Costa Brava on the Spanish Mediterranean coast, very close to Barcelona. Best food and the best beaches I ever experienced, and I’ve been all over the world, it was 1972 but I will always cherish those 3 weeks I spent there. Our gorgeous hotel was right on the crystal clear water.
Offseason Topic: Favorite Vacation?
- Thread starter AzzisBraids
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I've been to Hawaii twice. The first was before I was married (I have a brother in Honolulu), and spent time on Oahu, Maui and the big island. The second time, I took my wife, and we again went to Oahu, Maui (where we drove the Hana Highway) and Big Island, but this time we also went to beautiful Kauai, where we almost got stuck in the midst of a tsunami. A beautiful state, with such variety. Each island is unique.
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We could probably do a thread on NPs alone. Among those I've visited are Gateway, Acadia, Shenandoah, Everglades, Carlsbad Caverns, Petrified Forest, Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree, Sequoia/Kings Canyon, Yosemite, Lassen Volcanic, Crater Lake, Mt. Ranier, Olympic, Rocky Mountain, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Haleakala and Hawaii Volcanoes, plus a bunch of national monuments and national military parks. I'd still like to visit Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Glacier/Waterton Lakes and Denali. One of my most prized possessions is my Golden Age Passport.
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My favorite vacation was last year's trip to Florida. Specifically I went to Kennedy Space Center to watch a rocket launch. I've been a space geek all of my life and witnessing a launch was at the top of my bucket list. Finally time, money & the launch schedule came together. I spent 2 days at the KSC Visitor Center & still didn't see everything I wanted to see there. On the second day late afternoon I boarded a bus at KSC with other space geeks & we traveled to the viewing site which was about 2.5-3 miles from the launch pad (this is for safety). Luckily the day was very clear, no haze at all and the rocket launched right on time. It was the most incredible thing I've ever witnessed in person. I definitely want to do a return trip someday. :rocket:
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easy: Scotland. My wife and I went for 10 days in 2019, and in that time, we had exactly 2 hours of rain, total. That was on the 1st day after taking the red eye over, and spending the morning at Edinburgh Castle. After the rain stopped, we went back up to the castle for the Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo. Spectacular, and the rest of the 10 days were just as epic.
CL82
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A friend of mine very kindly offered me the use of his house in Maui. He didn’t have to offer it twice! Though I didn’t know it at the time, it turned out that his “house” ended up being a fairly substantial plantation with gardens, groves and beautiful grounds. The “house” had, if I recall correctly,14 guestrooms, 11 of which with attached baths.
We drove up the long, curving driveway and parked under the porte cochere where we were greeted by the property’s manager (think Higgins from the old Magnum, PI series) who gave us a tour of the house and introduced us to the cook/housekeeper. After some light refreshments, he showed us the substantial grounds via golf cart. He very emphatically told us whatever we needed just to let him know. That ended up being literally true. When Mrs. 82 joked that the only thing that was missing was a ping pong table (kind of an inside joke, referencing another vacation) one magically appeared on the lanai an hour or so later.
The food was amazing. The cook would meet with us to ask what we were in the mood for that day, typically we would just leave it to her discretion, and we were never disappointed. Mornings, she would go out into the groves and pick fresh fruit that she would cut up in a fruit salad for us. It was amazingly delicious. She would vary the location of the dinners as well sometimes in the dining room, sometimes on the veranda, sometimes in park-like gardens, always lit by hurricane lamps and tea lights, with fresh flowers on the table.
Every detail was immaculately managed. Throw even one piece of clothing in the hamper, and it was immediately washed, folded and put away for you seemingly moments later.
On top of all of that, it was in Hawaii, so definitionally it was beautiful. The house was situated on the hillside and had an infinity pool that overlooked the ocean. We almost felt guilty going out to tour beautiful Maui because the estate was just that stunning.
As the vacation ended, I joked with my wife that it was going to be hard to go back to the real world. I think that is probably our most memorable vacation, but there were others that were memorable more because of the people than the location.
We drove up the long, curving driveway and parked under the porte cochere where we were greeted by the property’s manager (think Higgins from the old Magnum, PI series) who gave us a tour of the house and introduced us to the cook/housekeeper. After some light refreshments, he showed us the substantial grounds via golf cart. He very emphatically told us whatever we needed just to let him know. That ended up being literally true. When Mrs. 82 joked that the only thing that was missing was a ping pong table (kind of an inside joke, referencing another vacation) one magically appeared on the lanai an hour or so later.
