What was your favorite trip in the U.S. or abroad?

[cordenny]

My husband and I have a 25th anniversary coming up next year and would like to make it special.

Would love to hear of a special vacation you had.

[Madelaine Amee]

About 5yrs ago we took a Princess cruise through the Greek Islands and spent several days in Istanbul, Turkey. It was an incredible trip and we absolutely loved Istanbul. Would I do it now with all the trouble in the world, probably not, but it was just incredible.

[retiredguy123]

Hawaii is the best place to visit in the USA. Going to any other country is a downgrade.

[queasy27]

It's a long haul to get there, but I can't say enough good things about Hong Kong. Fantastic architectural mix of the ancient, new, and colonial years. Delicious food, much of it available in street markets. Get a custom suit or dress made! Many shopkeepers, taxi drivers, and service staff speak English, which eases interactions. I'd recommend also visiting Macau.

It can be very hot depending when you go, and it isn't the cheapest city to visit.

[dnobles]

Alaska

[tophcfa]

St. John, the USVI is an absolutely beautiful place. Although I suspect the little island is in disarray after getting hit hard with duel hurricanes last year.

[Kenswing]

We did a 10 day cruise throughout French Polynesia. Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea and Rangiroa. It doesn't get a whole lot more romantic than that.

[Kenswing]

St. John, the USVI is an absolutely beautiful place. Although I suspect the little island is in disarray after getting hit hard with duel hurricanes last year.
We were there in January. It still looks a little beat up but they were back in business..

[Polar Bear]

Our favorite was a five week figure-8 around the SW US. Grand Canyon, Sequoia/King's Canyon, the west coast of California, Vegas, Canyonlands, Mesa Verde, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Zion, just to hit the high spots. :)

We're hoping an upcoming month long trip to Yellowstone, Teton, and western South Dakota will be even close to being as good. :)

I also agree that Alaska was wonderful.

[splashes]

Africa on a safari We went 2 times to the Serengiti Going again next year THe best trip ever We use African Dreams Safari for a private trip Excellent

[sirknor]

From Illinois to the Villages

[tomwed]

A 4 week vacation with 3 weeks on a re positioning cruise. The first stop was Spain and the last stop Venice. An extra week riding on trains ending up in Rome before flying home. This is an inexpensive way to travel.

[Chatbrat]

The best trip ever was when we did the great loop on our boat -7700 miles-leaving St Pete Fl--across Lake O-up the ICW -thru the Chesapeake-Lt into Delaware Bay-NJ coast to NY--to the Hudson- up to the Erie Canal RT into the Oswego Canal -Kingston On-left into the Trent Severn Seaway-Trent to Georgian Bay- False Detour Passage to Cheybogan Mi.-Mackinaw Isl--then to Chicago-Illinois River to the Mississippi River--to the Ohio= to -Tennsee River---Cumberland Kentucky Lakes -Nashville- to Mobile Bay=RT to New Orleans & then back to FL

Best time of our lives--used to commute from Fl to the Canadian waters & or the Erie Canal--did it for 6 years--with side trips to the Bahamas

[valuemkt]

1. 11 day Baltic cruise on Oceania - plus 3 days on front end in Stockholm and 3 on back end in Copenhagen - included 3 days in St Petersburg Russia

2. 1 week in Paris in a one bedroom flat in a residential area near Sacre Coeur

3. 12 day Mediterranean cruise from Venice to Barcelona

[John_W]

The best trip ever was when we did the great loop on our boat -7700 miles-leaving St Pete Fl--across Lake O-up the ICW -thru the Chesapeake-Lt into Delaware Bay-NJ coast to NY--to the Hudson- up to the Erie Canal RT into the Oswego Canal -Kingston On-left into the Trent Severn Seaway-Trent to Georgian Bay- False Detour Passage to Cheybogan Mi.-Mackinaw Isl--then to Chicago-Illinois River to the Mississippi River--to the Ohio= to -Tennsee River---Cumberland Kentucky Lakes -Nashville- to Mobile Bay=RT to New Orleans & then back to FL

Best time of our lives--used to commute from Fl to the Canadian waters & or the Erie Canal--did it for 6 years--with side trips to the Bahamas

That trips sounds like the best of both worlds, along the coast and along the rivers. How long did it take you and what size ship did you have?

