Joker's January Vacation... - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**Joker** · 09-16-2005, 10:36 PM

Got a Grand to spend courtesy of Uncle Sam's Student Loan Disbursement check. Paying some bills with the other grand, buying a new TV (old one died), and gonna budget $1K for a trip for 6-7 days. This, BTW, includes airfare, hostels, food, and the all-important liquid panty remover.

I know I've talked about Europe in the summer, but the first 10 weeks is a hard-work externship, and I'm afraid if I don't chill the fuck out on a beach somewhere drinking sweet and highly-alchohol laced drinks whilst staring at bronze-skinned buxom wimmens wearing next to nothing, (hypothetically speaking, of course

) I may go thoroughly out of my gourd.

Has to be in January, since thats the break between classes. Likely 2nd-3rd week, and a Sunday-Sunday trip.

Nothing is really outta the question here, but I'd prefer somewhere warm, as Maryland in the winter blows. I considered going skiing in Colorado, but that'll kill my budget fast. Maybe central America or the Islands?

Okay, TPunks, Gimme some Ideas. Whoever has the best idea and I settle on it gets a souvenir of some sort from that place... and since by now you all have a pretty good idea of my level of sanity, expect it to be something off-the-wall. Like that barrel character I have from Nassau. (If you've been to the Straw Market, you get the joke! :D )

Avast ye, matey's and get with the suggestions! :D

**Joker** · 09-16-2005, 10:46 PM

For the record, are there any of those sleepy little islands left like the Buffett songs are about? I'd really like to find one. Who knows, maybe I'll disappear off the face of the earth for a few or take up professional slacking on a sailboat!

BTW, read The Rum Diary. Good times. Wish San Juan was still like that!

**Joker** · 09-16-2005, 11:04 PM

In the running:

Cuernavaca Mexico. Town of the Eternal Spring. My uncle lives there, and with the exchange rate being good, I can fly down and rent a car at Benito Juarez for about $600 and change... That leaves $400 or so for incidentals...

But its not a beach.

**space virgin** · 09-17-2005, 12:12 AM

Costa Rica.

**kingcrazylegs** · 09-17-2005, 11:48 AM

Belize is CHEAP for Central America - the beaches are great, Mayan Sites, Rain Forest, and the Reef!

**benna2** · 09-17-2005, 11:53 AM

Well this isn't exactly "off the beaten track traveling" but what about just getting one of those one week all inclusives somewhere? You can get them for usually under a grand and they include your flight, hotel, food AND drinks.

If you are just looking for something relaxing on a beach, this may be the way to go.

I've been to Mexico, Cuba and the Dominican and all were enjoyable. I guess a beach is a beach. And all were relaxing and beautiful. If you do want to do something adventurous, there are usually some tours offered at the resorts. We went on a couple that were really great. On one of them, I actually found myself dangling from a cliff while losing my bathing suit bottoms...luckily I was above a waterfall, so not in any danger...and the bottoms stayed nicely around my ankles....

**blinkchick2134** · 09-17-2005, 03:35 PM

You could always come to Delaware for a week and cook me lots of yummy food. I'll show you around DE....yeah, like the highest point (which is in the middle of a neighborhood).

I'd say Mexico sounds fun, I was thinking a week there in the late spring but whenever I plan nothing works out.

**Joker** · 09-17-2005, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by blinkchick2134@Sep 17 2005, 03:35 PM
You could always come to Delaware for a week and cook me lots of yummy food.* I'll show you around DE....yeah, like the highest point (which is in the middle of a neighborhood).*

I'd say Mexico sounds fun, I was thinking a week there in the late spring but whenever I plan nothing works out.

[snapback]77270[/snapback]

Delaware? Thats like right next door! And though the prospects of hanging out with you are enticing, Delawhere (sic) in January is no better than Maryland in January! :D

The more and more I think about it, Mexico is looking so attractive. I need to get in touch with my uncle and run over some things... But as for other areas, I'm checking into Belize and Costa Rica.

Tropical. Tropical Western Hemisphere... Keep 'em coming, Tpunks!

xanthuos · 09-18-2005, 10:09 PM

Mexico, Mexico, Mexico! Never been, but know plenty of people that go in the winter (especially from Saskatchewan!). After all, what better place could you ask for than one where drinking beer is safer than drinking water?

**Somnambulation** · 09-19-2005, 12:09 AM

Cocomo, thats where I want to go. Take it fast and then take it slow.

**omisan** · 09-19-2005, 12:30 AM

The Rum Diary is freakin' great. Ahhh, Hunter...

Anyway, I can very easily endorse Costa Rica or any part of the region...