The food was amazing. The cook would meet with us to ask what we were in the mood for that day, typically we would just leave it to her discretion, and we were never disappointed. Mornings, she would go out into the groves and pick fresh fruit that she would cut up in a fruit salad for us. It was amazingly delicious. She would vary the location of the dinners as well sometimes in the dining room, sometimes on the veranda, sometimes in park-like gardens, always lit by hurricane lamps and tea lights, with fresh flowers on the table.
Every detail was immaculately managed. Throw even one piece of clothing in the hamper, and it was immediately washed, folded and put away for you seemingly moments later.
On top of all of that, it was in Hawaii, so definitionally it was beautiful. The house was situated on the hillside and had an infinity pool that overlooked the ocean. We almost felt guilty going out to tour beautiful Maui because the estate was just that stunning.
As the vacation ended, I joked with my wife that it was going to be hard to go back to the real world. I think that is probably our most memorable vacation, but there were others that were memorable more because of the people than the location.
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vtcwbuff
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We haved mini vacationed on the Cape for the last 20 or more years. We go in early October when the crowds have thinned. Our favorite pastime there is sitting on the beach in the evening with a good sub and a bottle of wine.
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Yeah, why would you guys want to go/come back to the real world after this but I'm intrigued of this ping pong table "inside joke" you and Mrs 82 have, referring to another vacation....is this something like what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas?
CL82
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Ha ha, no. We were in the Caribbean at a resort, and met a few other couples that we liked and spent the bulk of our time with. One couple in particular we really clicked with, Larry and Karen. (As I think about it, this could be the runner-up, for “most memorable vacation” as I could fill a thread with Larry and Karen’s stories alone (none of which are of the “Las Vegas” variety either.)Yeah, why would you guys want to go/come back to the real world after this but I'm intrigued of this ping pong table "inside joke" you and Mrs 82 have, referring to another vacation....is this something like what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas?
We were just finishing up breakfast, and Larry asked me if I wanted to play ping-pong, which was set up nearby. The night before he and I had played a few games are, which I had won. Larry was a big, athletic guy who was very competitive. Apparently the losses from the night before had stung a little bit so he wanted a rematch. I was just finishing up my coffee and was in a chill mindset so I told him I’d pass, but promised him a game or two later in the day. He was insistent, in a friendly, playful way. Finally, Mrs. 82 said she would play him.
Now, Mrs. 82 is petite, but is athletic and coordinated, particularly in racquet sports. I could tell, early on that Larry had decided he would take it easy on her. They started playing at a friendly pace, and Mrs. 82 won the point. Larry congratulated her, and started to play just a little bit harder. As Mrs. 82 won more points, you could see Larry trying harder and harder all the while trying to look like he wasn’t trying hard. The game quickly escalated in speed and intensity and drew a little crowd. After every point Mrs. 82 won, the group would laugh, and applaud, each time a little bit louder.
After she won the first game, Larry insisted on another. This game there was no pretense of chivalry. He was slamming it every opportunity and Mrs. 82 would just lob it back and wait for him to overshoot the table on the slam. Of course, the crowd was loving it, much to Larry’s chagrin. Mrs. 82 won the game by a significant margin. She asked Larry if he wanted to play another game and he responded with an emphatic and frustrated “No!” I laughed and said something like “it’s OK Larry, she’s a lot tougher than she looks. C’mon, I‘ll play you.” Larry looked up at me and said “No! I am not playing either of you.. ever… again!” pointing at us for emphasis. Mrs. 82, and I laughed and tried to encourage him to play a few more times over the rest of the vacation, but he would very insistently say “No! Never again!” we did a lot of other stuff with them over the week (also not of the “stays in Vegas” variety.) They were a nice couple with a great sense of humor.
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Portugal, last summer took a river cruise on the Douro River. If you are a wine enthusiast, this is a fantastic experience. The entire cruise is through the mountains and the views are spectacular. Also included a tour into Spain and a long visit to the city of Porto, the home of port wine. Spent several days in Lisbon and a couple of days in the mountains. We are certainly making a return trip.
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MdStang
Greetings From Geezerville
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A friend of mine is there now and she's been raving about how great it is there, she's having a wonderful time.
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Went to Daytona, Beach in my senior year (2007). Just off the beach was a castle with a huge courtyard and a band shell. The courtyard had 2 full length basketball courts. Lots of pickup games during the day.
