Thursday, July 16, 2009

Help plan our trip

So, this fall Torsten and I are hoping to take a week off of work and go on some sort of relaxing vacation. This would happen either in early September or sometime in October, more likely the latter. We have a few parameters, but they are basic, and as of yet we have no idea where we want to go.

So, that's where you come in! What were some trips you've been on that you loved? Trips that you've been dying to take forever? Trips that you think would just absolutely be perfect for us? Trips that are especially good in fall?

Here are the parameters:
  • It can't be wildly expensive. For example, we considered an Alaskan cruise, but to do it right (i.e., take a one-way glacier cruise with a balcony cabin) would cost about $3,000, and we don't have that kind of money. We could do it the cheap way (round-trip with an inside cabin) for about half that cost, but it's the kind of thing we'll probably only do once, so we'd rather wait until we have more money and then spend the cash on doing it the best possible way.
  • It needs to be somewhere in North America. Preferably somewhere to which we can fly direct from Denver, and for not too much money.
  • It needs to be relaxing. No insane rushing around trying to cram too many things into a too-short trip. And nowhere where we run the risk of being caught in an early-season snowstorm.
See? Not so many parameters. We are really quite flexible. Every idea we've come up with sounds like it would be fabulous, but nothing except the Alaskan cruise (which I have always wanted to do) really made us both be like, YES. But we just do not have $3,000 to drop on a week-long vacation right now.

Other places we have considered, and not ruled out:
  • Mexico (maybe Puerto Vallarta?)
  • San Francisco
  • New York City
  • Maine
  • Vancouver
  • Belize
  • A road trip north through Wyoming, Montana, and the Dakotas, or maybe west/south through New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah (bonus: we could bring the dog, I think, depending on the availability of pet-friendly hotels)
  • Hawaii (again, too expensive, I think, though I haven't looked into it and I have heard that there are cheap deals to Hawaii right now)
  • Random last-minute deal we find on Travelzoo to who knows where, as long as it's cheap and nice
So, what do you think? Should we go to one of these places? Or somewhere else altogether? What do you recommend?

53 comments:

  1. I'm itching to get back to the Oregon Coast, and fall is a great time if you don't necessarily need the weather to be sunny and warm (although it certainly could be, especially if you end up going in early September or make it a road trip and hit the southern coast - even in October the weather might be decent). I've only been to the Cannon Beach area once, but I am itching to explore some of the coast south of there as well. Travel options could be a road trip from Denver, so you could totally bring Montana as you could easily find dog friendly hotels. (I've got a great recommendation for Cannon Beach if you're interested). Or you could fly into Portland and rent a car. Cannon beach is about 90 minutes from Portland, and you could explore some of the coast south of there via car as well. You could also check out Astoria either on the way to the coast or on the way back to Portland as well. Or could do a combo Portland/Oregon coast trip, which would be great as well.

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  2. I've been to Belize. Everything is very expensive once you get there because they import it. Especially on the cayes.

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  3. Vancouver is pretty awesome. I might be a little bit biased because I live here, but it really is an amazing city.

    I have lots of people tell me their trip to the oregon coast was fantastic as well.

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  4. Here's the thing about traveling - so long as you truly unplug from work and go together, it almost doesn't matter where you go, because you'll be able to enjoy some uninterrupted time with each other. If you can wait, we'll certainly report back about our road trip out to Montana (which will include driving through the Dakotas).

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  5. I have to recommend Mackinac Island, MI. You wouldn't be able to fly there direct; you'd probably have to fly to Detroit and then drive the rest of the way, but I promise you it would be WORTH IT. Talk about relaxing! The island doesn't have any motorized transport, so it's really peaceful. My husband and I were there in September, and the weather was perfect. Any later than that, though, and you may run the chance of running into one of those early season snowstorms you mentioned!

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  6. Where is Seattle on that list? AHEM.

    I'd do Vancouver. Vancouver is LOVELY. I would like to live in one of its sky high condos, within walking distance to Stanley Park. I'd rather go to Hawaii (costs too much to get there) or New York (costs too much once you're THERE) but Vancouver sounds just right. I like the Oregon coast too, but whenever I go the weather blows. LITERALLY! Ha. I'm hysterical. But wait I'm still being offended Seattle isn't on that list. Will now take my leave.

