I am in SERIOUS need of a vacation. I'm talking no Blackberry, laptop, not even a hint of technology. I hate to admit that my last real vacation was almost 8 years ago. I travel for work and lived abroad for a few months last year, but have not really had any type of relaxing downtime.
OK MMers.. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to recommend your favorite vacation destination. Inspire me with your visual tales of your most memorable trip(s). By the end of May I'm off for some R&R and could really use some advice.
Sass
All,
I am in SERIOUS need of a vacation. I'm talking no Blackberry, laptop, not even a hint of technology. I hate to admit that my last real vacation was almost 8 years ago. I travel for work and lived abroad for a few months last year, but have not really had any type of relaxing downtime.
OK MMers.. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to recommend your favorite vacation destination. Inspire me with your visual tales of your most memorable trip(s). By the end of May I'm off for some R&R and could really use some advice.
All, Apologies for my delayed response to those of you who shared additional ideas. I was having technical issues and my posts were not going through. Many thanks to all of you for giving me some great advice, resources and places to consider. It really helped me expand my horizons and I'm sooo excited to pick a final destination. I'm willing to travel as far as my wallet will comply. Stay tuned... Sass
All, Apologies for my delayed response to those of you who shared additional ideas. I was having technical issues and my posts were not going through. Many thanks to all of you for giving me some great advice, resources and places to consider. It really helped me expand my horizons and I'm sooo excited to pick a final destination. I'm willing to travel as far as my wallet will comply. Stay tuned... Sass
Sass it all depends what you want to do and how far you want to travel. At this time of the year you have options. First to do nothing hop over to Mauritius and stay at the lovely Prince Maurice hotel its divine Or if you want something different try Japan I was there last year. its a real eye opener April /May is good in Italy Try Lake Como and stay at the Villa D'Este or Florence and stay at the Villa La Massa. It will be the perfect temperature to stroll around the sights The South of France is also lovely at this time
Sass it all depends what you want to do and how far you want to travel. At this time of the year you have options. First to do nothing hop over to Mauritius and stay at the lovely Prince Maurice hotel its divine Or if you want something different try Japan I was there last year. its a real eye opener April /May is good in Italy Try Lake Como and stay at the Villa D'Este or Florence and stay at the Villa La Massa. It will be the perfect temperature to stroll around the sights The South of France is also lovely at this time
These sites are good too.. www.bookingbuddy.com vacation to Go Or if you have membership through any airlines or hotels they offer vacation packages Have fun..I love searching through these sites..the possibilities ar e endless.. Julie
Quoting SassnClass
Thank you so much! This is perfect and will browse this site a litle more later tonight. Let the vacation journey begin.
Quoting SassnClass
Thank you so much! This is perfect and will browse this site a litle more later tonight. Let the vacation journey begin.
These sites are good too.. www.bookingbuddy.com vacation to Go Or if you have membership through any airlines or hotels they offer vacation packages Have fun..I love searching through these sites..the possibilities ar e endless.. Julie
I am a 2.3.4 girl myself. being a huge fan of the southern hemisphere, I vote for Palau, or Bali or Australia. Au has everything you could ask for,,,just figure out what you want to do
Bali IS nice, outside of the tourist areas. Dont stay in a westren hotel,,,they are like hotels all over the world. Bali has lots of great places for $ 25 a night or so. I stayed at the Green Garden Hotel in Kuta and hired a driver/car/tour guide for the grand sum of $ 20 a day. Your money WILL go very far in Bali. One thing I didnt like was the constant harassment of the sellers all over the place. If you walk on the beach , stay down by the water and they wont bother you..too damned hot !
Sulawasi is the name of the island Lisa mentioned. Its part of the Indonesian archipeligo, which of course, Bali is too.
For Au, I prefer the far north queensland area near Port Douglas. Trips out to the great barrier reef leave from there. The Reef Rendevous hotel, at the entrance to PD, had 2 story 3 bedroom villas,,with fully stocked kitchens and laundry for $ 75 a night.In need of renovation but FAB for the price !
They had pools and fitness gyms and all sorts of amenities. The restaurant was terrible though. The Daintree rainforest meets the sea in this area. Cairns is about a two hour drive south and is a " big city" in aussie terms.Excellent public transportation network in the entire area, they LOVE tourists.
