Favorite Vacation Destinations

[Sonora]

I need a vacation!!! Unfortunately I don't have time for one right now. So tell me about your favorite vaction: where you went, the fun things you did, would you ever go back or would you try someplace new?

 

[morgainefairy]

Vacation? What's a vacation?

Haven't had one in way too long, and none are very memorable anyhow.
I can say:
Give me room service and a masseuse (sp?) and I will have a fine time.

 

[LusicousLionness]

"My first vacation" by LL

 

[FlamingoBlue]

I have found....

that the best vacations are in my own
"back yard". Vacation, to me, is a break from the everyday. Essentially, it is nothing more than a state of mind when you suspend the ordinary, routine, everyday crap from your life.
However, I know that's not what you are talking about.

Probably the best vacations I have taken have been to Northern Michigan to a little town called Charlevoix or
to a resort in Negril, Jamaica to a place called the Grand Lido. Both offer their own special magic.

To me, a vacation is like going out to eat. It is 1/3 who you are with, 1/3
who is taking care of you and 1/3 the ambiance of the place you are at. Frankly, I encourage you to stay close to home and explore the things that you normally take for granted. Then use the $ you save to buy yourself that "treat" that you never thought you could afford.

blue

[Edited by FlamingoBlue on 08-28-2000 at 03:02 PM]

 

[Sonora]

Geez don't you people take vactions?

Morgainefairy, I agree--nothing beats room service. Especially if it's the right kind....

LusicousLionness, I would love to go to Colorado someday. It's just too far right now. (No gondolas though. Scare the hell outta me.) What kind of animals did you see?

FlamingoBlue, I thought about that. The problem with that is there's NOTHING in my backyard! lol I must live in the most boring place on Earth!

I think that part of the reason I haven't had a 'real' vacation in so long, is that it's hard for me to just 'treat' myself. If I go somewhere, it's for a reason. By that I mean there is an event (usually a sporting event of some kind) that I want to go to. If there's something interesting (museum, animal park, scenic view) in the area, I'll go. It's been two years since I've been over 250 miles from home and that was for busines!

 

[Skitten]

No don't get to go on vacations that much too much work and not enough time. But I would love to go to the carribeans or Jamica and lie on the beach that would be really a fun and relaxing time. Something we don't get to do much of.

 

[Silverlily]

Lake Lure, North Carolina is my favorite. My husband and I went last summer and it was heaven. If you like the mountains, it's a little town in the Smokey Mt. range. There's hiking, fishing, boating, horseback riding, bird watching, lots of outdoor stuff. It's not too far from the spot where they filmed Last of the Mohicans.

Corning, New York is pretty, too. It's the home of Corning Ware and is also set in the hills. Not as touristy, but if you like Harleys, the guys at the local Harley shop are a riot.

Charlottesville, Virginia is fun if you like more of a city setting. There are several historic homes, Monticello being the best known. They have great shopping there, a large mall and many strip malls with tons of quirky specialty shops. Luray Caverns is about an hour or so away, Skyline drive is less than that.

FB - I've been to Charlevoix, I have family there. You're right, it's a great place to visit.

[Edited by Kitten Eyes on 08-29-2000 at 12:44 AM]

 

[Lasher]

I'm a little bit confused here....

Ummm.... LusicousLionness, being new around here, I'm sure that you're probably not aware of this, but there is already someone here known as LL. Lovely Latina's been with us for a pretty long time and has definitely contributed alot to this board. Now, I don't mean this to be rude, but I think all of us would appreciate that, out of respect for a long time member such as her, that you refrain from referring to yourself as "LL".

Someone suggested to me that you try LL2... Just a thought.

Oh, and btw, do you realize you misspelled your name?

 

[Xander]

Been a while since I've been on vacation outside Europe. But if I have to single a few trips out. These will be it.

1992: Four week roundtrip in Thailand.
So friggin great, I was there with my dad and my little sister. I have no idea how my dad landed that deal. But we all got to live on 5 star hotels all 4 weeks.
There was so many things to see. So many exciting new and delicious dishes.
Not to mention the incredible sights, and beautiful nature. Got to go by boat through the Thai Jungle, and visit the natives there. Except a friggin' 120 very humid degrees, it was wonderful.
Has to be seen. Cannot be explained.

