OT Travel Options.....

[THE HCP]

If you go on vacation do you guys mostly do the All-Inclusive big hotel route? Smaller boutique hotel? Taxi, uber, rental car? I know it depends on where you are going, but is there a certain way you like to travel?

Surprised the The MrsHCP, The HCPJr and The HCPette by taking them to Kauai over all-star break in February. Started looking at hotel room prices and I got us a whole house on stilts in the jungle for way cheaper than hotel rooms. We aren’t the kind of people who would travel to an exotic island and want to be surrounded by a bunch of loud ass drunk mainlanders. Just don’t want to see anybody. Want some peace and quiet.
So we went the Air BnB on the house. ANybody had any bad Air BnB experiences?
Last time on vacation there, I got us a JEEP for about $950 for the week. We went the normal rental route thru HERTZ.
Started doing some research after some friends of mine recommended TURO.
https://turo.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=gs:br:brand:root::usa:d 233125353&utm_term=root::exact aud-494358416765:kwd-1383426951 291994927630 25200930153&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9M6Y9PjC3QIVjop-Ch3zjgo3EAAYASAAEgLcCvD_BwE

Basically it’s Air BnB but for cars. My guys swear by it. Privately owned vehicles that you can rent. All insured. I went ahead and got us a JEEP thru them. Great price, about $750. Waiting for us at the airport.
Curious if you guys have ever used this? Can’t believe I booked the whole family’s flights, house and car on my phone on some apps. Love it.

 

[SlyPokerCat]

There is nothing better than an all inclusive resort in Mexico. Nothing.

We went to Maui for our honeymoon and it was awful. I hated Hawaii for that reason. Way too many tourists as we stayed near Lahaina. I preferred Kihei as there seemed to be more locals and less crowds.

I would love to go to Kauai someday and give Hawaii another shot. But, I dont know if I can with Mexico so affordable and outstanding for all inclusive vacations.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

I'm not a fan of all inclusive shit. I like to book everything separately. I don't really like vacations tbh, I'll do weekend getaways over relaxing vacations. Not a fan of nature. I like cities and culture over chillin. I've personally never booked an AirBNB, I price it out and usually I like the cleanliness and amenities at hotels.

I do like Hawaii, but I like how Oahu is busy, better options for food, etc. Dunno if I'll trust something like Turo...rental car companies at least I can screen ahead of time. Plus I'm a little careless when driving on vacation.

 

[Lanny]

If you go on vacation do you guys mostly do the All-Inclusive big hotel route? Smaller boutique hotel? Taxi, uber, rental car? I know it depends on where you are going, but is there a certain way you like to travel?

Surprised the The MrsHCP, The HCPJr and The HCPette by taking them to Kauai over all-star break in February. Started looking at hotel room prices and I got us a whole house on stilts in the jungle for way cheaper than hotel rooms. We aren’t the kind of people who would travel to an exotic island and want to be surrounded by a bunch of loud ass drunk mainlanders. Just don’t want to see anybody. Want some peace and quiet.
So we went the Air BnB on the house. ANybody had any bad Air BnB experiences?
Last time on vacation there, I got us a JEEP for about $950 for the week. We went the normal rental route thru HERTZ.
Started doing some research after some friends of mine recommended TURO.
https://turo.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=gs:br:brand:root::usa:d 233125353&utm_term=root::exact aud-494358416765:kwd-1383426951 291994927630 25200930153&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9M6Y9PjC3QIVjop-Ch3zjgo3EAAYASAAEgLcCvD_BwE

Basically it’s Air BnB but for cars. My guys swear by it. Privately owned vehicles that you can rent. All insured. I went ahead and got us a JEEP thru them. Great price, about $750. Waiting for us at the airport.
Curious if you guys have ever used this? Can’t believe I booked the whole family’s flights, house and car on my phone on some apps. Love it.

View attachment 22344

I always get a nice hotel. I do look for bargains on nice hotels, though.

I shop for the cheapest air fare.

I always rent a nice car, preferably one with AWD. When I was on the big island in Hawaii, I got a nice car but not nice enough to get me to the top of Mt. Mauna Kea to see the Keck.

