Monday, March 2, 2009

Vacation poll: I want to go to there

Readers, I need your help! I haven't been on vacation in a long time and I'm itching to put my tax return to good use by getting me out of Chicago for a few days.

But I have no idea where I should go. My only real preference is that it's not in the Midwest. I would also be possibly taking this trip this spring/early summer.

So I put together some ideas below of places I'm thinking of vacationing, let me know if what one you like best or write in your own suggestion.

As Liz Lemon would say, "I want to go to there," so help me decide where I should go.

Napa Valley, CA
I love wine and warm weather. I may not be a big drinker, but a lot of sampling isn't considered heavy drinking, is it?


Vancouver
My stepbrother who lives there says it's beautiful and it's been on my "list" of places to be for a while


New Orleans
Haven't spent a lot of time in the South, but I would love to see first-hand what the city looks like post-Katrina and sample some Cajun food


Mexico
Never been there, but the desire to lay on a beach with a book is a huge plus


Does anyone else have trips coming up that they're looking forward to? I wanted to add Hawaii or Europe to the list, but right now, I need to save a little more before that can become a reality.

Or what was your favorite vacation, either with family, significant other or friends?

58 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mexico is too dangerous right now. New Orleans would be fun but Mardi Gras has since passed. Napa would be excellent but isn't it the rainy season? I'd say Vancouver. Never been there but sounds fun.

Erin said...

Let's see...my next trip is in July and I'm going to to the Napa Valley area of CA! My parents go there every year and LOVE IT. I'm going to run a race and then relax for a few days. And sample lots of wine, of course.

However, New Orleans sounds like fun. Never been there (my parents have) but apparently it's quite fun.

My favorite vacations have been to Grand Haven, MI (with family) and on a Caribbean cruise (with my husband). Never been on a vacation with friends.

Anonymous said...

Vancouver! Okay, I'll admit it. I've never been there, but the picture completely tempted me into voting for it. But Napa looks pretty amazing too! I'd skip Mexico if you're doing late spring/early summer- save that one for the next Chicago winter! :)

Anonymous said...

We went to London a few years ago, and I would go back in a heartbeat. New Orleans sounds fantastic too.

MonkeyBusiness said...

I CANNOT stop saying "I want to go to there"... such a great one.

A beach sounds so good. And I love Napa (it's my happy place and I would move there in a red hot minute). But when I think random trip, I think New Orleans.

Man, I'm not being of much help!

All that said, I think it would depend on who you're going with and how you think you/they would mesh with the activities there. But I want to go to there with Napa!

Living Dees Life said...

i say cali

Anonymous said...

I would love to go to Napa. But my current dream getaway is Greece. If I only had the cash...

Pretty Unfamous said...

I would say Vancouver to visit your brother, New Orleans for the food, or Mexico for the tropical weather! Napa Valley, while beautiful (I know since I live right near there), would be too boring for me to want to vacation there--not to mention EXPENSIVE!!!

Mandy said...

Ohhh they all look fun! If you are looking to go this spring/summer I would pick Napa or Vancouver. NOLA would be fun at Mardi Gras and Mexico is sort of dangerous right now. Whatever you choose though, you will have a fantastic time!

LBluca77 said...

Lucky girl, I would love to go on vacation. New Orleans sounds awesome to me, it is on my list of vacation spots as well. If you decided Mexico I would say you should go to Cabo. It is so beautiful there, rather inexpensive and very safe. I went a few summers back and had a blast.

EP said...

NOLA! Do it! Trust me, you'll have an amazing time. And I can tell you lots of places to go eat and things to do since I went to school an hour away from there and spent quite a few nights gallivanting there.

Anonymous said...

Napa!

Or you can book a flight and come with Jenn and I to Florida April 2nd. We need some Disney World in our lives.

Lys said...

honestly, if you want to go somewhere warm that isn't out of the country, i would suggest sedona, arizona. my bf and i are going there for our one year (dating) anniversary because it's where we met (longish story, i'll probably post it this week). we're cheesy like that though. it's in the mountains, it's secluded, and it's artsy. otherwise, if you want to stick to your list, i would go with napa. wine tasting sounds delightful!

Anonymous said...

I'm from New Orleans but moved to Houston, TX after Hurricane Katrina.

