Travel / Vacation thread

[Irish#1]

Riviera Maya wad great. Also got engaged to this dime on the trip. I look really bad in this pic because I'm all liquored up but Yolo.

Thanks for sharing the insider info earlier. I was wondering how it went. Congrats! You out kicked the coverage.

 

[zelezo vlk]

I'm far from an expert on these things but I guess it's a guided tour??...

This is coming from someone who has never done this before so maybe I'm misunderstanding things but I always thought guided tours were heavily structured group things step for step/constantly with a tour guide...

As I understand it the only real whole group aspect is the travel from city to city/ region to region... This is structured as: Get off the plane- Here is your guide/group let's go to Rome- The local host is available here if you require that, if not see you in three days- Three days come, okay everyone let's go to Pompeii, once we get there the local host is available or you can go off on your own... rise repeat, rinse repeat... I believe the only part where it's structured more rigidly is a stay in Tuscany one night where everyone stays with a local host family for a special dinner of some sort...

I'll be honest tho the details are all being handled by my 'financial adviser'... her and my mom teamed up and told me they wanted to go to Rome, so I was like, 'Yeah I can't fight both of you so let's just go to Rome"

You're gonna have a lot of fun, man. Hit us up if you want any advice.

 

[ACamp1900]

You're gonna have a lot of fun, man. Hit us up if you want any advice.

I'm game for any advice really... can't hurt.

 

[texbender]

Enjoyed Kauai in February, first time to the islands. Also a long weekend at South Padre. On deck is a week in Vegas (biz related) and a week at Tahoe in July. Have a week in Mayan Riviera booked for next January. Short sidetrips this spring/summer/fall to 2 Indy Car races at roadcourses (Alabama and Wisconsin), and of course 3-4 ND games.

 

[Irish Insanity]

Heading south for spring break. Anywhere in Kentucky, Tennessee, or Georgia a must stop and visit? Needs to be little kid friendly?

 

[zelezo vlk]

I'm game for any advice really... can't hurt.

First bit, you're gonna eat a lot. At least I'm going by everyone I know. So make sure to walk as much as you can (it's better for sightseeing anyways); I normally go on a mini diet right beforehand.

Many churches/holy places have rules regarding dress. Shoulders will need to be covered, so make sure the ladies in your group have something for that, and no tanks for you.

Don't eat bolognese everywhere you go, though it'll probably be pretty good. Look up the regional food and get that. For instance, when you're in Tuscany, you should be in the middle of cinghiale (wild boar) season, and that shit is good. Also, get the porchetta in Florence, because it'll knock your socks off.

For the big towns (Florence and Rome especially), plan everything out that you want to see. If you go to Florence and do not walk through The Uffizi and Accademia, you're missing out. Likewise with the Vatican Museums, the Roman Forum, and the Papal Basilicas for Rome. Getting a tour guide is recommended, but at the very least, buy your tickets ahead of time so you don't spend all day in lines.

Don't be a Puritan; if you want a glass of wine with lunch, get wine. Do things like the locals: cappucino for breakfast, caffe for the other times. Try different foods, Florence has excellent tripe for example.

Also, push it forward to late September and I'll meet ya in Rome or Florence.

If you want greater detail, lemme know and I'll send a PM

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

First bit, you're gonna eat a lot. At least I'm going by everyone I know. So make sure to walk as much as you can (it's better for sightseeing anyways); I normally go on a mini diet right beforehand.

Many churches/holy places have rules regarding dress. Shoulders will need to be covered, so make sure the ladies in your group have something for that, and no tanks for you.

Don't eat bolognese everywhere you go, though it'll probably be pretty good. Look up the regional food and get that. For instance, when you're in Tuscany, you should be in the middle of cinghiale (wild boar) season, and that shit is good. Also, get the porchetta in Florence, because it'll knock your socks off.

