A little travel help please

[Chrysalis]

I've only been to a few places. I want to go everywhere.

Which has been your favourite place to visit so far?
There are so many wonderful places to see and not enough time I have discovered. I love travelling-I recommend lots of it to everyone

I really liked Switzerland, but it was a bit expensive. I also really liked Canada.

I've not been to Switzerland.
Where abouts in Canada did you go? I've been to Toronto in summer which I loved but I couldn't hack the cold winters.

[wayfriend]

I always got the impression Hawaii was quite expensive-am I incorrect?

Well, it's expensive because of the long flight (which you said was not an obstacle!) Hotels are hotels, you can find the proice range you want, I didn't think it was so bad compared to any other resort destination. Besides, the US dollar is cheap right now!

[Chrysalis]

I always got the impression Hawaii was quite expensive-am I incorrect?

Well, it's expensive because of the long flight (which you said was not an obstacle!) Hotels are hotels, you can find the proice range you want, I didn't think it was so bad compared to any other resort destination. Besides, the US dollar is cheap right now!

Yep-flight time not much of a problem. Well unless it was over to NZ/Aus then maybe. I keep forgetting the $ is suffering at the moment. I will definitely look into Hawaii then!

[Auleliel]

Which has been your favourite place to visit so far?
There are so many wonderful places to see and not enough time I have discovered. I love travelling-I recommend lots of it to everyone

I really liked Switzerland, but it was a bit expensive. I also really liked Canada.

I've not been to Switzerland.
Where abouts in Canada did you go? I've been to Toronto in summer which I loved but I couldn't hack the cold winters.

Ontario, Quebec, PEI, New Brunswick, etc. Mostly the Eastern part. I really loved Montreal (even though I can't stand the French language).
I wouldn't want to go there in winter either. My winters are cold and snowy enough as they are.

[matrixman]

Travel? What's that?
(Yes, that falls into the "lame comment" category as opposed to helpful suggestions or tips.)

all comments are welcomed! So lets say you had 2 weeks to spare, you are offered a paid for ticket pretty much anywhere. Where would you go and why?

All right...the first thing that comes to mind is New Zealand, because that's where the Lord of the Rings movies were shot. From what I've seen on screen and from Elfgirl's photos, NZ looks stunning.

Another would be New Mexico - danlo's backyard. No, not literally his backyard! I mean the area we like to call "Andelain."

Third would be London and/or a trip through old Europe. Specifically, I'd love to attend a symphony concert in Berlin, just to hear the great Berlin Philharmonic in person.

[Chrysalis]

Ontario, Quebec, PEI, New Brunswick, etc. Mostly the Eastern part. I really loved Montreal (even though I can't stand the French language).
I wouldn't want to go there in winter either. My winters are cold and snowy enough as they are.

You've seen quite a bit then! I'd love to go during the autumn season to see the shades of autumn colour everywhere.

Are you US based then? (althouh if you would rather not say thats cool) My winters tend to be wet, wet and more wet with the touch of sleet and snow which never really settles. My african blood objects to anything below about 15 degrees c!

[Auleliel]

Are you US based then? (althouh if you would rather not say thats cool)

I would rather say that I'm from Siberia, but that would be a lie.
Yes, I live somewhere in the US. But not for long (I hope).

[aliantha]

Sounds like you have at all nicely planned and I’m sure you will have a fantastic time! I can always ask my colleagues if they know of any good places to see a flamenco show if you would like?

That would be much appreciated, Chrysalis, thanks!

[MsMary]

I visited Cairo years ago. We saw King Tut at the Cairo Museum, the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx, and more. It was a great trip.

My mom has done the Nile cruise to Luxor, and she really enjoyed it.

Nice! If we did go we would try for a few days in Cairo, then a trip down the Nile and if possible head over to Jordan for 5 days to see Petra.

Oh, yes, definitely try to see Petra if you can. Both my mother and my sister have gone (separate trips) and they said it was fabulous. It is not an easy place to get to, though, and does require a bit of walking. I would love to go there someday!

[Chrysalis]

I would rather say that I'm from Siberia, but that would be a lie.
Yes, I live somewhere in the US. But not for long (I hope).

but it would have been a good lie! Have you always been in the US?

Sounds like you have at all nicely planned and I’m sure you will have a fantastic time! I can always ask my colleagues if they know of any good places to see a flamenco show if you would like?

That would be much appreciated, Chrysalis, thanks!

I will make a note to ask on Friday when I am next in

Oh, yes, definitely try to see Petra if you can. Both my mother and my sister have gone (separate trips) and they said it was fabulous. It is not an easy place to get to, though, and does require a bit of walking. I would love to go there someday!

Hrrmm..the 'not and easy place to get to' part worries me. I'm at a slight disadvantage of being injured at the moment so long hikes and stuff involving back/shoulder/hip work could be a challenge. I shall have to check first. Thanks for the heads up!

[Chrysalis]

All right...the first thing that comes to mind is New Zealand, because that's where the Lord of the Rings movies were shot. From what I've seen on screen and from Elfgirl's photos, NZ looks stunning.

Another would be New Mexico - danlo's backyard. No, not literally his backyard! I mean the area we like to call "Andelain."

