Vacation Information

[fever1972]

My wife and I are going to try to go on a vacation next year and would like to know if you guys and ladies have any advice as to where we should go. We've been thinking about Vegas or a Cruise. NEED SUGGESTIONS and advice please.

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[TexSkin]

Depends on what you guys like. Wife and I went to Vegas and have been on a cruise. I had more fun in Vegas because of the fast pace fun of it all. Crusie was more sight seeing and relaxing. Vegas was partying and such. So really depends on what you guys are in the mood for.

[dj_stouty]

It's funny that you mention Vegas, because my wife and I are leaving for Vegas tomorrow morning! 8)

Tex is right when he says it depends on what you are looking for.

My wife and I enjoy playing roulette/table poker/slots..etc so Vegas is the perfect setting for us. And even if you are not a gambling man...there is still PLENTY to do there. Sometimes just walking from Casino to Casino is fun.

Cruises are cool as well...especially if you haven't seen the caribbean before. PLUS...they usually have casinos on board. 8) It also depends on how much you want to spend. Although cruise pricing has gone down since 9-11, they are still pretty expensive. In Vegas, you can usually fly/stay for very cheap. (depending on your tastes)

[PennSkinsFan]

I just got back from the Riviera Maya outside Cancun. Best vacation I ever had, in fact, the wife and I are going tomake that our yearly family trip, same place, same resort. It was a five golden apple, impeccable service, paradise, absolute paradise. In April the wife and I are celebrating our tenth and going to Punta Cana. But, we will also be going back to Riviera Maya agin next year.

Thing is...book a charter, liek through Apple Vacations then you get a direct flight, great service, etc...and great prices. We took family vacations to Myrtle Beach, but you sit down and figure out the resort prices, all meals,a nd entertainment for the week, and going to Riviera Maya/Cancun is only abotu $200 more, and that is air inclusive, all inclusive, allmeals and drinks.

It is important to understand that on a cruise, they say it is all inclusive, but it does not include alcholic drinks, and they are expensive on the ship. We were looking into a cruise before we booked Riviera Maya and man, no contest, the cruise is actually more expensive when you consider air prices and all incusive prices.

Need anymore info on the resort we stayed at or anything, email me at mbuterba@yahoo.com ... you wont be sorry if you go there!

[TexSkin]

So Penn are you trying to say you enjoyed Riviera Maya? :wink:

Just kidding bro. I live by a beach called South Padre Island and also live at a border town. So those kind of vacations are not as fun for me as Vegas. It really dpends on what you are looking for. I think that type of vaction is much more relaxing then Vegas. Vegas is fun but much faster paced. If you want peace and quite, dont go to Vegas. 8)

[Seebs]

Paris, the most beautiful city in the world 8)

[jsarno]

Well, I've been all over our wonderful country (all except 10 states), personally the best vacation I EVER had was my DisneyWorld trip about 2 years or so ago. Just me and my wife...and it was GREAT. We stayed at the contemporary resort (had stayed at the polynesian when I was young and wanted to be on the monorail system...if you have the money, the Grand Floridian is the way to go, best place out there). We got the VIP package where we had 24 disney wishes to be used on anything from dining to massages. And even though (for instance) Cinderella's castle restaurant had a line down the walkway, we walked right up and got seated. No waiting. We had special seats to fireworks and fantasia etc. All sorts of little special privelages. It was amazing.
I don't care for Vegas because of all the crazy people, but most of all I'm a gambliholic. When I go on vacation I want to have fun and relax. Disney offered both of those.
My other suggestion would be Hawaii. Both will cost you over 4k. I think my wife and I spent $4500ish total (airfare souveniers, etc and stayed with a friend for 4 days before we went there), but I'm telling you it was worht every single penny, and we're dieing to do it again.

