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re: What's the best vacation you've been on?
Posted on 4/26/23 at 11:21 am to Billy Blanks
Posted on 4/26/23 at 11:21 am to Billy Blanks
Portugal. We had a driver/guide the whole time and drove most of the country.
Worth the $ of you want to immerse a little more.
Worth the $ of you want to immerse a little more.
1
Posted on 4/26/23 at 11:33 am to Billy Blanks
I've been on several great ones. Sweden with a friend who was from there. We stayed at his sister's house in a little island about 15 minutes out of Stockholm and we had use of her car. He drive us all over Sweden to areas we would have never known about. But probably the best was 2 full weeks staying with a friend in Amsterdam. It was during the world cup (2012?)when the dutch made a run to the finals and the city was buzzing. The Dutch are fairly reserved but as the team kept advancing, they got crazier and crazier.
Posted on 4/26/23 at 11:36 am to Billy Blanks
Paris...so much history...so much to see...can't wait to go back.
Posted on 4/26/23 at 11:58 am to Chicken
Chilean Patagonia, amazing hiking and great people.
Loved Spain and Portugal, walked last 100km of the Camino last summer, with madrid, Barcelona, and Lisbon.
I am currently in ponta Delgado in the azores. The azores is high up there too, think a slightly cooler and much cheaper and less crowded Hawai. The hiking is fantastic, the weather is what keeps it from the top spot, it’s very cloudy and overcast
Loved Spain and Portugal, walked last 100km of the Camino last summer, with madrid, Barcelona, and Lisbon.
I am currently in ponta Delgado in the azores. The azores is high up there too, think a slightly cooler and much cheaper and less crowded Hawai. The hiking is fantastic, the weather is what keeps it from the top spot, it’s very cloudy and overcast
Posted on 4/26/23 at 12:26 pm to luvdatigahs
My first cross country moto trip that I included every national park I came even remotely close to on my route planning. Originally planned to include two others, but they both bailed on me. So I hit the road by myself and picked up random tagalongs along the way that rode with me for a day or two, friends and strangers. Being by myself for a good part of it with a license plate from the other side of the country I met all kinds of friendly people and even stayed at a random house in Bolinas, CA that was the son of a family that I met and had dinner with at the lodge in Mesa Verde National Park. Was such a cool way to experience the western side of this country and just being the first adventure I had like that was special.
I really want to go to Europe and travel the same way, but I doubt my wife would let me do a Europe trip solo and she won't ride on a bike anymore.
I really want to go to Europe and travel the same way, but I doubt my wife would let me do a Europe trip solo and she won't ride on a bike anymore.
This post was edited on 4/26/23 at 12:27 pm
Posted on 4/27/23 at 9:23 am to Billy Blanks
2 days Seattle, drive up to Vancouver for 2 days and then drove up to Whistler to snowboard for 4 days. I was 32 and went with my wife. It just felt like a real adventure because we didn’t know what to expect at the destinations. The drive was incredible, especially Van to Whistler. On the way to Vancouver we were just exploring and found an awesome little town called Anacortes in Washington. It snowed 72” while in Whistler. Just an all around fantastic vacation even despite my wife getting the flu the last day in Vancouver and first 2 days of Whistler.
Posted on 4/27/23 at 9:51 am to Billy Blanks
8 days in Revello at a private villa. no kids
Posted on 4/27/23 at 11:02 am to Billy Blanks
Viking River Boat cruise. Amsterdam to Basel Switzerland down the Rhine.
30's. Good food, clean rooms. No KIDS. Free tours were good and add on tours good as well. Not that expensive in Europe either.
30's. Good food, clean rooms. No KIDS. Free tours were good and add on tours good as well. Not that expensive in Europe either.
Posted on 4/27/23 at 5:06 pm to Sparty3131
Summer 2021 - 23 days solo in Italy & Greece. Spent time in Florence, Rome, Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Santorini, Mykonos. Seeing so much history was life altering.