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  7. If not for your guideline of no early-season snowstorms, I would recommend Banff, Alberta. It's beautiful, relaxing and not too far from home for you.

    On our honeymoon, we stopped in Moab, Utah which was fantastic.

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  8. Vancouver? For some reason, I've been really wanting to go there lately!

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  9. Charleston, SC! I don't know if there is a direct flight, but I think the culture. food, and history of this place are completely underrated...very romantic and beautiful.

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  10. I've been to San Fran and Vancouver. Both were lovely. I would love to go to Hawaii, but all your options sound really good.
    Maine might have one of those freak snowstorms though.

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  11. We went to the Oregon coast last year in September and I adored it. Beautiful!

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  12. Another one of my fave vacation places is the gulf coast, near Destin, FL.

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  13. Go to New Mexico...Santa Fe & Taos are just a short drive away. It's so peaceful, a lot to see and delish food. And it's only abot a 6 hour drive from Denver. I live in Boulder Cnty and we make it a point to go there at least once a year.
    -Vicki

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  14. Ooh, if you went to Mackinac, you could fly into CHICAGO and see us first! Do that!

    Alternatively, that would be a lovely time to fly into Boston or Providence and drive up into NH/Vermont for leaf peeping. And South Carolina is a great suggestion, too- you could do like Kiowah Island and Charleston- pretty pretty pretty.

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  15. Sorry, I forgot to give you a suggestion. I was trying to make this same decision recently, and I settled on Vancouver over labour day weekend. Hawaii is really amazing and a bunch of people in my office are going (I'm in CA). Also, I'm not sure if you can find the same deal, but my co-worker just got $239 tickets to Argentina on Mexicana.

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  16. I went to Vancouver for the first time in March, and it was a fantastic vacation. Do you read Hillary's blog? She lives in Vancouver and was SOOOOO nice to put together a huge email of suggestions for things to do. It made our trip awesome. You can also drive to Whistler, site of 2010 Olympics mountain stuff. The Peak 2 Peak is totally worth the money.

    As an Oregonian, I think the coast is beautiful too, but there is no way you'd get me there for a vacation in October. You're pretty much guaranteed rain and clouds. If you like that sort of thing, it would be a fun, laid-back vacation.

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  17. San Fran is a great idea, you can drive on the Pacific highway and get some great views. San Diego is another option, they have a lot of things to do but it is not "in your face".

    I would also recommend the North East because in October the fall will be lovely. You can do some apple picking and they have some great B and Bs.

    I haven't ben to the Pacific Northwest but that would also be lovely.

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  18. I love recommending vacations because I feel so strongly about one place in particular.

    My favorite FAVORITE place to go in the late summer/early fall is New Hampshire, specifically The White Mountains. We honeymooned there, and also took the kids back about 2 years ago. There is so much nature and relaxation…I love it. Our favorite part is the train rides, but I think you would be surprised at how much there is to do, or not do, as the case may be. I wrote about our NH/ME trip on my old blog here , and here is The White Mountains Website Also, a link to where Hub and I stayed on our Honeymoon, which was TEH Awesome

    I tell everyone I know to go there. If you are considering it and have any questions, let me know.

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  19. I lived in Vancouver for six years, and can attest to its awesomeness. I could even drive down and meet you!

    I've always wanted to go to New York...

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  20. I'm voting for San Diego. I am dying to get back there - I went for work and DH didn't get to go. There is SO much to do in that city!

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  21. OH WAIT - Cassie is right. Forgot to campaign for my home state! Mackinaw Island is amazing, and you cannot beat the Upper Peninsula in early fall. There's lots to do on the island (including awesome biking!) and it's truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

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  22. I live in SF and would certainly recommend it, but I think of it as exciting and vibrant, not quiet and relaxing. That said, as soon as you get OUT of the city, Northern California is a tranquil paradise. Napa/Sonoma? Monterey or the northern coast? Just driving the PCH is bliss.

