First time traveling and trying to decide on a place...
Hello everyone, I'm a 22 year-old female from San Diego, currently living in Toronto, and then working on a caribbean cruise for 6 months. My boyfriend recently suggested that we go on a trip together when I get back, and I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions or helpful advice on where to go. We're looking to go for about a month, to somewhere really cheap, that has surfing. I'd also like to go somewhere completely different, with other things to do besides go to the beach (cause we already get plenty of that). We were thinking maybe Thailand, or though I've been there, Mexico (like Baja California), but I'm open to any suggestions. I would love to go to Europe, but it seems really expensive. We'd really like to experience a different culture, and I was also wondering, is it cheaper to stay in a hotel or get an apartment for a month? Any advice would be greatly appreciated 😊
Reply to this Hey
I think you visiting Orlando, Florida is an incredible vacation experience for both children and parents alike. Most parents actually recall their childhoods when they visit Walt Disney World. The weather is fantastic year round, the summer months can be a bit warm and humid but so is the rest of the United States during that time. Basically 9 or 10 perfect weather months makes Florida the ideal destination for your next family Orlando vacation.
Thanks
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[Edited: 2011 Oct 19 10:42 - Administrator B:102092 - text removed on request of the poster. ]
Reply to this Wow I guess these guys thought you were looking for some brochures... anyway I don't think you can go wrong in Asia, while I am not a true surfer even I was able to stand up in Bali, perfect well-spaced 4 foot barrels breaking in Kuta beach one after another. Though there are quite a few fellow tourists there (mostly drunk Australians) it is still a fun exotic and cheap place to go. Also very easy go get off the beaten track there, take a ferry to Lombok or Sumbawa (where there are no tourists and apparently some good surfing). I spent a month there two years ago, made it all the way out near the end of Flores in a month with time to see some of East Java (Mt Bromo) before flying out. You can climb some very active volcanos, see Komodo Dragons, do some incredible scuba diving as well.
Malaysia also has some beautiful beaches (Tioman Island), great food and interesting culture. Borneo has some great forests where you can see orangutans in the wild as well as a huge variety of other wildlife. A little pricier than Indo but still cheap, maybe budget $30/day instead of the $20 you would need in Indo to be safe.
Of course Thailand has great beaches and also some good rock climbing, excellent food. Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos are great but no surfing there really. One of my personal favorite countries there is the Philippines, mostly for the diving.
Egypt, Kenya and Tanzania are also good choices, I guess it depends on what other kinds of activities you are into - temples, wildlife, culture, food? Looking for adventure or comfort?
My suggestion would be to go for longer if possible - the flight will cost around $1000, and you can comfortably budget $1000/month or less in any of those countries, so the longer you stay the more economical (and fun) it becomes.
Reply to this Hi everyone,
Someone advised me to goto Lavasa, a hill city near Pune, India. Just wanted to know if anyone has visited the place and what is your opinion? Is it going to be cold? Someone also told me that they also have water sports!
Thanks,
Nandan
Reply to this Burj Al kahlifa is too good to miss in Dubai mini Europe =) and sand dunes with camel ride, dune buggy, dinner cruise, aqua venture park, longest man made island on earth is called palm jumera palm shaped island plus a lot of hot attraction in DUBAI plus its cost effective and cheap.
Reply to this I think Scotland or Florida are the beautiful places for a stay and for spending the holidays. So go and enjoy your trip.
Reply to this I have heard great things about the beaches of Portugal. My friend surfed there with Eddie Vedder a couple of months ago!!
Also, on a side note, couldn't the moderators just completely delete the spam posts that advertise commercially? It would increase the credibility of travelblog in my opinion.
Reply to this A beautiful place which isn't expensive (at least doesn't have to be) and with great surfing, and interesting culture and beautiful nature and friendly people is Bali. Just check out when the rainy season is, it may not be so pleasant then. I have been twice and I would very much like to go again.
Reply to this If you are looking for a cheap and beautiful place to travel then you should not miss Philippines. You may stay at Cebu. Here you can easily find accommodation at a feasible price of around $150 - 160 a month. Cebu is an awesome location famous for sandy beaches, golf courses and shopping areas. Food is also quite cheap.
Reply to this Hawaii was good for surfing. Apparently Sunset Beach and Makaha (I think. It's been a little over 20 years, and I don't surf. But that's what the locals said). But it was beautiful country - a lot of hiking off the beaten path, if you know where to look. Don't take the tour bus, unless that's what you're into, and stay out of the tourist areas. There are a lot of places on the islands that don't really cost that much, that are just as satisfying (if not more so). In fact, if it's still there, there was a little flee market on the north shore of Oahu that had great bargains on gifts - a good 70% less than Waikiki.
Reply to this I think visiting ASIA is perfect for you to choose. first, it's too cheap, 2nd there are a lot of places to visit and enjoy, 3rd you can do and experience things that you've never done before
Reply to this One of my dreams is to visit Africa and see all the animals and nature. I found this site:
I think it would be a great experience. Reply to this Go all over Europe - so many beatifull natural places - London, Barcelona, Romania, Bulgaria...
even now it sounds like a trip 😊
Reply to this Europe doesn't have to be expensive - it all depends on how you travel. Staying in self-catering apartments will definitely be cheaper than hotels. If you'd rather be amongst other travelers, than maybe a hostel offering use of kitchen facilities would work for you. Also, if you stay in one place and rent an apartment for a month, it'll probably cost a lot less than if you move around. You can usually get a good deal if you're renting a place for a whole month. If you're planning on seeing different cities/areas, then I would recommend a combination of hostels, apartments and possibly convents/monastaries.
Reply to this Traveller9, you are right about renting an apartment for longer period but it is only as you said so "if you stay in one place".
And the most important thing for travellers on a trip is the location
Reply to this Yes, location is key. For example, if you're browsing for vacation apartments in Spain on the following site:
http://www.spain-holiday.com/
there are several key points to keep in mind:
1) Cost of the rental, either per day or per week. Look for information on deals for longer stays or contact the owner and ask.
2) Car rental - owners will often indicate whether you'll need access to a vehicle. Some apartments may be within walking distance of trains/buses while other apartments will be located on a rural road, which means that you'll need to rent a car.
3) Location - is the apartment located in the general area of places you'd like to visit? If the apartment isn't close to a particularly city/area that you'd like to see, is a day trip possible? How far are you willing to travel (either by car/bus/train) for a day trip?
4) Location ...again 😊) Is the apartment within walking distance of shops/markets or will you need to pay for bus or perhaps need a rental car?
As you can see, the cost of the rental is not the only factor to consider. Also, look for costs that might be added later, such as "cost of cleaning".
Reply to this Jacqui,
Have you decided where to go yet? Did you make your plans ?
Merry Jo
Reply to this Hi Jacqui
If you have been to thailand why not try Indonesia's other areas - even those close to Bali. If you are interested in surfing there are some great breaks on islands just a skip away from Bali that you can still find completely deserted some days.
Theres a very nice chilled out bunch of islands - Lembongan, Penida and Cenigen just 40mins by speedboat from Bali departing daily from Sanur. Lembongan attracts divers and surfers and has well known breaks (lacerations..love the name of that break and dream beach breaks are always popular) and cheaper accomodation than Bali. There's so many Indo islands - I love Flores and Komodo - Lombok is popular - you should find a nice combination of surfing, sun, relaxing and partying in many islands.
Why not have a look at surfing sites for recommendations in different areas around the world to help you decide ?
Bali as a jump off point for the rest of Indo is a very cheap way to go with lots of bargain accomodation.
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