For the big towns (Florence and Rome especially), plan everything out that you want to see. If you go to Florence and do not walk through The Uffizi and Accademia, you're missing out. Likewise with the Vatican Museums, the Roman Forum, and the Papal Basilicas for Rome. Getting a tour guide is recommended, but at the very least, buy your tickets ahead of time so you don't spend all day in lines.

Don't be a Puritan; if you want a glass of wine with lunch, get wine. Do things like the locals: cappucino for breakfast, caffe for the other times. Try different foods, Florence has excellent tripe for example.

Also, push it forward to late September and I'll meet ya in Rome or Florence.

If you want greater detail, lemme know and I'll send a PM

A man with a plan. Have you been before Zelezo?

 

[ACamp1900]

First bit, you're gonna eat a lot. At least I'm going by everyone I know. So make sure to walk as much as you can (it's better for sightseeing anyways); I normally go on a mini diet right beforehand.

Many churches/holy places have rules regarding dress. Shoulders will need to be covered, so make sure the ladies in your group have something for that, and no tanks for you.

I figured on the food, but good to know still... my wife is a huge Italian food fan so I'll pass this along. Also thanks for the clothing tips... I don't see us wearing anything that would be an issue but still good to have a heads up.

Don't eat bolognese everywhere you go, though it'll probably be pretty good. Look up the regional food and get that. For instance, when you're in Tuscany, you should be in the middle of cinghiale (wild boar) season, and that shit is good. Also, get the porchetta in Florence, because it'll knock your socks off.

I'll def go with this, pretty clear I'm a foodie and I want to experience as much as possible... not the biggest Italian red sauce fan anyway...

For the big towns (Florence and Rome especially), plan everything out that you want to see. If you go to Florence and do not walk through The Uffizi and Accademia, you're missing out. Likewise with the Vatican Museums, the Roman Forum, and the Papal Basilicas for Rome. Getting a tour guide is recommended, but at the very least, buy your tickets ahead of time so you don't spend all day in lines.

All day, I'm really looking forward to exactly what you touched upon with Florence and Vatican City. I am pretty sure my ladies stated that any tour guides, fees, tickets etc with Vat City are already included...

Don't be a Puritan; if you want a glass of wine with lunch, get wine. Do things like the locals: cappucino for breakfast, caffe for the other times. Try different foods, Florence has excellent tripe for example.

lol, other than experiencing the history first hand, this is what I'm most excited about...

Also, push it forward to late September and I'll meet ya in Rome or Florence.

If you want greater detail, lemme know and I'll send a PM

Well shit, wouldn't that be awesome sauce, let me ask my girl for the exact dates... wouldn't be the first time I got details confused...

 

[ACamp1900]

Sounds like we are going to miss you by about a week or so vlk... we arrive in Rome on the 6th of October.

 

[zelezo vlk]

A man with a plan. Have you been before Zelezo?

A few times. Going back in September (that's the plan anyways), because my friend is being ordained to the transitional diaconate in Rome. Without him, I'm not sure I'd be Catholic, and I figure if I have the PTO and can save up the money for a flight, why not?

Sounds like we are going to miss you by about a week or so vlk... we arrive in Rome on the 6th of October.

Well dang, I'm back on the 30th. Oh well. Let me know if you need more details, I can rattle off a PM if you'd like.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Thanks for sharing the insider info earlier. I was wondering how it went. Congrats! You out kicked the coverage.

By a mile!


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[ACamp1900]

Thanks for sharing the insider info earlier. I was wondering how it went. Congrats! You out kicked the coverage.

Hopefully her parents don't take issue with their little girl marrying another woman....

 

[Irishnuke]

Heading south for spring break. Anywhere in Kentucky, Tennessee, or Georgia a must stop and visit? Needs to be little kid friendly?

If you have enough gas just drive through all of them without stopping.

JK, kinda. The Louisville slugger museum is cool and you can get a bat with your name on it, or at least you could twenty years ago when I was there. Mammoth Cave is really cool. Gatlinburg is a giant tourist trap. I guess kids like that stuff though. That's all I got.

