It looks like the majority says go south, and keep going , and west, west, west.
I'm hoping we can do it for about $6K - total. It may or may not be possible. I agree that the South Pacific will likely be the warmest water in mid December. Fiji is beautiful, and I wonder about the French Polynesian Islands. Not looking forward to the flight, but won't let that hold us back.
Hey Robin, where/what is Yap? I like the idea of a stop-off, but didn't want to repeat Hawaii for this trip.
I wonder how much of a stress factor it would add trying to do Indonesia. I mean being completely unfamiliar with the language and culture, would it be a struggle? We went to a tiny resort island in Fiji once, and is was really easy, but there were people who spoke English, and lots of Aussies and Kiwis, so no problems getting around, or communicating.
My cousin went to Palau, and said it was amazing. She did a liveaboard. Not out of the question at all, but I'd like to also incorporate some land-based, new culture exploring if possible too. Maybe a week or so liveaboard and then ?? for the second week.
Thank you all for the great inspirational ideas!