Help with vacation ideas

[koonja]

I think you already knew about my suckitude.

We went to Montego Bay and Punta Cana (DR), and had a great time at both places. I agree the locals were very warm in Jamaica and DR, but the servers where we stayed both places were not. They weren't rude, just kind of lazy. Felt like getting a drink or food was an ordeal each time. I'm not bashing either place, but prefer Mexico based on the service from my travels.

Ahh, that makes sense. I didn't experience that, but I thought you meant the locals sucked. Haven't been to Mexico yet. Will have to.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

Ahh, that makes sense. I didn't experience that, but I thought you meant the locals sucked. Haven't been to Mexico yet. Will have to.

I'd recommend to you (and the OP) Riviera Maya. It's down by Cancun. We just went and it was AWESOME. For about $2500 we had a 5 night stay at a really nice resort that had great food and drinks. The downtown area of Playa Del Carmen is badass, and there's tons of cool shit around it like Mayan Ruins and other stuff.

 

[woolybug25]

I think you already knew about my suckitude.

We went to Montego Bay and Punta Cana (DR), and had a great time at both places. I agree the locals were very warm in Jamaica and DR, but the servers where we stayed both places were not. They weren't rude, just kind of lazy. Felt like getting a drink or food was an ordeal each time. I'm not bashing either place, but prefer Mexico based on the service from my travels.

Haha... C'mon Steely! You can't judge an entire country on your service at one place.

I've always been treated really well in Mexico, btw.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

Haha... C'mon Steely! You can't judge an entire country on your service at one place.

I've always been treated really well in Mexico, btw.

Agree. Should have specified we probably just stayed at the wrong place.

 

[koonja]

I'd recommend to you (and the OP) Riviera Maya. It's down by Cancun. We just went and it was AWESOME. For about $2500 we had a 5 night stay at a really nice resort that had great food and drinks. The downtown area of Playa Del Carmen is badass, and there's tons of cool shit around it like Mayan Ruins and other stuff.

Really dumb qu, but you're talking $2500 total for both people, right? I haven't left the country since Jamaica 4 years ago, and at that time it even felt like a steal. So I'm way out of the loop on current market prices for vacas.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

Really dumb qu, but you're talking $2500 total for both people, right? I haven't left the country since Jamaica 4 years ago, and at that time it even felt like a steal. So I'm way out of the loop on current market prices for vacas.

$2500 included round trip airfare for two, transfers to and from airport, all inclusive unlimited food and drinks at resort, and one free excursion (we swam with dolphins, not my choice). It was well worth it.

 

[koonja]

$2500 included round trip airfare for two, transfers to and from airport, all inclusive unlimited food and drinks at resort, and one free excursion (we swam with dolphins, not my choice). It was well worth it.

I wouldn't have guessed it was. I figured dolphins are too wild for you.

Damn, I'm glad prices have remained about the same as when I flew out of US.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

I wouldn't have guessed it was. I figured dolphins are too wild for you.

Damn, I'm glad prices have remained about the same as when I flew out of US.

Timing of trip has a huge effect on price. If we went a week later, it would have been around $3500.

 

[koonja]

Timing of trip has a huge effect on price. If we went a week later, it would have been around $3500.

Speaking of which, and the OP (nuke?) should hear this out too.

If you know WHEN you're going, but not sure/don't care WHERE, you can find some absolutely insane last minute (like 2 weeks in advance or less) plans that are absurdly cheap.

It auctions off vacation packages for people/couples who had a last minute change of plans and can't make their trip.

Edit: Last Minute Travel - Hotel Discounts | Airfare Deals

 

[IrishSteelhead]

Speaking of which, and the OP (nuke?) should hear this out too.

If you know WHEN you're going, but not sure/don't care WHERE, you can find some absolutely insane last minute (like 2 weeks in advance or less) plans that are absurdly cheap. Does anyone know this website?

It auctions off vacation packages for people/couples who had a last minute change of plans and can't make their trip.

I go exclusively through travel agents now. It's worth it IMO. Had a bad experience one time through Hotwire.

