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I'll be setting something up for May, as I'm a soon-to-be grad. Haven't really started looking, but I'll share my findings on this thread. Keep us posted on your research as well.
cf
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What do you like to do?
I'm sure my "ideal" vacation would not fit into most peoples plans.
EVER.
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Nothing as interesting as heli skiing, just looking to go somewhere fun for a small group with more than just a beach. I had big dreams of southeast asia or north africa but it seems like everyone's budgets are pretty thin. Will probably have to settle on something closer and more affordable.
Care to share your ideal???
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To the OP:
I would advise against Europe for several reasons.
1) the dollar is VERY weak right now
2) Europe is already expensive
3) Europe is very "mature" for the most part, i.e. stuff you can package-tour when you're old and do it in style. Berlin, French Riviera, the Rhone valley etc, you can do much better when you're old and rich.
I would advise that you choose somewhere with weather agreeable for whatever your planned activities are (monsoon season = not a good time for beaching), somewhere CHEAP, and somewhere you're unlikely to be able to get to anytime soon again (once you hit residency).
I applied that logic and went to Thailand and Malaysia in MS4 year, would definitely recommend Thailand and if I'd had more time/$$$ I woulda gone to Vietnam +/- Cambodia. In internship, Costa Rica on a shoestring - I got by on $50 eating 3 meals out, drinking, and staying in very decent hotels in single rooms. If you're having a tough time convincing your travelmates on Asia, how about Central or South America? Brazil? Chile? Peru? Or Australia or New Zealand (more likely to set you back $$$). Turkey or Eastern Europe?
Ultimately I'd recommend picking an activity first, with good weather for it, and go from there. Have an open mind and be adventurous - you only get one MS4 year. Best of luck!
I would advise against Europe for several reasons.
1) the dollar is VERY weak right now
2) Europe is already expensive
3) Europe is very "mature" for the most part, i.e. stuff you can package-tour when you're old and do it in style. Berlin, French Riviera, the Rhone valley etc, you can do much better when you're old and rich.
I would advise that you choose somewhere with weather agreeable for whatever your planned activities are (monsoon season = not a good time for beaching), somewhere CHEAP, and somewhere you're unlikely to be able to get to anytime soon again (once you hit residency).
I applied that logic and went to Thailand and Malaysia in MS4 year, would definitely recommend Thailand and if I'd had more time/$$$ I woulda gone to Vietnam +/- Cambodia. In internship, Costa Rica on a shoestring - I got by on $50 eating 3 meals out, drinking, and staying in very decent hotels in single rooms. If you're having a tough time convincing your travelmates on Asia, how about Central or South America? Brazil? Chile? Peru? Or Australia or New Zealand (more likely to set you back $$$). Turkey or Eastern Europe?
Ultimately I'd recommend picking an activity first, with good weather for it, and go from there. Have an open mind and be adventurous - you only get one MS4 year. Best of luck!
While it is true that most of Europe is expensive, there are places that are still really cheap. Portugal and Greece fall into that category. You can get decent hotels for 30-40 Euro a night, wine for 1 Euro, good food for 10-20 Euro a day if you don't mind eating local. And the best thing for those who don't travel that often, no security/safety concerns (apart from the stuff you have everywhere). Tons of history, awesome nightlife, warm weather, large proportion of the population that speaks at least some english. Good bet. I would agree with not doing france and england until you have the $$$.
That said, New Zealand is also a great spot, as is Hawaii. Both really cheap in this economy (apart from the airfare)...
Remember, Priceline is your friend, as are the Lonely Planet books...
That said, New Zealand is also a great spot, as is Hawaii. Both really cheap in this economy (apart from the airfare)...
Remember, Priceline is your friend, as are the Lonely Planet books...
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Portugal is very much affordable and the dry heat is nice. Jordan is a good suggestion. Get on a camle, head out into the desert and check out the anccient city of Petra in southern Jordan= awsome if you like a bit of history in your travels. You could also go to India for a good bang for your buck. The chief of our department just got back from a motorcylce tour in Patagonia. Looked like an awsome trip from his slide show.
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I know there is A LOT of political BS in Venezuela, but I'd like to shine a little bit of light onto an otherwise beautiful country.
1/2 my genes come from the good 'ol US and the other half come from Venezuela. So I am biased. A well planed vacation to Venezuela can be both amazing and cheap.
