October anniv. trip - need ideas
May 9th, 2007, 06:17 AM
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October anniv. trip - need ideas
We'd love some ideas for a trip in October (26th anniv). We've gone on lots of really nice trips in the past, and we can't decide where to go in October.
We travel a lot, and this trip needs to be very nice, but it also needs to be on a low budget. We'd like to find a great deal somewhere.
Here's the facts:
Our youngest is going to college this fall, so I need something to look forward to. We're in our mid-40's; will have traveled to Italy, Germany and Florida(2x) this year.
We'd like somewhere in US, Canada or in Caribbean. We have lots of frequent flier miles (flying from Atlanta).
We like tropical locations; also like some cities (San Fran/NY/Montreal types of places). Also considering Sante Fe.
Other considerations: Portland (OR), New England, Asheville, cabin in mountains, beach location, Canadian Rockies, Nova Scotia, Phoenix.
As you can tell, we're pretty much open to anything this year. But the cost has to be really reasonable.
Okay, does anybody know of any great deals out there for October? Thanks!
We travel a lot, and this trip needs to be very nice, but it also needs to be on a low budget. We'd like to find a great deal somewhere.
Here's the facts:
Our youngest is going to college this fall, so I need something to look forward to. We're in our mid-40's; will have traveled to Italy, Germany and Florida(2x) this year.
We'd like somewhere in US, Canada or in Caribbean. We have lots of frequent flier miles (flying from Atlanta).
We like tropical locations; also like some cities (San Fran/NY/Montreal types of places). Also considering Sante Fe.
Other considerations: Portland (OR), New England, Asheville, cabin in mountains, beach location, Canadian Rockies, Nova Scotia, Phoenix.
As you can tell, we're pretty much open to anything this year. But the cost has to be really reasonable.
Okay, does anybody know of any great deals out there for October? Thanks!
May 9th, 2007, 06:48 AM
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Fall is the nicest time of year in the SW. I recommend a trip to New Mexico and SW Colorado.
Sunny blue skies with mild temperatures; leaves turning colors and the nights crisp and cool and pinon wood scents the air.
Here is a suggested trip I posted on here a while back; see if it helps.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34895115
I have lots more suggestions for the area - hotels, restaurants etc. Let me know if any of this sounds interesting.
Hope this help...
Debi
Sunny blue skies with mild temperatures; leaves turning colors and the nights crisp and cool and pinon wood scents the air.
Here is a suggested trip I posted on here a while back; see if it helps.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34895115
I have lots more suggestions for the area - hotels, restaurants etc. Let me know if any of this sounds interesting.
Hope this help...
Debi
May 9th, 2007, 07:11 AM
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Bermuda is non stop from Atlanta in a couple of hours. Great place. The Canadian Rockies are outstanding. Fly to Calgary, rent a car and drive to Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper.
Santa Fe is outstanding. I'm taking my wife to San Diego in October on her b/d. We have an anniversary in August and her b/d in October. We have made trips to NYC, SF, Napa, Carmel, LA, CO, Wyoming, Naples, FL, Amelia Island, FL, Charleston, SC, Savannah, GA, DC, The Greenbrier in WV, St. Thomas, Virgin Gorda, Jamaica, Los Cabos, Vancouver Island, Quebec City, et al.
I would help you more if I knew where you had gone. I loved Quebec City in September. October should be outstanding.
Santa Fe is outstanding. I'm taking my wife to San Diego in October on her b/d. We have an anniversary in August and her b/d in October. We have made trips to NYC, SF, Napa, Carmel, LA, CO, Wyoming, Naples, FL, Amelia Island, FL, Charleston, SC, Savannah, GA, DC, The Greenbrier in WV, St. Thomas, Virgin Gorda, Jamaica, Los Cabos, Vancouver Island, Quebec City, et al.
I would help you more if I knew where you had gone. I loved Quebec City in September. October should be outstanding.
May 9th, 2007, 07:18 AM
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Hi,
I think you've been to Hawaii fairly recently but with FF miles this might be a reasonable trip in late October.
In the Caribbean for 'reasonable' you should check out Puerto Rico (and Vieques if you like snorkeling with very few tourists) or Mexican Yucatan region where you can combine the beach trip with an interesting jaunt to Chichen Itza or Tulum and Coba ruins.
Santa Fe sounds lovely. It's on my to do list!
I think you've been to Hawaii fairly recently but with FF miles this might be a reasonable trip in late October.
