Canary Islands look interesting, average highs in the 60s in the winter. Anyone have any experience with them?
I've wondered what caused our painful bites/stings? I looked for signs/evidence of jelly fish, man-o-wars, small fish and could see nothing.
Any ideas? (We were close enough to Costa Rica that whatever was in our water could easily have been in Costa Rican beach water too.)
omni
I've been twice. The first time pre-internet, I rented a 4x4 and drove myself around and stayed at hotels I'd booked.For those who went to Costa Rica:
1) Did you rent a car or use a tour bus for getting around? I have been reading everywhere that you really shouldn't rent a car as the roads can be in bad shape and unpredictable. I read that regular public transpo (buses) are less expensive than tour buses, but they are less direct and may take much longer.
2) What would be your "must do's" if you had about 7 to 10 days for vacation?
3) Any lodging you would highly recommend?
I am intermittently researching but have limited time due to a new part-time job I took turning out to be nearly full-time (eeeks!). I may just go to AAA and see what they have to offer. Typically I plan these things myself but I don't think I can pull that off this time!
(For the person who suggested the private guide earlier - thank you. Unfortunately, I looked at the website, and I can tell it is going to be way above what we would want to spend.)
Stopped in more than once, as many here have, to Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote......don't care if I ever return, but taking transatlantics as we do, we likely will.
Long time friends, who have friends who 'winter' in Tenerife, (and who were referred (favorably) to people leasing out apartments), became extremely frustrated (about two years ago) when none of the landlords/leasing agents would even return/acknowledge their e-mails.
Our friends got the impression, (reinforced by their friends), that there are so many 'return regulars' that newbies trying to lease apartments might/will have an uphill battle.
Added: Given the relatively close proximity, DW & I would give preference to Gumby's suggestion of Maderia over the Canaries.
I was more about the beach, the pool and the disco (hey, I was 20 something!).
Madeira was very mountainous and lush. I didn’t get to the interior but would like to on a future visit.
Sea lice?
This (below) doesn't sound like what we dealt with, as we were 'hit' on our bare legs mostly, and it was 'instant'... not between our suits and skin nor 4-6 hrs later as is common with sea lice.
Thailand. Spent three winters there so far, going back again this year. Beaches, different culture, great food, interesting cities, hiking in the north.
Both places are warmer at that time of year on the beach but the breeze takes a fair bit of the heat away.
This (below) doesn't sound like what we dealt with, as we were 'hit' on our bare legs mostly, and it was 'instant'... not between our suits and skin nor 4-6 hrs later as is common with sea lice.
1) Rented a car. Talked to people that did long-distance public transport, and they were not too happy with it. The roads I drove varied from ok to nearly impassable. If you go out on the Nicoya Peninsula, the roads are horrific with huge pot holes if paved and really bumpy if gravel. If you rent, get a big 4 wheel drive truck. Around Arenal and La Fortuna back to San Jose, the roads are fine, even for a small car.For those who went to Costa Rica:
1) Did you rent a car or use a tour bus for getting around?
2) What would be your "must do's" if you had about 7 to 10 days for vacation?
3) Any lodging you would highly recommend?
Stinging hydroid maybe?I've wondered what caused our painful bites/stings? I looked for signs/evidence of jelly fish, man-o-wars, small fish and could see nothing.
Thanks so much for that insight omni.
I was having second thoughts (even before your post) about going to Costa Rica or anywhere that requires planning or extensive travel. I'm just so tired with my new job this fall that I'm not feeling inspired to do anything but just sit on my butt and vegetate for my birthday, lol!!!
Keeping an eye on last minute simple cruises since that would be a major easy button, not too expensive, and definitely would be a good place to "vegetate", lol!
If you're a bit flexible on timing, you might be able to avail yourselves of last-minute cruises out of Tampa, Fort Lauderdale (aka Port Everglades), or Miami. I've never tried a last-minute cruise, but I've heard they can be quite a deal...and without needing to arrange flights and accommodations before and after, you're in a perfect position to take advantage, especially if you're not set on an itinerary. Might be worth a look.
omni
Tampa has some decent cruises scheduled in January . I love going out of Tampa absolutely stress free .Plus you could always start the party at Ybor city the night before .
Have you signed up for emails from the cruise lines? I've been getting a ton of "drop & go" emails from Princess lately with some really low prices for Caribbean itineraries and Panama Canal partial transits in January.