[jsarno]

I will warn you about leaving the country if you have never done it, it's cool to see the sites, but food etc is different. Hotels suck unless you pay an arm and a leg. It's NOTHING like what you are accustomed to. And France sucks. They are rude to you. It may be pretty...and it's an experience you'll never forget, but we here in America are used to certain luxuries etc that they don't provide. But hey, if you're rich and more concerned about sight seeing...go for it.

[TexSkin]

I have been to Paris and did not care for it myself. I got to see the world on Uncle Sams ticket fortunatly. :wink:

Disney World is one of those places that I really want to go. Next summer though looks like we are headed to England. My brother just left this month for 4 year tour over there and wants us to visit him next summer. I lived there when I was young being an Air force brat. So it should be neat to go back.

[jsarno]

My wife LOVED England, I didn't care for it. We were crammed in like sardines in the hotel, there was no private bath.. the whole floor had to share, and the food SUCKS.

DisneyWorld is the only vacation I ever had that I COMPLETELY got lost in the moments. No stress, just forgot all my troubles...that is until I had to come back.

[dj_stouty]

I LOVED London. I was there on business, so I guess I got lucky to stay in a big hotel...with private baths and moderately sized rooms.

London is very charming...from Piccadilly Circus to the countless # of bridges...to Leicester Square. And overall, they have some amazing pubs in which everyone feels welcome.

I plan to take my wife there someday...

[dj_stouty]

jsarno~ I forgot to agree with you. The food in England does suck. Fish and Chips (Fish and French Fries)....or Bangers and Mash (Suasages and MashedPotatoes) are the only things on the menu it seems. :D

[Spence]

London is a great city. There are few to match it. And the food only sucks if you eat English food. So don't eat it. Fact is, London ranks among the best cities in the world for food--as long as you're not eating the native stuff. Like Indian food? The best in the world (including India) will be found in London. Also great West Indian food and great African food. Nightlife in London is magnificent--only New York can compare. Prices in London are brutal; so bad in fact that Brits who live there earn something called a "London allowance"--extra pay for living in the most expensive city in the western world. Whether it is food or books or compact discs, prices in London are savage. It's worth it, though.

Paris is the most beautiful and pedestrian-friendly big city in the world. France as a whole is a great country to visit. Outside Paris the prices are very good and people are quite friendly. The museums and monuments in Paris are stupendous and the women are often ravishing. One of the great things about the French countryside is that you can eat a world class meal for a very reasonable price.

Italy cannot be beaten. Great food, first of all. French food, I'm afraid, is only second-best in the world. Italy produces the best food in the world on a pretty consistent basis. Weather is usually magnificent, though be prepared for "Africa hot" temperatures in the southern part of the country during the summer months. Monuments in Italy are spectacular, though not in very good shape, for the most part. Italy has simply more history than it can afford to preserve. Rome is great. Florence and Venice are even better. Naples should be a beautiful city. It has the most perfect bay in the world and the site of Mt Vesuvius looming over the city is pretty impressive, especially with those dark plumes of smoke always hovering around the mountain. However, much of southern Italy is very, very poor. Third World kind of poor and it can be jarring to people who were not expecting it. I'm partial to the Amalfi Coast of Italy, a region of beautiful beaches and medieval hill towns. The light and colors there are unmatched.

One of the nice things about European cities is that you can walk around in them. American cities were built for cars. European cities were built for people. Don't bother with cars in European cities. They are a useless expense and you won't need them. Whatever you need you can walk to or take the subway.

I love the Caribbean. Great places are the Grenadines, the British Virgin Islands, St Barts, Antigua, the Family Islands of the Bahamas. I hate casinos and gambling and big hotels on the beach so if you like that sort of stuff, I'm probably not the guy to talk to. I prefer my beaches unspoiled and my vacations as un-commercialized as possible.

