what do you do when you travel?
Apr 3rd, 2007, 08:34 PM
#21
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,238
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
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.
Apr 4th, 2007, 01:33 AM
#22
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,950
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Apr 4th, 2007, 07:30 AM
#23
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
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.
Apr 4th, 2007, 07:59 AM
#24
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,577
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
I love reading all of the activities people do! It gives me many ideas for future travel.
Apr 4th, 2007, 11:33 AM
#25
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 626
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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!
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!
Apr 4th, 2007, 12:41 PM
#26
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 12,076
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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!
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!
Apr 4th, 2007, 02:14 PM
#27
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,037
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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 .
Apr 4th, 2007, 03:12 PM
#29
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 721
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
Apr 4th, 2007, 03:22 PM
#30
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 19,419
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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 
Now they both love museums and exhibits. She'll grow over it! Our genes are stronger than their resistance
Apr 4th, 2007, 04:34 PM
#31
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It's a mixture. I love meeting the locals, partaking in the culture and doing the touristy sightseeing.
Theresa
www.nomadwannabe.com
Theresa
www.nomadwannabe.com
Apr 5th, 2007, 07:30 PM
#32
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
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.
Apr 5th, 2007, 10:21 PM
#33
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
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.
May 16th, 2007, 08:48 PM
#36
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,833
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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 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.
May 16th, 2007, 10:25 PM
#37
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,969
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
