Vacation Ideas

[TonyH]

My SWMBO of seven years turned 30 last month, and I'm taking her on a trip next summer (2011) to celebrate. Financial/school/work obligations dictate that the trip will be in the first two weeks of July. We are foodies, not big drinkers or gamblers, but we enjoy those things too. Outdoor stuff would be fun, but she has never camped, so that's out. Horseback, etc = We like museums, architecture, films, music, amusement parks, zoos, really whatever's available. Our budget is anywhere from $1000-3000 for both of us. Most of these are her picks. Here are some of the options that we have considered, and more suggestions are welcome.


Las Vegas - Been a few times before. It's "our spot". Comfortable. Maybe an upgraded room?

New Orleans - Driving distance from Austin. That would mean hotel only and the rest of the money for play.

Puerto Rico/Caribbean - Neither of us have been.

Jackson Hole, WY - One of her picks. I think fall/winter would be better.

Seattle - Again, never been.



Others???

What do you all think?

 

[icedoverfire]

Seattle might be fun, but be warned its cold/gray/depressing 99% of the time.

PR/Caribbean - what's better than being on the beach?

If I think of anywhere else, I'll let you know!

Best,

- ice

 

[SalvadorMontenegro]

We like museums, architecture, films, music, amusement parks, zoos, really whatever's available.

New York City? Washington, D.C.?

 

[TonyH]

Seattle might be fun, but be warned its cold/gray/depressing 99% of the time.

PR/Caribbean - what's better than being on the beach?

If I think of anywhere else, I'll let you know!

Best,

- ice

I'm all for PR, but she's lukewarm to the beach in July. I'm still working on it.

New York City? Washington, D.C.?

D.C. maybe. We'd both love the especially love the Smithsonian. She did grad school in NYC (and watched 9/11 from her apt rooftop), so that's not a top choice. We'd love to go to NYC for a weekend, but more likely for some Christmas action, not summer.

 

[texquill]

Las Vegas, New Orleans and Puerto Rico sure aren't going to be cool and comfortable during the first two weeks of July!

Jackson is nice, but, without skiing, you may run out of things to do - although both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks are in the area, if you're outdoorsy types.

Seattle is a lovely place, even with the rain. Just a bit north are Victoria and Vancouver, B.C. They're both great places to visit, and there's lots to do at both. Since Southwest Airlines flies into Seattle, air fares should be relatively affordable.

Other fun Canadian destinations are Quebec City and Halifax - although the fare to Halifax might start stretching the upper end of your budget.

 

[TonyH]

Las Vegas, New Orleans and Puerto Rico sure aren't going to be cool and comfortable during the first two weeks of July!

Jackson is nice, but, without skiing, you may run out of things to do - although both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks are in the area, if you're outdoorsy types.

Seattle is a lovely place, even with the rain. Just a bit north are Victoria and Vancouver, B.C. They're both great places to visit, and there's lots to do at both. Since Southwest Airlines flies into Seattle, air fares should be relatively affordable.

Other fun Canadian destinations are Quebec City and Halifax - although the fare to Halifax might start stretching the upper end of your budget.

Thanks, Ken! I like the heat, and why she's ok with Vegas and not PR beats me!

You had my thoughts exactly about Jackson, but I was thinking maybe Tahoe, Taos, Grand Canyon. They all have plenty to do, regardless of season. I'd never considered Canada, I'll look into it.

 

[letterk]

I'm assuming the budget includes flights, correct? How many days do you want the budget to stretch?

 

[TonyH]

I'm assuming the budget includes flights, correct? How many days do you want the budget to stretch?

Yes, that budget includes everything minus food and activities. So basically hotel and flight, maybe car.

We're looking at July 9-16, seven nights.