About 6:00 the "big boys" came to play so we just sat and watched them. Some GREAT action.
Later around 9:00, some bands started playing in the band shell until about 1am. This happened every night we were there.
About 6:00 the "big boys" came to play so we just sat and watched them. Some GREAT action.
Later around 9:00, some bands started playing in the band shell until about 1am. This happened every night we were there.
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Yeah, I could go on about NP's. Some of my favorite are Crater Lake, Bryce and Muir Woods. I drive a Sequoia just because of Sequoia NP. My wife thinks I'm crazy. We have three left in the 48 states: New River Gorge NP, Voyageurs NP, and Isle Royal NP. I'm planning to get them this summer. I waited a long time, with a big price jump for Senior Lifetime Pass.
One regret is I didn't go to Lake Clark NP in Alaska. (I'm sure you know Dick Proenneke, and his PBS show "Alone in the Wilderness.") At the time we were in Alaska it cost $800.00 per person plus a 20% tip. There were four of us and I didn't want to spend the money. You left Anchorage at 7:00 am on a small plane, then took a sea plane to his cabin for 90 minutes and ended up back in Anchorage by 7:00pm. A park ranger lives in his cabin all summer. What a great job.
Bigboote
That's big-boo-TAY
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Can you introduce me?
Sunset Beach at Cabo San Lucas, Mexico...great place.
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CL82
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Sadly no. Bill passed in 2000. He was a great guy. Funny and kind hearted, despite an intimidating persona and a reputation for not suffering fools gladly.Can you introduce me?
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The Vineyard is my spot to recharge too, something about that boat. That ferry ride separates you from all your mainland troubles.
We have done a handful of other vacations in the last 25 years, but this is our usual summer vacation. Driving the Jeep out of sight on a Chappaquiddick beach, kids playing in the sand, a cigar, a beer and a book. Kids are 19 and 23 now, but they will be joining us again in June. Can't wait!
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2003, kids were younger then, left 4 A.M from CT to Niagara Falls for a few days, then off to Cedar Point for a few, onto Notre Dame (couldn’t pass it up) and then to Wrigley for a day game. Off to Mall of America for a few and then to Rapid City SD before heading to Bismarck, ND for a wedding. 2 weeks in total, drove home alone to regain sanity.
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My traveling partner (my son) and I have traveled the country extensively. We have hit most of the NPs, and I will concur that Muir Woods is great. This past year we walked the Appalachian Trail and while clearly not a vacation, we did see many great sites and attractions. (Send me a PM if you’d like to see the link to my pictures of that trip.)
I have never been to Hawaii, although I have two plane tickets to Hawaii that are still sitting in my email, but long expired. My son spent a month in Alaska and he said it was one of his favorite places to visit; northern lights, curling, dogsledding, etc.
We have also done the backpacking Europe thing numerous times, doing what we called urban backpacking, but the reality is we are more of homeless vagrants in Europe, sleeping anywhere, and rapidly losing weight. So many great places to visit with Italy at the top of the list, but loved Ireland, Romania, Berlin, Budapest, Greece, etc. We did hang out with the princes and the princesses of Liechtenstein, which was pretty cool. The Princess, “Ah, only Americans.” We ran with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain. Auschwitz Concentration Camp was a different end of the spectrum, as far as vacations go, but definitely worthwhile. And, we just barely missed getting arrested at the Vatican.
I will be leaving again for a nine week homeless trek through Europe following a New Jersey guitarist around very soon. Homeless and poor, with accommodations for one night out of the nine weeks that I will be there, not most people’s idea of a fun vacation.
However, my favorite trip was probably China, where I visited Beijing, Shanghai, and Mongolia. I was in Beijing in 1989, in Tiananmen Square during the student uprising, which some people accuse me of starting.
I have never been to Hawaii, although I have two plane tickets to Hawaii that are still sitting in my email, but long expired. My son spent a month in Alaska and he said it was one of his favorite places to visit; northern lights, curling, dogsledding, etc.
We have also done the backpacking Europe thing numerous times, doing what we called urban backpacking, but the reality is we are more of homeless vagrants in Europe, sleeping anywhere, and rapidly losing weight. So many great places to visit with Italy at the top of the list, but loved Ireland, Romania, Berlin, Budapest, Greece, etc. We did hang out with the princes and the princesses of Liechtenstein, which was pretty cool. The Princess, “Ah, only Americans.” We ran with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain. Auschwitz Concentration Camp was a different end of the spectrum, as far as vacations go, but definitely worthwhile. And, we just barely missed getting arrested at the Vatican.
