Need Vacation Ideas

[Blackadar]

Seriously. Please, I need your help.

Details - I won a contest for having the most self-control. Er, I won a contest at work for my sales performance. I now have $2,500.00 to take a 3 day trip anywhere in the USA. Sweet, eh? It's going to be just me and the wife. I don't want to go over that amount in airfare, hotel, spending money, tips, food, shows, etc. If you make suggestions, also give me an idea of what to go and see if you could. FYI - we just got back from Boston, MA, so that's out.

Now I'm thinking about taking this trip in October, but could do it sooner (September, maybe). Since it's only going to be 3 (or at most, 4) days with travel time built into that schedule, we'll be on a tight timeframe. Because I live in Charlotte, NC, some destinations are out-of-reach.

For example, it would be awfully hard to make it to Seattle. It's just too long of a flight. So here's what we have come up with thus far.

1. Las Vegas - The distance is a bit far, but at least we can catch direct flights. I can find airfare and a 3 night stay in Paris Las Vegas for about $1,500. Other hotel recommendations are appreciated. That would give us roughly $800 after taxes for shows, food and gambling. My wife has never been to Vegas. I've been 3 times, all work-related. No rental car needed.

2. New York - Another place my wife hasn't been to. I've been, but never for vacation. We wouldn't be on a plane for very long and it's a shorter flight. I guess there's a 1000 things to see and do. We can get there and stay in a decent place for about $1,250.00. No rental car needed, but lots of cab fare.

3. New Orleans - I've never been and neither has the wife. Shorter, direct flight (which is good). I've never had a desire to go, but everyone keeps telling me they love it. I can also get there and stay for around $1,000.00, leaving me $1,500.00 to spend. No rental car needed, but lots of cab fare.

4. The Poconos - I don't even know how to get there, but the romance part is nice. Where the hell do you fly to get there? Obviously, neither of us has been there. I have no idea if I need a rental.

5. Niagara Falls - I've been there (when I was about 5), the wife hasn't. Probably pretty far down on the list. I have no idea if I need a rental.

6. Charleston/Myrtle Beach - Easy, short distances (heck, we could drive), which would leave us a lot of spending money. But we can go anytime...why waste the trip here? A car is definitely necessary, especially in Myrtle.

7. Chicago - Longer flight, but again direct. I was here when I was 12, the wife hasn't been. But Chicago in October may not be the ideal time. Not sure if I need a car.

8. Because of the distance, I haven't much considered San Fran, which is my favorite city in the USA and where I really think the wife wants to go. I've looked it up and it's really not THAT bad - no worse than Vegas in terms of flight times - but I'm not sure you can "see" Frisco in two days. On the flip side, I've been there twice but the missus hasn't and I can get airfare and hotel room for about $1,100.00, leaving lots of cash for sightseeing and perhaps the necessary rental car.

Any other suggestions for a weekend trip?

[Logan]

With that list and your time constraints, I'd definitely say New Orleans is the way to go.

[Lathum]

How about Washington DC?


Nantucket is also awesome, I go every year. Lots of nice bed and breakfast and no car needed.

[digamma]

How about NYC during the US Open? It's a cool time to be in the city. Tickets to the tournament are fairly cheap, and the tournament itself is a lot of fun. We did this a couple of years ago over Labor Day weekend. My wife isn't really into tennis, but she loved it. We also took a day or two to see the other sights in the city. Great trip for us.

[Blackadar]

Good questions all...

1. Not sure about New Orleans. We're not that much into nightlife/drunken debauchery.

2. I lived in Washington DC for 15 years. I don't know much about Nantucket...not even how to get there.

3. We'd consider moving our trip to September, but October is our Anniversary. So I'd rather do it around that time.

[Lathum]

Niagra falls is nice, Montreal is right there and that is a great city.

[sovereignstar]

Originally Posted by Blackadar

I don't know much about Nantucket...not even how to get there.

Don't you fly into Boston and take a smaller plane into Nantucket. Joe and Brian always flew those small planes in Wings.

[Chubby]

are you strictly looking for a package deal or are you willing to get the airfare and hotel separate? with some time between now and the vacation, you should be able to get much better deals on airfare if you shop around (jetblue, southwest, etc...)

$1500 for 2 people, 3 nights is a LOT IMO for Vegas, you should be able to find much cheaper rates considering my friend got $150 roundtrip from chicago to buffalo (where I'm picking her up) with a couple months leadtime.

[Cringer]

I hear Pensacola is beautiful this time of year.

[Joe]

can you just pocket the $2500 and not have a vacation?

