The Best Place in the World
Apr 17th, 2001, 06:45 AM
#1
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The Best Place in the World
My family and I (my husband and kids 13, 15) are thinking about where we want to go one vacation next year and we want it to be somewhere really special. We want to know where you think THE BEST PLACE IN THE WORLD is and WHY? Thanks.
Apr 17th, 2001, 10:23 AM
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i hope i can give an idea. <BR>I went to the Maldives in my honeymoon, and i consider it the best place in the world. Basically, you are in a tiny island, with no roads, no cars, no bus...no modern life stuff, with superb resorts, with crystal clear blue waters ( 26ºc) with lots of nature, WITHOUT any tropical disease such as malaria or yellow fever, without mosquitos, with european food, with lots of sun, and with some sport facilities to your children, without no risks, and to you, no worries about where they can be because you´re in a island...! <BR>to finish, let me tell tou that you don´t have to know how to swim, because the islands have natural lagoons with 1/2 meter deep without no water currents, and with almost 300 meters long, until you find a coral reef with lots of colorful fishes.
Apr 17th, 2001, 06:39 PM
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Realistically your question is impossible to answer. The world is a huge place and only a small number of people have traveled the continents of the entire world. They could not answer unless they knew what you where looking for (beachs, jungle, mountains, comfort, cost, culture, language, and a ton of other stuff. Ask your parents to post so we have a chance at this one--it is challenging.
Apr 22nd, 2001, 04:51 PM
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I didn't mean, when posting this message for such serious replys about how I'm not specific and it's a bad question. More than trying to plan a vacation I was just interested in people's opinions so please don't take this so seriously and just tell me your favorite place that you've traveled to. Thanks.
Apr 22nd, 2001, 05:42 PM
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we would recommend Isla Mujeres--a small carribean island about 10 miles off cancun. Small town, safe, friendly, economical, and a place where you can let teens just run and not worry about a thing. Check out isla-mujeres.net. We spend a month a year on the island and keep up a home grown brouchuere that we are always gald to pass along upon request. We also have a brouchure on Negril but would not recommend for families with teens because of the casual availability <BR> of all sorts of things. dan and ginny. PS on Isla your kids will be able to freely mix with locals as well as Europeon teens. a priceless cultural experiance. dan and ginny
Apr 23rd, 2001, 09:17 AM
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Jen, this is a tough one! Usually every time I take a trip, I come back loving the place that I just visited and wanting to plan another trip right away. We do keep going back to Mexico - in addition to being a relatively short and inexpensive flight for us, it's a huge country and there's lot to see and do. I first went to Mexico probably 20 years ago and there are still lots of areas I'd like to see. (Seeing the monarch butterflies in Mexico a few weeks ago was pretty special. And I think it was a monarch I spotted in my garden yesterday!) On the other hand, I went to Greece 25 years ago and visited it again last September - a fabulous trip! However, we also went to Turkey (just briefly, for a week) and I LOVED Turkey - I'm planning to go back in 2002. Amazing culture, friendly people, wonderful shopping (the carpets!) - I loved it all. Australia is also a huge country - I've only seen Sydney and parts of the Great Barrier Reef - still lots more to discover. And I know I haven't seen enough of Europe. I'd also like to see Egypt sometime. Plus there was an NY Times article about gorillas in Rwanda yesterday - that looks amazing! And despite living in Canada, there's still a lot more of my own country to see. <BR> <BR>So what's the best place? I don't know. For me, I like to experience something different from what I see everyday, and as I get older, I appreciate nature more than I did as a child. (Perhaps that's an outcome of living in a large city.) If we're going to choose a beach vacation, we often want someplace where we can snorkel. (We don't dive.) Cozumel and Belize (closer to home) are good for that. Australia's Great Barrier Reef (much further from home) is also good for that. It's amazing to see what's underwater. <BR> <BR>If you know when you want to travel, that would help narrow it down. I probably wouldn't go to Mexico in the summer - I save that for February or March. Likewise I wouldn't plan on Europe in January. Many places are just too far to go if you've only got a couple of weeks. <BR> <BR>I actually love questions like this - gets me thinking. Miguel's answer on the Maldives - hmmm, that sounds incredible ..........
Apr 23rd, 2001, 07:52 PM
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Costa Rica offers a variety of adventure activities that the whole family can take part in. It also offers both Pacific and Caribbean beaches, an incredible diversity flora and fauna, active volcanoes, hot springs, lush jungle... <BR> <BR>You can find out more at the Costa Rican tourism board's web site at www.tourism-costarica.com/ <BR> <BR>I also work for a company that offers tours, and they have several sample itineraries that could give you better suggestion on what to do with a family in their Family Adventures section. You can find their site at www.worldwanderlust.com.
Apr 23rd, 2001, 08:41 PM
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My winter home in La Manzanilla, Mexico on the pristine Bay of Tenacatita. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>mexxicodan <BR>www.choice1.com/villamontana.htm
Apr 30th, 2001, 07:56 AM
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The best place in the world (to me!) is St. John. It is the most beautiful island I think there is. Keep in mind I've only been to about 10 different islands, and haven't traveled very far (like fiji etc..), but if you want something that is great for people of all ages, St. John is it. Your kids will love it, its very laid back, the beaches are incredible and the island is so much fun to explore. Also, the restaurants are very good and the town is never crowded! Look into it, you'll be glad you did!