One thing I've noticed in my travels is how good-looking so many foreigners are. I especially notice it AFTER I return to the U.S. For example, I was stunned when I returned from my last trip to Italy because I was struck at just how fat Americans are. I never saw a fat person in Italy under the age of 60. They're all slim and tan. Pretty much the same in France. [People tend to be fatter in the UK, but not as fat as in America--not even close.] People in France and Italy and Spain, for example, eat very well and they eat very rich foods. However, they eat smaller portions and they don't eat all the processed junk Americans gulp down as fast as possible. You don't see Italian kids stuffing one Dorito after another into their mouths. Europeans are much, much smarter about food and diet than we are. It's pretty depressing, actually.

[AGibbsGirl]

1) I've been to Hawaii 3 times(The Big Island, Maui and Lanai) the resorts are lush and beautiful but the rest of the islands are desert like and very expensive!!!

2) I've been to Paris, if you don't speak the language the people are down right mean! But the sites are incredible.

3) Switzerland was the most breath taking place I've ever been.

4) I've been to Australia twice and the people are beautiful, friendly and it's cheap, you get twice as much for your dollar.
But the flight!!!!!!!!!!!!

5) Grand Cayman was serene, great diving!

6) I've hated Disney every time I've been!

7) Never been to Vegas but Hubbo has been on business and there seems to be a lot to do, good food, great hotels etc...

8) NYC is great, but ya gotta do a lot of walking. I find the people amusing!
(Last time I went was 4 weeks before 9/11, we took the kids up the Trade Towers, Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building.
I still have nightmares about my kids on the roof of the Trade Tower...)

I'm off to St. Thomas in 2 weeks!!!

My suggestion, since the rest of the world thinks were arrogant and bullies keep your vacation dollars in the US, and put our own back to work!

[PennSkinsFan]

I'm off to St. Thomas in 2 weeks!!!


Congrats, have fun Gibbs Girl.

[jsarno]

gibbs girl...if you don't mind me asking...why did you dislike Disney? I am immensly curious.


Spence, I will agree about Italy. But I have a place for Italy in my heart since I am italian. They were pretty friendly for the most part, a little too lovey to americans for my taste. (american women in particular)
The food is bar none the best in the world. And I really like the fact that trains are the main modes of transportation. I just wish I knew more Italian. I hate going to a place that they can't understand me, and even worse, I don't understand them.

PS- in asian cultures, obese people are seen to be powerful and wealthy. We are a country of gluttany, but our luxuries FAR exceed those of any other country. Besides, no other country has the Redskins, and it's impossible to get it televised over seas too!!! NO BRAINER, stay in the USA!!! :lol:

[AGibbsGirl]

Disney: Too hot, too crowded, too much noise, too expensive, rides at Disney World were a huge let down! I prefer Hershey or Kings D.

The first time I went to Australia we met a family. When they asked where we were from we told them near Washington DC.
:shock: :shock: :shock:
So we said, "You know where the President lives."
:shock: :shock: :shock:
"On the East Coast?"
:shock: :shock: :shock:

Australians, "Is that any where near Disney World?"

[AGibbsGirl]

Spence, I will agree about Italy. But I have a place for Italy in my heart since I am italian.


I would love to go to Italy.
The ancestors came over in 1912 from Falerna, Italy.
Hubbo has been to Italy and loved it.
He said the same thing about the men loving the women, especially if you're a blond!

[Skins57]

you guys are thinking way too hard.

TRAINING CAMP is where to go :lol:

Hey MArk, St Thomas is what a 10 minute drive for us :lol: :lol:

[Seebs]

Ok let me be a little bit more serious than in my first post on this topic. I went several times in the US and have visited several places, so here is my statements:

- staying in the country:
1) New Orleans is quite a nice city, old french quarter is really nice and you can enjoy some good times here (Bourbon Street, Crocodile farms, journey on the mississippi, Adubon Zoo, nice countryside). Just some blocks to avoid...

2) NY, I love the Big Apple, maybe because it's the more European city of the US. A lot to do, to enjoy but hotels are so expensive...

3) DisneyWorld, I really had a good time but it was a long time ago. If you enjoy this kind of thing it's really ok.