Eco tourism in Venezuela is out of this world- Literally. The famous book/movie "Lost world" is based upon what explorers found in Tepuis, Venezuela. You won't find anything like it anywhere else. You can check out the biggest waterfall in the world: "El Salto Angel" otherwise known as the Angel Falls. The jungle is crazy. Ancient tribes, their Shaman and their culture are still very alive.
The beaches are incredible, the surf is amazing. The food is to die for. If you head up into the Andes... you can find anything. Where I used to live we used to have sloth bears and monkeys as our backyard pets. The biggest anacondas in the world live there. If you like to deep sea fish... look nowhere else.
Yanomani kids with their curare darts...
And... of course... Venezuela holds the most Miss Universe titles than any other country other than the US
1/2 my genes come from the good 'ol US and the other half come from Venezuela. So I am biased. A well planed vacation to Venezuela can be both amazing and cheap.
Eco tourism in Venezuela is out of this world- Literally. The famous book/movie "Lost world" is based upon what explorers found in Tepuis, Venezuela. You won't find anything like it anywhere else. You can check out the biggest waterfall in the world: "El Salto Angel" otherwise known as the Angel Falls. The jungle is crazy. Ancient tribes, their Shaman and their culture are still very alive.
The beaches are incredible, the surf is amazing. The food is to die for. If you head up into the Andes... you can find anything. Where I used to live we used to have sloth bears and monkeys as our backyard pets. The biggest anacondas in the world live there. If you like to deep sea fish... look nowhere else.
Yanomani kids with their curare darts...
And... of course... Venezuela holds the most Miss Universe titles than any other country other than the US
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And... of course... Venezuela holds the most Miss Universe titles than any other country other than the US
Is a pretty lady such as her the reason 1/2 your genes come from Venezuela?
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I have the BEST answer for you...but you have to go with a group and a group guide. GO TO EGYPT.
I have been to Egypt and to Europe. Europe is very similar to the US, to the Americans, Egypt, or even Morocco is JUST BEAUTIFUL.
You know what? You can go to Jordan. I know it is on the borders or Iraq, but our soldiers go there to their R&R. Jordan is safe. You can see lot of what's left of the Roman Empire, you can visit the city that is carved in stone Perta. You can swim in the Dead sea. You can swin in the Red sea in the gulf of Akaba.
You will love it. (and I have a list of stuff I want you to by me from Egypt and Jordan)). If you go there, I can give you a doctor's address he can meet you there. He started The Jordanian Diabetes Foundation.
(I getting more excited than you)....Pls. whatever you pick, come back and post the photos
Good Luck
I spent about a week and a half travelling in Morocco and I totally second this idea. Morocco was sweet and definitely one of the most memorable places I've visited! My friends and I took the ferry from Spain into Tangier. From there you can take the train to any major cities. For like $15 you can get a deluxe sleeper cabin and sleep while you travel. I went with 4 people, and we got an entire cabin to ourselves everywhere we traveled.
Amenities are nice and the hostels we stayed at were good. We took a bus ride out to the desert and took some camels into the Sahara and spent a night in the desert. Totally awesome.
As a bonus, it really wasn't all that expensive, so you shouldn't break the bank with that kind of trip.
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People keep saying europe is expensive, but if you know how to do it then it isn't bad at all. I went when it was nearly 2:1. My flight to Berlin was 600 roundtrip. I then spent about 500 dollars total in a month of bumming around before I started studying. Once I had consistent housing I was spending about 40 dollars a week while going out all the time.
Honestly, those package tour things aren't europe. The best way to visit is to bum around hostels, make friends, take trains and just do your own thing. I stayed at people's places, got free drinks at bars, and I even worked a bar in Belgium for a night and got a week free in the hostel with free drinks. Also had great stories from it. I even befriended a DJ and traveled to a few cities in Germany with him. I got to be a bouncer for the first few hours and then go in and talk it up with the ladies.
Honestly, those package tour things aren't europe. The best way to visit is to bum around hostels, make friends, take trains and just do your own thing. I stayed at people's places, got free drinks at bars, and I even worked a bar in Belgium for a night and got a week free in the hostel with free drinks. Also had great stories from it. I even befriended a DJ and traveled to a few cities in Germany with him. I got to be a bouncer for the first few hours and then go in and talk it up with the ladies.
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In no particular order:
1) Bora
2) Bora.
Enjoy! 😀
On a trip to New Zealand once, I remember mid-flight from LA, that I was probably right over my dream beach destination (BB). And flying, 650MPH, at 33,000 ft, right on by it! 🙁 Bonus is that on the way home, I got to do a little time traveling. On the way back, I told my friend, "You realize I just flew PAST my dream destination...twice...NOT GOOD."