[Chatbrat]

8 months- on a 49' Grand Banks Trawler--had to modify our bridge and drop our radar to clear bridges--if my body was still up to it we -would be back on the boat= adage was -back then when one day in the engine room-one day on my back--today it would be one week on my back==I was fortunate enough to do almost all the maintenance --this way we had real reliability--every day we were 50-100 miles -along the waterways

Honestly best time of our lives

[rustyp]

Our favorite was a five week figure-8 around the SW US. Grand Canyon, Sequoia/King's Canyon, the west coast of California, Vegas, Canyonlands, Mesa Verde, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Zion, just to hit the high spots. :)

We're hoping an upcoming month long trip to Yellowstone, Teton, and western South Dakota will be even close to being as good. :)

I also agree that Alaska was wonderful.
///

[fw102807]

About 5yrs ago we took a Princess cruise through the Greek Islands and spent several days in Istanbul, Turkey. It was an incredible trip and we absolutely loved Istanbul. Would I do it now with all the trouble in the world, probably not, but it was just incredible.

We did a Mediterranean cruise that went to Egypt back when it was safe. Seeing the pyramids was the greatest thrill of my life but like you, don't think I would do Egypt now. Barcelona however and the Greek islands were fabulous.

[rustyp]

The best trip ever was when we did the great loop on our boat -7700 miles-leaving St Pete Fl--across Lake O-up the ICW -thru the Chesapeake-Lt into Delaware Bay-NJ coast to NY--to the Hudson- up to the Erie Canal RT into the Oswego Canal -Kingston On-left into the Trent Severn Seaway-Trent to Georgian Bay- False Detour Passage to Cheybogan Mi.-Mackinaw Isl--then to Chicago-Illinois River to the Mississippi River--to the Ohio= to -Tennsee River---Cumberland Kentucky Lakes -Nashville- to Mobile Bay=RT to New Orleans & then back to FL

Best time of our lives--used to commute from Fl to the Canadian waters & or the Erie Canal--did it for 6 years--with side trips to the Bahamas

///

[John_W]

8 months- on a 49' Grand Banks Trawler--had to modify our bridge and drop our radar to clear bridges--if my body was still up to it we -would be back on the boat= adage was -back then when one day in the engine room-one day on my back--today it would be one week on my back==I was fortunate enough to do almost all the maintenance --this way we had real reliability--every day we were 50-100 miles -along the waterways

Honestly best time of our lives

Something like this, must of cost a few dollars to fill up.

https://78.media.tumblr.com/fd7b6d5467acf38b5e7684ea7f8264bb/tumblr_inline_p1oerk6XEW1v5vmp6_1280.jpg

[Chatbrat]

Fuel is the cheapest part of the equation--our stb transmission crapped out in Alpine Boat basin,just north of the George Washington Bridge $14K in 2000- had to be shipped to facility to be rebuilt--worst part was being stuck in NJ for 3 weeks

By the way John W we held 1000 gals of fuel--the best deal we used to get was when we buddied up with other boats and contacted a local home heating oil supplier---used to average 70 cents a gallon , by the way we used to average 2 miles to the gal @ 8kts

[redwitch]

My favorite trips seem to involve a lot of meandering — once planned to drive to Vegas. Ended up in New Mexico and the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Wonderful trip! Had a great time in Nassau with their “People to People” program. Kenya and Mt. Kilimanjaro were beyond awesome. Paris and discovering the Rodin Museum will always be a favorite trip (and very romantic).

I can’t imagine ever going on a cruise again. Hated that I couldn’t spend as long as I wanted on shore excursions. Ditto group guided tours (personal tour guides are a great way to go and usually much cheaper than people expect).

