Travel / Vacation thread

[dublinirish]

My "vacation" was a work trip to Sarajevo, Belgrade, and Prague, back in April. It technically counts as vacation because, although the trip was for the same company that I work for, I had to take time off from the normal contract that I work on, to go work on the overseas contract.

what did you make of Serbia and Bosnia? Belgrade is an interesting place, they obviously aren't extremely friendly to outsiders and it feels like you are still behind the iron curtain or something there haha. Sarajevo is awesome though, the people are amazing, the food and the beer is good too

 

[GowerND11]

Never been out of the country but have done Mt. Rushmore, different spots in the mid-west for family reasons mainly… honestly most of our family getaways have been Vegas or the obvious stuff here in So Cal as we are right next to all of that… We are talking about taking our first major vaca with just my wife and kids… Gettysburg, Washington and if possible South Bend for a game... but that's just in the pre planning stage right now, maybe fall of 2016 or 17

Gettysburg is awesome, so much history and a beautiful town (well borough since we only have one town in PA). If you ever make the plans to get to Gettysburg you should also check out Lancaster. One of my favorite places in PA and a beautiful old city with a lot to do.

 

[koonja]

Have only left the country once and it was in 2007. Just booked a trip to Rivera Maya in Mexico for 3/22/2017 through 3/27/2017. The specific resort we're staying at is called "Barcelo Maya Caribe and Beach".

Never been to Mexico. Any advice? Heads up? Must see's? Anyone been to this specific area?

https://www.google.com/maps/@20.4903634,-87.2570427,11z?hl=en

 

[irishnd31]

4 days and nights in Williamsburg, VA starting August 5th and then to Sevierville/ Pigeon Forge TN for 11. If anyone has been, please give me some ideas of MUST DOs (activities, restaurants, shows, etc).

 

[woolybug25]

Have only left the country once and it was in 2007. Just booked a trip to Rivera Maya in Mexico for 3/22/2017 through 3/27/2017. The specific resort we're staying at is called "Barcelo Maya Caribe and Beach".

Never been to Mexico. Any advice? Heads up? Must see's? Anyone been to this specific area?

https://www.google.com/maps/@20.4903634,-87.2570427,11z?hl=en

Don't drink the water.

 

[tussin]

Don't drink the water.

I will likely have a month off this summer (August) before grad school. Any fly fishing trip recommendations? Would prefer to stay in the continental US.

 

[woolybug25]

I will likely have a month off this summer (August) before grad school. Any fly fishing trip recommendations? Would prefer to stay in the continental US.

How far are you willing to travel? Any species preference?

 

[dublinirish]

Don't drink the water.

water purification tablets from pharmacy into every glass/bottle you drink and you be grand.

 

[tussin]

How far are you willing to travel? Any species preference?

I'd go almost anywhere in the continental US, could be convinced to do Alaska as well.

I'd prefer trout -- which had me thinking the primary options were the Montana/Idaho or maybe the Smokys.

 

[NorthDakota]

I am planning on visiting a friend in Recife, Brazil in December after he finishes med school.

Anyone here done Brazil??

 

[zelezo vlk]

My friend studies at the North American seminary in Rome and has invited me to his diaconal ordination this September. That's really tempting

 

[kmoose]

My friend studies at the North American seminary in Rome and has invited me to his diaconal ordination this September. That's really tempting

My niece's husband (Navy) just transferred to Naples. I'm very seriously considering going over to visit while they are there.

 

[dublinirish]

My friend studies at the North American seminary in Rome and has invited me to his diaconal ordination this September. That's really tempting

F yeah Rome is always worth a trip. So much to see, you need a few days. Get down to the Stadio Olympico and catch a Roma/Lazio soccer game if you can. You can always day trip to Florence/Pisa/Siena/Tuscan countryside if you have time also

 

[zelezo vlk]

My niece's husband (Navy) just transferred to Naples. I'm very seriously considering going over to visit while they are there.

I suggest doing it if you can.