Summer 2022 - 15 days solo in Ireland & Scotland. Unbelievably beautiful countries. Spent almost 24 hours total in various national & local museums along with most days spent in the countryside.
Next will be Spain & Portugal. Might add Germany and/or Normandy. Plan on making this a four week trup.
Summer 2022 - 15 days solo in Ireland & Scotland. Unbelievably beautiful countries. Spent almost 24 hours total in various national & local museums along with most days spent in the countryside.
Next will be Spain & Portugal. Might add Germany and/or Normandy. Plan on making this a four week trup.
Posted on 4/27/23 at 5:45 pm to Billy Blanks
We took 3 months to drive from Georgia to Alaska in a camper van, and spent more than a month there. And spent time at Glacier, Yellowstone, etc. 13,000+ miles driven. It was the best thing I've ever done.
More recently a cruise to the Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica was pretty awesome.
More recently a cruise to the Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica was pretty awesome.
Posted on 4/28/23 at 9:50 am to Billy Blanks
India in 2010 with my wife. Our favorite thing to do is discover new things/places in the world, and India is one place that will challenge you like few others. On the taxi ride from the airport in Mumbai to the Gate of India we looked at each other and said, "Either we jump in this river and swim, or we turn around and go home." So we jumped in and had a great time for 6 weeks. Every second you're confronted with extremes - poverty, wealth, the cows roaming the streets, the traffic, the sounds, sights, smells. Just crossing the street is an adventure. It's like a mirror you look into to study your reactions to this pure craziness. It's a test, really, and once you've experienced it, you (at least for us) will be pulled back until you return.
We took the night train from Mumbai to Gokarn (just south of Goa) and missed our stop. We got off at the next stop at 5 a.m. and had to walk back to the next village to catch a bus. We were backpacking, so we were walking with our packs through the early morning on a dirt road, surrounded by palm trees. Monkeys and birds everywhere. We reached the village and had one of the best breakfasts ever, bought some water and cigarettes, and a gentleman showed us the bus stop and told us what we should pay. We were the only westerners on the bus (cost about 50 cents). Every day was full of such experiences, pleasant, unpleasant, always somehow exciting. In Gokarn there was some Hindu animal sacrifice festival where all the villagers brought chickens and goats to be sacrificed by the priests (and later eaten). Blood was everywhere; our legs were covered with blood from the headless chickens running artound. For us westerners crazy, but for them it was normal. Every day was filled with similar experiences (not always so extreme): the 10 year old beggar girl at the train station carrying a baby and pinching it to make it cry and make us feel guilty, the book stands at every train station selling Mein Kampf and other books about Nazi Germany (???). The cows everywhere with rings of flowers around their necks, coming up to drink your tea if you weren't looking. There's really no way to describe it, and I don't want to start boring people by going on and on. I just know that, even though I caught dengue fever there, I will, must return. One of my best friends is Indian and now I have a base to visit and get some behind-the-scenes knowledge. I can't wait to return, probably in November of this year.
We took the night train from Mumbai to Gokarn (just south of Goa) and missed our stop. We got off at the next stop at 5 a.m. and had to walk back to the next village to catch a bus. We were backpacking, so we were walking with our packs through the early morning on a dirt road, surrounded by palm trees. Monkeys and birds everywhere. We reached the village and had one of the best breakfasts ever, bought some water and cigarettes, and a gentleman showed us the bus stop and told us what we should pay. We were the only westerners on the bus (cost about 50 cents). Every day was full of such experiences, pleasant, unpleasant, always somehow exciting. In Gokarn there was some Hindu animal sacrifice festival where all the villagers brought chickens and goats to be sacrificed by the priests (and later eaten). Blood was everywhere; our legs were covered with blood from the headless chickens running artound. For us westerners crazy, but for them it was normal. Every day was filled with similar experiences (not always so extreme): the 10 year old beggar girl at the train station carrying a baby and pinching it to make it cry and make us feel guilty, the book stands at every train station selling Mein Kampf and other books about Nazi Germany (???). The cows everywhere with rings of flowers around their necks, coming up to drink your tea if you weren't looking. There's really no way to describe it, and I don't want to start boring people by going on and on. I just know that, even though I caught dengue fever there, I will, must return. One of my best friends is Indian and now I have a base to visit and get some behind-the-scenes knowledge. I can't wait to return, probably in November of this year.
