swamp
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THEY’RE EATING THE DOGS!!!!!!!
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Post by swamp on Dec 31, 2015 9:20:19 GMT -5
I agree with Weltz on Montreal. However, someone from FL is going to freeze their tushie off.
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justme
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Post by justme on Dec 31, 2015 11:44:58 GMT -5
That looks freaking cool! I wonder how much snow gear I'd need. I have a two layer snowboard jacket that has a warning reflective layer and snowboard pants. I've done D.C. and Boston in the winter, only really felt cold when it was in the teens.
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weltschmerz
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Post by weltschmerz on Dec 31, 2015 13:01:29 GMT -5
That looks freaking cool! I wonder how much snow gear I'd need. I have a two layer snowboard jacket that has a warning reflective layer and snowboard pants. I've done D.C. and Boston in the winter, only really felt cold when it was in the teens. Teens? Lol! We've hit lows of minus 40C. You know what that is in Fahrenheit? Minus 40.
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justme
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Post by justme on Dec 31, 2015 13:22:02 GMT -5
That looks freaking cool! I wonder how much snow gear I'd need. I have a two layer snowboard jacket that has a warning reflective layer and snowboard pants. I've done D.C. and Boston in the winter, only really felt cold when it was in the teens. Teens? Lol! We've hit lows of minus 40C. You know what that is in Fahrenheit? Minus 40.
Hahah! I know it's colder up there. My Ontario friends make fun of me and what's cold in Florida. Though I make fun of them when they're about to have a heatstroke up there at 85. Though geeze, minus 40 is rough.
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justme
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Post by justme on Dec 31, 2015 13:24:05 GMT -5
Soooo I just found a 7 day cruise that goes to their private Bahamas island, Jamaica, Georgetown and Cozumel. I'd get a studio room (made for just 1 person, and has a nice lounge that's just for those people staying in studios), a beverage package, and $50 per port for shore excursions for just under $1500. It's tempting. A very laid back but fun 30th birthday thing - no worries about planes or driving or finding places to eat, etc. Hmmmmmm
ETA: I think that was on the newest ship for the cruiseline. But the deal for the drinks and and money for ports ends in 3 days.
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973beachbum
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Post by 973beachbum on Dec 31, 2015 16:21:27 GMT -5
We just got back from a vacation today. I couldn't tell from the OP what exactly you are looking for out of a vacation local. I have also been to Montreal and most of the rest of the eastern half of Canada in the winter and agree that it isn't for the faint of heart. Or those without some serious long underwear! Our latest vacation was to colonial williamsburg va. We had fun. I will say that it was unseasonably warm. We went now because we had time to use that didn't roll over to next year. But we did think it would be neat to see it decked out for the holidays. The big Christmas tree in the square was really pretty. And it was super cool to stroll up and down the main road at night with only little fire thingies lighting the way. I will add that it is a tertiary area for vacation pricing so it wasn't expensive at all by our area's standards. Our room at the Marriott was $70 a night. We managed to go as a family for close to you budget so for one it would be no problem at all to spend a week there for $1K. It might depend on how much shopping you do though.
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justme
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Post by justme on Dec 31, 2015 16:26:35 GMT -5
Ugh I just realized my passport expires in March and my mom was like I shouldn't purchase a cruise before I get the new passport back - but the free stuff with the cruise ends in three days! Ugh!
I don't know exactly what I'm looking for specifically, just fun and nothing where I have to go go go. It'll become my 30th bday celebration and I want it somewhere I can have fun by myself and not mope around that I'm 30 and single and haven't gone on a freaking date in like six months and my last relationship was short and two years ago and that my list of friends sucks to a pretty decent point.
I thought the cruise would be fun because I could do shore excursions zip lining and to the falls and Mayan ruins but relax on the pool deck and go see theatre shows and drink fun frozen drinks. Almost hits everything I like to do.
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973beachbum
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Post by 973beachbum on Dec 31, 2015 16:41:51 GMT -5
I know lots of people who got a passport in less than a month and that wasn't a renewal so don't let that stop you. Even if you have to pay an extra $40 bucks to get it on time I would still go for it. Cruises are suited for singles IMO. I took one by myself and never felt out of place or was even alone much. I was also young and cute so didn't by many drinks for myself either. Personally I think that is a winner for you if you can get it for the right price. Getting the passport renewed would need to be a priority but not a deal breaker IMO. Just get to the place to file for the new one on Monday and pay the extra fee for fast turnaround. good luck whatever you decide! Happy New Year everyone!!
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justme
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Post by justme on Dec 31, 2015 16:52:00 GMT -5
Yea, it's their newest boat so they actually have like 30 or so studios that are only for singles all right next to each other. And a nice two story lounge just for those guests to hang out in.
1500 is a bit more than I'd want to spend on a cruise. Hmm.
