If you could ... where would you go?

3 years ago

Let's do a little dreaming. If you were given the opportunity to go anywhere for a vacation.. forget covid, forget cost... where would you go?

It can be any time of year. Any climate. The only requirements are..

Limited to 7-10 days.
Must be relaxing/rejuvenating-- doesn't necessarily mean slugging on a beach. It does mean a full escape.

Featured Answer

Jilly

3 years ago

My beloved Jamaica.

I‘d rent a bungalow at Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios.

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Comments (71)

Sueb20
3 years ago
We had to cancel our 30th anniversary trip to Venice in May, so I guess I’d put that at the top of my list.

Other options would include a few places we’ve been before, Switzerland topping the list but also Paris, Nevis, and Jackson Hole.

Places we haven’t been...at the top of my list would be Banff/Lake Louise, Barcelona, Greece.
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User
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Oh, the mention of the Cotswolds made me start thinking about England again! I'm still lamenting the fact that my mother and I did not get to take our trip to stay in Lavenham this year, as we had planned for what seemed like 'forever'. As it stands, she and I will likely not travel next year either, as we want to ensure it's safe enough for her to do so, so I'm starting to feel like what we had dreamed of for so long may never materialize. Anyway, here's a picture of the village (actually, it's a town, but somehow calling it a village seems more apt) of where we were to stay. I love this place in all its original medieval glory.
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robo (z6a)
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
For an escape --- Tuscan or south of France villa.

Just pulled a random couple off the internet....this spells escape to me

https://www.vrbo.com/en-ca/cottage-rental/p6425759?adultsCount=2&arrival=2021-04-01&departure=2021-04-15&uni_id=2008314

https://www.vrbo.com/en-ca/cottage-rental/p2150301?adultsCount=2&arrival=2021-04-01&departure=2021-04-15&uni_id=2277280
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jakabedy
3 years ago
I'll hit exotic locales at some point, but I really just want to be able to spend a chunk of time in Chicago and Wisconsin so I can visit as many Frank Lloyd Wright homes/buildings as possible.
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raee_gw zone 5b-6a Ohio
3 years ago
My list would be too long to post! Can't narrow it down to just one or three.

But, at the top of my list would be a cycling vacation, whether in France, Italy, Ireland, England, Belgium, or a few other countries. (I did this once before, in the Nord Brabant region of The Netherlands.)

There are so many countries that I've not visited and really want to. Also a few that I would like to visit again.

We had a trip planned to Italy, Lithuania and Istanbul this past spring, which of course was cancelled.
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robo (z6a)
3 years ago
I'm going with jakabedy.
mtnrdredux_gw
3 years ago
I'd go back to Greece to see more of it, and hit Symi again.

I'd also go to back to Tulum.

Having done a lot of ancestral research, I might want to go to Antrim, Ireland where my Scotch ancestors are from.

There's only 2 things left on our bucket list RN, Croatia and Iceland. Oh and I would totally return to India, and this time see the tea plantations in the south,
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OutsidePlaying
3 years ago
It’s a tossup for us. If we ever get to travel overseas, we wanted to go to the Scandinavian countries on a cruise, or to Greece or Germany and Austria. And of course I would love to return to England one day, especially since I have reconnected with a former work friend there. I attended her wedding. She is now teaching at the same school where her DH is headmaster.
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lobby68
3 years ago
For right here and right now? I think probably Cabo. It's close enough I could maximize being only there for 7 days but far enough away to be a real retreat. I don't think I have energy to do anything other than sit by a pool, splash in the waves, get a massage and drink my weight in cerveza. Plus I really love Mexico.
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l pinkmountain
3 years ago
Right now, Florida. We have a ton of relatives and friends down there and I would rent some kind of beachy escape place where we could stay and relax and visit with relatives. It would be relaxing because we wouldn't be staying with them so visits would be manageable and therefore pleasant.
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jakabedy
3 years ago
@robo (z6a), I'm planning to do the FLW trip solo some time next year if conditions permit. I would love to have company! As inducement, I offer the opportunity TO ACTUALLY SLEEP IN some of these wonders:

https://sethpeterson.org/about_reservations.html

https://www.theschwartzhouse.com/
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Re Tired
3 years ago
I'd love to return to Tuscany, Florence, Venice. We were there 50+ years ago, right after the major flood, and I'd love to see it all cleaned up and beautiful. That would be the relaxing one. For a longer, more adventurous trip I'd go on safari in South Africa.
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gsciencechick
3 years ago
California/San Francisco area