The Court House rest. in PD proper has the very best garlic toast in the world !
Also fantastic for the nature lovers is O'Reilly's Guesthouse in Lamington National Forest, near Brisbane. World class birding, nature walks, guided tours,,lots to do and a great restaurant,everything a traveler could want or need.
Sailing enthusists would LOVE the Whitsundays near Brisbane too. Paradise.
Take me take me takeme
I am a 2.3.4 girl myself. being a huge fan of the southern hemisphere, I vote for Palau, or Bali or Australia. Au has everything you could ask for,,,just figure out what you want to do
Bali IS nice, outside of the tourist areas. Dont stay in a westren hotel,,,they are like hotels all over the world. Bali has lots of great places for $ 25 a night or so. I stayed at the Green Garden Hotel in Kuta and hired a driver/car/tour guide for the grand sum of $ 20 a day. Your money WILL go very far in Bali. One thing I didnt like was the constant harassment of the sellers all over the place. If you walk on the beach , stay down by the water and they wont bother you..too damned hot !
Sulawasi is the name of the island Lisa mentioned. Its part of the Indonesian archipeligo, which of course, Bali is too.
For Au, I prefer the far north queensland area near Port Douglas. Trips out to the great barrier reef leave from there. The Reef Rendevous hotel, at the entrance to PD, had 2 story 3 bedroom villas,,with fully stocked kitchens and laundry for $ 75 a night.In need of renovation but FAB for the price !
They had pools and fitness gyms and all sorts of amenities. The restaurant was terrible though. The Daintree rainforest meets the sea in this area. Cairns is about a two hour drive south and is a " big city" in aussie terms.Excellent public transportation network in the entire area, they LOVE tourists.
The Court House rest. in PD proper has the very best garlic toast in the world !
Also fantastic for the nature lovers is O'Reilly's Guesthouse in Lamington National Forest, near Brisbane. World class birding, nature walks, guided tours,,lots to do and a great restaurant,everything a traveler could want or need.
Sailing enthusists would LOVE the Whitsundays near Brisbane too. Paradise.
You had me at Mayan ruins. Wow, I should have been more proactive about planning a vacation a long time ago.. Everyone has given me some great ideas already. Choices, choices.
Quoting billzeke
Ambergris Caye, Belize. Golf carts are the main transportation. The beach is the main drag. Great diving, snorkeling, and fishing. Zip lining, cave tubing and Mayan ruins are close by. The people speak English and are super friendly.
Quoting billzeke
Ambergris Caye, Belize. Golf carts are the main transportation. The beach is the main drag. Great diving, snorkeling, and fishing. Zip lining, cave tubing and Mayan ruins are close by. The people speak English and are super friendly.
Thanks Bill!
You had me at Mayan ruins. Wow, I should have been more proactive about planning a vacation a long time ago.. Everyone has given me some great ideas already. Choices, choices.
Will do Curious. I look forward to finding the right place and am looking forward to the journey. I can't wait to be away some where. Planning will be part of the fun. I'll take pictures so you can pretend you were there!
Quoting Curious2078
Hello, Sass. I'm much too poor to take vacations--as in go away from where I live on my time off. Luckily for me, I have a million miles of mountains to explore on my time off--and I love doing that.... For you? I haven't a clue where you should go. But I will say this. Look over your options and make sure there is nothing in the destination that will remind you of work or home. Once you're sure of that--go for it. And just in case....just in case....bring a whole pile of your own swizzle sticks. Sorry I can't be of more help--I'm sure other bloggers will check in here with grand ideas. And once you decide where to go, please let us know where'll you be because I am going to go on vacation with you vicariously..... Pat P.S.: Please just don't make me sit in the hot sun longer than 10 minutes. I burn very easily and I dehydrate faster than a chunk of pine wood left out on a tropical beach in summer at noontime. HAVE FUN WHEREVER YOU GO---Pat
Quoting Curious2078
Hello, Sass. I'm much too poor to take vacations--as in go away from where I live on my time off. Luckily for me, I have a million miles of mountains to explore on my time off--and I love doing that.... For you? I haven't a clue where you should go. But I will say this. Look over your options and make sure there is nothing in the destination that will remind you of work or home. Once you're sure of that--go for it. And just in case....just in case....bring a whole pile of your own swizzle sticks. Sorry I can't be of more help--I'm sure other bloggers will check in here with grand ideas. And once you decide where to go, please let us know where'll you be because I am going to go on vacation with you vicariously..... Pat P.S.: Please just don't make me sit in the hot sun longer than 10 minutes. I burn very easily and I dehydrate faster than a chunk of pine wood left out on a tropical beach in summer at noontime. HAVE FUN WHEREVER YOU GO---Pat
Will do Curious. I look forward to finding the right place and am looking forward to the journey. I can't wait to be away some where. Planning will be part of the fun. I'll take pictures so you can pretend you were there!
