Where would you travel if money/time is no object [Archive]

View Full Version : Where would you travel if money/time is no object

razz

3-2-20, 5:40pm

Been thinking about this over the past week. I finally realized that I don't mind land tours if they are not rushed, not keen on cruises or long flights. Perhaps because I have done a fair bit of traveling already but, basically, I love being home. I prefer to travel in March or November so I can enjoy my garden and winter.
I am keeping a friend company on an Alaskan cruise this spring as she had it on her bucket list and the single supplement on cruises is pricey. I am glad to be doing this trip and got a really good deal on Holland America. I looked over different tours trying to find another trip to do later and considering a South African land tour or a trip to Tanzania in November.

What would you like to do and what twigged your interest?

iris lilies

3-2-20, 5:48pm

I have a yen to visit India and Southeast Asia, but I’m afraid of how freaking hot it is there.

So my next trip will be to the Baltic countries.

Geila

3-2-20, 5:51pm

I love Paris. And warm oceans. And Mexican food. If money and other things were not issues (pet sitters and such) I would do a nice long trip each year, maybe a month, alternating locations. Oh, and somewhere in the summer with cool green weather - Oregon or such. Yeah, that sounds about right - a month at the end of the year and a month in the summer.

Yppej

3-2-20, 6:34pm

Nantucket. It's in my home state but I have never been there because it is so expensive.

rosarugosa

3-2-20, 6:57pm

Now that we have passports, the Netherlands have come up for discussion a few times.

Teacher Terry

3-2-20, 7:22pm

We have a trip booked for Poland, Austria, Prague, Ireland and Scotland. Not sure if we will go in August because of the virus. We would only lose our airfare at this point. The plan was to be gone for a month.

KayLR

3-2-20, 7:28pm

Well I never been to Spain....but I sure do want to go there. Also Norway and Sweden and Ireland.

Gardnr

3-2-20, 9:19pm

Now that we have passports, the Netherlands have come up for discussion a few times.

AH, the homeland. Mom and Dad took me and my younger sister for 30d when I graduated from high school. It's an amazing country. And we didn't see it all! A very easy place for total immersion. Transportation is amazing! If you stay in a single place for a few days, rent bikes. Super cheap. Country is flat so cycling is easy.

Gardnr

3-2-20, 9:30pm

I would spend 6w in New England. In 2001 I spent 1 week in western MA-beautiful. But that is the extent of seeing the region.

I love geographical history and I prefer immersion travel rather than mileage. I've spent 9d in Philly, 9d in Boston, 15d in DC (2 trips), 7d in NOLA, 5d in San Antonio, 7d in Houston and a lot of ton in the West.

I would also spend 6w in the mid-Atlantic states and another 6w in the south.

My goal is all 50 states! I've been to HI and AL already although I would love to do the train/lodges trip.

Off continent if I've finished off the USA? 6w in AU and 4w in New Zealand. Bali also interests me so could tack on 10d to the AU/NZ trip. I have long been enamoured with Machu Pichu.

Teacher Terry

3-2-20, 10:15pm

We have been going to Europe since 2003 because it’s not handicap friendly at all. Some of the things we did there I couldn’t do now. We have also traveled essentially in the states. Travel is one of our highest priorities.

catherine

3-2-20, 10:39pm

I'd probably throw a dart on a map. I don't know if I have a place I really want to visit above all others, but I really love the experience of being in different places. There may be some countries I would NOT want to visit because of socio-political issues, but beyond that, I'm game.

I think I would be interested in Ireland because I have a lot of ancestors from there, but I also have ancestors from Scotland and England, and I've already been to those countries. So I'd do Ireland and THEN throw the dart on the map.

