Please help me pick my next vacation!!
May 23rd, 2006, 06:02 AM
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Please help me pick my next vacation!!
OK Fodorites, here's the deal. Hubby and I are going back and forth on where we want to head to next.
We have 10 days we can travel, including travel time. The dates are either Aug 25 through Sept 4 or Oct 1 through Oct 10.
We want to pick a place we've never been. First, we were going to do Alaska, but I injured myself climbing Kilimanjaro earlier this year and can't hike for a while, so that's out - as is other National Parks in the US. We normally like to do one overseas trip and one national park trip per year, but we have to make adjustments now.
We've been to Italy, France, London, Tanzania, Costa Rica. We were going to do a split trip between southern Spain and Morocco, but 4 nights in each country is not nearly enough time to do what we want.
On vacation, we go nonstop. We're up at 7 and we don't stop until after midnight. We love to do and see everything and that's how we love it. Some people think we're crazy to fit so much into one trip, but we'd like to get a taste of everything and if we want, return back years down the road.
I'm in my late 20s, hubby's in his early 30s.
Last night we went back to the drawing board and we can't agree on what we want.
We're thinking:
*Morocco for the full time (hubby's argument is we just went to Africa earlier this year, but I need to show him exactly what we'd be doing and that it's practically another world)
*Eastern Europe circuit: Prague, Salzburg, Budapest, Krakow (?? unsure about cities, maybe include others instead) - might be too expensive
*Turkey (I'd need to do TONS of research)
*Mexico - for the ruins (NOT beach)
*UK: not London, but Edinburgh, Bath, Wales, etc.. (we have plenty of miles and stuff to help us out with cost)
*And finally, for the totally random US thoughts, a week to just relax (which we never do) in Maine or head out to Arizona and visit all the amazing cities we keep hearing about (Sedona, etc..). I personally think we'd go crazy in Maine doing nothing, and I'm not sure there's enough to do in AZ. But I promised I'd consider them as options.
Thoughts? Anything to help me knock some out of the running and put others at the top?
Many many thanks in advance!
We have 10 days we can travel, including travel time. The dates are either Aug 25 through Sept 4 or Oct 1 through Oct 10.
We want to pick a place we've never been. First, we were going to do Alaska, but I injured myself climbing Kilimanjaro earlier this year and can't hike for a while, so that's out - as is other National Parks in the US. We normally like to do one overseas trip and one national park trip per year, but we have to make adjustments now.
We've been to Italy, France, London, Tanzania, Costa Rica. We were going to do a split trip between southern Spain and Morocco, but 4 nights in each country is not nearly enough time to do what we want.
On vacation, we go nonstop. We're up at 7 and we don't stop until after midnight. We love to do and see everything and that's how we love it. Some people think we're crazy to fit so much into one trip, but we'd like to get a taste of everything and if we want, return back years down the road.
I'm in my late 20s, hubby's in his early 30s.
Last night we went back to the drawing board and we can't agree on what we want.
We're thinking:
*Morocco for the full time (hubby's argument is we just went to Africa earlier this year, but I need to show him exactly what we'd be doing and that it's practically another world)
*Eastern Europe circuit: Prague, Salzburg, Budapest, Krakow (?? unsure about cities, maybe include others instead) - might be too expensive
*Turkey (I'd need to do TONS of research)
*Mexico - for the ruins (NOT beach)
*UK: not London, but Edinburgh, Bath, Wales, etc.. (we have plenty of miles and stuff to help us out with cost)
*And finally, for the totally random US thoughts, a week to just relax (which we never do) in Maine or head out to Arizona and visit all the amazing cities we keep hearing about (Sedona, etc..). I personally think we'd go crazy in Maine doing nothing, and I'm not sure there's enough to do in AZ. But I promised I'd consider them as options.
Thoughts? Anything to help me knock some out of the running and put others at the top?
Many many thanks in advance!
May 23rd, 2006, 06:14 AM
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Hmmm...You sound a like lot me in that you like to go non-stop and see a lot. I have done eastern Europe and colonial Mexico and loved them both.
The eastern Europe trip is, of course, much more urbane. Do you want baroque churches and elegant cafes? Or do you want the adventure of a Oaxacan market and Zapotec ruins?
