Hi! I'm scrolling all the posts and decided that asking for information about our coming trip to SOMEWHERE might be a good idea. I have about 1000 in westjet travel bank and a desire to celebrate my 50th birthday in March in a warm climate. We (my husband and I) were going to go to Tulum last year (have never been to Mexico, but have friends there) but that got cancelled. I'm open to any and all Central and South American options (even US destinations are considered providing they're warm). Priorities are comfort, safety, beautiful beach access, all inclusive hotel etc is great, but not necessary, don't want to spend an arm and a leg. Anyone who has good advice or recommendations, please let me know! I need some guidance. TIA!

Lisbon, Portugal is beautiful and affordable!

Although I do see it is not listed in your options!

Lee agreed. The Algarve in Portugal has beautiful beaches.

I also LOVED Guatemala!

Lee we went to Portugal 2 years ago in February. Spent time in the Algarve, Lisbon and Porto with stops in between. Weather was about 22 in the south and about 18 in the north. Fabulous country. And very reasonable.

Lee & Maggie. I’m heading there for 25th Anniversary next fall. Would love to hear your “must-dos”. PM me if you prefer. TIA!!

We stayed for four days in the town of Tavira in the Algarve. Lovely little spot. Great for exploring the coast. Day trips to Sagres, Faro and Lagos are easy from here. Although anywhere in the Algarve looked lovely.
We spent three days in Evora. On the drive from Tavira to Evora we stopped at the fortified mountain town of Monsaraz. That was very worthwhile. We spent one night in Tomar. The Knights Templar built a huge castle in the hill above the town. Another spot I would recommend seeing. Two nights on the west coast in Nazare. This is another beautiful spot with a nice waterfront. From lower Nazare you can take a funicular up to the upper town. Spectacular views.
Lisbon is a wonderful city. Very hilly. Great food. Take a trolly ride for sure. We took one to Belem - a great waterfront here too. Wandering around and getting lost is fun. The castle is interesting as well. A day trip to Sintra is a must. Our last stop was Porto. We loved it here. Walk across the bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia for a visit to the port wine cellars. Sit in a riverfront cafe and take in the view of Porto as you sip a glass of port. I wouldn’t recommend the touristy boat tours of the river. A walk along the riverfront is much more atmospheric. We took a guided day tour to the Douro Valley. Highly recommend. A day trip to Braga on the commuter train is another don’t miss. As you leave the train station you can catch a bus to the Bom Jesus church on the outskirts of Braga. Well worthwhile. The cathedral or Se of Braga is also worthwhile. No need for a car in Lisbon or Porto. In both cities we followed the Rick Steves walking tours from his book on Portugal. Both are very walkable cities - warning -lots of cobblestones so sensible shoes are a must
. We packed a lot into our time there - 3 weeks and we could easily have spent another 3 and still not seen half of the country. We will definitely go back to Portugal. Hope this helps. Pm me if you like.

Maggie thanks for the great post. We're headed to Portugal for four weeks in Feb/March

Nora lucky!!!!

Lee sounds awesome. What time of year did you go?

Lee I agree with Portugal although I'd prefer anywhere in the Algarves first.

You may want to consider Costa Rica;
https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/things-to-do
VISITCOSTARICA.COM
Things to do

Cancun/Riveria Maya is probably still your cheapest option relative to the WJ points you have. For safety, Puerto Aventuras or Playacar are gated resort communities with AI and self catering options. Just got back from Playacar yesterday and the beach was amazing. One of the best beach conditions there that I have experienced. Stayed at the Riu Yucatan (stay elsewhere).

Look at Costa Rixa or Belize

Melina

Nicaragua so gorgeous. Fly into Liberia and cross border. Good value great towns.
Grenada San Juan del Sur OMeteppe

Andrew I'm currently in Costa Rica on vacation and was hoping to go to Nicaragua this time but they're saying due to the recent election that it's a little unstable at the moment

Belize is wonderful if you don’t mind the are being somewhat undeveloped (depending where you go!).

