Travel / Vacation thread

[Fbolt]

Safe bet Next Time equates to Never if your Brick.

 

[GrangerIrish24]

Last day in Ormond. Rum runners by the ocean for breakfast.

 

[Irishcop]

View attachment 3062986Last day in Ormond. Rum runners by the ocean for breakfast.

 

[T Town Tommy]

Wife and I just got back from our Italy trip. Naples is Naples. Well deserved reputation and pizza was incredible. Walking in the old town and Spanish Quarter is probably the closest one can get to true Italian culture - and that was one thing that I really wanted to experience. The prices for food was incredible. Clothing as well. Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello were incredibly beautiful. Luckily it's still early for tourist season there so the crowds were small as compared to the summer months.

Caught the train to Rome and on the way up I was impressed with the Italian countryside. Just a beautiful scenic ride. Rome was incredible and being able to see all the historical sites was unreal. The wife is not a historical person so I did my best trying to explain the sites to her. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Pantheon, and Vatican City were awesome. And yes... even the wife's one must see (Trevi Fountain) was even better in person - although I was just as enamored with the beautiful Church of Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio there. Paid out two Euro at Trevi, prayed together, and threw it in the fountain just like the tourists we were.

Haven't booked our next trip just yet but thinking of staying stateside this time and heading out to travel the Big 5 through Utah. Maybe mid-November for that one. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[MacIrish75]

We’re planning a summer trip up the East Coast to DC then NYC with the wife and kids. I’ve done DC a couple times and wife and I have visited her sister and done NYC a few times, but wanting to get opinions from my esteemed board members.

What are your “must sees” in DC? NYC? Just a note—we’ll likely skip the entire 9/11 Museum this time with kids 5/6/10/12 in tow. We’ll go down to the site, but I don’t want their squirreliness to detract from others’ experience.

 

[dublinirish]

Wife and I just got back from our Italy trip. Naples is Naples. Well deserved reputation and pizza was incredible. Walking in the old town and Spanish Quarter is probably the closest one can get to true Italian culture - and that was one thing that I really wanted to experience. The prices for food was incredible. Clothing as well. Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello were incredibly beautiful. Luckily it's still early for tourist season there so the crowds were small as compared to the summer months.

Caught the train to Rome and on the way up I was impressed with the Italian countryside. Just a beautiful scenic ride. Rome was incredible and being able to see all the historical sites was unreal. The wife is not a historical person so I did my best trying to explain the sites to her. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Pantheon, and Vatican City were awesome. And yes... even the wife's one must see (Trevi Fountain) was even better in person - although I was just as enamored with the beautiful Church of Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio there. Paid out two Euro at Trevi, prayed together, and threw it in the fountain just like the tourists we were.

Haven't booked our next trip just yet but thinking of staying stateside this time and heading out to travel the Big 5 through Utah. Maybe mid-November for that one. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

how many Roll Tides did you get from the local uaglione??

 

[IRISHDODGER]

Wife and I just got back from our Italy trip. Naples is Naples. Well deserved reputation and pizza was incredible. Walking in the old town and Spanish Quarter is probably the closest one can get to true Italian culture - and that was one thing that I really wanted to experience. The prices for food was incredible. Clothing as well. Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello were incredibly beautiful. Luckily it's still early for tourist season there so the crowds were small as compared to the summer months.

Caught the train to Rome and on the way up I was impressed with the Italian countryside. Just a beautiful scenic ride. Rome was incredible and being able to see all the historical sites was unreal. The wife is not a historical person so I did my best trying to explain the sites to her. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Pantheon, and Vatican City were awesome. And yes... even the wife's one must see (Trevi Fountain) was even better in person - although I was just as enamored with the beautiful Church of Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio there. Paid out two Euro at Trevi, prayed together, and threw it in the fountain just like the tourists we were.

Haven't booked our next trip just yet but thinking of staying stateside this time and heading out to travel the Big 5 through Utah. Maybe mid-November for that one. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

My wife & I took a trip to Rome a few years ago. We were blown away. Easily our best trip ever. And it’s true what everyone says, you just feel better out there. My wife has to be wary of gluten when we eat at home but in Italy she could eat the pasta w/ no ill effects. Same w/ the bread. Then she’d drink a bottle of wine & I’d drink a bunch of Peronis but no hangovers the following day. Got a great tour of the Vatican and then all the spots you noted lived up or exceeded expectations. Highly recommend.

