Costa Rica, Caribbean, Florida, Galapagos

[Teacup81]

Thinking of our holiday for next August when DD1 finished her A levels.

They enjoy shopping, also natural scenery and wildlife, nice beaches, good food.

Any advice would be appreciated

We did Costa Rica at the end of August a few years ago. It is the rainy season so there are places that's is not really worth visiting like the Oso peninsula.

But we had a fab time. We did Caribbean coast, which has the best weather that time of year and lots of sloths, then a jungle lodge for walks and white-water rating. Then Arenal for zip-lining, canopy walks, hot springs. Weather here was a bit mixed, we had to wait a couple of days to be able to see the volcano, but the hot springs are good for relaxing in the rain. We then went to the Pacific Coast for a few days for surfing & horse riding. Weather was pretty mixed there too, it basically rained for a couple of hours every day, but you can still do stuff around it.

I haven't been to the other places you've mentioned so can't compare but it was one of our favourite family holidays. I don't think you can beat it for wildlife in that region.

Thank you. Did you organise the trip yourself? Where did you stay in the Caribbean coast exactly?

I know Costa Rica and Japan always get mentioned here as best family holidays. We just did Japan and it certainly met all our expectations expectations; so maybe we do Costa Rica next year.

Would prefer to organise ourselves so advice reg where to stay would be appreciated. I am thinking 5 days Caribbean side and 5 days jungle lodge.

You are going to be hurricane season July / August in Caribbean and Florida - doable but perhaps could disappoint after spending a lot of money?
Costa Rica also is in rainy season in our summer but it usually is just for a couple of hours a day.
Have you considered Sri Lanka? There are fabulous safaris (think Jungle book but Leopards instead of Tiger! Elephants, Crocs, monkeys and really lovely luxurious safari camps. The food is pretty special too as are the beaches.

I’d not go to any except Galapagos at that time of year.

Florida is just unbearable at that time - we have family there. The humidity is punishing.
The Caribbean is also warming up the hurricane season, and again not the best time.

We loved Costa Rica, but again it’s the wet season and frankly it’s a compromise. I know plenty go, but some companies don’t fly there in the summer, so that has to tell you something.

Brazil would tick all your boxes as would Indonesia. Tanzania with Zanzibar extension.

I don't think Costa Rica is usually in the hurricane zone.

Caribbean coast has good weather in our summer. We stayed near Cahuita in a place called Suiza Loco - it wasn't posh but perfectly nice with a pool. You can also go to Tortugero where there is a jungle lodge, we didn't have time but heard it was good. We stayed in one near Pacuare and did white-water rafting there - weather was good there too.

We did organize it ourselves and rented a car but there are loads of tour guides.

It's not the best country for shopping & food though as those are also on your list.

If you want to go away in August I'd look at Indonesia for sure