To make a long story not as long:

A buddy got married in Cancun. I booked through Hotwire to save a measly hundred bucks. The resort had a gas explosion the week before the wedding (should have been his cue to call the wedding off), so it got moved to another resort. All the people who wet through the planner/agent had a seamless transition. I had to fight Hotwire for hours before they changed it. When we got to the resort, we were booked with something known as the "European Plan." Basically we did not have all-inclusive, so we had to have other people get drinks and food for us the whole time, making us look like pariahs.

 

[IrishLax]

Costa Rica doesn't have better fishing than Belize. I've been to both on fishing specific trips and I would take Belize 4:1 over Costa Rica.

Belize is a beautiful country with nice, clean beaches and really cool jungle. Tons of activity stuff and their official language is English. It's also much cheaper than destinations like Costa Rica. It's a safer country too.

Honduras is awesome too, but definitely not as safe as Belize. It's a less "touristy" location though with more culture.

This is interesting wooly... I've been to Belize twice, basically my favorite vacation spot in the world. So much to do there, whether you're looking for scuba/fishing/snorkeling/lounging at a resort/etc. You can tailor your vacation to be as "touristy" or not as you want really. And it's really pretty easy to get to relative to other international travel... plane->Texas->Belize.

My Dad goes to Costa Rica Ithink almost once a year to fish though. He and a couple buddies have a boat and some friends down there that know the hot spots. He thinks it's the best (and he's been to Belize multiple times as well) but I can't say for myself as I've never been there.

 

[koonja]

I'm an idiot. The last minute site for cheap all inclusive trips is groupon.com. My gf is the one who actually looks for these, not me. Sorry for the coufusion.

 

[RuntheBall]

I'll put in a good word for Kona (and really the Big Island in general). I'm not a fisherman, but knew a couple of people there that were real big into fishing (deep sea), so I'd imagine its good for that.

The awesome part about the big island is the different climates. On the shore (in the town of Kona), you have the typical Hawaii- beaches (Kua Bay is my favorite) and palms and all that good stuff. Then maybe an hour drive you can be in Waipio Valley (Google that shit- ps, you probably want to hike down and not drive...). You also have some awesome ranches (parker Ranch), and a really cool (temperature wise) climate in Waimea. And of course the lunar landscape of the volcanos- Saddle Road to Hilo is pretty neat in spots- speaking of which Hilo has a bunch of really good hiking and waterfalls. Anwyay back to Kona, a short trek up (drive) the mountain puts you into coffee country... wow. There is also awesome snorkling- Two Step has great snorkeling right off of the coast (which is cheap compared to paying to get on a boat- sometimes parking is a problem there though), and Captain Cook's is really neat if you get there (need to be on a boat).

 

[IrishinTN]

We went to Jamaica to the Sandals in Ocho Rios and had a blast. It's pretty reasonably priced, as far as I could tell, considering you get all your food and most water activities included. We too a cruise to the falls and hiked up those (great trip!) and tubed down Jamaican creek (also a great trip). You could fish for extra money or hire one of the local guys right off Sandals beach. Really clean and they know how to treat you right.

 

[woolybug25]

This is interesting wooly... I've been to Belize twice, basically my favorite vacation spot in the world. So much to do there, whether you're looking for scuba/fishing/snorkeling/lounging at a resort/etc. You can tailor your vacation to be as "touristy" or not as you want really. And it's really pretty easy to get to relative to other international travel... plane->Texas->Belize.

My Dad goes to Costa Rica Ithink almost once a year to fish though. He and a couple buddies have a boat and some friends down there that know the hot spots. He thinks it's the best (and he's been to Belize multiple times as well) but I can't say for myself as I've never been there.

Costa Rica doesn't have bad fishing, but as someone that fishes all over the world, Belize is better. That's just my opinion, but I've fished both and have a friend that lives in Costa Rica.

