2nd favorite place to visit after C.R.
Jan 29th, 2007, 10:55 AM
#21
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DOCROX: So you have been spoiled forever by the incredible rainforests and cloud forests of Costa Rica...I can tell you that since my first trip to Costa Rica in summer 2005 no forest has ever been the same. I hunger for that Costa Rican rainforest fix...
HOWEVER I suggest you go somewhere entirely different!!! That's what we did.
We headed to Ireland in summer 2006, and I was mainly interested in the cultural experience, because of my Irish grandmother, and I made a list of the pubs with traditional Irish music and headed to each one on the nights they had live music. So cool! I was in Irish heaven...
Now we're headed for New Zealand, which we also saw over 20 years ago...after Costa Rica, you will find a stark contrast in Fiordland on the south island, in Mt. Cook and the glaciers on the west coast, all this on the south island of New Zealand...an amazing place. Very different from Costa Rica.
You can't get any better than Costa Rica!!! So I would find something different but equal!
Also Italy is fantastic. Personally I love Rome, Venice, and Tuscany, including Siena. Think culture, history, Michelangelo, gelato, great coffee, eating out on the piazza at night, surrounded by Italian voices in a little family-owned ristorante...
Ah, travel is great!
HOWEVER I suggest you go somewhere entirely different!!! That's what we did.
We headed to Ireland in summer 2006, and I was mainly interested in the cultural experience, because of my Irish grandmother, and I made a list of the pubs with traditional Irish music and headed to each one on the nights they had live music. So cool! I was in Irish heaven...Now we're headed for New Zealand, which we also saw over 20 years ago...after Costa Rica, you will find a stark contrast in Fiordland on the south island, in Mt. Cook and the glaciers on the west coast, all this on the south island of New Zealand...an amazing place. Very different from Costa Rica.
You can't get any better than Costa Rica!!! So I would find something different but equal!
Also Italy is fantastic. Personally I love Rome, Venice, and Tuscany, including Siena. Think culture, history, Michelangelo, gelato, great coffee, eating out on the piazza at night, surrounded by Italian voices in a little family-owned ristorante...
Ah, travel is great!
Jan 29th, 2007, 10:57 AM
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Did I forget to mention New Zealand has rare wildlife too...how about seeing an Albatross, they are impressive...and Yellow-Eyed Penguins, and the Tuatara is still hanging about from the age of the dinosours...
Jan 29th, 2007, 12:21 PM
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Ireland is fantastic. Australia is awesome. Peru - esp Machu Picchu is amazing, spent some time in the Amazon basin as well. Those are my top 3 that are not Costa Rica.
I've been to most of Europe and like Ireland the most. Italy is awesome as well but Ireland is just more on that Costa Rican vibe.
If you're thinking of New Zealand I would do it - looks incredible. Do a trip to Australia and New Zealand. Do Sydney and GB Reef and then a week in New Zealand. ...Norway is on my list of places to see as well.
My ultimate trip...which I'm currently planning is a trip to South Africa and I think it will be the best. I got airfare for under $1,000 from NY to South Africa. - Cape Town, whale watching, Great White sharks, the Winelands, Safari...it's going to be tough to beat this one.
I've been to most of Europe and like Ireland the most. Italy is awesome as well but Ireland is just more on that Costa Rican vibe.
If you're thinking of New Zealand I would do it - looks incredible. Do a trip to Australia and New Zealand. Do Sydney and GB Reef and then a week in New Zealand. ...Norway is on my list of places to see as well.
My ultimate trip...which I'm currently planning is a trip to South Africa and I think it will be the best. I got airfare for under $1,000 from NY to South Africa. - Cape Town, whale watching, Great White sharks, the Winelands, Safari...it's going to be tough to beat this one.
Jan 29th, 2007, 04:15 PM
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How interesting all of your stories! I'm not nearly as traveled as the rest of you, except I HAVE been around the block a time or two! 
