Wheres a really nice vacation place?

Hello all. I need help in deciding where to goto for a wonderful vacation around June 2007. Thought maybe I can get some opinions maybe of places you have been and would definitely recommend. I have 3 kids and my husband going with me of course. The kids will be at that time 16, 14, 12. I've been to the four walt disney theme parks in flordia as well as daytona and coco beach there. I have also been to myrtle beach a few times. As well as a few zoos and caverns. So I was really hoping for some other suggestions of whats really cool.

I returned from a cruise of the Eastern Caribbean just a couple of weeks ago. I had never been on a cruise before and I really didn't know what to expect. I must admit that I had many preconceived notions about this sort of vacation; nothing to do on the ship, confined spaces, sea-sickness, in general boredom. I really thought that cruises were either something that "old" folks go on or, conversely, young singles (I didn't want either a floating retirement home or to be held captive in a giant "singles bar".

All I can say is that all my preconceived notions were dashed. Yes, there were bars -- two dozen of them -- but each had their own particular ambiance, view and motif. It was enjoyable simply to visit each one to spend time enjoying the atmosphere....really. There was a casino (I lost fifty bucks but I had fun) but it was fun to do something different and, yes, it was exciting. Every evening there was a las Vegas style show in the 800 seat theater. The theater alone was magnificent but the shows were excellent as well. I saw an illusionist perform and, frankly, I'm still scratching my head as to how he made a running Harley Davidson motorcycle disappear "right in front of our eyes". One second the bike was there.....presto....it was gone. No smoke, no mirrors, it was just gone (I must have blinked but how did the illusionist get all 800 of us to blink simultaneously?)

The food was incredible. Every day we had our choice of meals in different restaurants. From Lobster Tails to hamburgers, the fare was simply divine. I'm not one who likes things overly "fancy shmancy" but I must say that it was a rare treat to be served gourmet meals by an experienced team of maitre de, wine stewards, waiters and servers. It was incredible. I won't even go into the deserts except to say that I'm already planning on starting a new regime of sit-ups, push ups and other exercises. Somehow I didn't mind putting on a few extra pounds as it wasn't the usual overindulgence of potato chips in front of the tv that was the culprit.

The ship, the MS Westerdam, carried over 1,800 passengers. The people were from all walks of life and from around the world. Yes, the passengers seemed to be mostly from the U.S. but there were Canadians, Dutch, Germans and Brits on board. I met some wonderfully interesting people on board. The ship itself was magnificent and, to put it mildly, massive. I spent an hour or two wandering the ship "exploring" and I have to admit that I never covered the entire ship at all.

We didn't bring our kids along but if we had, the kids would have had plenty to do as well. There were two swimming pools on board, a large video gaming room, a "teen hangout" with X-Box, an amazing stereo system and plenty of planned activities to keep the younger set out of the way, so to speak.

And this was just the ship. Our seven day cruise took us to Turks-Caicos Islands, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, St. Martin's and Half Moon Bay in the Bahamas. All I can say was that the islands were beautiful -- spectacular. My own favorite was St. Martins'. The island is half Dutch and the other half is French. Both sides of the island kept the atmosphere and genuine flavor of being in Holland or, for that matter, in France. It was a wonderful place.

On the Islands, there was plenty to do. Besides exploring, taking tours, shopping and eating, there were plenty of activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, horse-back riding, para-sailing etc. The list of things to do was really quite extensive.

I would wholeheartedly recommend a cruise. As far as expense goes, this trip really was inexpensive and comparable to flying to a destination and spending a week at a good hotel. The real value is in the on-board entertainment, activities and, of course, the food -- tons of food.

Wow, that sounds really nice. I never even thought of a cruise. However, with your wonderful details I'm going to give this some thought. I love the ocean and to get to be on it for a week or so. Just sounds amazing. Thankyou for shareing your story.

Go to West Virginia. There's not much to do there, but it's beautiful scenery. It's probably one of the most beautiful states in the United States.

I lived there for over 30 years theres nothing I don't know about my beautiful state. I lived in the Capital City of Charleston. I love our Capital there its beautiful. Of course I traveled alot there. Hawks Nest, Babcock, Summerville Dam, Summit, Cranberry Glads, New river gorage bridge. Etc.... I can go on. Yes its a beautiful place. Thankyou for noticeing.

Shar,my dad,God bless him,was from West Virginia. A little place called Anmoore,West Virginia. I think that's how it is spelled.

Shar.....here is a link to Holland America Cruises. It's an excellent website and should give you an idea of what to expect when you go on a cruise. Incidentally, I was on the MS Westerdam, look up that ship on the site and you'll get an idea of what I experienced.

Holland America, however, is considered to be one of the more "upscale" cruise lines, nevertheless, from what I have heard about other cruise ships, it is typical. The difference lies in the quality of service.

Princess, Celebrity and Carnival are three other cruise lines which offer similar amenities and service. They are also geared for different age groups and might even have more activities for your kids. Personally, I couldn't think of a better experience for kids than to go on a cruise. They would see and experience an entirely different world and, with kids, that's what it's all about.

I know I sound a bit too exuberant about cruises but, frankly, I'm sold on this as a way to relax, to enjoy oneself and to see a bit of the world at the same time.

I've got 1 really great suggestion so far. Sure would like to hear about more nice places though.