In the Caribbean for 'reasonable' you should check out Puerto Rico (and Vieques if you like snorkeling with very few tourists) or Mexican Yucatan region where you can combine the beach trip with an interesting jaunt to Chichen Itza or Tulum and Coba ruins.
Santa Fe sounds lovely. It's on my to do list!
May 9th, 2007, 07:57 AM
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Thanks so much for all the replies!
DebitNM, I have been playing around on the Delta site, and we could fly into Albuquerque on Oct 12 and out of Durango on Oct 20. We would probably drive to Santa Fe that first evening and stay a couple of nights; then do you have suggestions? Remember, this needs to be a LOW BUDGET vacation!
We could also fly roundtrip to Phoenix October 13-19. Could fly to Phoenix or Las Vegas on Oct 13 and out of St. George, Utah, on Oct 20. Thanks for all your info; I've been looking at it.
Ike, thanks for your info! Do you think it would be too cold for Canadian Rockies in October?
In the U.S. & Caribbean, we've been to St. Thomas, Aruba, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, St. John, Hawaii (4x), Phoenix, Las Vegas, Chicago, lots of Florida beaches, Key West, Washington, DC, Colorado, Charleston, Savannah, Tennessee, and can't think of the rest right now.
highflyer, thanks for the info. Yes, we went to Hawaii (Big Island) last fall for our 25th, and we loved it! But this time we're trying to stay a little closer. I'm checking out Puerto Rico right now. I don't know anything about Vieques, but we definitely like snorkeling, so I'm going to check this out.
This board is great! I knew I could get lots of ideas from all of you, and it's lots of fun researching all the different places.
With two in college this year (and one out but still paying for), we had almost decided not to go anywhere this year, but I really would like to go somewhere, and I know it's going to help my mood a lot to have something to look forward to!
We're all 5 going to the beach in July for the family vacation.
DebitNM, I have been playing around on the Delta site, and we could fly into Albuquerque on Oct 12 and out of Durango on Oct 20. We would probably drive to Santa Fe that first evening and stay a couple of nights; then do you have suggestions? Remember, this needs to be a LOW BUDGET vacation!
We could also fly roundtrip to Phoenix October 13-19. Could fly to Phoenix or Las Vegas on Oct 13 and out of St. George, Utah, on Oct 20. Thanks for all your info; I've been looking at it.
Ike, thanks for your info! Do you think it would be too cold for Canadian Rockies in October?
In the U.S. & Caribbean, we've been to St. Thomas, Aruba, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, St. John, Hawaii (4x), Phoenix, Las Vegas, Chicago, lots of Florida beaches, Key West, Washington, DC, Colorado, Charleston, Savannah, Tennessee, and can't think of the rest right now.
highflyer, thanks for the info. Yes, we went to Hawaii (Big Island) last fall for our 25th, and we loved it! But this time we're trying to stay a little closer. I'm checking out Puerto Rico right now. I don't know anything about Vieques, but we definitely like snorkeling, so I'm going to check this out.
This board is great! I knew I could get lots of ideas from all of you, and it's lots of fun researching all the different places.
With two in college this year (and one out but still paying for), we had almost decided not to go anywhere this year, but I really would like to go somewhere, and I know it's going to help my mood a lot to have something to look forward to!
We're all 5 going to the beach in July for the family vacation.
May 9th, 2007, 08:02 AM
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Yellowstone can be stunning in October. It's my favorite time of year to visit because the park is relatively empty. You'll have cool mornings, maybe some snow, maybe some 60 degree afternoons.
You could combine a trip to Jackson, WY and Yellowstone. Or check out Chico Hot Springs in Montana.
You could combine a trip to Jackson, WY and Yellowstone. Or check out Chico Hot Springs in Montana.
May 9th, 2007, 08:13 AM
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Hi Samsaf,
I was going to recommend Park City, but since you are going just after our normal peak colors season, I'd suggest the southwest too!
Have you ever been to Moab or the southern Utah Natl Parks? October is the perfect time to go! Lots of nice, but fairly reasonable places to stay. If you fly into SLC, it's non-stop on Delta from SLC, if visiting Moab.
I was going to recommend Park City, but since you are going just after our normal peak colors season, I'd suggest the southwest too!
Have you ever been to Moab or the southern Utah Natl Parks? October is the perfect time to go! Lots of nice, but fairly reasonable places to stay. If you fly into SLC, it's non-stop on Delta from SLC, if visiting Moab.