We have spent a few weeks in Alaska since 1999, and absolutely love it there. June is such a great time to visit, especially during Summer Solstice. I'd LOVE to see the Northern Lights! We especially enjoy the Kenai Peninsula, Homer, Seward, etc.
We had a fabulous time in the BVI last summer and would love to explore that area more thoroughly.
Haven't been to Europe, but look forward to trips there with our daughters one day (my husband isn't particularly interested).
My dream trip of the moment in South America, but that will probably have to wait about 3 years until we've fully retired. I'd like to be in Costa Rica for a few months and plan it from there. Argentina calls, as does Machu Piccu. And the Galapagos--we'd both enjoy that!
Thanks for the fun post!
We have spent a few weeks in Alaska since 1999, and absolutely love it there. June is such a great time to visit, especially during Summer Solstice. I'd LOVE to see the Northern Lights! We especially enjoy the Kenai Peninsula, Homer, Seward, etc.
We had a fabulous time in the BVI last summer and would love to explore that area more thoroughly.
Haven't been to Europe, but look forward to trips there with our daughters one day (my husband isn't particularly interested).
My dream trip of the moment in South America, but that will probably have to wait about 3 years until we've fully retired. I'd like to be in Costa Rica for a few months and plan it from there. Argentina calls, as does Machu Piccu. And the Galapagos--we'd both enjoy that!
Thanks for the fun post!
Feb 10th, 2007, 12:52 PM
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I just got back from thailand 1 week ago and liked it a lot I still think costa rica was better I am thinking about a second trip to costa rica next year . but kenya africa was great I took a safari and loved it I went with www.2afrika.com a trip of a life time.I think this trip was my favorite. Hipdo you have your italy itinery I loved to see it happy travel everyone
Feb 11th, 2007, 02:22 AM
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It was 4 years ago but, It was very similar to their beauty and mystery tour. I liked the mara maasi area the best wonderful to see the animals and beautiful countryside.I found the tour company to be great had no problems.
Feb 12th, 2007, 12:31 PM
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Our top trip as a family was Dec.2002,(kids were 14,12,10 and 9):
South Africa:
Pezulu Game Reserve;(near Hoedsprut)Lived in a treehouse waking to the smells and sounds of the Africa wild,peering from the open air shower of the tree house was all sorts of wildlife from male fighting giraffes to warthogs running about. Twice daily game jeep runs into territory filled with elephant, lion, zebra,impala,water buffalo to state just a few. Although the kids were in awe with the large game, 2 days later they enjoyed micro-environments of the dung beetles,scorpions etc. Local foods, culture and people topped the experience!! Travelled after to Knysna resort coastal area...don't bother. Then to Cape Town...don't bother.(imo with kids)
South Africa:
Pezulu Game Reserve;(near Hoedsprut)Lived in a treehouse waking to the smells and sounds of the Africa wild,peering from the open air shower of the tree house was all sorts of wildlife from male fighting giraffes to warthogs running about. Twice daily game jeep runs into territory filled with elephant, lion, zebra,impala,water buffalo to state just a few. Although the kids were in awe with the large game, 2 days later they enjoyed micro-environments of the dung beetles,scorpions etc. Local foods, culture and people topped the experience!! Travelled after to Knysna resort coastal area...don't bother. Then to Cape Town...don't bother.(imo with kids)
Feb 13th, 2007, 05:41 AM
#31
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we have travelled extensively since our children reached their teenage years. started with a 3 week combined egypt and kenyan safari. ever since i first saw pictures of the pyramids as a 5/6 yr old i had been in awe of these amazing structures. i was not disappointed, however my wife suffered badly from tummy trouble and her trip was ruined!! my advice , go and be amazed at the surreal size and majesty of the place.
kenya was a totally different and wild experience. close up and personal with deadly beasts in their playground, WOW!!
looking at an overall top 3, now i'm over 50, i wouldn't put egypt or kenya in my top 5????
need to do a little work now, i'll post my choices later.
kenya was a totally different and wild experience. close up and personal with deadly beasts in their playground, WOW!!
looking at an overall top 3, now i'm over 50, i wouldn't put egypt or kenya in my top 5????
need to do a little work now, i'll post my choices later.
