Pls share suggestions for non-tropical vacations...

[Freckles]

Hello.

My husband & I are looking to take a belated 3rd Anniversary trip this summer. We honeymooned in French Polyensia and have traveled all over the caribbean, so we have had many tropical holidays together. We would like something different this time around, but we aren't considering Europe really either, since this trip will only be for 7 days and we are flying out of Chicago.

ETA~ Spots that are out:We are from New England, so that is out. We aren't considering DC or Vegas either. We have visited NYC tons, and we used to live in AZ. As for much of Europe---I lived in the UK for a year and have visited there extensively. I do absolutely love it there, but we are planning on returning next year with my family for a reunion, so that isn't really an option either.


We're very adventerous and love the outdoors.
We love history, architecture, antiques and places filled with charm and character.

Any suggestions?

[Asha]

how about the grand canyon?

[Asha]

oops, just noticed that you will be going in the summer, and it will be very hot there at that time.

we just went to peru and that was wonderful.

[sublime311]

Flagstaff, Arizona (http://www.flagguide.com/). Great weather, lots of different outdoor activites, Grand Canyon, charm, and antiques!

ETA! Whoa! We crossed posted. Weird that we both suggested the Grand Canyon. Flagstaff is at a higher elevation so is not hot like the Grand Canyon can be during the summer.

[Freckles]

Thanks ladies.

Actually, I just edited my original post, because we used to live in AZ and have visited The Canyon, Sedona, Prescott, etc. Great spot though even in the summer.

rebjc---What was Peru like? Is the airfare very costly? Any great websites to search/book?

[ejs]

How about Alaska?

[Molly_Says_Hi_Witchy_Poo!]

Vancouver, BC?

[Shapsgrl]

Why not drive up (or down) the California Coast? There are plenty of charming, somewhat historical,places that you could visit or stay, and plenty of adventure-type activities as well.

[boilermaker]

We are not beach people, so most of our vacations are away from tropical areas. That being said, our most favorite trip has been Europe..we did London, Paris and all over Scotland.

But if you are looking for someplace closer, I'd recommed Seattle and the San Juan Islands and also Montreal and Mont Tremblant. Oh and San Fransisco and Sonoma too!

We went to Seattle and Orcas island last year in July and loved it. The city is fantastic with lots of things to do and gorgeous summer weather. And the islands are so peaceful and relaxing. We went sea kyaking, whale watching, hiking, biking and spent time at the spa. I was not overly impressed with the food on the island, but that wasn't a big deal to me. I don't mean to make it sound bad, it just was typical vs being 5 star. In Seattle on the other hand, we had fabulous meals! Our trip was only 5 days, so if you have more time, I would highly recommend fitting in Mt Ranier as well.

A few picks from our trip:
The Market:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d933b3127cce929151e26f4600000026108AbNGLRi5ZNK

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d933b3127cce92915708ee9f00000026108AbNGLRi5ZNK

A pic of Mt Ranier from the top of the space needle
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d933b3127cce92915497ae9900000036108AbNGLRi5ZNK

Orcas Island:
The Rosario Resort
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d933b3127cce92916cadaebf00000026108AbNGLRi5ZNK

The Bay:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d933b3127cce929162312f1400000026108AbNGLRi5ZNK

Whale Watching (I'm not quick enough with my camera):
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d933b3127cce92917aaaaeb300000026108AbNGLRi5ZNK

I don't have pics online from my trip to Mont Tremblant, but it is a gorgeous place about an hour or so outside of Montreal. We stayed at the Fairmount there and loved it. There's a lake with boating and a beach and lots of hiking opportunities. And a really cute little town with all the hotels and restaurants around. And Montreal is a gorgeous city, esp the old French area. (You may see a trend here...we tend to mix city with adventure on most of our vacations).
Fairmount Tremblant (http://www.fairmont.com/FA/en/CDA/Home/Hotels/AboutHotel/CDHotelHomePage/0,1143,code%25255Ftype%253DMEET%2526property%25255 Fseq%253D100125,00.html)

[Asha]

freckles - we went on a tour, so it was a package deal. i remember looking up airfares separately, and i want to say it is around $600 from nyc.

[Sonicstef]

Just my opinion but I think 7 days in any major European city is plenty of time.

[elladee]

My vote would be for the Canadian Rockies. I've never been there, but I've always wanted to go.

[rosa727]

I think Charleston, SC would have a lot of what you are looking for. There is tons of history, beautiful buildings, great restaurants, lots of charm. There are nice beaches nearby, but you could also just do the city. There is so much to see there - plantations, museums, historical sights, carriage rides. There are also really nice B&Bs. We hav been in the summer, and it really was not too hot. I guess it helps since it is right on the water.

