What are your travel plans for 2012?

[LNM]

Where are you going and how are you getting there? What are the sights you'll see?

We are potentially planning a trip to Portland and Seattle. We were in Portland a few years ago and even though it rained almost every day of the trip, we had a wonderful time. We loved all the waterfalls along the Columbia River, the Rose Garden in Portland and visiting the coast.

We haven't been to Seattle for about 30 years but I understand Emmett Watson's is still going strong.

How about you?

[Sherman A1]

1. A trip to NOLA in the Spring

with a stop in Memphis for a day.

Hoping in the Autumn to visit Mt. Rushmore & North Dakota, but we will see about the price of gas & spouse's employment (which we hope will continue).

[LNM]

2. We were in NOLA last spring.

I think I'm too old for the French Quarter. It was interesting to have a beer with lunch while walking down the street, but it got old quickly. We had a bus tour of the whole city that morning which was very interesting. We also enjoyed the WWII museum, the houses in the garden district, shopping on Magazine Street and the po' boys at Domilise's.

Memphis is on my list of places I'd love to visit. Mmm, BBQ.

Good luck with the employment!

[aranthus]

43. Are the Irish pubs still there in the French Quarter?

I remember a couple of great nights at O'Flaherty's on my honeymoon some twenty years ago..

[cbayer]

3. Let me know if you have any questions about NOLA.

I lived there a very long time and would love to provide any info you might need. Are you planning to go during Jazz Fest?

[Sherman A1]

5. Thank You Kindly, however

it's just a short trip to visit my Mom. I have been there multiple times, both pre & post Katrina.

[cbayer]

4. I blew my travel wad in 2011!

Only planned trips are around the Channel Islands, which we do whenever we have a good window.

Thanks for starting this thread. I am interested in what people plan to do.

[LNM]

6. Where are the Channel Islands?

Off the coast of LA? Do you sail or motor?

[cbayer]

7. Of the coast of Southern California.

We sail. Most of the island are essentially uninhabited and require a permit from the Nature Conservancy to even go onto the land at all.

They are stunning in their undisturbed naturalness and they attract only like-minded people who are able to live completely off the grid.

The only one that is available to your average tourist is Santa Catalina, but it is beautiful in it's own right.

[LNM]

13. Sounds beautiful!

We used to sail, even owned a few sailboats. I got so I was uncomfortable when the boat heeled a lot and my husband got tired of the upkeep. We got out of our joint ownership several years ago and finally sold our old Catalina 14.2 last year.

[cbayer]

14. I hate heeling! Fortunately I know exactly what to do to make the boat sit down.

We live on a 43 foot sailboat. Big, heavy and makes a beautiful home.

There is a lot less worry about upkeep when you live on the boat, as you are using everything constantly and tend to address problems early. The sailing part is just a plus, as we move around a lot.

I am not a big fan of the daysailer. Too small, too light, too much heeling.

There are lots of boats out here available for charter, so if you ever get the itch again, I recommend the Channel Islands.

[TBF]

8. Not sure yet -

I have elderly inlaws to move here and get settled into assisted living. I'm doing tours now and hope to wrap this up by spring break.

After that I've got to think of at least a weekend trip - maybe for Memorial Day weekend. My husband has been working really long hours and along with the elderly parent problems could really use a break. I'm thinking a tennis resort for a 4-5 day weekend (he likes tennis). I'm not sure where exactly - we've been to a few but I've got to look at current write-ups and see what I can find. I usually look for a resort that has a spa and activities for the kids so we all have something fun to do. If anyone has any ideas I'd love to hear them.

[cbayer]

9. Not sure where you are located, but when my kids were little, we spent a wonderful

week at Callaway Gardens in Georgia.

It has activities all day long sorted by age groups. Florida State University has it's circus act training program there, which is a blast for young and old alike.

While not cheap, renting a cabin allows you to cook all your own food, which saves a lot.j And all the activites are included.

In the evenings, there are family based activities at well.

We even took my mom, who loved it.

I just looked at their site, though, and am wondering if they still offer the same kind of program.


http://www.callawaygardens.com/resort/georgia-resort.aspx

[TBF]

10. That's exactly the kind of place we like

and I hadn't heard of this one! We are in Houston and willing to fly or drive. I'll have to call them and see what kind of packages they do. Our favorite was Colony in Sarasota, FL - they had little cabins you could do your own cooking in (I hate paying for lunch when my kids would rather just split a box of mac & cheese etc...), but there was a big fight with the condo association and they aren't open as a resort anymore.