Posted on 4/28/23 at 10:12 am to Billy Blanks
Hiking the Appalachian Trail count? Had planned on doing it after retirement, but when the real estate market went south in the early 2000's and I had money saved so plans changed. 6 months hiking 2178 miles and it's been one of the best things I have ever done. Would love to do it again (and the PCT) when I retire.
Posted on 4/28/23 at 11:21 am to Billy Blanks
Rhine Getaway Viking Cruises.
We went earlier this year and it was a fantastic experience
We went earlier this year and it was a fantastic experience
Posted on 4/28/23 at 12:44 pm to Gulf Coast Tiger
Bertchesgaden, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. I was about 26, went with some Navy buddies when I was stationed in Italy. One of the best weeks of my life.
Posted on 12/4/24 at 6:42 am to Billy Blanks
I'm between two...
Philippines, Singapore, Los Angelas 2023. Me, wife, daughter and a childhood friend and his wife for the Philippines and Singapore portion. It was our second trip but first with the daughter and may go again when she graduates high school
or
London and South Africa, 2018. Me, wife, daughter, in-laws and about 10 other friends from the local triathlon community who raced in the World Championships that year. Rented a 7 bedroom private lodge with private game drivers, private chef, private bar, etc and it was amazing. Hoping to get back before she graduates high school.
Philippines, Singapore, Los Angelas 2023. Me, wife, daughter and a childhood friend and his wife for the Philippines and Singapore portion. It was our second trip but first with the daughter and may go again when she graduates high school
or
London and South Africa, 2018. Me, wife, daughter, in-laws and about 10 other friends from the local triathlon community who raced in the World Championships that year. Rented a 7 bedroom private lodge with private game drivers, private chef, private bar, etc and it was amazing. Hoping to get back before she graduates high school.
Posted on 12/4/24 at 12:16 pm to Billy Blanks
Hmm:
1. Japan - Tokyo, Hakone, Kansai region (Osaka, Kyoto & Nara) and Hiroshima + Miyajima island on Honshu, then Imabari & Yawatahama on Shikoku island and Miyazaki prefecture on Kyushu island; April 2024, for 3 weeks was 34. Beautiful landscapes and culture, excellent food and shocking affordability. Went with missus, and her sister and sister’s husband (SIL & BIL) also met my FIL for the first time, he’s from Japan.
2. SE Asia crawl, started off in Southern Vietnam (Saigon & Mekong Delta) and then flew to Phuket in Thailand where we immediately caught a ferry to Koh Phi Phi for a few days, another ferry onward to Koh Lanta for a few days finally ferry back to Phuket to to catch a flight to Bangkok spend a few days before flying back to Amsterdam. Also just under 3 weeks, that was January 2019 so I was 28 at that point. Went with: missus
3. Greek Islands - went to Naxos, Milos (+ nearby Kimolos) and Santorini. Amazing beaches, food, sights and relaxing vibes. 10 days, May 2024 (2024 was a travel year for the books, went on over a dozen international trips) - also as with Japan I was/am 34. Went with: missus
4. Various family Christmas ski vacations to Sankt Johann in Tirol, Austria in my high school and college years, it’s here where I learned to snowboard as a yute. First year I was 13, last time we all managed the trip I think I was 21. Went with: my family (parents and siblings).