Ireland

Although somewhere warm and tropical sounds really good right now since it's been a colder week.
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texanjana
3 years ago
Since it's only 7-10 days, Rancho la Puerta spa in Mexico. Otherwise it would be gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
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Bunny
3 years ago
Florence, London, Jerusalem. I don't need to relax or decompress because that's what I've been doing since March. I want art, old buildings, spiritual uplifting.
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HU-753479426
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
If I could travel now, in December, I would go to Strasbourg. It's an area of France we've not yet visited. Founded in 1262. Christmas markets and hearty Alsatian cuisine would be wonderful.

We live on outer Cape Cod and the majority of this area is National Seashore. We don't gravitate toward beach vacations, even in the winter.

seagrass
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bbstx
3 years ago
A cruise through the Greek Isles

Scotland

The new Viking river cruise of the Mississippi River

South America (wine growing region of Argentina is tops on the list) and Antarctica
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Funkyart
Original Author
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I don't know that my list has changed all that much but i sure have enjoyed seeing where you would go! i think it is healthy to look forward to better times.

While i asked the question of you without limitations there are a few limitations for me. The obvious being covid but after that, i don't want to spend the limited time in transport mode and I do try to limit long flights because of my blood disease. For this reason, i have removed South Africa and anything on the West Coast. I would love to return to both regions but not for this particular trip.

I am not yet sure if i will make this a solo trip, a girls' trip with my sisters and/or nieces.. or a special getaway with a special friend. I think I'll decide on the destination and go from there.

My requirements specific to THIS trip:
- a relaxed pace.. and the ability to be a slug on a beach/pool/adirondack chair/hammock/bed for a day if i choose!
- Indulgent.. good food, nice amenities/services, spa treatments, great shopping
- Should allow for some experiences art, culinary, photographic, museums
- No long flights
Current list (in no particular order.. but i do have 2 leading contenders)
- New Mexico - i have been a number of times and would love to return.
- Iceland - was been on my list even before the recent explosion as a tourist destination
- USVI - who doesn't love an island vacation.. and they are so easy to get to from here
- US National Parks tour - i actually have not been to any of the western National Parks. I'd likely do this as a fly/drive road trip or a rail tour.
- A luxury train trip - not sure where but i have always loved train travel and train stations.
Funkyart
Original Author
3 years ago
I sure didn't want to stop others from sharing.. I love to hear about where you'd go and to see photos of where you have been.

I don't imagine taking this trip until late 2021 or 2022... so plenty of time for me to dream about each destination and change my mind!
cooper8828
3 years ago
I was going to take a solo Texas road trip with absolutely no itinerary this year, so that's what I would do. I was planning small towns, dusty antique shops, seeing the weird and wonderful along the way, and lots of solitude. Maybe next year?
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yeonassky
3 years ago
Personally nowhere. I don't like to travel very far I don't like how it takes me couple of days to recover from coming and going and I truly even don't like not being with my family and my pets. DS is like me only he likes to converse as little as possible...

DH would head straight for places to dirt bike...