Feb 14th, 2007, 04:36 AM
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ok
in reverse order 5th to 1st.
5th gulf coast of florida. we own a vacation home and visit once a year for avery easy relaxed 2 week vacation. we go at easter and the weather is wonderful, the restaurants are plentiful and so far always fine. it's a laid back water/beach/golf getaway!
4th is the city of sydney. we visited about 10 years ago and i'm sure its changed a bit, but wow what a location for a large city. its vibrant, cosmopolitan and exudes a "dunno mate, but lets give it a go!" kind of attitude. loved it!
3rd is the malaysian island of penang. the people are fiercely proud of the fact that they consist of many races and religions and they all get on!!
we experienced it and its true. again the weather was great at easter(missed florida that year)and it was a wonderfully exotic and amazingly good value destination. best food we've experienced anywhere in the world. if you like fake designer goods, go to penang, if they haven't got it they'll get it tomorrow!!?? different strokes and all that...
1st and 2nd after another bout of work!
in reverse order 5th to 1st.
5th gulf coast of florida. we own a vacation home and visit once a year for avery easy relaxed 2 week vacation. we go at easter and the weather is wonderful, the restaurants are plentiful and so far always fine. it's a laid back water/beach/golf getaway!
4th is the city of sydney. we visited about 10 years ago and i'm sure its changed a bit, but wow what a location for a large city. its vibrant, cosmopolitan and exudes a "dunno mate, but lets give it a go!" kind of attitude. loved it!
3rd is the malaysian island of penang. the people are fiercely proud of the fact that they consist of many races and religions and they all get on!!
we experienced it and its true. again the weather was great at easter(missed florida that year)and it was a wonderfully exotic and amazingly good value destination. best food we've experienced anywhere in the world. if you like fake designer goods, go to penang, if they haven't got it they'll get it tomorrow!!?? different strokes and all that...
1st and 2nd after another bout of work!
Feb 17th, 2007, 11:05 AM
#33
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seems like this thred has lost its poularity, must be my fault!!
anyway heres my top two.
2nd is the island of bali. we have spent 3 wonderful vacations in different locations and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves each time. the balinese are a beautifully, peaceful and welcoming people. the whole island promotes a feeling of calmer karma!!
we were bali bound 3 years ago until the dreadful bombing and were forced to cancel due to the advice of the british govt. at that time.
we then re-discovered mexico and its now my number one.
we spent 3 blissful weeks in a villa directly on the beach at playa secreto. bathing in the caribbean every morning and adopting a rhodesian ridgeback puppy for the duration. the last 2 years have been devoted to the bay of banderas on the pacific coast. bucerias and another wonderful beachfront paradise.
we are hoping that costa rica will force itself into our top two. playa grande here we come!!
anyway heres my top two.
2nd is the island of bali. we have spent 3 wonderful vacations in different locations and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves each time. the balinese are a beautifully, peaceful and welcoming people. the whole island promotes a feeling of calmer karma!!
we were bali bound 3 years ago until the dreadful bombing and were forced to cancel due to the advice of the british govt. at that time.
we then re-discovered mexico and its now my number one.
we spent 3 blissful weeks in a villa directly on the beach at playa secreto. bathing in the caribbean every morning and adopting a rhodesian ridgeback puppy for the duration. the last 2 years have been devoted to the bay of banderas on the pacific coast. bucerias and another wonderful beachfront paradise.
we are hoping that costa rica will force itself into our top two. playa grande here we come!!
Feb 19th, 2007, 08:59 AM
#37
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Walnutwhip,
I don't think this thread has lost popularity, we were all just waiting for your next posting!!
Ever since seeing the movie South Pacific as a kid I have always wanted to go to Bali and some of the other islands. After the bombings I gave that dream up but now that you have said how wonderful it was I may have to rethink things.