BTW, I really liked Hong Kong but truly loved Singapore. If I never go to China or South America again, it will still be too soon.

Basically, I think going to a locale that you have always wanted to see or something you’ve always wanted to do is the best, whether alone, in a group or whatever. Just make it a dream come true.

[manaboutown]

We flew to Nice, stayed in a hotel overlooking the Promenade Des Anglais, visited Monaco, its casino, and watched some pomp and ceremony. We actually met the optometrist who examines the eyes of the royal family. He overheard us chatting in American English at a restaurant and introduced himself. The royal family has its own optical examination equipment and never uses public stuff. He flies over there from the US and does the examinations. We went to a huge swimming pool almost adjacent Karl Lagerfeld's Monaco villa. About 50 of his models were there hanging around the pool, some topless of course. Then we rented a car and drove to Cap Ferrat, then Cannes where stayed at at a hotel in a suite overlooking the Mediterranean and took in a jazz festival, Frejus, and on to St. Tropez, staying there almost a week, very laid back, hit the public nude beach. Then we drove to Poitiers to visit friends of my daughter and stay in a nearby old Chateau, then Bordeaux, to taste wines at Chateau Mouton Rothschild and Chateau Palmer (my favorite winery), saw fireworks the night before Bastille Day in Bordeaux, then flew to Paris and saw more Bastille Day fireworks at the Eiffel Tower from the viewing deck of the Montparnasse Tower. We eventually flew home in time for our fourth of July. Great trip!

[Blessed2BNTV]

Great thread.

We brought my momma here three years ago when we retired and have been unable to leave TV for more than couple of days because of her health issues.

God called her home Tuesday morning. Funeral this weekend, then we are going to start traveling.

Please keep the traveling ideas coming.

I will miss my momma.

[PennBF]

We have traveld pretty extensively e.g. went to Tahiti twice in the last 2 years, rented a car in Paris and drove thru France to Italy and Tuscany where we rented a beautiful villa for a week before going on to Rome. Spent a great deal of time in Paris/France where I worked for awhile have taken 12+ transalantics, and many more experiences. I would say renting a villa in Tuscany is terrific and driving around the area is one of the favorites. Plans now are to go to Spain, and then to France, Italy, Greece and home. Will do this year. My feeling is you go to Paris for the beauty,
to England/London for historical tradition and Rome for history. Hawaii is good but too American. San Francisco is a great American city although there are many. This just stands out. Could go on when it comes to this subject.:bowdown:

[Abby10]

Great thread.

We brought my momma here three years ago when we retired and have been unable to leave TV for more than couple of days because of her health issues.

God called her home Tuesday morning. Funeral this weekend, then we are going to start traveling.

Please keep the traveling ideas coming.

I will miss my momma.

So sorry to hear of your loss. Mom's are hard to let go of, but I pray she is in a better place. Good to hear your optimism about your future. I'm sure that's what she would have wanted for you.

Speaking of moms, probably one of my favorite trips was when my husband and I took my mom to London to see her aunt. Since my aunt lived there at the time, we were able to be immersed in the culture more so than if we had stayed at a hotel.

Same thing when I went to France with my son and sister-in-law. We each stayed with a different French family on an exchange trip there. At first, I was leery about us all being separated, but it worked out really well because we were together almost every day anyway on sightseeing trips and other activities. It was a real treat when 3 years later those same families came to the US and spent time with us. They keep asking when we are moving to Florida. I think they would like to come back for another visit to check out TV........:)

[manaboutown]

Great thread.

We brought my momma here three years ago when we retired and have been unable to leave TV for more than couple of days because of her health issues.

God called her home Tuesday morning. Funeral this weekend, then we are going to start traveling.

Please keep the traveling ideas coming.

I will miss my momma.

My condolences regarding the loss of your mother. I have lost both my parents and it is tough.

Please plan some getaways and enjoy yourselves!

[queasy27]

(personal tour guides are a great way to go and usually much cheaper than people expect).

We hired a personal tour guide in Morocco and that was fabulous. Highly recommended for stress-free travel and local insight into the culture!

