Hi...I'm in the process of planning a honeymoon for this summer.  I am
trying to find a place that has a good mix of outdoor activities
(mainly hiking) but that also has more traditional 'resorty' type
stuff (e.g. nice beaches).  The first place that came to mind was
Hawaii, but I want something that isn't as overdone.  So, then I
thought of Cuba, but with all of the restrictions for U.S. citizens,
it might be more trouble than it's worth.  Finally, I thought of Peru,
but I'm sort of at a loss as to where to get started with the planning
(there are so many websites to sift through, who knows what is legit,
etc.).  Could you please both make suggestions for me as to additional
places based on my criteria, and also provide me with starting points
for the planning (both for Peru and for any other places you think
of).  Thanks!

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Request for Question Clarification by richard-ga on 31 Dec 2004 06:15 PST

Did you mean for Cynthia-ga to post her comment as an answer?
You named PinkFreud, but I don't see her in this thread.
<just trying to help>
-R

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Clarification of Question by vka2b-ga on 31 Dec 2004 12:34 PST

Richard -- sorry I just realized that I posted this clarification as a comment:

Richard,

What happened is that pink-freud mistakenly posted her comment as an
answer, so she posted an additional comment in which she apologized
for the mistake and mentioned that she was going to ask the editors to
delete her answer so that I would still get a proper answer.  So, the
reason you don't see her anywhere on this thread is that the editors
deleted her answer.  Thus, I am still waiting for this question to be
answered.  Let me know if that explanation didn't clear things up.

Thanks,
Vineet

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Request for Question Clarification by cynthia-ga on 03 Jan 2005 13:03 PST

vka2b,

You are not charged for "Comments" --either by Google Answers
Researchers (GAR's) --or Commentors.  GAR's are identifiable by
looking at our names.  If it's blue text and clickabale, it's a
Researcher..

For instance, these people are in the Comments section are
Researchers: tlspiegel-ga, cynthia-ga (me), and pinkfreud (well, she
WAS here...)

And richard-ga in the Clarification section is a Researcher.

rambler-ga, biophysicist-ga, guzzi-ga, and nfpolaris-ga --are Not.

BTW, the suffix "-ga" means 'Google Answers' --not the State of Georgia...

Here's a link to the Google Answers FAQ's where there are Answers to
many interesting questions about our service:

Google Answers: Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.answers.google.com/answers/faq.html

you can find the FAQ link at the very bottom of EVERY Google Answers page.

BTW, you have 2 votes for Costa Rica now...  Have you checked out the
Links I gave you?  If you decide to go with my suggestion, I'd like to
post in the Answer box and receive payment.  Let us know!!

~~Cynthia

---

Clarification of Question by vka2b-ga on 03 Jan 2005 14:03 PST

Cynthia,

Right, I understand how the charges work -- let me clarify -- I just
wanted to make sure that the editors removed the answer that was
*intended* to be a comment because I didn't want to get charged for
the answer and have the question get closed out if there was in fact a
researcher still working on an answer.  You are right about Costa Rica
-- I am willing to agree to this one being posted as an answer as long
as there's no other researcher(s) working on another answer (the more
ideas, the better)!  Thanks.

vka2b

When you mentioned Cuba, I immediately thought of Puerto Rico.  I've
been there twice, and loved it.  It has great beaches, and you can go
hiking through the rain forest.

Hi vka2b,

I vote for Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Trails
http://www.costaricantrails.com/
many travel packages here.  Don't miss the ones marked as NATURE packages.

Costa Rica Experts
HIKING EXCURSIONS: http://www.costaricaexperts.com/hiking.htm
ROMANTIC HIDEAWAYS: http://www.costaricaexperts.com/romantic.htm
There are many independent options for hiking in Costa Rica. With 30%
of the land area protected by national parks, wildlife refuges and
preserves the trails are well marked and easily accessible. For
serious trekking, we recommend a guided excursion.

~~Cynthia

pinkfreud,

No problem...thanks a lot for your suggestion.  Hopefully the editors
will move your answer to a comment soon and I will get an 'official'
answer.  Thanks again!

vka2b

Canada is somewhat non-standard, and we really enjoyed it.  Keep in
mind that it's colder than the US, though.  Early June, when we went,
it was still kind of cold there.

Suggest ?The Picos de Europa? in northern Spain. Great hiking, few
naff tourists, lovely coastline nearby. Relaxed, good food, reasonably
priced, not too busy.

Portugal, away from the Southern resorts is cool too. Not so much
recognised hiking as The Picos but wonderful country. Very civilised.

Norway has super hiking, especially the Slartybardfast area. Also got
a lot of rain at times. Bit short of the ?lying in the sun? type
activities (activity?) and expensive, but profoundly romantic if
you?re into breathtaking scenery.