4) California is Ok

5) Florida Keys: it's just great for cool holidays. prefer the mexican gulf side rather than the atlantic side. Far better than the Bahamas...

If you go abroad:

1) France is really beautiful. A lot to see and to do. Even if you don't go in Paris, there is so much to do... Lyon, Lille, Toulouse, all this cities have very nice things to visit. Food, wine is great and not too expensive. Biggest problem, even if it's improving, we don't speak english a lot.

2) England, except if you like countryside, don't go outside of London. I went to London last weekend, and it's really nice but very very expensive, far more than paris... And they speak english... To eat prefer Indian restaurants...

3) Spain, a special country for me, it's really wonderful, a lot to enjoy, from the coast to the mountains and the cities. In Barcelona or in Madrid there is a lot to see and to do (Madrid is very hot in the summer). If you prefer Beach time, go near Valencia. Only drawback they speak less english than in France (the more you go in the south, the less they speak english...)

4) other conutries, Italy can be nice but I don't really know the country, nice things to do in Belgium (Bruges is really a wonderful city)...

Hope it can help!

[jsarno]

Disney: Too hot, too crowded, too much noise, too expensive, rides at Disney World were a huge let down! I prefer Hershey or Kings D.

My wife has mentioned Hershey, PA quite a few times...I haven't been there since I was a kid and went with the hershey track meet. But didn't enjoy myself since I was there to do a job, didn't see sites or anything. Might have to look into that one.

You went at the wrong times to disney, and you obviously didn't spend the money like I suggested with the VIP package. There are times when the park is desolate...and with teh VIP package you are invited to ride all the rides after hours (only 5000 can attend).
It's VERY hot and humid if you go in late june, july or august. So don't go then. It's also one of the biggest tourest times too.
I didn't think the rides at disney were a let down at all. Magic Kingdom needs new attractions...but Aerosmiths rollercoaster, and the new test track are great rides. The slide at blizzard beach is the biggest in the USA. MGM and Animal kingdom are very nice.
If you are looking to get your pants scared off, then you might be disappointed. I didn't think it was too loud at all...it created an atmosphere of relaxation.

[PennSkinsFan]

I live 45 minutes from Hershey. Besides the Hershey Park or Choclate Town, not much to do, unless you tie in Amish Lancaster with that. That woudl be abotu 30 minutes from each other. If you are going to Hershey for the rides, the park thing, heck, I prefer Kings Dominion in Ashland VA over Hershey. Rides are better and Park is nicer. But, like I said, if you want to tie in Hershey, with Lancaster and Gettysburg, that woudl be a well spent vacation.

[AGibbsGirl]

Disney: Too hot, too crowded, too much noise, too expensive, rides at Disney World were a huge let down! I prefer Hershey or Kings D.

My wife has mentioned Hershey, PA quite a few times...I haven't been there since I was a kid and went with the hershey track meet. But didn't enjoy myself since I was there to do a job, didn't see sites or anything. Might have to look into that one.

You went at the wrong times to disney, and you obviously didn't spend the money like I suggested with the VIP package. There are times when the park is desolate...and with teh VIP package you are invited to ride all the rides after hours (only 5000 can attend).
It's VERY hot and humid if you go in late june, july or august. So don't go then. It's also one of the biggest tourest times too.
I didn't think the rides at disney were a let down at all. Magic Kingdom needs new attractions...but Aerosmiths rollercoaster, and the new test track are great rides. The slide at blizzard beach is the biggest in the USA. MGM and Animal kingdom are very nice.
If you are looking to get your pants scared off, then you might be disappointed. I didn't think it was too loud at all...it created an atmosphere of relaxation.


Since most of my family lives in Florida, we have been to Disney at every time of year and tried every type of package. I have been with the kids and without the kids, have been at night (The only way you should go to Universal, as it is Boring!!!) but I just don't like it.

I'm very spoiled living near DC with Hershey Park, Kings Dominion, Bush Gardens and 6 Flags all very close by.

