What are your favorite vacation destinations?
What are your favorite vacation destinations?
Some of us would benefit from reading about the various places y'all have been, especially if you could provide a few details about what makes it so unique. It would be useful for future planning.
I will start.
We like outdoors (mostly hiking) and a trip to Sedona AZ, Grand Canyon, and Page AZ was very memorable. The key was to go before it gets too hot, too cold, or too crowded. We went late March / early April. When you are outdoors, the weather could make or break your vacation experience.
I will start.
We like outdoors (mostly hiking) and a trip to Sedona AZ, Grand Canyon, and Page AZ was very memorable. The key was to go before it gets too hot, too cold, or too crowded. We went late March / early April. When you are outdoors, the weather could make or break your vacation experience.
Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
We have been to plenty of wonderful destinations (and some less than desirable locales), but the best place is the one we always returned to - HOME. It helps to live in a place others like to visit and travel to. Unfortunately many others have made a choice to move here and the ambiance is changing as the population influx accelerates and continues growing rapidly, changing the small town atmosphere. So, I prefer staycations.
Sigh.
Sigh.
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Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
While not a favorite destination in and of itself, when in the vicinity of Northern Arizona I highly recommend a night or two at the historic La Posada Hotel in Winslow, AZ east of Flagstaff. It's a remarkable tale of the owner's persistence in restoring a piece of history and deserves a callout with a URL.Mestk5593 wrote: ↑Mon Dec 19, 2022 7:46 pm Some of us would benefit from reading about the various places y'all have been, especially if you could provide a few details about what makes it so unique. It would be useful for future planning.
I will start.
We like outdoors (mostly hiking) and a trip to Sedona AZ, Grand Canyon, and Page AZ was very memorable. The key was to go before it gets too hot, too cold, or too crowded. We went late March / early April. When you are outdoors, the weather could make or break your vacation experience.
https://laposada.org/
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Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
Valley of Fire 

Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
Thank you for the link. I try to visit the southwest as often as I can, and I've put this place on my list of SW destinations.stan1 wrote: ↑Mon Dec 19, 2022 8:24 pmWhile not a favorite destination in and of itself, when in the vicinity of Northern Arizona I highly recommend a night or two at the historic La Posada Hotel in Winslow, AZ east of Flagstaff. It's a remarkable tale of the owner's persistence in restoring a piece of history and deserves a callout with a URL.
https://laposada.org/

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Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
This is the one in Nevada? We were just there earlier this year and thought it was fantastic. Unfortunately - it was hot so a few trails were closed.
Between this, Red Rock Canyon State Park, and Mt Charleston - we had some good day hiking on our trip to Las Vegas.
Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
Lake Tahoe
Wailea/Maui
Marco Island
Yellowstone/Big Sky
Arches/Zion NPs
Favorite US cities for vacation/travel:
Charleston
Nashville
Random state that doesn’t get enough love, especially for outdoors activities:
Arkansas
Did Sedona a few years back - incredible. Rent a Jeep and go explore for a day.
Conversely, I have a long list of places to avoid!
Wailea/Maui
Marco Island
Yellowstone/Big Sky
Arches/Zion NPs
Favorite US cities for vacation/travel:
Charleston
Nashville
Random state that doesn’t get enough love, especially for outdoors activities:
Arkansas
Did Sedona a few years back - incredible. Rent a Jeep and go explore for a day.
Conversely, I have a long list of places to avoid!

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Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
Red Rock Canyon outside of Vegas.
Carlsbad and Newport Beach
Whidbey Island, Washington
Banff National Park (esp. Lake Louise)
Carlsbad and Newport Beach
Whidbey Island, Washington
Banff National Park (esp. Lake Louise)
Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
I should have added to allow of 3 hours of daylight for walking around the hotel's interior public areas, landscaping, and the attached museum. More if you want to watch the freight trains going past. Also make sure you allow time to eat an unhurried dinner and breakfast in the Turquoise Room. An amazing experience with every item on the menu being delicious. I won't give the full story of the hotel because that's part of spending several hours learning about and marveling at how much work the owners have done. The other nearby milestone is "the corner" from "standing on the corner in Winslow, Arizona". But I'm more partial to the the old hotel than I am the Eagles. It's also a good starting point for going to Petrified Forest National Park.cs412a wrote: ↑Mon Dec 19, 2022 9:06 pmThank you for the link. I try to visit the southwest as often as I can, and I've put this place on my list of SW destinations. :beerstan1 wrote: ↑Mon Dec 19, 2022 8:24 pmWhile not a favorite destination in and of itself, when in the vicinity of Northern Arizona I highly recommend a night or two at the historic La Posada Hotel in Winslow, AZ east of Flagstaff. It's a remarkable tale of the owner's persistence in restoring a piece of history and deserves a callout with a URL.
https://laposada.org/
Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
London
New York
Paris
Rome
I like cities. Especially those with good public transportation.
