Outdoorsy type holiday - heading west

[MardAsSnails]

We live overseas and will be heading back to the UK at Christmas. Obviously we love seeing everyone, however I get itchy feet and love exploring new places.

We're thinking, seeing as we'll be 7 hours closer, that we might head west for a week so Caribbean, US, Mexico etc. However, sitting in one resort for a week bores the shit out of me, plus DH is now 135 days sober so nothing pool and cocktail based. Normal holidays involve lots of hiking, often WW2 history, rafting, etc.

I'm struggling to find anything that fits the bill. I'm thinking Cuba might work. We've done Canada (plus, as we don't ski, that may not be best in December!), and Vegas / San Fran / LA. Never been anywhere else that direction.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks :)

I loved Costa Rica.

Arizona, Utah, Death Valley - all around 20 in December (lower on high ground obviously). Fly into Vegas or Phoenix

Cuba isn’t really an outdoorsy holiday - I can’t remember seeing any active activities on offer (but to be honest, probably wasn’t looking for them!). If you steer clear of all the big AI places in Varadero though & like history, it’s got loads to offer! Havana has a feel of a living museum with its clapped out old cars, decaying colonial buildings, Fidel ranting on the TV & Che’s on many buildings. I loved it & it felt safe walking around. There’s a public beach a taxi ride away at Santa Maria del Mar. It’s not exactly hiking but you’ll do a lot of walking! We stayed at the Hotel Nacional in Havana which has had guests including Al Capone, Frank Sinatra & Johnny Depp.

If you do really want an active holiday & would like to be somewhere really tropical then Costa Rica would be a better bet. It will be dry high season so costlier than at other times but a really beautiful country! There’s lots of activities from zip lining, hiking, riding & kayaking on offer. I loved it & while you’ll find big blah resorts particularly in Guanacaste, there’s loads of more interesting places to stay. Great country & again feels very safe. San Jose is a dump but if you like history, worth spending a day as they have a pretty unique one in the region.

Other than that, your best bet is the States for an activity holiday & there are other people who can give you really great suggestions (I’ve only ever been to cities!).

Have fun planning!

Cool - hadn’t considered central or South America.

Will get looking at Costa Rica!