 

[Irish Insanity]

If you have enough gas just drive through all of them without stopping.

JK, kinda. The Louisville slugger museum is cool and you can get a bat with your name on it, or at least you could twenty years ago when I was there. Mammoth Cave is really cool. Gatlinburg is a giant tourist trap. I guess kids like that stuff though. That's all I got.

Thanks for the reply. The Slugger museum may be something we look into. And I'd like to skip all the usual tourist trap stuff. If something is legit cool and interesting that's one thing, but brite lights and generic poor quality trinkets I'll pass.

 

[texbender]

Thanks for the reply. The Slugger museum may be something we look into. And I'd like to skip all the usual tourist trap stuff. If something is legit cool and interesting that's one thing, but brite lights and generic poor quality trinkets I'll pass.

If the kids are old enough, Civil War battlefields can be cool. Smokey Mountain NP is nice too.

 

[Irish Insanity]

If the kids are old enough, Civil War battlefields can be cool. Smokey Mountain NP is nice too.

He's 6. It looks like Nashville area may be the first stop.

 

[dublinirish]

heading down to Chihuahua, Mexico for another work trip for 2 weeks, anyone ever been before?

 

[texbender]

heading down to Chihuahua, Mexico for another work trip for 2 weeks, anyone ever been before?

recruiting wall contractors?

 

[zelezo vlk]

heading down to Chihuahua, Mexico for another work trip for 2 weeks, anyone ever been before?

I think my buddy is from there, but I've never been. The Power and the Glory is set there, if you need a book to read.

 

[dublinirish]

recruiting wall contractors?

the only walls we build

 

[dublinirish]

I think my buddy is from there, but I've never been. The Power and the Glory is set there, if you need a book to read.

naw thats Tabasco I think, way down in the south east. Chihuahua is south of Texas/New Mexico

 

[zelezo vlk]

naw thats Tabasco I think, way down in the south east. Chihuahua is south of Texas/New Mexico

Ah snap, that's right. Tabasco and Chihuahua became 1 place in my mind.

 

[texbender]

the only walls we build

actually, that wall design might work well along the border...like a maze.

Have fun down south.

 

[ACamp1900]

To the city I take it?? Not Juarez or anything correct? My in laws live in EL Paso but I've never crossed the border with them.

 

[BGIF]

'I was terrified': What happened to one traveler who lost his passport in transit and how he got himself out of trouble - LA Times

Also photocopy, and take with you, the key pages of your passport so you have a record of your passport number in hand. It won't substitute for the real thing but ... the customs people may be more receptive and it makes it easier for you when dealing with U.S. officials.

 

[ulukinatme]

Riviera Maya wad great. Also got engaged to this dime on the trip. I look really bad in this pic because I'm all liquored up but Yolo.

Next time don't forget to pack your hairline! Dude, looks like the MPB is kicking in quick, good thing you put a ring on it now

I kid, but seriously, congrats on getting engaged! I'll be interested to see the adventures of the Koon when fatherdom comes.

 

[NDBoiler]

Spring break starts tomorrow evening. Flying out to Vegas with the wife and kids to do the Grand Circle - Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, Arches, Mesa Verde and Grand Canyon.

 

[dshans]

Spring break starts tomorrow evening. Flying out to Vegas with the wife and kids to do the Grand Circle - Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, Arches, Mesa Verde and Grand Canyon.

Whaaat? No Luxor, MGM Grand or Bellagio???

What kinda Midwesterner are you?

Sheesh!

 

[dublinirish]

To the city I take it?? Not Juarez or anything correct? My in laws live in EL Paso but I've never crossed the border with them.

yeah Chihuahua City. First time going but I have been to other states/cities in Mexico and always loved it.

I crossed into Tijuana before and thought it was an interesting place haha

 

[dublinirish]

Riviera Maya wad great. Also got engaged to this dime on the trip. I look really bad in this pic because I'm all liquored up but Yolo.

fair play dude, congrats, when is your bachelor party in Duluth going down???