suggest a vacation locale?

sirdugh · #1 09-02-2009, 08:46 PM

When I was younger, my family was far from wealthy but my parents saved enough so that we could take an interesting vacation each summer. Now, my parents are approaching retirement age and have decided that they would like to resurrect this tradition with my family and my brother's family.

My wife and I have been very fortunate in that she is able to stay home with our two young children but it doesn't leave a lot of extra money for non-essential things (such as vacations......or basses

). Therefore, I'm pretty pumped about the possibility of a trip when all I have to do is pay for the travel for my family.

So, we have been generating ideas and I thought the wide world of TB might have some ideas. Here are some of the premilinary possibilities to this point:

Charleston, South Carolina, Yosemite, Maine, Outer Banks in North Carolina, Disney World, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Banff, San Diego.

Any ideas?

MysticMichael · #2 09-02-2009, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirdugh

Any ideas?

Sure, tons of 'em. What exactly are your selection criteria?

MM

sirdugh · #3 09-02-2009, 09:31 PM

ummmmmmmm, we are pretty wide open at this point. Sorry, I'm not much help. I'll give it a shot......

-kid friendly
-historically significant (i.e. smithsonian in D.C.) OR great location (near the ocean) OR geographically important (grand canyon)

I guess that didn't narrow it done much. I suppose I was just hoping for recommendations of places I might not automatically think about.

MysticMichael · #4 09-02-2009, 10:13 PM

OK. Then let me suggest a way to approach this that may at least provide you with a differently structured way of looking at it:

* Climate: To me, a vacation destination is HUGELY influenced by the prevailing weather that exists where you may want to go. You may wish to take a fishing trip into the Northwest Territories - but not in January. You may wish to camp out in the Mojave Desert - but not in July. You want to be physically comfortable.

* Culture or Nature? Is the main purpose of the vacation to "get away from it all" by escaping into Mother Nature? Or is it to "get right into it all" by experiencing all the historical/cultural artifacts of the major population center(s)? These are two very different types of vacation, and each is more or less exclusive of the other - unless you want to create two or more separate "legs" of the same vacation by scheduling some urban time followed by some rural time - or vice-versa.

* Get outside of the box: This is strictly my own deal, but I actually like to avoid the places where so many of the other vacationers are congregating (maybe because I've already "been there, done that"). In particular, I think Americans often never consider many of the relatively exotic locales that are right in their back yard, so to speak - just outside of our borders. For that reason, I liked your idea of Banff (for a nature getaway). I might also suggest Montreal (for a cultural immersion). The Canadian Maritimes could also be quite fun, as could British Columbia - for the same basic reasons. If it was December or January, I might suggest Bermuda, the Bahamas or Baha, for similar reasons.

* Kid-friendliness: Bear in mind that I'm a single guy without kids, so I'm coming from a very different place on this one. I actually think that virtually ANY vacation destination could be made very kid-friendly - depending on how the parents and other adults approach it (i.e. involving the kids in colorful activities that are characteristic of the locale, etc.). It doesn't have to involve rubbing elbows with eight-foot tall anthropomorphic licensed cartoon characters. And it doesn't have to cost a ton of money. (There! I confess my heresy! Do what you will to me, Disney!

)

I find kids to be extremely malleable and flexible, and believe that 95% of the time, they will be very happy and content to simply follow the adults' lead - as long as you give them a chance to do some of the hands-on, exploring type of stuff that they love...and you don't stress them out with heavy physical burdens like 20-mile wilderness hikes and other such no-brainer stuff...

So, what do you think of that?

MM

Rusty Chainsaw · #5 09-02-2009, 10:23 PM

Any reason why there's no overseas destinations on the list? You'll certainly find a lot of historical significance outside the US, with just as many nice beaches, kid-friendly places, etc. Plus you get the whole different culture thing, different languages, different money, different food, etc....

sirdugh · #6 09-02-2009, 10:28 PM

Thanks for distilling that down for me. You bring up some interesting points that I'm going to sleep on.