    If you do come out this way, I would be more than happy to provide a list of things to see and do. Options, not things to be crammed in.

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  23. NYC and Hawaii are always good. If you decide to visit Mexico, why not spending a day or two at Cabo San Lucas? I love it there!:) If you wanna go to Canada, I heard Vancouver and Montreal are nice.

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  24. I meant to say it would likely be GORGEOUS in October

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  25. Hmm.... those all sound great to me, but I've been having the urge to TRAVEL ANYWHERE so I'm probably no help.

    Around here, we usually go to Gatlinburg, Tennessee for a couple days as a short vacation. You can rent a cabin in the mountains (they often have hot tubs and whatnot) and there's hiking trails and stuff. You can always walk the strip which is the typical tacky kind of shopping.

    Anyways- can't wait to see where you guys go!!

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  26. I love Tulum, Mexico. It's about an hour outside of Cancun and SO PEACEFUL. Best vacation ever. (Take that with a grain of salt since I don't vacation enough.)

    I second fairydogmother's suggestion of the Oregon coast. It's spectacular, restful and if you have not been to Portland, you definitely should. Great city!

    I've been itching to visit the east coast and hope to do a big trip out there eventually so I can see Maine, NY and other states.

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  27. Come to Maine!!!! It's leaf peeping season; gorgeous weather! And I'll take you to my light house!!!

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  28. Another plug for the Oregon Coast! Sept/Oct is usually a great time to be there. The weather will either be sunny and crisp or big storms will blow in and you'll get to watch it happen. The sights are amazing. Truly one of my favorite places.

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  29. What about the Pacific Northwest? The Oregon coast is really pretty and not stormy during that time, and you could definitely find a relaxing, affordable beach house. There's plenty to see and do...caves, aquariums and such.

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  30. I was going to suggest Vancouver, even before I got to your list. I've never been there, but it is on my short list of places to go soon(ish), I hope, and if you go first, you can tell me what to see there! :-)

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  31. Well, in case you're tabulating votes, I have to add one for Santa Fe/Taos. They're such an escape from the everyday. LOVE.

    and I'm partial to San Fran because we took our week-long honeymoon there. We didn't have a ton of cash so we found it relaxing, not too "hustley-bustley."

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  32. San Fran is lovely that time of year. Just lovely. A wonderful city where you don't need to feel rushed to do things. Do a few days in SF and combine that with a few days in Napa or Sonoma (beautiful scenery, and you can get all relax-y and whatnot). I'm in MD, btw, and I truly enjoyed my SF trip last year and miss it terribly!

    - Mon

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  33. Vancouver! I'm biased because I live here but it truly is a great city to visit.

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  34. It's pretty hard these days to spend less than $3,000 for 2 people for a week, especially if you're not camping or couch surfing!

    That said, Mexico is super cheap in the fall. Check out Sayulita, which is just north of Puerto Vallarta. We went there in March. It has no real "resorts," rather you can rent a whole house very affordably - some with pools, even! It's very chill and chock full of Colorado people who vacation there, so you will feel very much at home :)

    http://www.sayulitalife.com

    After our recent road trip, our next vacation is going to be all about staying in one place and relaxing!

    (Oh and I've been to Belize, too - loved it. I think we spent about $3K on that trip and it was 10 days! Let me know if you want info on that as well.)

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  35. I second Santa Fe - you can easily drive there and they have amazing food, galleries, and all kinds of other stuff to do.

    Or how about San Antonio? A flight there is fairly quick and might not be too expensive. The beaches might not be too crowded and still warm. Plus there is lots to do there and they have good food too.

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  36. im planning an august trip to maine right now. we're flying into boston, spending a few days there, driving up the maine coast, driving around through new hampshire, then flying back out of boston. it has been relatively inexpensive so far.

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  37. What about the maritime provinces in Canada? I'm partial to PEI, but Nova Scotia is supposed to be lovely as well. I've heard the Cabot trail is quite beautiful and that Halifax is a great city to visit.