Simplemind

3-3-20, 12:06am

I have a trip planned for September with a little over a week in Cape Cod. We were there a few years ago and only got to Martha's Vineyard when hurricane weather blew us out. From there it will be up to the Canadian Maritimes for a couple of weeks.
Beyond that now that hubby is traveling a bit better (since his stroke) I would love to go back to England and check out Devon and Cornwall before checking out a few other countries. Scandinavia is looking interesting since we have watched so many shows that take place there. Japan is another on my list. Our daughter just got back today and was there for three weeks. We concentrated on the RV life last year and I'm ready to get back in a plane once this Corona virus has settled down.

Teacher Terry

3-3-20, 12:24am

SM, how did you like the RV? We are glad we bought a used one because at times it was fun but mostly expensive. We did get to stay in National parks with 4 dogs and that wouldn’t have been possible without it. We sold it 2 weeks ago because with 2 small dogs we just drive and stay in motels.

Simplemind

3-3-20, 2:01am

TT it never ceases to amaze me that we have so much in common.
I did like the RV. It is a 2003 24ft Minnie Winnie in perfect condition. We have two large dogs so we took out the carpet and put down vinyl. We also took out the jackknife couch and put in recliners. We took it out 17 times last year with and without the dogs. To go along with the inheritance thread, I was able to purchase it with my money from that and it makes me smile and think of my dad every time I get in it. That said, it is camping. Not that there is anything wrong with that but I want to travel and not be tied down with the dogs. Not that I don't miss them when we travel but I know they are loving being at home with the kids. My sister and brother also bought RV's. A 35ft 5th wheel for my brother and a 30ft class A for my sister and we have traveled and camped together. We want to return to our previous type of travel and probably only go camping about four times a year. That makes it a very expensive tent taking up the driveway so we see having it for another couple of years and then selling. As you know, not a cheap way to travel no matter what they say.

Tybee

3-3-20, 11:15am

These posts are making me wish we had bought a trailer! So I guess that would be my travel objective if money and time were no object--get a nice truck for dh and a nice little camper for me--I just want a 16 foot viking, economical and lightweight and practical. Then I would travel back to SC for winter travel, maybe buy a piece of land there, and go to Florida, and go to Midwest, Wisconsin and Minnesota--never been to Minnesota but the pictures are so beautiful.

IT would be super to go out West to see my son, and see things like the Grand Canyon and Mount Rushmore.

iris lilies

3-3-20, 11:32am

catherine

3-3-20, 12:40pm

About once a year I think to myself “wouldn't it be interesting to travel first class one time to Europe? “

And then I price it out. And I am horrified. And the thing is, I can afford it but dear Lord I’m not gonna pay that. It does help that both of us are on the short side of average so it’s not like we have to fold our 6’ 5” legs into cramped coach class.

If you are short, your not missing much except for the free drinks. I've flown first class on my clients' dime, and I've been upgraded a lot because of my frequent flier status. What I've found is:
To your point about being short, I'm also short (5'2") and I'm actually MORE comfortable in coach than sitting on those big seats where my feet don't hit the floor and the backs of the seats don't line up with my lumbar region.
It's nice to be waited on with pretty good food and free drinks, but that perk is not worth thousands of dollars
While it can feel like a cattle car in coach, 1st class (without being too heavy on the stereotypes) tend to be stuffy, entitled people. No big deal. I'm not going to strike up a conversation with them, but particularly on domestic flights you definitely get the "Oh, yeah, I DESERVE to be here and you don't" vibe.
If I were traveling more than 8-10 hours and the price was not insane, I would definitely consider it. When I flew to Japan I had my own "pod" on ANA Airlines. I could sleep horizontally and no one could see me. The food was outstanding.
I agree that thousands of dollars for a few hours of relatively better comfort than coach is not worth it.

Simplemind

3-3-20, 12:45pm

IL last year we took a back to back tours just short of three weeks in Eastern Canada and then down the Hudson river valley that was the price of a German automobile. It was worth every penny because we saw things we didn't know existed and didn't have to worry about a thing. Very important to us since DH had his stroke and gets overwhelmed easily with planning or driving for long or where he is unfamiliar. The food and places we stayed were amazing.
We have taken several of these types of tours and enjoyed each of them immensely. If we were younger and DH didn't have his issues we would probably work them out on our own through researching the areas and piecing it together but in current circumstances this works for us. Thank God for FF miles, they offset the expense a bit.

iris lilies

3-3-20, 12:51pm

For our last European trip we had a tour guide with his own car and a pre-planned itinerary that took into account our interests (public gardens and architecture.)

