what do you do when you travel?
 

I am not a big museum fan, or cathedral-goer, tour-taker or sightseer. I like to 'absorb' the city (I prefer cities to beach trips). For me, that means walking a lot, and seeing what the locals see. I walked all over Paris last year, and I will be in London in the late summer. I anticipate much walking in my future!

What's your favorite vacation activity?

I also like to check out the cities, all the old buildings. I do visit some of the cathedrals. The artwork is incredible.

I love to shop. And I search for ice cream cafes and chocolate shops.

I love to sit at the seawall at Nice at night. It is soooo beautiful.

Like you, I love to walk the cities and absorb the sounds, smells and sights around me. I like to wander through little neighborhoods and visit local churches. I know this might be a bit wierd but I love wandering through cemetaries and reading tombstones. I also enjoy going into grocers and local shops just looking at the different products and trying new things. All of the walking is broken up with long people watching sessions at cafes with a nice glass of wine or cappucino. I also enjoy churches and museums but I spend most of my vacation time outside just wandering and pinching myself in ecstacy at just being there, wherever it is.

I love to go to the food markets where the locals shop. There is always something is season to try or a specialty of the town/region.

People watching anywhere! I like watching a wedding party coming out of a church -- I have to check out the weeding dress!

Laying on a secluded beach in Hawaii where the wind feels like silk on your skin

Scatcat - chocolate works for me too!
My family & I am headed to London & Paris in August -- any good chocolate shops? I heard Berthilion is a must for ice cream in Paris

I love visiting cities as well. although countryside and natural wonder are high on the list too. When going to cities I look up events calenders for festivals, concerts, theatre, sporting events, street markets and the like. These are where I find out how the locals really enjoy themselves. thereyet

I'm no longer very interested in museums, having visited major (and minor) museums for forty years, but I still get rapturous over a gorgeous baroque church or palace. I love the countryside, too--the mountains and valleys of Bavaria, the incredible rock formations and white hill towns in Spain, and the rolling fields of England all stand out in my mind, though I love anything that's very different from my own beautiful northwest.

I like to meander around, enjoying the ambiance, drinking the occasional coffee, or looking at the wonderful architecture and watching the people.

I do not shop! However, among my few traveling regrets is that in Pompeii I did not buy the "Cave Canem" tile as a gift for my dog-loving neighbors. In general, though, I don't like shopping.

I'll go to a concert now and then and on Sundays I usually try to find a beautiful church with good music. I'm very partial to Gregorian chant or traditional Latin liturgical music.

I'm a city girl, too. I'd feel that it was a waste if I spent European vacation time on the beach when I can just go to a nearby lake when I'm at home.

My favorite part of traveling is when we put the map away (after getting a sense of the general direction we want to go in) and from then on we just follow our intuition. We walk, talk, laugh, stop, admire, take-it in, walk, ponder, observe...and most of the time we end up having some pretty amazing experiences in special places we may not have otherwise discovered had we stayed completely "on the map." Its all about enjoying the moment, having positive energy, and going with your flow!

Hi

I like to do a combination. It is fun to see well known monuments, it is fun to visit huge cathedrals and museums etc. But is also fun to just walk around in a city...I have also had some very nice walks in Paris and it is a beautiful city :d

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

In London, I hit Boots a lot as well as book stores. I spend a lot of time in bookshops.

Also, spotting & reading the blue plaques around the city.

http://www.blueplaque.com/

Go to concerts, but only in smaller venues. Go to Jazz/Blues bars in the evenings. Both great places to meet up with locals. Many times I ended up hanging out with them after the shows at the very least or maybe being invited to a party at one of their homes, or at an out of a way local restaurant or to go on a day trip or weekend trip with some of them. Great way to get a feeling about the country, exchange ideas, agree/disagree on issues but at the end have a fun time and see things and places that most tourists never see. And as a bonus, make some great lifelong friends.

I'm an avid photographer. I like architecture, and people shots. That's also a great icebreaker, either with the people I photograph or some other photo enthusiast.