New York
Paris
Rome
I like cities. Especially those with good public transportation.
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Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
US:
Tahoe, winter or summer. Skiing in the winter, hiking in the summer. Reno is the closest airport, and there are buses from the Reno Airport to the large Casino hotels in South Lake Tahoe. I like to stay at the casino hotels, or at least I did until I had kids.
Yosemite National Park - quite simply the most beautiful place I have ever been to. But hard to get to.
I also do dude ranch vacations with the kids. I go to an all-inclusive resort in Arizona.
Abroad:
Osaka/Kyoto/Mount Koya - Clean, safe, you can drink the water, incredible history. Public transportation is incredibly good. And not as expensive as many people perceive. You can stay in Osaka at a very reasonable price and take day trips all over the country. And if you like Japanese food, there is no better place on earth than Osaka - not even Tokyo. Mount Koya is 2 hours by train; I recommend spending the night in a Buddhist monastary for the most peaceful night ever. They are highly welcoming to all, even or especially non-Buddhists. https://www.gdayjapan.com.au/interests ... -of-japan/
https://www.ekoin.jp/en/
Vienna - in my opinion, an underrated destination with historical sites and museums on par with anyplace in Europe. Much cheaper than London or Paris. It pairs well with Munich and Salzburg. Fly into Munich, the train is 2 hours to Salzburg, and another 2 hours to Vienna.
Tahoe, winter or summer. Skiing in the winter, hiking in the summer. Reno is the closest airport, and there are buses from the Reno Airport to the large Casino hotels in South Lake Tahoe. I like to stay at the casino hotels, or at least I did until I had kids.
Yosemite National Park - quite simply the most beautiful place I have ever been to. But hard to get to.
I also do dude ranch vacations with the kids. I go to an all-inclusive resort in Arizona.
Abroad:
Osaka/Kyoto/Mount Koya - Clean, safe, you can drink the water, incredible history. Public transportation is incredibly good. And not as expensive as many people perceive. You can stay in Osaka at a very reasonable price and take day trips all over the country. And if you like Japanese food, there is no better place on earth than Osaka - not even Tokyo. Mount Koya is 2 hours by train; I recommend spending the night in a Buddhist monastary for the most peaceful night ever. They are highly welcoming to all, even or especially non-Buddhists. https://www.gdayjapan.com.au/interests ... -of-japan/
https://www.ekoin.jp/en/
Vienna - in my opinion, an underrated destination with historical sites and museums on par with anyplace in Europe. Much cheaper than London or Paris. It pairs well with Munich and Salzburg. Fly into Munich, the train is 2 hours to Salzburg, and another 2 hours to Vienna.
Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
In no particular order:
Aruba
Singapore
Prague
Berlin
London
Paris
Quebec City
Australia
San Diego
San Francisco
Too many others to list, we just enjoy travel!
Aruba
Singapore
Prague
Berlin
London
Paris
Quebec City
Australia
San Diego
San Francisco
Too many others to list, we just enjoy travel!
Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
I love big cities. For example, New York, Chicago, London, Paris...You get the idea!
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- FrugalInvestor
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Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
Be sure to eat at the Turquoise Room at LaPosada while you're there and try the Signature Soup, half creamy sweet corn and half black bean in opposite halves of the same bowl. It's special.cs412a wrote: ↑Mon Dec 19, 2022 9:06 pmThank you for the link. I try to visit the southwest as often as I can, and I've put this place on my list of SW destinations.stan1 wrote: ↑Mon Dec 19, 2022 8:24 pmWhile not a favorite destination in and of itself, when in the vicinity of Northern Arizona I highly recommend a night or two at the historic La Posada Hotel in Winslow, AZ east of Flagstaff. It's a remarkable tale of the owner's persistence in restoring a piece of history and deserves a callout with a URL.
https://laposada.org/![]()
Have a plan, stay the course and simplify. Then ignore the noise!
Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
Captiva, FL is our go-to. We're beach-seekers from Minnesota. They were hit hard by hurricane Ian, so we're taking the year off as they rebuild.
4X top-twenty S&P 500 prognosticator. I'd start a newsletter, but it would only have one issue per year.
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Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
Places where the people are warm and welcoming come to mind:
Thailand, Colombia, Mexico, phillipines/boracay.
Found peeps in far east Asia and Latin America to be friendly. Perhaps that’s why I like Miami and Fort Lauderdale too.
I love travel, and I love coming back home too. Win win.
Thailand, Colombia, Mexico, phillipines/boracay.
Found peeps in far east Asia and Latin America to be friendly. Perhaps that’s why I like Miami and Fort Lauderdale too.
I love travel, and I love coming back home too. Win win.
Death and taxes. Only one is under your control!
Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
Maui is my favorite vacation. I have been there 10 times.
Other multiple vacation destinations for me were
Kauai (4), Oahu (3), Big Island (2),
NYC (3), London (3), Paris (2)
Grand Canyon (2), Orlando (2).
Other multiple vacation destinations for me were
Kauai (4), Oahu (3), Big Island (2),
NYC (3), London (3), Paris (2)
Grand Canyon (2), Orlando (2).
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Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
Yup. it's like 50 min away from Las Vegas. I didn't finish one of the trails so looking to return backBarkingsparrow wrote: ↑Mon Dec 19, 2022 9:09 pmThis is the one in Nevada? We were just there earlier this year and thought it was fantastic. Unfortunately - it was hot so a few trails were closed.
Between this, Red Rock Canyon State Park, and Mt Charleston - we had some good day hiking on our trip to Las Vegas.

Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
One favorite is Hilo Hawaii on the Big Island when the lava is flowing, seen close up at night.
#2 for Hilo is the drive over the mountain to Hapuna Beach. Skip the county's crowded public portion of Hapuna, but go to the resort's adjacent beach that still must allow some public access, so the resort limits the public parking for it, but you are on mainland time so you wake up early in Hawaii, with time to drive there.
We stayed at the La Posada in Winslow Arizona for an anniversary dinner in the aforementioned restaurant.
In my years of Phoenix residency, the Grand Canyon was often my vacation area, backpacking in my younger years, then rafting on the river in my 40-50s. Floating for a week or two on any river is a good escape from your workday commute in traffic.
#2 for Hilo is the drive over the mountain to Hapuna Beach. Skip the county's crowded public portion of Hapuna, but go to the resort's adjacent beach that still must allow some public access, so the resort limits the public parking for it, but you are on mainland time so you wake up early in Hawaii, with time to drive there.
We stayed at the La Posada in Winslow Arizona for an anniversary dinner in the aforementioned restaurant.
In my years of Phoenix residency, the Grand Canyon was often my vacation area, backpacking in my younger years, then rafting on the river in my 40-50s. Floating for a week or two on any river is a good escape from your workday commute in traffic.
Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
We've done quite a bit of domestic travel over the past four years, border to border and coast to coast.
Favorite drives: Highway One along the California coast, especially Big Sur. Also the Blue Ridge Parkway from North Carolina to Virginia. Allow lots of time to stop and soak up the views. They should be driven leisurely and are not designed to get you from one place to another. The Blue Ridge is best in mid to late June when the Catawba Rhododendron bloom, or during the fall leaf color, October and early November.
Favorite beaches: Anywhere along Redneck Riviera, from the Alabama Gulf Coast over to Port St. Joe Florida. Whitest sand there is on the planet.
National Parks: Yosemite (Glacier Point, Tunnel View, Olmstead Point, Yosemite Falls), Sequoia (Moro Rock, General Sherman Tree, Grant Grove), Yellowstone (Yellowstone Falls, Upper Geyser Basin), Grand Teton (sunrise, sunset with Tetons as backdrop, lunch/dinner on back deck at Jackson Lake Lodge) , Zion, Great Smoky Mountains (Laurel Falls, Cades Cove), Grand Canyon (South Rim Trail at sunset). Plenty of hiking at all of them.
