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Hard to say...I've been to Europe many times, many places; I've also been to Hawaii a number of times, in particular, the island of Kauai. I love mountains....I'd have to pick Zermatt, Switzerland as one of my very favorite places. Kind of expensive; can be a little touristy; but it is very, very nice. I could just sit and stare at the Matterhorn mountain all day long. The island of Kauai is also one of my very favorite places. Been there 4 times for business; 4 times for vacation. It is called the "Garden Isle." You see every conceiveable shade of green and blue. In the middle of the island is Mt. Waialele (sp?), an extinct volcano, which is the wettest spot on earth (460+ inches of rain a year). Just to its west is Waimea Canyon, which only gets something like 7 inches of rain a year. Mark Twain called it the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." It actually looks like the Grand Canyon, but on a much smaller scale. The north shore, with the Na Pali coastline, is incredible. The 3000+ feet high cliffs (Na Pali is Hawaiian for "the cliffs") are something that are totally amazing and beautiful....from the ocean as well as from the top of the cliffs. Beaches are very nice; seafood very, very good; and people very friendly. That's my say, but there are many other places!
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Well, it's been 5 years since I first answered this thread...and 2 years since I last amended it. I'll just have to check in every couple of years to update, I guess.
Here is my current list: 1. Berner Oberland 2. Hawaii 3. Venice 4. Paris 5. Italian Lakes 6. Dordogne Valley 6. Scottish Highlands 7. Amalfi Coast/Capri 8. Rome 9. North Queensland 10. London |
Sedona, Arizona. Because of the beautiful red rocks and the friendly folks, who just love tourists.
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Of the places I have visited so far* (key term), here are my working Home (within the United States) and Away (Abroad) lists. Of course, each comes with a “so far” disclosure, is ever changing, and always subject to revision with each new adventure. Then again, I’m sure that goes without saying for all travel buffs.
Top 5 Cities Outside of the United States: 1.) Paris 2.) Rome 3.) Florence 4.) London 5.) Venice Most Overrated Cities Outside of the United States: 1.) Barcelona 2.) Dublin 3.) Venice (Yes, this is also on my “tops” list. Venice is a bit of a double edged sword. It’s absolutely breathtaking and a lot of fun—for about 2-3 days. More than 3 days, and you will bored out of your mind, unless you intend to take some day trips. I certainly wouldn’t recommend that anyone dedicate their entire vacation exclusively to it. Instead, combine it with another city and/or a visit to the countryside) Top 5 Countries outside of the United States: 1.) Italy 2.) France 3.) England 4.) Costa Rica 5.) Spain Top 5 Cities in the United States: 1.) New York 2.) New Orleans 3.) Chicago 4.) Austin 5.) Orlando (MAJOR tourist trap, but never disappointing and ALWAYS fun) Most overrated Cities in the United States: 1.) Los Angeles 2.) Seattle 3.) Dallas 4.) Philadelphia 5.) Miami Top 10 Things I Have Seen/Done--Period: 1.) The Sistine Chapel (Vatican Museum) 2.) Pompeii (Just South of Naples) 3.) The Orsay (Paris) 4.) The Necropolis Underneath the Vatican (Rome) 5.) The Catacombs Underneath Paris (Paris) 6.) St. Germain de Pres/The Latin Quarter (Paris) 7.) Montmarte/View of Paris from the Sacre Coeur 8.) Tower of London (London) 9.) The Sagrada Familia (Barcelona) 10.)Mardi Gras (New Orleans) Most Overrated Experiences—Period: 1.) The Eiffel Tower (Paris—I found the view of Paris from the steps of the Sacre Coeur to be just as beautiful, if not more so, and I didn’t have to wait in line 3 ½ hours for it). 2.) The Empire State Building (New York—Another 3+ hour wait for smog hazed views and some guy in an ape costume) 3.) The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (I love this parade, but it’s better—and warmer--on TV) 4.) Los Angeles—All of it (Smog, traffic, self absorbed people made mostly of plastic, and two hours of suburbs/urban sprawl in any given direction that does not lead directly into the ocean. Need I say more?) 5.) The White House (Washington D.C.—A two hour line and rigorous security check only to be herded through one of the tackiest establishments (to the point of being embarrassing) in the world by secret servicemen who addressed everyone there as if they were subpar in intelligence and an interruption in their day. Nevermind that many of our tax dollars are being used for upkeep of the building and to pay their salaries. My recommendation: Take pics of the outside, skip the inside, and go down the street to tour the Capitol Building instead. It’s much prettier architecturally, infinitely more interesting, and has a friendlier/informative staff) |
next to my husband is the best place.
After that.... top 10 1. venice 2. cinque terre 3. rome 4. amsterdam 5. florence 6. paris 7. stockholm 8. puerto vallarta 9. puerto rico 10. sorrento |
1. Iceland - the landscape is beautiful, yet unusual. And Reykjavik has amazing 24 hour nightlife in the summer.
2. Japan - particularly Kyoto - loved the contrast between modernity and tradition 3. Brazil - beautiful country, wonderful food, and the warmest people 4. Paris |
My backyard. It rocks!
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Today my answer is Vezelay, France. We only had a couple of hours there, and it might have gotten boring after a day or two. But the town is stunningly picturesque. When we arrived, my partner and I just kept looking at each other with open mouths unable to believe what a special place this was. Totally unexpected.
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For beaches: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
For views: Amalfi Coast (Positano) For just about anything else: Rome! ...I have to throw in Switzerland for my husband (particularly Zurich and Engelberg) for beer and sausage :) |
I have to register a vote for Israel. As I skimmed through this thread, I saw only one other mention of this most ancient of countries. It doesn't matter if you are Jew, Christian, Muslim, or atheist. There is history, history, history in Israel, as well as lots of incredibly friendly people, excellent food, reasonable prices, fun shopping (in Arab markets), and lots to do.
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People want and appreciate different things when they travel. I have been to most of the places that have been recommended.However, as a teacher, I highly recommend a trip to Kenya, Africa. I went there 3 years ago and it was the trip of a lifetime. Let your children see the fantastic animal life before they all become endangered. The varied biomes and the people were endearing. Everything about Africa left an everlasting impression in my heart.
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poogie,
you damn near made me cry in my morning coffee with your visions of Italy. thanks |
My backyard. It rocks!
Hey, my backyard has rocks also! |
Santorini, Greece, on a balcony overlooking the caldera, wine glass in hand, 'nuff said.
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Easy. Best place in the world is a secluded section of beach in Exuma, Bahamas with a Kalik and a beautiful chick.
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Easy. Best place in the world is a secluded section of beach in Exuma, Bahamas with a Kalik and a beautiful chick.
Yeah baby. Let's get a patch of fake chest hair. |
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