Best place to break in our nervous dad to Central America?
 

For the past few years, my dad has been taking my three sisters and I on "daddy-daughter" trips to Hawaii. Although Hawaii is great, my sisters and I would like to branch out in the future, visiting Mexico, Belize, or Costa Rica. Between us we have traveled to Europe, Africa, and Asia, and we would love to go somewhere new.

The problem is finding a place that my dad will be happy with. He wants warm sandy beaches, swimmable water -- preferably with snorkeling, good food, and reliable assurances of his own safety and acceptance (first time traveling, unsure of what is "out there"). Which of the above places would best serve to allay my dad's fears while allowing the rest of us an exciting experience in a new country?

Our trips are always the first two weeks of January (we plan one year in advance); info on weather and crowds at that time most welcome.

I would pick Panama or Costa Rica.

Costalegre, MX (N of Manzanillo S of PV)
M

Roatan might fill the bill nicely...

Perhaps you should try someplace that serves milk?

Probably Costa Rica because of the hurricanes. Puerto Vallarta is my favorite, but the snorkeling is just OK. The water is very swimmable. But there is many other great things about PV. Cozumel would have been fabulous for beautiful beaches, and their wonderful reef, but alas, "Wilma" has ruined them for several months. Puerto Vallarta (Old Town of course) has wonderful restaurants and many of them. There is a famous flea market by the river Cuale, amazing art galleries, great shops on the malecon and much more. Try a condo. There is such a wonderful selection -- overlooking the town and the ocean or right on the beach.

thanks for the suggestions