Give me some vacation suggestions please

[Ohio Joe]

OK, I'm trying to plan a vacation and could use some help. I'm pretty flexible as to when I go, but I need one soon, I'm thinking somewhere between Sept. and Nov. I'm single, so this will be a vacation where I'm going alone (yeah, that sucks). I don't know if I want to do a 'singles' type of trip because it just sort of sounds a bit sleazy to me and besides, I need a vacation because I'm getting burnt out at work and not to go wife hunting... though I'm not adverse to finding someone so if I'm wrong, please tell me if you know a good one :) I'm not very big on boats and definitely not looking for something where I would be totally alone (like camping) but otherwise open to any suggestions you have.

[malta blue]

1. not big on boats, but look into a priceline cruise blowout

sale. If you are flexible, some of the prices are very good. Then you can jsut relax on a beach or go sight seeing...anything your little heart desires.

[Ohio Joe]

5. Never heard of it but

google is my friend :) I'll take a look and see what they have to offer. Thanks !!

[malta blue]

9. Another suggestion

is the Dominican Republic. The USD goes very far there, and there are plenty of all inclusive spots that aren't singles places nor sleezy.

[Ohio Joe]

13. Now that you mention it...

I seem to recall reading a post here some time back where someone was talking about their trip to the Dominican Republic... I can't remember who it was though or what forum, I'll have to search for it. I'll also take a look for some places there, all inclusive always sounds really good :)

Thanks again:7

[malta blue]

16. I am headed there in

10 days:bounce: :bounce: to visit my mom (she lives there).

I will spend a week at her place, but I am lucky, she lives on a resort where they even have entertainment for my daughter.

[Ohio Joe]

18. Excellent, have a great trip

And if you can, bring back some pics to post so I can see what it's like there. Thanks!!

[mad-mommy]

2. would you...

would you like the beautiful Northeast? The mountains are beautiful in the fall, and I need a babysitter.

Holy cow, can't you find anyone to go with you? A friend, relative? Or maybe you just want the peace and quiet? Then, What about an island trip?

We usually go to the beach, we are simpletons. Love walking on the boardwalk. Though this year we are not going, unless I have a momentary lapse...my son who is not quite 2 is a little devil. Much unlike my first son who we could take anywhere.

Seriosly, would you like to babysit?

[Ohio Joe]

3. I love the northeast

I'm originally from NJ, I've lived in NY (upstate, not city), CT and MA before coming out here to OH. Vacationing with my family would do little to relieve any stress, all of my male friends are married and while I have a number of female friends... asking them to go on vacation with me feels odd. It is really an activity I personally see as something I would only do with a girl I was involved with. Going to an island somewhere sounds interesting... I'll have to poke around and look into that, see what different islands have to offer.

Sorry, I'll have to pass on the babysitting, I'm not very good with very young children.

Thank you for the suggestions :)

edited to add a thanks... doh

[mad-mommy]

12. vaca

re: "I'm not very good with very young children"

LOL, me either.

I use to work part time, and be home part time, which was a great balance. Now I'm home full time. And this is why I just spent 3 hours on the internet.

Anyway...do you like mountain biking? hiking? there's lots of that here. Next week is vacation week. Hubby is going mtn. biking on a day trip next week, with a friend, while I'll be home alone, with the kids. Who knows what we'll do the rest of the week, something. If I don't have to cook a few days, that's good enough for me. As a family thing, we do some hiking.

When we go to the beach, it's Ocean City, NJ. I really want to go for a few days. But that little terror doesn't sit long in a stroller.

If you're looking to de-stress, an island sounds like the best bet.

[Ohio Joe]

15. Biking and hiking sound good but

It also sounds like it would be a real solo type of thing. I'm thinking more social type stuff. Ocean City is real nice, when I was younger though we always went to Wildwood :)

[1gobluedem]

4. Michigan's Upper Peninsula

And Mackinac Island. Both are beautiful in the fall and the island's rates will be lower too.

[Ohio Joe]

6. Cool

I've never heard of that island either but will add it to my google list and see what is there. Thank you :)

[LadyoftheRabbits]

7. I've been up there...

It's really gorgeous. You can also rent bikes and ride the 8 miles circling the island. And the fudge is world famous.

[Ohio Joe]

10. Cool, sounds nice

I'd have to pass on the fudge though, I don't eat sweets :(

[LadyoftheRabbits]

11. Ohh, right

:(

[Throd]

8. Wilmington, California

Just to make you really appreciate wherever it is you currently live.

[Ohio Joe]

17. I live in Ohio and

Until we throw the criminals we currently have running this state out, we definitly got issues here as well :)

[ceile]

14. September in Austin

if you don't mind scorching heat is the Austin City Limits Music Festival. Tom Petty, Van Morrison, Willie Neslon, Massive Attack and many many more.
http://www.aclfestival.com/default.aspx

Also, a great place to hike, go boating, partying, live music, tons of restaurants and good museums.
And the Hill Country offers great little towns for sight seeing, fruit buying, B&B's and more boating, skiing and camping than you can shake a stick at!

[Ohio Joe]

19. oooo

String Cheese Incident is going to be there. I work with a guy, he and his wife go all over the country to see them, I'll have to pass that on to him. Thanks !!

[YankeyMCC]

20. Heard a report today on NPR

about how 'vegging out' on vacations is not a good thing in the long run. That people should Do something they feel is constructive or rewarding on their off time.

This actually makes sense to me and I guess I do this in a way but always getting out and doing something physically active. Like hiking etc...

But if you have a hobby or interest (politics??) maybe find a volunteer opportunity. If you like the outdoors I'll bet you can find an organization nearby that needs help maintaining trails. If there's not one nearby I can point you to one in New England :)

Perhaps go volunteer for a Dem candidate in another state that needs help. You'll met like minded people, see a different area and feel like you've done something constructive but still be on a less stressful or externally imposed schedule so you should also be able to work in however much relaxation you need.

I know this all sounds like 'stick in the mud' suggestions :) But hey that's just the kind of guy I am I guess :)

[Ohio Joe]

22. I will think about that

As long as there were places to go out and dance to some live music (and thats pretty much any big city), it might be an idea. Thanks!

[ScreamingMeemie]

21. Traverse City and Grand Traverse Bay in the Upper Lower Peninsula

of Michigan. Beautiful Fall color tours on the Lelanau Peninsula, really cool small towns to drive through and the Sleeping Bear Dunes are stunning. :hi:

[Ohio Joe]

23. Wow

I just looked at some images of the sleeping bear dunes park and it is amazing! Thanks :)

[Patiod]

24. I've heard amazing things about this place called Kailuum

and a number of my friends have gone here by themselves. Cheap and VERY relaxing. No electricity in the tents (you live in a tent on the beach) but good food and OK drink, and good reviews on the http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=travel&res=940DEEDB103AF935A35750C0A96E948260">NYT. The only reason I haven't been there myself is because the concept of "no electricity" freaks out my SO.