he will not have a friend with him and that age is SO into their peers. mexico?? CR?? If either, exactly where?
BTW, he also loves fishing (sport or stream/lake)
Thanks!
Mom

It depends. There is a lot of things to do in Costa Rica that he might enjoy - zip lines, deep sea fishing, surfing etc. I love it there and have gone twice w/ my wife.

However, 20 year old guys mostly like 20 year old girls (who doesn't really?). If you stay at some all inclusive in Mexico he would like it. I went to Club Med in Cancun w/ my parents and 12 yo brother when I was 19 or so. It's good b/c I could hang out around the property at night, have some drinks at the bar and meet girls who were w/ their parents. You didn't have to go anywhere b/c everything was right there. Restaurant, bar, nightclub - so you don't have to worry about him wandering around at night. Plus they have tons of things to do during the day - snorkling, water skiing, sailing. Check out other club meds too - Ixtapa, Playa Blanca (I went to this one in my early 20's w/ a friend - it was great also). Another very reasonable all inclusive is "Barcelo" which is pretty much like a Spanish Club Med.

Generally I think those type of places have stuff for the whole family. But if you want to try something more exotic - Costa Rica is great. You can go to see a live volcano and soak in hot springs, ride zip lines, white water raft, and hike for a few days then head to the beach for a few days. You can go to a beach area where he can walk to some 'nightlife' places. He would definately enjoy that as long as he is into doing those activities.

We've loved Belize and Honduras - both great places for quick, adventurous vacations, though we try to stay 3-4 weeks and still barely scratch the surface. If you're interested, let me know and I'll post our trip stories. Happy trails!

My almost-20-year-old son is happily coming with his dad and I to Costa Rica for the hiking, ziplines, rapelling,caving, and biking. We've been to Belize twice also, another great place for adventures. But Naplo999 has some good points (we've enjoyed Club Meds also), and you know your son best.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico would work for what you describe.