The REAL value in that preplanned tour was, for me—No fighting! It was marital harmony the whole time because We didn’t have to figure out where to go how to get there when we had to be there etc.

Simplemind

3-3-20, 12:58pm

Exactly IL!! It is so nice to sit back and just enjoy with no stress. I can totally appreciate that DH doesn't want to drive because he can't enjoy while trying to concentrate on unfamiliar roads.

Teacher Terry

3-3-20, 1:21pm

At 5’8” I find first class much more comfortable. Only got to do it twice because I am not paying for it. It’s so expensive. SM, I agree that we have many things in common. We have also settled a estate. We took a private tour in Poland with a driver and it was great. However, he drove so fast on a 2 lane windy road that I thought I was going to die. So my solution was to sleep since I had jet lag. My friend said she looked at me and decided it was a good solution and followed suit. My poor son was in the front seat with the guide talking non stop:))

Tradd

3-3-20, 2:36pm

I’d spend my time driving around the Great Lakes diving from June through early September.

happystuff

3-3-20, 5:23pm

I would really like to go to Alaska and/or Canada and see the Northern Lights - and then anything else in the area of where I would be staying. I would also like to go to Australia. After that, anywhere else!

jp1

3-4-20, 12:03am

SO has spent the money on first class to fly to europe, mainly because of the "pod" seats so that he could sleep. I refuse to spend that kind of money so we travel separately. Personally I'm good with a "more room" type economy seat and an Ambien if I'm flying eastbound on a redeye. I do also need one of those pillows to keep my head from flopping around. I may have to make my own before we make a trip like that again because I really hate the amount of stuffing behind my neck that tips my head forward. I just need the side support.

As for places I would go if money/time were no object the one thing that comes to mind is southern Africa. I've had several friends/family members go on safaris there and all of them LOVED it. (my boss did a solo self-directed safari last fall and came back with insanely amazing photos. I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to do it that way...) Beyond that I just love going places. Being somewhere new, especially in a different country where the culture is not American is so much fun.

sweetana3

3-4-20, 7:25am

Pods are now business class. First class is an unusual beast these days. We splurged on business class for our trip to Japan as Toronto to Japan and back was just so long. Amazing. (plus got a great deal). We are doing premium economy on our trip to Europe. Just more room both directions in the seat so hubby less likely to have a panic attack.

If money no object, would do a personally designed around the world trip to visit Japan, Chiang Mai, Kenya, Europe, back home. But right now the only countries on our bucket list for real travel are Ireland and Scotland. Alaska is on next year's list for my 50th HS reunion.

Tenngal

3-4-20, 10:53am

Europe + London

Gardnr

3-4-20, 12:31pm

Europe + London

I find stating "Europe" an interesting thing. Having spent 30 days in the tiny country of the Netherlands and NOT seeing it all, Europe is overwhelming. It would take years to really take it in.

https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe

Country Maps: Europe

Albania (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/albania-map)
Andorra (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/andorra-map)
Armenia (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/asia/armenia-map)
Austria (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/austria-map)
Azerbaijan (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/asia/azerbaijan-map)
Belarus (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/belarus-map)
Belgium (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/belgium-map)
Bosnia-Herzegovina (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/bosnia-and-herzegovina-map)
Bulgaria (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/bulgaria-map)
Croatia (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/croatia-map)
Czech Republic (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/czech-republic-slovakia-map)
Denmark (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/denmark-map)
Estonia (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/estonia-map)
Finland (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/finland-map)
France (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/france-map)
Georgia (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/asia/country-of-georgia-map)
Germany (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/germany-map)