[Fredman]

Sea and ground to Alaska and cruise of all the European capitals

[dotti105]

Our best trip to date was a repositioning cruise from Honolulu to Sydney on the Carnival Spirit.
We started off by spending 3 days in Waikiki doing all the touristy things we had always avoided on previous trips to Hawaii.
The cruise was 17 days. We visited Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Figi. Our cruise ended in Sydney.
We flew to Cairns and drove to Port Douglas to visit the Great Barrier Reef. We spent a week there, in the water. Pretty incredible!
Then flew back to Sydney to spend a week. Cleanest city we have ever seen. Romantic, great food, fabulous new architecture with colonial British architecture side by side. The bridge, the Opera House. Australia is simply beautiful. We loved Australia.
Wonderful trip! Just too short!!

[Nucky]

Does that boat say Minnow on the back? It's just kidding around. That was some accomplishment.

My best ever was to The Cosmopolitan in Vegas. I'll never ever forget it. Got accused of card counting. Not true.

Blessed2BNTV we are very sorry for your loss. We wish you comfort & peace.

[Spikearoni]

Great thread.

We brought my momma here three years ago when we retired and have been unable to leave TV for more than couple of days because of her health issues.

God called her home Tuesday morning. Funeral this weekend, then we are going to start traveling.

Please keep the traveling ideas coming.

I will miss my momma.

I have been missing mine for almost seven years. She passed away on Father's Day in 2011. My heart goes out to you. Please accept my deepest sympathy. I'm sure that your momma greatly appreciated your devotion to her during the last three years. You were a wonderful son.

[manaboutown]

The best trip ever was when we did the great loop on our boat -7700 miles-leaving St Pete Fl--across Lake O-up the ICW -thru the Chesapeake-Lt into Delaware Bay-NJ coast to NY--to the Hudson- up to the Erie Canal RT into the Oswego Canal -Kingston On-left into the Trent Severn Seaway-Trent to Georgian Bay- False Detour Passage to Cheybogan Mi.-Mackinaw Isl--then to Chicago-Illinois River to the Mississippi River--to the Ohio= to -Tennsee River---Cumberland Kentucky Lakes -Nashville- to Mobile Bay=RT to New Orleans & then back to FL

Best time of our lives--used to commute from Fl to the Canadian waters & or the Erie Canal--did it for 6 years--with side trips to the Bahamas

That sounds amazingly memorable! Thanks for sharing.

[Chatbrat]

A unique portion of the Trent Severn is the last lock which is a lock in name only- a marine railway called "Le Grand Chute" where our boat was lifted over land and a roadway & slides on tails into Georgian Bay--again Wow !!!--THe Canadian waters are crystal clear, like the Bahamas-in our boating life we probably locked thru close to a 1000 times

Another great trip, was the year we went to Montreal,Quebec, Ottawa & Nova Scotia--were in Ottawa for Canada Day and then went down "The Flight of 7"--seven locks in a row that lead to the St. Lawrence Seaway--spent a few days @ Chateau Montebello--very classy & elegant--hotel/marina

[rjn5656]

15 day Trafalgar tour of Italy - exceptional.

[champion6]

7-day cruise, Alaska inside passage, Vancouver to Vancouver. If we do it again, we would lengthen it to add train/bus to Denali.

[ColdNoMore]

I have never been on a cruise, or even a day-long guided tour, because I want the freedom to do what I want...when I want.

I have however had some great trips, that because of the flexibility to follow whims...resulted in some wondrous discoveries off the beaten trail.

