She's got the urge...

magenta321 · #1 10-09-2001, 02:42 AM

I really have the urge to travel, and I haven't had a vacation in almost two years. The closest I've had was taking a day off for my goddaughter's christening. I mean, I haven't even used ANY vacation time. Period. And now I want to.

I just was browsing Orbitz some. I know. Terrorists. War. Good prices. Money burning a hole in my pocket. Young and have no committments. Friends with money to burn, who are young and have no committments. So, I guess I am going on a trip.

I know some of you will be urged to tell me something I already know, like that it's just not safe to fly now, and I appreciate it. However, it's not what I want to hear.

What I am wondering are your personal recomendations for a great hot-spot.

I've never been east of Syracuse, within the USA, but I have been to the Bahamas (Eulthra), Bermuda, Italy, France, Spain, and Cancun. I think I ruled out most of Europe (just too scary right now, and not all that warm, I think). I would be willing to travel to a Carrebian local, or to sunny California. What's South Padre like at this time of year? Any other great destinations in the US I should know about?

Any suggestions for me? (Other than trying to convince me not to go?)

Please don't rain on my parade. I do understand the dangers. I just really want to go, and am hoping that there is some dream local out there which is just waiting for me. Ideally, there is a place with the beauty and charm of Kiawah, and the wild nights of Cancun.

Where is this paradise?

Thanks for your help!

**conradd** · #2 10-09-2001, 03:31 AM

San Francisco or Vancouver B.C. would be my suggestions. Vancouver is probably the most cosmopolitan city on the west coast (probably closest to NYC) and the exchange rate would make your dollars strrrreeetttch. San Francisco is just plain fun and there is always something to do. You'd have a better chance of excellent weather down south - LA is great but I wouldn't drive there, and San Diego is great fun for young singles. Las Vegas would also be a kick.

Safety considerations aside, this is a very good time to travel. Low air fares and bargain basement hotel rates. Have fun and don't forget to post!!

Deb

Flamepillar · #3 10-09-2001, 06:55 AM

Come down to Neenah and feast your eyes on the toilet paper plants! And sing "Always" by Atlantic Starr with me :p

**jgibson2**[$] · #4 10-09-2001, 12:17 PM

Flying probably hasn't been this safe in years. Prices are great, nothing is going to be crowded. Passengers are feeling empowered -- "emotionally disturbed" man tries to enter cockpit, is promptly overpowered and detained by fellow passengers. Plane escorted back to airport by F-16's. Cool story to tell your grandchildren.

It's not very warm, but if you want to take a peek at some real security, I bet you can get a room in DC pretty easily. Georgetown for nightlife, museums in the daytime, 6 Flags America has a big Halloween thing going on weekends. Me, I'd be heading some place warmer -- I bet all the Florida attractions are offering deals. I also bet you can get on a cruise ship for next to nothing right now if you can leave right away.

magenta321 · #5 10-09-2001, 01:12 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions so far -- I've been plugging the destinations into the orbitz site and checking on prices. Any other suggestions are also welcome.

I do have a question though -- what is the difference between economy class and business class? I always thought they were the same. The prices seem to be the same for everything I am looking at so far.

Also, about the new carry-on restrictions. I heard you can bring on carry on bag, and either one purse or one laptop case. Is this true? I have to choose between my laptop or my purse? I wanted both... I need my purse, but wanted my laptop even if only to watch dvds on the plane. I guess I'd have to shove my purse into my carry on bag.

queenofallevil · #6 10-09-2001, 01:21 PM

Hmmmm...what to suggest....what to suggest....

Well, as a Texan (even though I'm really far away right now) I can tell you that Padre Island and Corpus are pretty slow during this season....spring and early summer are the best times to go there. (Even though you have to fight your way around from the college kids during spring break...the place is a haven for SB worshippers!)

From what you are looking for, I would say Thailand is a great place to go, and also the Greek island of Crete. I never knew how much of a vacation hot spot those places are until I moved here....it seems when the Swedes want a wild party at night with a lot to do and see during the days, they choose these two. I've also heard Portugal can be a fun zone also. Everyone says Thailand is the best, but you might find cheaper accomidations as far as your itenerary goes to choose Greece.

I'll try to come up with some more domestic ideas later.

Val

queenofallevil · #7 10-09-2001, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Also, about the new carry-on restrictions. I heard you can bring on carry on bag, and either one purse or one laptop case. Is this true? I have to choose between my laptop or my purse? I wanted both... I need my purse, but wanted my laptop even if only to watch dvds on the plane. I guess I'd have to shove my purse into my carry on bag

Oops...I forgot to answer this one for you!

Well, the question you are asking is carrier-specific, and rules vary from company to company....but the majority rule of thumb is you must choose between your laptop and purse. Most companies usually "look the other way" when you bring both though...even on international flights, because these are small items that don't weigh that much. (I myself have been guilty of bringing on a few "extras" in the cabin area I couldn't fit in my bag. Hell, on my last trip from Dallas to Stockholm, I brought a huge double-ball bowling bag with both my 14 lb. balls, my shoes, my bowling shirt, my gear etc as a carry on. It was WAY over the weight limit, and nowhere near fitting under my seat...(it's a BIG bag) and nobody even gave it a second look. Since security has been tightened, and they are examining carry-on luggage very closely now, I would fully recommend sticking by the guidelines for the moment, since they are 200% more likely to dissallow multiple cabin items now that they are paying attention these days. You don't want them to tell you you have to leave one of your items at the airport.

