OT: The Travel Thread

[EveryDay]

Anyone ever went to Tamarino in Costa Rica, I'm going there in 14 months?

 

[Mrb1p]

Anyone ever went to Tamarino in Costa Rica, I'm going there in 14 months?

14 months? Jeez I dont even know where ill be next month

 

[EveryDay]

14 months? Jeez I dont even know where ill be next month

Well I'm going to Cuba in Feb. this year but I've been there before, but Costa Rica trip is for my 40 yo trip with my 3 best friends and honetly I didn't hear much about Tamarino... just wanted to find out if anyone had some tips.

 

[Kriss E]

I’ve done all 4.

If I had to go now, I would not go to Lecce. It’s fine but there is better. I’ve seen I Trulli, those homes from medieval times built a certain way in order not to pay taxes.

I’d substitute Lecce with Florence, where there is much to discover.

I’d only spend one day in Rome, you can do the main sites quickly but wouldn’t want to spend too much time there, it’s too touristy, crowded, polluted and noisy.

Naples is worth it, esp. for shopping and restaurants but it’s the place where people are most likely to try and rip you off. I’d only spend the day there.

Amalfi is stunning, the front part of it that is. The aroma of Limoncello is quite present, prices though the roof for obvious reasons. I’ve walked Amalfi all the way into the non tourist part and it was very bland the more you go deeper in. Don’t waste your time going further than the first few streets, take in the views and try to get a small boat ride that takes you around the island where you’ll experience shades of blue water like you’ve never seen. Another place where one day is enough to see everything.

What’s just as enticing once you come back to shore is Positano. Great for artistic type pics. Pro tip: always pay parking attendants extra for them to look after your car so unfortunate incidents don't happen to it.

Florence is where I’d be spending several days. So much to see. Lived there for a couple of months and couldn’t get enough.

What I’d definitely do on the way to Naples if I’d be traveling by car is the Costiera Amalfitana.

Of course, all of it depends on how much time one plans to spend.

Thanks for tips! I'll be sure to keep that in mind when we start planning it more.

 

[Hins77]

Well I'm going to Cuba in Feb. this year but I've been there before, but Costa Rica trip is for my 40 yo trip with my 3 best friends and honetly I didn't hear much about Tamarino... just wanted to find out if anyone had some tips.

I have been in costa rica during 3 weeks this year. It was awesome. But tamarindo wasnt my best destinations. It depends what you like. If you want to learn surfing. Thats the best place. And there is a lot of store and nice restaurant. It slook like miami beach. But if you want to feel the pura vida life. I suggest you montezuma/ santa teresa/ samara and manuel antonio. Arenal for the volcano was very nice too

 

[Runner77]

Thanks for tips! I'll be sure to keep that in mind when we start planning it more.

You’re welcome.

Forgot to mention how when you climb at the very top of the Costiera Amalfitana (aka Amalfi Coast) you end up in the city of Ravello where you can spend an afternoon taking in spectacular views, dining, shopping. Once you’ve climbed the Amalfi Coast, you’ll be surprised at seeing clouds below where you are.

Finally, if you’re going to Naples, the Pompeii ruins are a must. See Pompeii with an accredited government approved tour guide. Don’t be fooled by the make believe guides who hang around the gates. You’re going to be stunned by the ingenuity of the time and how much the volcanic ashes enabled to preserve the city and provide surprising evidence of their way of life.

If I were going to Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Ravello and Pompeii would all be on my to do list.

 

[Kriss E]

You’re welcome.

Forgot to mention how when you climb at the very top of the Costiera Amalfitana (aka Amalfi Coast) you end up in the city of Ravello where you can spend an afternoon taking in spectacular views, dining, shopping. Once you’ve climbed the Amalfi Coast, you’ll be surprised at seeing clouds below where you are.

Finally, if you’re going to Naples, the Pompeii ruins are a must. See Pompeii with an accredited government approved tour guide. Don’t be fooled by the make believe guides who hang around the gates. You’re going to be stunned by the ingenuity of the time and how much the volcanic ashes enabled to preserve the city and provide surprising evidence of their way of life.

If I were going to Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Ravello and Pompeii would all be on my to do list.