[Cringer]

Originally Posted by George W Bush

can you just pocket the $2500 and not have a vacation?

thats the way I always lean.

[Blackadar]

Originally Posted by George W Bush

can you just pocket the $2500 and not have a vacation?

Somewhat. I could buy very cheap airfare and hotel and pocket the cash. But this seems like a good opportunity to do something special with the wife.

As for $1,500 for airfare/hotel, Vegas in October is *very* expensive. I've shopped around. It's $400 for the flights and $700 for the room for 3 days. I'm not finding many better deals. The room cost is surprisingly high. I bet there's a way to get a lower-rate room, but I can't find out where.

[Philliesfan980]

Might be a good time to pickup a Plasma/LCD for the football season!

But I understand that might get you in the doghouse, so a trip might be the best bet.

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by Blackadar

4. The Poconos - I don't even know how to get there, but the romance part is nice. Where the hell do you fly to get there? Obviously, neither of us has been there. I have no idea if I need a rental.

If you went to the Poconos, you'd be (vaguely) in my stomping ground. I guess you could fly to either Allentown or Scranton-Wilkes Barre, depending on where exactly you were going. You would definitely need to rent a car. The Pocono Mts cover a large area, with various resorts and scenic places scattered over it. Unless you went to a fairly inclusive place, you couldn't amuse yourself for a weekend without a car. Mid to late October would be a great time to go there and see the fall foliage. In fact, anywhere in New England would also be a good destination at that time of year.

It seems like you're more interested in splashing out in a big city, but if you ever want to spend a weekend or so in a smaller place, Tredwel and I heartily recommend Ithaca. We went there in April and had a great time.

[Galaxy]

If your looking to gamble, what about Atlantic City? Not the long-haul cross-country flight, and maybe a bit cheaper. Not as diverse, but still plenty to do. The coast of Maine is very nice in the fall (colors changing), lobster, lush green hills, ect.

[Lidstrom]

Originally Posted by Cringer

I hear Pensacola is beautiful this time of year.

hahah nice one

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Blackadar

Good questions all...

1. Not sure about New Orleans. We're not that much into nightlife/drunken debauchery.

2. I lived in Washington DC for 15 years. I don't know much about Nantucket...not even how to get there.

3. We'd consider moving our trip to September, but October is our Anniversary. So I'd rather do it around that time.

Personally, I'd say no to New Orleans because of #1. There just aren't many very fun things to do in September or October with that criteria, IMHO.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Psmith

If you went to the Poconos, you'd be (vaguely) in my stomping ground. I guess you could fly to either Allentown or Scranton-Wilkes Barre, depending on where exactly you were going. You would definitely need to rent a car. The Pocono Mts cover a large area, with various resorts and scenic places scattered over it. Unless you went to a fairly inclusive place, you couldn't amuse yourself for a weekend without a car. Mid to late October would be a great time to go there and see the fall foliage. In fact, anywhere in New England would also be a good destination at that time of year.

It seems like you're more interested in splashing out in a big city, but if you ever want to spend a weekend or so in a smaller place, Tredwel and I heartily recommend Ithaca. We went there in April and had a great time.

Mrs. Eaglesfan and I went to the Poconos for our honeymoon 6 years ago, and we loved it. As mentioned above, a rental car is a must. We are planning on going back in a few years for our 10 year anniversary. Definitely good romantic potential there.

[ice4277]

I also would not recommend New Orleans if you're not into getting hammered every night. Chicago is a great town, my favorite city in the U.S. Plenty of nightlife (theatre, bars, etc) and the museums and touristy attractions are great as well.

[Crapshoot]

San Francisco is amazing. Also - regarding the 3-4 day bit - can you take a long er vacation, as long as you don't go over budget - or does that criteria still apply ?

[Eaglesfan27]

I'd agree with San Francisco as a great choice, but that long flight might ruin it for just a 3 day trip. However, Mrs. Eaglefan and I took a 7 day trip there about 2 years ago and had a great time.

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by Galaxy

If your looking to gamble, what about Atlantic City? Not the long-haul cross-country flight, and maybe a bit cheaper. Not as diverse, but still plenty to do. The coast of Maine is very nice in the fall (colors changing), lobster, lush green hills, ect.

Ugh, don't waste a paid vacation on Atlantic City. The only casino even approaching Las Vegas standards is the Borgata. The city itself is unbelievably seedy and run-down, and the boardwalk is full of cheap tourist traps. You will not find glamour, culture, or scenery in Atlantic City.