[rosa727]

I think Charleston, SC would have a lot of what you are looking for. There is tons of history, beautiful buildings, great restaurants, lots of charm. There are nice beaches nearby, but you could also just do the city. There is so much to see there - plantations, museums, historical sights, carriage rides. There are also really nice B&Bs. We hav been in the summer, and it really was not too hot. I guess it helps since it is right on the water.

[Asha]

i really like the ideas of driving up the california coast (i have done that with my family when i was a kid.), and going to the san juan islands in washington state. both of those are on our list of future vacations.

[kris97]

I was just going to post Charleston -- how about a trip to the Southeast to explore Charleston, Savannah, and the Carolina/ Georgia coast?

[emmjay]

One trip I am dying to take is to Nova Scotia/Newfoundland. It looks gorgeous. Or other parts of Canada - Montreal, Vancouver, etc.

Other places I can suggest where I have been:
Alaska
Scotland
Seattle
Colorado

[amew]

We did San Francisco and Napa/Sonoma for a week for our first anniversary and loved it. We spent three days in SF and four days in Sonoma. I think Charleston is a great idea as well (and could be combined with Savannah, Hilton Head, or any of the numerous islands off the coast of Georgia). I haven't been to Canada, but a close friend honeymooned in Nova Scotia, and it sounded fabulous.

[Freckles]

Thanks so much for all the replies. I appreciate it!

ejs My husband used to visit Alaska quite a bit for a client, and he did love it, so I will throw that into the mix. Thanks!

MollyI am definitely considering Canada---The Fairmont Banff Springs in particular.

Shapsgrl We love CA, and although we have visited many times there is so much we still haven't seen, so that's a good idea as well. THX

boilermaker Beautiful pics! Orcas Island sounds terrific, and I quite like Seattle as well. As for Europe---I lived in the UK for a year and have visited there extensively. I do absolutely love it there, but we are planning on returning next year with my family for a reunion, so that isn't really an option either.

rebjc Thanks for the tip on the flight costs.

Sonicstef I guess for me I would want at least 10 days in Europe. Plus, as I mentioned to boilermaker I have been all over europe, and we are returning next year as well, so I think I will edit my original post to state that as well. Thank-you.

elladee The Canadian Rockies are definitely on the list. Have you been?

rosa727 I hadn't really thought of SC. I haven't seen much of that area of the country, so I will explore that idea as well. Thanks!

kris97 I should explore that area a bit more. I have been to those spots, but never took my time there, so it would still be fresh. THX

emmjay Nova Scotia/Newfoundland sounds devine. Also, I know you have traveled extensively----Have you visited Iceland? I am interested in that as well. Thanks!

[emmjay]

I am also dying to go to Iceland! :) I've only been in the airport for a few hours for a connection, although we have planned trips there several times that never worked out!

Icelandair doesn't fly out of Chicago so you would have to connect somewhere on the East Coast (or Minneapolis), but you can sign up on their website for their sale fares. You can get really good deals especially if you go outside of the main tourist season.

As far as I know, the only downside to Iceland is that it's really expensive! But from what I have read there is a lot of outdoorsy stuff to do if you like hiking and camping and that kind of thing, especially once you get away from Reykjavik. I think Iceland would be awesome for a week, and I think someone just made a thread on it recently.

[tlew12778]

What about Africa... maybe Egypt (fulfills the adventure, history and architecture requirements)? Or a safari (although I don't know what your budget is like).

[IrisHope]

Alaska? .

ETA: Sorry didn't see that that was already suggested and discussed!

[Freckles]

emmjay I think we may save Iceland for a more extended trip, since it is quite a distance. http://www.icelandnaturally.com is a great resource, and we would fly out of Boston, since that is where we are from and our families reside there. This is where I would want to stay http://www.frostandfire.is/
Hopefully, someday in the near future. I am still envious of all your world travels.;)

tlew12778I would absolutely LOVE to visit Africa, but this trip is just too short. One day though....:)

IrisHope Several people have mentioned Alaska. We are considering it. Thanks!

amew Nova Scotia is a wonderful suggestion. I am going to research it a bit further. CA sounds lovely as well. Thanks so much.

[Sonicstef]

As has already been suggested, Seattle and Vancouver is a nice trip to do over 7 days. You can do it very high end or on the cheap depending upon what kind of accomadations you pick. Its a pretty relaxing atmosphere in both cities.

Iceland can done fairly extensively in 7 days (its a very small city so I think 5 days is probably more than enough). If you are planning on a UK trip next year, you can do a stopover in Iceland for a few days beforehand if you want to economize. But the flight is not very long considering its part of Europe.

If you go to Nova Scotia, I would suggest incoporating Maine and/or other parts of Canada. Unless you have some particular interst that will keep you occupied for several days in NS, there isnt enough to do for a whole week.
(But thats just me. You might like spending a lot more time in one place.)