If you want a little less bustle, you can head for one of the smaller Caribbean islands like Tortola (BVI) or St. Martin. Those islands definitely have tourist elements, but with a little work (i.e. a cab ride) you can get away from it and just chill on the beach and drink with locals/expats and completely forget that you're only a few hours from Florida. Also, everything's dirt cheap away from the tourist areas ($1 shots, $8 handles of Absolut, $4 meals...)

I dunno, Costa Rica was absolutely amazing, but right now - maybe it's all the reggae I've been listening to - I've had a hankering to return to St. Martin and just veg on the beach. Then again, CR and Belize have Caribbean coastlines, so you can have the best of both worlds.

**Joker** · 09-19-2005, 12:56 AM

Omi, I just finished reading your blog about your trip and I'm thinking I may just imitate closely to a degree, minus some of the hiking excursions. Of course, if persuaded, I could...

Guess I need to invest in a good pair of Merrils or have my old ones resoled and restitched...

BTW, about how much did that trip cost you with all of those side excursions? Is the $1K realistic? Judging from your pricing on the blog it may just work...

**omisan** · 09-19-2005, 01:13 AM

Yeah, the entire trip came out to just about $1k, airfare, food, etc. included. Subtract an excursion or two and it'd be even cheaper... or if I'd shopped around. Sometimes, booking some of the excursions through the hostel's front desk turns out to be a lot cheaper than going directly to their office.

**Joker** · 09-20-2005, 12:16 AM

BOOKED!!!!!

January 8 I touch down in San Jose, and my feet leave Costa Rica on January 16!!!

8 days in the jungle, Punks!!! Omi, thanks so much for the help and trip inspiration! I'll bring ya something back! (and it won't be malaria or Dengue fever!

)

**Joker** · 09-20-2005, 12:19 AM

Oh, yeah, forgot:

As for hostels and stuff:

Gimme some suggestions, please.

Pangea in San Jose for two nites to start, then after that, Monteverde, then finishing in Puerto Viejo.

I'll likely book the last nite in Pangea as well unless anyone suggests otherwise.

**worldwidemike** · 09-20-2005, 03:06 AM

I liked Monteverde...but that's hiking kind of stuff, Joker! You up for it? Omi got to see the volcano (Arenal?)...but I didnt'. Sad.

I'd say go for that! Can't beat watching lava pour down a mountain at night...

worldwidemike

**bluepea** · 09-20-2005, 07:49 AM

That's awesome! I'm so jealous. January is the perfect time for a nice beach trip! Ah, financial aid rocks!!! Hopefully, we'll end up in Puerto Vallarta in February. Still crossing my fingers on that one!

**omisan** · 09-20-2005, 11:06 AM

Jeez, Joke, you just gonna follow my itinerary?

Hell, go for it, that's why I put all the info out there.

Anyway, Monteverde can be very hiking oriented (especially the way I approached it, with 2 damn forest hikes in one day) but there's other stuff to do, like the highest/fastest ziplines at SkyTrek, as well as a very lively albeit small bar scene in Santa Elena. Even if you don't do a damn thing, kicking back in Santa Elena/Monteverde can be a great respite from life.

Quote:

Omi, thanks so much for the help and trip inspiration! I'll bring ya something back!

My pleasure... So... How 'bout a Tica?

**SuDz** · 09-20-2005, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Joker@Sep 17 2005, 12:46 AM
For the record, are there any of those sleepy little islands left like the Buffett songs are about? I'd really like to find one. Who knows, maybe I'll disappear off the face of the earth for a few or take up professional slacking on a sailboat!*

[snapback]77145[/snapback]

Ahh Jost Van Dyke my friend. Beautifull place. Saling, The "Main St" is a beach, small island with only 200 people or so living there but you can get to other islands from there using Ferries and sails as well. Yeah.. I want to get back soon. Maybe this winter myself.

If you wind up there, get yourself a drink called Painkiller. Good and well... effective.

SuDZ

**Joker** · 09-20-2005, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by omisan@Sep 20 2005, 11:06 AM
Jeez, Joke, you just gonna follow my itinerary? * Hell, go for it, that's why I put all the info out there.

Anyway, Monteverde can be very hiking oriented (especially the way I approached it, with 2 damn forest hikes in one day) but there's other stuff to do, like the highest/fastest ziplines at SkyTrek, as well as a very lively albeit small bar scene in Santa Elena. Even if you don't do a damn thing, kicking back in Santa Elena/Monteverde can be a great respite from life.
My pleasure... So... How 'bout a Tica?

[snapback]77661[/snapback]

Somewhat, Omi. Yours looked so damned good I may just use it as a guide. Some of the more strenuous hiking is out of the question (like two bigguns in one day.)

Ultimately, from what I've read of the towns you went to they seem worth visiting, and who knows, I may just chill out and absorb some local culture instead of doing the excursions. I'm open to any options, frankly.

As for a Tica... i met one at school last semester. Wish i knew where she lived down there!

If they are half as pretty as she is, then DAMN! :D