billisonboard
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Post by billisonboard on Jan 9, 2017 17:40:05 GMT -5
Fly to a spot on the West Coast (San Diego, LA, San Fran, Portland, Seattle) pick up a rental, start driving north or south. Longer and shorter days in the car actually talking to each other. Stops along the way, variety of accommodations, variety of entertainment. Get somewhere, drop the car, and fly back.
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milee
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Post by milee on Jan 9, 2017 18:05:20 GMT -5
I was thinking about $3000-4000; no we don't- but we could get them - I was thinking maybe later this year or early next for the trip; Fly out of upstate ny; Beach is not necessary but preferred; I am more of a foodie than he is; All inclusive is appealing but again not necessary.
Ok, so. You guys haven't traveled much. So think about it - how adventurous do you want this trip to be? Do you want to do something totally crazy (because you haven't traveled much and who knows when you'll get to do it again)? Or do you want to start slow and see how you like different things (before you dip your toe in further or because it will make the trip easier or whatever other reason you might have)? I feel like the answer to that question should determine the rest of your trip. You can essentially look at any number of decisions along that continuum. Destination: Craziest - Non-English-speaking foreign country of your choice, 3rd world, etc. Middle - English-speaking country Safest - Cape Cod Travel type: Craziest - Multiple types of transportation/multiple steps Middle - Plane Safest - Car Accomodation type: Craziest - hostel/backpacking Middle - Air bnb/vrbo (renting a house or apartment in your destination) Safest - all-inclusive resort Travel Duration: Craziest - 24+ hrs Middle - 12 hrs Safest - 4 hrs Etc. There's activities you want to do, jet lag, food, communication, general safety - all of these exist on a spectrum from easy to crazy. Travel duration will most likely be a limiting factor - few people want to travel 24 hrs to get somewhere only to spend 5 days and travel 24 hrs back. So, some ideas along these lines for a 1 week trip: Crazy crazy: Antarctica, SE Asia, China, India Crazy: Australia/New Zealand, South Africa, Kenya, Middle East Middle: European Union/Great Britain, Caribbean in general Safe: U.S. Virgin Islands, Hawaii Safe safe: Cape Cod, Maine, NYC, Boston, Providence RI, etc. Good luck! Agree with this sort of assessment, would only add that it's going to be tough to make it to any of the Crazy crazy or crazy places for $3k - $4k, especially without some travel savvy and willingness to rough it a bit. Same for about half the middle list.
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weltschmerz
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Post by weltschmerz on Jan 9, 2017 18:19:19 GMT -5
Foodie? Come to Montreal and spend our 375th birthday with us! It's French-speaking, so it feels more foreign. Our architecture is spectacular, and you can't swing a cat without hitting a castle. We have everything from the Grand Prix to the biggest Jazz festival in the world. Festival of Circus Arts, where we have jugglers, acrobats and fire-eaters in the streets. You want a beach? We have beaches on crystal-clear lakes.
And the food....OMG, the food....!
Sound like fun?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2017 18:23:59 GMT -5
Have you considered a cruise? I preface this by saying that a cruise on a mega-ship would be my idea of the Vacation from Hell, but it has its advantages (and, given the number of mega-ships, many people disagree with me). Pack and unpack only once. You can sample several ports and don't have to find your way from city to city. That's what the captain does. Plenty of activities- some ships have rock climbing walls, gourmet restaurants (for additional charges), casinos, shows, etc. Disadvantages: charges for extras can really add up. Those ships are BIG. One friend told me they had to walk the length of 6 football fields to get from their end of the ship to the main dining room. Need to watch out for ripoffs: on-board "art" auctions, port lectures that are really discussions on where to shop when you get there, featuring shops that pay to have coupons distributed.
If you want to get a good flavor of what a cruise vacation might be like, the boards at cruisecritic.com are packed with information. The two cruises DH and I took were on very small (under 100 passenger) ships in Alaska and I still learned a lot there. (That picture is me on one of the ship's kayaks.) I'm taking the same line (UnCruise) in Central America in April.
