I just saw the update. I went to the Cook Islands on my honeymoon. They are not close. It’s just as long, if not longer if you have to connect, as it is to get to Asia. Admittedly, it was a long time ago, but they should check out the various lodgings and beaches on Rarotonga. The Cooks are New Zealanders’ package holiday budget destination. We had a wonderful time, but we stayed at the nicest place we could, and even for twenty years ago, it was a little “downmarket” and the beaches weren’t that amazing. We had a better time by flying to Aitutaki, which is definitely tropical paradise. If I were to go again, I would splurge and go to Fiji or Tahiti. They are just that much nicer, IMO.
“Budget price” has different meanings for each of us. Your obviously are well above most definitions, OP.
I am not a fan of going to exotic places because of the huge amount of travel time. The Caribbean has everything listed and although high season would cost a lot less in money and travel time than leaving the hemisphere. Go for enjoyment, not bragging rights. Sometimes one needs to think inside the box.
Kid 3… Roratan in Honduras. Great snorkeling and diving, good value. But mosquitoes and no see ums are prevalent
Traveling from the west coast…what about someplace in Hawaii?
But many travelers enjoy experiencing other cultures. Also, if one has already experienced the Caribbean, it’s nice to try something new. Traveling afar, more off the beaten path isn’t done necessarily for “bragging rights”.
@wis75 the Caribbean is exotic if you are coming from California. It also is an expensive plane ticket and multiple legs making for a very long trip. Tahiti is one plane ride from LAX and the tickets several hundred dollars less. They have found accommodations in Tahiti that are very reasonable. They aren’t places I might stay at but they are young. One spot is a vacation rental on one of the less visited islands for $1000 for 7 nights. They researched a lot of places and when it came down to it everywhere is expensive. They both are looking forward to getting away from everyday life and relaxing.
I have no clue as why both couples are so against Hawaii.
Kid 3 was supposed to go sailing on a friends catamaran in early January. The boat was dry docked on Grand Bahama Island. They don’t hold out much hope that the boat will be sea worthy. They have decided to save their money and hit Tahoe for a few days in December.