My girlfriend usually takes care of the sightseeing stuff, I focus on the important things, food and drinks...lol

 

[Runner77]

My girlfriend usually takes care of the sightseeing stuff, I focus on the important things, food and drinks...lol

You've got a good gig going, lol.

 

[Mrb1p]

You’re welcome.

Forgot to mention how when you climb at the very top of the Costiera Amalfitana (aka Amalfi Coast) you end up in the city of Ravello where you can spend an afternoon taking in spectacular views, dining, shopping. Once you’ve climbed the Amalfi Coast, you’ll be surprised at seeing clouds below where you are.

Finally, if you’re going to Naples, the Pompeii ruins are a must. See Pompeii with an accredited government approved tour guide. Don’t be fooled by the make believe guides who hang around the gates. You’re going to be stunned by the ingenuity of the time and how much the volcanic ashes enabled to preserve the city and provide surprising evidence of their way of life.

If I were going to Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Ravello and Pompeii would all be on my to do list.

Italy has always been on my shortlist, since im a history and art nerd. How many days would you recommend?

 

[Runner77]

Italy has always been on my shortlist, since im a history and art nerd. How many days would you recommend?

I'd go for 2-3 weeks and you can get a lot out of it if you carefully plan your itinerary. You're probably going to lose the first days navigating the language barrier and the broken English accents but once you gain a better sense of the culture, you can get a lot done. I wouldn't recommend going for less than 2 weeks, if your travel time is limited.

 

[angusyoung]

You need to stay away from Tourist traps in any country mate...That's like saying Bali sucks because you stayed in Kuta. Even Seminyak is too touristy for me. I went to Canggu for New Years and when we went to Seminyak for dinner/drinks I felt like it was Indonesian version of Cancun except it's loaded with Australians instead of Americans. But Canggu and Ubud were awesome.

Phuket has a lot of different beach areas, I'm going to Khao Lak next weekend, about 90min north of the Phuket Airport. If you went to Kata and/or Patong, then ya, probably not as nice if you were looking for some calm paradise. Same for Koh Samui, these areas have just become too popular with tourists. It happened in Boracay in the Phillipines too, they closed the very popular island off to tourists for 6 months to clean and rejuvenate it.

Khao Lak is more peaceful and less touristy area in Phuket, should be pretty awesome!

And I'll be staying there:

I'll let you know if it's not worth it..

Hope you enjoy! Not so far for you to travel there,but if coming from NA, heck of a long trip. A lot of places are gorgeous,just some times it got way too many tourists and can take the shine off a bit. Don't really get the feel for the true way of life not interacting with the locals as much. Regardless,always something to cherish and appreciate.

 

[angusyoung]

Is that all strictly personal/couple/family/friend trips or is any work mixed in?

Only travel I do for work is Nashville... if I am really lucky, Bedford in Virginia... woooo!

You can still hit the links in winter there at least

 

[Kriss E]

Hope you enjoy! Not so far for you to travel there,but if coming from NA, heck of a long trip. A lot of places are gorgeous,just some times it got way too many tourists and can take the shine off a bit. Don't really get the feel for the true way of life not interacting with the locals as much. Regardless,always something to cherish and appreciate.

For sure...always like going to more local areas no matter where I go. Even if I'll stay at a nice hotel, I'll go to more local restaurants.
I hate going to a different country and just seeing white folks everywhere at the hotel or restaurants. Just feels weird..

 

[angusyoung]

For sure...always like going to more local areas no matter where I go. Even if I'll stay at a nice hotel, I'll go to more local restaurants.
I hate going to a different country and just seeing white folks everywhere at the hotel or restaurants. Just feels weird..

For sure,if possible I try to mingle with the locals,more authentic awareness. It's one thing if going to a resort where the charter flight originates from ones residing area so limited choice,but get out and about if possible and safe. The popular destinations in Greece has to be about the worst for that,like being in the UK.

 

[angusyoung]

Anyone ever went to Tamarino in Costa Rica, I'm going there in 14 months?

