What is your typical vacation/dream vacation destination?

Question

We have an unexpected week of vacation coming up and are looking for a place to go. We have looked at destinations as close as Atlantic City, NJ to Riviera Maya (my preference ) to Aruba. I'm actually becoming bleary eyed from the search and thought I would ask my friends here in the forum.

Please give the name of the location that you would typically go for vacation. Then give the name of your dream destination (if money or other obstacles were not an issue.)

Pics would be great!

Here are my two destinations (typical/dream) at least for this year:

Typical:

Dream: Riviera Maya, Mexico

Answer 1

For the past three years, we have gone to a certain resort in Playa del Carmen (with a couple of friends that introduced us to the place), usually in May. It is all inclusive and easy walking distance to the main tourist street there. It has some imperfections, as eveywhere does, but it is a very nice place and obviously we enjoy it enough to keep going back.

I think everyone’s ideal vacation is different, and so what one person really enjoys may be an experience that another person finds horrible.

For me, the most important thing is to be able to relax completely. Because this is all inclusive, I do not have to figure out where to go to eat (except picking among the restaurants there), etc. And because it is right in town, no need to plan trips to town, get a cab, etc. My friend actually arranges the transport to and from the place for all of us (you fly into Cancun)- so I really don’t have to do anything- for me a true vacation.

I am not sure this type of experience is right for someone who wants an activity filled vacation, although I think there are plenty activities available (we did pay someone once to boat us out to a good reef for snorkeling for 25$ each, and have talked about going down to Tulum to visit the ruins, but always get too relaxed to accomplish anything). For someone who just wants to lay around and only have to pick between the pools or the ocean, and which restaurant for which meal, it is great.

I was there last month, and nothing seemed unsafe.

Royal Playa del Carmen

Trip Advisor

There are too many places I would like to go to to name an ideal place; I have always wanted to learn to dive and go to Sulawesi (I just snorkel).

I just checked that hotel out and it looks great. I would like to go Riviera Maya, but always wondered what it would be like to stay right in Playa del Carmen. So far the price is more than we want to spend, but I will check a few other sites for prices. - Nicole-B, Jun 9, 2011

Usually you can get well under $3000 for two people per week, although that might be certain times or advance notice- keep in mind that price includes all food and beverage as well. - Stadt, Jun 9, 2011

Yes, we have been to all inclusives and they are great. The price I am getting for this hotel is just over $3,400, which is a little more than we wanted to spend. My daughter is going so that adds one more person. Also, June is usually more expensive. - Nicole-B, Jun 9, 2011

I'll keep trying though. :) - Nicole-B, Jun 9, 2011

If your daughter is under 16, you should probably stop trying, there is a (lower) age limit. - Stadt, Jun 9, 2011

The place across the street from the same company (Gran Porto) allows children and is cheaper, but doesn't have all the gourmet restaurants. - Stadt, Jun 9, 2011

She is exactly 16. Since she is considered an adult, I guess the price goes up. - Nicole-B, Jun 9, 2011

No, I think if you are under 16 you cannot be at the Royal at all (adults only). - Stadt, Jun 9, 2011

Answer 2

I think it would be interesting to go to Petra, but we're not into travelling these days.

Answer 3

Stay at home!!! I really love New York City. I've been there many times. I buy the unlimited travel Metro Travel Card and just ride around on the subway all over the city. I love City Island in the Bronx and the atmosphere around Coney and Brighton Beaches. Drinking in the LES and East Village is great too.

Yes, NYC is like my second home. It is just a short drive away. I actually was looking at prices for Coney Island, but they wanted $200 a night to stay on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. No thanks!!! :) - Nicole-B, Jun 9, 2011

By the way, I regret to tell you that as of a few months ago, the unlimited Metro card is no longer available. You can put any amount of money on a card, but it is not unlimited. I cried all the way on the C train from Midtown to Soho. jejeje - Nicole-B, Jun 9, 2011

omg no!!!!! It was probably my fault lol - I must have used that thing to death! - billygoat, Jun 9, 2011

If anyone put it out of business it was me. I definitely always got more than my $7 worth, from downtown to the Upper East Side and everywhere in between. I should be a Metro tour guide! ;) - Nicole-B, Jun 9, 2011

Answer 4

Stadt said:

For the past three years, we have gone to a certain resort in Playa del Carmen (with a couple of friends that introduced us to the place), usually in May. It is all inclusive and easy walking distance to the main tourist street there.

I love Playa del Carmen and love shopping on Avenida Cinco. I always suggest that you go at night. It is a bit cooler and vendors aren't begging as much for tourists to come into their stores.

Stadt, I would also suggest taking the short boat ride from Playa del Carmen to the island of Cozumel. You only have to go down to the dock at the end of Avenida Cinco (I believe) and hop on board. They even provide meals.

In May, I still feel near heatstroke when I do go out even though I only go out very early or late; I did go to Cozumel many years ago, and took that ferry to Playa del Carmen (and went to Xcaret). Snorkeling is better at Cozumel- so may go back one trip - Stadt, Jun 9, 2011

I hear it is the best snorkeling site other than the Great Barrier Reef/Australia. I have been trying to convince Heidi to go there, but I'm not sure if she made it there yet. - Nicole-B, Jun 9, 2011

Answer 5

My dream vacation would be visiting New Zealand! (for the first time in my life!). I have a book with pictures of New Zealand by Peter Morath It was a beautiful present given to me by my parents for birthday or Christmas They have been there and know a lady who lives there.

It is certainly a truly beautiful country unspoilt by human exploitation and greed. I have seen glimpses of this country through the Narnia Films partly filmed in the South Islands and the Lord of the Rings.

Visiting our Kiwi Girl will be a must!!! :) - Nicole-B, Jun 9, 2011

Answer 6

I love uncrowded places with sun and sea and unspoiled nature. Some of my favorites are Kiawah Island, SC, Bald Head Island, NC, St. John, USVI, and Saba, Dutch West Indies.

My dream vacation would be to Australia and New Zealand.

Enjoy your week off!

I have been to South Carolina dozens of times but never heard of Kiawah Island. I will have to check it out. - Nicole-B, Jun 9, 2011

Kiawah is near Charleston. A wonderful place, with golf, tennis, long wide beaches; birding and wildlife-watching, great dining, water sports ... - LaBurra, Jun 9, 2011

Answer 7

My dream vacation spot, The Italian Alps

Absolutely gorgeous pics Julian!! Will the puppy be going? :) - Nicole-B, Jun 9, 2011

Answer 8

Go to Mexico!! Yes! The Riviera Maya would be great...but probably not so much Cancun because of the drug activity.

Actually, Puerto Vallarta is a very safe destination these days.

From your lips (keystrokes) to God's ears! It is good to hear from you. I think the flights to Puerto Vallarta may be too much, but I will still check. :) - Nicole-B, Jun 9, 2011

Answer 9

Has anyone ever been to San Antonio, Texas? I hear it is like being in Mexico without crossing the boarder.

I lived there 1984-1988 but had to spend almost every minute studying, so didn't get to go out much. Nice city. - Stadt, Jun 9, 2011