Travel suggestions for Christmas - guaranteed warm weather and beaches

Parent Cafe
1

<p>We spent last Christmas in Hawaii and absolutely loved the stress-free holiday so much that we’ve decided we want to go somewhere warm and relaxing again. However, with D1 in Boston and limited vacation days, we’re looking for some place a bit more convenient and with fewer time changes. </p>

<p>She suggested Aruba, saying she’d heard from someone it was their favorite tropical island (over Hawaii) but when I did a cursory glance, it seemed rather boring… flat land with not much vegetation, but beautiful beaches. So then I did a quick look at Costa Rica, but was rather overwhelmed with all the possibilities (looks like you want to stay away from the Caribbean side due to mosquitoes). </p>

<p>However, we are open to any place that is far enough south to guarantee warm weather and beautiful beaches, preferably not a tourist trap. My kids are OK with no nightlife as they’re usually bushed after long days in the sun. I liked the idea of Costa Rica because it has many opportunities for adventure (hiking, rafting, etc). Aruba just didn’t seem to offer as much in the way of diverse activities. But I could be sold on anything as long as it’s warm and on the beach.</p>

2

<p>My family loves to go to Puerto Rico. It’s an easy trip because it is a US commonwealth so it uses US dollars and seems familiar but exotic all at once. The highway system is the same, although speed limits are in kilometers. Food is great. You can see rainforests or desert areas.</p>

3

<p>Teri - I am going to suggest some Mexico beaches - Cancun, Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta. As someone who is living some where around those beaches, it is not as dangerous as people made them out to be. You may want to consider Baja CA, if you are concerned about safety.</p>

4

<p>Teri, you should research Puerto Rico. There are direct flights from Boston (Jet Blue), and there is more to do there than just lounging on the beach. D’s team went there for winter break training - the weather was spectacular.</p>

5

<p>I was under the impression that the water in Puerto Rico would not be particularly warm in December. Same with the Mexican beaches. I would have no problem going back to Mexico. H and I went to the Riviera Maya a couple of years ago in March and enjoyed it.</p>

6

<p>We were there two years ago in December and the water was wonderful. The beaches weren’t crowded as the locals consider it winter time. We thought it was wonderful with temperatures in the 80’s. We went to Luquillo Beach. It was very nice. Later on, we drove all over the island. The other side of PR is even warmer as that is the dry side.</p>

7

<p>I love Jamaica - the vegetation, the people, everything. I have been there several times. The last time I was supposed to go, we went to St. Martin instead - made me love Jamaica more. Anguilla also made me miss Jamaica. I booked a villa with the company below- one of the Horizon cottages, but had to cancel because of a friend’s change of plans. I have regretted that since. Sasha Davidson is the best. He will listen to what you want and help you choose what suits your family’s needs. I never felt pressured in any way. The villas are fully staffed - wonderful cooks using fresh local food. I am linking to the Horizon cottages but there are all kinds of villas at varying levels of luxury. </p>

<p>[Horizon</a> (Rasta Ranch and Sea Ranch) | Westmorland Bluefields Jamaica](<a href=“http://www.jamaicaescapes.com/Villas/Horizon/Horizon.html]Horizon”>http://www.jamaicaescapes.com/Villas/Horizon/Horizon.html)</p>

8

<p>We went to Costa Rica at Christmas two years ago. We went to an amazing place- Pretty, unspoiled on the Pacific [Hotels</a> In Corcovado | Drake Bay Hotel | Costa Rica Hotels | Osa Peninsula Hotels](<a href=“http://www.lapalomalodge.com/]Hotels”>http://www.lapalomalodge.com/). My kids loved it and want to go back. The units are mostly two story and work perfect for a family.</p>

9

<p>Australia. It will be summer there.</p>

10

<p>Go back to the Riviera Maya. It’ll be great. My sister just got back from their umpteenth trip. Still great.</p>

11

<p>Any interest in scuba diving or snorkeling? If so, I would recommend Bonaire. It’s near Aruba, part of former Netherland Antilles, however as of 1/1/11 it’s part of the Netherlands. Best things are that the US$ is functional currency and you can drink the water. Besides scuba, snorkeling or windsurfing there’s not much else and no real beaches to speak of, however the scuba/snorkeling is from the shore, so it’s at your own pace and no extra fees to pay boat operators. Non-stop flights from Newark, Houston & Atlanta. We found it cheaper to travel there for a dive vacation than FL Keys.</p>

