Trip Ideas/Cabo San Lucas

[MyDixieWrecked]

I know we have some very well traveled posters here, so I am asking for some recommendations for a great opportunity I have to lead a group of grad students on a trip next summer. Here’s the info:

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15-20 students, we can go anywhere we want for 1 week at the end of August/beginning of September, but we must keep the cost below $1,500 per traveler (including airfare, accommodations, food, ect.)

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Europe, Asia and Africa would probably be a bit too expensive, but I am strongly considering the Caribbean, Central and <ST1:pSouth America</ST1:p. We are looking for a little adventure and a lot of relaxation.

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Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[DaytonBuck]

It's very educational

 

[DiHard]

what do your grad students study?? isnt that kind of important??

 

[MightbeaBuck]

How about a seven night Caribean cruise? Its less than $500 per person at that time of year, it is as relaxing an event as there is, and the food (gourmet meals) is part of the $500 package. You can explore ancient ruins, check out Mexican pyramids, snorkel, go to Las Vegas type shows, but mostly, relax. Its the most fun/relaxing thing I know of.

 

[stxbuck]

St. John's in the Virgin Islands is beautiful. I went there on spring break, and the ocean and beaches are everything you could imagine. There is also a jungle-like national park that covers about 2/3 of the island, so there is more than just sand and rum. As far as accomodation, we stayed in a kick-ass condos-if people would not mind sleeping on couches, you could probably swing that for aa reasonable price, plus the atmosphere is very laid back-not a spring break party type atmosphere in the least (I was kinda disappointed about that, but still had a great time). Plus, there is Larry's Lounge, where you pour your own drinks-they put the bottle on the bar in front of you.

 

[The KSB]

I was reading about this river in Georgia that they're getting ready to dam up. Your grad students could be the last to shoot the rapids on it before it gets dammed up. Talk about your close interraction

 

[tibor75]

Can't beat the high country of Yosemite.

 

[AceBuck]

Costa Rica - great beaches and surf, rain forests, active volcano's and lots of things to do, while being very affordable.

 

[buckzip]

Bring them to my house. I can give you all a good time for $1500 per.

What is the major? It should be something based on that.
Hawaii would be nice if you could be sure not to run into Mililani.

 

[BoxCar_Willie]

email International Field Studies It has a office in Bexley.
I don't know the prices now but back in 98-99 we would go on a week long sailboat trip, sleep on the boat, food covered, airfare to the island covered (from Ft Lauderdale). And you can sail and snorkle/anchor anywhere you want for about $495 a person. But I think these were "friend" prices and obviously a little old. Check it out though

 

[AKAK]

Damn, Max.

That's just what i was going to suggest.

Anyway... if you;re looking of interaction and 'exotic locales' and cheap... these guys have stuff to offer. Plus... its so cheap that if you guys you could afford some pretty good fun on the edges of that week...

 

[RugbyBuck]

Hard to beat Costa Rica. Relatively close, relatively cheap, relatively safe. I used to have relatives there.

 

[exhawg]

I went on a 3 week trip to Europe in grad school. Man did that kick ass. Between Panama City Beach for spring break and Europe in May that was the most fun few months of my life.

 

[AKAK]

Hard to beat Costa Rica. Relatively close, relatively cheap, relatively safe. I used to have relatives there.

Did they have to move due to an overabundence of unused winter clothes?

 

[kinch]

I am not sure what you are looking for, but here are a few observations:

Costa Rica is great and beautiful, but it also feels like it is made for the tourist. It depends on what you are looking for, whether you want to see another culture and feel very "away" or not. As you mentioned relaxation and adventure, however, this may be the perfect place. Plenty of outdoor adventure or outdoor thrill (like ziplines through forests) for those who aren't so crunchy. Also, of course, first class relaxation.

I just returned from Argentina and Uruguay this week, and it would be great to get away somewhere different but won't fit the adventure bill. Food is ridiculously cheap there, fine food for that matter. You can get down there with a hotel for $1000, but if you want adventure, of which there is plenty, the price would likely exceed the budget you pointed out. . .

Finally, even some of Mexico has some great places (like Taxco) and is cheap enough to get around in that you could mix up tourist/travel type feels (I did Taxco - Mexico DF - Aculpulco in 10 days once for less than $1500. . .)

Don't know if this helps at all, but it's all I got. . .

PS - my favorite thing in Uruguay was a sign that said, "wash hands well, help fight cholera." Talk about something you don't want to see on vacation. . .