Need vacation idea...

[trapsetter]

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I also wouldn't want to go to the Caribbean in the middle of summer. It will be insanely hot. Better to go between October and April. May through Sep is just too hot. Not worth the money when you have other places you can go for cheaper that will be more pleasant.

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The local climate is a pleasant tropical marine climate. Little seasonal temperature variation exists, which helps Aruba to attract tourists all year round. Temperatures are almost constant at about 28 °C (82 °F), moderated by constant trade winds from the Atlantic Ocean. Yearly precipitation barely reaches 500 mm (20 in), most of it falling in late autumn.

http://www.arubabound.com/weather/average.htm

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What about the Natalee Holloway thing? Would you want to pay money to go to an island where crime is that rampant and the police are that inept?

There are much nicer islands in the caribbean than Aruba. Anguilla, St Barths, and Turks and Caicos are just a few examples. Aruba would actually rank pretty low.

There are, of course, financial considerations here. Aruba is definitely lower end than a lot of other destinations there, so if you're on a very tight budget Aruba may be a better option than, say, the three I mentioned.

[KotOD]

Tamarindo, Costa Rica sounds like a pretty good fit for what you've stated as your needs. It will be hot, but it's windy and dry as hell in August, so it's not bad. Plenty of outdoor activities - hiking, horseback, canopy tours in the jungle, as well as a daytrip to Arenal - the active volcano, or a tropical rainforest. The town is surrounded on both sides by an estuary and has one of the few hatching beaches for Leatherback turtles.

Endless Summer II, the surfing movie was filmed in Tamarindo at the estuary, so you know the surfing is good - it's even better at a beach about 15 minutes away - Playa Grande.

The town is a mix of foreign ex-pats and locals, it seems like almost 50/50 and is really only touristy from Thanksgiving to easter. The population is only about 6000, so it's a very small town.

The only thing you won't find is 5 star dining. You will, however, find a huge variety there because of the ex-pats from Italy, Switzerland, Canada, US, Argentina, and Germany. There are a number of very good restaurants, every one open air.

I've been there twice and want to retire there, my boss just got back after going on my recommendation and now he wants to retire there.

[mediaslut]

a friend of mine mentioned Kauai, Hawaii. Anyone know if it is less congested that Maui or Oahu?

[goofball]

Much less, and very nice. I don't think you will have much in the way of 4 of 5 star dining. That's what stopped me from recommending Kona too. Seriously though, Kona.

[Acein8ter]

I'd still vote for Maui... Find a place to stay in upcountry to get away from the crowds.

[mediaslut]

thanks for all the posts and PMs guys. I have narrowed it down to 3 candidates.

1) Costa Rica
2) turks and caicos
3) kauai

any thoughts?