I do like shopping, but only at small, local stores. I always try to look for something unique that represents the region or some local piece of artwork.

I'm of Polish descent and I love Polish food, but since I live in Sarasota, Florida I don't get to taste it too often.

So my favorite thing to do is to search out Polish restaurants all over the world. It's pretty easy in most of the large European cities but it gets more difficult in Asia. I did find a Russian/Polish restaurant in Hong Kong and a small, family owned Polish restaurant in Tokyo (that one was a hard one). In US it's also very common in large cities.

I'm also not much interested in museums anymore unless it's some kind of one of a kind place.

I like to play tourist in the morning, checking out the sites, maybe doing a bicycle tour. In the afternoon, I like to go to the beach and relax.

Depends which country we're visiting, but we always hire a car and get out and about to see the not so "touristy" places. Love eating out and getting the feel of where the Locals eat.

When we visit USA like to drive off the beaten track (though sometimes this has been a bit scary!!) loved touring Virginia seeing Civil war sites and have been twice to Pennsylvania Amish areas, loved the home cooking in that part of the world.

Not too bothered with churches etc as been there done that, but do like pretty places.

Visited Finger lakes last year very nice, but preferred Vermont.

Off to London in July and might have a look at some of the other Jewells my own country has to offer.

Together DH and I often start off with a good private tour of the major sites so we can get a sense of the place's history. We love to meet a local and spend time with them to start with.

DH then continues to visit the museums and other historical sites. Before each and every trip, DH reads several historical books realted to our destination. By now, we have enough books for a full library!! It really helps him to understand where he is.

I peel off from him and then I like to shop and wander, wander, wander. I love going to all food markets and have been to so many fab ones throughout the world.

I love taking the Metro in European cities. sometimes, Ill just ride around in the Metro and just look at the all people with no particualr destination in mind.

Love to sit in a cafe and people watch as well.

And then we really enjoy luxuriating in a fine hotel in a fabulous room.

But the highlight for us is eating; we take in several fine dining places as well as little out of the way places.
We'll often invite our private guide to join us for meals. We also have some friends in various cities and we'll call them up too.

I was actually thinking about this the other day: I can still taste the cottage noodles in a place we found in a back alley in Vienna several years ago. Just locals, tiny little place. Those cottage noodles...mmmmmmmm!

to Pegontheroad:

Being a dog lover, and going to Pompeii in Oct, of course I had to google the Cave Canem tile, and I HAVe to have it! Do you recall the size and/or approx price? Thanks!

Museums, churches, castles, ruins, any sort of historical sights, art galleries, shopping (rarely - for something specific). And we do like to do a lot of wandering, cafe sitting, people watching.

DO NOT like beaches (I never tan and need about a ton of equipment - umbrella, chairs, cold drinks, books, magazine, music - and them I'm bored in an hour).

Do like other natural wonders (waterfalls, mountains, sea scapes) in limited amounts.

Wandering cute small towns is a reasonable alternate.

But am basically a big city person. I'll walk all day in the city, and maybe up to an hour or so in the countryside if it's to get to something I want to see - but there's no way I would ever do a long hike or go camping or anything of that ilk. (I want a nice comfy hotel with hot shower, hair dryer, 47 TV channels, and 24 hour room service to relax and change before going out to a nice dinner.)

As for staying in an apartment - I don;t cook at home - why would I ever do it on vacation?

nytraveler:

Ditto on the "don't cook at home"

drinking wine in interesting places
exploring around my hotel
grocery stores and post offices
small local practical shops
no tours or museums
maybe a cathedral or two

I'm an artlover :D and museums are pure heaven to me. Been to most of the top ones in Europe, but can go again and again and it's always like the first time.

Love getting lost in places like Santa Cruz in Seville and Barri Goti in Barcelona and anyplace in Paris. Love wondering through small villages that make me feel like I've stepped back in time. Love great architecture, operas, ballets, concerts,wonderful experiences with people who live in these places (and their dogs and cats as well) and love trying new and delicious restaurants.