My suggestion? Bring a backpack as a carry on, and bring your purse. You can keep your laptop in the backpack, and it's perfectly within the rules to remove it once you are in the cabin. As long as you make it inside the plane with it inside a bag, they won't complain when you take it out to use it. BUT, if you carry it outside the bag while checking in, they'll deem it an "extra carry-on item" and you will be charged for it, or asked to leave it.

Domestic flights are usually much more lenient as far as baggage regulation than international, the advice I gave ya here is for domestic flight purposes.

Now...if you have questions about international flight restrictions, feel free to ask away.....I've had my share of experience there too!

Hope this helps ya...

Val

kurt_messick · #8 10-09-2001, 02:17 PM

No matter where you go, I hope you have a safe and happy time, and I wish I could go too!

magenta321 · #9 10-09-2001, 02:32 PM

Just found round trip tickets fro JFK to Heithrow for $230!!!!

Unfortunately, I'd have to leave sooner than I'd like to, and would have to miss a good friend's surprise birthday party that I have been planning! If fact, two of the three planners would not be there for the party!

Sounds a little too selfish -- but oh too good of a deal to pass up.

Also thinking seriously about San Diego. I might have some place to stay for free, and round trip tickets are currently $199.

Thanks for all the help. You guys are wonderful!

mtbat · #10 10-09-2001, 03:58 PM

where ever you go-have fun!

I was watching the news this morning and they said you can have ONE carry-on plus a purse or a briefcase-so do what Val said and have a backpack w/ your laptop inside-

If you like cold-colorado is always good-

Fridai

queenofallevil · #11 10-09-2001, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Just found round trip tickets fro JFK to Heithrow for $230!!!!

Wow...that is a good deal...I wouldn't blame you for not wanting to pass it up.

London can be pretty damp and dismal this time of year, but there's lots to see and do indoors to make it worth while.

Question: Is the flight you are talking about one of the British Airways flights? (They have two, one at 6 am, one at 9am) Is it the United flight (shortly after 9 am) or the American Airlines flight? (8:30 am)?

If you are flying BA, BE SURE to be on time, and follow the baggage guidelines....BA is one of the toughest carriers as far as following set guidelines. And if flying BA...BE EARLY....the attendants become total shrews if you aren't there a few hours before international flights. (Plus, with the hopped up security, this is a must these days). I've heard some good things about this hop...but have heard they like keeping the cabin pretty cold on the 6 am flight.

If you are flying AA, you are in for a treat....the jump to Heathrow with AA is done via 777. The triple 7 is my favorite of Boeing's line. It's one hell of an airplane.... (I usually prefer Airbus in most cases, but the 777 is fantastic!)

Both flights with BA are your standard 747, which are okay. The UA flight is a 767...not what I'd want to be sitting in over the "pond", (kinda crampy) but for that price I'd ride in the belly with the luggage, so I wouldn't complain.

All the best!!

Val

frazzledspice · #12 10-09-2001, 06:12 PM

Fall foliage is beautiful in so many places this time of year. Vermont, New Hampshire, upstate New York, Pennsylvania....you'd have to pick the week you wanted to travel and look at a foliage map (I'm sure you could find one on the net) which would let you know when fall colors are at their peak in what areas.

magenta321 · #13 10-10-2001, 12:58 PM

Val, it was the AA one. I like 777s too!

Fraz -- the colors are georgous! I might have to take a day for hiking close to home. My backyard is driving me nuts because it is so beautiful right now. The colors, and the sun streaking through the trees is beautiful!

In general, I am still looking around. I found Paris, close to the Champs-Elyse (sp? It's been a long time), round trip including a decent 3 star hotel for 5 nights at only $509. I couldn't take the train and stay in a hotel in New York for two nights at that price!

Val, or anyone who may know, is Paris dreary this time of year? The last time I was there was April, I believe, and they had snowflakes the size of golf balls falling on our heads. They would "splat" down on us, something like when a bird deficates on your head. When it wasn't snowing it was beautiful. If their snow is that big... I wonder how big their raindrops are!

queenofallevil · #14 10-10-2001, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Val, or anyone who may know, is Paris dreary this time of year?

Paris.....*shudder*

Personally, I've only been to Paris once, and that was a few months ago.

Air France gave me the worst treatment I ever recieved as a passenger. For that reason alone, I will never, ever cross the border into France again. I don't care if I'm dying and need a heart transplant...if I had to go to France to get it, I'd rather stay home and pick out a casket.

I know it sounds brutal of me to say so...but this really was a horrible experience. I wrote an in-depth account on my dealings with AF on epinions. (I won't link to it because it's against the rules in this forum, but feel free to find it if you want to know what made me so TO'd.) It's surely the most heated review I ever had the pleasure of writing.

The bastards told my 6 month old child to sleep on the floor. That among other things.......*ptooie!* I spit upon Air France!

(Sorry I couldn't be more helpful here)

Val