I wanted to go one place on vacation, and my H wanted to go to another. We settled on Paris as it was no one’s first choice but we felt we should go to one of the world’s major cities. We absolutely loved it, and have gone back twice. Just wonderful. And rudeness? We’ve never seen it.
Another wonderful surprise for us was the Isle of Skye. I thought it would be very modern and touristy, but it was a place out of time. Even the language was from a dream. We both loved it.
@Niquii77 I’m so jealous. My family is a total Disney World family. We try to go about every three or four years, I can’t even imagine being able to go whenever!
I’m going to say Woodstock in Bethel NY. As much as I historically love Woodstock and the 60s, I didn’t imagine it’d actually be a fun place to visit - I’m not super into nature or those small artsy little towns - but the museum was SO much fun, visiting the field where the concert took place was incredibly cool, the area was so peaceful and beautiful… only issue was having literally nowhere to eat, but we threw something together in the end.
India.
So many people hate it. So many complain about it. I was, frankly, worried the first time I went there. Yet for every difficult moment in India (and there were plenty) I experienced about ten amazing ones. It’s a mind blowing country, in every possible way. Lucky for me, the positives BY FAR outnumber the negatives.
I di not think I would hate visiting my parents in Florida ( gulf side) , but I did not expect to really like it. to my surprise I loved it. I really could see spending time down there in the winter after we retire.
Just returned from a Danube River cruise and was pleasantly surprised just how friendly and picturesque some of the small towns in Germany were, especially Passau and Regensburg.
I didn’t think I was going to enjoy Disneyland/California Adventure but ended up really loving it. I can’t think of another place that allows you to completely disconnect from every day life and feel like a kid again.
I visited Disney World a few years ago but did not find it as enjoyable.
I didn’t expect to hate Albuquerque, but I didn’t think to like it either. But surprisingly I really enjoyed the city. I was motivated to like it since our daughter is working there this summer, and may end up being there for an extended period after fall semester. We can’t wait to go back to visit.
@rebeccar You’d think we’d go more often, but we try to at least twice a year. I don’t think I will ever grow tired of Disney World. Glad to see another Disney lover. 
Cincinnati. I lived in Dayton for a year and spent a lot of time in Cincinnati on the weekends. Took in many Reds games, going up to Mt. Adams for the view. The restaurants on the Ohio River were a nice attraction. Oktoberfest and the Labor Day fireworks were awesome. Great family oriented city that’s off most travelers’ radars.
I thought Tasmania would be a bit boring…absolutely loved it. We were there in October, so it was mid-spring weather. Gorgeous scenery, great hikes, a world-famous museum (which we didn’t go to), tons of history, and the Saturday morning Salamanca market was fantastic. There is even a synagogue in Hobart!
Seattle.
Expected it to be a bigger, wetter, version of Portland, but it there was so much more to do. We did have beautiful sunny weather, though, and that probably made a difference. We rode ferries, spent a whole afternoon with Jimi Hendrix at the Experience Music Project museum, hung out at the huge Asian market (Uwajimaya), rode on every conveyance of public transit, walked to dinner every night downtown and then walked some more to get gelato. We traveled on to scenic Friday Harbor, where we saw Orca whales and their babies, which was truly spectacular.
When my daughter was 12 we took a vacation to Buffalo and Scranton. It was the best vacation ever.
I didn’t expect to line Disneyworld–went for the kids. Liked it a lot and I can understand why people go without kids, which I used to think was just weird.
Took my first cruise a few years ago on a last minute deal. Never really thought I’d like cruising, but I had a blast.
[quote[I didn’t expect to line Disneyworld–went for the kids. Liked it a lot and I can understand why people go without kids, which I used to think was just weird. [/quote]
I really give props to the parents who take their kids to Disney World. It’s such a large task especially with young ones. A long day with long waits and a child (or children!) whose needs vary with the half hour. :-SS
Memphis, particularly Graceland. We were staying in the city overnight before a Mississippi cruise. Saw Sun Records, the Peabody hotel ducks, and Mudd Island, liked them all. Then toured Graceland. I am not an Elvis fanatic, but I found Graceland to be absolutely touching and fascinating–made me like him in a different way.
True confession: never been to Disney World.
Agree on Graceland.
Florida- I was pleasantly surprised. Totally thought I would hate it but enjoyed it.
African Safari- was not looking forward to the trip but it ended up being one of the best trips we have taken as an extended family.
Orlando is meh, but I enjoyed Ft. Lauderdale (beaches were wonderful), and Miami.
I didn’t think I would like Charleston or Savannah, but loved both cities.
Graceland is nice. And I loved Sun Studios.
Cruises. I really hated hearing " you have to take a cruise" H made presidents club and guess what–I enjoyed cruises, prefer port days way over cruise days- I prefer to explore on land
Hearst Castle. I felt I had been to lots of museums and didn’t think I would see anything new. Husband finally said just try it. We love Cambria and he got tired of hearing about how great the Hearst tours were. I really loved going and have returned