Am leaving in 3 days for Paris...then Spain...oh am I excited!

Tropicalkerry,

I think it was about 6 by 6 inches. No, I don't remember a price, but the ones I saw were in a cheap little souvenir store, so I don't think they'd be very expensive. When you see the actual mosaic in Pompeii, it's pretty large. I'm wouldn't be surprised if you could get the tile in other sizes. Just a guess.

While I didn't buy one, I did buy a guidebook which has a full color picture of the mosaic, and I hope to copy it in cross stitch one of these days.

Aside from seeing cathedrals, castles (we have been to about 120), etc. our favourite things to do in Europe are:

Sitting in the town square in the evening.

Participating in cooking classes. I actually miss cooking when on vacation as I love it so much!

Browsing/salivating in grocery/food specialty stores.

Attending symphonies, plays, concerts in castles, theatre...

Getting to know B&B owners and obtain suggestions from them on things to see that others don't know about.

Finding ways to converse with locals, even if you don't know the language.

Enjoying local cuisine.

Walking, walking, walking. Deliberately getting lost.

It totally depends on where I am, who I am with (am I the tour director, co-partner, or just one of the of the folks?)

Some museums are fine, a pleaseant afternoon in a square in Italy watching the world go by (or in France or Spain or...) with a book, not guide, in one hand and my eyes on the families and children and seeing how they act amongst themselves.

Some things I see over and over again, I just can't help it. The Guernica is one of those magnetic paintings that I have to see.

Some times I find the small towns and eat at the combination newstand / bar / restaurant, just to see what's happening.

Finding something I never expected to find, or even knew existed; that is fascinating is a greath thrill for me.

Essentially, exploring life to its fullest.

There's a cave canem tile on ebay for $25.45.

http://tinyurl.com/2k7wqt

I'm a history major and social studies teacher, so tours of museums, churches and other places of worship are important to me. I usually take trips for professional development which allow me to indulge myself with hours in museums without worrying about my family and their feelings about it. However, this summer, I will be with my 13yo daughter and so I will have to balance out her interests and mine--if she would just tell me what she wants to do. She refuses to pick up any of travel info I am amassing and just said she wants to do things that are "cool." Who knows how we will balance it all with that nebulous goal.

It is also important to me to worship in a local church when I travel so I will be seeking out worship experiences this summer in Europe--whether in English or not. How much more fantastic will it be to actually worship in great cathedrals--not just tour and marvel over the look of them.

I love to wander also, but do prefer to have a purpose or destination to it. I sometimes have a "theme" to a trip - like finding the best macaron in Paris; finding the most interesting water fountain in Zurich; finding the best gelato in Florence; finding the best glass of wine anywhere; you get the idea. I love doing the research!

I love reading all of the activities people do! It gives me many ideas for future travel.

DH and I are really into walking around and taking photos. I particularly like finding "off the beaten path" spots - places that catch my eye in research for whatever reason, that a tourist wouldn't normally visit. I'm really into architecture, and I like visiting churches and cathedrals. Since I started travelling with DH, I don't go to museums too much anymore, but we usually save museums for rainy days.

I like lighthouses, and I try to visit any in the vicinity. We also enjoy food - not necessarily fancy restaurants, but good, less expensive fare at places that don't cater to tourists.

I have met many other photographers in person who I know from online, and it's always fun to go shooting or just meet for a meal with a local with whom you already have something in common!

Walk, walk, walk...
Take pictures.
Walk, walk, walk...
Take more pictures.
Walk, walk, walk...
Look inside a big, old church or museum.
Walk, walk, walk...
Take more pictures.
Walk, walk, walk...
Take a refreshment break. And jot down a few notes for the trip report.

Repeat as necessary.

Go out to dinner. Come back and play Uno with the daughter until bed time.

There, that's nearly every day of nearly every trip we've ever taken. Hey, it works for us!