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Pants
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Post by Pants on Jan 9, 2017 18:57:12 GMT -5
Ok, so. You guys haven't traveled much. So think about it - how adventurous do you want this trip to be? Do you want to do something totally crazy (because you haven't traveled much and who knows when you'll get to do it again)? Or do you want to start slow and see how you like different things (before you dip your toe in further or because it will make the trip easier or whatever other reason you might have)? I feel like the answer to that question should determine the rest of your trip. You can essentially look at any number of decisions along that continuum. Destination: Craziest - Non-English-speaking foreign country of your choice, 3rd world, etc. Middle - English-speaking country Safest - Cape Cod Travel type: Craziest - Multiple types of transportation/multiple steps Middle - Plane Safest - Car Accomodation type: Craziest - hostel/backpacking Middle - Air bnb/vrbo (renting a house or apartment in your destination) Safest - all-inclusive resort Travel Duration: Craziest - 24+ hrs Middle - 12 hrs Safest - 4 hrs Etc. There's activities you want to do, jet lag, food, communication, general safety - all of these exist on a spectrum from easy to crazy. Travel duration will most likely be a limiting factor - few people want to travel 24 hrs to get somewhere only to spend 5 days and travel 24 hrs back. So, some ideas along these lines for a 1 week trip: Crazy crazy: Antarctica, SE Asia, China, India Crazy: Australia/New Zealand, South Africa, Kenya, Middle East Middle: European Union/Great Britain, Caribbean in general Safe: U.S. Virgin Islands, Hawaii Safe safe: Cape Cod, Maine, NYC, Boston, Providence RI, etc. Good luck! Agree with this sort of assessment, would only add that it's going to be tough to make it to any of the Crazy crazy or crazy places for $3k - $4k, especially without some travel savvy and willingness to rough it a bit. Same for about half the middle list. Yes, typically the budget is going to go from top to bottom as well. ETA: Also I treated the budget as not officially settled since they don't have an exact timeframe and could potentially time the trip to get a deal or save extra if needed.
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tskeeter
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Post by tskeeter on Jan 9, 2017 20:30:19 GMT -5
That sounds a little judgy. People who like taking vacations in the sun could easily tee this whole thing up the other way... Sure, you could go to one of the overhyped, done-to-death cities in Europe and spend your free time in dreary, musty places standing in line with thousands of ill-mannered tourists passively absorbing sights like cattle. Or, you could explore a warm climate with adventures you can't do at home. Get a great workout while you see sights only hinted at in an aquarium, swim with the sea life, snorkel on the reef, dive the wrecks and finish at sunset to have a fresh meal in the open air cooked on the beach by local people using ingredients you helped to catch. You get to choose. People want different things out of vacations. You apparently enjoy historic sights. That means seeing historic sights is a great vacation for you. That doesn't mean it's interesting, fun or a vacation for everybody. It's always the same thing when someone dares to mention Disney - oh, I'm so much more cultured that I tour art museums and war memorials in Europe instead of that overpriced, mouse-run monstrosity. Guess what? I've done both and I enjoy both. Different strokes for different folks. I've been to Costa Rica, which I recommend, if you want both beach and fun. I did it as a high school senior trip, but we did the beach, but we also did ziplining through the rain forest, horseback riding, kayaking around Arenal Volcano, etc. I'd love to do a trip to Punta Cana or somewhere similar to our 10 year anniversary, which will be the same year as DH's 40th birthday (in 2.5 years, yikes!). Steph, now you're appearing a little judgmental. No, I don't enjoy amusement parks. But I've never criticized those who enjoy Disney. Nor do I remember ever seeing a post of the type you describe on this forum. As far as my post encouraging WLN to consider Europe, winter is a great time to avoid those lines and other complaints that other posters talked about, since it is off season, as opposed to peak season in the Virgin Islands. But, it is true, you need to have some interest what Europe has to offer. If you are a dedicated sun worshiper, Europe in the winter time isn't going to be for you.
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WholeLottaNothin
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Post by WholeLottaNothin on Jan 9, 2017 20:54:30 GMT -5
Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I will look into them, except for maybe the cruise idea. For some reason, I'm not sure why, the idea of a cruise is an immediate no to me.
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justme
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Post by justme on Jan 9, 2017 21:18:04 GMT -5
If you book through their website, the usvi are giving you money towards activities there.
There's Norwegian cruises that go out there. I think princess goes out there. And probably some others.
If you live closer to new Jersey Norwegian has cruises out of there to Caribbean. They're usually longer than seven days, but you get several sea days if you'd like a mix of seeing islands and just being able to relax on the boat.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2017 23:29:28 GMT -5
Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I will look into them, except for maybe the cruise idea. For some reason, I'm not sure why, the idea of a cruise is an immediate no to me. Fair enough. They do have their minuses!
