St. Louis, Mo.: Where in Nicaragua is the best eco-tourist place that might look like Costa Rica 20 yrs. ago, with good food & reasonable prices, and without hoards of tourists? Travel time is Spring Break in March. My wife is a teacher, we are 60 yrs. old we will leave from STL for 1 week. Thanks in advance. Bill

Joshua Berman: You'll find what you're looking for ANYWHERE in Nicaragua, especially if you head to points north, where foreign tourists are still few and far between. Look into Finca Esperanza Verde outside San Ramon, Matagalpa. March is the hottest time of year in lowland Nicaragua, and the climate is cooler up in them thar hills. Things are all still pretty rustic, by most North Americans' standards, which is what makes it so nice. Also look into retreats in Esteli's Tisey and Miraflor reserves.

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Chicago, Ill.: My wife (33) and I (42) want to go to Nicaragua from Chicago over the holidays. What's the best 9 day itineary for Nicaragua if you like beaches and wildlife?

Joshua Berman: For beaches and wildlife, you may choose to base yourself in San Juan del Sur--or if you're more adventurous, head up to the Pacific Northwest coast outside Leon. Find a great colonial hotel in Leon and do boat and wildlife tours of the coastal islands and nearby volcanoes.

For a thorough rundown of Nicaragua's "must-sees" and a list of suggested itineraries, visit our Nicaragua Travel Planner which excerpts trip ideas from Moon Nicaragua.

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Blacksburg, Va.: I want to visit Central America (including Nicaragua) next summer, but I know it's rainy season. Can I still have an enjoyable trip? I can travel anytime in June or July. I don't have an agenda, but I'll probably spend 3 or 4 weeks in the region. How will the rain affect sight-seeing? Is there any chance of having a sunny day for the beach? Thanks!

Joshua Berman: That's one of my favorite times of year to be in Nicaragua. The weather is cooler, especially up in the northern mountain areas and it usually rains for short periods during the day or night ¿ sometimes longer. The old traveler's maxim is "there is no such thing as bad weather, only improper clothing." Just keep smiling and look for rainbows after the afternoon showers and yes, you will have an enjoyable trip.

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Syosset, N.Y.: I know some folks who may be traveling to Nicaragua with a very young child--what do they need to know?

Joshua Berman: Their child will be a local celebrity! Family is so important in Nicaraguan culture, and the presence of a baby or small child will immediately elevate you out of the normal Joe Tourist crowd as everyone wants to hold and cuddle your little munchkin who, in Nicaraguan Spanish, will be lovingly referred to as a "chiguin," "cipote," or "chamuca."

Expect loud exclamations of "Que preciosa! Que lindisima! Que bonita!"

As for safety, follow proper immunization protocols, protect the baby from mosquitoes and the sun, and have a great time.

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Boston, Mass.: You are filled with knowledge! I spent a summer in Honduras a few years ago and had a trip leader who was very into Nica. You remind me of him. I am going on my honeymoon next summer. We are still trying to decide where to go. What is Nica like in the summer time?

Joshua Berman: Nicaragua is nice and cool in the summer months, which make up the Central American "invierno" or wet season. This is one my favorite times of year--the hills are green, the nights are cool and "fresquito," and the dust is settled. There are many, many romantic adventures to be had. If you have time, you can study some Spanish, or just set out and find your own little love cabin in the cloud forest... Reserva Selva Negra is a classic retreat for couples, north of Matagalpa, or maybe you'd prefer the beach at Los Cardones. It'd be hard to go wrong. Congratulations!

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Bradenton, Fla.: Thanks for your help with my previous question. Yes, we will fly from Ft. Lauderdale or Miamin to San Jose and then home from Managua to Florida. At first I was looking at Pohcomil as being "quieter" and less touristy but then realized it may be very crowded becuase it is so close to Mangua. We were thinking of basing ourselves in Granada and then ending the trip near the beach for some downtime. Is it possible to surf in San Juan. I have read Pochomil is great for surfing but lacking rental places. If you had the choice would you base in Granada or Pueblos Blancos? Would you include Omtepe as a must see also???

Joshua Berman: Ometepe is definitely a must-see but takes time, a few days minimum. Surf options much better in an around San Juan del Sur--also check out the surf camps around Popoyo, west of Tola. The vast majority of tourists to Nicaragua base in Granada, so there are many, many more hotel and restaurant and tour options than somewhere like San Marcos or Catarina, but if you'd like to experience small-town pueblo life, try one of these.

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Joshua Berman: Thanks for your questions everybody!

Again, Randy and I are always available to help with your trip concerns on the forum of our website GoToNicaragua.com where you'll find tips, news, suggested itineraries, and more. Be sure to pick up a copy of our books, Moon Nicaragua and Moon Living Abroad in Nicaragua (both with Avalon Travel Publishing), and keep an eye on my blog, The Tranquilo Traveler.

Adios!