Nuke touched on it with his comment about flats fishing, which as a fly fisherman, is my preference. In Belize, pretty much every flat in the country is teaming with fish. Costa Rica actually has very little wadeable flats. So unless you want to hire an offshore boat to take you out and bait fish, your options are limited.

In Belize, depending on the time of the year, you can do everything by renting a car or kayak. You have baby tarpon (up to 45 pounds) in the glades, bonefish and permit in the flats and migratory tarpon (up to 150 pounds). All easily done by yourself with a little research. Those option aren't available to you in Costa Rica.

If simply paying a dude to take you out to a shipwreck or shelf and hang bait off the edge, then Costa Rica might be better. It does have a wider array of species than Belize and is a Pacific fishery.

Personal preference, I suppose. That being said, 70%+ of my friends are in the fly fishing biz. I would be surprised if any of them chose CR over Belize. That's not a knock on CR though, it's a beautiful country with excellent fishing opportunities.

 

[Irish YJ]

Would recommend Mexico (Mayan Riviera area like the area around Playa or Tulum) or Belize. I've spent a lot of time in both, so it really depends on what you want. I opened up an office in BZ three years ago and go there frequently. The Mayan Riviera is also my primary vacation (relax) destination.

Fishing - both are good. Boats are easy to come by anywhere up and down the Mayan Riviera, as well as off the nicer areas in Belize (Ambergris Caye / San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia). I know a captain (use that term loosely) in BZ, as well as several smaller islands you can wade right out and fish. Several islands and resorts cater specifically to fisherman, but still nice enough you can bring the lady.

Resorts - MX wins this category hands down. Service and price are places BZ is sorely lacking. You can get a pretty darn nice all inclusive package including flights to the Mayan Riviera for great prices. I do know some very nice places in BZ, but they are more expensive, not near as luxurious as MX, and the service does not come close unless you want to spend a boat load. Also, BZ offers very little in the space of all-inclusive resorts. The few that do, are lacking.

Crime - The Mayan Riviera area is a lot better than people think so long as you don't go where you shouldn't. Belize is worse than people think. Overall they are about the same. Theft is probably a little worse in BZ, but BZ is probably a little less violent. Police are corrupt in both areas.

Adventure - both are good. BZ has islands, jungles, Mayan ruins, fishing, etc.. The Mayan Riviera has the same, but better ruins.

Beaches
Hands down MX here too. You will not find a true beach near Belize City. The beaches on the Cayes and in Placencia are OK, but they are typically filled with sea grass etc... Not bad at all, just not comparable to the MR.


Overall both are great destinations. If you don't want to break the bank and have really nice accommodations, will do a little fishing, and little ruin site seeing, a trip to Cozumel, etc.. the Mayan Riviera is probably the best bet. If you want to spend a bit more, go somewhere a bit more raw, not over concerned about resorts, and value fishing over comfort, BZ is probably the place.

If you are interested in BZ or MR, let me know and I can help with either. I've got a lot of friends and contacts in BZ. Also, if you want to share your budget, I can point you towards the best places in either area.

One of the best sites in general if looking for a rental villa or beachfront house.
Luxury Villa Rentals & Vacation Rentals | Travel Keys

Favorite place in MR handsdownEl Dorado Maroma | Riviera Maya Resorts | Karisma Hotels & Resorts


Couple of my favorite places in BZ
Palapa Bar & Grill
Ambergris Caye Resorts | Belize Condo Rentals - San Pedro | Wedding Packages | Honeymoon - Grand Caribe Belize Resort & Condos
Private Island Belize Resorts, Luxury Island Vacations | Cayo Espanto Resort
Belize Private Island Vacations | Robert’s Caye Belize | Ranguana Caye Belize | Placencia Belize Beach Resort – Robert’s Grove
Belize Resort on Ambergris Caye

 

[IrishSteelhead]

Irish YJ: crazy you mention El Dorado. That's where we stayed for our honeymoon. Agree it was amazing and offered absolutely everything you could ask for in a resort.

 

[Irish YJ]

Irish YJ: crazy you mention El Dorado. That's where we stayed for our honeymoon. Agree it was amazing and offered absolutely everything you could ask for in a resort.