F yeah Rome is always worth a trip. So much to see, you need a few days. Get down to the Stadio Olympico and catch a Roma/Lazio soccer game if you can. You can always day trip to Florence/Pisa/Siena/Tuscan countryside if you have time also

My only problem is that I went last year and it means that there's no way I'm making it to SB this fall, plus I'll miss a family vacation. The only reason I'm considering it is because my buddy is being ordained and I doubt I'd be Catholic if it weren't for him. I got lucky last year with how cheap everything was, but I doubt I get that lucky this year.

 

[texbender]

Headed to Kaua'i in a couple of weeks, have access to a condo for a week.

 

[kmoose]

Headed to Kaua'i in a couple of weeks, have access to a condo for a week.

Very nice. Going with the wife/girlfriend? When I was stationed at NAS Barber's Point (Oahu), my girlfriend and I went to Kauai for a long weekend. It's fantastic if you are with a significant other, but there isn't much nightlife for singles.

 

[woolybug25]

I'd go almost anywhere in the continental US, could be convinced to do Alaska as well.

I'd prefer trout -- which had me thinking the primary options were the Montana/Idaho or maybe the Smokys.

Well... if AK in August is an option, do that. If cost is an issue, look for flights to Anchorage, rent a car and drive to the Kenai peninsula. A bunch of federal land right on the river in Cooper Landing. Cool little town with tons of really, really good options.

Another thing would be to put a tent in your car and do a tour of CO, UT, WY, MT and ID. Start in CO and fish the Roaring Fork and the Frying Pan. Head to Utah and fish the Green River, then up through Idaho and fish the Snake, pass through West Yellowstone and fish the Madison, then southwest to the Bighorn, then down to the North Platte in Wy and then head home. That would be the finest month of fishing in your life.

I've been to all of these places, so let me know if you have any questions.

 

[koonja]

Have only left the country once and it was in 2007. Just booked a trip to Rivera Maya in Mexico for 3/22/2017 through 3/27/2017. The specific resort we're staying at is called "Barcelo Maya Caribe and Beach".

Never been to Mexico. Any advice? Heads up? Must see's? Anyone been to this specific area?

https://www.google.com/maps/@20.4903634,-87.2570427,11z?hl=en

If anyone has been to this resort or at least this immediate area (AKA, not more than a 10 minute taxi ride from), PM me please. Offering 10 Trillion vbucks and a virtual hand job for some specific info on the area.

 

[gkIrish]

If anyone has been to this resort or at least this immediate area (AKA, not more than a 10 minute taxi ride from), PM me please. Offering 10 Trillion vbucks and a virtual hand job for some specific info on the area.

Isn't this the type of info you would want BEFORE booking a trip? Lol

 

[Irish Insanity]

Isn't this the type of info you would want BEFORE booking a trip? Lol

Consider the poster...

 

[zelezo vlk]

Koon, look up local delicacies and try some delicious food. If you just order chips and queso the whole time, we will make fun of you.

 

[Irish#1]

4 days and nights in Williamsburg, VA starting August 5th and then to Sevierville/ Pigeon Forge TN for 11. If anyone has been, please give me some ideas of MUST DOs (activities, restaurants, shows, etc).

Sevierville/ Pigeon Forge activities are geared mostly toward kids. There's a couple of back streets behind the main drag that have some interesting shops. Driving an extra 10 minutes into Gatlinburg is recommended. Lots of shops. Just on the outside of Gatlinburg is an artist colony. Can't remember the road, but most any local can tell you where it is. Would definitely recommend spending a day in the Smokies. Take the car tour through Cades Cove or go over the top into Cherokee, NC.

 

[Irish#1]

If anyone has been to this resort or at least this immediate area (AKA, not more than a 10 minute taxi ride from), PM me please. Offering 10 Trillion vbucks and a virtual hand job for some specific info on the area.

I'd say be careful, but after 10 minutes, they'd be bringing you back. lol

Up to 16 people abducted from Mexican beach resort restaurant
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/15/mexico-puerto-vallarta-abduction-restaurant

 

[irishnd31]

Sevierville/ Pigeon Forge activities are geared mostly toward kids. There's a couple of back streets behind the main drag that have some interesting shops. Driving an extra 10 minutes into Gatlinburg is recommended. Lots of shops. Just on the outside of Gatlinburg is an artist colony. Can't remember the road, but most any local can tell you where it is. Would definitely recommend spending a day in the Smokies. Take the car tour through Cades Cove or go over the top into Cherokee, NC.

