We usually take a week's vacation in December to escape the horror of living in SoCal. Living here sucks, but at least I have enough time off/money/freedom that we are able to get away 3-4 times a year.
We may go to our usual cool place on the California Central Coast or we may do something else. We have not been to Hawaii in nearly 20 years! I like Hawaii a great deal, especially the Big Island, near Kona. That is a possibility, but I know Hawaii is very popular with tourists at that time of year. As I get older, I become more and more allergic to crowds.
COVID allowing (we are fully vaccinated) We are looking at alternatives in the South Pacific: beautiful beaches, relaxation, good food, local indigenous culture (music and art especially), snorkeling (I am a rank novice and bad swimmer), and dark skies for stargazing (esp Southern Hemisphere stars!). A lack of tourists and good value for the money are also top considerations. We would be departing from LAX.
Tahiti? Fiji? Samoa? I am also interested in New Caledonia, but not sure we want to fly down that far. Seychelles, Comoros, etc. in the Indian Ocean are also of interest, but toooooooo muuuuuch flying, especially in the age of COVID!
Any ideas would be appreciated!