Near Saguaro National Park (Tucson, AZ) we found this place to be worth the stop: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. All kinds of cacti and desert plants.
https://www.desertmuseum.org/
Florida Keys: The drive itself is a wonderful combination of sea and islands. We regret not taking more time to stop on the way down and back.
Dining: NOLA. I know about the crime and so forth, but it seems most all US cities have that problem. The food is the best I've had anywhere, anytime in all my 72 years. Commander's Palace, Brennan's, Desire Oyster Bar, Antoine's.
Favorite drives: Highway One along the California coast, especially Big Sur. Also the Blue Ridge Parkway from North Carolina to Virginia. Allow lots of time to stop and soak up the views. They should be driven leisurely and are not designed to get you from one place to another. The Blue Ridge is best in mid to late June when the Catawba Rhododendron bloom, or during the fall leaf color, October and early November.
Favorite beaches: Anywhere along Redneck Riviera, from the Alabama Gulf Coast over to Port St. Joe Florida. Whitest sand there is on the planet.
National Parks: Yosemite (Glacier Point, Tunnel View, Olmstead Point, Yosemite Falls), Sequoia (Moro Rock, General Sherman Tree, Grant Grove), Yellowstone (Yellowstone Falls, Upper Geyser Basin), Grand Teton (sunrise, sunset with Tetons as backdrop, lunch/dinner on back deck at Jackson Lake Lodge) , Zion, Great Smoky Mountains (Laurel Falls, Cades Cove), Grand Canyon (South Rim Trail at sunset). Plenty of hiking at all of them.
Near Saguaro National Park (Tucson, AZ) we found this place to be worth the stop: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. All kinds of cacti and desert plants.
https://www.desertmuseum.org/
Florida Keys: The drive itself is a wonderful combination of sea and islands. We regret not taking more time to stop on the way down and back.
Dining: NOLA. I know about the crime and so forth, but it seems most all US cities have that problem. The food is the best I've had anywhere, anytime in all my 72 years. Commander's Palace, Brennan's, Desire Oyster Bar, Antoine's.
- lthenderson
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- Joined: Tue Feb 21, 2012 12:43 pm
- Location: Iowa
Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
All of my favorites are usually outdoors and away from other people... so I will not be expounding upon their location. But they are relaxing, recharging and typically cost small fractions of what many on here spend for a vacation.
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Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
There are very few places in my mind that live up to the very lofty expectations you’ve had in your mind, and the media, and from peoples anecdotal experience. They are:
1. Paris (especially at night)
2. Yellowstone NP
3. Yosemite NP
4. Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Taos, New Mexico.
5. Coastal CA
5. London (in summer)
1. Paris (especially at night)
2. Yellowstone NP
3. Yosemite NP
4. Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Taos, New Mexico.
5. Coastal CA
5. London (in summer)
Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
Italy, we have traveled there over a dozen times for a more than 2 weeks each time and there are still some areas that we haven’t visited. We have never had a bad time there and the food is amazing. We rent a car and drive everywhere.
Italy has something for everyone - art, magnificent old massive architecture, the Italian Alps, skiing, beaches, little old towns, big cities, and Venice. I have barely scratched the surface of all that Italy has going for it.
Can’t wait to go back, probably next May.
Italy has something for everyone - art, magnificent old massive architecture, the Italian Alps, skiing, beaches, little old towns, big cities, and Venice. I have barely scratched the surface of all that Italy has going for it.
Can’t wait to go back, probably next May.
Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
Small town New Hampshire/Vermont during October/foliage season. Perhaps the locals take it for granted seeing it every year, but to those of us living in regions where trees just don’t get those colors it is stunningly beautiful and, as I once heard Charles Kuralt describe it, a “shock to the senses”.
Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
And if you go to Winslow, AZ you can stand on a corner. Apparently, it is such a fine sight to see.stan1 wrote: ↑Mon Dec 19, 2022 8:24 pmWhile not a favorite destination in and of itself, when in the vicinity of Northern Arizona I highly recommend a night or two at the historic La Posada Hotel in Winslow, AZ east of Flagstaff. It's a remarkable tale of the owner's persistence in restoring a piece of history and deserves a callout with a URL.Mestk5593 wrote: ↑Mon Dec 19, 2022 7:46 pm Some of us would benefit from reading about the various places y'all have been, especially if you could provide a few details about what makes it so unique. It would be useful for future planning.
