Iza

Maybe not extremely unusual, but we spent the last two summer vacations in Costa Rica. We stayed at a remote jungle lodge for a few days, watching the incredible wildlife (monkeys, coati mundis, birds, bats, lizards, iguanas, insects) from the deck of our bungalow and hiking in the rainforest. We saw a number of scarlet macaws flying by as well. We also took a boat cruise on a jungle river and saw aligators, sloths a variety of birds and other animals. Another adventure was "canopy tour" where you are hooked up then slide down zip lines strung between the tallest trees in the rainforest.
Then we travelled to an area that has an active volcano. The volcano is a perfect conical shape and erupts quite regularly, with lava and red rocks being visible at night. Nearby there is place with naturally heated (by the volcano) springs captured in a number of cascades and pools with a spa where you can get volcanic mud treatments.
We then travelled to a beach that is a breading place for sea turtles (we weren't there in season so were not able to see them but the place was fun nevertheless).
Of course getting around the place is an adventure in itself since you can either drive with Costa Ricans (who drive in the typical South American fashion - like madmen). You need a 4 wheel drive because roads are often unpaved and full of huge potholes and often there are no bridges to cross little stream. You can also fly little puddle jumpers (4-5 passengers and a pilot), going over high mountains with no places to land in case of an emergency.
We had our 7 year old daughter with us on these trips and she enjoyed the place as much as we did.

Susie Q

I take unusual vacations by volunteering with Earthwatch. I been all over (mostly on "digs" but also other scientific expeditions). I usually spend extra time on my own in what ever area we are working. I been on digs in Spain, England, Wisconsin Ireland, Uruguay, Thailand and on other expeditions in Turkey and Estonia.

r-travels

I bicycled across the US, LA to Boston twice.

First as a participant on an organized fund raiser, in 1990; then as part of the staff for the same organization in 1991. Still get goosebumps from the memories. When you step into a diner, coffeeshop, or bar and you're driving, hardly anyone gives you a second glance, but when you're cycling, people immediatly strike up conversations, tell you all about their town, suggest places to see, etc. People are great! Actually dipped my rear wheel into the Pacific, and the front wheel into the Atlantic, and rode every bit of the way.

Memorable places: Windmill farms outside Palm Springs, and high winds. Jerome, Mingus Mt Pass, Grand Canyon, Meteor Crater near Winslow, Old Town Albequerque, going 58mph down a hill somewhere between LasVegas, NM and Tucumcari. Homemade pies at the Dover Merchantile (KS), crossing MS River at Quincy. Much more. If anyone's ever thought about a bike tour, do it. (no, I am not a tour operator!) (no x in my e-ddress)

Ann

If volunteering counts as an unusual vacation, then the week I spent at the weather observatory atop Mount Washington, New Hampshire might count, especially in winter. It's very isolated and beautiful, and has the worst weather in the world. (see www.mountwashington.org). It was very peaceful, especially when it was just the five of us (my husband and the three obs staff) but when edutrips came up it was really interesting to meet folks who make it up the mountain for classes or for the hiking experience.

Another unusual vacation was the time my husband and I flew to SF and drove to Denver via Rt. 50 (aka the lonliest highway in America). I thought it would be totally boring, but there's a real beauty to the middle of nowhere! I only wish we'd had more time to explore along the way. We did a white water raft trip, saw some national parks (Moab, UT), could have spent a whole month on this trip.

Sarah

Turkey 92 sleeping on roof tops in Cappadocio (SP). Cappadocio is an area that I have heard compared to Bryce Canyon only they have made homes and churches carved out of these stone peaks. Better discription:Ever take your hand through wet sand and make a small dripping pyramid? Imagine this the size of a house with people living inside it. Imagine sleeping on a cot on a hotel roof top with a full moon for 2 dollars a night. That was my most unusual trip! BEST TRAVEL MEMORY!!!

:>

Most unusual, I suppose, was to USSR when #1 thought we were headed for Paris. You might say there was something of a quake when the news got out just before ... I had to discover diplomatic skills normally reserved to State. #1 loved the trip, said it was the best ever ... but it was too late. #2 is ready to travel, always, and what would have remained unusual has become normal and fun. More details 4/14, Joan.

Catherine

Not exactly a vacation, but I spent about ten days in Haiti as a sort of immersion trip for an organization I was in. We were in Port-au-Prince about half the time and in a small mountain village (our sister community) the other half, staying with a local family. I was surprised at how beautiful the countryside is even though it's becoming a desert, and Haitian food is quite good (except for the MSG, which is apparently popular). We spent a lot of time talking to the locals and conducting business with them. This was over New Year's of 2000, and in this village with no electricity, the running joke among the locals was, "Did you hear that after Y2K matches won't work?"

ttt

Topping a great thread