More Upbeat Speculation

[ladysprite]

Okay. So way back at the beginning of the year, I promised myself that umbran and I would go on a vacation sometime this year. I never actually expected to be able to follow through on that - we haven't gone on an actual vacation since 2006, I think, and didn't expect that to change - but... I've had it brought home to me that I do need to take better care of myself, and that that doesn't mean fasting, working out until I collapse, or working six-day weeks, and calling it practicality and tough love.

And now that SuperHusband has something resembling a job, we can start to think on this again. The problem is, I have no idea of where to go or what to do.

We never went on vacation when I was a kid. We didn't have any money, and my father didn't like.... well, as far as I can tell, he didn't like anything. I haven't traveled anywhere; when I was a kid my folks couldn't afford to send me for Study Abroad programs, and since then my money went to planning for vet school, going to vet school, and recovering from vet school. Other than one week in London, I have no real travel experience at all.

So I have no idea of how to plan a vacation, or where to go. There's a whole huge world out there, and I don't know where to start. In my fantasy world I'd love to go on a Mediterranean cruise, but while funds are improving, that's still a little bit out of reach.

I want to go *somewhere.* I'll be honest, as nice as Vermont and D.C. are, they still feel a little bit too much like home. I want something I can't drive to in a day. I want to wait until it's cold, and go somewhere warm. I'm slightly enamored of cruises, mostly because they'll let me go to a handful of places without unpacking and repacking and spending time in cars, but I'm not married to that idea. I'd rather avoid Hawaii and Disney, since the two vacations I've had as an adult have been to those places - I want someplace new.

So.... any suggestions? I know there are people reading this from all over the world, and who've been all over the world. Where's your favorite place to go on vacation? Any suggestions on how to choose, or how to plan it, or what to do when I'm there? Travel brochures are nice, but they actually tell you much that's practical....

Comments

[leanne-opaskar.livejournal.com]

This is the single-best vacation spot I've been to in ages:
The Gila Cliff Dwellings

They're off the beaten path in New Mexico, up in Silver City. You will probably want to stay the night in Silver City either before you go to the Cliff Dwellings or after you leave them. I recommend dinner at Shevek and Mi, which was absolutely phenomenal.

You could then drive to other places in New Mexico. We stayed at a fantastic B&B in Las Cruces, the Dreamcatcher Inn that I can't recommend highly enough.

While you are there, you can also visit the Carlsbad Caverns, which is the *other* single-best vacation visit I've ever had. (: New Mexico is a *great* place to go for vacation and I totally want to go back there. (:

[bess.livejournal.com]

I second New Mexico -- Chris and I and the kids went to Santa Fe in April... absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. Carlsbad Caverns is magical. I haven't been to Silver City or the Gila Cliff Dwellings. It's not a warm in the winter place though.

[rsmit212.livejournal.com]

I adore the Florida Keys. Especially in November. It's off-season so rates are very nice. We go to Marathon Key which is in the middle of the keys and the rest of the keys are at most an hour away. Lot's of stuff to do, Dolphin Research Center, beaches, maritime museums, shopping, etc... Weather is usually in the 80's during the day, mid-60's at night. Great restaurants in the area. Really a good time. :)

[filkerdave.livejournal.com]

She should probably wait to see what happens with Deepwater Horizon before making that call, though :(

[leanne-opaskar.livejournal.com]

Oh, and re: planning vacations -- we've found for us that the best thing to do is not plan more than one thing in a day at most. That way, if we find other things that interest us, we can wander off and do them, or if we get tired, we can take it easy, and we don't feel rushed.

[jacketeer.livejournal.com]

If we're talking tropical, I love love love the Cayman Islands. They're hot, beautiful, and wonderful for swimming, snorkeling, and all kinds of exploring! I swam with Sting Rays when I was there a few years ago and it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. St Thomas is also in the Virgin Islands and is very lovely as well. The water around these islands is the most beautiful blue I've ever seen, it's incredible.

[ambug666.livejournal.com]

A cruise might be nice. It lets you see a little bit of a lot of different places. Also, cruises will pamper you as much as you let them.

Finally, there are fan and theme cruises, if you feel the need.

Short of that, pick a place you want to go to and just go. Go, relax, and enjoy.

What do you like to do? Swim? See animals? Explore? Relax on a chair and read? Ski?