 

[hoopsjock]

Renting a car seems like such a rip off to me so I'll only do that if I have to. When I fly I tend to go places like Vegas or Disneyland where you don't really need a car at all. If I know I'm going to be doing a lot of driving I like to make a road trip out of it.

 

[THE HCP]

This TURO app was great to use. Can’t wait to give you guys my review.

 

[THE HCP]

Not a fan of nature. I like cities and culture over chillin. I've personally never booked an AirBNB, I price it out and usually I like the cleanliness and amenities at hotels.

I hear ya. But this is what I’m talking about. Cheaper than a hotel, tucked up against the Na Pali coast. I don’t need room service son. I think we did it right. Post Christmas, pre spring break. Got this whole house for $255 a night! In Hawaii! They filmed Jurassic Park and the opening scenes of Raiders of the Lost Ark right here FAMS! My brother thinks I’m nuts though. He would take a giant pool with music bumping all day every day. Too each his own right?

 

[tlongII]

I hear ya. But this is what I’m talking about. Cheaper than a hotel, tucked up against the Na Pali coast. I don’t need room service son. I think we did it right. Post Christmas, pre spring break. Got this whole house for $255 a night! In Hawaii! They filmed Jurassic Park and the opening scenes of Raiders of the Lost Ark right here FAMS! My brother thinks I’m nuts though. He would take a giant pool with music bumping all day every day. Too each his own right?
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Yuck. Give me a pool with music blaring and girls in bikinis any day!

 

[THE HCP]

Yuck. Give me a pool with music blaring and girls in bikinis any day!

I’ll take chillin in a hammock listening to the waves crashing.

 

[Lanny]

I hear ya. But this is what I’m talking about. Cheaper than a hotel, tucked up against the Na Pali coast. I don’t need room service son. I think we did it right. Post Christmas, pre spring break. Got this whole house for $255 a night! In Hawaii! They filmed Jurassic Park and the opening scenes of Raiders of the Lost Ark right here FAMS! My brother thinks I’m nuts though. He would take a giant pool with music bumping all day every day. Too each his own right?
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You son of a bitch. Don't you know this qualifies as torture?

Will you please adopt me?

 

[THE HCP]

Yuck. Give me a pool with music blaring and girls in bikinis any day!

VS



This is our beach. 200 yards from our house.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

Definitely A for me.

 

[tlongII]

View attachment 22349

VS

View attachment 22350

This is our beach. 200 yards from our house.

That first picture actually looks like a place I stayed in in Maui. Great spot! Lots of bikinis!

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

plus u have little slave bois to bring u daiquiris all day

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

If I had a big fam though, B would be better. Get to cook breakfast and shit with local ingredients, more chill.

Solo or with a chick, I'd prefer a nice resort. When I do go to hawaii I usually get a regular ass hotel in Waikiki though.

 

[donkiez]

If you go on vacation do you guys mostly do the All-Inclusive big hotel route? Smaller boutique hotel? Taxi, uber, rental car? I know it depends on where you are going, but is there a certain way you like to travel?

Surprised the The MrsHCP, The HCPJr and The HCPette by taking them to Kauai over all-star break in February. Started looking at hotel room prices and I got us a whole house on stilts in the jungle for way cheaper than hotel rooms. We aren’t the kind of people who would travel to an exotic island and want to be surrounded by a bunch of loud ass drunk mainlanders. Just don’t want to see anybody. Want some peace and quiet.
So we went the Air BnB on the house. ANybody had any bad Air BnB experiences?
Last time on vacation there, I got us a JEEP for about $950 for the week. We went the normal rental route thru HERTZ.
Started doing some research after some friends of mine recommended TURO.
https://turo.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=gs:br:brand:root::usa:d 233125353&utm_term=root::exact aud-494358416765:kwd-1383426951 291994927630 25200930153&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9M6Y9PjC3QIVjop-Ch3zjgo3EAAYASAAEgLcCvD_BwE

Basically it’s Air BnB but for cars. My guys swear by it. Privately owned vehicles that you can rent. All insured. I went ahead and got us a JEEP thru them. Great price, about $750. Waiting for us at the airport.
Curious if you guys have ever used this? Can’t believe I booked the whole family’s flights, house and car on my phone on some apps. Love it.

