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You'll have to share your budget Hawaii stories. One day I want to fly out there, see Pearl Harbor, eat at a hot dog place I saw on No Reservations and then take the roads less traveled from there.
Pearl Harbor is well worth a visit.
One thing we did was go to the Big Island and stay at an inexpensive treetop B&B there in the rain forest. Seeing Volcano National Park was incredible. We really liked Hilo, but it might not be everyone's cup of tea.
Another option might be San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua or Bocas del Toro, Panama. Neither are especially easy to get to, particulary Bocas, but both are pretty affordable once you're there and look to be fantastic. I have been to neither, but have researched both extensively and they're both on my short list for future travel.
There is nowhere that's remotely like Hawaii.
The Carib has been way more expensive in our experience (Virgin Islands, Turks, Cayman) without any of the great culture and people and rain forest.
People who are recommending the 'south seas' and Australia are recommending great places that again will be more expensive.
If you don't mind going third world, go South America, I guess.
Another option might be San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua or Bocas del Toro, Panama. Neither are especially easy to get to, particulary Bocas
I spent some time in Bocas, it's a great time as long as you're not a "pristine sandy white beach" purist. I did find some beaches outside of town when riding around on a bike but they were pretty bleh. Staying/food/beer is pretty cheap though, and it definitely has a likable laid back vibe.
We caught a bus from David which was actually a pretty interesting ride on a winding mountain road that gradually changes higher elevation rain forest to a more classic jungle type environment. Took awhile because of standard 3rd world bus deal where anyone waving their hand it stops to let 'em on or off.
It's also got an airstrip with a few flights daily to Panama City on little propeller plane, I think that is only like an hour ride.
Bocas del Toro, Panama. Neither are especially easy to get to, particulary Bocas, but both are pretty affordable once you're there and look to be fantastic. I have been to neither, but have researched both extensively and they're both on my short list for future travel.
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Originally Posted by slackjaw
Both Panama and Costa Rica can be pretty darn pretty close. Beatufiul rain forests, misty green mountains, waterfalls, volcanoes, beaches, etc.
My son spent last year's fall semester in Panama, and the photos he sent us of Bocas del Toro were breathtaking.
We can give you better suggestions if you say what you want. Beach, forest, sites, seclusion? Off the bat we can swing with the usual suspects of central america.
I have the perfect place- more beautiful than any of the Hawaiian islands....but like the other posters have said, it's going to be more expensive. Hawaii is actually pretty cheap compared to alot of places.
A cruise would be your best bet. Carnival has cruises for less than a hundred bucks a day and that includes your lodging and meals...and entertainment.
Cruises are money traps and IMO wastes of money and time. No free booze gambling. Stuck on a boat 95% of the time. Go into port and are rushed back in with no time to site see or do anything but things the Cruise wants you to, so they get a slice of it. Pay a cleaning fee every day which isn't included in the price of the cruise and they also want tips? gtfo
There is nowhere that's remotely like Hawaii.
The Carib has been way more expensive in our experience (Virgin Islands, Turks, Cayman) without any of the great culture and people and rain forest.
People who are recommending the 'south seas' and Australia are recommending great places that again will be more expensive.
If you don't mind going third world, go South America, I guess.
Wow. So the rest of the Caribbean doesn't have great culture like Hawaii? Do some research and try again.
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