[ladysprite.livejournal.com]

What do I like to do? All of that, except ski.

I like sitting and reading; I like swimming, and museums, and hiking, and going to botanical gardens and zoos, and watching shows, and people-watching, and playing silly games, and participating in Stupid Tourist activities....

The real problem I'm having is one of option paralysis - there are so many things I like and want to do, that I have no real objective way to narrow them down. So it's interesting to hear about what my friends like, just as a push in one direction or another.

[ladymondegreen.livejournal.com]

Many cruise lines hire professionals for the duration of the cruise. My father has done at least one free cruise as clergy. I wonder if there's anything similar for vets?

Ditto on that...

[anu3bis.livejournal.com]

...my Dad's actually the guy who arranges the cruises for Reform Rabbis.

[lensman.livejournal.com]

Maybe something like Disney EPCOT. Plenty of things to do and see Shows etc like a cruise, and a chance to try a variety of foods, and maybe get ideas for places to try and visit on longer vacations later. Depending on when and how you do it it can also be done without costing too much.

[alexx-kay.livejournal.com]

If you were to change your mind, and want to go somewhere cool when it was too hot here, I highly recommend Acadia National Park, in Maine.

[deguspice.livejournal.com]

If you want to leave the US, I have two suggestions.

Iceland is a good place to visit once in your life. Unfortunately, the aurora season is over, but there's still plenty to see. Most of the places you'd like to see are accessible via tour buses (book the tours with the Iceland Air flight for cheaper rates). The economy there is doing poorly, so prices are much cheaper than when I went there. Alternately, you can fly to Europe via Iceland, and then stop for a couple of days in Iceland (on the way back from Europe).

The other place to visit is Seattle and then Victoria, BC. Seattle as lots of things to see, and from there, you can take a ferry (get a ferry and B&B package) to Victoria. In Victoria there are a couple of good museums, but most importantly there's the Buschart Gardens (accessible by public or tour bus).

[quietann.livejournal.com]

Agree with this, though both could be very damp and dreary in the winter. I don't know about Iceland, but it basically doesn't snow much in Seattle or especially Victoria, but it rains. A lot.

San Diego (my hometown) is nice for a winter vacation and they have a cruise terminal if you wanted to cruise as well. And I *might* (no promises) be able to get you a cheap but beautiful place to stay, too.

[aries-walker.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure if it's in your price range, but a friend of mine linked me to this, which I in turn linked to another friend, and he said he and his wife had the best vacation of their lives here. Say hello to total isolation.

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p101581

[bess.livejournal.com]

I went to Eleuthera with my family as a child -- beautiful place.

[msmemory.livejournal.com]

Do you want to see historical places, or beautiful places? Would you enjoy a day or two of shopping? Is exotic or gourmet food important? Do you want to go to a place to see/pet critters? Do you want a cabana boy to bring you silly drinks while you contemplate another swim? Is it important that the resort/hotel staff speak your own language? Do you want to be among families, or other young couples? Do you want to get exercise, such as hiking or biking?

[starcat-jewel.livejournal.com]

This. In order to decide where you might want to go, you need to think first about what you might want to do, and what sorts of adventures you're willing to take on, and what sorts of amenities you can't do without. If you can give us some idea of that, you'll get better suggestions.

[gyzki.livejournal.com]

I am always happy to promote Iceland as a great place to visit - everything deguspice just said, plus raving about the history, the language, the geology, the horses, etc. But you sound less interested in leaving the US, at least this time around, plus it's not so much a hot place during the cold months, so I won't without further encouragement.

Domestically, consider San Francisco.

[deguspice.livejournal.com]

Speaking of language and Iceland. They speak better English than the people of Glasgow. :)

[deguspice.livejournal.com]

BTW, for guidebooks, I like Rough Guides, but Lonely Planet is also good.

If you're looking for ideas or more information, you can start with their website before you buy a guide book.
http://www.roughguides.com/

If you're going to buy a guide book and want to look at them in person, New England Mobile Bookfair in Newton (just off Rt-128) is a good place to visit. All of their books are at least 20% off. (but be warned, it can be a very dangerous place to visit, especially the remainder area).

Another good book store to visit is Globe Corner Bookstores in Harvard Square. All they sell is books on travel.

