Here's the deal: assuming you came into a cool, unbudgeted million bucks (forget the tax implications for now), where would you go and how would you choose to spend whatever portion of the money you were comfortable shelling out for the vacation of a lifetime. No restrictions. No geographic limitations. Any ideas appreciated.

First of all, I would be uncomfortable coming into a million bucks. I wouldn't want anyone to know because I would want to maintain my friendships with middle class people, and not change my lifestyle. I would probably see to the education of my grandchildren, give a bit to my children and my church, and go right on clipping coupons. As far as travel is concerned, currently we do one major trip a year and three minor ones, and I guess we might splurge to two major and two minor trips. Each trip we take is "the vacation of a lifetime", we enjoy it so much. This really doesn't answer your question, but it was an interesting one.

First, I'd try to buy the best doctor available to keep my tired body mobile for an extra twenty years.

Next--Kathmandu. As things are now, I MIGHT be able to afford the air fare if I paid no bills and ate nothing for the next twelve months.

Then I'd fly to Switzerland, rent an Audi TT and drive through the Alps and the length of Italy, stopping frequently. And I'd eat a lot.

When the trip ends, about two years after it began, I'd send half of what remained to my sister and give the other half to the desk clerk at the Plaza and tell him, "No calls."

Middletown, Rhode Island - to taunt you Rich.

I would sail across the north Atlantic on the QE2. I would then buy a Jaguar and drive across Britain, and then the Continent, all the while buying souvenirs and mailing them back home.
Then I'd fly (first, of course) to India, and then to Australia, and then to Japan, and then to Alaska, and then to Hawaii, and then, regrettably, back home.

....just can't get over it, can you Sue?
39 days didn't mellow you out at all. And you call ME a conniving, calculating snake. Hypocrisy oozes out your pores, little lady. You lied without so much as flinching to a worldwide audience of millions and are completely unapologetic.
Interested in running for office up there in Wisconsin?
See ya at the next ad shoot.
Cordially, the snakeman.

First things first 1 million is not that much anymore. To answer your ? I would invest it for at least 5 yrs at which time I could retire & not worry about &&& any more. I could live off the dividends &/or interest & do anything I would pretty much want to do the rest of my life.(go anywhere also.
P.S. We are going on our vacation of our life in nov 2000 to Hawaii for 3 weeks.

Ah, I don't know if you are really The RMHatch or not -- doubt it -- but thanks for asking. It's the sort of question that helps me get to sleep at night. Or back to sleep at 4 am.

I'd fly First Class to Italy. Buy/hire a private rail car it outfitted to my specs (with staff), then ride in it all over southern Europe, esp. Italy, Greece, and Turkey. Side cruises to the islands, of course. There would be a major catered party for friends and people who knew me When.

Or else: I'd buy/rent a house on a cliff on a Mediterranean island -- install one of Nikki de Saint Phalle mirrored-tesserae (sorry if sp. is all wrong) sculptures in the sun next to a pool. Hire a gourmet chef for meals. No grubs or rats, but plenty of garlic, olives, grapes. Again, loyal friends would be invited.

Lizzun up, Rich, youze better just watch yur step there, eh, orz I'llze be makin yur fate a littul more wurse thun wot I promuzzed Kelly. Youze do git my drift, eh?

RichSue: Take it to yahoo.

You know, after you stumble into $1 million often enough, it gets old hat. Sorry, I just can't even get excited thinking about it.

Vic,
Make me.

The previous poster was right, one million isn't that much anywhere and to spend it on a trip w/out first ensuring your future security would be foolish.

I would first buy a nice comfortable home. I wouldn't put a penny in the stock market.

That should have read 'anymore' and not 'anywhere'.

To elaborate a little:

I'd probably buy a house with a nice porch and a nice view or at least nice grounds. Perhaps a pool. I wouldn't waste money on really expensive furniture or interior decorating. Simple, well-made furnishings would be fine.

I'd buy a new Volvo and hire a driver since I don't drive.

I'd give 10% to charity and then put what was left in U.S. savings bonds or CD's.

I'd still try to be sensible and reasonably frugal when it wasn't too difficult.

Couldn't resist. I'd anchor myself at the Danieli and stay in Venice until the money ran out.

Since this is supposed to be about travel, I won't go into all the hordes of shoes I would buy...
I have a few dream vacations, in this order:
1)Australia
2)Africa
3)New Zealand
4)Greek Isles

I'd go to all those places I don't go to now due to high prices/poor exchange rates (i.e. Sweden, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Denmark).

another lame and shallow topic on this US forum. let me be the first to anoint this thread with the "GET A LIFE AWARD".

I would globe-trot to ruins the world over. Ankor Wat, Machu Piccu, Egyptian pyramids, Aztec cities, druidic stone circles, Anasazi cliff dweelings, European castles and classical ruins.

Then I'd go after some good hiking. Live in Scotland for a while and do the Munroes, then maybe a long trek thru the Himalaya. Eventually, I'd go after the AT, which I'll probably do at some point, with or without a million smackeroos.

Well, first I'd go to Alaska, then Bali, then China....