Can't go wrong in CR unless visiting in the rainy season. Lots to do and see and the food can be great. Langosta can be very reasonable compared to cities in NA or elsewhere. Just be aware how close you are to estuaries as they have a bit of a crocodile problem. The locals are nice,polite and might invite you out,can see how life is there,pretty cool.

 

[angusyoung]

You’re welcome.

Forgot to mention how when you climb at the very top of the Costiera Amalfitana (aka Amalfi Coast) you end up in the city of Ravello where you can spend an afternoon taking in spectacular views, dining, shopping. Once you’ve climbed the Amalfi Coast, you’ll be surprised at seeing clouds below where you are.

Finally, if you’re going to Naples, the Pompeii ruins are a must. See Pompeii with an accredited government approved tour guide. Don’t be fooled by the make believe guides who hang around the gates. You’re going to be stunned by the ingenuity of the time and how much the volcanic ashes enabled to preserve the city and provide surprising evidence of their way of life.

If I were going to Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Ravello and Pompeii would all be on my to do list.

Any recommendation for the best time to travel there? Taking in to consideration to be able to get in to the sea on occasion.

 

[Runner77]

Any recommendation for the best time to travel there? Taking in to consideration to be able to get in to the sea on occasion.

September. Weather still nice, prices are down and less tourists. You might even stretch it into October but if you did, you’d have to do some research about the sea part assuming you meant for fishing as opposed to sight seeing.

Weather has also become more and more suffocating during tourist season, so a cooling off in September-October is much more pleasant.

Disadvantage to not traveling in August is missing out on all the feasts that go in in various towns that take place in mid-August.

 

[EveryDay]

I have been in costa rica during 3 weeks this year. It was awesome. But tamarindo wasnt my best destinations. It depends what you like. If you want to learn surfing. Thats the best place. And there is a lot of store and nice restaurant. It slook like miami beach. But if you want to feel the pura vida life. I suggest you montezuma/ santa teresa/ samara and manuel antonio. Arenal for the volcano was very nice too

Can't go wrong in CR unless visiting in the rainy season. Lots to do and see and the food can be great. Langosta can be very reasonable compared to cities in NA or elsewhere. Just be aware how close you are to estuaries as they have a bit of a crocodile problem. The locals are nice,polite and might invite you out,can see how life is there,pretty cool.

Thanks for the infos!!!

To Hins77: Yes were going there to learn surf just for fun and have a good time.

To Angusyoung: I love Langosta, so great!, is January the rainy season, I hope not!!!!

 

[Mrb1p]

Thanks for the infos!!!

To Hins77: Yes were going there to learn surf just for fun and have a good time.

To Angusyoung: I love Langosta, so great!, is January the rainy season, I hope not!!!!

First time surfing?

 

[sandviper]

For sure...always like going to more local areas no matter where I go. Even if I'll stay at a nice hotel, I'll go to more local restaurants.
I hate going to a different country and just seeing white folks everywhere at the hotel or restaurants. Just feels weird..

My brother-in-law and his wife (girlfriend at the time) visited Amsterdam for the first time ever. Once they got off the airplane, they went to McDonalds....

 

[Mrb1p]

My brother-in-law and his wife (girlfriend at the time) visited Amsterdam for the first time ever. Once they got off the airplane, they went to McDonalds....

To be fair Mcdonalds has a lot of ethnic foods or choices, funny as it is.

 

[Kriss E]

My brother-in-law and his wife (girlfriend at the time) visited Amsterdam for the first time ever. Once they got off the airplane, they went to McDonalds....

Humans are creatures of habit. Naturally, we go towards what we know and are comfortable with. But then hopefully they opened their minds up a bit lol..

 

[Kriss E]

To be fair Mcdonalds has a lot of ethnic foods or choices, funny as it is.

Sorry man...but no. Loll

 

[buddahsmoka1]

How long are you staying in Colombia? I actually just went from late June for slightly more than 6 weeks and it was great. I'm definitely thinking about returning at some point in the not too distant future.

Only approx. 3 weeks. It's mostly for work. But I haven't been since around 2011 so I'm really excited to get back there.

 

[EveryDay]

First time surfing?

Yep, I love doing paddle board but we really want to try the surf, looks pretty fun to do!