May 20th, 2001, 01:10 PM
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Last December, I went to Torres del Paine in Southern Patagonia, Chile. It was absolutely phenomenal and unlike anyplace I had ever been. <BR> <BR>Torres del Paine is a UNESCO-designated Natural Biosphere Reserve. It is 15 square miles filled with glaciers, unique granite mountain formations, glacier lakes with icebergs, rivers, forests, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. The flora and fauna are incredible...similar to other, "better known" species, but different. For example, there is a herd of 3,000+ guanacos which are the red-haired relative of the llama. There are condors with 9-foot wingspans, rheas (ostrich-like birds which Darwin studied), pumas, tons of birds (ducks, albatross, owls, etc.), wild orchids and slippers, and pink flamingos just outside the park. <BR> <BR>The park was featured in National Geographic's puma video and, most recently, is the site for the Valtrex commercial (herpes medication...not the best for the park's reputation, unfortunately). The views in the commercial are very representative of the park and the video, while concentrating on the puma, shows many of the beautiful scenery (although not all). <BR> <BR>The place to stay is the Hotel Explora. It is a 4-star boutique hotel. The hotel only has about 40 rooms or so, so there are only 65 guests at any given time. The hotel is located in the middle of the park at the top of the Salto Chico (a waterfall), overlooking Los Cuernos, the spectacular horn-shaped peaks in the center of the park. The food is spectacular, and the guides are friendly, knowledgable, and very experienced. The staff and owners are there to fulfill your every desire, even cleaning your boots at the end of a particularly muddy hike. The hotel price includes all your meals and all your activities (a variety of hikes and horseback trips are offered daily). Everyone gathers at the end of the day near the bar (which is set up like a living room) to drink Pisco sours and chilean wine, try some unique appetizers, and hear about the hikes planned for the next day. <BR> <BR>Your kids will not get bored here. There were a bunch of families (we were there at Christmas time), and the kids and teenagers absolutely loved it. They couldn't wait to get out into the park each morning. And, the hotel provides a variety of hikes, each geared to different ability levels. However, do get on the treadmill before you go. But, if you do get sore, there are two masseuses on site. <BR> <BR>On the way to Torres del Paine, you should stop in Santiago for a couple of days and Punta Arenas (where you fly into to get to the park) for a day to go see the penguin colonies where thousands of Magellin penguins make their home. <BR> <BR>If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me.
Jun 29th, 2001, 04:10 PM
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Hi;<BR><BR>After 60 plus countries I'd say New Zealand. Very user friendly w/ lots and lots to do. Plus our winter is their summer. Plus many campgrounds offer inexpensive cabins w/ beds. (So you don't have to haul all your camping stuff down)Plus if you go for a month or so its actually cheaper to buy a used car than renting one. <BR>If you only have 7-10 days St. Johns offers both resort's and camping. We've done both. Excellent snorkeling in some spots.<BR>Be well,<BR>pete
Jun 30th, 2001, 04:30 PM
#14
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I agree with the post about New Zealand. I have travelled a great deal and live in a lovely country but to visit, there is no place like New Zealand. Wonderful, wonderful people, a slower pace, great motels that are more like apartments and really inexpensive, good food. I never thought I would like lamb until I tasted it in New Zealand and they prepare pork roast like none I have ever tasted. If you are a veggie, this won't interest you but gosh, the food is good. Given that their dollar is quite low right now, in comparison to north american currencies, it could be a trip of a lifetime for you.
Jul 5th, 2001, 02:01 AM
#15
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Hi Jen, <BR> <BR>I think I have found the best place in the world today. It's The Cook Islands in the South Pacific. Specifically, I am refering to the island of Raratonga. <BR> <BR>Check out these sites: <BR> <BR>http://www.cook-islands.com/ <BR>http://www.ck/ <BR> <BR>**Jim
Jul 8th, 2001, 06:11 AM
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The Abacos (out islands of the Bahamas) is one of my favorite places. Specifically, I would recommend Hope Town (Elbow Cay), Great Guana Cay, or Man O'War Cay. <BR>An eco-trip to Panama was another highlight. <BR>And my most recent trip to Kenya was far greater than I imagined.
Jul 19th, 2001, 03:17 PM
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Hi! <BR>The most beautiful beaches in the world, my opinion of course is in Anguilla. A small island (16 miles long) near St. Martin (30 minute ferry ride)from Marigot/St. Martin. Interested? I can tell you wonderful resorts and villas to stay in! Always be careful, especially with your children going. We just got back from a nightmare vacation in Akumal, Mexico. <BR>Teresa
Jul 21st, 2001, 05:12 AM
#20
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New Zealand is the answer. I,too, have traveled around the world and if you have the time to explore New Zealand thouroughly, this is the place! I spent four months there and traveled during weekends and vacations. The scenery is magnificent and varied from north and south island. It was like going back in time because it is so unspoiled outside of Auckland. Travel on the "shoulder" travel periods for cheap accomodations. If you like trails, they are better than their roads. Car rental can be expensive. Airlines like Quantas just ran specials fares. It is a long ride but is you plan, it will be a trip of a lifetime if you want beauty, friendly people, and basic adventure of fiords, seeing penguins coming out of the ocean, on and on!