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  38. Have you ever been to Lake Tahoe? It's simply gorgeous. Or in CA, the Redwood forests are stunning, magnificent and gorgeous for lack of better terms. Grand Canyon? Arches National Park?

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  39. Banff. Lovely, lovely, LOVELY place. And since it's Canadian, more bang for your buck!

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  40. Or don't do Vancouver; instead go to Vancouver Island and do the entire island - Tofino, Victoria, SaltSpring Island, Quadra, Nanaimo, Duncan...there's tons more. Oh MAN - I lived in Nanaimo for 6 years about 10 years ago and I still miss it! I've made the fiance promise to go there as soon as we have our drivers license :) I will be SO jealous if you decide to go there! (lol)

    Seriously, look into it!

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  41. If Hawaii works with your budget, I'd say go for it. I went a few years ago, and it was gorgeous. We were on the Big Island, had plenty to see and do, and lots of time on the luscious beaches as well. Go to the volcano!

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  42. The mountains of North Carolina are really pretty and really affordable. You could stay at a nice bed and breakfast or spa there for cheaper than a lot of other parts of the country, and there is good hiking, and you can tour the Biltmore. And my parents live there and they are pretty cool.

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  43. I hear the Carolinas are amazingly beautiful, but somehow, going on a road trip around the West sounds awesome too.

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  44. Honesty everything on your list is shouting Destin, FL to me. I had never been there before but it was glorious. The most beautiful beach that I have EVER been to in any country. It is quiet and relaxing. Plenty of restaurants and a night life if you want it. Plenty to do and see and relatively inexpensive.

    We did a deal through Orbitz, although I do not recommend them, and got the flight, car rental and condo for a little over $600 per person. The condo was fabulous (Sandpiper Cove in case you're interested) and it was heavenly relaxing, the perfect place for unwinding and getting away in expensively!

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  45. Do a road trip. There's so much yet to see in the area you just moved to!

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  46. I vote roadtrip. Have you ever been to Yellowstone? My parents used to live in Idaho and I begged to go to Yellowstone every time I visited them. It's so incredibly gorgeous. I just love that part of the country.

    There's a resort type place in Pray, Montana called Chico Hot Springs that is one of my favorite places on earth.

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  47. Yellowstone!!! If you haven't been there, it's a decent drive from Denver but SOOO worth it. It's amazing!

    Or the Canadian Rockies. Places like Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper etc. are ALL amazingly beautiful! I can send you pictures of my time up there- simply incredible!

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  48. Hey just an fyi if you take an AK cruise you don't want to do it so late in the yr. That's where I grew up and the time to do it is now (july or August) for nice weather and at least a better chance of not getting rained on. I've always thought Belize would be amazing but haven't gone.

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  49. I can highly, highly recommend San Francisco and northern Arizona. Those would be my votes.

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  50. Maine! October is beautiful in New England! And I will visit you!!!!

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  51. Well, I changed my plans! I was looking at pricing for Vancouver and the hotel costs are pretty high-complained to my dad who then said that my mom really wants to go back to Hawaii. I have so much work in October (training in Baltimore, end of my closing season) that I can't really go on the India trip I really wanted-so we're going to Hawaii the week that I have Veteran's day off. The costs are going down a lot since we'll be sharing the cost of the car, condo, etc..

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  52. Maine. *shudder*

    I vote for Vancouver, or as your first commenter suggested, the Oregon Coast. Cannon Beach is a beautiful little place and not nearly as crammed with tourists in fall as in summer. If you go in winter you can see some amazing storms. It's also nicely close to Portland for flying so you could do a day or two in Portland on either end of a few days in C.B.
    Plus, in Portland, you could visit Powell's bookstore which is HUGE and fabulous!

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  53. Come to Nova Scotia. It's affordable, there are lots of activities, we're surrounded by the ocean and it's absolutely gorgeous. Halifax is a fun city. The people are friendly. And the whole province is beautiful. There is something for everyone. Maybe I'm biased. I work for Tourism. But I've lived everywhere. And I love it here.

    check us out www.novascotia.com. And if you want to here some great testimonials visit our contest page where we have over 50 video submissions from people telling us what they love about Nova Scotia!

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