May 9th, 2007, 08:27 AM
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First thought that comes to mind is that you are looking at doing a 1 way car rental, so check into that and see how much it will cost. Don't know if that is going to break the bank.
There are lots of good, clean reasonably priced places to stay in Santa Fe, Taos and on into SW CO. Same goes for restaurants in the area.
You could drive the Million Dollar Highway loop from Durango [up thru Silverton, Ouray over to Telluride and then down to Delores, Cortez before heading back to Durango].
see this thread [or google Million Dollar Highway] -
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34986353
IF you have not been out this way before - a MUST see is Mesa Verde. It will be beautiful in October.
http://www.nps.gov/meve/
Debi
There are lots of good, clean reasonably priced places to stay in Santa Fe, Taos and on into SW CO. Same goes for restaurants in the area.
You could drive the Million Dollar Highway loop from Durango [up thru Silverton, Ouray over to Telluride and then down to Delores, Cortez before heading back to Durango].
see this thread [or google Million Dollar Highway] -
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34986353
IF you have not been out this way before - a MUST see is Mesa Verde. It will be beautiful in October.
http://www.nps.gov/meve/
Debi
May 9th, 2007, 10:54 AM
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I agree mileking, I meant to add that to my post. Only trouble it may be hard to find hotel space at reasonable cost -- it fills up fast and the more reasonably price places may already be booked.
Debi
Debi
May 10th, 2007, 03:15 AM
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What about flying into Albuquerque on Oct 16 and flying out on the 20th?
We would arrive in Albuquerque at 6:35 p.m.; would it be best to wait until the next morning to drive to Santa Fe? And should we spend the next 3 nights (or all four nights) in Santa Fe, going on day trips?
If we did this, our flight would leave Albuquerque at 2:47 p.m. on the 20th.
Do you have some good suggestions for hotels? I've been looking at all the ones on tripadvisor.
We also looked at Jackson and actually had found a flight and a nice place to stay, but when I talked to the innkeeper he said that everything would pretty much be shut down in mid-October, with restaurants, etc,. closed, so we have crossed Jackson off the list for this trip.
Thanks!
We would arrive in Albuquerque at 6:35 p.m.; would it be best to wait until the next morning to drive to Santa Fe? And should we spend the next 3 nights (or all four nights) in Santa Fe, going on day trips?
If we did this, our flight would leave Albuquerque at 2:47 p.m. on the 20th.
Do you have some good suggestions for hotels? I've been looking at all the ones on tripadvisor.
We also looked at Jackson and actually had found a flight and a nice place to stay, but when I talked to the innkeeper he said that everything would pretty much be shut down in mid-October, with restaurants, etc,. closed, so we have crossed Jackson off the list for this trip.
Thanks!
May 10th, 2007, 06:13 AM
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Getting in during early evening and heading to Santa Fe would take a bit over an hour on the interstate, so staying their first night would be doable.
I would stay at least one night in Taos if you are going to go there. After a long day in Taos, it [seems] like a long drive back to SF.
On the day you are driving back to ABQ to go to the airport, leave SF first thing and rather than drive back down interstate, take the Turquoise Trial back and take some time to explore Madrid an old mining town, that was a ghost town and now has quaint and quirky shops. Eat an early lunch at the Mine Shaft Tavern.
http://tinyurl.com/2fzvqx
If you feel like seeing an amazing site; try Tent Rocks which is southwest of SF.
http://tinyurl.com/yl7pse
I can't help much with SF hotels since I've never stayed overnight there. I can suggest some in Taos. Beachgirl/Sheila is the expert on SF hotels. She is headed there tomorrow I think. Type Santa Fe Hotels in search box and threads with her replies should come up.
As for restaurants, there have been quite a few recent threads on Santa Fe restaurants and Taos restaurants. Type in the search box and you should find threads. IF you can't find them, I'll track them down.
The museums in SF are great to visit. Also, Bandalier in nearby Los Alamos.
Tesuque Market is a fun place for food just north of SF. And go to Shidoni Brass Foundry near the Market and watch them actual cast and pour beautiful statues etc. It's free and you can actually walk through the factour during business hours [don't go during lunch -it's open but nothing happening 12- 1 pm I think]The grounds have wonderful sculpture to see for free too!
Let me know if you need more ideas.
Debi
I would stay at least one night in Taos if you are going to go there. After a long day in Taos, it [seems] like a long drive back to SF.
