re: Send me somewhere for my 40th

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I do not feel like taking a reverse stock split with the wifey.

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Got it.

How about Belize? We went years ago, but the place is still there (changed hands though). Stayed on a barrier island. Scuba dived. Snorkeled. Great seafood all day long. Mayan Ruin side trips.

LINK

Why Riga ? Oh, Im glad you asked !




The river Daugava has been a trade route since antiquity, part of the Vikings' Dvina-Dnieper navigation route to Byzantium. A sheltered natural harbour 15 km (9.3 mi) upriver from the mouth of the Daugava — the site of today's Riga — has been recorded, as Duna Urbs, as early as the 2nd century. It was settled by the Livs, an ancient Finnic tribe.


The building of the Brotherhood of Blackheads is one of the most iconic buildings of Old Riga (Vecriga)
Riga began to develop as a centre of Viking trade during the early Middle Ages.
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Ancient cobblestone streets, friendly people, history, beauty. Yes, I was impressed.

Airfare aside every thing was very reasonable. The wife ( no pics ) has family there, so we ate like kings, did stuff that locals do. It was a great trip.

Edit to look up current exchange rate : 1 Euro = 1.22 USD

I think for your budget, you need to go to Costa Rica.

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Maybe it was the perfect time of year, but Riga, Latvia really was beautiful. Clean, friendly, nice. I enjoyed it.

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Gotcha. It wasn’t a loaded question. I’m always curious when someone recommends a rather obscure destination if they have traveled a bunch in that area.

Meaning, on your 10th trip to Europe, Riga may be a great destination after you have already checked off Paris, Rome, London, etc. But on your 2nd trip to Europe would it hold up compared to 7 days in Spain for instance?

I’ve only spent about 30 days in Europe total throughout my life and yet to visit France. Although Riga seems lovely, I assume I’d prefer a week in France given how infrequently I get a chance to get over there rather than Riga.

Hope that makes sense. Wasn’t trying to cut down your suggestion. Just curious. I’m always looking for new travel destinations.

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Key West has a great vibe.

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This is in the lead. I went down on a rabbit hole on Antarctic cruises ( I know cold and way over my original budget), but COVID will not allow this.

I am thinking of flying into Ft. Lauderdale, driving down then returning on the Ft. Meyers ferry.