New Zealand had its moments.
1) Bora
2) Bora.
Enjoy! 😀
On a trip to New Zealand once, I remember mid-flight from LA, that I was probably right over my dream beach destination (BB). And flying, 650MPH, at 33,000 ft, right on by it! 🙁 Bonus is that on the way home, I got to do a little time traveling. On the way back, I told my friend, "You realize I just flew PAST my dream destination...twice...NOT GOOD."
New Zealand had its moments.
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Great topic!
I think you should go for sure. Even though you could save $, I think you are better to have great experiences throughout your life. I went to Europe when I was a fourth yr for 19 days--NEVER a regret. You will make the money to pay it later. Just make sure you are ok with some personal delayed gratification (I haven't bought a house or car since I finshed residency).
I have been on a carribbean cruise, eurotrip, Hong Kong, and I just returned from 10 days in New Zealand. Some advice I have for you is to go for a little bit less time than you maximally could take and plan on spending whatever you want. Now don't go crazy with spending, but don't let $ keep you from anything you really want to do while there. I usually overbudget then spend freely. I always come back with money in my pocket and I don't kick myself for passing on something. After all, you never know when you can go back-if ever.
I will say that I am a big fan of beaches, but Hong Kong and Europe were sweet! I'd recommend eastern Europe. I agree that western Europe is significantly more exensive and I always knew I would go there later in life when I had $ to do it right. Plus, most of those places (Paris, Spain, Italy) I wanted to go later with a lady friend.
My med school buddy an I went to Salzburg, Budapest (very highly recommend-we stayed a week), Prague, Berlin, and Amsterdam. My flight back then was ~$800. Chicks all around there were hot and tons of nightlife. No beaches though.
I don't like cruises because I prefer to explore the destination rather than the boat. You will spend $ on the boat bc they will only let you buy alcohol from them-can't bring your own. Also, you can't buy large bottle from them to keep in your cabin, so consider that. Most of your fun can be determined by who ELSE is on the ship.
HK- I would go there again. Unforgettable city with great food. English can get you by easily. Can also get some great deals on tailored clothes-also can in thialand.
NZ was phenomenal, but I was also with my girl. All types of activities are there. We went to beaches, cruised in the fiords, chilled in the towns. If you go here, you MUST go to Queenstown. Lots to do and beautiful. Just know that north and south islands likely require a flight between them and the beaches you want to see are on the north island. Q'town is on south.
Let me know if you want more info and good luck!
I think you should go for sure. Even though you could save $, I think you are better to have great experiences throughout your life. I went to Europe when I was a fourth yr for 19 days--NEVER a regret. You will make the money to pay it later. Just make sure you are ok with some personal delayed gratification (I haven't bought a house or car since I finshed residency).
I have been on a carribbean cruise, eurotrip, Hong Kong, and I just returned from 10 days in New Zealand. Some advice I have for you is to go for a little bit less time than you maximally could take and plan on spending whatever you want. Now don't go crazy with spending, but don't let $ keep you from anything you really want to do while there. I usually overbudget then spend freely. I always come back with money in my pocket and I don't kick myself for passing on something. After all, you never know when you can go back-if ever.
I will say that I am a big fan of beaches, but Hong Kong and Europe were sweet! I'd recommend eastern Europe. I agree that western Europe is significantly more exensive and I always knew I would go there later in life when I had $ to do it right. Plus, most of those places (Paris, Spain, Italy) I wanted to go later with a lady friend.
My med school buddy an I went to Salzburg, Budapest (very highly recommend-we stayed a week), Prague, Berlin, and Amsterdam. My flight back then was ~$800. Chicks all around there were hot and tons of nightlife. No beaches though.
I don't like cruises because I prefer to explore the destination rather than the boat. You will spend $ on the boat bc they will only let you buy alcohol from them-can't bring your own. Also, you can't buy large bottle from them to keep in your cabin, so consider that. Most of your fun can be determined by who ELSE is on the ship.
HK- I would go there again. Unforgettable city with great food. English can get you by easily. Can also get some great deals on tailored clothes-also can in thialand.
NZ was phenomenal, but I was also with my girl. All types of activities are there. We went to beaches, cruised in the fiords, chilled in the towns. If you go here, you MUST go to Queenstown. Lots to do and beautiful. Just know that north and south islands likely require a flight between them and the beaches you want to see are on the north island. Q'town is on south.
Let me know if you want more info and good luck!
