My boyfriend and I are planning a vacation for February 2008. We live in Orlando and don't wish to visit a cold, snowy region. A tropical locale would be nice that time of year. Money isn't really an object. We love biking, swimming, hiking and being very active in general. So far, we're thinking Costa Rica.

I'd love to get a few recommendations for good tropical getaways.



[Edited on September 7, 2007 at 3:41 PM. Reason : Costa Rica]

9/7/2007 3:28:09 PM

Turks and Caicos

I've been there twice, once over Christmas and once in March.

Definitely worth checking out

http://www.turksandcaicostourism.com/

[Edited on September 7, 2007 at 3:33 PM. Reason : stay at The Somerset]

9/7/2007 3:31:00 PM

Cruise

9/7/2007 3:32:30 PM

Quote :

"Cruise"

9/7/2007 4:28:44 PM

Quote :

"Cruise"

9/7/2007 4:51:57 PM

There are some excellent cheap cruises from Port Canaveral, just 45 min. away. But I think if we go the boat route, we may just charter a private boat for island-hopping. $800 per person for eight people. 4 cabins. The boat takes you wherever you request and it works on your timeline.

9/7/2007 5:07:09 PM

but does it include food, entertainment, etc

9/8/2007 12:48:26 AM

^ Captain Ron?

9/8/2007 9:30:27 AM

new zealand

9/8/2007 9:59:47 AM

if you don't mind not being exactly in the lap of luxury (i.e., you like to get out and see things and explore), Belize is great. it's hurricane season now, but february should be good. the rainy season doesn't start until june, so you should be good. i think it's in season for them, so it may be a bit more expensive, but the best part is that it's really close to the states (your flight would only be about 2-3 hours, and they speak english, since it was a former british colony.

the cayes are amazing, they have some of the best diving in the world, the food is great, things are pretty cheap, the weather is very accomodating (even in the jungle we had no problems with the heat), and there is so much history worth exploring.

it was one of the best vacations i have ever been on. of course, you can also go to belize and do the 4 star hotel thing, they definitely have that as well.

9/8/2007 12:43:12 PM

The eight-person chartered boat includes food, drinks and entertainment. I'm not really that into cruises ... I like to explore and I HATE sticking to a pre-planned agenda. My bf is the same way.

Right now, we're pretty much thinking Costa Rica. Plane tickets are $69 one-way on Spirit Air in February. If anyone here has any experience in Costa Rica, please send me a message. I'd love any travel tips/hints and lodging recommendations. Right now, we're thinking of staying a week in Puerto Viejo for good hiking, surfing, swimming and exploring. We also want to cross the border into Panama -- preferably by boat. We're looking at pretty minimal lodging ... $35 a night huts. We even found some awesome $5 hostels that could be pretty fun. http://www.rockingjs.com/home1.htm
If I really wanted 1000-thread count sheets and a California King-sized bed, I'd stay at home.

Belize is also a good option for us. One of my friends lives there and it sounds gorgeous. We love the history and ruggedness of Central America. So yeah, any recommendations of places to stay and things to do in Belize?

9/10/2007 2:19:19 PM

I think I'm officially in love with Costa Rica. The only sloth rehab center in the world is located in Puerto Viejo. You can even adopt your own little lazy bear (sloth). And they only poop/pee every 5 to 7 days. Sounds like the perfect pet.

http://www.ogphoto.com/slothrescuecenter/main.htm

9/10/2007 6:39:41 PM

I'm going to costa rica in about 3 weeks, and will be going ALL OUT once there, so I'll let you know what the dillio is when I get back

9/10/2007 7:27:21 PM

kauai, hawaii

9/10/2007 7:54:08 PM

^ went there for my honeymoon a few months ago and had a great time

9/10/2007 8:00:17 PM