Travel / Vacation thread

[dublinirish]

Very cold indeed. The boats were all covered in ice and it looked like it would be May before things thawed out. lol

lol yeah GH in winter is no joke

 

[IrishBryan77]

lol yeah GH in winter is no joke

Ahhh yes. Winter. Winter here is 8 months. 🤣🤣🤣

 

[dublinirish]

Iowans have discovered bóithríni in Ireland lol

 

[Irish2155]

The lady and I are looking to book an upcoming trip this spring to DC. We enjoy US history but neither of us have visited the Nation's Capital yet. Any recommendations on must sees/must eats while in town would be appreciated. We'll probably stay for 5 or so days.

 

[MacIrish75]

The lady and I are looking to book an upcoming trip this spring to DC. We enjoy US history but neither of us have visited the Nation's Capital yet. Any recommendations on must sees/must eats while in town would be appreciated. We'll probably stay for 5 or so days.

Following bc we’re planning a big family trip this summer for that exact timeframe of five days. I went in 5th grade as part of a school trip, but things have changed since 1999.

The thing I remember being most impactful was the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Changing of the Guard.

 

[Jimmy3Putt]

Taking the family to Antigua in Feburary.

 

[MacIrish75]

If anybody is looking for a cool spot for a couple’s trip, highly recommend Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville in Fort Myers Beach, FL. Great resort with all of the amenities you’d want and still have access to the shops and restaurants of FMB. Not what it was pre-Ian, obviously…but they’re making a comeback.

 

[ReesusCrist]

The lady and I are looking to book an upcoming trip this spring to DC. We enjoy US history but neither of us have visited the Nation's Capital yet. Any recommendations on must sees/must eats while in town would be appreciated. We'll probably stay for 5 or so days.

It's been about 10 years since I have been there, but I remember the two coolest things we did being the Air and Space Museum at the airport (SR-71, space shuttle, Enola Gay, Wright Brothers plane, etc.) and Mount Vernon. If you go to Mount Vernon, do NOT buy the rye whiskey from the gift shop. They say it is George Washington's original recipe, and it serves as a good reminder why so many people went blind back in those days!

 

[Punky]

Man, there's a million things to do in DC. As mentioned, Arlington and the Changing of the Guard, Mt. Vernon, Lincoln Memorial. Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument, all the museums on the Mall. Air and Space is a must see. The Supreme Court used to have tours, the National Archives, Library of Congress, National Art Museum. Years ago when we went with our kids, you could call your representative to get gratis extended tour tickets to the Capitol and the White House that were more extensive than the normal ones you get the day of, but I think I heard those might be no longer available due to security concerns. The National Cathedral is a great place to visit. Another good place for small kids is the National Zoo. Keep in mind that traffic there is a nightmare. The first day it took us an hour and a half to get to the zoo from our hotel. We were staying at a hotel in Virginia, after that first day we parked at a station near the hotel and took the subway everywhere we needed to go.

 

[Irish2155]

Man, there's a million things to do in DC. As mentioned, Arlington and the Changing of the Guard, Mt. Vernon, Lincoln Memorial. Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument, all the museums on the Mall. Air and Space is a must see. The Supreme Court used to have tours, the National Archives, Library of Congress, National Art Museum. Years ago when we went with our kids, you could call your representative to get gratis extended tour tickets to the Capitol and the White House that were more extensive than the normal ones you get the day of, but I think I heard those might be no longer available due to security concerns. The National Cathedral is a great place to visit. Another good place for small kids is the National Zoo. Keep in mind that traffic there is a nightmare. The first day it took us an hour and a half to get to the zoo from our hotel. We were staying at a hotel in Virginia, after that first day we parked at a station near the hotel and took the subway everywhere we needed to go.

Exactly, and we only have a 5 to maybe 7-day window to fit it all in. We might need to prioritize especially if we go to Mt. Vernon as I hear that is a day in itself. Lady is thinking it would be best to pre-arrange some things to avoid lines and waits, etc... She absolutely wants a tour of the White House.

 

[MacIrish75]

Ford’s Theatre was another thing that I think is a must do.