Greece (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/greece-map)
Hungary (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/hungary-map)
Iceland (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/iceland-map)
Ireland (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/ireland-map)
Italy (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/italy-map)
Kosovo (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/kosovo-map)
Latvia (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/latvia-map)
Liechtenstein (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/liechtenstein-map)
Lithuania (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/lithuania-map)
Luxembourg (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/luxembourg-map)
Macedonia (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/macedonia-map)
Malta (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/malta-map)
Moldova (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/moldova-map)
Monaco (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/monaco-map)
Montenegro (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/serbia-and-montenegro-map)
Netherlands (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/netherlands-map)
Norway (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/norway-map)
Poland (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/poland-map)
Portugal (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/portugal-map)

Romania (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/romania-map)
Russia (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/asia/russia-map)
San Marino (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/san-marino-map)
Serbia (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/serbia-and-montenegro-map)
Slovakia (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/czech-republic-slovakia-map)
Slovenia (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/slovenia-map)
Spain (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/spain-map)
Sweden (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/sweden-map)
Switzerland (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/switzerland-map)
Turkey (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/middle-east/turkey-map)
Ukraine (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/ukraine-map)
United Kingdom (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/united-kingdom-map) (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales)
Vatican City (https://www.infoplease.com/atlas/europe/vatican-city-map)

catherine

3-4-20, 12:39pm

I find stating "Europe" an interesting thing. Having spent 30 days in the tiny country of the Netherlands and NOT seeing it all, Europe is overwhelming. It would take years to really take it in.

Good point! I've been to 12 of them, but have never been to Eastern Europe. Would like to go there. Also, Greece would be nice, and Russia (and not just because I'm a "Democratic Socialist")

iris lilies

3-4-20, 1:13pm

I don’t count countries, mainly because I wouldn’t total up any impressive number. DH counts airports as countries, but really dude, changing planes in the Rjikevich airport doesn’t count for visiting Iceland.

As part of reaching an age where I no longer give a F..k, I do not care that I haven’t seen anything in Italy. I haven’t been to Paris. Ever. That is shocking, no? Well, too bad. Haha.

My interest in Europe any more lies in smallish cities known for their great architecture.I want to see Eastern bloc countries, do not especially care about Germany and France. I am on the fence about visiting Russia and think I may not have enough time left to do that.

Teacher Terry

3-4-20, 1:33pm

happystuff

3-5-20, 8:52am

DH counts airports as countries, but really dude, changing planes in the Rjikevich airport doesn’t count for visiting Iceland.

This is my count for Iceland as well - ROFLOL.

wildflower3

3-5-20, 4:35pm

We will never get to all of them. We have been to Italy and Poland twice each and our August trip would take us to 5 more. My DIL has been to 44 countries and my son 23 that are all over the world. They chose travel instead of kids:))

My SO and I are interested in kids and I LOVE to travel so I'm trying to see if we can manage some of both eventually, haha.

Australia and New Zealand
The Philippines/Indonesia
Thailand/Cambodia/Vietnam
Being a wildlife person, I'd love to go to Africa
My parents did a big guided tour in China that they liked, and a big cruise tour from Santiago around the tip of South America and up to Buenos Aires - both sounded neat
California, Oregon, Washington (never seen the Pacific)
More of the UK/Ireland
Alaska/Canada, also an Alaskan cruise
Spain, Turkey, Greece, the Czech Republic, Norway...
Boston, Chicago, the far NE states like Maine
Yellowstone, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, etc

I've been to Italy, France twice, London (layover), Germany, Poland, Switzerland, plus cruises to Mexico/Belize/Honduras, but there is just... so much more to experience out there.

Teacher Terry

3-5-20, 5:15pm

WF, you are doing great in traveling! I was 45 before I left the country.

happystuff

3-5-20, 5:55pm

WF, you are doing great in traveling! I was 45 before I left the country.

I was 17... a folk festival in Canada and then an exchange student to Guatemala. I love to travel - even just road trips. I'm hoping to do more weekend camping this year. Time will tell.