Please ignore my comments if you are a Disney fan :D one girl's opinion!

[bfauble83]

Scariest ride ever, the Scooby Doo roller coaster...

[jsarno]

I (obviously) am a HUGE disney fan. For many reasons...some already mentioned. Other consist of the fact that they seem to be one of the few institutions holding on to WHOLESOME VALUES. Another is that I have been an artist in the past and admire thier work. (was ranked 101st in the nation as an artist and thought about working for them)
There aren't many places that have IMMACULATE areas like disney. The grass is perfect, hardly any trash anywhere...you can tell as soon as you enter into disney. They make a 100% effort to make you feel at home. In a day of "I don't give a sh--", they do.
To each his own...It doesn't bother me that you don't like disney, each person has different preferences.

You are however upsetting me about the DC area things to do. I live in a hell hole (new mexico) and I'm originally from Boston. We came here on a 5 year plan, and it's been a LOOOOONG 6+ years. We can't get out to save our lives. We've tried Seattle, Tampa, Denver, Dallas, and Chicago (among others) and have had NO SUCCESS. My Wife is a human resource director and I guess there is nothing around for her. We tried DC a while ago and nothing there either. I'd LOVE to move there. (it's more jealousy than being upset) ;)
If any of you run across an HR Director, Manager or Generalist III (maybe 4) for good money, please let me know. I can't take this place much longer.

[AGibbsGirl]

(was ranked 101st in the nation as an artist and thought about working for them)

That is awesome!!!


There aren't many places that have IMMACULATE areas like disney. The grass is perfect, hardly any trash anywhere...you can tell as soon as you enter into disney. They make a 100% effort to make you feel at home.


I can NOT argue with you there. It is pristine!
And hey...I'm glad you like Disney!!! :D


I live in a hell hole (new mexico)

My Uncle lives in Santa Fe

[AGibbsGirl]

PS:
Speaking of the Hershey Park, we have season passes and I'm taking my two sons and my nephew tomorrow.

With this heat, I think we'll be riding that new Super Soaker coaster all day :roll:

[Skinzaholic]

[quote="jsarno"]Other consist of the fact that they seem to be one of the few institutions holding on to WHOLESOME VALUES. [quote]


One weekend a year Disney turns into a sea of red as this "family" organization welcomes in Gay Pride Week. I know to many this is labeled as "tolerance", to me it is anything but wholesome.

Although I don't have anything against Disney... nor did I partake in the boycott that was held a few years ago by some other parties... I do think it shouldn't go unmentioned, thus anyone would consider Disney as "wholesome".

[PennSkinsFan]

PS:
Speaking of the Hershey Park, we have season passes and I'm taking my two sons and my nephew tomorrow.

With this heat, I think we'll be riding that new Super Soaker coaster all day :roll:

My best wishes for a great time. You will have plenty of sun! :D

[jsarno]

[quote]My Uncle lives in Santa Fe

Santa Fe is heaven compared to here. New Mexico is a massive state (not as massive as say Texas or California, but pretty darn big. I am 5+ hours from Santa Fe. I live in the southeast corner of New Mexico called Carlsbad. We live 2.5 hours from a major airport (EL Paso, TX), which is also the nearest city...lubbock, TX is about 3 hours. We live 76 miles from a town nearly our size of only 26,000 people. Hobbs to the East, and Roswell to the north. (Roswell has a good 76000 people or so) There is SERIOUSLY NO town between here and hobbs, or here and el paso. There is small town between here and roswell that has an oil refinery, and numerous dairy farms...and that stink flows into carlsbad. We live in what is called Cancer Valley. We've been told that more cancer exists here per capita than any other place in america...don't know how true that is. Our crime rate is higher than New York City per capita, and we have the 2nd highest teenage pregnancy rate in the country per capita (number 1 was hobbs, NM). I guess that's enough of the pity party...hahaha

[Chief Seeway]

keep your vacation dollars in the US, and put our own back to work!

Best suggestion in the thread, IMO.