Now Bali could be interesting. That's the kind of place where I know I would stay and have a lasting memory. I'd have a novel written by the end of the trip. Sass
Quoting Lisaprendergast
Bali OMG... Talk about a release from reality. The smell of insense fill the ar. Flowers decorate even the simplest place. The music is majical. Not to mention the unbelievable price of beautiful little hotels. just do not even consider staying at a westernized hotel. The it is just that. $3 massages. Rice Paddy fields the color of emeralds. The markets are filled with such beautiful stuff. Furniture, wow. The best part of this country is the quiet way people softly move through their day, seemingly effortlessly. They nap. They laugh. They play the kind of music that invites a stretch, then perhaps a relaxing meal. The clothes are so inexpensive. I had leather jeans made there 9 years ago that I love to wear today. Rewardrobed my self for nothing... and all the clothes were made by the owners of the little stores. Gekkos chirping in the wonderful rooms. It was magic. I concieved my kiddo there. The best month I have ever spent traveling . Ever. The diving is great as well. Some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world can be found on a small island by the name of Salouwaissie. Think about this extremely beautiful and memmorable place to vacation. I hope to return too. This time I imagine I will go with a container to ship back all the cool stuff I wish i had bought then. But forget the shopping... It is an amzing place to relax, The only big work is getting there. That is a heck of a plane ride unless you can fly 1st class. Do that if you can. You will not regret it. Cathay Pacific really pulls out the stops. Best Lisa
Quoting Lisaprendergast
Bali OMG... Talk about a release from reality. The smell of insense fill the ar. Flowers decorate even the simplest place. The music is majical. Not to mention the unbelievable price of beautiful little hotels. just do not even consider staying at a westernized hotel. The it is just that. $3 massages. Rice Paddy fields the color of emeralds. The markets are filled with such beautiful stuff. Furniture, wow. The best part of this country is the quiet way people softly move through their day, seemingly effortlessly. They nap. They laugh. They play the kind of music that invites a stretch, then perhaps a relaxing meal. The clothes are so inexpensive. I had leather jeans made there 9 years ago that I love to wear today. Rewardrobed my self for nothing... and all the clothes were made by the owners of the little stores. Gekkos chirping in the wonderful rooms. It was magic. I concieved my kiddo there. The best month I have ever spent traveling . Ever. The diving is great as well. Some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world can be found on a small island by the name of Salouwaissie. Think about this extremely beautiful and memmorable place to vacation. I hope to return too. This time I imagine I will go with a container to ship back all the cool stuff I wish i had bought then. But forget the shopping... It is an amzing place to relax, The only big work is getting there. That is a heck of a plane ride unless you can fly 1st class. Do that if you can. You will not regret it. Cathay Pacific really pulls out the stops. Best Lisa
Now Bali could be interesting. That's the kind of place where I know I would stay and have a lasting memory. I'd have a novel written by the end of the trip. Sass
Thanks Conyers: I wonder if there's a way to combine options 2 & 4 :)... I wuldn't mind laying in a hammock with a nice Pina Colada in my hands, pair of shades and gentle ocean breeze. I will definitely share the vacay experience once I find the right destination. Stay tuned!
Quoting Conyersguy
Sass,
I think you should spend the week with me in my hammock.