5. To round it off neatly at 5, guess I’ll choose Portugal in June 2023, spent time in Lisbon, Sintra and Algarve (Lagos) but tbh there are several trips that are contenders for this spot. Week long trip, I was 33. If not for any other reason that we had an epic day at the end, hopped an Uber from Lisbon to Sintra town, each popped a tab of acid (insert judgement) and hiked first to the Regaleira manor and then the onwards to the Montserrat villa before catching another Uber to nearby Praia da Ursa, which psychedelics or not is one of the most stunning beaches I’ve ever seen, it required an grueling descent hike to reach it but when we did it was a true paradise like none I’ve ever experienced to top it off the whole day was a balmy and breezy 75°F with clear blue skies, and we watched porpoises frolick off the coastline at Ursa and when we finally made the treacherous ascent back up as night rolled in we were rewarded with the most gorgeous cotton candy sunset I’ve seen in my life (drugs or not) truly one of those mystical and magical kinda days that will stick with us forever, and yes you can blame the drugs but the many photos and videos we took bore sober testament to the reality of the beauty we witnessed that day lol. Went with: missus
1. Japan - Tokyo, Hakone, Kansai region (Osaka, Kyoto & Nara) and Hiroshima + Miyajima island on Honshu, then Imabari & Yawatahama on Shikoku island and Miyazaki prefecture on Kyushu island; April 2024, for 3 weeks was 34. Beautiful landscapes and culture, excellent food and shocking affordability. Went with missus, and her sister and sister’s husband (SIL & BIL) also met my FIL for the first time, he’s from Japan.
2. SE Asia crawl, started off in Southern Vietnam (Saigon & Mekong Delta) and then flew to Phuket in Thailand where we immediately caught a ferry to Koh Phi Phi for a few days, another ferry onward to Koh Lanta for a few days finally ferry back to Phuket to to catch a flight to Bangkok spend a few days before flying back to Amsterdam. Also just under 3 weeks, that was January 2019 so I was 28 at that point. Went with: missus
3. Greek Islands - went to Naxos, Milos (+ nearby Kimolos) and Santorini. Amazing beaches, food, sights and relaxing vibes. 10 days, May 2024 (2024 was a travel year for the books, went on over a dozen international trips) - also as with Japan I was/am 34. Went with: missus
4. Various family Christmas ski vacations to Sankt Johann in Tirol, Austria in my high school and college years, it’s here where I learned to snowboard as a yute. First year I was 13, last time we all managed the trip I think I was 21. Went with: my family (parents and siblings).
5. To round it off neatly at 5, guess I’ll choose Portugal in June 2023, spent time in Lisbon, Sintra and Algarve (Lagos) but tbh there are several trips that are contenders for this spot. Week long trip, I was 33. If not for any other reason that we had an epic day at the end, hopped an Uber from Lisbon to Sintra town, each popped a tab of acid (insert judgement) and hiked first to the Regaleira manor and then the onwards to the Montserrat villa before catching another Uber to nearby Praia da Ursa, which psychedelics or not is one of the most stunning beaches I’ve ever seen, it required an grueling descent hike to reach it but when we did it was a true paradise like none I’ve ever experienced to top it off the whole day was a balmy and breezy 75°F with clear blue skies, and we watched porpoises frolick off the coastline at Ursa and when we finally made the treacherous ascent back up as night rolled in we were rewarded with the most gorgeous cotton candy sunset I’ve seen in my life (drugs or not) truly one of those mystical and magical kinda days that will stick with us forever, and yes you can blame the drugs but the many photos and videos we took bore sober testament to the reality of the beauty we witnessed that day lol. Went with: missus
This post was edited on 12/4/24 at 1:51 pm
Posted on 12/4/24 at 12:30 pm to purpgold718
Thought i posted in this thread but apparently I didn't.
When I was a senior in high school/ graduated I got to go on a mission trip to zimbabwe/botswana and south africa.
It was the most amazing trip but it was really what I needed to see at that point of my life. I'd grown up very spoiled as an only child and seeing those poor Zimbabwean people under the Mugabe regime, knowing I had a watch that could've fed a family for months and a jacket that was nice and comfy that those folks in the bush didn't have... it absolutely changed me. I no longer am a " stuff" person. I'm content with what I have.
