Hi -

A girlfriend and I are looking for trip ideas. We're still in the early stages of determining where we'd like to go. Honestly, at this point, we're open to anything. Any suggestions? The trip would span 1 - 1.5 weeks and would take place in June, July or August.

Thanks!

Based on the information you've given us, I'd say, somewhere, for sure.

I'd suggest Honduras: fly into San Pedro Sula and on to La Ceiba, stay at Omega Lodge for 3 nights and enjoy some rafting, hiking, kayaking and/or horse back riding, then ferry across to Roatán for the rest of your trip for beaches, snorkeling, diving, hammocks. You can fly from there back to San Pedro Sula for your flight home. Try searching this site for "Omega" with Honduras focus - ttraveler just completed a similar trip in 6 days and would have some good insight for you.

My photos and travelogues are below if you're interested. Happy trails!

http://flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections

PS All my trips to CA (6 so far) have been in the summer which is the "green" season (aka rainy season) in most areas. In northern Honduras, though, the rains don't usually start until fall which makes it an especially good place to visit in the summer. Other CA locations are great, too, and the rains fall mostly at night.

Belize would be another good option if you're looking for beach. If you're wanting more of a cultural trip, GUATEMALA. Happy trails!

Hopefulist - Thanks so much -- Guatemala is actually on my short list right now! I'll check out your pics!

A week and a half is enough time to spend 2-3 days in Antigua, 2-3 days on Lake Atitlán (visit to Chichicastenango on a Thursday or pref. Sunday), then fly to Tikal for an overnighter. Let me know if you have questions!

We're big fans of Costa Rica - do you have an idea of what you'd like to do?

Thanks hopefulist -- My husband actually suggested that I work in a language immersion class - I've noticed you've posted extensively on the topic. I'm not sure if my girlfriend is on board with this yet -- plus, I doubt I could get much benefit from an immersion class with just 1.5 weeks.

Thanks Volcanogirl -- I'd love to do Costa Rica -- I'm saving that trip though. I'd like to do that trip with my husband, who really enjoys surfing.

karen, that sounds like a good plan; good luck planning your trip!

I'd probably go to Guatemala as well. We were there for 11 days in December and honestly, it was one of our best trips ever. We spent 3 nights in Antigua, then flew to Tikal for a night. We came back to Antigua for a night, then headed to Chichicastenango for a night. We then had 4 nights at Lake Atitlan and finished up with a final night in Antigua. I posted a trip report here if you want to read it.

In late July go to Holbox, Mexico for a wonderful laid back fishing village on the ocean with great restaurants, inexpensive accommodations and most importantly, the opportunity to snorkel with Whale Sharks.

I have a report if you search here for Whale Sharks. Or email me.

Actually, you'd be amazed at how much Spanish you can learn in a week with a good teacher. If you choose to study in a spot you'd want to visit anyway, it's especially time well spent. For example, you could fly in Thursday or Friday and head to the lake for a few days; great shopping, boat trips on the lake to traditioinal villages, hiking opportunities. Then schedule a day visit to Chichicastenango for the famous Sunday market and a peek at the colorful produce market and end up in Antigua for a week of Spanish school. While there you could visit area villages and coffee farms, the local ruins and shopping areas, and hike up a volcano to the hot lava fields; the schools will often organize the trips for you. Antigua isn't a great immersion environment but you're kind of blowing the total immersion factor by traveling with a friend anyway. The town is lovely and there are some excellent schools there. Friday afternoon or Saturday morning you could head out by plane (or overnight bus if your budget is really tight) for an overnighter to Tikal, maybe staying one night in the park and one in Flores, a small town on a tiny island in a lake, then fly back to GUA in time for your international flight.

And that's just one option! Keep us posted!!

Check out some of our trip reports (we just returned from the Yucatan) on our travel blog (www.hitherandthither.net).

You might consider El Salvador, the smallest and least touristy country of CA. I have been here for over 14 years and now call it home. If you want any specific information about spanish immersion school or information about El Salvador or colonial Suchitoto where I live just do a goolge search using my initials rpbroz. Or write directly. Always willing to help
rpbroz

Fra Diavolo, I'm using you as my next travel agent!