[cbayer]

11. If Callaway has changed their focus, they may be able to guide you to something similar.

I also liked the Colony and didn't know they had closed.

We also had great houseboat vacations in Arkansas (Lake Ouchita). Not a lot of organized activities, but lots of family fun.

[cbayer]

12. Looks like the FSU circus program still goes to Callaway.

Here is a good link:


http://circus.fsu.edu/summer.html

[TBF]

15. My daughter would love that -

she will be 9 this summer and is very athletic. This would be right up her alley.

[cbayer]

16. There is a link on the FSU page that will take you to the Callaway Garden page on

this program. The circus stuff is great. You get to use the trapeze, tightrope and other acrobatic equipment. You get to know the circus members, as they are the counselors for all kinds of activities, so to see them perform formally is just a blast.

And there is lots of tennis!

Let me know what you think, but I can give it my unreserved recommendation.

[TBF]

17. I found that link and my daughter was

very excited about the circus and water activities! It looks like a great vacation. I already sent the link to my husband to have him take a look too. Last year we went away the week of July 4th and it looks like that would be a good time to do this vacation as well, given the special activities they have for the holiday.

[cbayer]

18. And if you are anything like me...

you can putter around the cabin, read, take a walk or do anything else you want while the kids (and husband) are otherwise occupied and cared for!

[TBF]

19. Exactly -

I travel with my kindle now and the lakes/gardens there look heavenly! Thanks so much for this recommendation!

[bikebloke]

20. Grabbed my grail in 2011

That was a trip to South Africa. It might be a nowhere year.

[LNM]

23. That must have been exciting!

Were you there long? What did you see?

[bikebloke]

24. Shy of 3 weeks.

Based in Cape Town, I travelled the Garden Route to Port Elizabeth. Did my critter viewing at Scotia Reserve and Addo Elephant Park. Headed back with detour stops in Oudtshoorn and Stellenbosch.

Videos can be seen here: http://veloroo.blip.tv

*I'm still putting together another few photo/videos.

[Seedersandleechers]

21. Istanbul possibly in the fall for my son's wedding.

Fingers crossed.

[cbayer]

22. I was just there last month and absolutely loved it.

It is vibrant, historic, diverse and extremely easy to navigate. The people are wonderful and the food spectacular. I can not recommend it highly enough.

[Glassunion]

25. Tennessee.

Wife and I are renting a cabin in the mountains with my in-laws and brother in-law's family.

We all have so much fun together.

[TBF]

26. I love Tennessee -

used to drive through when we were treking between Virginia/Texas during law school. The Knoxville area is beautiful.

[HelenKa]

32. i love tennessee too

I love tennessee because the life style and the country living and the friendly hospitality, i lived there for 24 yrs and now i live in north carolina and the day i get a chance to move back i headed t the hills. there is better lving better schools and alot of things to do and alot to see.

[Glassunion]

36. Just got back

We had an awesome time.

Hospitality and proper manners rock!

Not to mention the Smokies are the best! Everything is just coming into bloom.

[Callalily]

27. Roatan - diving!

I can't wait even though my trip is a few months off!

[garmatnuk]

28. About EURO 12

Hi, is anyone going to visit EURO 2012 Poland / Ukraine. I'm gonna stay in Kiev, anyone know what tours is interesting there, like this http://smartclever.com.ua/eng/excursions.html

[ge26252se]

29. washington

[ChazInAz]

30. Europe

I'll be going on a Viking river cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam. My first time abroad, and I'm really looking forward to it. Out of my natural perversity, I'm going in early November. That way I should avoid the hundering therds of tourists, and get away from the start of the toxic "holiday" season in America.

[jberryhill]

42. Post after you do that

We've been thinking about one of those for a while.

[Major Nikon]

31. Washington DC, Oshkosh, WI, and China

The DC and Oshkosh trips will both be for business. The wife wants to go to China in October for a 10 day trip to Bejing and Shanghai.

[TBF]

33. That's quite a collection :)

Oshkosh is near my hometown. It's a nice little college town but I have to say I expect China will be more exciting!

[Major Nikon]

34. I was in Oshkosh for a week for the airshow last year.

I never left the airport the entire time. It's almost always that way. I've been to Oshkosh many times and I've only been off the airport once or twice for brief trips. I always camp under the wing of my airplane.