Oh, wait, my bad. That was MY idea of a dream vacation for ME !!!!! :):)
Four types of vacation-people:
1. Broadway shows / museums of beautiful objects / fine dining / 'city'
2. Beach / hot weather / few clothes / iced beverages
Decide which is most important to you, for this time in your life. THEN ask for suggestions. Otherwise people are giving you suggestions for THEM (like I did.) :):)
And best wishes for a great one, no matter where. And don't forget to come back on here and dish the dirt when you return. :)
Quoting Conyersguy
Sass,
I think you should spend the week with me in my hammock.
Oh, wait, my bad. That was MY idea of a dream vacation for ME !!!!! :):)
Four types of vacation-people:
1. Broadway shows / museums of beautiful objects / fine dining / 'city'
2. Beach / hot weather / few clothes / iced beverages
Decide which is most important to you, for this time in your life. THEN ask for suggestions. Otherwise people are giving you suggestions for THEM (like I did.) :):)
And best wishes for a great one, no matter where. And don't forget to come back on here and dish the dirt when you return. :)
Thanks Conyers: I wonder if there's a way to combine options 2 & 4 :)... I wuldn't mind laying in a hammock with a nice Pina Colada in my hands, pair of shades and gentle ocean breeze. I will definitely share the vacay experience once I find the right destination. Stay tuned!
If it were me, I would head off to one of the smaller islands of the Caribbean, rent a secluded house on the water nestled in an exclusive resort, and piddle around. Don't think I'd last long without a little TV, internet, email, etc. just to feel connected, but that's me.
I'd want to be on the outskirts of an exclusive enclave simply because I want access to daily messages, spas, food, without having to wander too far.
If it were me, I would head off to one of the smaller islands of the Caribbean, rent a secluded house on the water nestled in an exclusive resort, and piddle around. Don't think I'd last long without a little TV, internet, email, etc. just to feel connected, but that's me.
I'd want to be on the outskirts of an exclusive enclave simply because I want access to daily messages, spas, food, without having to wander too far.
Oh I just got an email from this site that I normally find ideas. http://www.shermanstravel.com/top25/ J
Quoting SassnClass
All,
I am in SERIOUS need of a vacation. I'm talking no Blackberry, laptop, not even a hint of technology. I hate to admit that my last real vacation was almost 8 years ago. I travel for work and lived abroad for a few months last year, but have not really had any type of relaxing downtime.
OK MMers.. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to recommend your favorite vacation destination. Inspire me with your visual tales of your most memorable trip(s). By the end of May I'm off for some R&R and could really use some advice.
Sass
Quoting SassnClass
All,
I am in SERIOUS need of a vacation. I'm talking no Blackberry, laptop, not even a hint of technology. I hate to admit that my last real vacation was almost 8 years ago. I travel for work and lived abroad for a few months last year, but have not really had any type of relaxing downtime.
OK MMers.. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to recommend your favorite vacation destination. Inspire me with your visual tales of your most memorable trip(s). By the end of May I'm off for some R&R and could really use some advice.
Decide which is most important to you, for this time in your life. THEN ask for suggestions. Otherwise people are giving you suggestions for THEM (like I did.) :):)
And best wishes for a great one, no matter where. And don't forget to come back on here and dish the dirt when you return. :)
Sass,
I think you should spend the week with me in my hammock.
Oh, wait, my bad. That was MY idea of a dream vacation for ME !!!!! :):)
Four types of vacation-people:
1. Broadway shows / museums of beautiful objects / fine dining / 'city'
2. Beach / hot weather / few clothes / iced beverages
Decide which is most important to you, for this time in your life. THEN ask for suggestions. Otherwise people are giving you suggestions for THEM (like I did.) :):)
And best wishes for a great one, no matter where. And don't forget to come back on here and dish the dirt when you return. :)
Mission Possible What you want to be doing is the question before the tape self destructs
laid back beach/scuba...Saint Barts...Saint Martin Arts culture...anywhere in Italy...Florence...out standing really non techno...... Zermatt Switzerland. Matterhorn, have to take a train to this village...no cars..land of Heidi Thailand...Japan...both are fantastic
Mission Possible What you want to be doing is the question before the tape self destructs
laid back beach/scuba...Saint Barts...Saint Martin Arts culture...anywhere in Italy...Florence...out standing really non techno...... Zermatt Switzerland. Matterhorn, have to take a train to this village...no cars..land of Heidi Thailand...Japan...both are fantastic
Sass, I have been to many countries and Islands. My favorite spots, Egypt, Paris, Germany, Italy,South Africa, Greece, Hawaii and Switzerland. Of course there are many more places but I like these spots more because you can relax, enjoy good wine, good scenery, and a lot more.. I travel for work but when I want to take a vacation..I usually go places that has nothing to do with work even though Germany is my work spot too..The best place to look is VacatioToGo and there are a few other sites that you can find through Google..I will send them to you..
