The Caribbean - Advice for locations in Carribean / Central America




AgtMulder
Jan 30, 07, 8:39 pm
Hello!

Posting here sure brings back the memories. I used to be a relatively active member back on the America West forums, but as my flying activity tanked, so did my posting here.

Anywho, my wife and I would like to take a trip this summer and want to plan it out now. We both love Central America (having been to Belize, Guatamala, Costa Rica and Nicaragua), most recently returning from a trip from Ambergis Caye and Flores 2 years ago. We always wanted to go back, but for this trip we are wondering about some place else, if it is similar in price overall.

We have no children, it would be just us. We are looking for a more adult friendly environment with more serious travelers. We loved Belize and Guatamala due to the snorkeling, etc, and want to go to some place warm with a beach, and plenty of sun. We are looking anywhere in the Central American or Carribean area.

Can anybody suggest a destination? Also, does anybody know if Belize has gotten "crowded" lately? When we returned from San Pedro 2.5 years ago a few months later MSNBC, CNN et al started doing their "Best Kept Travel Secret = Belize" pieces and now it appears ticket prices have gone up for that area by $150+ each way, even 6 months out!

Thank you for your time.

PS - We'd really like to fly on a star alliance carrier or somebody who will earn us miles on US. We'd be flying, ideally, out of BUF, although we could drive almost anywhere in the Northeast within a few hours (as far as BWI to the south/east to Toronto on the North). Yes, I know this was posted in the C. America forum but after 4 days w/ no replies or PMs I thought I'd send it to a more populated area. Thanks!


ohioflyer
Jan 31, 07, 8:07 am
Have you considred Xcalak, Mexico? This is the tip of the Yucatan just across from Ambergis Cay. It meets all of your criteria [snorkeling, beach, plenty of sun, uncrowded, serious travelers (well, serious travelers + dropouts from civilization)]. Reminds me of Belize 10-15 years ago.

Air is easy since you fly to CUN. Then rent a car and drive 240 miles south. This can be broken up in Playa del Carmen or Tulum. Once south of Tulum you are really out of tourism world. In summer you should have no problem showing up in Xcalak and finding a room, although a web search will identify places that can take advance bookings online.

When you were in Nicaragua did you visit Corn Islands?

Other recommendable Caribbean destinations you may have overlooked include Guadeloupe (Basse Terre an ecotourism paradise, and by staying in someplace like a treehouse you won't be surrounded by kids, but the logical way to get there is DL or AA, so doesn't help you with Star Alliance), Tobago (away from the tourism centers great beaches and snorkeling; hope changes in Caribbean regional airlines mean you can still get there via US codeshare), and the Grenadines for island-hopping and fantastic snorkeling (but again, not Star Alliance-friendly).

Enjoy your planning and enjoy your trip! :)

johannesj
Jan 31, 07, 9:34 am
Good one Ohioflyer... I totally forgot about Xcalak, Mexico ^ . Meets your requirements. Tobago is also a wonderful destination I would second these recommendations but would also like to put forward:

St. Lucia
Dominica
St. Maarten, Saba, St. Eustasius, St. Barth, Anguilla (collectively)

I am sure you could run some online searches on these destinations.

Come back and post your preference and I will try to write a report on the country for you.

Enjoy myCaribbean^




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