I won 2 airline tickets to anywhere in the US48, Bermuda, Caribbean, Mexico and Canada. I am 46 years old and. I would like to take a significant other (43 yrs. old) and am looking for a great experience. We're both healthy and we like everything - shopping, food, beaches, etc. We are adventurous but not rich. We need to travel between June 20 and June 30, 2007. Where should we go?

Congratulations with your tickets!!

It is a basic itinerary...you can try...Arenal Volcano area...a lot to do there...Rafting, Hiking, Canopy, Horse back ride..Kayaking..and a lot of good food options...hotels as well many options...prices and locations to see the Volcano...

Then maybe Manuel Antonio National Park area...nice beaches...good food...and a lot of hotel options..

And if you like to mix, Arenal with Monteverde Rain Forest it is possible with your 10 days in Costa Rica!!

R.A Luis

Just buckle up and enjoy the ride in paradise!!

You are not rich, and you are adventurous. I'd say go to Costa Rica. Arenal/La Fortuna for 3 nights and Manuel for 3 nights. Do a river trip for an overnight.... perhaps.

I loved Lost Iguana Resort in Arenal area, very romantic, and perfect for our 2 nd honeymoon (we're not married). We zip-lined, river rafted, and jumped off 180 foot waterfalls.

Manuel was laid back, with lots of beach time, umbrella drinks (we brought our own rum...), and great food.

my posts are probably under jkheigle.

good luck with your planning, and go to Costa Rica before it is overdeveloped! It is a gem. Pura Vida.

Great suggestions, but I thought Costa Rica was it's own republic. My tickets say Carribean, Mexico, US48, or Canada. I'd love it if Costa Rica is considered part of the Carribean.

You are right, you are SOL with Costa Rica.

How about Vancouver and Whistler? I loved Whistler. Lots of activities, beautiful scenery, and great food.

Wrong forum, but I'd head to one of the lesser traveled Caribbean islands, probably Dominica. Perhaps Saba or Montserrat (depending on what the volcano is up to).

I loved Bermuda, but found it to be very expensive. You might consider the Virgin Islands - very pretty. They have great beaches, shopping, and snorkelling. Too bad Costa Rica isn't in the Caribbean, or that would be my vote.

Mexico and the Caribbean are very hot at that time of year - summer solstice. I'd head for a more northern clime. I haven't been to Bermuda but the weather should be perfect there in late June.

Canada is another great choice during the solstice with its long days and mild weather. There are some great beaches in British Columbia although the water is a little cold. A trip to Vancouver and Vancouver Island would fulfill your interests in beaches, food, and shopping.

My husband and I have been looking at going to Playa del Carmen in Mexico. It has pretty beaches, good restaurants, shopping, etc. That might be a good choice for you.

Keep in mind that hurricane season will be starting up in June. I was actually in Bermuda when a mild one hit, and we couldn't fly out - just something to keep in mind; you might want to go somewhere outside the hurricane belt.

Let us know where you end up going! Congrats on winning the tickets!

Costa Rica is a free democratic country!! Some airlines will refer in some marketing forums or campaings as " Caribbean" but they have to add that Central America is included...without that note...I really do not beleive Costa Rica is part of the campaing that you won!!

R.A Luis.

Note...I know we will you see in our country some day!!

St. John, U. S. Virgin islands a great place. Also in the BVI, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, both excellent. Base at Tortola and you can ferry to Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, St. John.

Shillmac, we stayed on Tortola too and loved it, and St. John's Trunk Bay is the prettiest spot I've ever seen. Great snorkeling and even an underwater snorkeling trail. St. Thomas had some amazing shopping, and we had a yummy Anegada lobster dinner there. Ah, memories... Okay forget what I said about hurricanes, I think the BVIs and USVIs are the way to go.