We have 2 kids ages 15 and 8 (at time of travel). We are staying at the Great Smokies Lodge with an indoor and outdoor waterpark. We really enjoy the kid driven tourist traps like the wax museums, miniature golf, go karts, and amusement parks. We will do all of those but I love the idea of takin some time to hit up some of these shops, especially the art colony that you spoke of. I was doing a little research and there was some drive through zoo that allows you to feed animals through the window of your vehicle but apparently that is closed. We plan to do some horseback riding in the Smokies at some point. Cades Cove I heard is amazing. Thank you very much for the ideas.

 

[nlroma1o]

My niece's husband (Navy) just transferred to Naples. I'm very seriously considering going over to visit while they are there.

Napoli is an awesome city. I've recently traveled there the last 2 summers and had a great time. It's on of those old cities that looks and feels like you've traveled back in time. It gets a bad rap because there are so many pick pocket thefts, but my wife an I had no trouble at all. The island of Capri and the Amalfi Coast are very close to the city, so I recommend visiting those locales if you make it over there. If want any ideas or details just DM me.

 

[dublinirish]

I'm heading down to Leon/Irapuato in the state of Guanajuanto, Mexico for a customer visit next week. Anyone ever been down that neck of the woods?

 

[IrishinTN]

4 days and nights in Williamsburg, VA starting August 5th and then to Sevierville/ Pigeon Forge TN for 11. If anyone has been, please give me some ideas of MUST DOs (activities, restaurants, shows, etc).

We go there 1-2 times a year. absolutely love it. Stayed at the Great Smoky lodge before. It is a ways from Gatlinburg so if you take a trip or two there, use the bypass if you leave from the hotel after 4:00 at night. Traffic is always a nightmare, but stay calm. Thats just how it is until you find a place to park.

For Pigeon Forge, Quaker Steak and Lube is a great restaurant. The Seafood Buffet at the end of Pigeon Forge is actually pretty nice too. If you like mini-Golf, Lost Treasure Golf is one of our favorites. For your age kids, you also might like the Magicquest and The Island. Lots to do there.

Go tubing with Smoky Mountain River Rat. Its a nice long float and not expensive. We usually go down the river twice (you can go all day) and pack our own lunch.

In Gatlinburg, get there on teh early side and walk the strip. There are so many things to see and do there it will take at least one night like the Sky Lift is fun if they can get it repaired in time. Od Town Square is one of our favorite mini-golfs here. Ober Gatlinburg is another place with a lot to see and do. At least a few hours to do this. The biggest Must Do in Gatlinburg is the Ripleys Aquarium. If you do nothing else, go there.

Also, there are fantastic hiking trails all over the Smoky Mountain State Park. If you want one that is a nice, short hike (but a hard climb and easy descent) try Clingman's dome. It has a pretty neat tower at teh top that lets you see for miles.

And since you have time, take a day to check out Cades Cove. Its a nice mountain drive and if you are lucky you will see a bunch of deer. Rarely any bear but you could get really lucky there. Plus they also have some cool side trails to get out and take a hike on if you want.

Any way, that is more than you wanted no doubt, but pm me if you have questions. I'll be happy to help.

 

[Irish#1]

We go there 1-2 times a year. absolutely love it. Stayed at the Great Smoky lodge before. It is a ways from Gatlinburg so if you take a trip or two there, use the bypass if you leave from the hotel after 4:00 at night. Traffic is always a nightmare, but stay calm. Thats just how it is until you find a place to park.

For Pigeon Forge, Quaker Steak and Lube is a great restaurant. The Seafood Buffet at the end of Pigeon Forge is actually pretty nice too. If you like mini-Golf, Lost Treasure Golf is one of our favorites. For your age kids, you also might like the Magicquest and The Island. Lots to do there.

Go tubing with Smoky Mountain River Rat. Its a nice long float and not expensive. We usually go down the river twice (you can go all day) and pack our own lunch.