I will start.
We like outdoors (mostly hiking) and a trip to Sedona AZ, Grand Canyon, and Page AZ was very memorable. The key was to go before it gets too hot, too cold, or too crowded. We went late March / early April. When you are outdoors, the weather could make or break your vacation experience.
https://laposada.org/

I don't know what the future holds, but I know who holds my future.
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Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
I have been to over 40 states and 10 countries in 5 continents. I have enjoyed traveling outside the US for the most part, but I prefer traveling in the US and Canada. There are so many beautiful and interesting places, why go elsewhere.
My favorite place is the Canadian Rockies, especially between Banff and Jasper. My favorite city is Charleston, SC, which has a great blend of history, food and beaches. Vancouver is another great city to visit.
My favorite international destination was Jerusalem and Israel. I am a people watcher and it does hot any better than watching all the different ethnic groups in Jerusalem. Also, Israel and Jerusalem have so many historical sites, and is a must visit for Christians, Jews and Muslims.
My favorite place is the Canadian Rockies, especially between Banff and Jasper. My favorite city is Charleston, SC, which has a great blend of history, food and beaches. Vancouver is another great city to visit.
My favorite international destination was Jerusalem and Israel. I am a people watcher and it does hot any better than watching all the different ethnic groups in Jerusalem. Also, Israel and Jerusalem have so many historical sites, and is a must visit for Christians, Jews and Muslims.
Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
We enjoy San Juan Puerto Rico. Have been there a few times. Do want to venture west to Rincon next trip.
Just got back from Aruba. Clean and safe. Perfect weather.
West coast of Florida as well.
Nashville and key west were good group trips with friends.
I would like to go to San Diego, the Grand Canyon and a nhl hockey trip to Toronto and Montreal.
Just got back from Aruba. Clean and safe. Perfect weather.
West coast of Florida as well.
Nashville and key west were good group trips with friends.
I would like to go to San Diego, the Grand Canyon and a nhl hockey trip to Toronto and Montreal.
Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
My favorite trips have been Alaska and Italy.
Really enjoyed Nashville. Enjoyed Seattle but that was a few years ago...
Really enjoyed Nashville. Enjoyed Seattle but that was a few years ago...
Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
I see what you did thereA440 wrote: ↑Tue Dec 20, 2022 9:21 amAnd if you go to Winslow, AZ you can stand on a corner. Apparently, it is such a fine sight to see.stan1 wrote: ↑Mon Dec 19, 2022 8:24 pmWhile not a favorite destination in and of itself, when in the vicinity of Northern Arizona I highly recommend a night or two at the historic La Posada Hotel in Winslow, AZ east of Flagstaff. It's a remarkable tale of the owner's persistence in restoring a piece of history and deserves a callout with a URL.Mestk5593 wrote: ↑Mon Dec 19, 2022 7:46 pm Some of us would benefit from reading about the various places y'all have been, especially if you could provide a few details about what makes it so unique. It would be useful for future planning.
I will start.
We like outdoors (mostly hiking) and a trip to Sedona AZ, Grand Canyon, and Page AZ was very memorable. The key was to go before it gets too hot, too cold, or too crowded. We went late March / early April. When you are outdoors, the weather could make or break your vacation experience.
https://laposada.org/![]()

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Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
I am a Europhile, so my picks skew towards there:
1) London - amazing city...food, museums, you can just walk around for hours and the architecture is stunning. This is a good city for someone who has never been to europe before
2) Budapest - i stayed in a hostel here and partied every night, had an absolute blast. food is great, history is great, and it is a super cheap destination.
3) Prague - absolutely beautiful city, crazy gorgeous historic district, may be the best pastries on the earth (also super cheap destination).
4) Istanbul - the mosques are really something else, and turkish food (iskander kebob is my favorite) is insanely. also had the best pudding of my life here
5) Vienna- rivals Paris for culture and history, but much easier to be a tourist in
6) Tucsany, Italy - absolute tops for food and weather. rent a little convertible and drive around the hairpin turns.
7) Madrid - the prado is one of my favorite art museums. food here is insanely good and extremely affordable.
For anyone thinking of going to european, if your lucky enough to not have kids travel during april/may or Sept/Oct...weather is moderate (very few places in europe have AC), and prices are lower as families on summer break are not traveling, but everything is still open.