We are crisscrossing ZImbawe in overlanders going to game reserves and staying where they raised baby lions back into captivity and playing with them and walking alongside the bigger lions... the weather was perfect as it was just starting their winter.
Going to Victoria Falls where my friend and I were almost kidnapped i'm convinced thanks to the local police that saved us ( I've posted that story for sure here) but the wondrousness of it all and the stars at night... it was like were inside a planetarium... the cosmos were on my front porch of my cabin we stayed in.as there was little electricity for miles to ruin the view... waking up to an african sunrise as the lions started roaring.... I think about this often.
Something I've been thinking about lately... our group went to this church sort of hidden out of the way as Mugabe did not really condone religious practices... so we go to this church and they start singing " Blessed Assurance" the hymn in their Shona language.... my upbringing as a southern baptist.. I of course knew the words... so here we are.. praising God in our respective languages they can't understand us and we can't understand them... I didn't really get it way back then in 2007 but I get emotional now... when i think of all that divides us.... but really we are all so much closer than we ever dream of... that we are all in this thing together...not to get super religious or anything but I really do think being a part of that and seeing our groups turn into 1... that was a magical moment of humanity.
When I was a senior in high school/ graduated I got to go on a mission trip to zimbabwe/botswana and south africa.
It was the most amazing trip but it was really what I needed to see at that point of my life. I'd grown up very spoiled as an only child and seeing those poor Zimbabwean people under the Mugabe regime, knowing I had a watch that could've fed a family for months and a jacket that was nice and comfy that those folks in the bush didn't have... it absolutely changed me. I no longer am a " stuff" person. I'm content with what I have.
We are crisscrossing ZImbawe in overlanders going to game reserves and staying where they raised baby lions back into captivity and playing with them and walking alongside the bigger lions... the weather was perfect as it was just starting their winter.
Going to Victoria Falls where my friend and I were almost kidnapped i'm convinced thanks to the local police that saved us ( I've posted that story for sure here) but the wondrousness of it all and the stars at night... it was like were inside a planetarium... the cosmos were on my front porch of my cabin we stayed in.as there was little electricity for miles to ruin the view... waking up to an african sunrise as the lions started roaring.... I think about this often.
Something I've been thinking about lately... our group went to this church sort of hidden out of the way as Mugabe did not really condone religious practices... so we go to this church and they start singing " Blessed Assurance" the hymn in their Shona language.... my upbringing as a southern baptist.. I of course knew the words... so here we are.. praising God in our respective languages they can't understand us and we can't understand them... I didn't really get it way back then in 2007 but I get emotional now... when i think of all that divides us.... but really we are all so much closer than we ever dream of... that we are all in this thing together...not to get super religious or anything but I really do think being a part of that and seeing our groups turn into 1... that was a magical moment of humanity.
Posted on 12/5/24 at 2:05 pm to Anfield Road
Always loved Destin, but so far my favorite vacation was renting an RV and driving up to Montana and hiking glacier national park. Pictures of that place don’t do it justice
Posted on 12/5/24 at 11:55 pm to Billy Blanks
Portugal. Wife (before we were married) had a connection to a colleague with a private driver there and we hired him. We drove the country from Lisbon to Porto then through the interior and Duoro valley staying at vineyard B&Bs and the like. Over 6 days. Hung around locals most of the trip and hiked around Roman ruins with no one else in sight.
We’ll never duplicate that trip.
We’ll never duplicate that trip.
This post was edited on 12/5/24 at 11:56 pm
Posted on 12/6/24 at 4:23 am to UnitedFruitCompany
quote:
Senior Year of High School Spring Break. Went to Utila for a week. Survived on $200 for the entire time.
I was in Utila for a week in 1997 and also had a great experience with the cheap, laid-back vibe there. I wonder how that place has changed -- need to go back.
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