This coming weekend (10/20-10/23) my husband and I will be traveling to either Toronto, ON - Vancouver, BC - Albuquerque, NM - Austin, TX (where Lance Armstrong lives) or Seattle, WA. We have never traveled to any of these places and were wondering if anyone had any information on these destinations (good or bad) that would help us make our decision. Thanks.

I am being biased..but I think you should forget those cities and choose Montreal, Quebec instead...one of the most dynamic, diverse and exciting cities in North America..You won't regret it

Wow, very different destinations! Are you saying that you just have the weekend? Where are you travelling from? That might make a difference - you wouldn't want to spend the whole weekend getting there. <BR> <BR>I live in Toronto and I don't think that the weather forecast is all that good for the coming weekend. We've had a real mixed bag the last 3 weeks - cold and wet and then sunny and warm. Toronto is a great city to visit for a weekend, but I think the weather is supposed to be cold and wet this weekend, so if I had the choice to leave, I wouldn't be here! <BR> <BR>I think the weather has been pretty good in Vancouver lately, but that could change. Same with Seattle. Both great places to visit for a weekend, but if the weather is bad, it's not so much fun. <BR> <BR>I don't know Austin, Texas at all, so no comments on that. <BR> <BR>If I had my choice, I probably go to Albuquerque. We spent a weekend in Santa Fe a few years ago and I loved the place. It's only an hour from Albuqueque so an easy drive. We were there for Canadian Thanksgiving (American Columbus Day). I remember the weather being fabulous. Warm, dry, sunny. The leaves were turning so it was very pretty. We drove out to an Indian reservation where there were these cliffs that we climbed. Plus there were great restaurants, galleries, etc. We were there during the Balloon Festival (which is over by now) and that was fun to see. <BR> <BR>That's my vote. Have fun! <BR>

Thanks Susan! I'm picking those destinations because TWA is having great fare deals from St. Louis this coming weekend. New Mexico sounds good to me too, but so do the others! All of the flights would be direct from St. Louis, so travel time shouldn't be a problem.

You could always spend a day in Seattle and a day in Vancouver as those 2 cities are only a 3 hour drive apart from one another.

Without a doubt, I would go to Vancouver. The city is beautiful any time of the year; it will be relatively inexpensive given the fact that your dollar is worth about 1.5 times ours and there is lots to do in and around the Vancouver Area. No offense to Torontotarians, but Toronto is nothing special. Seattle is beautiful as well, but because it and Vancouver are so similar, you would be better off going to Vancouver simply because of the exchange rate. And finally, why not leave a New Mexico or Austin trip until its really, really cold!!!

Maria, after seeing the different recommendations, I'm curious about where you'll go. I checked out the US forum and it wasn't very helpful. You must let us know where you end up going. I agree with Brad that Vancouver is a wonderful city (my family live outside of the city so I'm out there every year). Don't agree with his comments on Toronto, mind you, but each to his own! <BR> <BR>I still come back to weather. Forecast for Vancouver on Friday is maximum 14 degrees Celsius and rain. (That about 58 F.)

Take Brad's advice and go to Vancouver. <BR>My wife and I were driving along an expressway past downtown Toronto about five hours ago, and I was describing Vancouver and Seattle to her, comparing them to Toronto. For a weekend, the west coast wins, and Vancouver beats Seattle because the value ofthe dollar means you save about 30% on everything, and besides it is a foreign country, and that's part of the fun of a quick mini-vacation. <BR>BAK

Go to Vancouver. My husband and I spent a couple of days there a few years ago, and we would both love to return. Lots to do and very beautiful.

Well all, thank you for your input. We've decided to go to Vancouver! We're staying at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre because of a great discount we're getting. Any recommendations on where to eat and what to go see? We are renting a car so we aren't limited to the downtown area. Thanks again for your help.