vanbo850

Hi Everyone!

Hoping you could help me out here. I'm looking to take a 7-10 day trip during Xmas/New Years. My last real vacation was Thailand a few years ago and I absolutely loved it! (the natural beauty, the Muay Thai training/fights, the culture, the rainforest, the trekking) I'm afraid everything else will fall short! Could you recommend some places that meet the following criteria please?

- tropical climate in December
- amazing beaches and natural wonders to explore
- not too far from US given length of travel (i.e. Central/South America, Carribbean, Pacific Islands)
- strong sense of culture/history/not commercialized*****
- adventure (love to hike/explore unchartered territories/not just your average water activities)
- not Grenada or Jamaica or Cancun (I've already been there)
- any thoughts on Costa Rica?
-flexible budget


Thanks a million!!

qwovadis

cavesbranch.com victoria-house.com Belize

or

hotelvillacaletas.com tabacon.com bosquedelcabo.com Costa Rica

lovecostarica.com travelexperta.com good folks for CR help.

Have fun!

vanbo850

Thanks! Will definitely look into those!

Tentek

It is definitely commercialized but what about Hawaii? Kauai or Maui might fit the bill.

Tentek

In the alternative, what about St. John and Virgin Islands?

Neuman605

Would love to tell you Bali but certainly not close.

My next preference would be Guatemala, a lot of Mayan culture, volcano as well as jungle trex, and beaches.

I prefer it over Belize and CR.

wanttogo

Look into Ecuador-lots to see there besides Galapagos.

Pat

crosscheck

I have been to Thailand, as well as all of the other countries mentioned above. I would second Guatemala for culture. Belize or Costa Rica are great for nature, but neither has the exotic vibe of Thailand, although they both have a more evolved tourist infrastructure than Guatemala, especially CR. My vote would be for 1) Peru, 2) Ecuador or 3) If you're not paranoid about Mexico, a combo of Chiapas or Oaxaca and Puerto Escondido.