View attachment 22344

I travel as much as I can and Ive done just about every combo possible, except TURO. So I will be interested to hear your review on that service. To answer you question, how we travel depends on where we go and what we want to get out of the trip. Usually we prefer the UBER boutique hotel route though, especially if we are exploring a new city where we can be close to the attractions and all the action. I love waking up, getting breakfast at a cafe and then walking all day everywhere exploring a city. I've done airbnb and homeaway a few time and had great experiences, its especially good when we bring the kids and want to save overall money on accommodations. The trick for airbnb type places is to research the place you rent extensively, make sure it has lots of reviews, lots pictures and make sure its in a location you are comfortable with. A big red flag is if they show lots of pictures of the location and few of the actual accommodations, its like "hey, we know the location is awesome thats why we are going, show me the digs" If there are no reviews I would advise against being the guinea pig as there are some scammers out there and I have heard of some horror stories. From what I can tell, for your trip to Kauai, airbnb away from it all, TURO with the family looks like it will be a fantastic vacation and I am jealous. I think you planned it perfect.

 

[donkiez]

If I had a big fam though, B would be better. Get to cook breakfast and shit with local ingredients, more chill.

Solo or with a chick, I'd prefer a nice resort. When I do go to hawaii I usually get a regular ass hotel in Waikiki though.

thats the trick, airbnb with big groups are usually better if you are footing the whole bill. If its just you and a girl then hotels or resorts are the way to go.

 

[donkiez]

There is nothing better than an all inclusive resort in Mexico. Nothing.

We went to Maui for our honeymoon and it was awful. I hated Hawaii for that reason. Way too many tourists as we stayed near Lahaina. I preferred Kihei as there seemed to be more locals and less crowds.

I would love to go to Kauai someday and give Hawaii another shot. But, I dont know if I can with Mexico so affordable and outstanding for all inclusive vacations.

Mexico is awesome and is like budget hawaii with better food. Try a boutique hotel or condo rental in Zona Romantica in downtown Puerto Vallerta. You will have to buy your own food and booze and pay for a spot on the beach at a beach club but it will probably work out to be about half the cost of an all inclusive. There are some seriously fantastic restaurants there also. We can do a week in PV for less than a thousand when its all added up and thats living large.

 

[THE HCP]

I travel as much as I can and Ive done just about every combo possible, except TURO. So I will be interested to hear your review on that service. To answer you question, how we travel depends on where we go and what we want to get out of the trip. Usually we prefer the UBER boutique hotel route though, especially if we are exploring a new city where we can be close to the attractions and all the action. I love waking up, getting breakfast at a cafe and then walking all day everywhere exploring a city. I've done airbnb and homeaway a few time and had great experiences, its especially good when we bring the kids and want to save overall money on accommodations. The trick for airbnb type places is to research the place you rent extensively, make sure it has lots of reviews, lots pictures and make sure its in a location you are comfortable with. A big red flag is if they show lots of pictures of the location and few of the actual accommodations, its like "hey, we know the location is awesome thats why we are going, show me the digs" If there are no reviews I would advise against being the guinea pig as there are some scammers out there and I have heard of some horror stories. From what I can tell, for your trip to Kauai, airbnb away from it all, TURO with the family looks like it will be a fantastic vacation and I am jealous. I think you planned it perfect.

Ya we have had fantastic experiences with Air BnB so far. The picture thing is funny. I don’t want to see pics of waterfalls and famous locations. I want to see the house! Reviews we live by. Looking forward to seeing how this TURO turns out.

 

[SlyPokerCat]

Mexico is awesome and is like budget hawaii with better food. Try a boutique hotel or condo rental in Zona Romantica in downtown Puerto Vallerta. You will have to buy your own food and booze and pay for a spot on the beach at a beach club but it will probably work out to be about half the cost of an all inclusive. There are some seriously fantastic restaurants there also. We can do a week in PV for less than a thousand when its all added up and thats living large.

Haven't been to PV, but my wife has multiple times.