We used to travel to Mexico frequently when we lived in Texas years ago and felt so at home there except for my tummy. We used to travel to Cozumel when there were only a couple of hotels and no potable water. No matter how careful I was I had a problem. Visited Acapulco a few short years ago and spent a lot of time outside of the city and didn't have a problem so we are planning on visiting some Mexican amigos that lived in Ohio for awhile in Oaxaca now that things are getting back to normal.
Okay Gem,
Maybe we can do Cook islands if we split some costs. I do have to stop watching Survivor!!!! Still trying to talk my husband into the Pearl Islands at the very least. Pan Comedo (slang in CR for being easy)from Costa Rica. Isla del Coco looks like a possibility too. I really want a close encounter with the whales around there.
Okay, I have done my traveling dreaming for today, time to get back to work.
Happy travels all.
I don't think this thread has lost popularity, we were all just waiting for your next posting!!
Ever since seeing the movie South Pacific as a kid I have always wanted to go to Bali and some of the other islands. After the bombings I gave that dream up but now that you have said how wonderful it was I may have to rethink things.
We used to travel to Mexico frequently when we lived in Texas years ago and felt so at home there except for my tummy. We used to travel to Cozumel when there were only a couple of hotels and no potable water. No matter how careful I was I had a problem. Visited Acapulco a few short years ago and spent a lot of time outside of the city and didn't have a problem so we are planning on visiting some Mexican amigos that lived in Ohio for awhile in Oaxaca now that things are getting back to normal.
Okay Gem,
Maybe we can do Cook islands if we split some costs. I do have to stop watching Survivor!!!! Still trying to talk my husband into the Pearl Islands at the very least. Pan Comedo (slang in CR for being easy)from Costa Rica. Isla del Coco looks like a possibility too. I really want a close encounter with the whales around there.
Okay, I have done my traveling dreaming for today, time to get back to work.
Happy travels all.
Feb 20th, 2007, 10:37 AM
#38
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DOCROX: After falling in love with Costa Rican rainforests and cloud forests in summer 2005, I haven't found a forest that is equal to those... until now. New Zealand has beautiful rainforests, equal to Costa Rican ones but different, on the south island of New Zealand. Also New Zealand has fabulous scenery, amazing...Mt. Cook, Fiordland, on south island...Also if you go in their summer (late January/early February) you can see the Yellow-eyed penguins and babies on the Otago peninsula. If you happen to go in November, you can see a different type of penguin's babies at the Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki on the west coast...which is surrounded by beautiful native forested areas....
February is basically late summer in New Zealand. It was perfect for us. We just returned.
The other way to go is to avoid nature entirely, and head for the amazing cities in Italy...Rome, and Venice...Rome is my favorite city on earth, but stay someplace central where you can walk to some of the major sites.
Tell us where you decide to go!
February is basically late summer in New Zealand. It was perfect for us. We just returned.
The other way to go is to avoid nature entirely, and head for the amazing cities in Italy...Rome, and Venice...Rome is my favorite city on earth, but stay someplace central where you can walk to some of the major sites.
Tell us where you decide to go!
Feb 20th, 2007, 11:58 AM
#39
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ok sparklegem, regarding mexico, we stayed a mile morth of bucerias. this small town is about 20 mi9les north of puerto vallarta. we stayed in a 5 bedroom beachfront villa +++ all sorts of other luxuries. we are teachers from england and we can only really travel at easter or late july and thru'august. the rate was about $200 per night for the whole villa. the area is (i think) very mexican and not too touristy. loads of minteresting day trips, north south and inland. we loved it.the villa is called villa de don pedro... google it!!
Apr 19th, 2007, 08:19 PM
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sparklegem I would LOVE to hear about your San Miguel de Allende spanish language school goes. I homeschool my two sons, 10 and 6 and we just started to learn spanish this year. I am really interested in taking them to Mexico to study there - costs can get pretty high though for the three of us. I would also enjoy hearing more about your trip to Yucatan - one of my dream locations.
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