Loved, loved, loved Antigua

I’d still go with Tulúm area! Ruins, cenotes, beaches, snorkeling. Most of the resorts have security checkpoints and there are plenty of them!

San Jose del cabo

Laurie Veley
Lisa we just got back from there yesterday. Nice “UnAmericaized” town. Excellent restaurants.

Go to huatulco. You will love it there. I know I do

Leona , I agree. Direct flight there too and it's about 28 degrees there. Loved the beaches

ixtapa beach...zihuatenejo is the place to go. you won't be disappointed

I spent my 50th in Huatulco. We staying in a holiday inn in Santa Cruz. A few months before we fell in love with the area when staying at the Barcelo.

Hola! We are a family from
Central Alberta who has moved to Costa Rica and now have condos for vacation rentals. We would love to host you for your big birthday!
feel free to message me
For details!

Melina where are your condos located? Thx

Maureen in Playas Del Coco. 25 minutes from
The Liberia airport.

Melina interested. Please pm me

Kelly pm sent

Melina - also interested.

Robyn pm sent

Melina would also like more info on your condos please

Carmen pm sent

Melina me too please! Thank you.

Kerri pm sent

Melina I am interested in learning more about your condos. Thank you.

Gwen pm sent

Melina can send information please.

Sharon pm sent

Melina I’d love more info too!

Jenna pm sent

Melina I am interested in more info please. Thank you.

Kim pm sent

Melina would be interested in more info please. Always wanted to try CR!

Allan pm sent

Melina interested pls

Sara pm sent

Tulum is sounding a bit dangerous & overpriced/overhyped these days. Try looking at Isla Mujeres, or a lot of women in my travel groups have been raving about Antigua & Guatemala lately.
Costa Rica is another great option.

Nicaragua! One of my best trips of all time. Flew into Managua, hired a driver and had a week of "high class" Nica and then a week of living more local (still stayed in hotels instead of hostels, but I'm an adult with standards lol), local busses to get longer distances etc. Did the typical stuff- Granada, Ometepe (beautiful hikes!), San Juan del Sur (amazing hotel there if you need a recommendation), volcano, volcano boarding, stayed at Laguna de Apoyo to start the trip in an amazing air bnb and ended the trip there on the other side of the laguna at a resort (preferred the first side of the laguna, but the hotel was great)

Tessa agree! Check out this place. A big splurge on our trip. Was in the second season of Survivor. Rancho Chilamate Eco Guest Ranch & Horseback Adventures
Amazing.

Tessa Agree! So much to explore !

Tessa how did you go about hiring a driver when you got there? I would like to do this my two boys but am not sure how to go about it.

Hey! I am going to personal message you, we have some special room rates if you are interested!

Dreams Huatulco. Best consistently good weather, safe and high-quality resort

Go to Panama
the beaches are great, and the cities are clean, people helpful and friendly.

You guys are amazing! Lots of great ideas. I've got some legwork...

It certainly depends on what you’re looking for and how you like to travel. Are you talking about an all inclusive? A condo, B&B, a small private hotel? I’d also check out Covid numbers. Panama looks pretty safe. Are you comfortable with USA stopovers or want a direct flight? Lots of things to consider.
If you’re looking at Costa Rica it’s good to know that the beaches vary incredibly from soft white powder, to crushed sea shells, to mud. It’s a very interesting country with diverse restaurants too.
If you want to p.m. me with any questions we’ve travelled to many parts of Mexico, Panama and Costa Rica.

westjet flies direct Calgary to Liberia. short transfer to riu all inclusive. 2 of them side by side.

Where ever you go enjoy it, I turn 50 as well in March and will be heading to the Caribbean as we deserve it.

If you are thinking of Nicaragua, as many have suggested, a PCR test is currently required to enter in addition to a form to fill out. You can see all the requirements at this link;
https://www.visitnicaragua.us/what-should-you-know-to.../
VISITNICARAGUA.US
What you should know to travel to Nicaragua? - Nicaragua Tourism