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justme
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Post by justme on Jan 9, 2017 23:49:32 GMT -5
It's always the same thing when someone dares to mention Disney - oh, I'm so much more cultured that I tour art museums and war memorials in Europe instead of that overpriced, mouse-run monstrosity. Guess what? I've done both and I enjoy both. Different strokes for different folks. I've been to Costa Rica, which I recommend, if you want both beach and fun. I did it as a high school senior trip, but we did the beach, but we also did ziplining through the rain forest, horseback riding, kayaking around Arenal Volcano, etc. I'd love to do a trip to Punta Cana or somewhere similar to our 10 year anniversary, which will be the same year as DH's 40th birthday (in 2.5 years, yikes!). Steph, now you're appearing a little judgmental. No, I don't enjoy amusement parks. But I've never criticized those who enjoy Disney. Nor do I remember ever seeing a post of the type you describe on this forum. As far as my post encouraging WLN to consider Europe, winter is a great time to avoid those lines and other complaints that other posters talked about, since it is off season, as opposed to peak season in the Virgin Islands. But, it is true, you need to have some interest what Europe has to offer. If you are a dedicated sun worshiper, Europe in the winter time isn't going to be for you. Oh, you've somehow missed the Disney bashing threads. There's a lot on here that enjoy Disney, but every thread that mentions Disney - especially in the title or op - leads to some posts on Disney hate.
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yogiii
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Post by yogiii on Jan 10, 2017 6:44:55 GMT -5
Congrats on the 10 years, it is a loooong time!! We hit ours recently as well. I didn't know we were supposed to go on a trip!
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Cookies Galore
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Post by Cookies Galore on Jan 10, 2017 8:53:20 GMT -5
How much $$ do you want to spend? Do you have passports? Where would you fly out of? Do you want a beach? Are you foodies? Does an all inclusive appeal to you? I was thinking about $3000-4000; no we don't- but we could get them - I was thinking maybe later this year or early next for the trip; Fly out of upstate ny; Beach is not necessary but preferred; I am more of a foodie than he is; All inclusive is appealing but again not necessary.
We did five nights at an all-inclusive in La Romana (Caribbean side of Dominican Republic) last November and we paid just under $1800 for the two of us, so $3000-$4000 is totally doable. We flew out the Saturday after Thanksgiving so it was cheaper than other weeks. I had trouble with the food at the resort (Dreams), but I did like a couple of the dinner restaurants. I am not a meat eater, so my diet was limited right off the bat. Hubs did not have any issues eating on our trip.
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wvugurl26
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Post by wvugurl26 on Jan 10, 2017 9:10:55 GMT -5
I was thinking about $3000-4000; no we don't- but we could get them - I was thinking maybe later this year or early next for the trip; Fly out of upstate ny; Beach is not necessary but preferred; I am more of a foodie than he is; All inclusive is appealing but again not necessary.
We did five nights at an all-inclusive in La Romana (Caribbean side of Dominican Republic) last November and we paid just under $1800 for the two of us, so $3000-$4000 is totally doable. We flew out the Saturday after Thanksgiving so it was cheaper than other weeks. I had trouble with the food at the resort (Dreams), but I did like a couple of the dinner restaurants. I am not a meat eater, so my diet was limited right off the bat. Hubs did not have any issues eating on our trip. It's funny I went to Dreams Punta Cana that December and when I saw the food I was wondering what on earth you ate. The food was definitely better at Sandals/Beaches. The spa was kick ass though. Way better than Melia in the Bahamas. I did Melia in Nassau in November. I think we paid around $3500. The drink selection was super disappointing considering we paid for the highest level.
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sarcasticgirl
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Post by sarcasticgirl on Jan 10, 2017 9:17:19 GMT -5
I'd bet that for about the same cost, or even less, you could visit one of the great cities of Europe. London, Paris, Madrid, Rome, Budapest, Vienna ... The restaurants, the museums, the castles and palaces, the cathedrals, the architecture and stained glass, or, of course, the shopping. Sit in the sun, or explore the art and history of many of our ancestors. You get to choose. You do realize that there is art and history on Caribbean islands, right? they have museums, ancient ruins and amazing food. also, you get to lay on a beach and relax, snorkel, scuba, hike, etc. And in my experience, you can hit the Virgin Islands for less than a European vacation.