 

[T Town Tommy]

how many Roll Tides did you get from the local uaglione??

Ha. Got a couple when I was in Rome. Was in Positano and I hear this Roll Tide and was like wtf. Guy walks up and he says he’s originally from Huntsville and says he and his wife were staying in Rome but had day tripped down to the coast.

 

[ND87]

Wife and I just got back from our Italy trip. Naples is Naples. Well deserved reputation and pizza was incredible. Walking in the old town and Spanish Quarter is probably the closest one can get to true Italian culture - and that was one thing that I really wanted to experience. The prices for food was incredible. Clothing as well. Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello were incredibly beautiful. Luckily it's still early for tourist season there so the crowds were small as compared to the summer months.

Caught the train to Rome and on the way up I was impressed with the Italian countryside. Just a beautiful scenic ride. Rome was incredible and being able to see all the historical sites was unreal. The wife is not a historical person so I did my best trying to explain the sites to her. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Pantheon, and Vatican City were awesome. And yes... even the wife's one must see (Trevi Fountain) was even better in person - although I was just as enamored with the beautiful Church of Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio there. Paid out two Euro at Trevi, prayed together, and threw it in the fountain just like the tourists we were.

Haven't booked our next trip just yet but thinking of staying stateside this time and heading out to travel the Big 5 through Utah. Maybe mid-November for that one. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Whaddya wanna know about the Big 5?
How long a trip are you planning? Do you hike? Camp? Is roughing it good or nah?

 

[Irish#1]

We’re planning a summer trip up the East Coast to DC then NYC with the wife and kids. I’ve done DC a couple times and wife and I have visited her sister and done NYC a few times, but wanting to get opinions from my esteemed board members.

What are your “must sees” in DC? NYC? Just a note—we’ll likely skip the entire 9/11 Museum this time with kids 5/6/10/12 in tow. We’ll go down to the site, but I don’t want their squirreliness to detract from others’ experience.

Don't forget to take in a Yankees game.

 

[MacIrish75]

Don't forget to take in a Yankees game.

We actually are doing that!

 

[notredomer23]

What are your “must sees” in DC? NYC? Just a note—we’ll likely skip the entire 9/11 Museum this time with kids 5/6/10/12 in tow. We’ll go down to the site, but I don’t want their squirreliness to detract from others’ experience.

The whole Chelsea area is pretty sweet along the Hudson from Chelsea down to the West Village. Less craziness than the Madison Square Garden/Times Square areas, but still good activities and great food. Chelsea Market itself is worth checking out but don't get food inside as it's essentially an overpriced upscale mall. Some other activities worth while:

• Take a walk on the High Line
• Go to Bleeker Street area and get pizza from any of the joints
• Take the Staten Island Ferry to Staten Island if it's a nice day. It's totally free, and you get the best view of the Statue of Liberty without actually going to it. Don't stay in Staten Island though lol
• Depending on what Yankee game you go to, you may want to kill 2 birds with 1 stone and go to the Bronx Zoo beforehand. You don't want to go to the Bronx twice, but your kids will love the Bronx Zoo.
• Central Park is pretty cool just for the sheer size of it all surrounded by skyscrapers.
• The American Museum of Natural History is great family activity

I used to commute to NYC 2-3 days a week from 2018 until 2024. Have only been a handful of times since so I'm not the most up to date.

 

[T Town Tommy]

Whaddya wanna know about the Big 5?
How long a trip are you planning? Do you hike? Camp? Is roughing it good or nah?