I'm biased. I would tell you to go to New Orleans. It's a great city with a lot of culture.

I miss the food every single day.

Post Katrina, right now, is a great time to go. New Orleans is back on its feet and there's parties all around the city.

NikeRun said...

I have to say living near Napa and having gone to New Orleans recently-I'd say those are great. Napa and Sonoma have some great wineries and since Spring is around the corner-it will be gorgeous. New Orleans is just amazing.

I've never been to Vancouver or Mexico but I'm sure any place away from home (and a routine) is great.

Good luck on choosing your vacation destination.

CIP said...

New Orleans is awesome and so much fun!

SA said...

I say New Orleans or Napa Valley. You really can't go wrong with either great food or great wine. And I say this as a non-drinker.

nova said...

Vancouver!! But I'm biased...I live just a ferry ride from there

Katelin said...

i totally say new orleans, that place is amazing. seriously amazing.

Heidi Renée said...

I need to figure out where I'll be living before I can plan a vacation. My last trip was up to Maine for fourth of July weekend. In the future I'd love to take Jason to Disney World/land. He has never been!

Maki said...

Napa Valley is gorgeous! I've never been to New Orleans, so it would be nic eand I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time there.

I saw on the news that Mexico is getting dangerous - I'm sure it depends on the area, but Tucson, AZ sent out the warnings to all the colleges to stay away during Spring break... I'd love to visit Mexico though...

Hawaii, I grew up there, so yes, you should go when you save up enough time and $$$. All the decisions...

Pandora said...

If you can't make it to South Africa (which is really cheap for Americans at the moment,seeing as our Rand is very weak against the Dollar at the moment),I would have to choose New Orleans.I've never been to America,but New Orleans always seems like a very interesting place to visit.

Anonymous said...

New Orleans and Vancouver are too much city and not enough relaxation time. Since you already live in the best City ever you don't need to visit another city right now.

Napa is cool if you love wine and vineyards, very hilly you could go to the redwoods. Although the landscape around napa reminds me of the midwest landscape for some reason. (not the redwoods, but the other trees, farms and rolling hills)

I also heard it is a bad time to visit Mexico right now. Though I guess if you flew straight to cabo that would be okay....I don't know much..never been.

Other suggestions
Sedona-is nice and you can do the whole spa thing.

Somewhere in Colorado-nice to go to the mountains plenty of spas and other things to do.

Oregon-If you go in spring you can catch the Tulip season.

Austin-Would be a good mix of city and random outdoor stuff to do. Has a totally dif. vibe then Chicago.

Sorry this is a long comment...You know how I love to travel.

Although it does come down to what you want to do on your trip. Eat, shop, spa, relax, go out. Then you can narrow where to go.

bianca said...

Since I live pretty close, I go to Napa from time to time. I love it and you HAVE to go some day. Go with a group of friends and take a party bus. You won't regret it!

*Jac* said...

I'm going to Myrtle Beach in 2 weeks and Orlando in 2 months. My favorite vacation is definitely Disney World though. I love Disney. But I think you should go to Napa Valley b/c I love wine.

L.C.T. said...

Ah I adore travelling. Going to Germany in a few weeks and hopefully the states and Germany again over the summer.

Out of those I'd probably choose Napa Valley. Vancouver is nice, as is New Orleans, but there's more to do there. Napa would be more of a break!

As for favourite holidays. Dubai? Saudi Arabia? Colorado? Not sure. Ah, fun travelling times.

Anonymous said...

Hmm I've never been to north or south america so I'm afraid I can't help. If you're ever coming over to europe though and need advice, let me know.

FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com said...

Mexico: Dangerous, and not that fun unless you're on a guarded resort.

Vancouver: Totally not worth it. I went with BF, and we were dying for things to do during the week without paying $1000 for the "sights". I'd suggest Victoria instead of Vancouver. Can always do a day trip to Vancouver.

Napa is a good idea, but I think New Orleans would be my #1 choice out of that list.

Me, I'm going to NYC :)

erin - heart in ireland said...

All of your choices sound like fun. The question is do you want a busy seeing things holiday or a more relaxing one?

I would choose New Orleans, I'd love to go!

My favourite trips would be Greece last year with my sister, Spain with my college roomie, or the weekend camping with my best friends on Cape Cod or the trip I just took by myself to Italy.

Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks said...

I think it depends on what you want to get out of a vacation and how much time you want to spend traveling to get there. All your choices are good ones.

Pretty much *every* vacation is a favorite of mine. I mean, time away from school (when I was younger) and work now? What's not to love! My most recent favorite vacation was most definitely my honeymoon to Costa Rica. Upcoming trips include Indianapolis to run a race, New York City to visit family and friends, a camping trip out west this summer, likely to Montana, and a week-long vacation around Thanksgiving on Cape Cod. I'm very much looking forward to each of those trips for very different reasons.

Elle said...

Normally I would say Mexico - I've been there multiple times and it's usually so warm, friendly and fun. But right now, there are gang/drug wars everywhere and they're targeting tourist populated areas. You might want to stay away.

I'd go with Napa, CA or Vancouver. I've never been to either, but am also dying to.

Rachel Ann said...

I live about an hour away, and even I would pick New Orleans from the list. The absolutle best time to visit down here is March/April because while it's still snowing up North (I went to school in Ohio, so I do know my snow), spring has usually sprung down here, and you get to take in all the beautiful sites that Louisiana has to offer in the spring. If you do come though, I would totally recomend renting a car for a day or two, and taking trips out to the plantations because they are GORGEOUS. Also, (though it really depends which ones you go to) the swamp tour is a must do during the day, because it truly is beautifull. This still leaves nights for a awesome nightlife that New Orleans definitley has to offer.

Okay... now that I'm done being a commercial...

Abby said...

I've been to Hawaii three times and if you can afford it, it's soooo worth it and you MUST experience it at least once in your life. It is costly and would require that you probably save more money, which would mean waiting a little while longer.

Never been to your other options, but Napa Valley would be amazing (especially if you're a vino lover!)

Unknown said...

Vancouver hands down! ... and then take a mini trip to Victoria, Canada... it's beautiful... it has a European feel, you're on the water, there's history and plenty of wineries, high tea like london, boutiques and pubs, AND you can rent scooters for the day, it's the best get away. I went last June and I can't wait to go back.

cmay said...

we went to new orleans in october for a wedding and liked it. The french quarter was just the right size for a weekend trip but to be honest, bourbon street is CRAZY at night, so I would only go there if you're traveling with a friend/s. Otherwise, go to California!
Oh, but Santa Fe is also great... not on your list but you might like it.

laurwilk said...

Well, I've been to all except for Napa (due to that whole drinking age thing and my relatively recent legality) and I would certainly say New Orleans. It is very different from Chicago and it such a fun place to visit! Vancouver is wonderful and beautiful but it will probably be quite similar to Chi. And well - I recommend Mexico in like...November. Save up for that trip and go when you are desperate to get out of the blistery Midwest!

Anonymous said...

They all sound like fun! Mexico is awesome, especially if you do all inclusive (we did it for our honeymoon). New Orleans is a super cool city, you just don't want to go in the middle of summer - you will die from the humidity. I've always wanted to go to Napa - my co-worker goes every year and loves it! The picture of Vancouver looks stunning!

I'm planning a trip to Germany and some other neighboring countries in September. I can't wait!

Good luck with your decision!

Anonymous said...

Mexico! Because if I can't go south of the border, someone should :-)

Or Napa, because Cali is just plain gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

I would be very reluctant to go to Mexico any time soon...just too risky right now. I live within a few hours drive of New Orleans so I've been many times. Great place to eat, drink, and be merry! I haven't been to Napa Valley (yet), but it's on my list. It's not on your list, but I just got back from Key West last week and had a blast. Wish I was there now!

Jenny Grace said...

That's, like, my list!

Napa is gorgeous, and fun. The other places are all ones that I'd love to get to.

But who are you going with? Alone? Friends? Family? Different places, different kinds of vacations, yknow?

Anonymous said...

Oooh, I like the idea of Napa or Vancouver because I haven't been to either. I'm THINKING about a trip to Denver soon since I have a friend out there I could stay with and just need to get away from the Midwest for a few days!

Anonymous said...

Give me a few days and I'll tell you all about Key West!!

And if you need a travel buddy for New Orleans, I am IN.

Andhari said...

I've been to Napa and Mexico and theyre amazing. I guess it depends on what you want to experience. It's so crazy and fun in Mexico. Napa is so relaxing though.

ps. I always want to go to Vancouver.