We went to Playa Mujeres in Cancun last year. It was amazing. The food was phenomenal. The drinks were constant. The entertainment was fun, hung out at the pool most the time, danced at the clubs with the wives (went with a bunch of high school buddies) went on a catamaran booze ride to isle mujeres. It was awesome.

Just had a baby so not sure how long until we go again, but our next trip to Mexico is gonna be to Cabo.

 

[donkiez]

Haven't been to PV, but my wife has multiple times.

We went to Playa Mujeres in Cancun last year. It was amazing. The food was phenomenal. The drinks were constant. The entertainment was fun, hung out at the pool most the time, danced at the clubs with the wives (went with a bunch of high school buddies) went on a catamaran booze ride to isle mujeres. It was awesome.

Just had a baby so not sure how long until we go again, but our next trip to Mexico is gonna be to Cabo.

Never been to Cabo but Im sure its great. Ive been to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeras plenty of times though and love it for different reason than we love Puerto Vallerta. PV is our favorite spot so far, the the vibe is different there and the jungle and mountains are amazing. The Yucatan beaches and ruins are amazing though but it just feels more "scammy" there, not sure how else to describe it, but everywhere we went someone had their hand in our pocket. PV is more chill and feels like a small village in Europe. My informal opinion is thats its because there are more families with history there, in the Yucatan its been built up recently and lots of people travel there for work. Our next mexico adventure will probably be Puerto Escondido. Its suppose to be like a more rural PV that hasn't really exploded yet.

 

[jonnyboy]

I stayed a week at Aulani (the Disney resort) in Oahu, it was pretty sweet, we were doing a big family thing (my wedding) tho so it was all day sight seeing, tourist stuff most the time. Father in law footed most the bill so I can't complain a bit. It really was a great time. I'd love to go back and do it low key, just rent a car and a little pad and do whatever we want for a week or so. Like many in this thread have said tho, Mexico seems to be more in line with my tastes and budget. I figure our next trip will be there.

 

[tlongII]

I LOVE Cabo! Been there 10 times.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

Hawaii is so much better than Mexico and it isnt close.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

I LOVE Cabo! Been there 10 times.

I bet you buy a lot of "t-shirts" on the beach.

I used to buy weeks from this lady who owned a timeshare, would stay at the Pueblo Bonito Blanco or Rose for about $500 for 7 days. We would always get an ocean facing suite that had two master bedrooms and a kitchen. Loved the magic basket.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

I LOVE Cabo! Been there 10 times.

You ever take scooters into the town and see the bull fights in that little ring?

Or have lunch at the Hotel California in Todos Santos?

 

[tlongII]

You ever take scooters into the town and see the bull fights in that little ring?

Or have lunch at the Hotel California in Todos Santos?

Nah. I’ve been fishing several times and drove one of those Razor ATV’s in the desert though. Always go to Gardenia’s for tacos too.

 

[MARIS61]

We usually book the cheapest motel that fits our criteria:
1. Location
2. Sparkling reviews on cleanliness/friendliness.

We don't spend a lot of our time at the motel anyway.

If flying, we rent the cheapest 4 seat car with the flight.
We don't vacation in snowy places so no need for awd/4wd.

Our Costa Rica trip will be our first all-inclusive tour, staying at resort hotels, with everything handled except the flights.

I am doing this because I never have and will probably learn more and see more, it's a 3rd world country, with more bug species than any other country, and indoor plumbing is not universal there. Also, it will probably keep me out of trouble that I might wander into on my own.

My wife is doing it so I am not driving on what we hear are pretty bad, unsigned roads.

 

[MARIS61]

Hawaii is so much better than Mexico and it isnt close.

Not to mention this:

Feb 21, 2018, 09:20am
Mexico: Where More Americans Are Murdered Than In All Other Foreign Countries Combined

• 
  With beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, historic ruins and a myriad of business opportunities, Mexico has so much to offer American vacationers and business travelers. Millions of Americans visit the country annually without incident, but, if you heed the most recent government warnings and data, you may want to think twice about heading south of the border.
  