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Just got back from a 7 nights at the Cozumel Palace Resort. A++++++++++++++ service. It's an all inclusive resort. Seriously good liquor, just ask for doubles all the time. Perfect weather while I was there. Two one-tank dives for < 75$ on amazing reefs & walls, and the boat picks you up right off the hotel pier. Cozumel is a walkable town, and nice for an active water-based sports vacation, or for just chilling, practicing your Spanish, and giving yourself a chemical lobotomy. Two dance clubs open now, Neptune, and another that just opened. Both < 100 meters from the Cozumel Palace. Ferry to the mainland for even more activities. Lot's of condos and houses to rent for nights, weeks, or months. I'm headed back as soon as I can. Enjoy your freedom, you'll regret it if you don't. Congrats on finishing med school. Cheers.
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Anyone been to the Mayan Riviera?? (if so, where/what resort?)
I heard you can get a pretty good bang for the buck. Great weather/environment and reasonable cost.
Input welcome.
cf
I heard you can get a pretty good bang for the buck. Great weather/environment and reasonable cost.
Input welcome.
cf
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My husband and I went to the Riviera Maya in August this past year and stayed at an all-inclusive resort called The Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya. It was awesome! We got a special on it and it was about $1500 for both of us for 6 days with our flights included! Trips are a bit expensive when you're there but they're definitely worth it! I got the trip on Bookit.com which has great specials, just make sure you check TripAdvisor before you book the hotel.
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Thank you so much for the info. I'm going to start focusing on that neck of the woods.... Great to hear you had such a great time!
cf
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Hey, can you comment on the all-inclusive meals at this place??
My gf just got back from Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic (Majestic Elegance), and she said that all was great EXCEPT for the food.
She said they felt as if they were on an assembly line where the staff wanted to get you served, cleared (even when obviously NOT finished), and moved on to the next course or out. People constantly coming up to you saying "finished"? while still having a near full plate......
This is horrible. I hate feeling rushed on vacation, and especially when dining on vacation.
How was it at Serenis??
cf
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I didn't think the food or service was bad at all. They had a buffet which could be hit or miss. I honestly am not a food snob and pretty much like everything unless it's really gross. They had some weird stuff to eat but I just stayed away from the food that didn't look so good. There was a huge selection. They did not rush us at all ever at the buffet. You can eat it for every meal if you want. There were never that many people there though so that might be the difference (the hotel was only about 1/2 full)
They also had I think 7 sit down restaurants that were part of the all-inclusive package, you just had to make reservations. The ones we went to were very good and they did have courses but I never felt rushed.
Let me know if you have other questions!
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While I'm sure it's not what most people think of as a vacation, if it's ever crossed your mind, or you like mountains, or you really want to get "off the grid", I recommend an expedition to the Himalayas. I say "expedition" because a trip out into these mountains needs to be taken seriously and you need to be prepared (know where you're going, good equipment, etc). It may seem daunting, but if you're reasonably fit, it's doable. For reasons you know, proper acclimatization is key to having a good experience. You can hire porters and guides or you can do it yourself. Good jump off points are Ladakh (India) or Pokhara (Nepal). You don't need to climb Everest. There are plenty of 15,000 and 18,000 ft passes that will test your will and blow your mind - with the tallest mountains in the world still towering above you. And the high altitude lakes are also amazing. The picture above is Pangong Lake in Ladakh, >14,000 feet, saltwater! Among the other caveats, you gotta be careful about what you eat and drink in these countries - one souvenir you don't want is giardia or entamoeba histolytica.😎
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Sure, but nowhere are you going to "see it all," no matter how much you travel. You just make a reasonable plan and go.
And yes, I have heard Chile is wonderful. Many people have recommended it highly to me.
Another good place is Argentina. Depending on the season, you can ski, scuba dive, hunt, hike the Andes or other smaller mountains, visit wineries, or bask lazily in its sunny beaches. Oh, and regardless of the season, you can always enjoy the shopping and the night life in Buenos Aires with its restaurants, movies, concerts, art galleries, museums, dance halls, and learn to dance the tango.
And as Code Brown said above, Greece and Portugal are still good and affordable places, and so is Turkey.
Have fun.
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Maylasian Borneo sebah is simply amazing. Cheap and carried, the first survivor was filmed there. It's where alot of Australians go for their vacas. Argentina is like going to Paris on sale with better beef. It is flat cold there in July though. Chile basically just think California, Oregon Washington with a much smaller central valley. Great wine and skiing.