12

<p>I second (third?) the Costa Rica suggestion. It’s a great place for a family vacation with a lot to see and do. Aruba has wonderful weather but I found it boring too (unless you just want to sit around a resort). I took my teenage daughter to St. Lucia and we loved it. Beautiful island, great weather, nice people -activities are hiking, climbing, sailing, scuba.</p>

13

<p>Look for an all inclusive resort someplace that is in the Atlantic Ocean near the equator. There will be warm weather and PLENTY to do for all…and you can’t beat the prices for that.</p>

14

<p>Costa Rica is great, no denying, but not so sure exactly how relaxing given that there’s so much to do and with just one week’s time you might feel “obligated” to participate in everything which includes traveling around the country. </p>

<p>We’ve covered a lot of islands in the last few years as my husband is tired of winter (I actually like winter) so we were looking for a house to buy once the kids are in college and I can give you some of our thoughts (like college visits, each island has a personality that you must visit to really discover). Keep in mind that you will be there during the most busy time of the year and for us that was also a consideration - how crowded is everything - traffic, restaurant reservations, activity reservations, etc.</p>

<p>St. Barts - the “fashionable” island to the stars is a zoo during Christmas break, the roads are narrow, traffic is horrible and people pay no attention to “No Parking” signs. Getting to the beaches is aggravating at best. The puddle jumper that takes you to the island lands literally yards from the beach and has to turn in a certain way to have a successful landing. My husband hated it!</p>

<p>St. Martin/Martinique - High crime rate and very crowded. Can’t exactly remember which but I think the Dutch side is poor and they come over to the French side and rob people and houses. There were signs in all the rooms in our house reminding us to lock everything up at night when you go to sleep and when you leave the house make sure it’s secure. Every place had similar take everything with you signs and lock everything up signs. Not a comfortable place to relax!</p>

<p>Jamaica - Nice enough, bit of a crime problem but easy to get to. Stay in an all-inclusive resort if you go here.</p>

<p>St. Lucia - Loved this island, could snorkel right off the beach, beautiful, friendly island, worth looking at.</p>

<p>St. John - Where we wound up buying and building (I decided US was the best way to buy). Obviously I’m a bit prejudiced but most of the island is National Park so it’s not overdeveloped at all, lots of open space, gorgeous snorkeling, great hiking, fabulous restaurants, quick ferry ride from St. Thomas and great side trip to Vigin Gorda and The Baths. Lots to do and yet nothing to do, your choice. We love renting a house instead of staying in a hotel, but that’s your choice.</p>

<p>Good luck and I’m jealous, my kids won’t go away over Christmas break anymore, they like seeing all their friends and going to all the parties people have.</p>

15

<p>Would you consider a cruise? I did quite a bit of research on cruises earlier this year for my Girl Scout troop and was drawn to the 7-night Western Caribbean itineraries of the Carnival Valor & Legend (only difference is one sails from Tampa, other from Miami). Both stop in Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Belize & Roatan. Lots to do in each location and plenty of choices of well recommended shore excursions from vendors other than the cruise line.</p>

<p>I would also recommend St John. I went there with S1’s Boy Scout troop a few years ago and loved it. Even though we stayed in platform tents & cooked our meals on camp stoves, I’ve signed up to go back with them in 2013!</p>

<p><a href=“cinnamonbay.com”>cinnamonbay.com;

16

<p>We’re heading to Costa Rica over the Christmas holidays with our college age son and senior daughter. It’s the high, drier season there - we’re staying in the Guancaste region at an all inclusive resort. We plan on zip-lining and taking canopy tours, and just enjoying the beach!</p>

17

<p>What about Barbados?</p>

18

<p>Another vote for the Yucatan!</p>

19

<p>For those interested in Costa Rica, my daughter recently stayed a few nights in the Danta Corcavado Lodge, & said it was absolutely amazing!
[Danta</a> Corcovado Lodge](<a href=“http://www.dantalodge.com/]Danta”>http://www.dantalodge.com/)</p>

20

<p>Cozumel, we go every year, sometimes 2 times/year. Decmeber and March seem to be the best. March - day is whole hour longer though. We stay at the place that has snorkeling off shore since I cannot go on a boat. we go snorkeling few times / day, there is literally soup of fish there.</p>