My favorites in order:

1. Aruba (Great people! motto: "One Happy Island")
2. Alaska by rail and automobile. (Unsurpassed scenery. Anchorage to Seward by rail a must. Also take the bus trip into Denali Park to Wonder Lake.)
3. Italy. (Driving a rental car in Rome, is something every 'adventurous' person needs to put on their bucket list :D)
4. Hawaiian Islands (favorite is Kaui)
5. Vancouver, BC (must include overnight trip up to Whistler/Blackcomb)
6. Cabo San Lucas (be careful swimming on Pacific side, STRONG undertow)
7. Playa del Carmen/Riviera Maya (not that far from Cancun, but might as well be a different country. Drive up and spend a night on the grounds of the Chichen Itza ruins)


Least favorites:

1. Costa Rica (San Jose doesn't have a system of named streets or addresses :oops:)
2. St. Croix, USVI (The phrase "Island Time" is often used to cover for just laziness. You drive on left with left-hand drive rental vehicles)
3. Cancun (way too many people/tourists. Pretty unsafe these days too)

[collie1228]

Ten days in Greece. Two days in Athens, three days on the island of Mykonos, three days on the island of Santorini and another two days in Athens. All arrangements were made by a travel company and everything went without a hitch. The only change I would make is to sharply reduce the time in Athens and add to the islands. Athens is not that great, except for the climb up to the Acropolis. The towns of Fira and Oia on Santorini are spectacular.

[rustyp]

Fenny - had to pack a lunch.

[ColdNoMore]

Fenny - had to pack a lunch.

:22yikes:


:1rotfl:


:popcorn:

[sallybowron]

Ireland and London!!!

[CFrance]

How much time do you have, what month will you travel, and approximate budget. We've done a great self-guided tour in Andalucia through Lemon Valley Holidays (http://www.lemonvalleyholidays.com/), southern Spain (Seville, Cordoba, Granada, Malaga). Not too pricey, all done by train, and hotel rez, itinerary, tickets, etc., waiting for you when you arrive. But you wouldn't want to do it in late spring or summer, Andalucia being "the frying pan of Spain." We've done it twice, once in Feb. and once over Christmas. The hotels are boutique (privately owned) and lovely.

[Carl in Tampa]

My wife and I traveled quite a bit after I retired, including many Caribbean, Alaskan and Hawaiian cruises.

We also enjoyed a couple of weeks in Switzerland, from which my ancestors came to America in the mid 1700s.

Most trips within the United States were driving vacations. One extended from Florida west to California and up to Canada. Another was Florida up to Cape Cod, over to Niagara Falls and into Canada, thence due south back to Florida. One of the more memorable ones was a flight to Denver from which we drove to Mt. Rushmore, west to the Devil's Needle, on to Yellowstone, to the Grand Tetons, and back to Denver for the flight home.

Which was the best?

Any trip when I was with my dear wife was the best. God took her ten years ago and I still miss her daily.

[geofitz13]

15 night cruise to Hawaii, out of San Francisco. An unbelievable trip for our 40th anniversary!

[Thnonne]

My wife and I just went on an American Queen paddleboat cruise on the Mississippi river in April and it was fantastic. A leisurely cruise with fantastic food and entertainment daily on the boat. Nice tours in the ports based on the antebellum south. There are various cruises available. Check it out.

[Bosoxfan]

Alaska

Agree

[manaboutown]

My wife and I traveled quite a bit after I retired, including many Caribbean, Alaskan and Hawaiian cruises.

We also enjoyed a couple of weeks in Switzerland, from which my ancestors came to America in the mid 1700s.

Most trips within the United States were driving vacations. One extended from Florida west to California and up to Canada. Another was Florida up to Cape Cod, over to Niagara Falls and into Canada, thence due south back to Florida. One of the more memorable ones was a flight to Denver from which we drove to Mt. Rushmore, west to the Devil's Needle, on to Yellowstone, to the Grand Tetons, and back to Denver for the flight home.

Which was the best?

Any trip when I was with my dear wife was the best. God took her ten years ago and I still miss her daily.

I love American Road trips. Your list of routes taken and places visited brings back some wonderful memories. Some of mine were by car or SUV, others by motorhome, a few into Mexico and also Canada. It was all good. Many were with our children who also tell me today they fondly remember our road trips.

[KimmieK]

River Cruise in Europe -- Uniworld - Castles on the Rhine in Spring (Amsterdam to Basel). You won't regret it. The Danube is wonderful too!