[singerwife]

Quebec or Montreal? Both have history, restaurants, culture, and architecture.

I second (third) the vote for Nova Scotia/Prince Edward Island, too.

And also the SC/coastal Georgia option. If you fly into Jacksonville, it's roughly a two hour drive between Cumberland Island/St. Marys, Savannah, and then Charleston. Lots of dining and history in that area.

[Annette]

If you want adventure travel but don't want to go far, how about Costa Rica? Utah (zion, bryce or the Moab area) is another idea.

[BeachBum]

And also the SC/coastal Georgia option. If you fly into Jacksonville, it's roughly a two hour drive between Cumberland Island/St. Marys, Savannah, and then Charleston. Lots of dining and history in that area.

If you flew into Jacksonville, you could do a few days on Amelia Island, which is a Florida barrier island just north of the airport. Then take a 2 hour drive up to Savannah,and then about 2 more hours north to Charleston. That would make a really nice week.
Amelia (AKA Fernandina Beach) has a really nice/quaint downtown shopping area and several good restaurants--lots of B&B's etc. You could kayak there as well, there is a state park, fishing etc. and since you do like the beach, one day of that might be fun. Savannah is good for history and walking around in all the squares. It's a neat mix of history, but also is a little funky because there is an art college downtown too so you get a little of that college feel. Charleston is also good for history and walking around, but has better shopping and dining then Savannah does--more upscale.
I think that would make a super trip especially if you aren't really familiar with the south.

[justHB]

I'll just list a couple of trips we've been thinking about doing at some point and maybe something will sound good.

* Seattle/Vancouver/Victoria
* Charleston/Savannah/Amelia Island
* Bar Harbor/Acadia National Park
* Montreal

[Freckles]

Thanks for such wonderful feedback.:)
We have narrowed it down to Canada---The Fairmont Banff Springs/Lake Lousie trip hitting Calgary as well:
http://www.golfti.com/banff/hotel.jpg
http://www.canusatours.com/images/album/Lake%20Louise.jpg

VS

Zion Nattional Park---Utah:
http://www.zionnationalpark.com/park_images/narrowsBreck_large.jpg
http://www.parksonline.org/parks/glacier/bobf2.jpg


Any feedback on either area?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
justHBThanks for the reply. All of those spots are on our list now. I am especially interested in Charleston/Savannah/Amelia Island now that so many have mentioned it.

BeachBum Such wonderful info that you shared. We will have to make a point to really visit that area of the country more in depth sometime soon. It sounds so elegant and cultured. I will save this post for future reference.Thank-You.


Annette You touched on one of our final choices. Do you have any specific info? Thanks for the suggestion.

singerwife Thanks for your response. Canada is in the running just a different area. We have visited Montreal together and the shopping is great there. My family has a summer home on PEI so I have spent lots of time there----it is so pretty and quaint. And I spent time in Quebec to study french for a 6 weeks in HS. All such lovely spots. I am so tempted to research Cumberland Island/St. Marys, Savannah, and then Charleston since so many of you have suggested it. hhmmm....

Sonicstef I adore Maine, but growing up in New England we have spent lots of time there. You mentioned coastal Georgia as well. I guess I will have to seriously look into that at this point. Thanks again.

[boilermaker]

Oh, tough choice. I've been to both and would highly recommend both. Banff is more luxurious, cultural, upscale. The nature is stunning...but think about both your pictures you posted. Manmade :)
Zion is more natural, true raw beauty. More outdoorsy...now we camped there so that may be part of the difference.

That being said, Zion can be covered in a few days, vs a week or more in Canada.

[Freckles]

Oh, tough choice. I've been to both and would highly recommend both. Banff is more luxurious, cultural, upscale. The nature is stunning...but think about both your pictures you posted. Manmade
Zion is more natural, true raw beauty. More outdoorsy...now we camped there so that may be part of the difference.

Great points. We are so torn, but we hope to make a decision within the next few weeks. Thanks so much for all your info and suggestions. I really appreciate it.:)

[tinkerbelljenny]

I spent a week backpacking in Zion for my college Spring break years ago. It was an amazing trip and I got some awesome pictures. We also did some rappeling there. It was so peaceful there.

We also have been to Banff, we are in Montana so we drive there and it is one of our favorite places to go. We were at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. We are going back soon in the Spring time, I would like to stay at the Post Hotel this time because I have heard great reviews. One of my favorite things to do is rent a canoe during the summer time in front of the Fairmont. My favorite place is Lake Louise, it looks like a backdrop of somewhere in Switzerland. The water is also this amazing blue color. Oh, we also stayed in Calgary during the Rodeo days, we got a great room for little money. I really enjoyed Calgary much better than Edmonton.

If I chose, I would pick Banff because there is so much to do and so much to see and Canada is so wonderful, I love that place!