Awesome! Very rare I run into a person that's been. When did you go? Have you been to any of the other Karisma properties?

I've been to 20+ all inclusives, and it was hands down the best in the under $1000 a night category. I had a swim out (my avatar)... changed ai last week after a week of the winter blues here in ATL LOL!

The owner was fantastic, and the staff was tops. The food far surpassed other inclusives in the same price range. Loved the massages over the water.

 

[Irish YJ]

Wooly - where have you stayed in BZ?

 

[woolybug25]

Wooly - where have you stayed in BZ?

I've stayed a few places. Ambergris Caye is great. Not the cheapest place, but worth the money. They have good fly fishing guides there as well. Really enjoy the fishing around there.

I have used vrbo to stay in private residents (my preference), but also have stayed at Captian Jak's. Great place that's super cheap. Perfect mix of jungle and beach.

Captain Jak's Cabanas (Belize/Placencia) - Resort Reviews - TripAdvisor

 

[Irish YJ]

I've stayed a few places. Ambergris Caye is great. Not the cheapest place, but worth the money. They have good fly fishing guides there as well. Really enjoy the fishing around there.

I have used vrbo to stay in private residents (my preference), but also have stayed at Captian Jak's. Great place that's super cheap. Perfect mix of jungle and beach.

Captain Jak's Cabanas (Belize/Placencia) - Resort Reviews - TripAdvisor

A buddy of mine recommends CJ's two. He's been telling me to try Turtle Creek as well. VRBO and Travelkeys are two of my favorite sites. If you go back down to Belize, and do a night in BZ City, try Villa Boscardi B&B. I know the owner well. Quaint little place back in a neighborhood off N Highway near the Biltmore.

 

[woolybug25]

A buddy of mine recommends CJ's two. He's been telling me to try Turtle Creek as well. VRBO and Travelkeys are two of my favorite sites. If you go back down to Belize, and do a night in BZ City, try Villa Boscardi B&B. I know the owner well. Quaint little place back in a neighborhood off N Highway near the Biltmore.

Thanks! I'll check them out. I have never been big on the "all inclusive" resort style travel. So B&B's are right up my alley.

A lot of the places I have stayed (Capt Jak's for instance) also have produce trucks that come by every day. Which is great because you can grill out at your leisure and eat local. I find that to really add to the travel experience.

 

[Irish YJ]

Thanks! I'll check them out. I have never been big on the "all inclusive" resort style travel. So B&B's are right up my alley.

A lot of the places I have stayed (Capt Jak's for instance) also have produce trucks that come by every day. Which is great because you can grill out at your leisure and eat local. I find that to really add to the travel experience.

trucks? ya mean carts . well maybe trucks in Placencia.

Hey, which guides do you use? Who's your favorite.

I take two types of vacations..... relaxing, and explorative. I'm all about all inclusives when I want to relax, have beach drinks, float around the pool.... I'm with ya though on the eating local thing. Truth is, I was in BZ so much on business, I find the local food not very "local". Bird's Isle is probably my favorite as far as local food is concerned. For the most part, when I'm down on business I bounce between the Sahara Grill, Birds Isle, Smokey Mermaid, Stone Grill, and the Riverside Tavern. There's a new place they just opened on the water that I went to back in October, but I can't remember the name.

 

[blueNDgold44]

If you don't mind Irishnuke and I don't want to hijack your thread but I figured it would be best to post here instead of making another thread.

So, me and my buddies were thinking about making the trek up to Canada this summer from Chicago and I was just wondering where the best place for a bunch of 19 yr old Americans to go would be? I've heard good things about Windsor but I've also heard it is kind of touristy and can be annoying. We all love to fish and would love to get a cabin for a week on a good fishing lake. (Can't be too hard to find haha)

Thanks in advance guys.

 

[woolybug25]

If you don't mind Irishnuke and I don't want to hijack your thread but I figured it would be best to post here instead of making another thread.