Planning on flying to Vegas and then starting out in Zion. Looking at nine days total to cover all five parks then flying back out of Vegas. Vegas isn’t a big deal for us so I don’t plan on spending really much time there. Want to try to squeeze in one day for the Grand Canyon ( is it possible or even worth hitting the South Rim from Zion in a day and then go to Bryce Canyon the next). As far as hiking we are a bit older so low to moderate is what we’re targeting. Also since the wife is with me camping is out. She’s got a lily white ass so it’s hotels along the way. Don’t mind paying up a bit for the convenience and time factor along the route. I’ve researched online for itineraries but would rather have someone with the actual experience of having done it provide more insight. Appreciate anything you can share.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

The whole Chelsea area is pretty sweet along the Hudson from Chelsea down to the West Village. Less craziness than the Madison Square Garden/Times Square areas, but still good activities and great food. Chelsea Market itself is worth checking out but don't get food inside as it's essentially an overpriced upscale mall. Some other activities worth while:

• Take a walk on the High Line
• Go to Bleeker Street area and get pizza from any of the joints
• Take the Staten Island Ferry to Staten Island if it's a nice day. It's totally free, and you get the best view of the Statue of Liberty without actually going to it. Don't stay in Staten Island though lol
• Depending on what Yankee game you go to, you may want to kill 2 birds with 1 stone and go to the Bronx Zoo beforehand. You don't want to go to the Bronx twice, but your kids will love the Bronx Zoo.
• Central Park is pretty cool just for the sheer size of it all surrounded by skyscrapers.
• The American Museum of Natural History is great family activity

I used to commute to NYC 2-3 days a week from 2018 until 2024. Have only been a handful of times since so I'm not the most up to date.

Co-signed.

Only thing I'd add is hitting up the Financial District and if you don't have kids, do it during Happy Hour. I personally enjoyed the hubbub down there after the markets closed and people made their way out of the area, through the bars, and then back home to their respective boroughs. We parlayed that part of the trip with Battery Park and the SI Ferry. Seeing the skyline on the way back at night was incredible.

 

[NDdomer2]

Need to know any specifics? I'm not totally in the know but I live in the area.

How many days recommended? Better to stay on campus vs off?
Worth it with a 7yo?
Things to do outside universal?

 

[Irish2155]

Is Savannah worth visiting?

It’s a fun city but as previously mentioned can be a little dirty down by the bars. I’d recommend doing one of the haunted tours during the evening. Those old houses are pretty cool to see on the inside.

Paula Dean’s restaurant might be the best food I’ve ever had. Place is phenomenal. Definitely eat there.

We rented a motorized bike one day and just road around. That was fun.

Tabai Island isn’t too far either. Pretty nice beach. We spent about a half day there.

I’ll warn you that place has cockroaches the size of my hand. They call them pine bugs down there.

 

[T Town Tommy]

The whole Chelsea area is pretty sweet along the Hudson from Chelsea down to the West Village. Less craziness than the Madison Square Garden/Times Square areas, but still good activities and great food. Chelsea Market itself is worth checking out but don't get food inside as it's essentially an overpriced upscale mall. Some other activities worth while:

• Take a walk on the High Line
• Go to Bleeker Street area and get pizza from any of the joints
• Take the Staten Island Ferry to Staten Island if it's a nice day. It's totally free, and you get the best view of the Statue of Liberty without actually going to it. Don't stay in Staten Island though lol
• Depending on what Yankee game you go to, you may want to kill 2 birds with 1 stone and go to the Bronx Zoo beforehand. You don't want to go to the Bronx twice, but your kids will love the Bronx Zoo.
• Central Park is pretty cool just for the sheer size of it all surrounded by skyscrapers.
• The American Museum of Natural History is great family activity

I used to commute to NYC 2-3 days a week from 2018 until 2024. Have only been a handful of times since so I'm not the most up to date.

The Intrepid Museum would be cool for the youngsters as well. The Museum of Natural History is great as well.I found both fascinating myself. Bleeker St for pizza is a great recommendation you made as well. Stop the kiddos off at City Hall Park to show them where Washington read the Declaration of Independence- need some history thrown in for them ha- and then down to Charging Bull for some fun pics. Grab the Staten Island Ferry late afternoon to see Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty and then ride the Ferry back at night for the downtown views. End at Fraunces Tavern as an educational/historical excuse and grab a beer.

 

[IrishLion]

It’s a fun city but as previously mentioned can be a little dirty down by the bars. I’d recommend doing one of the haunted tours during the evening. Those old houses are pretty cool to see on the inside.