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sarcasticgirl
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Post by sarcasticgirl on Jan 10, 2017 9:20:11 GMT -5
I agree with others that we need more information. When do you want to go, what do you like to do and what is your budget?
I went to the Caribbean (St. Croix) for the first time about two years ago in November for DH's birthday. sarcasticgirl was a real help.
I doubt I would go in the summer.
If given a preference I always travel the shoulder season (typically March, April, May or Sept, Oct, Nov) as it is both cheaper and there are fewer crowds.
FWIW I think for our 10th we went to the Big Island and Kuaui but we live on the West Coast and that makes more sense for us. No- def. don't go in the summer unless you love the heat and humidity. Honestly, i wouldn't go after March/April. generally the islands are quiet after easter.
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Cookies Galore
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Post by Cookies Galore on Jan 10, 2017 9:35:09 GMT -5
We did five nights at an all-inclusive in La Romana (Caribbean side of Dominican Republic) last November and we paid just under $1800 for the two of us, so $3000-$4000 is totally doable. We flew out the Saturday after Thanksgiving so it was cheaper than other weeks. I had trouble with the food at the resort (Dreams), but I did like a couple of the dinner restaurants. I am not a meat eater, so my diet was limited right off the bat. Hubs did not have any issues eating on our trip. It's funny I went to Dreams Punta Cana that December and when I saw the food I was wondering what on earth you ate. The food was definitely better at Sandals/Beaches. The spa was kick ass though. Way better than Melia in the Bahamas. I did Melia in Nassau in November. I think we paid around $3500. The drink selection was super disappointing considering we paid for the highest level. Lol, pretty much fruit and toast for breakfast and a full meal for dinner! Cocktails were lunch.
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janee
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Post by janee on Jan 10, 2017 10:22:33 GMT -5
Another consideration is how far do you want to be away from kids? For a first big trip, you may feel more comfortable being closer. Since you're in NY, do the eastern shoreline (Maine or Mass.) There is so much to see and do. You could even throw in Newport on your way to the Cape.
Congrats on your anniversary! I'm sure wherever you go will be a great time!
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cael
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Post by cael on Jan 10, 2017 10:34:44 GMT -5
Coastal Maine is aaaamazing, if you want a driveable trip! Was going to suggest cruise, but you said nay on that - we did the Bermuda cruise out of Boston (Norwegian) and loved it, so convenient to have lodging/transport/food all in one and Bermuda is beautiful. If you want to fly somewhere maybe an all-inclusive in the caribbean, I know that's been suggested. I want that to be our next vacation, not sure where yet.
Congrats on 10 years!
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WholeLottaNothin
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Post by WholeLottaNothin on Jan 10, 2017 11:47:44 GMT -5
Congrats on the 10 years, it is a loooong time!! We hit ours recently as well. I didn't know we were supposed to go on a trip! It's never too late to go on a trip!
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sesfw
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Post by sesfw on Jan 10, 2017 11:55:25 GMT -5
Time to get a passport is yesterday
Start this as soon as possible
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WholeLottaNothin
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Post by WholeLottaNothin on Jan 10, 2017 11:55:55 GMT -5
Another consideration is how far do you want to be away from kids? For a first big trip, you may feel more comfortable being closer. Since you're in NY, do the eastern shoreline (Maine or Mass.) There is so much to see and do. You could even throw in Newport on your way to the Cape.
Congrats on your anniversary! I'm sure wherever you go will be a great time! The distance from the kids is a consideration. The way they were acting this morning though, ugh!!!! Knowing my crap luck, it would be better to not be too far, especially with one still so little. The sun and sand is so darn appealing though, my gut keeps saying the Caribbean. My older son's school is closing early today due to the weather, so getting away to somewhere warm keeps sounding better and better.
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WholeLottaNothin
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Post by WholeLottaNothin on Jan 10, 2017 11:56:37 GMT -5
Time to get a passport is yesterday Start this as soon as possible Okay
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Cookies Galore
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Post by Cookies Galore on Jan 10, 2017 12:11:31 GMT -5
Time to get a passport is yesterday Start this as soon as possible Okay If you get your passports this month, you'll have them in 2-3 weeks. Winter is a good time to get a passport. That's always been my experience.