So, me and my buddies were thinking about making the trek up to Canada this summer from Chicago and I was just wondering where the best place for a bunch of 19 yr old Americans to go would be? I've heard good things about Windsor but I've also heard it is kind of touristy and can be annoying. We all love to fish and would love to get a cabin for a week on a good fishing lake. (Can't be too hard to find haha)

Thanks in advance guys.

Windsor isn't the best place to go for fishing in Ontario. It's a good place to drink underage, go to strip clubs and do hood rat things with your friends.

If you go to VRBO.com, you can find a variety of cabins on lakes. Pretty much any lake in Ontario has decent fishing. If I may ask, how much are you looking to spend? I can give you a few options but don't want to get too much detail into options that don't work for you.

Also, why Canada? If you live in Chicago, there are some pretty kick ass, remote areas of Michigan and Wisconson too!

 

[blueNDgold44]

Windsor isn't the best place to go for fishing in Ontario. It's a good place to drink underage, go to strip clubs and do hood rat things with your friends.

If you go to VRBO.com, you can find a variety of cabins on lakes. Pretty much any lake in Ontario has decent fishing. If I may ask, how much are you looking to spend? I can give you a few options but don't want to get too much detail into options that don't work for you.

Also, why Canada? If you live in Chicago, there are some pretty kick ass, remote areas of Michigan and Wisconson too!

Yeah that's kind of what I figured about Windsor but we want to go to Canada because we have already taken trips to Michigan and Wisconsin but if we end up not being able to go to Canada for one reason or another we were thinking somewhere in the UP. And as far as price range goes it will probably be 4-6 college kids so anywhere under 2,000 a week is what we are looking for and obviously the cheaper the better haha.

 

[woolybug25]

Yeah that's kind of what I figured about Windsor but we want to go to Canada because we have already taken trips to Michigan and Wisconsin but if we end up not being able to go to Canada for one reason or another we were thinking somewhere in the UP. And as far as price range goes it will probably be 4-6 college kids so anywhere under 2,000 a week is what we are looking for and obviously the cheaper the better haha.

I've been to Lundy's (Peffley's) Wilderness Camp several times. Great bang for your buck. You would be looking at less than $1,000 a person all said and done with driving, food, etc. I think it's like $700 a person for a cabin, boat and gas for 7 nights. They pick you up and take you on about a 30 minute boat ride to the camp (including a jump over a falls area in the jet boat). Which is pretty much a big rock with cabins on it. Feels quite remote.

The fishing is excellent. You can reasonably expect at least one person to catch a true trophy if you all fish every day. We have caught several 42"+ pike, a 30" walleye, 20" smallies and the perch average trophy size. The cabins are nice and they have a nice fish cleaning room. I highly suggest them.

Peffleys Canadian Wilderness Camps for canadian walleye and northern pike fishing and hunting trips in Wabaskang Lake in Perrault Falls, Ontario Canada

 

[Irishnuke]

If you don't mind Irishnuke and I don't want to hijack your thread but I figured it would be best to post here instead of making another thread.

So, me and my buddies were thinking about making the trek up to Canada this summer from Chicago and I was just wondering where the best place for a bunch of 19 yr old Americans to go would be? I've heard good things about Windsor but I've also heard it is kind of touristy and can be annoying. We all love to fish and would love to get a cabin for a week on a good fishing lake. (Can't be too hard to find haha)

Thanks in advance guys.

Don't mind. Fishing for pike in Canada is on the bucket list as well.

 

[woolybug25]

I forgot to add one thing about Peffley's. They have two portage trips. One on foot and one over the falls to Anishinabi River to Wine, Beaver, Ghost and Halvorson lakes. The main lake is great to fish, but these are awesome too. There is no additional costs with the portages either. Really adds to the wilderness experience.

While there is no costs for the portage. Remember that in all lodges like this, its customary to tip the owners and staff when you leave. Typically that is 10-20% of your trip.

 

[blueNDgold44]

Awesome, I appreciate the info guys. I will definitely be looking into Peffley's, sounds unreal.