How do you decide how to spend your vacation time?
Jul 28, 2014, 11:23 pm
#16
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Traveling the World
Posts: 6,072
I will start Googling
"Free Music Events+Destination"
"Art Gallery Opening Receptions+Destination".
"New Restaurants+Destination"
"Theater Shows+ Destination)
ETC.
Then I also visit the loca Visitors Bureau before I leave and order their free Vacation Guide. I will also browse through Guidebooks and take notes on my laptop as opposed to buying a $20 guide book and lugging it around.
"Free Music Events+Destination"
"Art Gallery Opening Receptions+Destination".
"New Restaurants+Destination"
"Theater Shows+ Destination)
ETC.
Then I also visit the loca Visitors Bureau before I leave and order their free Vacation Guide. I will also browse through Guidebooks and take notes on my laptop as opposed to buying a $20 guide book and lugging it around.
Jul 30, 2014, 8:45 pm
#17
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
I start with a guidebook and then Wikipedia (checking what's under "cultural) then I pull up maps on Google and supplement with TA. This has done well for me.
Jul 31, 2014, 8:19 am
#18
Join Date: May 2012
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 506
I have not made the trip yet but it is on my list. I want to see
where we come from and experience the charms of the place.
I currently spend most of my vacation time up in Canada visiting
with my mom. I help her out with the house and other things while
up there... plus it is nice to reconnect with the country of my birth.
Jul 31, 2014, 3:40 pm
#19
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: YWG
Programs: Aeroplan, MileagePlus, Marriott Rewards
Posts: 2,159
For me, Wikitravel and the free tourist guide you get from calling the convention and visitors bureau help to come up with a rough general plan. Advice from people who have been is also relevant sometimes.
If I'm going away somewhere overseas, I will pick up a LP/Fodor's/Frommer's etc. guide. Sometimes I'll just borrow one from the library instead of buying.
Once I'm at the destination, I find a lot of interesting things to see and do just by walking around a lot.
If I'm going away somewhere overseas, I will pick up a LP/Fodor's/Frommer's etc. guide. Sometimes I'll just borrow one from the library instead of buying.
Once I'm at the destination, I find a lot of interesting things to see and do just by walking around a lot.
Jul 31, 2014, 4:13 pm
#20
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: トロント
Programs: IHG Gold
Posts: 4,818
Jul 31, 2014, 4:53 pm
#21
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: On the road, 24/7/365
Posts: 3,467
My most recent (almost typed "my last...") vacation day was 2007, so I'm dealing with hypotheticals here. My vacation days go to volunteer and relief work. So wherever the world is in need. Usually, I prefer Africa. No sights, events or even restaurants or hotels most places I go. So nothing to research except immunizations and local supply needs (medicine in particular).
Jul 31, 2014, 6:19 pm
#24
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: MSP
Programs: DL Gold, DL MM 8/22/16!
Posts: 2,563
I often find travel deals, and then decide if it's worthwhile going. I've booked tickets to some pretty strange places, and then figured the rest out.
For instance I just booked a $217 RT to MEX, and will figure out the rest of the trip in the next week. While I've connected there, I've never actually spent any time there.
For instance I just booked a $217 RT to MEX, and will figure out the rest of the trip in the next week. While I've connected there, I've never actually spent any time there.
Or sometimes it is just like the above - I see the deal first, it looks interesting, I book it. 24 hours to consider whether to keep or cancel the tickets.
Definitely guide books. A trip to the library usually follows ticketing. Then an actual purchase of the ones that seem to work best for me. Often Lonely Planet, but sometimes others.
While at the library I also search on the country/area/city names. Even fiction can have a lot of good description about climate, history, culture, food, weather, etc.
I've written or emailed Chambers of Commerce and Tourist Bureaus. When considering the south of France, I received a pamphlet called the "Painters of the Light" identifying the places the Impressionists lived and worked. It formed the basis for a wonderful wander through that area.
And then there is http://mosttraveledpeople.com. It can be a great source of inspiration.
Romelle
