Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I don't think people go to the beach within Guayaquil itself. They go to nearby beach towns such as Playas and Salinas. But right now it seems that Guayaquil isn't a very safe place to visit in general.
Hello all,
I'm looking for a beach destination with beautiful water, off the beaten path, walkable to shopping and restaurants, safe and relatively close to an airport. More recently I've been to Tulum, Punta Cana, Islamorada, Fla. I had Cabo on my bucket list but have heard not so great things lately about the beaches. I also thought of Belize and other destinations in Mexico besides Tulum. I've been to Cozumel and Cancun, but it's been a while. I am looking at keeping it around $3500 and under for 5-7 days. I could travel from New Orleans or Houston and am looking to travel in May next year. Thanks for any guidance you can provide. We are a married couple, mid 50's.
I would recommend Cartagena. It's a safe, beautiful oceanfront city that mixes cosmopolitan with historic and is priced really well. You can stay at a five-star Intercontinental Hotel beachfront and fly from Houston via Jet Blue well within your budget. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...t_Bolivar.html
As I wrote most people don't go to the beach within Guayaquil itself. A short flight from Guayaquil can take one to the beautiful Galapagos Islands and some of the islands (some of which are only accessible by boat) have lovely beaches.
I would recommend Cartagena. It's a safe, beautiful oceanfront city that mixes cosmopolitan with historic and is priced really well. You can stay at a five-star Intercontinental Hotel beachfront and fly from Houston via Jet Blue well within your budget. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...t_Bolivar.html
Another very nice place along the Caribbean coast of Colombia is Santa Marta. It's a 4 hour trip by car or bus northeast via Barranquilla, and is a favorite beach vacation place for Colombians (especially those from the cold high elevation places around Bogota). There is no shortage of high quality hotels and amenities. Another plus of Santa Marta are excursions to the nearby mountains - the highest is Pico Cristobal Colon at 16400 feet (5000 meters), so these are impressive so close to the coast.
We have been there many times — gorgeous beaches and great snorkeling.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lillie767
St. Thomas is overrun with mega cruise ships docking. Almost every day, there are several ships in port.
For example, August 23, the Disney Fantasy and Royal Caribbean Wonder will dock. They will bring almost 10,000 visitors to the small island.
St. Johns is a better island to visit if you want to stay in the USVI. You fly to St. Thomas, but then take a ferry to St. Johns. Much more rural and quieter.
St. John is where we always stay, you need the Red Hook ferry to get there. St John is a bit tricky, not really any hotels to speak of and you definitely want to stay in Cruz Bay to be close to the .restaurants. Bars, shopping and taxis. We stay in Condos, but that can be tricky also, you don’t want a place that is a steep climb.
If you decide to go to St John, the prices in May will be off season, that’s good. Start looking early and be diligent about how far the walk into town is ( usually a half mile or less) and the elevation for that walk.
Bermuda is a beautiful island and a good choice for 5-7 days. The island is very small so you are never far from the beach wherever you stay. It is a great getaway if you like a quiet beach vacation. We have family in Bermuda (my husband was born there) and always stay in Somerset since that is where they live.
Thanks all. You have giving me some new ideas that I will be checking out. I will keep you posted.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