On the day you are driving back to ABQ to go to the airport, leave SF first thing and rather than drive back down interstate, take the Turquoise Trial back and take some time to explore Madrid an old mining town, that was a ghost town and now has quaint and quirky shops. Eat an early lunch at the Mine Shaft Tavern.
http://tinyurl.com/2fzvqx
If you feel like seeing an amazing site; try Tent Rocks which is southwest of SF.
http://tinyurl.com/yl7pse
I can't help much with SF hotels since I've never stayed overnight there. I can suggest some in Taos. Beachgirl/Sheila is the expert on SF hotels. She is headed there tomorrow I think. Type Santa Fe Hotels in search box and threads with her replies should come up.
As for restaurants, there have been quite a few recent threads on Santa Fe restaurants and Taos restaurants. Type in the search box and you should find threads. IF you can't find them, I'll track them down.
The museums in SF are great to visit. Also, Bandalier in nearby Los Alamos.
Tesuque Market is a fun place for food just north of SF. And go to Shidoni Brass Foundry near the Market and watch them actual cast and pour beautiful statues etc. It's free and you can actually walk through the factour during business hours [don't go during lunch -it's open but nothing happening 12- 1 pm I think]The grounds have wonderful sculpture to see for free too!
Let me know if you need more ideas.
Debi
May 10th, 2007, 06:58 AM
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wow, debi, thanks for the accolade! I'm blushing! 
quot;>
Samsaf, did you decide on dates yet? If you have the 12-20th, you would really enjoy the drive thru Santa Fe, Taos, on up to Durango, etc like Debi mentioned. October is stunning!!! And there are many low-cost options along the way. Nothing fancy but the star of the show is the scenery, such as Mesa Verde.
If you choose the late arrival on the 16th, I would stay in Albuquerque as you would miss the scenery driving into Santa Fe. Plus, you could take the Turquoise Trail from ABQ to Santa Fe. You would only have 2 nights in Santa Fe so that really doesn't leave much time to allow Bandalier or Tent Rocks into your short stay. There are so many things to do in Santa Fe that won't cost you -- walking Canyon Road to the many galleries (Fri night they serve wine and snacks so that's a 'free' cocktail hour, if you will!)
I checked your dates for prices on the least expensive hotel/motel and they start at $55/night for a Super 8 and its only 2 blocks from the plaza! Great location, great price!
As Debi mentioned, I leave Friday for Santa Fe -- again! We are making this a culinary tour and trying places we haven't been to in a while. There are a couple of threads for restaurants going:
http://tinyurl.com/24a9bo
http://tinyurl.com/279p2f
Its a beautiful time of year!
quot;>Samsaf, did you decide on dates yet? If you have the 12-20th, you would really enjoy the drive thru Santa Fe, Taos, on up to Durango, etc like Debi mentioned. October is stunning!!! And there are many low-cost options along the way. Nothing fancy but the star of the show is the scenery, such as Mesa Verde.
If you choose the late arrival on the 16th, I would stay in Albuquerque as you would miss the scenery driving into Santa Fe. Plus, you could take the Turquoise Trail from ABQ to Santa Fe. You would only have 2 nights in Santa Fe so that really doesn't leave much time to allow Bandalier or Tent Rocks into your short stay. There are so many things to do in Santa Fe that won't cost you -- walking Canyon Road to the many galleries (Fri night they serve wine and snacks so that's a 'free' cocktail hour, if you will!)
I checked your dates for prices on the least expensive hotel/motel and they start at $55/night for a Super 8 and its only 2 blocks from the plaza! Great location, great price!
As Debi mentioned, I leave Friday for Santa Fe -- again! We are making this a culinary tour and trying places we haven't been to in a while. There are a couple of threads for restaurants going:
http://tinyurl.com/24a9bo
http://tinyurl.com/279p2f
Its a beautiful time of year!
May 10th, 2007, 09:04 AM
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Well, we're now leaning toward Santa Fe, but probably only 4 or 5 nights this time.
We'd love the BVI, but I think this time we're both looking forward to the SW.
What if we spent all 4 or 5 nights in Santa Fe doing day trips? I know some have suggested we spend the night in Taos, but if it's just an hour or so away, I'm not sure if it's worth the trouble changing hotels. And it seems like there'd be lots to do around Santa Fe.
If we drove to Santa Fe that first evening, we'd take the Turqoise Trail back to Albuquerque the last morning on our way to the airport.
What do you think?
Now I'm doing lots of research on hotels, restaurants, activities, etc.
Thanks so much!
We'd love the BVI, but I think this time we're both looking forward to the SW.