[ColdNoMore]

To the OP, as others have mentioned that when it comes to wondrous sights...don't forget a long road trip in this great country. :thumbup:

I have been fortunate to have visited all but 2 states, uncountable State/National Parks...and hope to mark the last two states off my list soon.

One way you might think of doing an extended road trip, is to rent one of these...and then just take off driving. :cool:


America's RV Rental Experts - Guaranteed Bookings - 24/7 Customer Service (https://www.cruiseamerica.com/)




.

[whitecd2000]

My Edie and are celebrating our 25th on Cumberland Island just off Amelia Island at the Florida/Georgia border, at Greyfield Inn. Give it a look

[wineguy777]

For an out of your usual comfort zone skip the USA. The most exotic would be a Safari! The worlds two largest countries China and India are great for a 3 week trip

[wyealbert]

Viking River cruise.

[Up North]

16 Day European River Cruise with Viking.

[Ashokan]

Without doubt, Israel and Jordan. When we got back, myy writing club asked me to write a travelogue about the trip. It ended up in 7 parts (including commentary and pictures), and is now posted on the internet. If you haven't been to those two countries, the trip is highly recommended. We went with Road Scholar last October.

Out Trip to Israel (http://www.lakesidepress.com/IsraelTrip.html)

[traveler9]

We just did a Retie the Knot ceremony for our 50th wedding anniversary at Sandals Barbados. We try to go to a different island(Sandals of course) every year. The Caribbean islanders are wonderful and the islands are great. Wonderful relaxing vacation!!Next year we are returning to Dandals Emerald Bay for our 2nd free week and can hardly wait to see that Caribbean blue water!

[Guitarman1951]

We were planning to spend part of our summer up north last year t escape some of our miserable summers here. We do this every year, usually long cruises somewhere, this year, a Great Britain Ireland cruise. But last year we wanted to leave here for a full month. We found renting an apartment in Paris for a month was cheaper than in the upper northeast US. So we spent a month in Paris and just loved it!! Can't get a more beautiful and historical city than Paris. Excellent subway, bus and train system, very cheap to get to anywhere in the city. If you want romantic and special, this is the destination.

[littlecabin]

My husband and I have a 25th anniversary coming up next year and would like to make it special.

Would love to hear of a special vacation you had.
Best ever trip - Cape Town and safari with Rhinoafrica travel. Half the cost of agencies here. Need at least 2 weeks, approx 10k total.

[Deanafoster]

Without a doubt, ITALY! It was AMAZING!!!! Rome, The Vatican, Sorrento, Capri, Florence and Venice. Used Perillo Tours. Our tour guide, Daniela, was a walking encyclopedia. Had her PhD in art history and was married to an architect. The architecture was breathtaking. Been on many other trips, including Alaska, Hawaii and Grand Canyon and none compared to Italy. I highly recommend it.

[joanb]

Alaska was fantastic, we did both land and cruise and another favorite trip was a European River Cruise.

[renpan]

European River Cruise through Viking top notch!

[gbhgirl]

We celebrated our 50th at Excellence Cancun in Playa del Carmen, adults only, all inclusive. Quick air flight, didn’t have to lift a hand. Be sure to choose excellence level room, top of the line. Enjoy!!

[denjanmichael]

We have traveled extensively and one of our favorite trips is right here in the good ole USA------American Queen has the largest paddlewheel boat which goes a speedy 12 miles an hour on the Mississippi, Ohio, and other rivers. Excursions are included in the price and they have their own tour buses which meet you at each small city stop on the river. Good entertainment, free beer and wine at dinner, and truly a floating mansion.