Best

www.elegantadventures.com

Costa Rica or Belize

8-)

Richard,

What happened is that pink-freud mistakenly posted her comment as an
answer, so she posted an additional comment in which she apologized
for the mistake and mentioned that she was going to ask the editors to
delete her answer so that I would still get a proper answer.  So, the
reason you don't see her anywhere on this thread is that the editors
deleted her answer.  Thus, I am still waiting for this question to be
answered.  Let me know if that explanation didn't clear things up.

Thanks,
Vineet

tlspiegel,

No problem -- have you made the request yet?  I've noticed that your
answer hasn't been backed out yet and I want to make sure that my
question actually gets answered (it's actually taken a few more days
than I thought it would as it is).  I don't want to get charged for
the comments (as useful as they might be)!

Thanks!

vka2b

Hi vka2b,

Yes, I emailed them as soon as I realized my mistake.  However, being
it's a holiday weekend the request most likely won't take place until
Monday PST time.  They will remove it, I'm certain of that!

Happy New Year to you and your family,
tlspiegel

Where have you previously traveled?  What did you like/dislike about
the places you've visited?  Answering some of these questions would
help you to focus on more specific areas.

I'd rule out Peru, but add French Polynesia/Tahiti, specifically
Moorea and Bora Bora.  Costa Rica is a wonderful option, but the early
summer is their 'green season' and rain is likely to dominate your
stay.

Give us more info.

I really haven't travelled much outside of the U.S.  The only place I
have gone has been India, but that is not much of a vacation spot. 
The only real clarification is what I've already said -- some place
where there is a good combination of outdoors activities (hiking,
boating, etc.) but also relaxing activities (resorts, beaches, spas). 
The places I mentioned should give you an idea of the type of place
(Cuba, Peru, etc.).

BTW -- why did you rule out Peru?  Also, to be honest, I was pretty
much set on Costa Rica until what you said about the rain -- I'd be
going mid-June -- do you think that's a bad idea?

ok...Rain should be ok in costa rica....i've been down over a dozen
times (all during the "green" season) and weather has never been
horrible in June.  Yes i've had occasional showers...but....nothing
that ruined our trip.....
just  to wet your appetite..here are my favorite properties:

www.waterfallgardens.com
www.sicomono.com
www.laparios.com
www.hotelpuntaislita.com
www.tabacon.com
www.paradisusplayaconchal.com

a good combo:

2nt Peace Lodge
2nt Tabacon Resort
4nt Beach (si como no, islita or if you want larger resort paradisus)

helps?

8-)

Looks wonderful:

Costa Rica Weather Charts
http://www.vacationscostarica.com/costa_rica_weather.htm

Costa Rica Weather Map
http://costa-rica-guide.com/Weather/WeatherMap.html

Thanks for all the comments.  I was initially convinced from
nfpolaris's comment that the rain wasn't that bad, until I looked at
the weather maps posted by cynthia!!  Look at the weather map and put
your mouse over 2 of the places where I know I'll be going -- Manuel
Antonito and Tortuergo -- for the latter, the rain is off the charts
in June!!

How are you doing on your decision-making?  Have you explored Tahiti's
offerings at all?

Remember, too, that rain forests will have rain.  That's why they call
them rain forests.  So, if you still want Costa Rica, go with a warm
heart, and good rain gear, and you'll be fine!  The rain can add to
the experience.

One of my fave places is the Eco-Lodge in Manuel Antonio.  Truly
simple and a great cross-section of wildlife and vegetation.
Sandy

I'm in Seattle, fondly known as "America's Wet Dream," where citizens
are born with webbed feet.  It didn't look bad to me!!   LOL  ;-)

cynthia-ga,

As I just returned from my honeymoon in Costa Rica, I thought you
deserved my thanks.  The tour company you recommended (Costa Rican
Trails) turned out to be perfect.  It was all very well organized and
everybody we dealt with was really friendly.  They put us in really
nice places and we absolutely loved Costa Rica.  It was a perfect
honeymoon.  Thanks so much for your suggestion!

vka2b

I would love to know where you stayed!!!!!

Congratulations!

nfpolaris,

Thanks for your note.  Sorry for the delayed response -- getting used
to married life has sucked a lot of my free time (computer time) away!

As a result, this message won't be as detailed as I would like, but
hopefully it is a start for you -- all of these places have websites,
so simply put them into the search engine.

Here is where we stayed:

- While in San Jose, we stayed at the Hotel Alta.
- While near Jaco Beach, we stayed at the Villa Caletas.
- While in Manuel Antonia, we stayed at Makanda by the Sea.

They were all really nice, but Makanda by the Sea was the best in
terms of everything -- service, surroundings, food, cleanliness, view,
etc. etc.

Take care!

That's what I like:  someone who comes back and shows appreciation!
There should be more like that.  Myoarin

Hi...

awesome...i've actually stayed at all 3.  Three great choices!  I only
had 1 complaint about Villa Caletas.  It was a bit "stuffy" for
me....the staff was a bit more...hmm....dry?....that everywhere else
i've been....maybe it was just me.
I'm thrilled you had a great time!!  Congratulations to you & God
bless your new union!!