I am requesting vacation/travels ideas for this summer. H and I can’t seem to hone in on where to go. We were thinking either Alaska or Iceland.
Last year we flew to Phoenix and stayed in a resort in Scottsdale for awhile and then drove north and did Sedona and the Grand Canyon. We were very independent, although we did book lodging ahead of time.
The year before we took our first and only tour. We visited a few of our national parks–Yellowstone, Tetons and Glacier. It also involved train travel out of Seattle. It was fun but not at all independent.
The year before we traveled to Spain. We booked everywhere we would stay and all travel between cities ahead of time, but we were basically independent.
So you can see we are flexible. Any ideas, suggestions or experiences? Would like to hear of tours, cruise suggestions and experiences or any ideas about traveling completely independently. Will consider anywhere, although it may be a bit late to plan a vacation in Asia, Australia or Africia.
Also, not into renting a place on a beach for two weeks. We go to an all inclusive at the beach every winter. Also spent a week at a rental at Cape Cod a few years ago. Want something different. Also would like something other than traditional European trips. Have been to London, Paris, etc.
Wow, rereading my post I sound so privileged. I am extremely grateful for all of my opportunities!
You can easily plan a trip to Asia. FAres are cheap right now. Fly to Hong Kong, Bangkok Chiang Mai and or some of the southern beach areas. Hanoi and Ha Long bay are close to each other. My cousin found a tour guide to set up transfers and tours rather short notice. Some of northern Vietnam looks beautiful. I am going to central Vietnam for a wedding, but the north looks fascinating.
Peru is amongst my favorite countries. Most tourists go to Machu Picchu, and I enjoyed it too. But I would rather recommend spending some time in Huaraz and booking day hiking tours from there. Gorgeous Andean summer, cute historic small town, great food and crafts, affordable prices, friendly people, and some of the most beautiful scenery on Earth.
We did a hike, bike and helicopter tour in the Canadian Rockies one summer. We also did a hike, bike and rafting trip in Oregon. Both were very fun. Driving part of the Pacific Coast, stopping in various places along the way?
I always vote for South Africa. You could still get a reservation in a private game park next to Kruger National Park. Best vacation EVER!! Hoping to go for the fifth time in 2018.
How about a few days in the Laurentian Mountains (hike, bike, summer music at resorts) and then some time in Montreal? Lots to see and do and glorious weather.
We took the train from LA to Seattle and then drove back down, stopping and staying in a mix of cities and national parks along the way–Seattle, Mt Ranier, Crater Lake, Reedsport (crabbing on a boat on the river), Crescent City (dawn redwoods), SF, and Sequoia National Park. We had a blast. If we were in Sam Diego, could have caught the train from there.
While there are land trips available for Alaska, just aboutmeveryone I know who did the land part did it and an extension of an Alaskan cruise…so a just about two,week trip. Everyone said…it was fabulous.
We know a lot of people who have been to Iceland as well. Just about everyone we know did this trip in a week…or less.
Tuscany and cinque terra. Or Tuscany and any other part of Italy for that matter. Easy to plan, great history, amazing food, good weather. And bonus if you can go in September when there are few crowds.
Canada is close and has so much to offer. Your choice of cities, terrains and activities from east to west coast. Exchange rate is decent right now. You can visit the Montreal/Quebec area and get French flavor.
One year we flew into Seattle and picked up a rental car. First stop was Orcas Island we continued on into Canada with stops in Vancouver and Vancouver island. We next headed to Banff and Lake Louise and back down to Seattle. The drive from Vancouver to Banff took 2 days with a stop in Kamlopps but it was worth the drive. I thought I we were gone two weeks.
If you are a boater another great trip was renting a boat out of Anacortes Washington and spending a week exploring the San Juan islands. We went in early August and the weather was nice.
+1 to British Columbia. We did a nice trip years back to Vancouver, up to Whistler (summer time not skiing), to Vancouver Island including Victoria but also the wilder, west side around Tofino (which I love).
Loved our Alaskan cruise. Took smaller ship on inside passage. Since it stops at different ports almost daily it’s is most like an independent “do-your-own-thing” type experience. With portable food and lodging thrown in.