  
  
  
  A police officer stands guard after a shooting victim was brought to a hospital in Cancun, Mexico, last July. Drug traffickers brought violence to spring-break meccas, shooting up nightclubs and leaving bodies in suitcases outside exclusive condos. {Photographer: Brett Gundlock/Bloomberg)
  
  Advisories released last month by the U.S. State Department tell Americans not to set foot in five Mexican states — Sinaloa, Colima, Michoacan, Guerrero and Tamaulipas — because of violent crime. Traveling to those states is as dangerous, according to the State Department's safety ratings, as traveling to Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq. And Americans with plans to go to 11 other Mexican states should “reconsider,” the agency says.
  
  Most recent State Department data may also cause travelers to pause before booking a trip to Mexico. In 2016, according to my analysis of the data, more Americans were reported killed by homicide in Mexico than the combined total of Americans killed by homicide in every other country abroad.
  
  More than 31 million Americans visited Mexico in 2016, the National Travel & Tourism Office says, and State Department data shows there were reports of 75 American homicide victims there. In comparison, 49 million Americans traveled to all other foreign countries, and 69 were reported killed by homicide.
  
  Of the five Mexican states that the State Department tells Americans not to visit, one, Tamaulipas, borders the USA. It shares a 230-mile border with Texas, and murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, extortion and sexual assault commonly occur, the State Department says.
  
  “Gang activity, including gun battles, is widespread," the agency says. "Armed criminal groups target public and private passenger buses traveling through Tamaulipas, often taking passengers hostage and demanding ransom payments.”
  
  Four of the 11 Mexican states that the State Department says Americans should "reconsider" traveling to — Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Sonora — border the USA. The other seven are Estado de Mexico, Jalisco, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi and Zacatecas.
  
  U.S. government employees are not permitted to drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to "the interior parts of Mexico with the exception of daytime travel on Highway 15 between Nogales and Hermosillo," the State Department says.
  
  The agency's advisories add up to a no-go warning for more than half of Mexico’s 31 states. The country’s remaining 15 states and its capital city, Mexico City, also have a lesser warning: “Exercise increased caution.”
  
  Such increased caution is advised in Quintana Roo state which includes popular tourist areas Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and the Riviera Maya. Mexican government statistics show an increase in homicide rates in the state last year, the State Department says.
  
  "While most of these homicides appeared to be targeted, criminal organization assassinations, turf battles between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens," the agency says. "Shooting incidents injuring or killing bystanders have occurred."
  
  The Australian government also expresses concern about the safety of areas frequented by vacationers.
  
  "Violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, sexual assault and kidnapping, occurs in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations and beach resorts, and the risks increase after dark," the Australian government says. "Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is prevalent in tourist destinations, airports, hotels, bus stations and on public transport."
  
  The Australian government says there have been reports of sexual assault, extortion and robbery "being committed by individuals presenting themselves as police officers, sometimes driving automobiles resembling police vehicles."
  
  Kidnappings are common, and there have been allegations of complicity by police officers," the Australian government says. "Be cautious and discreet about discussing your financial or business affairs."
  
  The Canadian government sayshotel employees, taxi drivers and security personnel "at popular tourist destinations" have physically or sexually assaulted foreigners. Be wary of beverages and snacks offered by taxi drivers, strangers or new acquaintances, because they "may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery," the government advises.

 

[barfo]

We usually book the cheapest motel that fits our criteria:
1. Location
2. Sparkling reviews on cleanliness/friendliness.

We don't spend a lot of our time at the motel anyway.

If flying, we rent the cheapest 4 seat car with the flight.
We don't vacation in snowy places so no need for awd/4wd.

Our Costa Rica trip will be our first all-inclusive tour, staying at resort hotels, with everything handled except the flights.

I am doing this because I never have and will probably learn more and see more, it's a 3rd world country, with more bug species than any other country, and indoor plumbing is not universal there. Also, it will probably keep me out of trouble that I might wander into on my own.

My wife is doing it so I am not driving on what we hear are pretty bad, unsigned roads.

It's a SHITHOLE COUNTRY, and you are GONNA DIE!

But then again, with all the criminals and loose dogs in the woods in La Pine, you'll probably be much safer in Costa Rica.

barfo