cjane68

Would like suggestions for a getaway that will allow me the necessary environment to gain focus and clarity, relax, renew, and care for no one but myself, even if just for a few days. At 42, twenty three years married, with my oldest just graduating college and a daughter who will a high school senior this Fall...the time has come to finally make the critical, life changing decisions that I've put off for 15 years.

I have only been away from my family, overnight, once in 23 years. So, as you can see I'm not well versed in solo travel, or even travel for that matter.

I have a modest budget of under $800.

Would be the ideal setting (at least what I imagine to be ideal)...
-natural
-quiet
-private
-serene
-safe
-a view from my room so incredibly beautiful that this element alone would daily leave me in awe.
-**Most importantly, I need to see, hear, feel... Water.....beautiful crystal clear water, be it a stream, beach, lagoon, river or lake.

Not necessities, but would enjoy:
-massage
-fishing (would love to learn to fly fish)
-waterfalls
-location considered to be one of the most beautiful spots in the world
-optional local excursions

*I'm a sappy, sentimental visual type, moved my the simplest things.

Any suggestion greatly appreciated. I'm determined to take this trip and do the necessary work to finally...take care of me.

Thanks a bunch!!

CJane68

tomfuller

Where are you coming from? How many days do you expect your $800 to last? What mode of transportation do you favor?
If you are close enough I would suggest Crater Lake NP.
I don't think you can afford Hawaii.
My other favorite is Yosemite NP for the waterfalls.

cjane68

Thank you for the reply Tomfuller. I live in Virginia. Ideally, I would love to have at least 5 days (unrealistic I'm sure on this tight of a budget.

~thanks

tomfuller

Try Pennsylvania for fly fishing. Jimmy Carter used to fly by helicopter to Spruce Creek to get away from the White House.
Penns Cave is the headwaters of Penns Creek.
I used to work in the Bald Eagle State Forest in PA. You could stay within your budget if you went to Poe Valley State Park which is close to a wild stretch of Penns Creek.
http://www.trails.com/toptrails.aspx?area=12708

KMCJ

1 week after my divorce trial, also at age 43, I made an impromptu decision to travel to Aix-en-Provence, France, by myself. It hadn't traveled solo since my 20s. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Good for you!

I am not a fan of hotels, so I would suggest you explore vacation home rental sites. Every place I have rented was lovely, an "experience," and less expensive than a comparable hotel. FYI, the owners will almost always negotiate with you for lower rates.

I also agree with looking into a cabin rental at a nearby state park. Where I live, these are inexpensive and pleasant. The only issue I have had is that they often book up 9 months in advance.

It may be too far from you, but there are some privately owned beautiful, inexpensive cabin rentals in the North Georgia mountains that are next to some gorgeous waterfalls.

I would also consider taking a 3 day cruise from the closest port. My solo cruise was an entirely different experience from the ones I took with family. It is possible to avoid feeling crowded. I stayed on the ship while it was in port (no desire to see the Bahamas again, or "pet" a dolphin @$200 pp)and it felt quite deserted. Although you will likely have to pay a double rate for your cabin, there are many ways to save money and it is possible to cruise for an amount close to your budget.

Now go have some fun!

Femi

I would recommend doing a search on www.Luxurylink.com

thursdaysd

I love Peaks of Otter on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Roanoke, that's my personal getaway location. You could also look at Hawks Nest State Park in West Virginia or Fairy Stone State Park in Virginia. Not sure any of those would help with the fishing. You could also look for a vrbo.com rental up in the mountains in NC or VA.

$800 isn't a whole lot, I'm afraid, especially when it includes transport.

http://www.peaksofotter.com/
http://www.hawksnestsp.com/
http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/fai.shtml

qwovadis

Visitsedona.com amazing spiritual place

Oak creek canyon for a bit of water.

Bajaquest.com many cute little hotels with great views remote

Runawayhill.com

Nepenthebigsur.com

Natural remote prety cheap to get to places

qwovadis

Journeywoman.com great site for you...

Happy Planning,

sheri_lp

I think Oak Creek Canyon is a great idea. My family had been going there since the 50's and in some places it seems unchanged.

thursdaysd

"I think Oak Creek Canyon is a great idea."

The OP lives in Virginia, and wants five days for under $800. Last I checked, Oak Creek was outside Sedona, which requires a plane ride, a rental car, and possibly expensive lodging. Checking random mid-week dates in August the lowest Washington-Phoenix air fare is $285. Staying east makes more sense.

qwovadis

Just roadtripped from the southeast to Sedona Santa Fe Taos and Grand Canyon

For well under $800 from the southeast gulf coast last year had a blast

Blueridgeparkway.com nice spiritual areas if you want to stay in the east

Blowing Rock and Asheville areas my favs there.

Prefer the majestic landscapes of the west personally thouugh

Roadtripusa.com

thursdaysd

"Just roadtripped from the southeast to Sedona"

In five days?

tomfuller

If you choose your cities carefully, you can get all the way to California and back to Virginia for less than $400 for transportation. http://tickets.amtrak.com/itd/amtrak/selectpass
A 15 day USA Railpass is only $389. My wife and I used 30 day passes to go from Oregon to Florida and return.

suze

If that budget includes everything, I think a driving trip somewhere in your own geographic area would make the most sense. Find a cottage at a lake somewhere withing 3 hours drive.

I can suggest places that are nice for solo travel that I have done (Mexico, Hawaii) and fit your requirements, and but even for a budget stay you need about double that amount of money.

cjane68

Thanks you all for your time and such phenomenal advice. I look forward to the journey!....and KMCJ, it was encouraging to hear your similar experience.

thursdaysd

So, where are you going? (And bon voyage.)

Eschew

The budget would be an issue. Have you consider a resort at Virginia Beach ocean front?

The spa at a resort would be quiet, private and serene. A view of the sunrise over the horizon would daily leave you in awe. You will see, hear, feel ... Water. It will be close to home so you don't even have to go far.

And by the way, pick low or shoulder season, and avoid weekends.

CYESQ

There are lovely places in Maine, Vermont and New Hamphsire areas. Do some research in these areas and I think you could easily do your trip within your budget.

lmvo28

Acadian National Park in Bar Harbor Maine