[Galaxy]

Originally Posted by Psmith

Ugh, don't waste a paid vacation on Atlantic City. The only casino even approaching Las Vegas standards is the Borgata. The city itself is unbelievably seedy and run-down, and the boardwalk is full of cheap tourist traps. You will not find glamour, culture, or scenery in Atlantic City.

True, never been to AC, just threw that out there. The casinos are starting to invest big money into the resorts in that city, so it should start to get better. Niagara Falls (the Canadian side) is a great 3-day place. They just built a new Las-Vegas style casino and resort (and still have the first casino open (which is nice) still down a few blocks. The Fallsview Hotel looks to have spectular hotel rooms (alittle pricey) that overlooks the falls or the city.

[Galaxy]

Blackie,
It might help to list exactly what your looking to do? You listed alot of options, but not what kind of things are you looking for. Do you want to relax by the beach? Want to gamble? Want to do muesems, ect?

[Balldog]

A few years ago the family went to Punta Cana for all-inclusive vacation, it cost $1000 per person for 5 days.

It was really enjoyable but it is more of a place to go and relax, there are things to do and see though around the island. My brother and his wife went on some kind of Safari.

By far one of the best vacations I have ever been on. I'd love to go back soon, just not sure when I will be able to.

[Joe]

you should go to Aspen, where the beer flows like wine.

[flere-imsaho]

Originally Posted by Blackadar

7. Chicago - Longer flight, but again direct. I was here when I was 12, the wife hasn't been. But Chicago in October may not be the ideal time. Not sure if I need a car.

I live in Chicago. You should know that hotel rates in downtown Chicago are expensive. On the other hand, you can probably find a cheap rate to Chicago. You shouldn't need a car. October's actually a pretty decent month. You might get unlucky and have it rain all weekend, but the past few years October's been really nice.

Originally Posted by Blackadar

1. Not sure about New Orleans. We're not that much into nightlife/drunken debauchery.

Neither am I, but the wife & I did a weekend trip to New Orleans a few years ago and had a pretty good time. If you get out of the French Quarter there's some pretty interesting stuff to see, and neat neighborhoods to walk around. There's also some great food (key for us). However, if you're not a fan of somewhat shabby cities, don't bother.

Originally Posted by Galaxy

The coast of Maine is very nice in the fall (colors changing), lobster, lush green hills, ect.

I was going to suggest this as well. Fly to Portland (or Boston, if you want to save some airfare), rent a car, and drive up the coast. Lots of neat villages, etc....

Originally Posted by Galaxy

It might help to list exactly what your looking to do? You listed alot of options, but not what kind of things are you looking for. Do you want to relax by the beach? Want to gamble? Want to do muesems, ect?

Yes, this would help.

[Karlifornia]

Go to Los Angeles...you're gonna be a star, kid. Seriously, though--If you come to California, go to San Francisco and either grab a paper and find out what's going on, or drive up to Napa or down to Santa Cruz after you've experienced SF. Seeing as how you only have 2 days, I guess you won't have time to do that.

[ShaqFu]

Hmmm. I believe you can catch a cruise from Charlotte to the Bahamas. Those are sometimes 2-4 day cruises. Those are $200-$300 per person, include all meals, and you won't have to fly anywhere.

You can do a lot in 3-4 days with that much money. The bigger problem is that 3-4 days limits your destinations somewhat. You really don't want to go too far from home for that short of time. I would only go that far from Miami to Las Vegas. Anywhere else on the West Coast is out.

If I'm going to do that short of trip in Vegas, I would see if you can't find a good rate at Bellagio or Venetian. At least make it something different.

Does the wife like Disney? Disney always has good deals on packages for short stays like that. Splurge and stay at the Grand Floridian.

San Francisco is tough in that short of time, though you should be able to get direct flights from Charlotte on US Airways. I can always get direct flights from Miami on American. The nice thing about being close to an airline's hub is that your can virtually fly anywhere that airline flies non-stop.

NYC might be a nice 3-4 day jaunt. Take her to a Broadway show, see the can't miss attractions (I believe you can even go back up into the Statue of Liberty now with a background check), stay in a nicer hotel, catch a game at Yankees Stadium (if you go in September). The issue in New York isn't cab fare. It's eating. It is very expensive to eat in NYC. Transit isn't too bad, if you can mix in cab rides with subways (I do that in DC).

Sept./Oct. isn't a bad time to travel.

I would say either Vegas, Bahamas cruise, Orlando/Disney, or NYC. It all depends on what you can do with $2,500. I would go for the most bang for the buck.