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taz157
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Post by taz157 on Dec 31, 2015 17:17:34 GMT -5
Last year, DH, DD, and I went on a cruise. DH and DD didn't have a passport but we put in the application a month before out cruise departed, and we had already booked. We did pay the expedited shipping charges, but it was worth it for us. When I got my passport 2 years prior, I got it about a month later with no trouble. Personally, I think the cruise sounds fabulous. I does sound a tad pricey, but you hadn't said which cruise line so it maybe reasonable for the line. Also, you are getting a few perks so it maybe worth it.
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justme
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Post by justme on Dec 31, 2015 17:29:17 GMT -5
Last year, DH, DD, and I went on a cruise. DH and DD didn't have a passport but we put in the application a month before out cruise departed, and we had already booked. We did pay the expedited shipping charges, but it was worth it for us. When I got my passport 2 years prior, I got it about a month later with no trouble. Personally, I think the cruise sounds fabulous. I does sound a tad pricey, but you hadn't said which cruise line so it maybe reasonable for the line. Also, you are getting a few perks so it maybe worth it. It's Norwegian Cruise. They have the best deal right now. You select 2 of 4 choices for the options for the studio rooms, but with the other 2 being free specialty dining and 250 internet minutes the ultimate beverage package and $50 shore excursion credit per port are definitely the best option. It's on their newest (2015) and biggest (4,248 passengers, also by tonnage) ship - Escape. I don't know how the price goes for them, but the port credits are $200 and then the beverage package equals around $385. So of the $1500 about $600 of that is the extras. Though the gratuity would be $94.5 not included in the charge.
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Dec 31, 2015 17:32:55 GMT -5
Ugh I just realized my passport expires in March and my mom was like I shouldn't purchase a cruise before I get the new passport back - but the free stuff with the cruise ends in three days! Ugh! I don't know exactly what I'm looking for specifically, just fun and nothing where I have to go go go. It'll become my 30th bday celebration and I want it somewhere I can have fun by myself and not mope around that I'm 30 and single and haven't gone on a freaking date in like six months and my last relationship was short and two years ago and that my list of friends sucks to a pretty decent point. I thought the cruise would be fun because I could do shore excursions zip lining and to the falls and Mayan ruins but relax on the pool deck and go see theatre shows and drink fun frozen drinks. Almost hits everything I like to do. Make the reservation and renew your passport now. I renewed mine this past spring, and think it was about 3-4 weeks before getting it back. You have plenty of time.
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taz157
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Post by taz157 on Dec 31, 2015 17:46:40 GMT -5
Ugh I just realized my passport expires in March and my mom was like I shouldn't purchase a cruise before I get the new passport back - but the free stuff with the cruise ends in three days! Ugh! I don't know exactly what I'm looking for specifically, just fun and nothing where I have to go go go. It'll become my 30th bday celebration and I want it somewhere I can have fun by myself and not mope around that I'm 30 and single and haven't gone on a freaking date in like six months and my last relationship was short and two years ago and that my list of friends sucks to a pretty decent point. I thought the cruise would be fun because I could do shore excursions zip lining and to the falls and Mayan ruins but relax on the pool deck and go see theatre shows and drink fun frozen drinks. Almost hits everything I like to do. Make the reservation and renew your passport now. You have plenty of time. Yeah that!
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justme
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Post by justme on Dec 31, 2015 18:55:20 GMT -5
Ok I'm having the travel agent my parents used on their recent trip to see if she has a better deal than the cruise lines website.
Oh and I looked it's the Getaway that had the itinerary I mentioned. The Escape goes to st Thomas, tortola, and Nassau. I'm thinking the other itinerary is better even if the Escape is 70-90 cheaper.
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taz157
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Post by taz157 on Dec 31, 2015 21:23:47 GMT -5
I like the initial intinery better than the 2nd one too.
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justme
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Post by justme on Dec 31, 2015 21:31:37 GMT -5
Oh at the Winter Festival is on my list to do. I think I just need to beef up my winter wardrobe, learn more than the itsy bit of French I do know, and maybe find a heater boyfriend to keep me warm outside up there.
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on Jan 2, 2016 17:14:03 GMT -5
Soooo I just found a 7 day cruise that goes to their private Bahamas island, Jamaica, Georgetown and Cozumel. I'd get a studio room (made for just 1 person, and has a nice lounge that's just for those people staying in studios), a beverage package, and $50 per port for shore excursions for just under $1500. It's tempting. A very laid back but fun 30th birthday thing - no worries about planes or driving or finding places to eat, etc. Hmmmmmm ETA: I think that was on the newest ship for the cruiseline. But the deal for the drinks and and money for ports ends in 3 days. Caveat: I over-analyze and over-research and over-book all of my trips because I like to know what I am really getting for my money and because I hate unpleasant surprises when traveling, so take the following from that perspective, please. ) Have you checked TripAdvisor and/or CruiseCritic for reviews of the ship and/or the itinerary?
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justme
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Post by justme on Jan 2, 2016 22:24:17 GMT -5
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on Jan 2, 2016 23:53:06 GMT -5
I haven't checked that, I need to. Need to decide if I'm pulling the trigger by tomorrow. Still don't know if I am!!! Just found out they have a ropes course on the boat that includes ziplines, and you also have the chance to walk to the plank. Which is literally a plank that extends 8 feet over the edge of the boat. I wouldn't worry. I am certain that nobody who walks the plank has been drinking. I mean, no one goes on a cruise for the drinks, right?
