Travel / Vacation thread

[irishnd31]

Any ideas and feedback for Daytona Beach in August would be greatly appreciated.

 

[dshans]

Any ideas and feedback for Daytona Beach in August would be greatly appreciated.

The highest rated SPF sunscreen you can find.

The highest ranked antiperspirant and deodorant available.

A big-ass umbrella for the afternoon thunderstorms. (Wear rubber-soled shoes just in case.)

Avoid any and all tattoo parlors.

Leave the seagrass alone.

 

[tadman95]

Just spent a couple of nights at The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island just below Charleston, SC. Very nice place, great service and staff.

 

[NDdomer2]

I just got back from Costa Rica a few weeks ago. My girlfriend was born and raised there, so we try to go at least once or twice a year. Luckily, it's only 2 flights from where we live and tickets aren't all that expensive. Plus, we stay with her family so it gets even more affordable for us.

I highly recommend Costa Rica if you've never been. It's beautiful.

went to costa rica for honey moon (Punta Islita) amazing trip. flight was short and not terribly priced.

 

[GreenGemsOmally]

went to costa rica for honey moon (Punta Islita) amazing trip. flight was short and not terribly priced.

Guanacaste is very beautiful, so I hear. I haven't been out that way yet, as we usually spend most of our time in and around San Jose and then a few days at the beach near Jaco. Most of our visits are spending time with friends and family since my gf doesn't get to see them nearly as often as she likes.

That said, there are definitely worse places to have a "visit the inlaws" kind of trip a few times a year.

Our career goals are actually to try and live in Costa Rica in about 5 years or so. A lot of the work that I do has the ability to work remotely or do 3-4 month travel work, so we've talked about living in CR for part of the year and traveling / working the remainder.

 

[greyhammer90]

I can't remember if I ever got on here and wrote about it but went to Paris on my honeymoon last June. Obviously crazy beautiful and amazing to tour the museums/palaces/churches/Notre Dame. Stayed in a nice place next to Champs Elysees. It was amazing to walk out of the hotel and see the Eiffel Tower every morning.

From my experience the French get an unfair rep. 95% of people spoke English and everyone was extremely pleasant to us. If they ever made fun of me, they did so discreetly and I never knew, which is all you can ask for. I think it might just be an effort thing? My wife and I both took French in college (I was terrible), so we basically had about three or four lines to strike up a conversation. Ca va, Je m'applle, Je voudrais, etc.... The Parisian would play along until we got to where we couldn't understand any further and would ask (in French) if they spoke English. The answer was always yes, and they seemed happy to do so. 9/10 experience, and the -1 is just because it rained hard one of the days we were there. Though Paris is even good looking in the rain.

 

[irishnd31]

The highest rated SPF sunscreen you can find.

The highest ranked antiperspirant and deodorant available.

A big-ass umbrella for the afternoon thunderstorms. (Wear rubber-soled shoes just in case.)

Avoid any and all tattoo parlors.

Leave the seagrass alone.

But, but, but what if I really want to touch the sea grass?
Thanks for the response.

 

[zelezo vlk]

I can't remember if I ever got on here and wrote about it but went to Paris on my honeymoon last June. Obviously crazy beautiful and amazing to tour the museums/palaces/churches/Notre Dame. Stayed in a nice place next to Champs Elysees. It was amazing to walk out of the hotel and see the Eiffel Tower every morning.

From my experience the French get an unfair rep. 95% of people spoke English and everyone was extremely pleasant to us. If they ever made fun of me, they did so discreetly and I never knew, which is all you can ask for. I think it might just be an effort thing? My wife and I both took French in college (I was terrible), so we basically had about three or four lines to strike up a conversation. Ca va, Je m'applle, Je voudrais, etc.... The Parisian would play along until we got to where we couldn't understand any further and would ask (in French) if they spoke English. The answer was always yes, and they seemed happy to do so. 9/10 experience, and the -1 is just because it rained hard one of the days we were there. Though Paris is even good looking in the rain.

You actually talked to those cheese eating surrender monkeys??

 

[ACamp1900]

You actually talked to those cheese eating surrender monkeys??

Speaking English is better than speaking German.

 

[NorthDakota]

Speaking English is better than speaking German.

Englisch kommt aus Deutsch. Sehr ähnlich!

 

[calvegas04]

I can't remember if I ever got on here and wrote about it but went to Paris on my honeymoon last June. Obviously crazy beautiful and amazing to tour the museums/palaces/churches/Notre Dame. Stayed in a nice place next to Champs Elysees. It was amazing to walk out of the hotel and see the Eiffel Tower every morning.