 

[shipr]

i have family in PR, so I know it well. there is more to it than the beach. if you like outdoorsy things then you can see camuy caves or el yunque. there is an old fort el morro you can visit. i don't know about gambling...there are probably **** fights around.
the food is great; mofongo, rice and beans, tostones with ajili mojili.
its not too expensive if you are more adventurous, rent a car and stay away from the tourist places.

good luck

 

[Mr Whiskers]

How about Negril, Jamaica. It boasts 7 miles of white sand beach and 4 mile of majestic cliffs against the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea. Home of Bob Marley and Reggae. Hey, I can be your tour guide!! These 2 recliners are waiting for you!

 

[TonyH]

i have family in PR, so I know it well. there is more to it than the beach. if you like outdoorsy things then you can see camuy caves or el yunque. there is an old fort el morro you can visit. i don't know about gambling...there are probably **** fights around.
the food is great; mofongo, rice and beans, tostones with ajili mojili.
its not too expensive if you are more adventurous, rent a car and stay away from the tourist places.

good luck

How about Negril, Jamaica. It boasts 7 miles of white sand beach and 4 mile of majestic cliffs against the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea. Home of Bob Marley and Reggae. Hey, I can be your tour guide!! These 2 recliners are waiting for you!

Man, fellas! I am 100% sold on PR/Caribbean, but it's gonna take some swaying. I think she likes the idea but doesn't know anything about those places. I'm going to hit the library on the way home from work today and pummel her with travel books for all of these places we've been talking about.

And a personal tour guide/brush sniffer would be cool!

 

[binowatch]

Jackson Hole is wonderful. The Grand Tetons are magnificent. The perfect combination of raw nature and tradtional elegance!! We go every few years. It is near Yellowstone and their classic lodges as well. If you have not been and you enjoy the combination of great scenery, wildlife, great hiking and touring, elegant yet slightly rustic accomodations and good food it is a place to go!!

 

[RCC]

Jackson Hole is wonderful. The Grand Tetons are magnificent. The perfect combination of raw nature and tradtional elegance!! We go every few years. It is near Yellowstone and their classic lodges as well. If you have not been and you enjoy the combination of great scenery, wildlife, great hiking and touring, elegant yet slightly rustic accomodations and good food it is a place to go!!

+1
Banff Aberta CA too.

 

[Blue Raccoon]

cruises are at an all time low.. very easy way to control cost. a little beach time, a little gambling, a little las vegus type shows. NO in July would be a killer. you could do RT to Ireland including a car and b&b tiks every night for a week under $3k and have plently leftover for the Pubs.

 

[rm71]

If you can afford it - Australia!!

 

[ouch]

Can you swing a cruise? You'll definately eat.

 

[TonyH]

Can you swing a cruise? You'll definately eat.

A cruise is definitely doable, but she says they're for old people. I said "you're 30!"

She was not amused. Cruises are pretty much out, as is Seattle.

 

[elkaholic]

This last fall my parents flew to NYC (to visit my uncle and have a "home base"), rented a car, and toured the New England states. They were able to see PA (Amish country), visit Niagara Falls, Plymouth Rock, etc. They then flew to SC and from there to Dallas. While in Dallas they rented another car and visited New Mexico and Louisiana (I know, a wierd itenerary). They returned to Portland from Dallas.

Granted they were staying with family, but the total cost of airline tickets and car rentals was under $4K.

All of this to say, whether you want to see Jackson Hole (which is close to Yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore, and several other NP) or New England (Niagara Falls, pure maple syrup, etc) there are many great places that will be within driving distance. If it is only the two of you, then a smaller car will get better gas mileage and be cheaper to rent.

If you can talk her into Seattle, then Portland and Canada are only hours away. Plus Seattle itself has many things to see. Buy her a steak dinner at the top of the Space Needle!

 

[hifigeezer]

If you like museums you can't beat Washington DC; they are not only awesome but free. Lodging may be more affordable in the summer; they have a great subway system so you don't need to stay downtown. If you like architecture (and Austin) you would probably like Seattle; the cool weather would be a nice change. It's a hip town, lots to do there. San Francisco is the best but expensive...

 

[dklaiman]

How about Boston and/or Montreal?