justme
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Post by justme on Dec 29, 2015 12:15:41 GMT -5
So I have a week of vacation I have to take by March 26. I do have other vacation days that don't expire then, but don't want to use them unless it's a really good deal/place. I was trying to get a group trip going to use it but that's just devolved to "maybe a long weekend".
I'm looking to spend around 1000 or less unless it's a bucket trip like to Italy or Costa Rica. Then I might be ok with another 500 or so. At least especially for transportation and lodging - food could easily be absorbed into my monthly budget.
Places I've been: Most of the big places in Florida (live there) Asheville D.C. (extended work trips) New Orleans (conference) NYC (when I was twelve) Beckley wv Niagara falls Toronto (lots of times but mostly drive through short trips) Bahamas San Francisco And then a camping trip out west at 9 that went places like Albuquerque, grand canyon, mesa Verde, etc
Ideas: Friend lives in Portland or Toronto - never been in the winter and have family friends I could probably crash with most of the time Mini solo road trip San Fran again but mostly the surrounding area like Yosemite Europe Costa Rica
Soooo where should I go? What should I do?
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wvugurl26
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Post by wvugurl26 on Dec 29, 2015 12:18:09 GMT -5
I'm kind of curious about Beckley. Never really known anyone from out of state to go there.
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on Dec 29, 2015 12:26:02 GMT -5
Not sure what kind of things you like. Other places I've enjoyed: San Antonio, Gatlinburg, Chicago, Las Vegas, Jamaica.
ETA: St. Louis
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swamp
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Post by swamp on Dec 29, 2015 12:30:17 GMT -5
Personally, I wouldn't go to Toronto in the winter. Especially if you live in FL.
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wvugurl26
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Post by wvugurl26 on Dec 29, 2015 12:32:04 GMT -5
Oh Nashville has been highly recommended to me by several people.
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Dec 29, 2015 12:34:50 GMT -5
You might be able to find a week at a resort in Mexico for $1000. The resort we stayed at a couple years ago was about $1300 pp (it was an AI) but we were there for 9 days and were flying from WA.
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Dec 29, 2015 12:36:45 GMT -5
Which Portland?
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on Dec 29, 2015 12:38:08 GMT -5
Europe is too far for just a week. $1500 would pay your airfare. Consider Seattle. From downtown, you can take an overnight trip to Victoria BC.
Hotels downtown are very expensive, but you can find hotels further out and use public transportation. Some people stay out near the airport and use the hotel's free shuttle to get them to the light rail which takes them into the city for sightseeing, etc.
Or Mexico. There's an artsy town in the mountains whose name eludes me. Very popular with expats.
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cael
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Post by cael on Dec 29, 2015 13:08:10 GMT -5
A friend of mine went to Costa Rica last winter and loooooooved it, I bet you could find a deal? They stayed at several resorts and said it was amazing (it's on my list).
Portland's got a lot of great stuff to see and do, but I'm not sure how it would be in the winter, I was there in the summer. Yosemite also sounds awesome though, that area's on my bucket list too. What about northern Cali and the redwoods?
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justme
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Post by justme on Dec 29, 2015 14:12:46 GMT -5
I'm kind of curious about Beckley. Never really known anyone from out of state to go there. It was a trip with my college. We went white water rafting and rock climbing.
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justme
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Post by justme on Dec 29, 2015 14:14:11 GMT -5
Personally, I wouldn't go to Toronto in the winter. Especially if you live in FL. Yea I'm thinking my mom is Looney tunes for suggesting it. Maybe she wants to get me back for something by suggesting I get a friend to snow mobile me by our cottage while I'm up there?
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justme
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Post by justme on Dec 29, 2015 14:14:39 GMT -5
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midjd
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Post by midjd on Dec 29, 2015 14:23:25 GMT -5
Are any bands you like currently touring? I always thought it would be fun to go to a concert at Red Rocks or somewhere cooler than the stadiums around here.
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justme
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Post by justme on Dec 29, 2015 14:35:43 GMT -5
Hmm I'll have to check out tours. Though Jan-Mar isn't a very big touring time.
One site I found air fare, hotel, and train transport between cities for 2 nights each in Venice, Florence, and Rome for 1411.