During May, Italy and Greece are best to go to..
Julie
Quoting SassnClass
All,
I am in SERIOUS need of a vacation. I'm talking no Blackberry, laptop, not even a hint of technology. I hate to admit that my last real vacation was almost 8 years ago. I travel for work and lived abroad for a few months last year, but have not really had any type of relaxing downtime.
OK MMers.. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to recommend your favorite vacation destination. Inspire me with your visual tales of your most memorable trip(s). By the end of May I'm off for some R&R and could really use some advice.
Sass
Quoting SassnClass
All,
I am in SERIOUS need of a vacation. I'm talking no Blackberry, laptop, not even a hint of technology. I hate to admit that my last real vacation was almost 8 years ago. I travel for work and lived abroad for a few months last year, but have not really had any type of relaxing downtime.
OK MMers.. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to recommend your favorite vacation destination. Inspire me with your visual tales of your most memorable trip(s). By the end of May I'm off for some R&R and could really use some advice.
Sass
Sass, I have been to many countries and Islands. My favorite spots, Egypt, Paris, Germany, Italy,South Africa, Greece, Hawaii and Switzerland. Of course there are many more places but I like these spots more because you can relax, enjoy good wine, good scenery, and a lot more.. I travel for work but when I want to take a vacation..I usually go places that has nothing to do with work even though Germany is my work spot too..The best place to look is VacatioToGo and there are a few other sites that you can find through Google..I will send them to you..
Hello, Sass. I'm much too poor to take vacations--as in go away from where I live on my time off. Luckily for me, I have a million miles of mountains to explore on my time off--and I love doing that.... For you? I haven't a clue where you should go. But I will say this. Look over your options and make sure there is nothing in the destination that will remind you of work or home. Once you're sure of that--go for it. And just in case....just in case....bring a whole pile of your own swizzle sticks. Sorry I can't be of more help--I'm sure other bloggers will check in here with grand ideas. And once you decide where to go, please let us know where'll you be because I am going to go on vacation with you vicariously..... Pat P.S.: Please just don't make me sit in the hot sun longer than 10 minutes. I burn very easily and I dehydrate faster than a chunk of pine wood left out on a tropical beach in summer at noontime. HAVE FUN WHEREVER YOU GO---Pat
Hello, Sass. I'm much too poor to take vacations--as in go away from where I live on my time off. Luckily for me, I have a million miles of mountains to explore on my time off--and I love doing that.... For you? I haven't a clue where you should go. But I will say this. Look over your options and make sure there is nothing in the destination that will remind you of work or home. Once you're sure of that--go for it. And just in case....just in case....bring a whole pile of your own swizzle sticks. Sorry I can't be of more help--I'm sure other bloggers will check in here with grand ideas. And once you decide where to go, please let us know where'll you be because I am going to go on vacation with you vicariously..... Pat P.S.: Please just don't make me sit in the hot sun longer than 10 minutes. I burn very easily and I dehydrate faster than a chunk of pine wood left out on a tropical beach in summer at noontime. HAVE FUN WHEREVER YOU GO---Pat
Ambergris Caye, Belize. Golf carts are the main transportation. The beach is the main drag. Great diving, snorkeling, and fishing. Zip lining, cave tubing and Mayan ruins are close by. The people speak English and are super friendly.
Ambergris Caye, Belize. Golf carts are the main transportation. The beach is the main drag. Great diving, snorkeling, and fishing. Zip lining, cave tubing and Mayan ruins are close by. The people speak English and are super friendly.