For non-european destinations:
1) Medellin, Colombia - amazing food, friendly people, perfect weather every day.
2) Tucson, AZ - funky, off-beat city in the desert, ridiculous food scene (the city is a unesco food city). it's my dream to have a home in the catalina footfills
3) Miami - wouldn't neccesarily want to live here but visiting you can do great restaurants, the beach, musuems, night life
4) NYC - i would live here if not for the freezing artic weather and ridiculous cost of living. #1 on earth for food, night life and museums, no question.
1) London - amazing city...food, museums, you can just walk around for hours and the architecture is stunning. This is a good city for someone who has never been to europe before
2) Budapest - i stayed in a hostel here and partied every night, had an absolute blast. food is great, history is great, and it is a super cheap destination.
3) Prague - absolutely beautiful city, crazy gorgeous historic district, may be the best pastries on the earth (also super cheap destination).
4) Istanbul - the mosques are really something else, and turkish food (iskander kebob is my favorite) is insanely. also had the best pudding of my life here
5) Vienna- rivals Paris for culture and history, but much easier to be a tourist in
6) Tucsany, Italy - absolute tops for food and weather. rent a little convertible and drive around the hairpin turns.
7) Madrid - the prado is one of my favorite art museums. food here is insanely good and extremely affordable.
For anyone thinking of going to european, if your lucky enough to not have kids travel during april/may or Sept/Oct...weather is moderate (very few places in europe have AC), and prices are lower as families on summer break are not traveling, but everything is still open.
For non-european destinations:
1) Medellin, Colombia - amazing food, friendly people, perfect weather every day.
2) Tucson, AZ - funky, off-beat city in the desert, ridiculous food scene (the city is a unesco food city). it's my dream to have a home in the catalina footfills
3) Miami - wouldn't neccesarily want to live here but visiting you can do great restaurants, the beach, musuems, night life
4) NYC - i would live here if not for the freezing artic weather and ridiculous cost of living. #1 on earth for food, night life and museums, no question.
Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
Any place above 60F.
It was -19F with a wind, -30F wind chills this morning.
Much of the US will be getting a taste of the deep freeze this week. No fun.

It was -19F with a wind, -30F wind chills this morning.
Much of the US will be getting a taste of the deep freeze this week. No fun.
Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
Prince Edward Island in Atlantic Canada. PEI is a beautiful place we have been visiting since 1985. We have been to all 50 states and 8 of the 13 Provinces, Italy, Ireland, and Scotland, but still find time to get back to PEI we love it. Why….friendly locals, amazing seafood ie lobster, muscles, oysters, cod, not crowded even in the summer. Endless red sand beaches and cliffs, amazing folk music, green potato fields, bike and walking trails the entire length of the island, warm water via the Gulf Steam to swim in the ocean. Anne of Green Gables if you have kids. Best time to visit is June to September. You can get onto the island via a 8 mile long bridge or a 2 hour ferry from Nova Scotia. The largest city is Charlottetown about 50 k put an island population of 150k. But get out and explore the countryside it’s amazing.
Tom
Tom
Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
Hawaii and National Parks. This year I went to Kona and Volcano NP and Great Smoky NP.
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Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
I always enjoy Washington DC. So much to see in such a small area.
- Mr. Maunder
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Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
For vacations abroad:
1. Egypt. I went almost 30 years ago, but I'd been fascinated with ancient Egypt since I was a small boy. We spent time in Alexandria, Cairo, Luxor, and sailed down the Nile stopping at various temples and other sites. Some of these places, like the Pyramids or the Temple of Karnak, really can't be conveyed just by photo or video. I doubt I'll go back but it was the trip of a lifetime.
2. Stockholm. I never expected to visit Sweden, but my wife had a colleague there on sabbatical and we spent a week. I wasn't expecting much, but Stockholm had so much to offer: art galleries, historical sites, the palaces, the Abba museum if you're into Abba, remains of the original city to explore. Gamla Stan, the old city quarter, is on its own island and filled with interesting shops, restaurants, and cafes. And I am nuts about Prinsesstårta (Princess cake) so we worked our way around the city comparing everybody's recipes. Very walkable, pleasant city and beautiful in the springtime. Really a surprise.
