Suggestions for travel apathy.
I am soliciting opinions for a wonderful trip (<2 weeks in duration) that will foster a desire for repetitive travel outside the US. Think in terms of someone who has no experience and wants exotic and warm.
Reply to this Well - I'd recommend
Guatemala - I'm assuming you're based in the US, so it's close, no jet lag, cheap and one of the most amazing places I've been.
I'm not sure how much flights cost - with only 2-3 weeks you'd need to fly.
Well here are a few photos... 2 of mine 😉
Reply to this Thanks Ali, the photos are beautiful. I have to admit Guatemala is not one I had readily considered, but will now start digging. What are your recommendations for flight arrangements and booking "site/city seeing"? I apologize for my ignorance but am truly a neophyte as my limited travels have been through travel agents or to visit family.
Reply to this Flight arrangements - I'd look around on the internet get some figures, and then go to a travel agent to see if they can get a better deal. Guatemala City is the main airport.
Places to see and go: (briefly!)
Miss out Guatemala City - it's not really a good place for tourists. Depending on flight times, head straight over to Antigua (45mins away) - beautiful place, and easy to meet other travellers.
Lago Atitlan - massive volcano surrounded lake, you can stay at Panajachel or San Pedro.
Xela/Quetzaltenango - northern city, higher altitude - cooler.
Maybe nip in to Honduras to Copan Ruinas.
And Tikal - a must see in Guatemala... (Flores is a good place to base yourself in around there)
Get hold of a guide book before you go 😊
Reply to this I'm going to expand on the culture shock aspects soon: I've never flown into Guatemala so don't know how the airport will be, but I've heard it described as basic.
The culture shock will be huge... an easier alternative for a first time visit to Central America will be Costa Rica.
The main form of public transport is chicken buses - ex american school buses (yellow) brightly painted and crammed full of passengers, most tourists are oversized for these buses so it can be really uncomfortable.
You do have to be careful - street wise, watch out for pickpockets, and if you're going budget - most of the places you stay in will be basic - most places won't have hot water. Lots of dogs scavanging in the streets...
To travel alone, you'd need basic Spanish.
So that's the negatives listed - but it adds to the adventure and differences from home.
Reply to this 
