Due to an illness I want to take a trip of a lifetime before I progress to the point of not be able to travel. I am thinking of travelling in the fall to somewhere but have no idea of where in the US I would like to go. I have been to Jamaica, the Bahamas, FL, and some other states. Oh and I dont want to spend over $4,000 for 2 people which includes all expenses.

Mutzer, I can't give you any advice but want to wish you well.

I am so sorry to hear of your illness.

Will you tell us more about what your dream vacation might be? It will be good for you to describe it. Then maybe you will get more guidance and ideas from this forum.

Do you picture sun and relaxing? Seeing one of the 7 wonders of the world...visiting a famous city....being active or relaxing....eating great food...are you attracted by the arts and anitquities....sailing....etc.

I'm thinking you need to see some stunning, timeless nature. It works for me in times of fear and grief. Go see the ocean.

1. Northwest coast: See the giant redwoods. Drive along the coast road in a convertible.

2. Cape Cod National Seashore. Rent a house, hike the dunes and visit the sea creatures.

3. Or, if you are not a nature type, heck, spend a week of wild living in Vegas.

Go see the Canadian Rockies, up through Montana, Waterton, Banff, Calgary, etc. It is the most powerful sight I have been privileged to see in my life so far, and you will meet so many nice and interesting people and animals in that area...very spiritual.

I also want to wish you well. My first thought was a place with stunning scenery and it looks like a few other posters were thinking the same thing. I always have a feeling of peace when I'm in the mountains or near the ocean. The fall is a wonderful time for travel. Does this interest you at all?

Mutzer, I also want to wish you well. I think you could go to Hawai'i in the fall for at least a week, if not 10 days, in the fall within your budget. Fall is "low season" there. There are beautiful beaches and spectacular scenery on all the islands, as well as cultural and historic sights. Many think it is a very spiritual place.

The Oregon coast is also very beautiful and inspiring, but I believe by mid-October it is often rainy and stormy. Also since the water is much too cold to swim, you have to enjoy the ocean as an observer.

Good luck in deciding on a wonderful trip.

From a San Francisco base you can visit the redwoods in Muir Woods, the wine country in Napa or Sonoma, drive down to Monterey or Carmel, or just get a great room in Sausalito and enjoy a bay view in a relaxing city. This area offers a lot within your budget, you can do as little or as much as you choose. Best wishes.

Best wishes. If you have a passion, go some place which feeds it. My uncle has been diagnosed with ALS and when we talk, he returns over and over to a special trip to the San Juans where he did the fishing trip of a lifetime.

Please tell us what you enjoy most...scenery, great entertainment, history, great food, wildlife? By the fall, do you think you will be well enough to be physically active?

From where you mentioned you've previously traveled, it sounds as though you like pretty warm beaches.

I would second aloha's excellent suggestion of Hawaii.

I am so sorry to hear about your illness, and my heart and thoughts go out to you at this time.

The main question would be, what is the place that you have wanted to visit the most, but have been unable to?

What would you like to do that you have never done before?

What kind of a scene are you into? Rugged canyons and mountains, or sandy beaches, relaxing, and sun?

do you want to travel abroad at all?

Hawaii is a gorgeous destination, of course. Or how about one of the natural wonders, like the Grand Canyon? California is an amazingly diverse state with many state and national parks you could visit, along with the entire coastline along the Pacific.

(I also wish to say I am sorry to know of your illness. All the best to you.)

Thank you everyone for your responses. I was to Glacie National Park 26 years ago and at the same time we drove up into Banff. It is one I am considering but would have to rent a car because I live in WI and thats a long drive with just 2 people. I have never been to CA and considered riding the coast and seeing the Redwoods but not sure if they are what I would enjoy. Now the Grand Canyone sounds like a dandy and I am considering it. Hawaii sounds exciting too. October would be the month I would want to do this trip. I also considred Alaska by cruise but dont know if at that time it would be just too cold to view from a deck.

October would be a great time for a southwest Utah/Arizona tour. You could go to the Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion and all the others. This a favorite vacation of mine and have done it several times. Fly in to Phoenix maybe and rent a car. You could take your time and relax. For $4000 for two you could have a really nice trip.

So sorry to hear of your illness.

I highly recommend Prince Edward Island in Canada. It is so beautiful and you can rent a cottage near the beach. Because of the conversion rate, it is even cheaper there than here.

My favorite cluster of national parks is in northern AZ (Grand Canyon) and southern UT (Bryce and Zion). Do as most people do and first visit the south rim of the Grand Canyon. However, then drive around the canyon and visit the north rim. The north rim (IMHO)is the more breathtaking view much more rewarding. Being more out of the way and harder to get to, far fewer people visit it. After the north rim, it is on to Bryce and Zion, which are FABULOUS.

These three showcase God's greatness. You will be in total awe!

Enjoy!

If you're considering the Grand Canyon, there are some other very interesting and unique things to do in that area that you might enjoy. The Hopi pueblo towns are in AZ to the south and west. The Painted Desert is not far away. To the north in the 4 corners area is Mesa Verde National Park with its old Anasazi Indian ruins. You mentioned being in WI -- I grew up in ILL/WI and found the desert and long vistas of the american southwest to be one of the most spiritual places I have ever visited. If you like mysteries, the Tony Hillerman books about that area are wonderful primers for a trip. We used a Navajo guide to see Canyon de Chelley (northeast AZ). Whatever you choose, I hope you have an amazing trip.

Hi Mutzer,
I'm sorry to hear that you are ill. I am almost a pro at traveling on a low budget. My favorite trip was going cross country on a Greyhound buss. They have a "discovery pass" where you board at any city and travel to any other city. Since you haven't been out to Cali I think it would be great for you. You have more leg room on the bus than on an airplane and if you don't mind sitting for a while you don't have to worry about driving.

This trip was a graduation present to myself after I finished college and it was a blast. My route was from Savannah, GA -> New York, NY -> San Francisco, CA -> Las Vegas, NV -> Savannah again.

The route from New York to San Fran takes you through the Rocky Mts. which are an excellent sight. The best part about this is you can stay in any city as long as you want! When you are ready to go just get back on the bus. My trip was for 15 days but the passes come in all sizes. I stayed in hostels for $15/night (no, it wasn't like the movie). The total trip including developing all my film was under $700.00 seeing America cross country in 15 days... Priceless

Make sure you post with what you decide to do. I hope you have a wonderful vacation.

I'm so very sorry to hear about your illness. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.

My husband and I just returned from a trip to Cape Cod. For me, this was a trip of a lifetime. I live in Florida and enjoy the beach and outdoors. Visiting Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket was such a beautiful experience for me, that I cried on our way back to the airport. I'll be posting my trip report shortly. Hope it helps with your decision.

We stayed in Brewster and spent approximately $6K on our trip. But I think it can definately be done for under $4K, especially if you find a good house/condo to rent. Our most expensive days were the trips over to the Vineyard and Nantucket.

Many blessings,
;-)
J.