DD would go everywhere! She and her husband love to travel and did that every year particularly when her husband was sent to places like all over Europe and parts of South America. Before she met and married her husband she also traveled to Africa and did volunteer work there for 4 months. She has been everywhere in the states as well. She can work pretty much anywhere and has been at home working since covid isolation and restrictions started with no adjustment or problems focusing.
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mtnrdredux_gw
3 years ago
I do want to go to Arkansas. Prob the Crystal Springs museum. If I do that and the Dakotas,I will have hit all 50 states... then American Samoa and the Mariana Islands I suppose!
bpath
3 years ago
MtnRd, if you go to Arkansas, you must visit Crater of Diamonds State Park. Folks have found actual diamonds there. And engagements have happened with “planted” diamonds lol. And in South Dakota, the Corn Palace in Mitchell. In ND, umm, well, I guess that’s why Mom and all her siblings left.
chessey35
3 years ago
We actually have two trips scheduled but whether we do them or not is up in the air. A river cruise in Europe and an ocean cruise from Bergen Norway to Barcelona Spain. The first in late spring and the 2nd in early fall. It's nice to know that they're there is the time is right and we can reschedule if we can't go then.
Funkyart
Original Author
3 years ago
I have such clear memories of stopping in Arkansas on our way to Oklahoma in the early 70s. We went to Dogpatch, USA.. a theme park built around the Lil' Abner comic strip. It was a hoot.. I went to grab some photos and discovered that it closed in the early 90s. That's ok-- a hillbilly theme park doesn't really strike me as a Mtn vacation spot lol!
LucyStar1
3 years ago
I would go to Provence (have never been). But since I can't go, here is a walk around Arles, Provence:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3ayPmL2KN4&t=1230s
mtnrdredux_gw
3 years ago
LOL, Funky, you are prob right. Bpath, i googled pics and well .. like, is the park pretty? All i see is people hunched over in mud.
localeater
3 years ago
Osaka, with my sister in law who is a native.

Or hiking the Cornish coast inn to inn with DH.

Instead of traveling we bought a second home, I’ll have to start a post.
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dees_1
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
It's not the cost for me at all. We decided not to take our annual 2 week trip to Zihuatanejo this upcoming January. I'd go there in a heartbeat.
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grapefruit1_ar
3 years ago
I would go to London to see our 6 year old granddaughter. Plus, I adore London.
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Lars
3 years ago
Greece is at the top of our list, but we are going to have to wait for our financial situation to improve. Covid and other factors have put a damper on that.

I have not yet learned enough Portuguese to go back to Brazil or to Portugal, but that would be easier than Greece, since I could go with a friend.
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nutsaboutplants
3 years ago
Lugano, Switzerland or Venice, Italy
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mtnrdredux_gw
3 years ago
ahh, yes, Lugano is stunning. I was thereon briefly on business, but would love to go back
bbstx
3 years ago
Crystal Bridges is wonderful. I haven’t been since the FLW house was reconstructed there. From Crystal Bridges, you won’t be too far from Thorncrown Chapel, which was designed by Fay Jones, an FLW disciple. Because of Walmart being headquartered in Bentonville, flights in and out of NW Arkansas are plentiful. (well, they were plentiful pre-COVID)

If you choose to go to Arkansas in the spring, you might also want to see Garvan Gardens in Hot Springs. It was on my places-to-go list for Spring 2020. Obviously, didn’t happen.
salonva
3 years ago
Before seeing this thread, I have thought about this a great deal. I have thought that I really should try to plan a trip for when we are able to again, whenever that will be. We love traveling ........and really reading through the posts, I pretty much would love each and every destination mentioned. ( well, almost). I just get too scrambled and haven't been able to even approach researching.

I'll join each and every one of you though.
User
3 years ago
I'd still love to walk the Camino de Santiago, having read a great deal about it before the pandemic hit and discussing it in earnest with DH. It still holds tremendous appeal, but it may be some time before it's actually a possibility again.

We're returning to Big Bend National Park in a few months, so at least there's something on the near horizon. Although I must say that I have become so much more attuned to staycations, and truly enjoy just being at home with no prescribed agenda.
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Funkyart
Original Author
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I am pretty sure I have made my decision as to where to go-- though truly, it is early. Since travel is pretty much out of the question for the near to mid future, I am sure I will change my mind at least a few times. There are so many great places to experience.. and i can't think of one listed above that I wouldn't enjoy... but for this trip (a gift that comes along with an award), I want a complete escape with a focus on relaxing and recharging my soul.

There is a destination that just lights me up each time i look at the photos/articles. It is the kind of place that is special whether you spend a day at the spa or just walk down the road for a bite to eat and some shopping. It's lowkey and magical.. but offers true adventures if i am inclined. It is also a destination that i have planned/put off many times in the last 5yr due to work obligations or other complications. I think it is perfect...