[Ashokan]

If you haven't been, I highly recommend Israel and Jordan. My wife and I went last October with Road Scholar. I posted a travelogue of the trip on line, with plenty of pictures.
Our First Trip to Israel (http://www.lakesidepress.com/IsraelTrip.html)

[UHH47]

We took a 6 week around the world trip.
Started the trip in October 2017 by flying Emirate Air from Orlando to Dubai, long flight. Then 5 nights in Dubai. First full day we took a half day city tour to get a overview of the city. From there we adventured on our own. Friendly people, good public transportation and taxi/Uber. Dubai is a very safe and modern city. The third day we took a day tour to Abu Dabi and on the last day a 4 wheeling desert sand dune trip.
From Abudabi we departed on a 15 day cruise, via 3 stops in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and ended in Singapore. Five day stay in Singapore before flying to San Francisco and staying in the Bay Area. The whole trip I didn’t have any problem with the English language, until I tried to order a coffee at McDonald’s in the San Jose California, Spanish only.
Fantastic trip. Would go back to the Dubai anytime. India was a once and only once in my lifetime. Shri Lanka needs more exploration. Malaysia was OK but would go back to Singapore.

[laryb]

We've done several 10-day cruises in Europe on 45/46 ft pilot yourself barges. Depending on the model, they come with 2,3, and 4 bedrooms, equipped with toilets, showers, full kitchens, and air conditioning. No experience necessary, you pilot the ship yourself, as they only go 6-7 knots. Some have bow thrusters to make maneuvering pretty easy. You set your own pace and itinerary, or they will help you with one. We've been on the locks and canals in France (Burgundy), Belgium (eastern), and The Netherlands (Amsterdam area).

[Bjeanj]

We flew in to Oklahoma City, rented a car and visited the memorial. Incredibly sad.

Drove Route 66 much of the way to Winslow, AZ. In spots it disappeared/merged with US 40. Amazing trip, because we drove thru or by Native American reservations, stopped at a ‘blue hole’, I think in New Mexico, with water so cold it could freeze you quickly! In Amarillo,Texas we ate at The Bix Texan where if you wanted to, you could sit at a table in the center of the room and try to eat a (900 pound?) slab of meat in one hour you got it free, and everybody watched to see if they made it. Don’t remember the weight, but it was a big sucker.

We veered up to Santa Fe, drove around, stayed at a really pretty quaint hotel downtown.

Stopped for lunch at a retro Route 66 restaurant which looked exactly what I would picture one of those would look like ‘way back when’. Along the way we saw Cadillac Ranch outside Amarillo, with Cadillacs buried nose down in the ground.

Stopped in Winslow, Arizona, where on the corner downtown was a mural painted on the side of a building of a girl in a flatbed Ford takin’ a look at (presumably) Don Henley- a metal statue of a man standing on the corner. Remember the son “Take it Easy” by The Eagles?

Drove just west of town to take a look at a HUGE crater created many, many years ago.

Went home, and we took the West to Further West trip on Route 66 another year, ending at the Pacific Ocean.

[Heidis mom]

If you would like to step out of the USA, Austria is so beautiful and you will see so many beautiful villages, castles, mountains and fresh air! The people are so friendly and most all speak English. Enjoy whatever your decision and congratulations on your 25th!!

[queasy27]

Consider Bali for a mix of relaxation/beaches, traditional spas, beautiful scenery, historical sites, and vibrant shopping. Such people may exist, but I've never met anyone who visited and didn't love it.

[salpal]

Viking River Cruise in China!

[islesto47]

We have been on many cruises with Princess and all were great, we have one coming up in July, and this is to the Baltic area and a 2 day stay in Russia, looking forward to this adventure.

[newknees12]

Totally agree about an African safari. We did one in South Africa - Pilannesberg National Reserve. Have been to 50+ countries and SA and safari are at the top of my experiences.

[Tom C]

Our favorite trip was from Amsterdam to Budapest with Viking River Cruises. I can not say enough about how wonderful the trips are and how the DO NOT nickel and dime you. All trips are inclusive in 90% of the side excursions. There are a few things that could cost your money if you wanted.

The trips are very informative and the boats are small - I will never get on another one of those floating cities! We are adventure people, not sitting people.

Best of luck choosing from all the wonderful options!