[Chubby]

Originally Posted by Galaxy

True, never been to AC, just threw that out there. The casinos are starting to invest big money into the resorts in that city, so it should start to get better. Niagara Falls (the Canadian side) is a great 3-day place. They just built a new Las-Vegas style casino and resort (and still have the first casino open (which is nice) still down a few blocks. The Fallsview Hotel looks to have spectular hotel rooms (alittle pricey) that overlooks the falls or the city.

they aren't vegas standard IMO tho. for gambling I'm content to stick to the US side Senaca casino. not that niagara falls isn't a great vacation spot cause it is but if you want to gamble go to vegas

[Farrah Whitworth-Rahn]

Blackie have you thought about Sedona, Arizona? In October the weather is nice and the red rocks are beautiful. I have a romantic B & B referral if you're interested.

[Dutch]

The biggest ball of twine is in North Dakota.

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

Originally Posted by Farrah Whitworth-Rahn

Blackie have you thought about Sedona, Arizona? In October the weather is nice and the red rocks are beautiful. I have a romantic B & B referral if you're interested.

A beautiful place, Sedona is. I was there last spring. Alot of great places around Sedona: Tuzigoot, Ancient Springs, Montezuma's Castle, Flagstaff.....

[Mr. Sparkle]

Originally Posted by RadioFriendlyUnitShifter

Go to Los Angeles...you're gonna be a star, kid. Seriously, though--If you come to California, go to San Francisco and either grab a paper and find out what's going on, or drive up to Napa or down to Santa Cruz after you've experienced SF. Seeing as how you only have 2 days, I guess you won't have time to do that.

I second this. I live in SF now and was born and raised in Napa, and there's definately plenty to do in both that would probably appeal to you (especially if you're into wine). 3 days is probably too short a stay to see everything, though.

[Dutch]

I would definately have to 2nd the Orlando/Disney trip. That's a perfect vacation spot for a couple of days.

[Blackadar]

Originally Posted by Galaxy

Blackie,
It might help to list exactly what your looking to do? You listed alot of options, but not what kind of things are you looking for. Do you want to relax by the beach? Want to gamble? Want to do muesems, ect?

Ok, here's some additional information. Yes, it must be 3-4 days. No longer.

Fair question Galaxy. I'm not exactly sure what I'm looking to do. It will be our wedding Anniversary (not going to date myself, but we're well past 10 and not to 20 yet), so something somewhat romantic is good. But any of the choices listed above are good. We're not going to order room service and act like bunnies for two days. Maybe just one.

The beach is probably out. I used to live on one and it's not that exciting. I like to gamble a bit - not for hours and hours, but short stints at the blackjack table are fun. We both like museums, art, natural history, historic stuff, mountains, movies. We've never taken in a Broadway show or a Vegas show.

As for a few of the ideas listed above.

No, there are no cruises leaving from Charlotte, which is 250 miles inland. You're thinking of Charleston. Maybe those are worth checking out.

Sedona is too hard to get to for a 3 day trip. It's even harder than SF, which is lower on the list because of the flight times/distance. SF isn't actually much different than Vegas, but I just don't think we could see enough to do it justice. You really need 5 days in SF.

Orlando is purposely out. We have a 5 year old and have been in the last couple of years. BTW, I have stayed at the Grand Floridian. It's overrated. Perhaps if someone can give me an idea of what is there for ADULTS, it might be better. But I've been to Disney, Epcot, Universal and that Adult Island before.

I thought of finding a quiet getaway away from the cities, but I'd need some suggestions. I get bored rather quickly (I suffer from ADD) and these quiet getaways can bore me to tears without some nearby shopping, culture and the like. Maine is nice - I grew up in New England. Since we just spend a week up there, I'm not sure we'll head back so quickly. Besides, I'd hit Vermont first.

EaglesFan, what is there to do in the Poconos? How would you advise getting there? Where should we stay?

[Blackadar]

BTW, cruises are out. There are no 3-4 day cruises from Charleston.

[Chubby]

You could always visit Jim, drive into his garage and speed away

[Blackadar]

Originally Posted by Chubby

You could always visit Jim, drive into his garage and speed away

Been there, done that.

[Wolfpack]

Originally Posted by Blackadar

The beach is probably out. I used to live on one and it's not that exciting. I like to gamble a bit - not for hours and hours, but short stints at the blackjack table are fun. We both like museums, art, natural history, historic stuff, mountains, movies. We've never taken in a Broadway show or a Vegas show.