1994: Singapore & Malaysia.
A treat from my mom for my birthday. Equally wonderful, equally exciting as Thailand was.
Singapore is the most clean city I've ever seen in my life, and I seriously doubt I'll see any as clean as that. Then again it was quite understandable. 500 $ fine for spitting on the street. And trust me, THEY DO enforce it.
Went on a trekking tour through the Malaysian Jungle. DAMN talk about heat!! First of all, all foreigners were to wear long pants and long shirts, in order not to get completely eaten by mosquitos. Then later on I just happend to go face to face with the biggest Tarantulla I've ever seen IRL. It just hang there, minding it's own business in it's spiderweb. The problem was that you couldn't see it before you were about 2 inches away from it. Which was exactly what I did. Almost gave me a heartattack. LOL

1999: Backpacking through France.
Me and one of my best friends. PARTYTIME!!!
Clubbing in Paris, mingled with the jetset in Nice (french rivierra). Also ran out of money in Nice LOL, had to have additional funds wired to a local bank.
Went to see a friend in Niort and stayed at her place for the rest of the time. Partyed some more and ate like kings. Late night Café busting in La Rochelle. Went to a few local concerts down there.
Finally went home on a train, without money, without food. And with the biggest hangover you can imagine.
What a month

That is the vacatiions that stand out for me.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

#1: The UK - Scotland. The Scots are the nicest people in the world, and Scotland is rugged; breathtakingly beautiful. The Isle of Skye is mysterious - the Cullin Hills stark against the skyline. The Old Man of Storr forever guarding the hore. And, always, the sea. The crash of waves against the shore or the lap of wavelets on an inlet of the sea.

#2: Switzerland. Three countries in one - culturally diverse. Four official languages - German, French, Italian, and Romanish. In 200 miles you can go through the equivalent of three countries. The Alps - what can one say? Stand in the highest railway station in Europe - 11,333 feet on the Jungfrau and look at the stark majesty of a glacier "flowing" through an Alpine valley that is snow covered all year. Or, walk in the streets of Zermatt (my favorite place) and look up at the majestic Matterhorn - over 14,000 feet above sea level...or take the train up to the Gornergratt and see that wonderful mountain from over 9,000.' Or Lake Lucerne, or the Olympic Museum in Lausanne...or...

I'm from the US and travel a lot...I love the US - a wonderful vacation spot in its own right. The two places above are not better or worse - just unique to me.

 

[Sonora]

Thanks everybody. This little vicarious vacation has been fun.

Skitten, that thought about the beach is pretty good. There are a LOT of lakes around here and with school back in session they're pretty empty.

Kitten, I've been to C'ville. That was really the last mini-vacation I've had (it was only two days). Didn't have much time to do anything though other than Monticello. I may have to go back and check out the rest. I think that VA is very pretty country.

Xander, WoW! It's a good thing that you'll have Angelique when you move to the states 'cause I don't know how else we could compete with your vacations!! Sounds fabulous!

Thor, Scotland has always sounded like someplace I'd like to go. A girl in my dorm was from Edinbourgh and I loved listening to here tell about it. That may be a 10 years from now tirp.

 

[Dixon Carter Lee]

I just spent a day of wine tasting, lunch, dinner, antiquing, and sleeping overnight at a bed and breakfast. What made the trip so nice was not so much the events, which were wonderful, but that the day was spent with my closest friends on earth. We saw each other out of Los Angeles, surrounded by beautiful scenery, without kids or jobs or phone calls getting in the way. A charming day spent in each others uninterrupted company. Fabulous. Did wonders for the soul.

 

[FlamingoBlue]

The soul....

That's what vacations are really all about. Give your soul a break from the everyday. You really don't have to go far from home to do that,unless that is your goal.

Is it the form or the substance that you're looking for? I have taken trips far and wide but the best vacations that I have had always involve R&R. All the "bells and whistles" don't usually add anything but a lot of expenses.