I really do love Mexico (not the beach resorts). Consider Flying into Mexico City and taking the bus direct to Puebla (1 1/2 hours), a great colonial city filled with dozens of gorgeous churches. Make sure that you cab to Cholula and climb to the hilltop sanctuary there and see the colonial churches. After a couple of days in Puebla take a four hour bus ride from there to Oaxaca. A great city filled with indigenous culture. A lovely central plaza. Magnificent churches. Indian markets. Amazing food. Visit the ruins of Monte Alban outside of town.
I know this is the Europe thread, but colonial Mexico is the one place I enjoy every bit as much.
The eastern Europe trip is, of course, much more urbane. Do you want baroque churches and elegant cafes? Or do you want the adventure of a Oaxacan market and Zapotec ruins?
I really do love Mexico (not the beach resorts). Consider Flying into Mexico City and taking the bus direct to Puebla (1 1/2 hours), a great colonial city filled with dozens of gorgeous churches. Make sure that you cab to Cholula and climb to the hilltop sanctuary there and see the colonial churches. After a couple of days in Puebla take a four hour bus ride from there to Oaxaca. A great city filled with indigenous culture. A lovely central plaza. Magnificent churches. Indian markets. Amazing food. Visit the ruins of Monte Alban outside of town.
I know this is the Europe thread, but colonial Mexico is the one place I enjoy every bit as much.
May 23rd, 2006, 06:20 AM
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P.S. You could also work in Mexico City.
2 days Puebla.
4 days Oaxaca.
4 days Mexico City.
If your budget allows it, the Hotel Camino Real in Oaxaca is in an old convent that has been converted (without losing its authenticity) into a gorgeous luxury hotel. And even if you don't stay there, the Oaxacan breakfast buffet that they serve is to-die-for.
2 days Puebla.
4 days Oaxaca.
4 days Mexico City.
If your budget allows it, the Hotel Camino Real in Oaxaca is in an old convent that has been converted (without losing its authenticity) into a gorgeous luxury hotel. And even if you don't stay there, the Oaxacan breakfast buffet that they serve is to-die-for.
May 23rd, 2006, 08:05 AM
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We flew into Budapest and spent 3 days. From there we trained to Pecs for a daytrip. From Budapest we trained to Vienna for 3 days. While there we trained to Salzburg for the day and did the Sound of Music Tour (a great way to see a lot in a short time). From there we trained to Prague for 3 days. (I didn't do it, but a nice town for a daytrip from Prague according to many is Czesky Krumlov). From there we trained to Dresden for a day. From there we trained to Berlin for 3 days and flew out of there. The Germany part of the trip did the least for me. But I loved everything else. You could always add Krakow and Warsaw to this route.
May 23rd, 2006, 08:13 AM
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Sorry to be hogging this thread.
You could also go in the opposite direction (north) from Mexico City and see the towns of Queretaro, San Miguel de Allende, and Guanajuato (I haven't been to Guanajuato myself). These are also great Colonial towns, but they're a bit more sophisticated than the ones I already mentioned. I prefer the more exotic feel of Puebla/Cholula and Oaxaca.
You could also go in the opposite direction (north) from Mexico City and see the towns of Queretaro, San Miguel de Allende, and Guanajuato (I haven't been to Guanajuato myself). These are also great Colonial towns, but they're a bit more sophisticated than the ones I already mentioned. I prefer the more exotic feel of Puebla/Cholula and Oaxaca.
May 23rd, 2006, 08:23 AM
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Hmmm, with your time slot, would think Mexico would be uncomfortably hot for the August dates, more tolerable in early October.
For something entirely different, I'd opt for Morocco, but would probably be extremely hot there too.
You could see a lot of Turkey in 8 days--I was there in late September and the weather was perfect.
Possibilities are endless. Wherever you choose, I'm sure you'll find enough to do to stay joyfully busy!
For something entirely different, I'd opt for Morocco, but would probably be extremely hot there too.
You could see a lot of Turkey in 8 days--I was there in late September and the weather was perfect.
Possibilities are endless. Wherever you choose, I'm sure you'll find enough to do to stay joyfully busy!
May 23rd, 2006, 08:25 AM
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Do Slovenia and Croatia, flying into Ljubljana and out of Dubrovnik. October is nice, and August is great.
Go canyoning, white water rafting, take in the shore in in the Istrian Peninsula, head South to Plivitce, then continue down, island hopping, finally ending in Dubrovnik.
If you want some real history, check out Sarajevo on the way down. Before leaving, watch "Welcome to Sarajevo"
You get history, mountains, culture and adventure all in one tidy package!