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WholeLottaNothin
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Post by WholeLottaNothin on Jan 10, 2017 12:13:50 GMT -5
Stupid question alert - how long are passports good for?
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cael
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Post by cael on Jan 10, 2017 12:18:31 GMT -5
10 years, right?
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Cookies Galore
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Post by Cookies Galore on Jan 10, 2017 12:21:42 GMT -5
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Jan 10, 2017 12:23:40 GMT -5
We are celebrating 10 years this year as well and are heading to Hawaii! This is a big trip for us considering we live on the east coast, so we're taking 2 weeks off work. We're leaving the kids behind for the first time ever. I'm so glad I get to do it while I still look good in a bikini!
My idea of vacation is tropical weather and plenty of relaxation. It's been a really exhausting 5 years and I can't wait to actually sleep through the night again and not have to wake up to feeding a baby, work deadlines, whiny toddler and fake-crying preschooler! So, since we're doing it, we're making it worthwhile.
I've been to Dominican Republic, Mexico, Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, India, West coast of Canada and plenty of U.S. destinations. I have never had a disappointing vacation. But, Europe can wait a bit longer when I want to do more than sip cocktails, zip line, hike and snorkel. And yes, I'm in the camp that museums and history bore me to tears. I should be ashamed to admit it, but it is what it is. I want to jump off a cliff, swim in a waterfall, take a helicopter ride, hike to a volcano and dance in a luau. I love being outside in a warm climate, close to nature during the day and a plush/quiet hotel at night.
Good luck figuring it out! Definitely take the time you need to make it worthwhile and do some soul searching to make sure you know what is worthwhile to you!
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tskeeter
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Post by tskeeter on Jan 10, 2017 12:26:27 GMT -5
I'd bet that for about the same cost, or even less, you could visit one of the great cities of Europe. London, Paris, Madrid, Rome, Budapest, Vienna ... The restaurants, the museums, the castles and palaces, the cathedrals, the architecture and stained glass, or, of course, the shopping. Sit in the sun, or explore the art and history of many of our ancestors. You get to choose. You do realize that there is art and history on Caribbean islands, right? they have museums, ancient ruins and amazing food. also, you get to lay on a beach and relax, snorkel, scuba, hike, etc. And in my experience, you can hit the Virgin Islands for less than a European vacation. Yes, I do realize that the VI has what you described. Been in the VI at least five times. But, I suspect few people visit the VI for their world renown museums. Kind of hard to compare the VI with a city such as Paris or Rome, in that regard. Regarding cost, now is high season in the VI and off season in Europe. At this time of year, cost comparisons are likely to show Europe much more comparable than if you compare high season to high season. And then there is the advantage of reduced crowds in Europe during the winter. And, the temp in Southern Europe isn't as hot now as it would be in the summer high season.
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WholeLottaNothin
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Post by WholeLottaNothin on Jan 10, 2017 15:10:59 GMT -5
We are celebrating 10 years this year as well and are heading to Hawaii! This is a big trip for us considering we live on the east coast, so we're taking 2 weeks off work. We're leaving the kids behind for the first time ever. I'm so glad I get to do it while I still look good in a bikini! My idea of vacation is tropical weather and plenty of relaxation. It's been a really exhausting 5 years and I can't wait to actually sleep through the night again and not have to wake up to feeding a baby, work deadlines, whiny toddler and fake-crying preschooler! So, since we're doing it, we're making it worthwhile. I've been to Dominican Republic, Mexico, Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, India, West coast of Canada and plenty of U.S. destinations. I have never had a disappointing vacation. But, Europe can wait a bit longer when I want to do more than sip cocktails, zip line, hike and snorkel. And yes, I'm in the camp that museums and history bore me to tears. I should be ashamed to admit it, but it is what it is. I want to jump off a cliff, swim in a waterfall, take a helicopter ride, hike to a volcano and dance in a luau. I love being outside in a warm climate, close to nature during the day and a plush/quiet hotel at night. Good luck figuring it out! Definitely take the time you need to make it worthwhile and do some soul searching to make sure you know what is worthwhile to you! Congrats on the 10 years and the trip to Hawaii! It sounds lovely. Enjoy every second of it.
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NastyWoman
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Post by NastyWoman on Jan 10, 2017 15:20:50 GMT -5
I thought US passport were valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for kids?
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