Judging by this short list, perhaps New England is still best (though you've recently been to Boston). Play at the Mohegan Sun (no idea what's there, just know it's there), museums in Boston or NYC (plus basketball HOF in Springfield), history all over the place (Mystic, Newport, Boston, etc), Berkshires, Green Mts, White Mts, etc. All within a 2-3 hour drive from wherever you set up base camp (assuming it's centrally located).

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Blackadar

EaglesFan, what is there to do in the Poconos? How would you advise getting there? Where should we stay?

We rented a cottage in the mountains. We drove from NJ, but in your case I'd recommend flying into Scranton and renting a car there and driving the rest of the way.

There are a fairly large variety of places to stay (resorts, small cottages, hotels, some Bed and Breakfasts,) and it really depends on what you are looking for. I loved the idea of renting a small cottage because it was very scenic and away from other people for the most part. We had a small town about 5 miles away for some nice romantic dinners, but we mostly stayed in our cottage and pretended we were bunnies We also did some nice hiking, but we saw a lot of bears up there which limited that to some extent. Mrs. Eaglesfan really freaked out when a bear came up to our dining room window our second night there (I can't blame it, she was cooking some good smelling food.)

[Galaxy]

Originally Posted by Chubby

they aren't vegas standard IMO tho. for gambling I'm content to stick to the US side Senaca casino. not that niagara falls isn't a great vacation spot cause it is but if you want to gamble go to vegas

You like Seneca? Always found it dark and just too bingo-hallish. Crossing the border can be a pain in the ass though. Personally when I go, we'll usually head out for dinner, scroll Clifton Hill, ect. I agree if you want to gamble, go to Vegas. But the point of the trip seems more of a romantic thing, with a small portion of gambling if its avaliable.

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

Frisco is pretty nice this time of the year.

[RPI-Fan]

...

It seems like you're more interested in splashing out in a big city, but if you ever want to spend a weekend or so in a smaller place, Tredwel and I heartily recommend Ithaca. We went there in April and had a great time.

Haha... another time that I wish we had QOTM back!

[RPI-Fan]

Vermont might be a decent option for you... could spend one day seeing Burlington or somesuch, take a day trip up to Montreal, and then just another day to yourselves wherever you're staying (presumably some kind of bed-breakfast).

[Chubby]

Originally Posted by Galaxy

You like Seneca? Always found it dark and just too bingo-hallish. Crossing the border can be a pain in the ass though. Personally when I go, we'll usually head out for dinner, scroll Clifton Hill, ect. I agree if you want to gamble, go to Vegas. But the point of the trip seems more of a romantic thing, with a small portion of gambling if its avaliable.

well it is in the former convention center I just prefer the gaming there is all, and with the future requirement of having a passport my choice is easy

[Galaxy]

Originally Posted by Chubby

well it is in the former convention center I just prefer the gaming there is all, and with the future requirement of having a passport my choice is easy

True, that will make it change my mind when the passport situation kicks in 2007. Hopefully, I will be out of the area after college graduation, so it won't mean anything.

[ShaqFu]

Originally Posted by Blackadar

BTW, cruises are out. There are no 3-4 day cruises from Charleston.

Right, the Bahamas cruises are 5 days out of that port, but who says you have to go out of Charleston?

There are 4 days cruises out of Jacksonville and 3 days cruises out of Port Canaveral, Miami. There is a 2 day cruise out of Fort Lauderdale.

I understand your opinions on Disney.

One thing you could do is check with a TA and explain exactly the type of trip you're looking for, how long, budget, etc. Many times they can find some unique packages that might fit your needs.

I guess if you don't want to do a cruise, Disney or travel to SFO, my pick would be NYC. I think you could find a nice romantic weekend there. Stay at one of the swankier places, hit a Broadway show, and enjoy a fancy dinner. Reserve a trip to the top of the Statue of Liberty, hit all the major sites, and you could have a wonderful trip.

[ShaqFu]

Originally Posted by Blackadar

I like to gamble a bit - not for hours and hours, but short stints at the blackjack table are fun. We both like museums, art, natural history, historic stuff, mountains, movies. We've never taken in a Broadway show or a Vegas show.

I think NYC is your place.

Museums - Check
Art - Check
Historic Stuff - Check
Movies - Check
Never taken in a Broadway show - Check

Forget the gambling if it's just something you like to do casually. Does SHE like to gamble? If not, I say skip any sort of gambling trip and do something that both of you will enjoy. It's your anniversary.

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by RPI-Fan

Haha... another time that I wish we had QOTM back!

I know what QOTM is, but I don't understand you would want it for that.