Go canyoning, white water rafting, take in the shore in in the Istrian Peninsula, head South to Plivitce, then continue down, island hopping, finally ending in Dubrovnik.
If you want some real history, check out Sarajevo on the way down. Before leaving, watch "Welcome to Sarajevo"
You get history, mountains, culture and adventure all in one tidy package!
May 23rd, 2006, 09:17 AM
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Croatia is on my "list", but it's been pretty far down on the list. I'll have to do some more research now!
For some reason, I tend to associate it with cruises - I feel like I hear about Croatia + cruises in the same sentence more often than not. I know we can certainly experience Croatia without the boat, but I think that's been a big part of my hesitation..
Thx, keep that input coming!!! =)
For some reason, I tend to associate it with cruises - I feel like I hear about Croatia + cruises in the same sentence more often than not. I know we can certainly experience Croatia without the boat, but I think that's been a big part of my hesitation..
Thx, keep that input coming!!! =)
May 24th, 2006, 12:06 AM
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Cruises as in Carnival, Love Boat style? Nah. Lots of people rent boats to tour the islands but it is pretty informal. If that isn't your style, take a ferry. They are plentiful and inexpensive. You can also take your car on with you which is helpful upon arrival.
At this point in time, Croatia is not the spot that the 'beautiful people' go to (with the possible exception of Dub)
At this point in time, Croatia is not the spot that the 'beautiful people' go to (with the possible exception of Dub)
May 24th, 2006, 08:22 AM
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Croatia and cruises...NO WAY! My husband and I are renting a car from Venice and driving the coast....there is SO much to do and see in Croatia.We are making very few formal plans exploring as we go and staying in zimmers along the way! We too get up and go! Last year we visited Thailand(AMAZING!!! hiked and stayed at a hilltribe etc)then onto Bhutan and Nepal...and we are not 20!!!
I would take Croatia off the bottom of your list!
SloJan and recommendations for us ? Cant wait!
I would take Croatia off the bottom of your list!
SloJan and recommendations for us ? Cant wait!
May 24th, 2006, 11:22 AM
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Can you bike if you can't hike? We took a really fun 9 night bike trip in the Loire Valley. It was the perfect combination of the outdoors, culture, scenery, exercise, charm etc. We used Anjou Bike Rental, and Claude the owner custom arranges every trip so you could pick any dates you want and any length trip you want. The places he chose for us to stay were marvelous, and very affordable. You do carry your own luggage on your bikes rather than have the group with the sag wagon etc. But, we're old enough to be your parents and we did this with no problems.
May 24th, 2006, 11:49 AM
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BostonGal,
Well it's obvious: Rwanda and Uganda for gorilla trekking.
Okay, okay, I get it, not (East) Africa again.
Actually, we ended up going to Tanzania last time because I was planning on Croatia and I couldn't figure out a convenient/inexpensive way to fly there. Said to myself, "Gaw, for all this money and layover time I might as well go to Africa!!!"
Still haven't made it to Croatia, but one of my best friends (active, athletic, adventurous but likes a nice meal or museum too) loved it.
Best of luck. Turkey's on my list as well, but I'd want a longer time frame.
Well it's obvious: Rwanda and Uganda for gorilla trekking.
Okay, okay, I get it, not (East) Africa again.
Actually, we ended up going to Tanzania last time because I was planning on Croatia and I couldn't figure out a convenient/inexpensive way to fly there. Said to myself, "Gaw, for all this money and layover time I might as well go to Africa!!!"
Still haven't made it to Croatia, but one of my best friends (active, athletic, adventurous but likes a nice meal or museum too) loved it.
Best of luck. Turkey's on my list as well, but I'd want a longer time frame.
May 24th, 2006, 12:17 PM
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You vacation alot like I do (go, go, go) but have done far more of the world than I have.
I just want to tell you NOT to go to Arizona until you're healthy. Hike and bike in Phoenix/Scottdale area, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon. It is fantastic!
I just want to tell you NOT to go to Arizona until you're healthy. Hike and bike in Phoenix/Scottdale area, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon. It is fantastic!
May 24th, 2006, 12:26 PM
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MYKONOS !
CYKLADES !
GREECE
Come to mykonos island.
visit www.e-mykonos.gr to see the island.
have a nice any where you go
CYKLADES !
GREECE
Come to mykonos island.
visit www.e-mykonos.gr to see the island.
have a nice any where you go