 

[Punky]

Exactly, and we only have a 5 to maybe 7-day window to fit it all in. We might need to prioritize especially if we go to Mt. Vernon as I hear that is a day in itself. Lady is thinking it would be best to pre-arrange some things to avoid lines and waits, etc... She absolutely wants a tour of the White House.

We drove there from Illinois on Sat/Sun, spent 5 days in DC, then the drove the next Sat/Sun to get home. Saw all the places I mentioned.

 

[T Town Tommy]

Just spent a week in the Jungfrau region of Switzerland. Flew out of Atlanta with the wife after the SECCG. Nothing like the Swiss Alps for mountains. Flying back through Copenhagen was a nightmare though. Going through passport check with 1,000 other travelers with only four workers checking your passport was a bit rough. Luckily we made the connecting flight on time.

 

[Irishdawg]

Enjoying Christmas in Punta Cana. Gotta escape the twin cities cold whenever possible.

 

[calvegas04]

The lady and I are looking to book an upcoming trip this spring to DC. We enjoy US history but neither of us have visited the Nation's Capital yet. Any recommendations on must sees/must eats while in town would be appreciated. We'll probably stay for 5 or so days.

Stay in Alexandria if you can, cool spot with a lot of old buildings and history. Traffic sucks in DC. Mt Vernon was great, the Mall was great with all the museums, Capitol tour was cooler than I expected. White House was a waste of time unless you are going to tour inside, the fenses are so far away you can't see much. Some cool Civil War battlefields within driving distance. Day trip to Guinness Brewery in Maryland, Annapolis and Fort McHenry. Some great Amish places around the area if you don't already live near some. Food was nothing to write home about, highlight was crab in Maryland.

 

[T Town Tommy]

Wife and I are headed to Naples, Italy in March. Will spend some time there then Amalfi Coast and Positano and then train up to Rome. First time in Italy and have heard mixed reviews, especially Naples. But I think it will be an enjoyable trip.

 

[calvegas04]

Wife and I are headed to Naples, Italy in March. Will spend some time there then Amalfi Coast and Positano and then train up to Rome. First time in Italy and have heard mixed reviews, especially Naples. But I think it will be an enjoyable trip.

Try and head north to the Dolomites if possible. Don't get robbed in Rome, also it is very very crowded. Heard Amalfi is pretty cool but crowded as well.

 

[IrishBryan77]

If anybody is looking for a cool spot for a couple’s trip, highly recommend Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville in Fort Myers Beach, FL. Great resort with all of the amenities you’d want and still have access to the shops and restaurants of FMB. Not what it was pre-Ian, obviously…but they’re making a comeback.

I love Fort Myers. I try to visit at least every 3-5 years.

 

[Blazers46]

The lady and I are looking to book an upcoming trip this spring to DC. We enjoy US history but neither of us have visited the Nation's Capital yet. Any recommendations on must sees/must eats while in town would be appreciated. We'll probably stay for 5 or so days.

I’m in DC maybe 60 days per year. Not sure where you are from but find a way to get in contact your local congressman’s office and see if you can get their staff to get you a private tour. You may not feel “special enough” but niether is your congressman usually. lol.

There are a few speakeasy’s I have found where I spend some time at. Decent night life. Winters I hate being outside.

I usually stay right across the river in Arlington. Slower and easier to navigate and I just uber into DC.

Georgetown is always fun. The area is decent and a change from DC.

Food I know the manager at RPM Steak so I usually stop by once per week.

Off the Record is a swanky place to have drinks, it’s usually a place I have met people for work meet and greet things.

So much to do, just depends on where you stay as well. I have a travel journal that has other places but it’s in my luggage somewhere…

Side note… when I’m bored I go to the local goodwill stores. Mostly all brand new stuff and name brands.

 

[T Town Tommy]

Try and head north to the Dolomites if possible. Don't get robbed in Rome, also it is very very crowded. Heard Amalfi is pretty cool but crowded as well.

Thanks. The Dolomites do look amazing. Maybe we can get to them during the trip.