3. Barcelona. We took a cruise with my wife's parents years ago that left from Barcelona. Another city I hadn't planned to visit and glad I did. The food is fantastic, there's the La Sagrada Familia and several other buildings and parks by Gaudi, the medieval Old Quarter where you can actually go underground and see the excavated Roman city, the Picasso museum, beautiful parks. We've gone back a couple of times and still have yet to make it out of the city and into the countryside.
4. Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka. All are amazing in different ways, especially if you're not used to Asia at all (which I wasn't). Tokyo is so mind-numbingly vast, it's hard to comprehend; 30 million people in a vast megacity, and yet it's safe, fun to walk, and full of interesting byways. It also mixes the ultra-modern and the ancient and they seem to live comfortably side-by-side in ways you don't see here in the States. Of the three the one I'd highlight is Osaka, because I don't think most tourists consider it a destination, but it had the best food and to us the most "fun" atmosphere of the three. It was also incredibly easy to get around Japan despite near-zero understanding of the language. Of all the places I've traveled, the country I felt most comfortable being in despite being such a fish out of water.
1. Egypt. I went almost 30 years ago, but I'd been fascinated with ancient Egypt since I was a small boy. We spent time in Alexandria, Cairo, Luxor, and sailed down the Nile stopping at various temples and other sites. Some of these places, like the Pyramids or the Temple of Karnak, really can't be conveyed just by photo or video. I doubt I'll go back but it was the trip of a lifetime.
2. Stockholm. I never expected to visit Sweden, but my wife had a colleague there on sabbatical and we spent a week. I wasn't expecting much, but Stockholm had so much to offer: art galleries, historical sites, the palaces, the Abba museum if you're into Abba, remains of the original city to explore. Gamla Stan, the old city quarter, is on its own island and filled with interesting shops, restaurants, and cafes. And I am nuts about Prinsesstårta (Princess cake) so we worked our way around the city comparing everybody's recipes. Very walkable, pleasant city and beautiful in the springtime. Really a surprise.
3. Barcelona. We took a cruise with my wife's parents years ago that left from Barcelona. Another city I hadn't planned to visit and glad I did. The food is fantastic, there's the La Sagrada Familia and several other buildings and parks by Gaudi, the medieval Old Quarter where you can actually go underground and see the excavated Roman city, the Picasso museum, beautiful parks. We've gone back a couple of times and still have yet to make it out of the city and into the countryside.
4. Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka. All are amazing in different ways, especially if you're not used to Asia at all (which I wasn't). Tokyo is so mind-numbingly vast, it's hard to comprehend; 30 million people in a vast megacity, and yet it's safe, fun to walk, and full of interesting byways. It also mixes the ultra-modern and the ancient and they seem to live comfortably side-by-side in ways you don't see here in the States. Of the three the one I'd highlight is Osaka, because I don't think most tourists consider it a destination, but it had the best food and to us the most "fun" atmosphere of the three. It was also incredibly easy to get around Japan despite near-zero understanding of the language. Of all the places I've traveled, the country I felt most comfortable being in despite being such a fish out of water.
I know I don't know all of the answers, but I think I know some of the questions.
Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
+1000Mr. Maunder wrote: ↑Tue Dec 20, 2022 12:27 pm For vacations abroad:
1. Egypt. I went almost 30 years ago, but I'd been fascinated with ancient Egypt since I was a small boy. We spent time in Alexandria, Cairo, Luxor, and sailed down the Nile stopping at various temples and other sites. Some of these places, like the Pyramids or the Temple of Karnak, really can't be conveyed just by photo or video. I doubt I'll go back but it was the trip of a lifetime.
Karnak is the greatest man made thing I have seen in my life. And I have been to the Great Wall and MP.
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Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
Southwest Harbor, ME
Glacier National Park MT
Alaska
Costa Rica
Key West
Glacier National Park MT
Alaska
Costa Rica
Key West
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Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
Remember. Any time you go back, or multiple times, you miss the time to go someplace new.