Until I change my mind LOL

Thank you all for playing and dreaming along with me. I hope you've enjoyed looking forward to better days as much as i have. <3 you all!
mtnrdredux_gw
3 years ago
Thx, BBSTx!
texanjana
3 years ago
Mtn, no the diamond park is not pretty. However, the Ozarks in Arkansas are beautiful.
Tina Marie
3 years ago
Well tell us Funky!!
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Funkyart
Original Author
3 years ago
Sorry, Tina.. i missed your question. I am thinking New Mexico.. in a more splurgy way than i have done in the past. I am also considering staying longer and working remotely.
mtnrdredux_gw
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I agree 100%; there are so many cute casitas to rent there, and if you go near Canyon rd, very good places to stroll for a coffee/lunch. I just got a mailing from the Santa Fe opera and they are going to open this summer! (plein aire).

BTW after watching FIsherman's Friend last night, I need to go to Cornwall. Sweet little fun picturesque film, if maybe a tad formulaic. We enjoyed it. Thought of you Idaclaire, I think you'd like it!
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Funkyart
Original Author
3 years ago
Yes, I saw that too.. hopefully I can go in season. It's been 20 yr and I still remember the moment when they dropped the backdrop to reveal the high desert background! Magical.
User
3 years ago
My mother just recommended "Fisherman's Friend" to me as well! I need to see it. Cornwall was magical ... I never expected to be welcomed into the little village of Paul (up the road from adorable Mousehole) with a line dancing session in the village hall. I have so many wonderful memories of our visits to Cornwall, not just the picturesque beauty of the places, but the people were simply lovely.

I've also been thinking about New Mexico for 2021, possibly going back to our favorite little cabin in the Cloudcroft area. The poor state has been hit hard by the virus and has had some pretty extreme lockdown measures in place for some time, so it may still be awhile before visitors are welcomed back with open arms, but I'll be ready to return when possible. It's such an amazing state.
Funkyart
Original Author
3 years ago
I did notice that quite a few NM businesses were shut down due to covid.. I would not travel until i felt safe to do so which i would expect would follow their reopening plan. I think i would enjoy it all the more if a portion of my trip expenditures would help get restaurants/shop owners back to normalcy.

I can defer my gift until 2021 but i am being encouraged to take it this year if at all possible. That's part of the beauty of NM.. much as i prefer to go in summer, there is plenty to see/do in any season.
mtnrdredux_gw
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Ida, thanks for reminding me that Cornwall is where Mousehole is. My Maine kitchen is copied from a Mousehole kitchen that KSWL found for me. Could this be cuter?

https://www.uniquehomestays.com/self-catering/uk/cornwall/mousehole/the-oyster-catcher/#gallery

PS me line dancing would require some alcohol consumption, but sounds joyous!
Funkyart
Original Author
3 years ago
Oh gosh.. that link almost makes me want to change my mind! (but it would take a lot of alcohol for me to line dance too!)
mtnrdredux_gw
3 years ago
No, no you are on the right track for what you want to Funky! Getting to Cornwall is not nearly as easy as getting to Santa Fe. And the real estate is just as cute.

DH and I stayed here:

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/20553890/photos?adults=2&check_in=2021-03-11&check_out=2021-03-18&source_impression_id=p3_1607968907_W27MYk1Bf%2B%2BHdgjg&guests=1

A short jaunt to coffee, lunch, galleries or just strolling around, staring at houses and gardens and trying to peak into gates.
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Funkyart
Original Author
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Thank you, Mtn! I know you are right.. NM/Santa Fe is the right choice. I light up whenever I think about it. I haven't told many people (other than the 100s of you all lol) as the award hasn't been announced yet. Still, some are surprised by my choice.. why not europe or an exotic beach? Nothing ticks all my boxes like Santa Fe and surroundings.

Your Airbnb was lovely-- just the kind of home base I imagine. I don't know yet if airbnbs are included -- but i suspect so as i understand there are few restrictions. I need to figure out if i will take sisters, special friend or go it solo before i get too serious about where i want to stay. I do think it would be great to stay at Lob Poblanos for a night or two before landing in Santa Fe. I'll share plans for feedback closer to when I'll travel.. there have been so many Santa Fe threads over the years (including at least one started by me!). I am sure you will all have thoughts and great recommendations to share!
amicus
3 years ago
This is hard, but I'd pick either Singapore or French Polynesia.