[Barborv]

Hi, I have been all over Europe and I have to say , the Globus trip I took to Italy was fantastic. It was called the best of Italy. I love history and seeing the Coliseum, The leaning tower of Pisa, The Sistine Chapels, The David, The Spanish Steps, Pompeii, I could go on and on. I've been on cruises , but doing a Globus Tour, you make friends and have such a great time. We did another Globus Tour last summer to Eastern Europe which was good and also very historical especially from WWII.WE ACTUALLY MADE VERY CLOSE FRIENDS ON THAT tOUR AND HAVE GOTTEN TOGETHER WITH THEM not to long ago and are going on a cruise to the Baltics and St. Petersburg Russia with them this summer. I've taken a cruise to Alaska, and Eh, It was ok, There's just so much wilderness you can see. I never have done a river-cruise, and heard those are nice. Hope this helps, but definetly check out some of those land tours by Globus, Trafalger, etc. Everything is done for you. The only thing you have to do is get up to have breakfast! LOL

[Barborv]

Im doing that Baltic cruise this summer on the Norweigan and two days in St. Petersburg. Any tips or recommendations?

[sail33or]

Well this turned out to be a contest I see. Well we went up in the space shuttle then took a hot air balloon trip around the world stopping in every single country.

[Polar Bear]

Well this turned out to be a contest I see. Well we went up in the space shuttle then took a hot air balloon trip around the world stopping in every single country.
So earth is the only planet you visited? :)

[Regor]

Our favorite trip is still going on! Of the 3142 counties here in the U.S., we have visited 2398 (76%) of them! We have done this while geocaching, so it means that we actually have to stop in each county and get out of the vehicle and find a hidden cache. We have plans to complete OK, KS and IA this year (197 more).

[Bjeanj]

Our favorite trip is still going on! Of the 3142 counties here in the U.S., we have visited 2398 (76%) of them! We have done this while geocaching, so it means that we actually have to stop in each county and get out of the vehicle and find a hidden cache. We have plans to complete OK, KS and IA this year (197 more).

Wow! Quite an achievement!

[manaboutown]

This is a great thread. It is engendering ideas of where to travel next!

Thank you, OP!

[Ecuadog]

Our favorite vacation was years ago at the Kona Village Resort on the big island of Hawaii. It was the ultimate "get away" resort. No phones, no radio, no television and no A/C in the individual huts or "hales". Everything was included except alcoholic beverages. A tsunami destroyed it in 2011, but it might be back in the summer of 2019. Here's hoping.

[600th Photo Sq]

Well this turned out to be a contest I see. Well we went up in the space shuttle then took a hot air balloon trip around the world stopping in every single country.

Curious how much did it cost, and what was the duration.

Thank You in Advance

PS: Which tour company and contact information. Thks

[Barefoot]

***

[KSSunshine]

Im doing that Baltic cruise this summer on the Norweigan and two days in St. Petersburg. Any tips or recommendations?

We booked a day into Moscow via train and then 1.5 days in St. Petersburg. I would suggest watching the Ekatrina (subtitles) on TV (we get through Prime) to help with understanding a huge part of Russian history & pride, as well as to get a glimpse into that period of time. (Also read Catherine the Great, but it's incredibly long and tedious in parts).

We'll be in St. Petersburg via Royal Caribbean on July 24-26th. Would have loved to meet you, but maybe on another cruise!

[Ingenuity]

My favorite location is Mallorca Spain. It is the largest island of the Balearic Islands. The capital is Palma with a gorgeous cathedral. The history, beauty, and beaches are amazing. Very romantic.

[My Post]

Love Majorca. Did you notice the lack of clothing on the beaches?:jester:

Sometimes good, sometimes bad.

[Ingenuity]

LOL no worse than other places.
:pepper2:

[rjn5656]

What great experiences everyone had. And each meant something different to each of the posters. Some great ideas for future trips. Thanks to all.

[aaffmom]

Scotland. Absolutely the best. Beautiful and so much history. We rented a car and drove everywhere. Got a GPS and pre- programed.

Did the same thing in France and UK.