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justme
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Post by justme on Jan 3, 2016 0:04:19 GMT -5
I haven't checked that, I need to. Need to decide if I'm pulling the trigger by tomorrow. Still don't know if I am!!! Just found out they have a ropes course on the boat that includes ziplines, and you also have the chance to walk to the plank. Which is literally a plank that extends 8 feet over the edge of the boat. I wouldn't worry. I am certain that nobody who walks the plank has been drinking. I mean, no one goes on a cruise for the drinks, right? Pretty sure a drink or two before might be the only way my ass goes out that far! Just need to make friends with someone so I have a picture as proof!
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Jan 4, 2016 10:23:07 GMT -5
I haven't priced it out, but I think the airfare to Europe alone would probably run you $1500.
I'm planning an Alaska trip this year.
But another trip I kinda want to do is a trip out to Bryce Canyon and Canyon land, out west.
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justme
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Post by justme on Jan 4, 2016 11:18:07 GMT -5
I haven't priced it out, but I think the airfare to Europe alone would probably run you $1500. I'm planning an Alaska trip this year. But another trip I kinda want to do is a trip out to Bryce Canyon and Canyon land, out west. Bryce canyon and all that out there is gorgeous. I went as a kid and I'd like to go back, but I think I'd want to do that trip with someone not solo. Oh and I could probably do Europe with airfare under 1500. It's shoulder season. Found one that included airfare, 6 nights at a hotel and train transfers between cities for 1411.
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ezzzie
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Post by ezzzie on Jan 4, 2016 11:22:37 GMT -5
My eyes aren't so good, and I read as "Fund My Vacation". And I thought "HMMMMM...Who's going to fund Mine?"
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taz157
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Post by taz157 on Jan 4, 2016 11:24:31 GMT -5
I haven't checked that, I need to. Need to decide if I'm pulling the trigger by tomorrow. Still don't know if I am!!! Just found out they have a ropes course on the boat that includes ziplines, and you also have the chance to walk to the plank. Which is literally a plank that extends 8 feet over the edge of the boat. Did you book it?
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justme
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Post by justme on Jan 4, 2016 17:06:36 GMT -5
I haven't checked that, I need to. Need to decide if I'm pulling the trigger by tomorrow. Still don't know if I am!!! Just found out they have a ropes course on the boat that includes ziplines, and you also have the chance to walk to the plank. Which is literally a plank that extends 8 feet over the edge of the boat. Did you book it? No, but surprise surprise the deal that expired yesterday is still there today for a limited time! lol. Though I think with the caveat of the cruise needing to be booked 30 days in advanced. I'm going to send off my passport tomorrow. Debating whether to pay the $60 expediting fee. My parents got theirs back in 17 days when they did it in November. Still not 100% on the cruise so not sure if it's worth the $60. If it came back in 17 days I'd be fine. Well really within 28 days. Though I think there's a cruise a week or two later for only $20 more, which is less then the expediting fee.
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weltschmerz
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Post by weltschmerz on Jan 4, 2016 21:27:40 GMT -5
Teens? Lol! We've hit lows of minus 40C. You know what that is in Fahrenheit? Minus 40.
Hahah! I know it's colder up there. My Ontario friends make fun of me and what's cold in Florida. Though I make fun of them when they're about to have a heatstroke up there at 85. Though geeze, minus 40 is rough. Tell you what.....if you ever come up here in the winter, I'll lend you my mother's fur coat and hat.
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justme
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Post by justme on Jan 4, 2016 21:42:46 GMT -5
Hahah! I know it's colder up there. My Ontario friends make fun of me and what's cold in Florida. Though I make fun of them when they're about to have a heatstroke up there at 85. Though geeze, minus 40 is rough. Tell you what.....if you ever come up here in the winter, I'll lend you my mother's fur coat and hat. Awww! Thanks!! I really do mean it's on my list, I just think I need the motivation of more than just me to get my ass out in the cold. By myself I might just walk out of the hotel and go "well that was fun" and turn around.
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muttleynfelix
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Post by muttleynfelix on Jan 4, 2016 22:33:15 GMT -5
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.) Zip line - the Ozarks - Branson, Eurkea Springs. I think someone mentioned there is one in Dubuque, IA. There are some in Colorado. Zip lines are everywhere.
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weltschmerz
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Post by weltschmerz on Jan 4, 2016 23:37:25 GMT -5
Look at post #60. Montreal in winter is hardly a tropical beach.
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on Jan 5, 2016 9:01:58 GMT -5
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.) Zip line - the Ozarks - Branson, Eurkea Springs. I think someone mentioned there is one in Dubuque, IA. There are some in Colorado. Zip lines are everywhere. Oh, I'm sure they are--just meant that I personally don't know of them. There's lots of things I'm unaware of.
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