<p>I’m with you Waverly. I’ve only been to Istanbul one time (for a week last year). I spent so much of that trip in slack-jawwed awe, that I still don’t think I really “experienced” the culture. When I sit at my disk at noon and start little “trip” fantasies, I invariably start planning another trip to Istanbul. First, I need to learn enough Turkish to really read a menu and explore a little further afield. And rent a car for a trip to the coast. Possibly next year?</p>
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<p>ha ha, I can hike right out of my front door and you can have more than 5 days hiking trial by going through the “East Bay Regional Park” system in CA. We also have a hiking club goes to everywhere in the Bay Area including out of area locations like The Tahoe Rim Trail and Yosemite. In addition, I am a pass holder of several Tahoe skiing areas, we go skiing every other week. My friend has ski leases, if you know what it is.</p>
<p>I’ve been to half the list … and they were pretty interesting places to visit … travel is all over my bucket list (but unfortunately no where on Mom3ToGo’s bucket list)</p>
<p>I’ve been to 14 and enjoyed them all. Well Las Vegas, not so much. I’d like to see all of these places but starting to feel more guilt re: carbon footprint.</p>
<p>I’ve been to eight. </p>
<p>Eight others are on my bucket list.</p>
<p>I live in one. I’m so sad to see my poor home town get a thumbs down rating by so many - lol. I guess it’s a love it or hate it kind of place.</p>
<p>Very funny coincidence - I’ve been to 11 of these places too 
H has traveled much more than I have - he’s probably been to 20 of these places.</p>
<p>It does look like they decided to list cities - not necessarily my favorite criteria, although there is a certain appeal with some of these places. I agree with someone earlier that said they like to rotate - national parks one year, urban cities the other.</p>
<p>I don’t hate Las Vegas, it’s just not a place on the top of my list. I have gone there a few times because of my H’s work. Since I could stay home instead, there are obviously things I can find to enjoy. The cigarette smoke everywhere is a real downside.</p>
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<p>Lol, where we live would get thumbs down by all the city lovers on this thread. We have our own 1 1/8th mile trail, a 1 acre pond, a creekside primitive tent site, hunting grounds, a larger garden, fields, pastures, woods, deer, eagles, hawks, herons, etc, all of which we absolutely love. Many others would see trees, bugs, spiders, dirt, mud, and a trip in the car to get anywhere albeit, not far, for groceries, school - not a “good” school like many of you have - and basic shopping - not great malls or endless choices of “civilization.” We’ve had people visit who tell us it’s “eerie” not to hear city sounds at night. We go out at night and absolutely love it. We moved from a city here 16 years ago - on purpose.</p>
<p>Different strokes for different folks.</p>
<p>But we’ll be selling as our kids move out since we want to live on the road 24/7. Aside from the school issue, it’s been a great place to raise kids IMO. But for many it would get a thumbs down. That’s ok. ;)</p>
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<p>yes!!! that area cannot be beat. I prefer it in the summer though, as I am not a winter sport enthusiast.</p>
<p>as for the list of 25… not especially impressed.</p>