For 1428 a five night air fare and all inclusive resort in Costa Rica plus a car rental. With the hotel right on the Pacific ocean. Though there's a couple extra fees not in there.
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justme
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Post by justme on Dec 29, 2015 14:40:34 GMT -5
Not sure what kind of things you like. Other places I've enjoyed: San Antonio, Gatlinburg, Chicago, Las Vegas, Jamaica. ETA: St. Louis I kinda like everything. Good with roaming around cities or hiking and zip lining through the forest. Really like doing both in one trip. My cousin lives south of San Antonio, a trip to see her and then hang out in SA and maybe go up to Austin is also on my mind.
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Dec 29, 2015 14:42:55 GMT -5
Yeah, our weather isn't fantastic right now.
I bet you could do Costa Rica for $1500.
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gregintenn
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Post by gregintenn on Dec 29, 2015 14:44:38 GMT -5
My wife drug me to Savannah, Georgia for our anniversary last summer. I was surely dreading it, but I have to tell you, it was one of the most beautiful and fun places I've ever been. You might try there. It isn't too far from you.
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NancysSummerSip
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Post by NancysSummerSip on Dec 29, 2015 14:49:00 GMT -5
I loved Portland (both Oregon and Maine). Had a wonderful time in both of them and would actually recommend either one.
Also loved Chicago and would go back there as well. Ditto for Toronto, even in winter. I was there when the weather sucked, and there is still plenty to do. How about Montreal, if you're going to indulge a Canadian winter?
I must be in the minority...I really disliked Nashville, and hope never to return.
I've never been to Seattle, but everyone I know who has loves it. We are going to Boston next year; another city you probably cannot go wrong with.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2015 14:55:28 GMT -5
I loved Portland (both Oregon and Maine). Had a wonderful time in both of them and would actually recommend either one. Also loved Chicago and would go back there as well. Ditto for Toronto, even in winter. I was there when the weather sucked, and there is still plenty to do. How about Montreal, if you're going to indulge a Canadian winter? I must be in the minority...I really disliked Nashville, and hope never to return. I've never been to Seattle, but everyone I know who has loves it. We are going to Boston next year; another city you probably cannot go wrong with. Depends on the time of year. Summer is hot, humid and smelly. Winter is cold and ugly. Spring, what's that? Fall is not too bad since everyone is up on the North Shore tormenting Cael in Salem.
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justme
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Post by justme on Dec 29, 2015 15:14:07 GMT -5
I loved Portland (both Oregon and Maine). Had a wonderful time in both of them and would actually recommend either one. Also loved Chicago and would go back there as well. Ditto for Toronto, even in winter. I was there when the weather sucked, and there is still plenty to do. How about Montreal, if you're going to indulge a Canadian winter? I must be in the minority...I really disliked Nashville, and hope never to return. I've never been to Seattle, but everyone I know who has loves it. We are going to Boston next year; another city you probably cannot go wrong with. Hmm not entirely against Montreal, the question becomes how many Canadian winters will I brave in my life? Because I'd be remiss to go all the way up there and not see the family place covered in snow (it's about two hours north of Toronto). Though there appears to be a train between Montreal and Toronto that is rather affordable.
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wyouser
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Post by wyouser on Dec 29, 2015 15:30:52 GMT -5
There are lots of Islands south of Florida. Could you snag a short cruise to one you haven't been to?
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NancysSummerSip
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Post by NancysSummerSip on Dec 29, 2015 15:36:06 GMT -5
I loved Portland (both Oregon and Maine). Had a wonderful time in both of them and would actually recommend either one. Also loved Chicago and would go back there as well. Ditto for Toronto, even in winter. I was there when the weather sucked, and there is still plenty to do. How about Montreal, if you're going to indulge a Canadian winter? I must be in the minority...I really disliked Nashville, and hope never to return. I've never been to Seattle, but everyone I know who has loves it. We are going to Boston next year; another city you probably cannot go wrong with. Depends on the time of year. Summer is hot, humid and smelly. Winter is cold and ugly. Spring, what's that? Fall is not too bad since everyone is up on the North Shore tormenting Cael in Salem. Thinking about mid-May or so. Late April, after the marathon, would be OK too. Would not consider doing it much past early June.