Think about what is is that you are seeking. Is it a change of scenery, pampering, friendship, culture, rest,
sightseeing, etc., etc. ??? And then, plan your vacation acordingly.

blue

 

[LusicousLionness]

Re: I'm a little bit confused here....

 

[Endlessly]

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada is my favorite getaway spot. It's got incredible nightlife, culture, an eccentric population, the biggest mall in the world, and so much more.. PLUS the Canadian dollar is at an all time low right now. I'm hoping it doesn't regain itself too much before I head there yet again next spring.

The next vacation I'm going on is coming up in a few weeks though-- I find myself to be the very reluctant recipient of an all-expense-paid trip to St. Louis, Missouri for an extended weekend.

 

[Sonora]

Blue, I need to just relax and renew. Unfortunately I think I need about two weeks to do it properly and then in two days Ill be right back where I am. Work would just pile up and then I'd have to work my ass off to catch up. It's almost not worth it to take a vacation. lol

Endlessly, my dad just got back from the Canadian Rockies. Pictures were beautiful!

LL2, a co-worker was driving home the other night and saw a naked guy walking along the highway. Same one you think?

 

[Whispersecret]

LL2, I sympathize with you. I realized that my handle wasn't capitalized until later and then was so hung up on not being a "virgin" anymore, that I never reregistered to fix the mistake!

Blue, I disagree, the bells and whistles can be very good indeed, if only for the fact that you can shake your head at the level of service in five-star hotels and think, "I don't believe they actually DO this for people." Spending money on amenities doesn't necessarily add up to a perfect trip, but it's certainly never been a detriment to any of my vacations.

My favorite no-kids vacation was a couple of years ago at the Four Seasons in Maui. My husband played golf a lot. I used the opportunity to write. I had the best sandwich I've ever had in my life --lobster salad with thick bacon on sourdough toast. (Yeah, that's the lobster salad I wrote about in "Takeover". Heh heh. You write what you know.) The sunsets were spectacular, the beach serene and uncrowded, unlike Los Angeles vicinity beaches. Hang loose, sistah.

 

[Laurel]

Lovely Latina's been with us for a pretty long time and has definitely contributed alot to this board.

I miss Lovely Latina! She'd better hurry up and get un-busy & get her cute little butt back her before I blow a gasket...

As far as vacations go...I've only really ever vacationed on the west coast, but here are some of my suggestions:

• Yosemite, CA - unbelievable views all around you, incredible hiking & fishing... My favorite activity as a kid was for miles floating down the Merced on an air mattress. It's hella-crowded in almost every season, but if you plan it right it's totally worth the trip. My dad used to take us there every year.
  
• Monterey, CA - Awesome little town full of Steinbeck memorabilia, old canneries, and home of the best marine aquarium I've ever seen. They've got a bat ray petting pool, and the bat rays actually come up to your hand to be petted, like they enjoy it!
  
• Las Vegas, NV - Fucking amazing place! Can't describe - must see for yourself.
  
• San Francisco, CA - A beautiful little city with lots of charm slowly being invaded by dot-commers, bringing with them astronomically high rents. Still, totally worth visiting. Ride the trolleys, visit the museums, get samples from the Ghiradelli factory, tour Alcatraz, or just wander around. Great asian food.
  
• San Diego, CA - The San Diego Zoo, the Wild Animal Park, Sea World, the gorgeous beaches of La Jolla, Cardiff, and Encinitas, the Palomar Mountains, the apple trees of Julian, the casinos of Viejas...every imaginable sort of relaxation or entertainment you could ask for, and a mere hour and a half from Orange County & Los Angeles (home to Disneyland, Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, Santa Monica Pier, and more).
  
  Outside the US:
• San Felipe, Mexico - lukewarm, bluegreen waters, sandy beaches, and hot springs bubbling up through the surf. When I last camped there, the grunion ran in the middle of the day, thousands of silvery fish swimming up onshore. We scooped up a bunch of them, battered them, fried them, and ate 'em washed down with beer or ice tea and potato chips in front of the campfire. What a memory!
  