From my experience the French get an unfair rep. 95% of people spoke English and everyone was extremely pleasant to us. If they ever made fun of me, they did so discreetly and I never knew, which is all you can ask for. I think it might just be an effort thing? My wife and I both took French in college (I was terrible), so we basically had about three or four lines to strike up a conversation. Ca va, Je m'applle, Je voudrais, etc.... The Parisian would play along until we got to where we couldn't understand any further and would ask (in French) if they spoke English. The answer was always yes, and they seemed happy to do so. 9/10 experience, and the -1 is just because it rained hard one of the days we were there. Though Paris is even good looking in the rain.

France was okay to me, and I did not get that same friendly attitude that you speak of and I did use my limited French to try and talk to them. England Ireland and Belgium were much nicer IMO

 

[ACamp1900]

I was very surprised how EVERYONE spoke English in Italy... I wasn't expecting that. I encountered one guy in two weeks that needed help communicating with us. In terms of language it was just like being in the States.

 

[GowerND11]

I was very surprised how EVERYONE spoke English in Italy... I wasn't expecting that. I encountered one guy in two weeks that needed help communicating with us. In terms of language it was just like being in the States.

Seriously... In 2008 I was in Rome for a week for a college learning trip while at Holy Cross. I didn't know Italian, but I did know Spanish to some extent. I actually communicated a few times with some Italians in Spanish about directions, conversations, and more. More often than not, after the first few sentences, they said clearly something like, "I can speak English if that would be easier for you." with a bright smile haha.

 

[zelezo vlk]

Well, I mean duh. Tourism is huge over there and it's their lifeblood. Now if you go someplace where fewer Americans go, the story will change. I was in a town called Grado that isn't frequented much by Americans, but heavily trafficked by Germans and the like, and you don't find as much English, but a lot of German among the wait staff

 

[GowerND11]

Well, I mean duh. Tourism is huge over there and it's their lifeblood. Now if you go someplace where fewer Americans go, the story will change. I was in a town called Grado that isn't frequented much by Americans, but heavily trafficked by Germans and the like, and you don't find as much English, but a lot of German among the wait staff

Absolutely. I think the problem here among Americans is we expect many Europeans to openly refuse to talk with us/help us due to the "arrogant American" stereotype that has traveled abroad. So when we get there, and people surprise us with their use of the language (towards us), and their hospitality, it really takes you aback.

 

[ACamp1900]

It was still surprising, I mean I went through a third of Italy, including many smaller towns and yeah, everyone spoke English.

 

[dshans]

But, but, but what if I really want to touch the sea grass?

[Apologies for my error ... it's Sea Oats[/U, not Sea Grass.. If you come across something called Sea Grass, I guess that there'd be no problem touching it. Just resist the urge to mow it.]

The Sea Oats Police will come and haul your sunburned as to jail!

Respect the dunes! The hurricanes don't need your help in eroding the beaches.

 

[koonja]

Taking a road trip with my wife over Memorial Day Weekend. We're going to Yellowstone National Park from Minnesota, and plan to carve out things to see/do along the way, such as staying at Deadwood, visiting Mt. Rushmore, and seeing the badlands.

Anyone make a similar trip from the midwest? Anything worth including or skipping?

Looking for advice from someone who'd done a similar road trip.

 

[ACamp1900]

I did all that in my youth... no real recommendations aside from what you already stated though... it was nice, worth doing at least once.

 

[zelezo vlk]

I did all that in my youth... no real recommendations aside from what you already stated though... it was nice, worth doing at least once.

Same. I liked it, particularly the Badlands, but had no idea what route we took or anything

 

[dshans]

My son is getting married mid-July in Minneapolis. I'm seriously considering driving from Jacksonville, FL and making stops along the way to visit with friends.

Koon, the ceremony is in Uptown, a few blocks from where you rehabbed your bathroom and rebuilt your deck. Perhaps when can get together for a drink or three.

Anyone else out there between FL and MN that has a couch available and wouldn't mind meeting with, eating with, and drinking with an old-fart ND Hippie Domer?

I'm retired and have time to spare, so side trips can be dealt with.

Comfort Inns are comfortable, but boring as hell.

 

[koonja]

My son is getting married mid-July in Minneapolis. I'm seriously considering driving from Jacksonville, FL and making stops along the way to visit with friends.

Koon, the ceremony is in Uptown, a few blocks from where you rehabbed your bathroom and rebuilt your deck. Perhaps when can get together for a drink or three.

Anyone else out there between FL and MN that has a couch available and wouldn't mind meeting with, eating with, and drinking with an old-fart ND Hippie Domer?

I'm retired and have time to spare, so side trips can be dealt with.

Comfort Inns are comfortable, but boring as hell.

Unfortunately, as of Friday that house will no longer be mine. We're selling that and moving to Rogers, MN, which is a ~35 minute hike from the cities.

 

[dshans]

Unfortunately, as of Friday that house will no longer be mine. We're selling that and moving to Rogers, MN, which is a ~35 minute hike from the cities.

Bummer!

Not for you, but for me.