If what my parents are discussing pans out, we are going to be taking several vacations over the next few years culminating in a "big" trip to coincide with their 50th wedding anniversary. My guess is that we'll try to mix up the nature/city and warm/cool options.

I agree that you don't have to go far to have a nice trip. The guitar player in my band has a cabin on a trout stream (North Fork of the White River) in southern Missouri. He graciously allows us to use it whenever we want so we try to spend 2 or 3 weekends a year there. It is heaven.....

sirdugh · #7 09-02-2009, 10:31 PM

As far as overseas is concerned, it is not completely out of the question but the travel expenses alone are cost prohibitive.

My wife and I honeymooned in Ireland and we've always said that we'll take the kids there someday. I've been lucky enough to travel to ~15 countries and Ireland is by far the most beautiful IMHO.

TBrett · #8 09-02-2009, 10:58 PM

I work with a bunch of folks who have taken their kids to Disneyworld. Everyone had a good time, but it sounded stressful for the parents. Long line-ups for rides, tiring for the kids, etc. I agree with MysticMichael that kids are adaptive. They're natually curious, too. The Grand Canyon, for example, would be an experience they will always remember (I'd love to see it, myself). If foreign travel is too expensive then I'd say for sure think about the tremendous range of geographical phenomena in the US and Canada (Banff is really stunning, as are the east and west coasts of both countries, of course). A couple of weeks spent enjoying a gorgeous beach and taking day trips to various interesting locations would likely be more enriching than a commercial tourist resort. BTW, awesome that you get to spend time at your friend's place on the river - sounds wonderful (I could use a dose of that right about now!). Sorry to quote Maki but just my two cents!

ADbassman · #9 09-02-2009, 11:33 PM

Hey, you live in my town.

That being said, I'll just give you the method I use for picking my trips. Pick a cardinal direction and go that way.

6jase5 · #10 09-03-2009, 12:08 AM

Living in San Diego, I can say that it's a great town, but with kids it's just a tourist money suck. I look forward to taking my kids to geographically amazing places up in the mountains, Mammoth, Tahoe, etc. The big rat and the black and white whale will gladly take your money here in So Cal, but I think that you can do better. You know much better than I what your family would enjoy.

if you come west, I'll gladly help with suggestions and money saving efforts.

Phalex · #11 09-03-2009, 06:29 AM

Cruises are fun. You get to see more than one locale.

Yosemite is pretty awesome, though I had a better time at Lake Tahoe.

With kids, Disney will be sire to please, but it gets expensive FAST!

JimB52 · #12 09-03-2009, 06:38 AM

Rent one of those seaside mansions in Corolla or Duck on the Outer Banks. They can easily accomodate a large eatended family, and in the off-season they are relatively cheap.

Rusty Chainsaw · #13 09-03-2009, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirdugh

As far as overseas is concerned, it is not completely out of the question but the travel expenses alone are cost prohibitive.

My wife and I honeymooned in Ireland and we've always said that we'll take the kids there someday. I've been lucky enough to travel to ~15 countries and Ireland is by far the most beautiful IMHO.

Ireland's lovely.

Lived over there for a while, and all my family are there. I still miss it. It is true what they say about Ireland having shades of green that you just don't find in other places. Plus, the people are just so nice - you'll always get invited over to people's houses, where they'll fill you up with more tea, Kimberley biscuits and bacon sandwiches than you'll be able to handle.

It just makes me sad that so many people I meet over here have never left North America, when the world has so many other great places to see and cultures to experience.

From your list though, I hear the Outer Banks in North Carolina is very nice - my missus and her family used to go on holiday there, in one of the huge holiday houses.

sirdugh · #14 09-03-2009, 07:02 AM

I have to admit that Disney was one of my brother's suggestions. I could live without going there.