What if we spent all 4 or 5 nights in Santa Fe doing day trips? I know some have suggested we spend the night in Taos, but if it's just an hour or so away, I'm not sure if it's worth the trouble changing hotels. And it seems like there'd be lots to do around Santa Fe.
If we drove to Santa Fe that first evening, we'd take the Turqoise Trail back to Albuquerque the last morning on our way to the airport.
What do you think?
Now I'm doing lots of research on hotels, restaurants, activities, etc.
Thanks so much!
May 10th, 2007, 09:19 AM
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You could certainly stay in SF the entire trip and just go for the day to Taos. Drive is more than an hour though.
What kind of activities are you interested in doing while there?
Since it was my idea of going to SF the first night and driving back to ABQ on Turquoise Trail - I second my own suggestion.
http://www.turquoisetrail.org/
If you are early risers, on the way to ABQ- drive up to top of Sandia Crest. Be sure to leave time to return rental car, check in, security etc. You can get through Madrid in a short amount of time if you just do a bit of browsing. The drive up the crest, will take a while. It might be worth doing on its own one day.
There are many great things to do in ABQ too - don't discount it. Maybe head back 1 day early from SF and see ABQ sites and then make it easy to go to airport.
http://www.dukecityfix.com/index.php?itemid=1307
If you haven't checked out Fodors own info; it is really good stuff! Click on DESTINATIONS on the top of this page and then read about ABQ, SF and Taos.
Debi
Debi
What kind of activities are you interested in doing while there?
Since it was my idea of going to SF the first night and driving back to ABQ on Turquoise Trail - I second my own suggestion.
http://www.turquoisetrail.org/
If you are early risers, on the way to ABQ- drive up to top of Sandia Crest. Be sure to leave time to return rental car, check in, security etc. You can get through Madrid in a short amount of time if you just do a bit of browsing. The drive up the crest, will take a while. It might be worth doing on its own one day.
There are many great things to do in ABQ too - don't discount it. Maybe head back 1 day early from SF and see ABQ sites and then make it easy to go to airport.
http://www.dukecityfix.com/index.php?itemid=1307
If you haven't checked out Fodors own info; it is really good stuff! Click on DESTINATIONS on the top of this page and then read about ABQ, SF and Taos.
Debi
Debi
May 10th, 2007, 09:27 AM
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What?? No one's recommended Portland? Wonder if, as a resident, I should resent that... ;-) But, if you asked me where I'd rather be in October, I'd hafta say Santa Fe too. Unfortunately, I'll be here watching the rain fall.
May 10th, 2007, 09:40 AM
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Debi, Thanks so much for all your help! And we will definitely take your seconded suggestion!
We like exploring, light/moderate hiking, scenery, photography (well, that's me more than my husband), small towns, walking to dinner, eating meals outside (that means vacation to me!). We're not much into night life. We enjoy being outdoors and with each other. We love stargazing in the evenings. If it was available, we'd look into doing a hot air balloon ride, train rides, ATV tours, etc. We're a LITTLE adventurous, but not over-the-top adventurous.
We like nice meals, but we're not much into fancy meals most of the time. We love Mexican food.
We want this trip to be a "now we're out on our own and our kids have grown up but it's okay" kind of trip -- does that make sense?
Thanks,
Sherry
We like exploring, light/moderate hiking, scenery, photography (well, that's me more than my husband), small towns, walking to dinner, eating meals outside (that means vacation to me!). We're not much into night life. We enjoy being outdoors and with each other. We love stargazing in the evenings. If it was available, we'd look into doing a hot air balloon ride, train rides, ATV tours, etc. We're a LITTLE adventurous, but not over-the-top adventurous.
We like nice meals, but we're not much into fancy meals most of the time. We love Mexican food.
We want this trip to be a "now we're out on our own and our kids have grown up but it's okay" kind of trip -- does that make sense?
Thanks,
Sherry
May 10th, 2007, 09:45 AM
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Ok, I have a feel for what you are looking for so I'll put some more ideas together for you.
As far as food is concerned, in New Mexico, we eat New Mexican food which is different than Mexican and is oh so good!
This should get you started on your NM cuisine education:
http://www.abqjournal.com/venue/dining/glossary.htm
More to come!
Debi
As far as food is concerned, in New Mexico, we eat New Mexican food which is different than Mexican and is oh so good!
This should get you started on your NM cuisine education:
http://www.abqjournal.com/venue/dining/glossary.htm
More to come!
Debi
