hollie614

I suddenly find myself able to take 3-4 weeks off in January and want to take advantage of the time to go somewhere. I'm somewhat on a budget, but really want to explore. I just came back from a 10 day trip in Argentina... that would have been perfect since there was so much more to see there, but can't justify going straight back. I live in NY, btw. THoughts? Advice?

Little_Man

If I could go for 4 weeks, I'd really explore Mexico not just the tourist spots I usually get to for a few days.

The Colonial towns (San Miguel Allende) look fascinating, as does Copper Canyon, and the interior Yucatan. I'd combine a history/cultural trip with a few days at the beach somewhere, either on the Pacific or Carribean side.
Just my thoughts, have a great time exploring!

CollegeMom

I'd go back to Argentina again to explore the NW --Salta, JuJuy, Pumamarca, Cachi, etc. if you haven't been there. Earlier posts here give trip reports and suggestions for "must see" areas. It was beautiful in Sept. and will only get prettier as summer arrives. It is not a noted place for US tourists, but when it is "discovered" hopefully it won't lose its charm. The exchange rate will certainly help your budget, and the NW was cheaper than Buenos Aires.

TioGringo

Tons of potential with 3-4 weeks, but if budget really is a driving factor, then I gotta agree with frankie: central Mexico is where you'll probably get the biggest bang for the buck (barring some unforeseen blowout airfare deal to South or Central America...)

The colonial cities are close enough together to make for easy bus transit, and there's also some cool archaelogical sites that could make for good exploring.

Have fun!
Mark
www.tiogringo.com

skatedancer

Having been one of those people who recently posted a report raving about the NW of Argentina, I'd agree with CollegeMom! I don't know where you went in Argentina, but since the country has such diverse travel options in terms of landscape and culture, I don't know why you're dismissing it so easily! It was very cheap there, but the flight was expensive, at least when I went there.
I've read about overnight buses, which allow you to travel in relative comfort, so given your time frame, this would help you cut the cost.

bobrad

Guadalajara , Mexico with side trips to Lake Chapala and PV by first class bus.

Abby43

Normally I would say Australia or New Zealand but since it's their summer it could be very, very hot over there. Same with Africa. What about going to Europe and visiting places like Prague, Budapest, etc that are supposed to be less expensive? Or going to Belize, Honduras, Costa Rica?

If it were me I'd chuck it all and go skiing every day of those 3 weeks, but that's just me!

cailin

We spent 3 weeks in Peru last August and had a fantastic time - I'd highly recommend it.

Next on my list are Vietnam & Cambodia.

hopefulist

What interests you? I'd probably head to Guatemala and/or Honduras - so much to see and do; let me know if you want ideas.

mikemo

Sorry bobrad,
GDL and Lake Chapala are not on our radar: simply drive throughs, imhpo.
Actually, we occasionally stay in Ajijic with/at friends' Hacienda, but pretty boring tambien.
Colonial Mexico is wonderful, but January is not the best month in the central mountains.
I would seriously consider the Costalegre (between PV and Manzanillo) or the severy pueblos N of PV: pretty reasonable if you avoid the 5 or 6 premium resorts (we'll be at El Careyes for most of the week before Christmas).
Been back a month from our three week trip to Argentina and Chile: after having spent 3 days in Iguazu (Iguazu Grand Hot y Casino), I would return to BsAs and Santiago, but ignore the falls; wine regions and concentrate on the great cities or the more remote areas in Patagonia, etc.
In May, we are "spending" our next three week trip in Barcelona; Celebrity Millennium 10 day cruise; jumping ship in Palermo; travelling in Sicily and Central Italia.
M (SMdA, Gto.)

Naplo999

Costa Rica is a great trip - you can get everywhere by public bus. Lots of great beaches, mountains, rain/cloud forests. You can also combine Panama w/ that trip. I'd get a travel book and fly from Newark to San Jose direct and start traveling. Go to Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo, Bocas del Toro (Panama), Osa Peninsula, Dominical, Manuel Antonio, hit a bunch of beaches on the Nicoya Peninsula, and then to Monteverde and Arenal and back to San Jose. Actually you can't really fit all those in w/ 3 weeks - but 4 or so it doable.

Australia/New Zealand would be a great trip. Go see Sydney, Melbourne, take the train to Perth, out to Uluru and then Queensland to the GB Reef. That might take you 3 weeks by itself but if you budget your time you could skip Perth and spend some time in New Zealand.

You could really see a lot of Ireland in 3 weeks - would be a great trip - even in winter. Spend a week in the east coast and 2 weeks in the west - Kerry, Galway, Donegal. You'll need a winter coat but its not as cold as NY.

alowen25

South Africa would be my pick for 3-4 weeks in January. I also LOVED everything about new zealand (not so australia).