I'm very big on markets. Will reroute itineraries to be sure to be in a town on its market day. Enjoy architecture, especially Art Nouveau and so seek out buildings of that era. And, of course, food and drink consume a great deal of time .

Jdraper, seems like we must be "soul mate travelers." You listed everything I enjoy doing on vacation in your post!

I mostly just wander around. I'm not the type who must see every major sight/museum in a city--I just see what is of interest to me, no matter how off the beaten path it is. I will often look to see if there are any concerts or theatre events that are of interest. I'm a big music fan, and spend a lot of time looking for record shops (yes, I collect LPs..a pain to get home, but I manage!). I love cemetaries and also love walking around grocery stores. I like to get a feel of the culture in the city I'm in..that's most important to me; i love talking to people and seeing "how things are done", even if it's something like how their public transit system works.

Kellye, my sons were like you describe your daughter. "Museum" was a 4-letter word :) Now they both love museums and exhibits. She'll grow over it! Our genes are stronger than their resistance ;)

It's a mixture. I love meeting the locals, partaking in the culture and doing the touristy sightseeing.

Theresa

www.nomadwannabe.com

I read a great mag. article about 16 yrs ago about hiking the GR 36 (or was it 63?) - the route of the Santiago de Compostela pilgrims in S. France and got hooked on hiking on that and the other GRs. Nothing too strenous, just a few hours usually easy walk from one village to another through woods or fields or pastures or valleys, past animlas and castles and other vilages and farms and ruins; eat a wonderful lunch w/ wine with the locals at some small restaurant, then hike back.
Whether or not there's lunch waiting for us in other countries, i have found this an extremely pleasurable pursuit in Austria, Switzerland, England, Italy & scotland, both alone an with a friend.
A wonderful way to see a country.

We really prefer staying in homes or apartments rather than hotels when we travel because it's easier to slip into the local rythm of living--shopping for food, hanging out, finding entertainment and so forth just as they do, plus the opportunity to meet and make new friends, which is always the best part of any trip. We aren't big shoppers though finding that special little memento is always fun.

If it's a "city" vacation, it often involves a lot of pre-research so as we wander and explore I have an idea where we are and what we are seeing (seems it's always my job to know everything) We both love historic and artistic environments, the older and the more beautiful the better. We prefer to walk for the same reasons already stated and because you have the freedom to stop at any time or wander down those odd little streets where no car can go. Rome is probably my favorite, combining much of the charm and texture of the hill towns with the artistic and urban magnificence of Florence. (Many may disagree but it's always magical to me and a million times more alluring than NYC.)

If it's a "nature" vacation it's always on an island and generally involves hiking, kayaking or snorkeling in the morning and then discovering and enjoying the peaceful solitude of a hidden beach in the afternoon. The umbrella-and-chaise scene is okay, too, but there can't be more than 30 people on a 150-yard stretch of beach or it feels too crowded for us.

Wherever we are, evening always involves good food and finding a great place to watch the sun set.

I like to do a mix, seeing all the major sights then wandering to find the lesser known sights.

Sitting outside a bar on a town square people watching is one of my favourite activities ever!!!

By any chance, AAFrequentFlyer do you still remember/know where that russian/polish restaurant is located?

It's a relief for me to read this thread. I always thought that I'm the only weird one to waste money & time flying across the Atlantic only to do nothing but to absorb the city life & flavors. I get bored/impatient easily with tourist attractions.

I prefer to enjoy the daily life, participate in local activities or strike up a conversation with the locals to get their perspective on their city, quality of life or politics. It's my way of relaxing instead of going to resorts.

I offer a view from the other side of the situation. We regularly host home stay students and adults. We enjoyed more those who showed interest in what our community offers: gardens, markets, museums, farms, shopping, local food, and festivals. We get about equal number of do nothing folks. These are the ones who don't want to visit anything, don't want to try anything new and just want to sit and talk among themselves. If I could freely say what I wanted, I would have asked these folk why did they come here if all they were doing was something they could just as well have done at home.