flyinghonu 0 #1 February 7, 2006 Neither of us have been to Nassau or Puerto Rico. I've been to FL & DC but he hasn't. There will be no jumping but am looking for something VERY outdoorsy with a lot of history and culture. Which would you pick? Of course, feel free to offer any advice on any "must do's," places to stay, tips of travel, etc. for all travel destinations. Yeah....I'm bored (and looking forward to vacation ). "Excuse me while I kiss the sky..." - Jimi Hendrix Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #2 February 7, 2006 Nassau...not that impressive unless you're staying at the Atlantis. It's totally a tourist trap. My kids went on a cruise there over the winter with their dad and they didn't like it. I went in the late 80's and haven't been back. South Fl...you mean Miami or one of the other towns? Puerto Rico, never been there either D.C., went as a teenager and thought it was pretty cool. I think everyone should go there at some point in their life.She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PsychoBob 0 #3 February 7, 2006 ***any advice on any "must do's...VERY outdoorsy with a lot of history and culture Quote Dublin Boogie (3/15-3/19) Lot's of outdoorsy stuff (bonfire, bands) and culture (jello shots, body painting, RB intiations) and you could make history if you want to."I'm not a gynecologist but I will take a look at it" RB #1295, Smokey Sister #1, HellFish #658, Dirty Sanchez #194, Muff Brothers #3834, POPS #9614, Orfun Foster-Parent?" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skybytch 273 #4 February 7, 2006 I'd do either Puerto Rico or DC if it was me. My brother was stationed on an island off PR when he was in the Navy, and a friend lived in San Juan for a couple of years. Both of them told me it's beautiful and they'd go back in a heartbeat if they had the chance. Totally different culture than the US but they use the same money. From what I've heard there plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure - hiking, biking and ocean sports priimarily. DC in the summer will be hot and humid but there's loads of cool historical stuff to see. The Smithsonian museums alone can occupy you for days on end. I also enjoyed visiting Arlington, touring the White House (not sure if that's still a possiblility post-9/11), the US Capitol, the Library of Congress, the Mint and the various monuments. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites flyinghonu 0 #5 February 7, 2006 That is VERY helpful. The hubs and I have been arguing between PR and Nassau. We actually started leaning towards Nassau becuase the flight would be a little shorter for us (can you believe Jet Blue is going to fly us all the freakin' way up to NY before we can go down to PR?!?!). As for southern FL, it would probably be a road trip of sorts. We'd probably fly into West Palm Beach and then trek around the southern portion in a rental car - only thing is that I don't want to sit in traffic on my vacation . DC is where I grew up. Haven't been back for about 10 yrs and would love to show the hubby my roots but am leaning more toward the island type of vacation. "Excuse me while I kiss the sky..." - Jimi Hendrix Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skymama 37 #6 February 7, 2006 I've actually heard that Puerto Rico is a very beautiful island and people say that they would go back. South Florida...well, to me it's nothing special but maybe I'm just jaded from living here too long.She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites hexadecimal 0 #7 February 7, 2006 Don't go to Puerto Rico unless you're staying on an all-inclusive resort. Trust me. The only things worth seeing there besides what's on your resort are the black sand beaches and the rainforest. Nassau sucks as well. If you're going to the Bahamas, go to Paradise Island or go to Nassau and immediately charter a plane or boat to the out islands. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites flyinghonu 0 #8 February 7, 2006 QuoteDon't go to Puerto Rico unless you're staying on an all-inclusive resort. Trust me. The only things worth seeing there besides what's on your resort are the black sand beaches and the rainforest. Nassau sucks as well. If you're going to the Bahamas, go to Paradise Island or go to Nassau and immediately charter a plane or boat to the out islands. Really...nothing worth seeing at all?!?! Are you sure all that cold IL air/snow is not freezing your brain and making you a bitter little snow baby? "Excuse me while I kiss the sky..." - Jimi Hendrix Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites hexadecimal 0 #9 February 7, 2006 QuoteReally...nothing worth seeing at all?!?! Are you sure all that cold IL air/snow is not freezing your brain and making you a bitter little snow baby? Not much snow here... but a lot of ugly brown grass, bare trees, about 2" of road salt everywhere you look, etc... So maybe just a little bitter Seriously though, Puerto Rico is a very dirty island beyond the rainforest and some of the more remote areas. I'd estimate that 50% or more of the island is a ghetto from what I saw. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites leapdog 0 #10 February 7, 2006 QuoteNeither of us have been to Nassau or Puerto Rico. I've been to FL & DC but he hasn't. There will be no jumping but am looking for something VERY outdoorsy with a lot of history and culture. Which would you pick? Of course, feel free to offer any advice on any "must do's," places to stay, tips of travel, etc. for all travel destinations. Yeah....I'm bored (and looking forward to vacation ). Leave the U.S. and share something that niether of youhave been to yet. I recommend Puerto Rico, Nassua is too touristy. Gunnery Sergeant of Marines "I would like it if I were challenged mentally at my job and not feel like I'm mentally challenged." - Co-worker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites flyinghonu 0 #11 February 7, 2006 I have heard that there is a lot of poverty in Puerto Rico but hell, there is a lot of poverty in DC - you can actually drive down a major roadway less than 10 miles from the Whitehouse nicknamed "crack house lane." And knowing my husband, he'd probably want to stop for a photo op. (while dodging the drive-by shooting bullets, of course). We're not big on the actual tourist spots. We tend to go somewhere and make our own vacation of the place. Chances are, where ever we go, we will not stay in a typical tourist area and will be traveling the surrounding areas A LOT. We are VERY into places where you can pull over on the side of the road and hike away to different spots for hours. We like ocean, mountain, rainforest, valleys, but we are not HUGE city people. "Excuse me while I kiss the sky..." - Jimi Hendrix Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Slowfaller 0 #12 February 8, 2006 I had an excellent time in PR. The rainforest was a lot of fun to hike through. We kayaked through mangroves to a biolumenesent lagoon and took a ferry to the island of Culebra for snorkling. There is also a lot of history to old San Juan but I forgot my camera that day. Here are some pics geared towards the outdoor activities. --"Someday you will die and somehow somethings going to steal your carbon" -MM Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Slowfaller 0 #13 February 8, 2006 some more... --"Someday you will die and somehow somethings going to steal your carbon" -MM Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites John4455 0 #14 February 8, 2006 A very affordable trip is Punta Cana Domincan Republic. I just got back from there a couple of weeks ago for the second time. It is a poor country, but they have some very nice all inclusive resorts. If you like to Scuba dive, Grand Cayman is the place to go. Very expensive to go there, but it is my goal in life to get back there. There are a lot of great deals to Cancun, but I would be hesitate to go there after the hurricanes. How do ya like it Johnny? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites flyinghonu 0 #15 February 8, 2006 After looking at those pics, PR looks exactly like our type of vacation. I saw a special on Culebra Island and wanted to go their SOOOOOO bad. Anyone know what your chances are for good or bad weather if you are to go there in the middle of the summer (i.e. middle of hurricane season)? Is it pretty much a 50/50 gamble? "Excuse me while I kiss the sky..." - Jimi Hendrix Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ginandjuice 0 #16 February 9, 2006 When Chris and had gone to PR it was in October and it was hot every day as you could probably see in those pictures. I don't think it even rained. Your chances for good weather are very good. Especially at Culebra. Word of advice, wear sunscreen at all times. I never burn so I though i'd be fine without sunscreen, yeah I was wrong. GinnyThe words I have to say, May well be simple but they're true, Until you give your love, There's nothing more that we can do-David Bowie Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites duroejc 0 #17 February 9, 2006 I just passed through PR on my way to St. Croix. Not too impressed, expensive hotels and think there are better values for your money. BTW stay away from St.Croix- crime is rampant. The folks I traveled with were mugged at gunpoint less than 5 minutes after arriving at our hotel. During our 1 week stay 2 other couples had the same thing happen. I did 10 days in Costa Rica at Thanksgiving and would highly recommend it. I did a white water rafting trip that included an overnight stay in a jungle lodge. Adventure Naturales was the outfitter. We also went to the rainforest, Volcano and coastal beach area. Zip line tours through the jungle were a blast. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites flyinghonu 0 #18 February 9, 2006 Costa Rica is a definite some time in the future. However, the vacation choices I listed on the poll are what they are because we can get free air fare to all 4 places. My feeling is try and get as much bang for our buck and use it on the trip that would be most expensive if we had to buy the tickets. I don't think we'll do the hotel thing unless we go to DC or FL. We'll probably look for a rental/timeshare/B&B or something like that. We're pretty low maintenance travelers and actually hate "touristy" type things - we like to make our own adventure of our trips and hang with locals as much a possible. We definitely don't need maid or room service. "Excuse me while I kiss the sky..." - Jimi Hendrix Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
skybytch 273 #4 February 7, 2006 I'd do either Puerto Rico or DC if it was me. My brother was stationed on an island off PR when he was in the Navy, and a friend lived in San Juan for a couple of years. Both of them told me it's beautiful and they'd go back in a heartbeat if they had the chance. Totally different culture than the US but they use the same money. From what I've heard there plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure - hiking, biking and ocean sports priimarily. DC in the summer will be hot and humid but there's loads of cool historical stuff to see. The Smithsonian museums alone can occupy you for days on end. I also enjoyed visiting Arlington, touring the White House (not sure if that's still a possiblility post-9/11), the US Capitol, the Library of Congress, the Mint and the various monuments. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyinghonu 0 #5 February 7, 2006 That is VERY helpful. The hubs and I have been arguing between PR and Nassau. We actually started leaning towards Nassau becuase the flight would be a little shorter for us (can you believe Jet Blue is going to fly us all the freakin' way up to NY before we can go down to PR?!?!). As for southern FL, it would probably be a road trip of sorts. We'd probably fly into West Palm Beach and then trek around the southern portion in a rental car - only thing is that I don't want to sit in traffic on my vacation . DC is where I grew up. Haven't been back for about 10 yrs and would love to show the hubby my roots but am leaning more toward the island type of vacation. "Excuse me while I kiss the sky..." - Jimi Hendrix Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #6 February 7, 2006 I've actually heard that Puerto Rico is a very beautiful island and people say that they would go back. South Florida...well, to me it's nothing special but maybe I'm just jaded from living here too long.She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hexadecimal 0 #7 February 7, 2006 Don't go to Puerto Rico unless you're staying on an all-inclusive resort. Trust me. The only things worth seeing there besides what's on your resort are the black sand beaches and the rainforest. Nassau sucks as well. If you're going to the Bahamas, go to Paradise Island or go to Nassau and immediately charter a plane or boat to the out islands. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyinghonu 0 #8 February 7, 2006 QuoteDon't go to Puerto Rico unless you're staying on an all-inclusive resort. Trust me. The only things worth seeing there besides what's on your resort are the black sand beaches and the rainforest. Nassau sucks as well. If you're going to the Bahamas, go to Paradise Island or go to Nassau and immediately charter a plane or boat to the out islands. Really...nothing worth seeing at all?!?! Are you sure all that cold IL air/snow is not freezing your brain and making you a bitter little snow baby? "Excuse me while I kiss the sky..." - Jimi Hendrix Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hexadecimal 0 #9 February 7, 2006 QuoteReally...nothing worth seeing at all?!?! Are you sure all that cold IL air/snow is not freezing your brain and making you a bitter little snow baby? Not much snow here... but a lot of ugly brown grass, bare trees, about 2" of road salt everywhere you look, etc... So maybe just a little bitter Seriously though, Puerto Rico is a very dirty island beyond the rainforest and some of the more remote areas. I'd estimate that 50% or more of the island is a ghetto from what I saw. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leapdog 0 #10 February 7, 2006 QuoteNeither of us have been to Nassau or Puerto Rico. I've been to FL & DC but he hasn't. There will be no jumping but am looking for something VERY outdoorsy with a lot of history and culture. Which would you pick? Of course, feel free to offer any advice on any "must do's," places to stay, tips of travel, etc. for all travel destinations. Yeah....I'm bored (and looking forward to vacation ). Leave the U.S. and share something that niether of youhave been to yet. I recommend Puerto Rico, Nassua is too touristy. Gunnery Sergeant of Marines "I would like it if I were challenged mentally at my job and not feel like I'm mentally challenged." - Co-worker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyinghonu 0 #11 February 7, 2006 I have heard that there is a lot of poverty in Puerto Rico but hell, there is a lot of poverty in DC - you can actually drive down a major roadway less than 10 miles from the Whitehouse nicknamed "crack house lane." And knowing my husband, he'd probably want to stop for a photo op. (while dodging the drive-by shooting bullets, of course). We're not big on the actual tourist spots. We tend to go somewhere and make our own vacation of the place. Chances are, where ever we go, we will not stay in a typical tourist area and will be traveling the surrounding areas A LOT. We are VERY into places where you can pull over on the side of the road and hike away to different spots for hours. We like ocean, mountain, rainforest, valleys, but we are not HUGE city people. "Excuse me while I kiss the sky..." - Jimi Hendrix Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Slowfaller 0 #12 February 8, 2006 I had an excellent time in PR. The rainforest was a lot of fun to hike through. We kayaked through mangroves to a biolumenesent lagoon and took a ferry to the island of Culebra for snorkling. There is also a lot of history to old San Juan but I forgot my camera that day. Here are some pics geared towards the outdoor activities. --"Someday you will die and somehow somethings going to steal your carbon" -MM Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Slowfaller 0 #13 February 8, 2006 some more... --"Someday you will die and somehow somethings going to steal your carbon" -MM Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John4455 0 #14 February 8, 2006 A very affordable trip is Punta Cana Domincan Republic. I just got back from there a couple of weeks ago for the second time. It is a poor country, but they have some very nice all inclusive resorts. If you like to Scuba dive, Grand Cayman is the place to go. Very expensive to go there, but it is my goal in life to get back there. There are a lot of great deals to Cancun, but I would be hesitate to go there after the hurricanes. How do ya like it Johnny? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyinghonu 0 #15 February 8, 2006 After looking at those pics, PR looks exactly like our type of vacation. I saw a special on Culebra Island and wanted to go their SOOOOOO bad. Anyone know what your chances are for good or bad weather if you are to go there in the middle of the summer (i.e. middle of hurricane season)? Is it pretty much a 50/50 gamble? "Excuse me while I kiss the sky..." - Jimi Hendrix Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ginandjuice 0 #16 February 9, 2006 When Chris and had gone to PR it was in October and it was hot every day as you could probably see in those pictures. I don't think it even rained. Your chances for good weather are very good. Especially at Culebra. Word of advice, wear sunscreen at all times. I never burn so I though i'd be fine without sunscreen, yeah I was wrong. GinnyThe words I have to say, May well be simple but they're true, Until you give your love, There's nothing more that we can do-David Bowie Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
duroejc 0 #17 February 9, 2006 I just passed through PR on my way to St. Croix. Not too impressed, expensive hotels and think there are better values for your money. BTW stay away from St.Croix- crime is rampant. The folks I traveled with were mugged at gunpoint less than 5 minutes after arriving at our hotel. During our 1 week stay 2 other couples had the same thing happen. I did 10 days in Costa Rica at Thanksgiving and would highly recommend it. I did a white water rafting trip that included an overnight stay in a jungle lodge. Adventure Naturales was the outfitter. We also went to the rainforest, Volcano and coastal beach area. Zip line tours through the jungle were a blast. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyinghonu 0 #18 February 9, 2006 Costa Rica is a definite some time in the future. However, the vacation choices I listed on the poll are what they are because we can get free air fare to all 4 places. My feeling is try and get as much bang for our buck and use it on the trip that would be most expensive if we had to buy the tickets. I don't think we'll do the hotel thing unless we go to DC or FL. We'll probably look for a rental/timeshare/B&B or something like that. We're pretty low maintenance travelers and actually hate "touristy" type things - we like to make our own adventure of our trips and hang with locals as much a possible. We definitely don't need maid or room service. "Excuse me while I kiss the sky..." - Jimi Hendrix Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