Third would be London and/or a trip through old Europe. Specifically, I'd love to attend a symphony concert in Berlin, just to hear the great Berlin Philharmonic in person.

NZ is fantastic! I'd move there tomorrow if I could! So much to see and do. Especially in the South Island. You'd have a blast!
I shall have to look up Elfgirl's piccies too.

London is ok - but then how much can you truely appreciate the city you live in I ask you? If you are ever out this way I'd happily give you a guided tour
Europe has so much to offer. Only recently have I started exploring it but there are a lot of places to see!

[MsMary]

Oh, yes, definitely try to see Petra if you can. Both my mother and my sister have gone (separate trips) and they said it was fabulous. It is not an easy place to get to, though, and does require a bit of walking. I would love to go there someday!

Hrrmm..the 'not and easy place to get to' part worries me. I'm at a slight disadvantage of being injured at the moment so long hikes and stuff involving back/shoulder/hip work could be a challenge. I shall have to check first. Thanks for the heads up!

Well, I have heard it's not an easy place to get to. I don't know firsthand. Definitely, check it out if you consider going there.

[Auleliel]

I would rather say that I'm from Siberia, but that would be a lie.
Yes, I live somewhere in the US. But not for long (I hope).

but it would have been a good lie! Have you always been in the US?

Born and bred, but when I was younger I used to fantasize about living in London.

[stonemaybe]

if possible head over to Jordan for 5 days to see Petra.

OH YES! Do that, take lots of pictures,, post them here, and tell me the pros and cons for my next holiday!

Also, GO TO BARCELONA! But only if you can meet up with a local or someone living there for a while - it's good anyway, but 20 times better with a local guide!

[Sunbaneglasses]

I would like to visit Japan. Partially because so many things Japanese fascinate me, and partially because actually being in Japan really increases the odds of seeing cute Japanese chicks.

[Cagliostro]

if possible head over to Jordan for 5 days to see Petra.

OH YES! Do that, take lots of pictures,, post them here, and tell me the pros and cons for my next holiday!

Also, GO TO BARCELONA! But only if you can meet up with a local or someone living there for a while - it's good anyway, but 20 times better with a local guide!

The One That Got Away was from Barcelona. I could never go there because I would be looking for Her the entire time.

[Kil Tyme]

I've been very lucky and have done lots of traveling all over the world, mostly thanks to the US Gov't. My fav place is southern Germany, but southern Brussels is a very close second. I also was impressed with the quiet beauty of South American countries Uruguay and Chile. All great folks everywhere. A few months ago I took a trip to China: Shanghai and Beijing; talk about exotic! Actually, if I were to recommend a great place to visit and is Very inexpensive to live while there, it would be those two great Chinese cities.

[Chrysalis]

Born and bred, but when I was younger I used to fantasize about living in London.

Funny that, every since I moved to London I have been fantasizing about moving away!

if possible head over to Jordan for 5 days to see Petra.

OH YES! Do that, take lots of pictures,, post them here, and tell me the pros and cons for my next holiday!

Also, GO TO BARCELONA! But only if you can meet up with a local or someone living there for a while - it's good anyway, but 20 times better with a local guide!

I always take tons of pictures everywhere I go! You are planning a trip over there soon? It looks great. If we do go I will happily share the pros and cons.

I also think knowing a local anywhere you travel has its benefits. Local knowledge is welcomed in my book.

I would like to visit Japan. Partially because so many things Japanese fascinate me, and partially because actually being in Japan really increases the odds of seeing cute Japanese chicks.

Japan is really a world of its own. I’d love to go, so would my partner. The problem being is we would end up shopping for most of the trip.
My best friend went over there about 4 years ago-she rated it highly. I hope you get to go one of these days!

The One That Got Away was from Barcelona. I could never go there because I would be looking for Her the entire time.

I have a couple of places that are similar for me. Highly frustrating!

[Chrysalis]

I've been very lucky and have done lots of traveling all over the world, mostly thanks to the US Gov't. My fav place is southern Germany, but southern Brussels is a very close second. I also was impressed with the quiet beauty of South American countries Uruguay and Chile. All great folks everywhere. A few months ago I took a trip to China: Shanghai and Beijing; talk about exotic! Actually, if I were to recommend a great place to visit and is Very inexpensive to live while there, it would be those two great Chinese cities.

Very lucky indeed! I think travel is a good thing to endulge in whenever possible.
I have yet to go to Germany but I have been to Belgium. I spend a lot of time over in Holland so there are some similarities. I intend to do a few mini roads trips in the boardering countries when time allows. The South of France is also on my list.

I have heard some fantastic things about Chile. I have only been to Agrentina and Brazil for a short time but really want to travel back over that way one day. I have never encounted a place where the people were so nice (Argentina)

China was on the list. We considered going to Xi'an and the surrounding areas to visit the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang and the Terra Cotta army as well as a few other things.

[Mortice Root]

Chrysalis, I would echo Wayfriend's suggestion to check out Hawaii. Sure, the cost can be excessive for some of the hotels and restuarants, but you can usually find places just as good, but not as expensive. All of the islands are different as well (from what I hear - we've only been to three). And depending on what type of nightlife vs natural wonder ratio you're looking for, it makes a difference which island you visit. I've found the Frommer's travel guides to be pretty spot on planning trips there. Have fun!