johnpz

My wife and I and another couple are all in our mid sixties. We are thinking of renting a private luxurious colonial house in Antigua for three weeks next September. Are there safety/security concerns? Also am I correct in assuming that it will probably rain in the late afternoons most days but that apart from that the weather will be good? Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, John

hopefulist

I think you're right about the weather. Technically it's hurricane season but chances are slim you'd be affected by that. You should be fine safety-wise if you follow common sense rules for CA travel; I've pasted mine below from a previous thread. I've also pasted a link to my photos and travelogues in case you're interested. Have a wonderful trip and be sure to tell us all about it.

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

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Sometimes I travel alone, sometimes with one or more of my kids and/or my husband, sometimes with a group in tow. I don't feel overly paranoid but have never had a problem and would like to keep it that way.

Here are my concessions to safety when I travel in Central America:
:: I avoid the big cities as much as possible
:: I don't "party"
:: Where recommended I take specific transportation (Hedman Alas in Honduras, for example, or avoiding chicken buses on the mountain runs in Guatemala, taxis after dark)
:: I know where I am and where I'm headed
:: I don't wear jewelry (not even my wedding band) and try not to flash camera equipment or money around
:: Some trips I carry a “throw down wallet” with an expired card or 2 and the day’s cash in it
:: I keep important documents and cash under my clothes (except what I need for shopping, buses, etc. for that time period)
:: I ask locals about safety in an area - evenings, hiking, etc.
:: I travel really light so I don't feel vulnerable getting my bag off and on buses, shuttles, etc.
:: I continue to build skills in Spanish

johnpz

Thank you so much!! Wonderful pictures and great advice.
John

hopefulist

No problem. All I ask is a trip report when you get home.

weber6560

If you can find a way to go to Antigua, GO! It is indeed one of the world's special places. Semana Santa is spectacular. Much more moving than in Sevilla. I got the best Spanish instruction there - better than anywhere else. One on one. La Escuela San Jose el Viejo. Good list of "do and don'ts". One place I differ. I ride the chicken busses but with nothing of value and normally alone or 2 people at most. I don't ride when roads are muddy. But then, I am an old guy and been in country a number of times.