Paula Dean’s restaurant might be the best food I’ve ever had. Place is phenomenal. Definitely eat there.

We rented a motorized bike one day and just road around. That was fun.

Tabai Island isn’t too far either. Pretty nice beach. We spent about a half day there.

I’ll warn you that place has cockroaches the size of my hand. They call them pine bugs down there.

Paula Deen shut it down pretty abruptly last year. Got to eat there the summer before, it was pretty good.

I actually liked the Greek place down on the riverwalk. Kind of touristy, but still pretty good Greek food. Was a nice change-up from a week of sea food lol

 

[Irish2155]

Paula Deen shut it down pretty abruptly last year. Got to eat there the summer before, it was pretty good.

I actually liked the Greek place down on the riverwalk. Kind of touristy, but still pretty good Greek food. Was a nice change-up from a week of sea food lol

That’s a bummer. Been a few years since I’ve been down there.

 

[NorthDakota]

We’re planning a summer trip up the East Coast to DC then NYC with the wife and kids. I’ve done DC a couple times and wife and I have visited her sister and done NYC a few times, but wanting to get opinions from my esteemed board members.

What are your “must sees” in DC? NYC? Just a note—we’ll likely skip the entire 9/11 Museum this time with kids 5/6/10/12 in tow. We’ll go down to the site, but I don’t want their squirreliness to detract from others’ experience.

Taking kids to NYC (especially the younger ones) sounds like a nightmare cortisol spike. Not sure there is another city in the US that is less kid friendly. Too much walking and crowds.

Natural History Museum especially if they like Night at the Museum movies. Could do a boat cruise maybe. Yankee or Mets game. But awful city for kids.

 

[FLDomer]

View attachment 3062986Last day in Ormond. Rum runners by the ocean for breakfast.

I’m in Port Orange! About 20 min south of Ormond! Ya had great weather here this past weekend!

 

[Irish2155]

I’m in Port Orange! About 20 min south of Ormond! Ya had great weather here this past weekend!

My mom lives in Port Orange half the year. Every day is a vacation for her. Down the street from The Hidden Treasure or whatever they call that tiki bar now. Al Capone built the canal she lives off of to bootleg liquor back in the day.

She actually just got back to IN this past weekend.

 

[FLDomer]

My mom lives in Port Orange half the year. Every day is a vacation for her. Down the street from The Hidden Treasure or whatever they call that tiki bar now. Al Capone built the canal she lives off of to bootleg liquor back in the day.

She actually just got back to IN this past weekend.

For sure not a bad place to live! Now if only work didn’t take up all my time 😂

 

[GrangerIrish24]

I’m in Port Orange! About 20 min south of Ormond! Ya had great weather here this past weekend!

Weekend turned out great but Monday through Wednesday was all downpours.

Many of the restaurants we go to are out your way or just south. Crabby Joes, North Turn and I think its called Off the Hook?

 

[Irish2155]

Weekend turned out great but Monday through Wednesday was all downpours.

Many of the restaurants we go to are out your way or just south. Crabby Joes, North Turn and I think its called Off the Hook?

Been to Crabby Joes many times.

 

[GrangerIrish24]

Been to Crabby Joes many times.

Im happy they are back open. I was curious if they ever actually would finish.

 

[MacIrish75]

Taking kids to NYC (especially the younger ones) sounds like a nightmare cortisol spike. Not sure there is another city in the US that is less kid friendly. Too much walking and crowds.

Natural History Museum especially if they like Night at the Museum movies. Could do a boat cruise maybe. Yankee or Mets game. But awful city for kids.

We took our oldest two a few years back. It was pretty fun, actually. Did most of the touristy things. Saw the Statue of Liberty on a ferry. We’ll probably do some of that, hit Times Square, see the Empire State Building. Maybe Central Park. Last time we took my girls to a show to see Aladdin. This time, Yankee game. I like the Bronx Zoo idea, though, too.