Anonymous said...

Dude, Napa is some crazy heavy drinking. I live in Northern California, and I have friends who are off wine for life after being there. And I'm from Louisiana so I have to vote for NOLA. It's an amazing city with tons to explore --- you just have to know where to look. There's so much more than Bourban Street. Either way, you can't go wrong.

Deb said...

When I was a kid my parents dragged me to Mt. Rushmore like four times. I had such a chip on my shoulder and didn't want to be there. But looking back it was such a beautiful place to go and there really is so much to see in South Dakota. I'm trying to convince my husband to go there. If you love the outdoors all things naturey I'd recommend giving it a try. In the summer time for sure!

thatShortchick said...

ooh vacation plans, how fun! I vote either mexico (particularly cabo, jennifer aniston vacations there alot and you MAY run into her so there's always that) or napa valley.

endless amounts of wine and sun? yes please.

we just booked a cruise to the bahamas for this july and i'm so excited i could burst.

ANG* said...

wine country is SO fantastic, but you really need to be there with someone who knows what they are doing or can plan it for you. also, its expensive. theres no way to get around that. but its oh so lovely.

my vote for you would be mexico! you can stay at an pretty nice all inclusive and have the most perfect time. you dont have to worry about a thing. meals, drinks and transpo is provided. if you want to do anything extra while you are there, theres someone there to help you with that too. its the ultimate relaxation kinda trip. and going in the spring is the absolute best. never know what the weather will be like here...but there...80s and hot hot sun.

hmmmmmm sounds like i should go to mexico.

suppose i'll settle for vegas next month :)

Erin said...

I'll add another vote for Key West. That was my favorite stop on our cruise and I would love to spend a few days there.

Anonymous said...

My vote is for Mexico. I'm going to SF on Sunday for nearly a week of TPB work. But I'm most looking forward to my trip to Orlando with Jamie in April. Yay!

Anonymous said...

I would be hesitant to venture to Mexico right now - and as a native Californian I am all for Napa...it is breathtaking and you'd love it!

Narcs Killl said...

i went to Cozumel Mexico over new years. it was absolutely beautiful and relatively cheap. my favorite trip was round hill resort in Jamaica. its on the pricey side, but you are in the middle of paradise with a private beach and pool :D

Ray said...

I am leaving for New Orleans on Sunday. So that would be my obvious suggestion...I can give you details when I get back!

Anonymous said...

I say Vancouver! I really want to go there and I think it will be beautiful in the summer. I'd advise against going to Mexico during late spring and summer because it gets so hot. A friend of mine got really ill from going to a Mexican resort in the summer. The doctor she saw there said when it gets that hot, just breathing the (bacteria-filled) air can cause illness.

As for me, I'm planning a road trip to Yellowstone/Glacier national parks in June or July and a trip to Disney World in October.

Sarah Alway said...

Vancouver is absolutely fantastic! That's my vote, and if you're in the area, why not visit Seattle, the most fantastic city in the world? ;-)

And of course you can never go wrong with Mexico...

Anonymous said...

napa valley is one of my favorite places to go! if you do, i'd recommend sterling vineyards or mums - those are my top two :)

mexico - you have to try puerto vallarta or cabo san lucas...they're very different but i love both places! i'd avoid cancun or acapulco just because of the gross underage college crowd - the last thing you want on a vacation is teenagers puking all over the pool area.

*krystyn* said...

I also would love to go to Vancouver. I have family there, yet haven't made it there to visit! Argh!

I used to live in Mexico (as a volunteer) and I highly recommend their beaches. Puerto Vallarta is my favorite. Old & quaint!! They have new resorts though.

That pic of Napa is gorgeous!!

Caz said...

Vancouver! Vancouver! VANCOUVER!

Seriously it's an absolutely amazing, fabulous city (but I'd suggest waiting until at least April to give you better luck at not having a rainy trip. It rains a lot there in winter.)

If it's where you decide to go, let me know and I'll give you lots of tips on where to eat and what to do etc.

To be honest, I have to admit there was a news segment on Vancouver yesterday and I actually bawled while watching it, I miss my old city that much.

New Orleans would be my second choice.

Elfreda said...

I absolutely match with your post.