I have 2 weeks vacation end of July and want to go someplace "great" with lots of activities! Money is no problem. I don't want to do Europe because it's very crowded in summer and have already been to Hawaii and recently did a Caribbean cruise. Any suggestions?
THANKS!

OK Gail this will be fun if you give us an idea of what you like:

Weather - hot or mild
Activities - adult or general public
Historical or contemporary?

Are you a B&B type, outdoorsy, big city, or luxury minded? In the US or outside?

Ok, more info to narrow down the field:

1. 2 adults traveling (no kids)
2. We like beautiful scenery, but not much of a camper.
3. Prefer luxury resorts or very nice country inns.
4. Like to move around a bit. We get bored after a few days, so willing to rent a car if available.
5. I don't like extreme heat.
6. Can be both inside or outside the U.S.

Well if it was me...

I would do a tour of Calgary-Banff-Jasper. I did this with my family for a week about 10 years ago and it was fantastic. 2 weeks would be even better! The exchange rate is a plus.

Like Lily said, this may or may not be your cup of tea but at least you can look into it yourself.

Gail,

Sorry, was typing when your response came through.

I now believe even more that Alberta may be for you. Great choices of very nice to luxury accomodations.

Sounds like San Francisco and enviorns might fit your bill.

Stay a night or 2 in SF or Saucalito. Then head to the Wine Country, Yosemete, Or monterry bay (or any combination) for the rest of your trip.

Also consider Portland and Seattle Or possibly a trip from LA to SF stopping at all the towns on the way( santa barbara, carmel , etc )

I'd recommend Montreal, Quebec and the mountain resort area nearby. You could combine some big city entertainment, with interesting history/good shopping/great dining with some relaxing pretty scenery and restful resort time.

How about Santa Barbara and San Luis Obisbo County? Too hot in July?

I'd spend a week (or less) crossing Canada by train and spend my second week at the Wickinninish Inn on Vancouver Island.

South America or Australia would be cool.

How about a cruise to the Galopagas Islands?

How about two weeks on the ResidenSea while it's at the Olympics?

If you go to South Africa in July it will be "winter" and very mild. It will be dirt cheap off season and it's absolutely gorgeous. The area around Cape Town with the old wineries and stunning mountains/sea is amazing. Skip Johannesburg. Then, you could do a game reserve for a few days, maybe a trip up the garden route. Driving is on left, but the roads are good and the people are lovely to Americans. We went last June and it was AWESOME and we stayed in 4 star resorts for WAY under 200/night. I would say overall that it's about 65% cheaper for lodging and food than anyplace in the US.

If you were to go to say Australia in July, check the weather first as their seasons are reversed and you might hit some real wet spots. That aside, it is a great place to visit. (Never been to NZ but I understand it is perfect for those who love the outdoors.)

In terms of Europe, I don't know that everywhere is crowded. We went to Portugal last summer and didn't feel it was overly crowded. The Algarve region has some great beaches and coastal towns.

While I think the weather isn't great in July, if I were to suggest one spot, I'd say Thailand. Wonderful landscapes, interesting culture, great food, luxurious hotels, and varied topography for multiple activities.

Higher-end cruiseline to Alaska (one way), rent a car and explore for a week, home. On the water your luxury hotel moves every night.

My two cents - can't imagine flying as far as Australia or NZ (have been to both) for less than 2 weeks. Takes nearly four days of flying to get there and back.

The Pacific NW and western Canada suggestions are good ones, as that is prime time here (although busy with other travelers of course). We love interior B.C. up near Williams Lake, Prince Rupert, etc.)

Thanks all for your responses! All the suggested places sound great!

In the Chips,
When were you last in Australia, the days of the Pan Am Clippers? While I concur you are flying on some part of 4 days, the flight there from NY is 22 hours, the flight back 20. You leave Thursday 6:00 p.m. you only really lose Friday. But, you leave Sydney Wednesday afternoon, you are back Wednesday night.

Granted, the jet lag makes it a little tough, but you'd still have about 11 full days and one half day there.

Ryan, you are too funny!

A good smarta$$ is hard to come by!

Santa Fe and Taos, NM at the high end spots, possibly including the famous spa in Santa Fe (10,000 Waves?) Since these towns are at high elevations (7000 foot range), they are refreshingly cool in the summer. You would have a range of options for cultural activities, including the opera, art galleries, history, and both Spanish and Native American culture. There are nice things to do outdoors within an hour's drive of both places. The scenery around there is lovely and varied.

I would do a small ship cruise to Alaska - Clipper has some real bargains and I have been on the Yorktown Clipper twice - Panama/Costa Rica and US and BVI. Great trips, surprisingly good food, inexpensive wine, and very interesting people.
Check their web site and the current screaming bargain to Alaska - AOSBEM - tel 800-325-0010.
Mexico's interior remains a wonderful bargain as well with the peso @ $11.54/USD.
I live in my house in San Miguel de Allende, Gto, MX a couple months a year, but it's mostly culture, history, language, and great, inexpensive dining!
Have fun!
M

travellyn-Your post caught my eye and we do quite a bit of traveling, but have never been to New Mexico. Was thinking about combining NM (Taos, Sante Fe) with Colorado (Vail, Aspen, etc.) Wondering if that's too much driving, or too hot for July? We do like to move around a bit...

Well, Ryan, 11 days isn't enough for me whilst recovering from jet lag, but to each their own. Like seeing 11 countries in 4 days in Europe. Not a quality vacation but we all do it differently, don't we?

Which is why these boards always amuse me.