I have all of December off from work, where should I go?

I’ve not yet done any research whatsoever on this, and figured it would be fun to start off by asking you lot.

Is December even a good time to visit this part of the world, weatherwise?

I’ll be traveling alone and I’m not looking for an action packed vacation. Beautiful scenery, tasty drinks and good food will do the trick. Beach vacations aren’t normally my thing, but I think that’s just what I’m in need of now.

Preferably somewhere I’m not in danger of getting robbed and stabbed every waking minute, too. That would be nice.

I’ll be traveling from Norway, btw.

  • RagingHungryPanda@lemm.ee
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    2 months ago

    A quick stop over by Aruba would be pretty. I’ve also heard good things about Martinique. I haven’t been to either myself yet. I heard that Aruba also has a huge Carnival celebration, so that season around February would be super fun.

    • qprimed@lemmy.ml
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      2 months ago

      looking to slow right the F down? any of the family (meaning not primary islands) islands in the Bahamas, but particularly abaco, eleuthera, long island or andros. 100% totally different way of living than you are likely used to.

      visited many times and wanting to go back before its all gone due to climate change.

      edit: tagging @[email protected] cuz I did a dumb and subcommented.

      • borari@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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        2 months ago

        Speaking of andros, the new show on Apple TV Bad Monkey takes place half in Florida and half in Andros, and was a really fun watch.

        • qprimed@lemmy.ml
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          2 months ago

          ok, now thats just a slice of awesomeness! thank you, kind friend. will look for the show.

        • espentan@lemmy.worldOP
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          2 months ago

          I just finished watching that show, and it is in part what made me decide it’s about time I explore the Caribbean.

          I’ve been to southern Florida, and Key West, a couple of times and I suppose I’m looking for more of that feel/vibe.

  • Dagwood222@lemm.ee
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    2 months ago

    Belize. Tiny country next to Mexico and Guatemala. I was there in August for scuba diving. Population under 200,000.

    It’s British Commonwealth so everyone speaks English; has Mayan ruins and extensive caves; it’s next to the second largest reef system in the world and has fantastic scuba diving.

  • espentan@lemmy.worldOP
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    2 months ago

    Thanks, everyone, for all the advice! I have to say, it’s pretty friggin’ cool to post a question like this and have so many people chime in :)

    I’ll keep you in the loop on where I end up, and what I end up doing!

      • TheOubliette@lemmy.ml
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        2 months ago

        Yes, instead of going to a soulless tourist trap with a private resort beach, go to a place where you can directly support the people there and have cultural exchange. Cuba could use the support, will provide less of a tourist trap experience, and will meet OP’s criteria.

        If you want to avoid rolling brownouts/blackouts you will need to rule out the entirety of the Caribbean. It is very poor and exploited. Jamaica had weeks of blackouts in July. The DR had blackouts so intense a few years ago that they had mass protest movements. They still have rolling blackouts this year. Puerto Rico, a US colony of US citizens, is notorious for blackouts and experienced several this year. Trinidad and Tobago also face blackouts, though they have been improving for the last year.

        The main way that tourists avoid these things is by staying at an aforementioned soulless resort that has massive backup generators.

  • xmunk@sh.itjust.works
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    2 months ago

    Seeing Arecibo is on my vague todo list… why? Because I’m the generation that grew up with golden eye.

    • espentan@lemmy.worldOP
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      2 months ago

      I’m that generation, too. Well, to be frank, I was 19 when Goldeneye hit the big screen, so I suppose I was already grown up? Although, considering how much I’ve changed, I guess not…

    • SnokenKeekaGuard@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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      2 months ago

      There’s also that marathon in Jamaica which might be in December (not sure).

      Also Sabina park is in Kingston. Forgot to mention that previously.

      I’m sure you’ll find some cool Christmas related fairs too. And new years too obviously.

  • sylver_dragon@lemmy.world
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    2 months ago

    I’ll throw Grand Cayman on the list. Specifically, I’d recommend visiting Stingray City. Just a really neat experience to feed/pet stingrays while wading around on a sandbar.

    • frigidaphelion@lemmy.world
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      2 months ago

      My stupid america brain forced me to read that as “Grand Canyon” at least three times before getting it right, I was rather confused

  • MrVilliam@lemmy.world
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    2 months ago

    Mexico is a nice time, and you can get good deals on all inclusive places. In general, Cancun is more about partying and Playa del Carmen is more about chilling and/or shopping. My wife and I have been to The Reef 28 in Playa del Carmen twice which is adults only and all inclusive with access to their sister resorts nearby and it was a great time. If you book through them directly you can get a bundle that includes flight and transportation to and from the Cancun airport, and they’ll work with you to get deals on snorkeling or whatever you wanna do. Just don’t pay for anything in the airport, they’re scams.

    Most importantly, have the vacation that you want and have the time that you want. You can see the sights, do adventures, or loaf, and it’s your call what you want to do with your vacation.