Confessions of a YYC Travel Junkie

[fotze2]

Originally Posted by Bill Bumface

I want to take my family to Central America this winter. I've got two kids under 10 years old. I've heard wonderful things about Nicaragua, but there are also travel advisories like crazy for it. Looking on Reddit etc, the theme seems to be "it's totally fine if you aren't an anti-government activist".

I'm also open to other places like Costa Rica etc.

Is Nicaragua safe? Is it "stable" and likely to be safe in 6 months? If not, where else should we consider?

I heard there is quite a market for 6'4" 9 year olds in Nicaragua.

[Oil Stain]

Originally Posted by Bill Bumface

I want to take my family to Central America this winter. I've got two kids under 10 years old. I've heard wonderful things about Nicaragua, but there are also travel advisories like crazy for it. Looking on Reddit etc, the theme seems to be "it's totally fine if you aren't an anti-government activist".

I'm also open to other places like Costa Rica etc.

Is Nicaragua safe? Is it "stable" and likely to be safe in 6 months? If not, where else should we consider?

I've been to Nicaragua numerous times. It is as safe as anywhere in central America and feels less dangerous than places like Honduras/El Salvador etc. I have never felt threatened there in the slightest. No one will caution you not to walk around at night for example.

There was a bunch of demonstrating against the government in 2017, but that has completely disappeared now. It is safe and stable. I mean Daniel Ortega is a piece of #### dictator, but if you aren't going there to attempt to overthrow the regime you aren't going to really notice any political issues.

Offers everything nature wise that Costa Rica does, in addition to nice Colonial cities in Leon/Granada.

Prices in tourist or other areas are much lower than Costa Rica. Costa Rica tries to gouge tourists in the Nicoya Peninsula IMO.

Nicaragua does have a low level of development so it can feel a little rustic at times so it probably isn't a place to go for higher maintenance tourists.

Personally I think its an amazing destination and the best in Central America. Criminally under touristed IMO.

[marsplasticeraser]

Don’t know if Nicaragua is having this issue but a person I know got dengue recently in a nearby country and it seems there is an outbreak this year in Central America.

I’d check in more detail if you’re taking kids, dengue sucks.

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/...f-dengue-fever

[Bill Bumface]

Originally Posted by Oil Stain

Nicaragua does have a low level of development so it can feel a little rustic at times so it probably isn't a place to go for higher maintenance tourists.

Rustic is good. Trying to expose the kids to how we won the lottery being born up here all while escaping the weather and checking out some cool nature and sights. Thanks so much for the info!

[stazzy33]

Originally Posted by marsplasticeraser

Don’t know if Nicaragua is having this issue but a person I know got dengue recently in a nearby country and it seems there is an outbreak this year in Central America.

I’d check in more detail if you’re taking kids, dengue sucks.

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/...f-dengue-fever

Which nearby country? I have a trip to Belize planned at the end of October...

[MoneyGuy]

Originally Posted by Oil Stain

I've been to Nicaragua numerous times. It is as safe as anywhere in central America and feels less dangerous than places like Honduras/El Salvador etc. I have never felt threatened there in the slightest. No one will caution you not to walk around at night for example.

There was a bunch of demonstrating against the government in 2017, but that has completely disappeared now. It is safe and stable. I mean Daniel Ortega is a piece of #### dictator, but if you aren't going there to attempt to overthrow the regime you aren't going to really notice any political issues.

Offers everything nature wise that Costa Rica does, in addition to nice Colonial cities in Leon/Granada.

Prices in tourist or other areas are much lower than Costa Rica. Costa Rica tries to gouge tourists in the Nicoya Peninsula IMO.

Nicaragua does have a low level of development so it can feel a little rustic at times so it probably isn't a place to go for higher maintenance tourists.

Personally I think its an amazing destination and the best in Central America. Criminally under touristed IMO.

All good to know. We’re hoping to do 10 days in Central America; adding Nicaragua to the list for consideration.