kraft

If you had time to visit only one place in the world, where would it be? Why?

g&g

you did'nt offer a time frame, however, i do believe it would be venice. it offers excitement, solitude, culture(new and old), great food, good company,and neverending beauty. i would love to know why you are asking such a question. the only way anyone could answer this question is to have been there. there are so many other places i would like to see and experience, but of all i've seen venice always draws me back. i'll be interested to read the other responses. G.

Thyra

I would go on Safari in Botswana! But those things are sooo expensive. Spouse and I always kick the idea around, but when we can go TWICE to Europe for around $8,000 including air and that would barely cover the cost of a budget safari, well Paris is my favorite city!

gb

It's hard to decide if I would go back to a place I'd been before and loved, or if I would go somewhere new. If I were to go back to somewhere, I would go to Amalfi. If it was to somewhere new, I think I'd like to go to Nepal or Macchu Picchu

kraft

I'm asking because I am getting old and I want to make a few more trips while I'm healthy. But, I'm not sure where to chose. So, I thought I'd ask this group.

Larry

Hi, Kraft, <BR> <BR>One of the best trips we ever took was Tauck World Discovery - Helihiking in the Cariboos. We are mid sixties and in Florida. Went to the Canadian Rockies and had a wonderful time in spite of the altitude. Call Tauck in Connecticut and ask for their free video on Heli-hiking - not just for the young hikers - we did okay and probably the definition of out-of -shape and it was absolutely awesome

pam

Kraft, <BR>I'd start with Rome. Ponder the history, walk the same pathways of a civilization which influenced so much of the world. Enjoy the beauty of the art, savor the delicious food and wine, and revel in a culture which knows how to appreciate life to its fullest. After that, the rest is gravy as far as I'm concerned.

clairobscur

<BR> Istanbul. I've always been fascinated by this city, and still never went there.

christine

I like the Norwegian fjords and the Northern Lights.

Andrea

Well, it depends on what you are most interested in. Paris and Rome would be on the top of my list for if-I-could-only-pick-one-destination-ever, but some people are bored to tears by art or prefer majestic scenery to any cityscape. <BR> <BR>One trip that absolutely blew us away unexpectedly was to Angkor in Cambodia. It's an area covering almost 80 square miles that is packed full of well-preserved ancient ruins of walled cities and temples (circa 11th cent.). One of the most amazing experiences of our lives. Right in the middle of the jungle, huge, ornately carved palaces. The site was only reopened to tourists in 1991, there are relatively few visitors, and the temples are all surrounded by the jungle, so one can really soak up the feel of the ancient city without having to mentally block out skyscrapers and honking horns. Visitors are allowed to explore all areas that they want to (no peering into interesting rooms from behind a gate). Frequently my husband and I were the only people at one of the over 40 sites, walking through all the passages of the temples, completely surrounded by the dense jungle. Wonderful. An experience not to be missed.

Rex

This might run counter to the popular wisdom on this forum, but I submit that where you go is less important than how you go. Maintain a sense of discovery, and you'll be glad you chose any number of places. <BR> <BR>Please see "Any one interested in Eastern Europe next summer". Take a chance on traveling with some of the kindred spirits whose messages you read here. <BR>

Tangata

The Taj in Agra.

sammy

I love the free spiritedness of Rio.

Pat

A couple of my top candidates (how to choose??) <BR> <BR>1. The hamlet of Maboo, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia--follow the dirt road behind the Catholic church to the lonely cliff edge by the sea. Get out and take a long walk. You'll almost certainly be alone. It's beyond words. Then go back the the beautiful, tidy b&b for an amazing dinner. Go out that night to the local bar and you'll see the girl who served you dinner playing the fiddle for her friends. <BR> <BR>2. The golden pagoda in a small park in Kyoto. There are trees, and birds, and a small gold-leaf building perched in the center of a pond. <BR> <BR>

nancy

Enjoyable thread, topping.

caitlin

One of the most enjoyable trips I had was taking the narrow gauge train from Durango, Colorado, getting off at the stop in the middle, and backpacking in for the night in the San Juan Mts. It was absolutely gorgeous.

s.fowler

I second Rex's thought. And that helps me to decide. Lake Ohrid, Macedonia. It is scenically stunning, as well as culturally and spiritually enriching. Here are some of my pictures: http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Musee...rip/kaneo.html

Wendy

My husband and I stayed right here and rode our Harley motorcycles on back roads through small towns from Washington DC, to Seattle WA, then down into NM and across the southern states back to our home in Norther VA. We took 29 days, went over 8,000 miles, met some of the most wonderful people and stayed in the most amazing places. America truly is beautiful. I'd do it again and again!

Greg

I'm not sure if this would be a fun place for many people, but I have always wanted to visit Antarctica. Something about its remoteness seems appealing. Plus, how many of your friends can claim they visited there?

Jeanette

WOW, Wendy, am I jealous. We have two bikes but don't know if we will ever get the time. Sick parents, tons of family, work- how did you get 29 days off all at one time? Rex is so right because anywhere can be the place with the right attitude and the right companions. Couldn't pick just one place to travel because if I had the time it would be spent with the grandkids. Probably I would rent a private island in one of the small lakes in Michigan for us to spend a week in summer.