Barcelona, Spain was very enjoyable, much more than I expected.

Could you tell me more about Barcelona, Spain.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina oohh ya


Falcon out...

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina oohh ya


Falcon out...

It's not very exotic, but my most wonderful memories come from Venice Florida. There is a rock jetty there with the best salt water fishing I've ever experienced. Venice is a bird sanctuary, and the birds know it! LOL
I rescued a seagull there that had half it's lower beak missing, the people at the rescue place let me help fit the bird with a fiberglass beak. It was all pretty cool.
One day while fishing I felt something on my shoulder, I expected to look and see a small bird, but it was a great blue heron standing behind me with his head on my shoulder looking down over my chest at my bait bucket. I couldn't resist, I gave him a shrimp! LOL
That was probably 10 years ago, but I hope someday to go back.
The cops busted me in the back seat of my car with my girlfriend also, we were parked on the beach at night and the cop pulled alongside and shined his light in the back seat,,,,,LOL We were both buck naked and our clothes were on the floor in the front. When he asked to see ID we both got a little freaked until we saw that the cop was laughing. I jumped over the seat and grabbed the IDs and handed them to him through the window. He gave back the ID and told us to have fun and left. Quite an experience,,,, LOL

Beer_Guy,
Thanks for your story. Wow, sounded like a really great time you had. I can see why you may want to go back. Seems like you made a friend with that blue heron as well. lol.

Since Beer_Guy brought it up, another really cool and fun thing to do (especially with the kids if you have any) in Venice, Florida is raking for sharks teeth! That area has TONS of them - lots of tourist stands sell these things that are kind of like a metal pole with a sieve type "trap" at the bottom, and you go to where the beach kind of slopes down sharply (about knee-depth) and rake right there and find the treasures! I agree Venice is a very nice place to visit.

Also around that area on the west coast of Florida - maybe you'd like to tour that area - is Gasparilla island, which is absolutely beautiful, quaint, quiet and peaceful but can be a little more expensive because it's isolated. Sanibel and Captiva are also very nice in the area and you can go sand dollar and starfish hunting! For sand dollars you basically shuffle your feet along the sea floor just off the beach until you feel something, then reach down and many times you will even find 4 or 5 stacked on top of each other! After one of our trips there we bought a large oval mirror and glued Sand Dollars all the way around it, turned out beautifully.

The west coast of FL (Venice, Sanibel, etc.) is much more quiet and peaceful than the east coast (where I am from, live.) So, if you like the beach, nature, wildlife go to the west coast - it is much less spoiled and commercialized than the east coast. Go to the east coast if you like a more lively night life and faster pace. Or do both! A big plus is that in June and the rest of the summer it will be less crowded and less expensive because our "season" is winter when everybody else are freezing their butts off This is if you're interested in beaches, though, I don't know what you're up for or had in mind, but its certainly a nice trip if it's what you're into!

Originally posted by Shar
Could you tell me more about Barcelona, Spain.

Sorry for delay, I didn't notice you had replied to me until nwo.

Anyway, I'm sure you can look up online far more than I could ever explain here, but basically it's a Catalan city in Spain on the Mediterranean not too far from the French border. The city goes right up to the sea and the beaches are really nice. It's rich in historical buildings and art and was the home of Gaudi. There's a huge Cathedral there by Gaudi that's was started in the 1800's and is expected to completed by 2026:



I kinda forgot you had kids, you'd have to judge whether they're mature enough to enjoy and appreciate a trip to Europe or whether they'd rather just go to Disney or something. Plus taking three kids across the Atlantic can't be cheap


[edit on 11/15/2006 by djohnsto77]

My wife and I had a wonderful time 10 years ago on an eleven day trip to Ireland. Wonderful people, great golf courses, great seafood, and of course Guinness in the pubs. That was before we had our daughter. You have three teenagers so I don't know how interested you'd be in the pubs, but man they were fun. I've heard it's become much more expensive and just different since the economy has become so strong there.

We took a great trip to Boston when our daughter was eight. You have all the revolutionary history sites that could keep your family busy for days. Great seafood everywhere. Day trips to Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Salem can be easily accomplished. The City itself is easy to walk.

Two restaurant gems. The East Coast Grill in Cambridge not far from MIT, and Limoncello in Boston's North End. Two of the best meals I've eaten in my life, and I've eaten a lot of good meals.

How about the Gaza strip or Palestine particularily the West Bank?

Just kidding!

If you haven't been out of the country before it is a big world for you and most places would be interesting. If you want to drive you could come up to Canada.

Cheap flights exist to London England this time of year but it is an expensive city but you don't have to stay there long.

Well, I just thought of something completely different for you and your family.

I'm from Wisconsin, and nothern WI is an absolutely beautiful place. Hundred of lakes and wilderness everywhere. Cool little touristy towns. You can rent very nice cabins and boats at prices that are very reasonable compared to Disney trips which we have done a number of times also. Water ski shows, festivals, fishing, boating, etc. VERY fun for kids. Check out the Minoqua, Eagle River, and St. Germain areas online. Lots of info.

A truly beautiful and family friendly area. Picture the John Candy movie The Great Outdoors without the irritating Dan Akroyd character. LOL.

New Mexico..........There is a reason why they call it the "Land of Enchantment"

But that cruise sounded like fun....

For my vacations I like the Keys.......