Anyone have any good vacation ideas?

[A HERETIC I AM]

Looks like we will get a sizable Tax Refund and me and the better half are thinking of Hawaii. I have been to Oahu twice but know squat about the state otherwise. Anyone ever vacationed there? How about Maui? Do you have a favorite island? Favorite Hotel? We will have about 3 grand to spend and 8 to 10 days to spend it.

Any help or tips would be appreciated. I have looked at Travelocity but personal anecdotes are a good help.

I gotta go to bed now and wont be able to check DU till tomorrow night, but i wont abandon the thread.

Thanks in advance!

Paul

[Djinn]

1. buck the US trend

and go to another country - there are still plenty of them left where you wont get shot at

[pacifictiger]

2. If you're thinking Hawaii

city, go to oahu. If you want endless beaches, go to maui. If you want adventure, come to the big island. Active volcano, orchids, beaches, snow and observatories on the mountain, ranchland, desert, tropical rainforest, hunting, diving, whale watching, coffee, history. And then if you want to go further, go on to Samoa, Rarotonga, or Fiji - the exchange rate is still not too bad in spite of the US$ tanking.

[A HERETIC I AM]

4. Thanks. We have considered Fiji. I'll look into it n/t

[JCMach1]

3. the Emirates in Spring are Spectacular...

Beautiful beaches, good food, some of the best shopping in the world and a multi-cultural peaceful society in a different country.

Plus virtually everyone speaks English.

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/middle_east/united_arab_emirates/

[A HERETIC I AM]

5. I have never been to the Gulf region. Not a bad idea, but the better half

wouldnt go for it. She isnt that adventurous. Thanks, though