I will be leaving again for a nine week homeless trek through Europe following a New Jersey guitarist around very soon. Homeless and poor, with accommodations for one night out of the nine weeks that I will be there, not most people’s idea of a fun vacation.
However, my favorite trip was probably China, where I visited Beijing, Shanghai, and Mongolia. I was in Beijing in 1989, in Tiananmen Square during the student uprising, which some people accuse me of starting.
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Could you introduce me to your friend?
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Sorry, I see you already answered that Q. But your description was almost as good as being there.
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1. Snow skiing. Park City, Utah
2. United Arab Emirates
3. Hawaiian islands cruise
2. United Arab Emirates
3. Hawaiian islands cruise
Visited Capetown on business 15 times (it never felt like work) and stayed at the Mount Nelson Hotel near the base of Table Mountain. I thought it was the most beautiful place I'd ever been until I went to New Zealand in Y2K with my daughters and their 2 classmates and parents. Then I became convinced NZ - the South Island especially - was definitely the most beautiful. It is a remarkable land of contrasts at every turn: one is in a lovely Swiss town, the next turn and you're in Ireland, and the next you're in the Fjords.
Top it off is the Milford Trek 5 days and nights of glamorous pack packing and staying in very comfortable lodgings along the way with dinners, beds, etc. ending in the Milford Sound reminicent of Puget Sound. NZ has everything; too bad so far away!
Monte
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Southern Germany , in the summer. Take bus rides through the Black Forest and the many hills and valleys.
Stop in Munich for a few days. Go sightseeing in the daytime, and visit the many indoor and outdoor beer halls at night.
A nice one day trip from Munich is to visit Hitler's hideaway: the Eagle's Nest. From high up on this mountain peak, you can see FOUR different countries, on a clear day.
Stop in Munich for a few days. Go sightseeing in the daytime, and visit the many indoor and outdoor beer halls at night.
A nice one day trip from Munich is to visit Hitler's hideaway: the Eagle's Nest. From high up on this mountain peak, you can see FOUR different countries, on a clear day.
Did you go here in the Bavarian Alps…………
It was the inspiration for the Disneyland castle. Driving south from Munich to the Alps is flat for several hundred miles until (on certain days when the atmospheric conditions are just right) you will see what you think are high banks of clouds in the distance but as you get closer you realize they are not clouds at all but actually mountains, much like the Rockies rising up out the Great Plains, it’s an awesome sight. Crazy King Ludwig of Bavaria built the castle in the 1800’s.
huskeynut
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We did Ontario, Canada for our honeymoon. Great sights and great food. Wonderful people.
Had a timeshare in Sedona, AZ for several years. Great vacation spot in February for two CT teachers. Hiking the Red Rocks of Sedona. Great restaurants right in Sedona on the main drag. Three times we went to the Grand Canyon. An absolute must see!!
We've done a few cruises to Caribbean. Enjoyed the clear blue waters.
Next year we are planning a 7 day trip to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Can't wait. Our community has a travel club that sponsors these trips like the Black Hills. We have done several day trips and 2 day trips since we moved here 7 years ago.
Next week we head up to Westerly, RI. Family reunion - wife's side of the family. Misquamicut Beach, fried whole belly clams, real Chowda, steamers, corn on the cob (if available).
Had a timeshare in Sedona, AZ for several years. Great vacation spot in February for two CT teachers. Hiking the Red Rocks of Sedona. Great restaurants right in Sedona on the main drag. Three times we went to the Grand Canyon. An absolute must see!!
We've done a few cruises to Caribbean. Enjoyed the clear blue waters.
Next year we are planning a 7 day trip to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Can't wait. Our community has a travel club that sponsors these trips like the Black Hills. We have done several day trips and 2 day trips since we moved here 7 years ago.
Next week we head up to Westerly, RI. Family reunion - wife's side of the family. Misquamicut Beach, fried whole belly clams, real Chowda, steamers, corn on the cob (if available).
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River cruise on the Nile from Cairo to the Aswan Dam in 1990, just after Iraq forces invaded Kuwait. The river boat had about 100 passengers, mostly Spanish and Italian tourists; we were the only people with children and 4 of only 15 Americans. My favorite time was one evening when the crew stopped the boat and tied it to a palm tree. The night was very warm and beautiful, with a bright moon and many stars.
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