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Robert not Bobby
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Post by Robert not Bobby on Dec 29, 2015 15:37:34 GMT -5
What do you like to do when you are away from work? Plunk it on the beach and read a couple of books? Be adventurous? A thrill seeker or calm and relaxing? Maybe new ethnic and cultural experiences?
Are you a foodie that likes different food experiences?
When you know what you are looking for, the decision will be easy.
And about Toronto...it is a beautiful North American city, but so what?
Do something you are uncomfortable with.
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on Dec 29, 2015 15:46:00 GMT -5
Depends on the time of year. Summer is hot, humid and smelly. Winter is cold and ugly. Spring, what's that? Fall is not too bad since everyone is up on the North Shore tormenting Cael in Salem. Thinking about mid-May or so. Late April, after the marathon, would be OK too. Would not consider doing it much past early June. Skip early and mid-May if you are coming to Boston proper. All of the college graduations drive up the price of hotel rooms, crowd the restaurants, and generally make downtown over-populated.
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cael
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Post by cael on Dec 29, 2015 15:59:01 GMT -5
I loved Portland (both Oregon and Maine). Had a wonderful time in both of them and would actually recommend either one. Also loved Chicago and would go back there as well. Ditto for Toronto, even in winter. I was there when the weather sucked, and there is still plenty to do. How about Montreal, if you're going to indulge a Canadian winter? I must be in the minority...I really disliked Nashville, and hope never to return. I've never been to Seattle, but everyone I know who has loves it. We are going to Boston next year; another city you probably cannot go wrong with. Depends on the time of year. Summer is hot, humid and smelly. Winter is cold and ugly. Spring, what's that? Fall is not too bad since everyone is up on the North Shore tormenting Cael in Salem. True story! Nancy don't forget to get in touch w/ all us Bostonian types and we can schedule a big crazy meet up!
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NancysSummerSip
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Post by NancysSummerSip on Dec 29, 2015 16:07:04 GMT -5
Depends on the time of year. Summer is hot, humid and smelly. Winter is cold and ugly. Spring, what's that? Fall is not too bad since everyone is up on the North Shore tormenting Cael in Salem. True story! Nancy don't forget to get in touch w/ all us Bostonian types and we can schedule a big crazy meet up! Will do. I was planning to book us in the downtown area, but I have been advised to find a hotel further out of downtown, near a subway station, and commuting in.
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on Dec 29, 2015 16:07:54 GMT -5
Not sure what kind of things you like. Other places I've enjoyed: San Antonio, Gatlinburg, Chicago, Las Vegas, Jamaica. ETA: St. Louis I kinda like everything. Good with roaming around cities or hiking and zip lining through the forest. Really like doing both in one trip. My cousin lives south of San Antonio, a trip to see her and then hang out in SA and maybe go up to Austin is also on my mind. Not sure where you can go zip-lining, other than tropical locales. San Antonio could make a nice trip. I think the weather there is probably decent at that time. I really enjoyed the RiverWalk and seeing the Alamo. We started out a Corpus Christi on that trip, but it didn't seem like there was much there. (I'm a bit spoiled by Lake Michigan beaches--salt and jellyfish free.)
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justme
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Post by justme on Dec 29, 2015 16:11:58 GMT -5
There are lots of Islands south of Florida. Could you snag a short cruise to one you haven't been to? Do you know a cruise that doesn't charge double the price if you're a solo traveler?
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wyouser
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Post by wyouser on Dec 29, 2015 16:26:48 GMT -5
There are lots of Islands south of Florida. Could you snag a short cruise to one you haven't been to? Do you know a cruise that doesn't charge double the price if you're a solo traveler? Do they all do that?
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cael
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Post by cael on Dec 29, 2015 17:43:40 GMT -5
True story! Nancy don't forget to get in touch w/ all us Bostonian types and we can schedule a big crazy meet up! Will do. I was planning to book us in the downtown area, but I have been advised to find a hotel further out of downtown, near a subway station, and commuting in. Will you rent a car? I know there are several hotels in Newton, which is right outside the city and on the green line. I just don't know how close to the stations any of those hotels are, but I'm sure you can find something. Check along the red line maybe, north of the city near Arlington or maybe at the Braintree end, NOT Mattapan. If you do want to come to Salem for a day I wouldn't advise against it unless it was October - there is a lot of interesting stuff for out-of-towners to see! And we could get lunch.
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