 

[ND87]

Planning on flying to Vegas and then starting out in Zion. Looking at nine days total to cover all five parks then flying back out of Vegas. Vegas isn’t a big deal for us so I don’t plan on spending really much time there. Want to try to squeeze in one day for the Grand Canyon ( is it possible or even worth hitting the South Rim from Zion in a day and then go to Bryce Canyon the next). As far as hiking we are a bit older so low to moderate is what we’re targeting. Also since the wife is with me camping is out. She’s got a lily white ass so it’s hotels along the way. Don’t mind paying up a bit for the convenience and time factor along the route. I’ve researched online for itineraries but would rather have someone with the actual experience of having done it provide more insight. Appreciate anything you can share.

I think 9 days for all, with the driving involved, is a bit aggressive, especially if you want to add South Rim.
I'd actually suggest leaving out Arches & Canyonlands (though they're both very cool) and doing a smaller loop, looking at inserting Escalante & Grand Staircase. In the latter, there's a cliff face where you can see umpteen million years worth of geological strata in one go...like a layer cake.
Good slot Canyons too...though depending on month, those can be dangerous with risk of flash floods.
Ultimately, your best bet is actually to look at lodging options along the route for whatever month, cuz they're few, and sell out quickly. Its been a mess since covid when the world discovered the NPs.That may determine which parks you can actually do. And in between the Big 5, there are National *Monuments* (Escalante, Grand Staircase etc), National Forests, BLM land and State Parks that are all gorgeous and worth visiting.
Do look into the Annual NP pass...more than 3 visits in a year and you're saving $.
Just outside Vegas is Valley of Fire, and it's a stunner too.

If you're a drinker, know that draft beer is 5%max in UT, though bottles can be much higher, and to get a decent cocktail, you wanna order with "flavoring". Vodka Tonic + lime Vodka flavoring gets you to normal for an extra 50 cents or so. Not all Restaurants are licensed to sell alcohol, not all bars sell food. In a restaurant, you must order *some* food to drink.

Bedtime now, might post more later.

 

[Irishnuke]

Planning on flying to Vegas and then starting out in Zion. Looking at nine days total to cover all five parks then flying back out of Vegas. Vegas isn’t a big deal for us so I don’t plan on spending really much time there. Want to try to squeeze in one day for the Grand Canyon ( is it possible or even worth hitting the South Rim from Zion in a day and then go to Bryce Canyon the next). As far as hiking we are a bit older so low to moderate is what we’re targeting. Also since the wife is with me camping is out. She’s got a lily white ass so it’s hotels along the way. Don’t mind paying up a bit for the convenience and time factor along the route. I’ve researched online for itineraries but would rather have someone with the actual experience of having done it provide more insight. Appreciate anything you can share.

I think 9 days is plenty especially if you're not hiking much. I haven't done the entire big 5 but I've done Bryce and Zion plus several other places around southern Utah and Nevada. We just went to Zion this past Thanksgiving. We did 2 full days there but we did a bunch of hikes. Easier hikes would be Lower Emerald Pool, Riverside Walk, and the Grotto Trail. If I remember correctly we saw a bunch of mule deer on the Grotto Trail. The Canyon Overlook is considered moderate but is an amazing view and there were several bighorn sheep just off the trail. We did a UTV tour in Kanab, UT that was pretty amazing. I'd definitely recommend that. Bryce Canyon is mostly scenic overlooks if you don't plan on doing any hikes. It can easily be done in half a day. It's absolutely worth it though. As far as the Grand Canyon goes, it's pretty out of the way. The north rim will be closed in mid-November and the south rim is a long drive, 5 hours or so, from Vegas or Zion. Valley of Fire is worth a visit. Lots of great scenery plus petroglyphs and more bighorn sheep.

 

[Irish#1]

We actually are doing that!

2008, last year for the original stadium. Knowing I've been a lifelong Yankees fan but never been, my sons & SIL surprised me with a road trip to NY on Memorial Day weekend. Hit a number of touristy sites and went to a Yankees game. I'm sitting there in between innings taking it all in, when I realize all of them are yelling, "Dad, look at the scoreboard". There it was on the board, "Yankees welcome my name". What a memory. Don't mind saying the spring pollen was making my eyes water a little. Enjoy the game.