[deguspice.livejournal.com]

One more suggestion. If you're thinking about travel outside the US. Renew your passport now (don't wait until you've made your reservations).

http://travel.state.gov/passport/renew/renew_833.html

For travel to Canada/Mexico by car, you can also a "Passport card" which is roughly the size of a drivers license.

Speaking of which, Montreal is a 6 hour drive from here.

[guruwench.livejournal.com]

And I'm 2 hours from Montreal, in Ottawa. :) Also happy to play tour guide, should the occasion arise.

[mindways]

No suggestions offhand as to destination, but I'll mention that the latest Consumer Reports has a section on some travel stuff, including ratings of various hotel chains and some suggestions for getting better prices. I'd be happy to loan it to you, if you'd like.

[laurion]

We just had an enjoyable trip to Williamsburg, VA. Lots of historical options, including Colonial Williamsburg, but also Busch Gardens and Water Country for the purely recreationally oriented options.

Vegas is a popular option for warm and things to see and do.

[bess.livejournal.com]

Warm places I've been and loved: St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands and Jamaica. I also loved Australia, but that's very far and very expensive.

I've heard wonderful things about the Galapagos, and it's on my list of placed I really want to go someday.

I've heard really good things about cruises to Bermuda.

[pixel.livejournal.com]

I have no idea what your budget is, but after this Boing Boing article about Roatan Honduras it is a destination I want to try and make it too.
A random poke on yahoo travel gave prices as low as $848/person for round trip tickets and a 6 night hotel stay. Better prices could probably be found wit ha bit more hunting.

I know my other vacation I want to take is to fly into Miami, rent a convertible and drive the Overseas Highway to Key West. I made that drive years ago in a rental sedan and it was awe inspiring. The only thing with Key West is that you have to make sure you go in a lull between school breaks as it is a different world when the college kids are in town.

[arachne8x.livejournal.com]

We loved Puerto Rico and Ireland without reservations. If you decide you want to go to either we have tons of tips and in the case of Ireland travel books.

[pagawne.livejournal.com]

Santa Fe and Taos are both beautiful, if a bit cool in winter. A beautiful city (in the winter when it is cooler is San Antonio, Texas. The mission trail in San Antonio and elsewhere is wonderful.
The River Walk is fantastic, and the shopping is great. The is a really good zoo, and LOTS of history all over the place. (Yes, the Alamo was also a mission.)

[calygrey.livejournal.com]

Iceland, Bay of Fundy, Campabello Island.

[ttocs.livejournal.com]

Do you have any idea if you want structure or non-structured?

I spend a lovely christmas on Grand Cayman once, mostly Scuba-diving, which provided a bunch of structure, in terms of schedules and such. I've also done trips where the only fixed points were my arrival and departure flights, not even a hotel arranged until I wandered into the city.

Southern Europe, or the Middle East could fit your warmth requirements, as would South America....

[dagibbs.livejournal.com]

July 1st-4th, cottage party! Come to my cottage with me & a bunch of friends. Good friends, good times, a lake, canoeing, swimming, hiking, and some gaming. Maybe some music-making.

[tassiemap.livejournal.com]

New Zealand!

I've been to 26 countries and New Zealand is still my hands down favourite. Second is Australia (biased? yes, a little) Spain and fourth is Scotland followed closely by Thailand and Morocco.

And hi, I'm new to your journal, your recent hilarious metaquote led me here and I'm glad it did :)

[anthro-geek.livejournal.com]

We (doubleplus and myself) highly, highly recommend Quebec City.

It is the medieval walled city that is still in use in North American (the walled part of St. Augustine is not lived in).

Quebec City is like being in Brittany/Normandy. Most people speak a little English, but the main language is French, and every is VERY friend.

The food is AMAZING. The history so important from world history pov(let alone North American history).

And if you go in the summer, Wendake, the Huron village has great stuff going on, including tours, living history and depending on the evening, a show. And a museum. Wendake is about 25 minutes (max) from Quebec City and we rented a car for the day.

There is a beautiful waterfall which is higher (but not wider) than Nigaria. (sorry, spellling?) that is also about 30 minutes outside of Quebec City. There are tour buses.

I could go on & on about it. Let me know if you want more info. I'd be happy to send you stuff.

If do you do, be sure to say in the historic area. Which is big, because it is a city. :-)