Tropical destination in April

[Anonymous]

I’m a homebody tasked with planning a tropical vacation for two families. It’s been 25 years since my last international trip and I didn’t plan that one. I don’t even have a passport and I’m feeling very overwhelmed about where to start. I have no idea where to go, how much it might cost, nothing. Would a travel agent make sense? Do people still use travel agents? Any ideas of where to go? We’ve discussed Belize but are there cheaper, better options? I know this is supposed to be fun, but I’m really out of my element here. This trip isn’t for me, but for my family who wonder what we’re missing when we never go anywhere.

[Anonymous]

I’d decline to perform this task that was out of my wheelhouse and wasn’t even for me/my family. Why are you doing it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’d decline to perform this task that was out of my wheelhouse and wasn’t even for me/my family. Why are you doing it?

It’s our graduation present to DD, an only child, who wants to travel with our extended family. So this trip was my idea and falling on me to plan. If I don’t do it, it won’t happen.

[Anonymous]

Costa Rica- lots of threads on this. Tell us how many days and what you like to do and we can help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Costa Rica- lots of threads on this. Tell us how many days and what you like to do and we can help.

+1

[Anonymous]

Not Belize—they don’t have great beaches.

We prefer fabulous beaches. What does your teen want? Who are you traveling with? Other cousins/teens? A cruise might actually be your best bet: easy to plan, fun for teens (freedom on the ship).

Research newer Royal Caribbean ships and focus on southern or eastern Caribbean itineraries. A travel agent can help.

[Anonymous]

My first idea was Costa Rica, but I thought it was the rainy season during our dates of April 1-8. My in-laws are very wealthy and travel frequently, but we are frugal (why we rarely travel and usually camp when we do) so this is a stretch for us. Which is more expensive, CR or Belize? What kind of money are we talking? I need to prepare myself.

[Anonymous]

Family doesn’t want a cruise. We want to hike, bird watch, photograph, scuba/snorkel. We’re a family of three traveling with another family of three - graduating cousin and my sister and BIL - one is a botanist and one a photographer. DD just requested exotic, tropical, and nature. No one in our group likes to sunbathe, but we do like to swim and adventure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Family doesn’t want a cruise. We want to hike, bird watch, photograph, scuba/snorkel. We’re a family of three traveling with another family of three - graduating cousin and my sister and BIL - one is a botanist and one a photographer. DD just requested exotic, tropical, and nature. No one in our group likes to sunbathe, but we do like to swim and adventure.

FTR, you can do that on a cruise—particularly one with a port-heavy itinerary. You would be on a different island each day from 8am to 4pm doing different things (hiking a volcano, snorkeling, seeing flamingos, etc.).

I think spring is rainy season in CR, but it checks some boxes.

Puerto Rico would be easy and fun. No passport required.

Belize isn’t particularly safe for exploring on your own, and neither is Mexico (and many other destinations).

[Anonymous]

First, apply for your passport.
Then, look at frommers.com for the destinations you're interested in. They have free sample itineraries and general destination information that you can use to start sketching out what you want to do and which destination would work for your family.
After that, check Costco travel, google flights, trip advisor for airfare/hotel/activity costs to give you an idea of what it might cost. Make a spreadsheet so you can keep track of the totals.
Then use the TripAdvisor and DCUM forums to ask questions about the general itinerary you've sketched out to refine it.
I think people still use travel agents, but it's not common anymore, at least not with people I know.
Also, reconsider a cruise. They have built in travel agents that would make the planning a lot easier.

[Anonymous]

St Thomas
St John
St Croix
Hawaii
Puerto Rico

None require a passport. If you really must go somewhere that requires a passport, make sure you get on that ASAP. Yes there is time, but not much. Be sure to expedite it.

Also make sure everyone else has 6 months of validity left on their passport from April onwards.

[Anonymous]

Puerto Rico
St. Martin

[Anonymous]

I would say St John or Puerto Rico.

[Anonymous]

Costa Rica or Puerto Rico for sure. But if you’re talking this April you’re way to late for Costa Rica since April is spring break. Puerto Rico is a great option for you because it doesn’t require a passport and you’ll be able to find available flights easier than Costa Rica on such short notice.

[Anonymous]

If you don’t have a passport, just fly to Puerto Rico. It’s a very international destination while still being a US territory. Easy easy. 3.5 hour flight from DCA, Dulles or Baltimore. No hassles. Beautiful and enriching island. Lots of foodie and outdoor adventures. Plus cultural. Old San Juan and the museums, mountains and beaches are so much fun to explore. And you can head to Vieques or Culebra, Puerto Rico’s Spanish Virgin Islands. Have fun!