[TBF]

35. Yes, the airshow is certainly something to see -

we always enjoyed it as kids.

[davidhaslanded]

37. Trans-siberian

Trans-siberian train ride is a dream!

[LNM]

38. That sounds awsome!

What time of year and how long (time and distance) is the trip?

[Lydia Leftcoast]

39. Japan, possibly twice

[LNM]

40. Have you been there before?

Japan is on my bucket list.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

41. Have I been there before??!!

I did part of my graduate work there, taught Japanese on the college level for 11 years, and have been a Japanese-English translator for 18 years. The trip in May will be my 14th.

[aranthus]

44. Road trip to Vancouver, BC

Vsiting family. Hoping to get in a bike ride around Stanley Park.

[jannyk]

45. We've just rented a 'Penichette' in Agen, France

and will be cruising the waterways for 3 weeks. Then we have a week in Marseillan on Etang de Thau in a tiny village house. Then fly Toulouse to Rome for an 11 day big boat cruise to Israel and Egypt.
Will be totally broke at the end of it all but who cares! It's our 25th anniversary and my 60th birthday and 'they' tell me you can't take it with you.

[cbayer]

46. Good for you!

I have always wanted to take one of the waterway cruises.

I rented a house in Provence for my 50th and invited 15 of my best friends and family. We had a blast.

Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!

[aranthus]

47. Wow!

That is an amazing trip.

[uppityperson]

49. How fun, post pictures when you get back.

[jannyk]

50. Not leaving until mid Sept, but I will post pics - I promise

[bikebloke]

48. Looking at China

No sure yet. Doing research right now. Otherwise as I mentioned above, have some go-nowhere weeks.

[Major Nikon]

51. My China trip is starting to take shape

I work with a guy that's been to China several times. He recommended going with a tour group the first time, so I'm going on a tour that's sponsored by the local chamber of commerce.

[bikebloke]

52. I'm adventurous, so will travel independently.

The air fare return from Beijing is the same as in to Beijing and out Shanghai. So I can relax with an linear itinerary rather than suss out a loop. I'll be staying at hostels, where there will be travel advice and company.

[Major Nikon]

53. Sounds like a great trip

You're going to get immersed in the local culture more than I will.

My preference is definitely to NOT use a tour group, but in this case it makes sense for my situation. I'm traveling with my wife (who loves tour groups) and my understanding is the vast majority of cab drivers in China don't speak English. So rather than get bogged down in the logistics of getting from place to place we're going to let someone else do that for us. Another consideration was the price we got for the package. For $2200 per person we get an all inclusive trip that includes airfare from LAX, lodging in 4-5 star hotels, meals, and local transportation (including getting to Shanghai). Other than transportation to LAX, the only expenses we'll have are the stuff we'll buy and tips to the tour guides. If I were planning my own trip, airfare alone would cost just about that much.

[himalayaholiday]

54. Spam deleted by Morning Dew (MIR Team)

[We are Devo]

55. Portland, OR...

Leaving Monday, just in time to get out of the SoCal heat. It will be my first time there and I'm really excited. We intend to check out the gardens and Voodoo Donuts We may rent a car and go down to Corvallis to visit bf's aunt. Any suggestions of places to eat and things to do would be grand. Galleries and museums are on the list.

[TBF]

56. Leaving on Wed. for Texas Hill Country -

hubby has been busy at work so that's the best we can do this summer. A lot to see in the San Antonio area - good food, things for the kids to do. Looking forward to getting out of the city for a few days. And also looking at cruises for spring break ...

[tomgeorge]

57. travel

I am going to visit Dublin. I have visited it many times but this time I am going with my family on new year and by airplane. I will stay at one of the famous Dublin hotel.

[Callalily]

58. I'm now trying to think of

a location to visit in 2013! Diving MUST be included!

[TBF]

59. Have you been to Belize?

Beautiful water down there ...

[Callalily]

60. Actually, yes.

Had a great trip. Did some paddling, kayaking, camping and even managed to get a couple of dives in.

[TBF]

61. I visited there about 15 years ago -

snorkeling was new for me but it sure was beautiful. We stayed on Ambergris Caye and I loved walking around without shoes on for days. There seemed to be a lot of folks there for the diving so I figured you may have been down there already.