• Venice, Italy - AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME! Gorgeous old buildings with clothes hanging from the balconies. Canals that function as roads. Incredible views. Awesome food.
  
• Cannes, France - Beautiful beach city with lots to see and do. Great weather, & lots of gorgeous people barely wearing anything (some half nekkid). Great shopping - super stuff for super prices. WILD nightlife!

That's all I can think of off the top of my head. The best vacation I ever took happened in Torrey, UT - a one-horse town off a one-lane road. It was the first vacation Manu and I ever took together. Back then we were just friends...It snowed, and we watched movies and ate soup and junk food...we got his grandparent's Blazer stuck in the mud and then, after a good half hour of freaking out, unstuck it. On the way back, we stopped in Vegas, but I was too young to gamble. We ate dinner at this little Italian place off the strip, and I had the best shrimp scampi in the world. I wish I could remember the name...

The second best vacations were the ones Manu and I used to take up at Palomar Mountain. We'd tent-camp up there, and once it snowed and my radiator froze (I'd just put a new one in - I had a 1972 3-speed on-the-column-shift Ford Maverick, lol - but like a girl forgot to put antifreeze in it). We melted snow over my propane campstove and poured it over the radiator till it defrosted. Then we had to get some guys from the neighboring camp to help Manu push the car while I tried to bump-start it. Ah, stick shifts!

 

[ShyGuy68]

It's hard for me to choose my favorite places to go. The places I've been to so far, and really liked is:

London, England: Awesome city, always something happening there. I've been there 4 or 5 times so far, and I'm still not few up with it!

Dublin, Ireland: Oh was a great place too, loved it when I was there, and hope to go to Ireland next spring too. Dublin is just full of pubs, you can barely walk a couple of hundred meters with out passing a couple.

Massachussetts, USA: My first visit there was in October last year, happened to be there during the foilage, WOW was that beautiful!!! All those beautiful colors, and the forest areas that just goes on for miles.

Places that I would like to go to:

Australia and New Zealand: I don't know why, but it have just always attracted me, and I do hope to have the $ to go there sometime.

USA: There's several places that I still want to visit there, and several great friends too!! And I have a dream off driving the "Old Route 66" sometime too.

 

[Merelan]

I think right now my fantasy vacation is to Denmark, then over to Germany.

 

[Xander]

Denmark Vacation tips

remember to bring lots of money and an umbrella!
When you get here, you'll know what I'm talking about.

 

[Merelan]

Money isn't a problem, but I tend to lose umbrellas easily. Maybe you know some kind sweet man who could help me keep track of it?

 

[Xander]

Ohhh I know plenty Merelan. I'd offer my own services as "umbrella holder", but since I will most likely not be in Denmark at the designated time. I guess I can find a few for you
Any preferences?? ummmm.

 

[Merelan]

Someone kind and gentle, yet strong enough to be a real man.
Someone who opens doors for a lady and is willing to cry at a mushy scene in a movie, yet likes the outdoors and "roughing" it. Someone who knows how to treat me like a lady, to spoil and cherish me, yet to take control in the bedroom. He must also have a steady supply of candles and like me to cook for him.
Oh, and someone who doesn't mind going with me to Germany, where I will be looking for a certain blonde lady.

And I would prefer, if it isn't asking too much, that his initials be SHYGUY!

 

[Xander]

Someone kind and gentle, yet strong enough to be a real man.

Hmmm me...

Someone who opens doors for a lady and is willing to cry at a mushy scene in a movie, yet likes the outdoors and "roughing" it.

me again.....

Someone who knows how to treat me like a lady, to spoil and cherish me, yet to take control in the bedroom.

Me again!!! That's incredible....

He must also have a steady supply of candles and like me to cook for him.
Oh, and someone who doesn't mind going with me to Germany, where I will be looking for a certain blonde lady.

Me again again....will it ever stop????

And I would prefer, if it isn't asking too much, that his initials be SHYGUY!

*Insert sound of big bang. Self illusion/delusion blown to pieces*
Oh shit!!!!!! Damnit!!!

Hey Shyguy this one's for you my friend!!!!!
Get Your butt over here
*waving arms in the air*