 

[NDRock]

Taking a road trip with my wife over Memorial Day Weekend. We're going to Yellowstone National Park from Minnesota, and plan to carve out things to see/do along the way, such as staying at Deadwood, visiting Mt. Rushmore, and seeing the badlands.

Anyone make a similar trip from the midwest? Anything worth including or skipping?

Looking for advice from someone who'd done a similar road trip.

Did a big trip out West and ended up going from Yellowstone to Chicago (for a wedding) then back down south to Tennessee. Spend a few nights camping in Yellowstone and hitDeadwood and Mt Rushmore in the same day. You should have a blast. Be careful, it snowed on us one night in Yellowstone and that was in June. I grew up in Florida and was definitely not prepared for camping in the snow. Couple of very cold nights.

 

[ND87]

Hey Koon... a couple tips:
1. Out here in the West, (especially up in Yellowstone) there are really only 2 seasons... Summer and Winter. Be prepared for cold, possibly snow over Memorial Day. Happened to us, in a rental boxvan with a non-working heater.
2. Specifically, check on which passes are even open. Not all entrances are open that time of year.
3. Do you have a reservation already? you *may* be able to sneak into the Inn at Old Faithful if you arrive *before* Memorial Day.

As for stuff on the way - as other have mentioned the Badlands are cool... we only spent a few hours half day. Make sure you have plenty of water.
I also liked the Corn Palace in Mitchell SD. National icon that a buncha folks don't know about.
Rushmore. Wasn't on our list... we literally only got off the freeway because we needed fuel. I figured... Id seen the postcards, didn't need to see it in person. Wrong. very moving. Before Memorial Day, it's likely parts won't be open - like Borglum's studio.
Crazy Horse monument is "around the corner", but as it's a private thing, there's a steep admission charge and a gauntlet of trinket-sellers to run through... we skipped going in, and just admired from outside.

Cody WY is a neat town, with a *beautiful* canyon drive just west of town. We stayed in a hotel once owned by Buffalo Bill himself. Good museums there too, though we were too late at night.

Once at Yellowstone, you're only 4.5 hours from Ogden UT... so you make that drive and I'll buy you a beer. Then you can take the *other* scenic way home.

My real advice... plan for at least 2 more days than you had, so you can meander and take in the West... it's crazy beautiful out here. Enjoy.

 

[SoDakDomer]

Hey Koon... a couple tips:
1. Out here in the West, (especially up in Yellowstone) there are really only 2 seasons... Summer and Winter. Be prepared for cold, possibly snow over Memorial Day. Happened to us, in a rental boxvan with a non-working heater.
2. Specifically, check on which passes are even open. Not all entrances are open that time of year.
3. Do you have a reservation already? you *may* be able to sneak into the Inn at Old Faithful if you arrive *before* Memorial Day.

As for stuff on the way - as other have mentioned the Badlands are cool... we only spent a few hours half day. Make sure you have plenty of water.
I also liked the Corn Palace in Mitchell SD. National icon that a buncha folks don't know about.
Rushmore. Wasn't on our list... we literally only got off the freeway because we needed fuel. I figured... Id seen the postcards, didn't need to see it in person. Wrong. very moving. Before Memorial Day, it's likely parts won't be open - like Borglum's studio.
Crazy Horse monument is "around the corner", but as it's a private thing, there's a steep admission charge and a gauntlet of trinket-sellers to run through... we skipped going in, and just admired from outside.

Cody WY is a neat town, with a *beautiful* canyon drive just west of town. We stayed in a hotel once owned by Buffalo Bill himself. Good museums there too, though we were too late at night.

Once at Yellowstone, you're only 4.5 hours from Ogden UT... so you make that drive and I'll buy you a beer. Then you can take the *other* scenic way home.

My real advice... plan for at least 2 more days than you had, so you can meander and take in the West... it's crazy beautiful out here. Enjoy.

Corn Palace stop won't take more than an hour and the best part is it's free. The Badlands are worth checking out. Driving through Custer State park, Needles Highway, and Spearfish Canyon are all really cool scenic drives you can take. I'd visit Mt Rushmore and Deadwood way before Crazy Horse if you are short on time. . If you have time there are a lot of cool hiking trails too if your into that sort of thing.

 

[NorthDakota]

Added 5 new states to my list of places ive been last week.

In Maryland/DC for the next 3.5 weeks for work.

We got many posters in that neck of the woods?

 

[Blazers46]

Will be in the Anaheim/Disney area next week for 2-3 days. Anything I should do with the kids not Disney? I’m therefor work and the kids will be with the wife during the day, and we’ll be together in the evening.... ideas/suggestions?

 

[calvegas04]

Will be in the Anaheim/Disney area next week for 2-3 days. Anything I should do with the kids not Disney? I’m therefor work and the kids will be with the wife during the day, and we’ll be together in the evening.... ideas/suggestions?

there are several good breweries around Disneyland and Angel stadium

 

[ACamp1900]

Angel Game... all day