In Gatlinburg, get there on teh early side and walk the strip. There are so many things to see and do there it will take at least one night like the Sky Lift is fun if they can get it repaired in time. Od Town Square is one of our favorite mini-golfs here. Ober Gatlinburg is another place with a lot to see and do. At least a few hours to do this. The biggest Must Do in Gatlinburg is the Ripleys Aquarium. If you do nothing else, go there.

Also, there are fantastic hiking trails all over the Smoky Mountain State Park. If you want one that is a nice, short hike (but a hard climb and easy descent) try Clingman's dome. It has a pretty neat tower at teh top that lets you see for miles.

And since you have time, take a day to check out Cades Cove. Its a nice mountain drive and if you are lucky you will see a bunch of deer. Rarely any bear but you could get really lucky there. Plus they also have some cool side trails to get out and take a hike on if you want.

Any way, that is more than you wanted no doubt, but pm me if you have questions. I'll be happy to help.

Your timing must be off. lol We've seen bear pretty much every time we've been there (5 or 6 times). The wife and I went to the ND-UT game in 2000. Went and stayed a couple of nights at PF. Went into the Smokies one of the days. Stopped to take a pic of my wife. About 30 feet down the hill was a black bear scavenging around. She hopped up and headed to the car pretty quickly. lol

 

[IrishinTN]

Your timing must be off. lol We've seen bear pretty much every time we've been there (5 or 6 times). The wife and I went to the ND-UT game in 2000. Went and stayed a couple of nights at PF. Went into the Smokies one of the days. Stopped to take a pic of my wife. About 30 feet down the hill was a black bear scavenging around. She hopped up and headed to the car pretty quickly. lol

We have been to Gatlinburg at least 20 times and Cade's Cove 10 and have not once seen a bear in the wild. My wife gets angrier and angrier every time we go. lol.

 

[Irish#1]

We have 2 kids ages 15 and 8 (at time of travel). We are staying at the Great Smokies Lodge with an indoor and outdoor waterpark. We really enjoy the kid driven tourist traps like the wax museums, miniature golf, go karts, and amusement parks. We will do all of those but I love the idea of takin some time to hit up some of these shops, especially the art colony that you spoke of. I was doing a little research and there was some drive through zoo that allows you to feed animals through the window of your vehicle but apparently that is closed. We plan to do some horseback riding in the Smokies at some point. Cades Cove I heard is amazing. Thank you very much for the ideas.

We go there 1-2 times a year. absolutely love it. Stayed at the Great Smoky lodge before. It is a ways from Gatlinburg so if you take a trip or two there, use the bypass if you leave from the hotel after 4:00 at night. Traffic is always a nightmare, but stay calm. Thats just how it is until you find a place to park.

For Pigeon Forge, Quaker Steak and Lube is a great restaurant. The Seafood Buffet at the end of Pigeon Forge is actually pretty nice too. If you like mini-Golf, Lost Treasure Golf is one of our favorites. For your age kids, you also might like the Magicquest and The Island. Lots to do there.

Go tubing with Smoky Mountain River Rat. Its a nice long float and not expensive. We usually go down the river twice (you can go all day) and pack our own lunch.

In Gatlinburg, get there on teh early side and walk the strip. There are so many things to see and do there it will take at least one night like the Sky Lift is fun if they can get it repaired in time. Od Town Square is one of our favorite mini-golfs here. Ober Gatlinburg is another place with a lot to see and do. At least a few hours to do this. The biggest Must Do in Gatlinburg is the Ripleys Aquarium. If you do nothing else, go there.

Also, there are fantastic hiking trails all over the Smoky Mountain State Park. If you want one that is a nice, short hike (but a hard climb and easy descent) try Clingman's dome. It has a pretty neat tower at teh top that lets you see for miles.

And since you have time, take a day to check out Cades Cove. Its a nice mountain drive and if you are lucky you will see a bunch of deer. Rarely any bear but you could get really lucky there. Plus they also have some cool side trails to get out and take a hike on if you want.

Any way, that is more than you wanted no doubt, but pm me if you have questions. I'll be happy to help.

Is that the Wyndham Resort? We stayed there with one of our kids and his family about 5 years ago. Very nice accommodations.