A cruise is on the table, possibly for this year. I've never been on a cruise and the prospect of being stuck on the boat for one or two "travel days" in a one week cruise seems a bit boring. However, I know a lot of people enjoy cruises so I'd be willing to give it a shot.

I think my last vacation illustrates the kind of thing that I'm looking for. We went to Charleston with friends about 4 years ago. We decided on Charleston as my uncle has a house there we were able to use. We all enjoyed the beach and the city itself. We found some great restaurants to enjoy the "low-country" cuisine. The aquarium was very nice. We went to visit the Hunley museum which was fascinating! My friend and I went deep sea fishing. We were on a boat with about 80 other people but we had a great experience and it was really pretty cheap. A good time was had by all. My son was very small but still frequently talks about how he wants to take his sister to the ocean.

sirdugh · #15 09-03-2009, 07:10 AM

I couldn't agree more about Ireland. Even as we were flying into Shannon, as I looked down from the plane, everything was electric green as far as the eye could see. The people were extremely kind. We stopped at the first castle as we left the airport, not realizing just how many of them there are.

I had been to Europe a couple of times before my honeymoon but had never been to Ireland. After visiting Ireland, I realized the mistakes I had made by not going the first two times. History and beauty with a population that aren't sick of tourists is pretty exceptional.

MJ5150 · #16 09-03-2009, 08:58 AM

San Antonio is a cool place to visit.

-Mike

sirdugh · #17 09-03-2009, 09:11 AM

Great suggestion (and great avatar, my dad's side of the family is from the 'burgh).

The company that I work for is based in Denton. Every couple of years, we have a "business" meeting that consists of a lot of eating, drinking, and a very short meeting. We went to San Antonio a few years ago and stayed right on the River Walk in a beautiful hotel. My wife and I had a blast wandering around the river walk.

I think I'll add San Antonio to the list as well. Thanks for all the ideas my bass brethren, keep 'em coming

MysticMichael · #18 09-03-2009, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirdugh

I have to admit that Disney was one of my brother's suggestions.

rant

Of course. Whenever there are kids involved, it always comes up. And often when there are no kids involved.

I'm sure it's a fun place, no doubt. But over the decades, the power of Disney marketing has become so pervasive and so omnipotent that at this point practically no American with kids can even conceive of a vacation destination without at least considering Disney. And for many less-than-creative types, it starts with Disney - and goes no further. No other thoughts can even enter the mind.

All I'm saying is that it's time to cleanse ourselves of the propaganda. Consider Disney if you're so inclined. But consider it on a level playing field with many other highly attractive options - destinations that might just reward a little independent research and outreach...such as you're attempting to conduct here.

MM

/rant

Passinwind · #19 09-03-2009, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirdugh

So, we have been generating ideas and I thought the wide world of TB might have some ideas. Here are some of the premilinary possibilities to this point:

Charleston, South Carolina, Yosemite, Maine, Outer Banks in North Carolina, Disney World, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Banff, San Diego.

Any ideas?

The Oregon and Washington coasts are pretty danged beautiful, and a side trip to my general neighborhood is easily done from either one. Forget any preconceptions on huge rainfall BTW, at least once you get to my side of the Cascades.

sirdugh · #20 09-03-2009, 10:01 AM

My kids are far from the "give me a corndog and force feed me processed entertainment" type (and I give my wife the vast majority of the credit for that).

They both have great imaginations and my son has a deep fascination with the natural world (loves volcanoes and dinosaurs among other things, he is a boy, after all).

They also appreciate good food. I heard cheering yesterday afternoon. When I went to investigate, I found out it was because my wife was making their favorite meal. Salmon, sauteed vegetables, and brown rice. (Off topic, but if anyone wants a grrrrrrrrreat salmon marinade, mix equal parts of soy sauce and REAL maple syrup.....mmmmmmmmm).

I guess what I'm saying is that I think they will appreciate a place where you create your own vacation (rather than have it crammed down your throat) and have some great food along the way. Wow, I think this is going to be fun.