Where should I go?

[Mischka]

I am facing a fabulous problem, so I'm turning to the diverse crowd o' Lit to help me figure it out. I have been given eight round trip airlines tickets that can be used for any destination in the 48 contiguous states, plus Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The one caveat is that I must use them by the end of August, or I lose them.

Mr. Mischka and I won't be able to take off many (if any) weekdays to use them, so I am looking at weekend trips. One pair is reserved for Boston the last weekend in July. I'd like to spend as little as possible, but we're willing to fork out a little more if the place is worth it. Where do you guys recommend we go?

 

[Ally C]

Wow!

That's one 'problem' I wouldn't mind having to deal with!

I can't answer your question as I'm not from America, and wouldn't know what places to recommend. Depends on spending money available and accomodation costs in potential destinations I guess. Any faraway friends who can put you up?

 

[Mischka]

Friends in D.C., SoCal, NYC, Orlando, Boston/Cape Cod and Denver that we could stay with.

Money's not a huge problem, but I'm not looking at staying in five star hotels. I usually prefer big cities (as a reference, I consider Austin miniscule), but national parks, etc. could be cool. Anyplace that is a must-see, or will leave a distinct impression and great memories.

[Edited by Mischka on 05-23-2001 at 08:42 AM]

 

[lavender]

 

[Weird Harold]

I'd like to spend as little as possible, but we're willing to fork out a little more if the place is worth it. Where do you guys recommend we go?

San Diego, CA!

There you can find Sea World, The World Famous San Diego Zoo (Balboa park?) numerous museums, and (most important of all) Laurel and Manu.

Anaheim, CA:

Disneyland! and California Adventure theme parks.

Las Vegas, NV:

Either win enough to pay for all the other trips, or lose it all so you have to settle for visiting relatives. <G> Seriously, Las vegas has more than gambling with some of the best floor shows and concerts in the country. We've got theme parks, themed hotels, and Hoover Dam. Thanks to Hoover Dam, we've also got Lake Mead -- one of the largest man-made lakes in the world.

 

[Todd]

Friends in D.C., SoCal, NYC, Orlando, Boston/Cape Cod and Denver that we could stay with.

Money's not a huge problem, but I'm not looking at staying in five star hotels. I usually prefer big cities (as a reference, I consider Austin miniscule), but national parks, etc. could be cool. Anyplace that is a must-see, or will leave a distinct impression and great memories.

[Edited by Mischka on 05-23-2001 at 08:42 AM]

Well I was going to submit New Brunswick for the Bay of Fundy and the surrounding area but I afear it be to miniscule for your liking

 

[Sparky Kronkite]

Of course don't know what yer situation is like but....

Presuming that you might find it difficult to spend time alone - like many of us married/family types - I'd forget about the friends and splurge.

But again not knowing - I'd splurge economically - and go of course places you have not been - but places that are relatively inexpensive.

Mexico and Canada. And the US Virgin's are pretty reasonable too.

Good luck.

 

[~melia~]

Key West

though, you may have to fly to a nearby place and drive or switch to a smaller plane. Dont think that island is big enough for a decent airport. Key West is awesome.

 

[Thomas Paine]

Mischka, I have one suggestion for you: Rather than try to cram in four trips between now and August, you could sell one pair of tickets and use the proceeds toward hotels, etc. on the other three.

As for destinations, it depends on where you've already been. I'd recommend San Francisco, New Orleans or Miami to have fun, New York City just because, Philadelphia for history and Denver or Seattle for mountains.

When it comes to national parks, if you haven't been, by all means go to Yosemite. It's relatively easy to get to from SF, Sacramento or Fresno and it is magnificent.

 

[Cirrus]

Such a *terrible* problem.

I'd go for the Southwest myself, maybe New Mexico. For what it's worth. I do think Thomas has a good idea up there.

 

[CW]

* Baltimore and Washington D.C.
The national aquarium and Inner Harbor in Baltimore, the monuments, National Zoo, and museums in D.C.

* The Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, Petrified Forest, Red Rock Canyon, Jerome
All in northern Arizona

* New Orleans

* Key West

* The Outer Banks of NC

not big cities for the most part,,, but all are incrediably interesting and though they require a bit of walking, are certainly worthy of consideration

 

[Willing and Unsure]

just a few places that i loved

the grand canyon in Arizona... it was one of the most beautiful things i've ever seen

DisneyWorld... most people consider it for the kiddies... but its lots of fun no matter how old you are (my grandparents loved it)

i've heard Hawaii is beautiful in July from my aunt... to get a cabin on the beach and go whale watching

New Orleans can be a lot of fun as well... i've never been there, but i have seen pictures (my aunt said it's great)... just be prepared to walk a lot if you go anywhere there

South Dakota... more specifically, the Badlands, Mt. Rushmore, and the small town of Deadwood (a tourist town)... its a great trip and there is a lot to see there

last but not least.... Wisconsin Dells... even more of a tourist town but a great place to go if you like little shops and boat tours

 

[Mischka]

Thanks for all of the great suggestions, everyone! Unfortunately, we can't sell any of the tickets, so we have to find four destination spots (yeah, I know, poor me). So far, Boston is the only permanent choice. Seattle and Quebec are finalists, though can any Canadian convince me of another city instead of Quebec? We've never been to any part of Canada.

We've lived in D.C., so we've done all of D.C. and Baltimore, though I love the place and want to go back (though maybe post-summer...). We've been to Vegas/Grand Canyon, DisneyWorld, and Denver recently, so we're hoping to find some new destinations. Since Boston, Seattle and Quebec (or Montreal?) offer city life, historical appeal, and beautiful scenery, I'm thinking of a more rustic/tranquil destination for the final pair of tickets. Yosemite and the Badlands sound interesting. Again, thanks to everyone. And since we're going to be traveling throughout the summer, if anyone hears of any other great spots, I am completely open to suggestions!

 

[lavender]

 

[KillerMuffin]

My picks, and I've been all over:

Seattle is a must
Sandy Eggo is a must
Nawlins is a definate must, whens Mardi Gras?
Maine or Vermont ooohhh the B&Bs!!!!!
Chi-town (The Field Museum of Natch History alone... oooh)
Houston, it's Texas and Beaches
Oregon is spectacular
Jackson Hole Wyoming, the Rocky Mountain vistas are simply divine, rent a car and drive west


I didn't care for Florida, it's overdone.
Too bad Alaska isn't a destination, driving from Fairbanks to Deadhorse is a trip of lifetime.

 

[CelestialBody]

Short notice

 

[MinkSoul]

Mischka...

um.... unless you like Heat (90 degrees +) i'd stay north



....just a thought...



Hi CB...

 

[Mischka]

Hey CB! I won't get the tickets until June, so Memorial Day will have to be spent at home.

The Boston trip looks like it will be expanded into a road trip around New England (we're looking at a week or so). After living in Texas, it's amazing how close everything is up there. I'm looking forward to checking out some of those B&Bs up there. Anyone know of specific ones?

 

[Siren]

Mishy Masher.....dont forget...

 

[CelestialBody]

As much as I HATE