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Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
1. The island of Kauai in Hawaii was the most beautiful place I've ever seen, much more beautiful than the Big Island.
2. Paris, France - the streets, the history, the shops/patisseries/boulangeries
3. Montalcino and Siena in Tuscany, Italy - absolutely stunning in August-October.
4. Venice, Italy - so unique, tiny streets/walkways/canals
5. La Jolla, CA - just beautiful and relaxing.
2. Paris, France - the streets, the history, the shops/patisseries/boulangeries
3. Montalcino and Siena in Tuscany, Italy - absolutely stunning in August-October.
4. Venice, Italy - so unique, tiny streets/walkways/canals
5. La Jolla, CA - just beautiful and relaxing.
Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
Maui can be relatively cheap (Kihei condo) and has everything from water sports to snow (today on Haleakala). Great snorkeling and scuba. Boating. Unlimted beaches. Perfect weather. Whales. Amazing hikes. Circum-island roads. History. Volcanoes. A national park. Art. Feels the most foreign of any US destination. Great flight connections to mainland and nearby islands. Great food, especially fish. Nice cultural mix. Super friendly people. We have been going since the early 70s. I’m there now!
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Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
I'm chuckling at the number of places mentioned here that are also on the "least favorite vacation destinations" thread. I have to believe that much of the difference comes down to mindset, realistic expectations, and some planning.
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Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
One of the recurring themes on that thread is how crowded places have become. So true. There are many places that I have been that I'm so glad I went to "back then" - when you could get to them, when you could see them without waiting in line or being pushed, when you could enjoy a (more?) pristine setting.Count de Monet wrote: ↑Wed Dec 21, 2022 12:23 pm I'm chuckling at the number of places mentioned here that are also on the "least favorite vacation destinations" thread.
Several years ago, a friend and I wanted to do a hike in Canyonlands NP. Mentioned on that thread was not to stay in Hanksville. Well, we just wanted to stay the night as a good launching point for the hike. No room. The inn on the road west of Hanksville? No room. Barely found a room at Green River. Moab full. Crazy.
So, when you put your favorites on this or any other website, keep in mind - you're building that crowd

Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
I just browsed that thread - quite a few disquieted folks there. Makes me thankful that I have Mrs. wabbott for a traveling companion. I would hate to be stuck with some of those folks on a trip.Count de Monet wrote: ↑Wed Dec 21, 2022 12:23 pm I'm chuckling at the number of places mentioned here that are also on the "least favorite vacation destinations" thread. I have to believe that much of the difference comes down to mindset, realistic expectations, and some planning.
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Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
My favorite vacations have been road trips through western US, visiting national parks and the like. Open road, beautiful scenery and we typically find good spots to eat. Definitely during shoulder season though.
Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
Not big travelers but we loved our time in:
London
Reykjavik, Iceland
Chicago
New York
Disney World (back in Sep 1998, apparently that is an unpopular opinion in the other thread)
London
Reykjavik, Iceland
Chicago
New York
Disney World (back in Sep 1998, apparently that is an unpopular opinion in the other thread)
"...the man who adapts himself to his slender means and makes himself wealthy on a little sum, is the truly rich man..." ~Seneca
Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
It’s priceless to read this thread and the “least favorite vacation destinations” thread back to back
“… the fact remains that buying a nominal bond ladder to defease future living expenses can prove disastrous.” - Bill Bernstein |
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“…something unusual happens—usually.” - Nassim Taleb
Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
following
Last edited by Zeno on Wed Dec 28, 2022 5:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
The coolest place I've seen so far is Machu Picchu. We did the shorter one day Inca hike and ended the day at Machu Picchu as the sun was setting. The grounds were nearly empty by that point with none of the huge crowds that are usually there in the middle of the day.
Not a place I'd go back to multiple times but well worth experiencing at least once.
Not a place I'd go back to multiple times but well worth experiencing at least once.
Re: What are your favorite vacation destinations?
We saw MP in the morning. The place was shrouded by clouds till mid-morning.climber2020 wrote: ↑Wed Dec 21, 2022 3:47 pm The coolest place I've seen so far is Machu Picchu. We did the shorter one day Inca hike and ended the day at Machu Picchu as the sun was setting. The grounds were nearly empty by that point with none of the huge crowds that are usually there in the middle of the day.
Not a place I'd go back to multiple times but well worth experiencing at least once.
Sat patiently on the hillside, and then as the fog burned off, voila, magic!
Memorable.
This was before it was listed as one of the new 7 Wonders and there was a big book outside asking people to vote.
I found it hilarious that someone would need to vote for a place that iconic.
Of course it made the list.