 

[NDRock]

Just spent a week in the Jungfrau region of Switzerland. Flew out of Atlanta with the wife after the SECCG. Nothing like the Swiss Alps for mountains. Flying back through Copenhagen was a nightmare though. Going through passport check with 1,000 other travelers with only four workers checking your passport was a bit rough. Luckily we made the connecting flight on time.

Such a beautiful part of the world, maybe my favorite. So clean and beautiful. I wish we took care of our environment here like they do there.

 

[NDRock]

Wife and I are headed to Naples, Italy in March. Will spend some time there then Amalfi Coast and Positano and then train up to Rome. First time in Italy and have heard mixed reviews, especially Naples. But I think it will be an enjoyable trip.

I’m from Italian descent so I am biased when it comes to Italy. Really love the country and enjoy the chaos of it all. Have fun.

 

[Blazers46]

Going a on cruise and porting out of Galveston. I’ll be there for 2 days before sailing off…anyone have info on things to do in Galveston?

 

[T Town Tommy]

Such a beautiful part of the world, maybe my favorite. So clean and beautiful. I wish we took care of our environment here like they do there.

Agree. Beautiful and very well protected. Everyone should go if they get the opportunity to.

 

[IrishBryan77]

I’m from Italian descent so I am biased when it comes to Italy. Really love the country and enjoy the chaos of it all. Have fun.

So tell us without telling us you never stepped foot in an Olive Garden! 🤣

 

[T Town Tommy]

I’m from Italian descent so I am biased when it comes to Italy. Really love the country and enjoy the chaos of it all. Have fun.

I want to see authentic culture and so we decided to base from Naples. From what I’ve read, Naples seems to fit the bill with that. I have always wanted to go to Italy and it’s one of the few countries in Europe I haven’t been to so I’m really looking forward to seeing it.

 

[calvegas04]

Going a on cruise and porting out of Galveston. I’ll be there for 2 days before sailing off…anyone have info on things to do in Galveston?

If your going on Carnival use those two days to brush up on your fight skills. There should be a YMCA somewhere there.

 

[Blazers46]

If your going on Carnival use those two days to brush up on your fight skills. There should be a YMCA somewhere there.

NOT carnival. We actually went on a Carnival cruise last year and it was a floating SouthSide of Chicago. My kids called it a floating missions trip. My son was talking in front of the church a few weeks ago and introduced himself by saying he had been on multiple missions trips to the Dominican, Peru… Spirit Airlines and a Carnival Cruise… 😂

 

[Fbolt]

DC. Living in this area and yes, all the normal sites work, but here's an easy, not very well-known event- the USMC concerts/parades at 8th and I. You enjoy the Silent Drill team and band on summer Friday evenings. Badassery event. Here is a link:

https://www.barracks.marines.mil/Parade-Information/

Evening Parades at Marine Barracks Washington​

Event Overview
Marine Barracks Washington's Evening Parades are held nearly every Friday from May through August. This unique tradition has been hosted at the "Oldest Post of the Corps" for over 60 years. Beginning at 8:45 p.m., this 75-minute ceremony showcases the pride, professionalism, and esprit de corps of the Marine Corps. Guests experience military excellence with performances by "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, "The Commandant's Own" United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, and the esteemed United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. Admission is free, but reservations are required.

 

[calvegas04]

DC. Living in this area and yes, all the normal sites work, but here's an easy, not very well-known event- the USMC concerts/parades at 8th and I. You enjoy the Silent Drill team and band on summer Friday evenings. Badassery event. Here is a link:

https://www.barracks.marines.mil/Parade-Information/

Evening Parades at Marine Barracks Washington​

Event Overview
Marine Barracks Washington's Evening Parades are held nearly every Friday from May through August. This unique tradition has been hosted at the "Oldest Post of the Corps" for over 60 years. Beginning at 8:45 p.m., this 75-minute ceremony showcases the pride, professionalism, and esprit de corps of the Marine Corps. Guests experience military excellence with performances by "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, "The Commandant's Own" United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps, and the esteemed United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. Admission is free, but reservations are required.

Was hoping to see that when we went but they had ended a few weeks before we visited