|
|
Post by willow on Feb 7, 2008 12:40:53 GMT -5
My siblings and I have been sending my parents away (on vacation) for major anniversaries. For their 25th it was Puerto Vallerta, for their 30th Hawaii, and for a thank you gift from some new homeowner siblings it was Lake Tahoe. This year is their 35th anniversary and we are at a loss of where to send them. They don't want to go to Europe, they don't like cruises, or going to visit just cities.
They love being outdoors, but they aren't very adventurous. We don't want to spend alot since we have many other obligations this year, so our budget is $2K, though that is our absolute max.
Any ideas where to send them? This will be in the summer months.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ray(aka) tripnebraska on Feb 7, 2008 13:29:39 GMT -5
Anna,
Have they been to the Bay area of N. California? Flying into San Jose is easy, and there are lots of options from there.
North to San Francisco, Muir Woods, Napa Valley. South to Monterey along the coast highway. My absolutely favorite part of the U.S.
|
|
|
|
Post by willow on Feb 7, 2008 14:08:24 GMT -5
Ray, my parents have not yet been to California, so that may be something we consider. The only thing is we know they won't like going just to a city. One of the things we are considering is getting them near the Redwood forests and/or the Sequoia forests.
|
|
|
|
Post by Happygoin on Feb 7, 2008 14:16:05 GMT -5
How about Lake Tahoe?
|
|
|
|
Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on Feb 7, 2008 14:21:06 GMT -5
Anna, if you are considering N. California don't forget Yosemite (about three hours' drive), San Simeon to the south, Mendocino on the coast to the north, and many other places like that. (If you get a guidebook for California tourism, you will find overwhelming numbers of choices.) But, also keep in mind that all of these places are VERY popular in the summer (if they can do it in September or October, the crowds would be greatly reduced). If they are going to go in summer, they should book ahead for popular tours, etc.
|
|
|
|
Post by willow on Feb 7, 2008 14:25:27 GMT -5
My parents are big on tours because they don't speak English, they prefer to explore on their own. Summer would be the best time, but early fall could be a possibility.
Also Happy, they have been to Tahoe so we want to try something different.
|
|
|
|
Post by Jody on Feb 7, 2008 15:03:46 GMT -5
What about that scenic train tour across Canada? I think it's run by the Canadian Nat'l. railways. I'm sorry I can't think of the name right off hand!
|
|
|
|
Post by ladyjicky on Feb 7, 2008 16:02:44 GMT -5
They would love Australia. Maybe there is a good package deal out there? 89c Aust = $1 usa dollar. Not great but hell, I went to Hawaii a few years ago on 55c = $1 US dollar and it was do able. They would love the Great Barrier Reef and its warm/hot there! Tempted you? LOL
|
|
|
|
Post by mez on Feb 7, 2008 16:47:31 GMT -5
What about Seattle and surrounds? Yes, it's a city, but they could take some ferry trips to the islands and there's plenty of forest around to get in tune with nature....(at least that's how I remember it)
Good one Ladyjicky - you've made it your personal mission to get people to travel to Oz. You should get a job with the tourist board..I'm sure you'd do a much better job than the 'Where the bl**dy h*ll are you?' campaign.
Mez
|
|
|
|
Post by ladyjicky on Feb 7, 2008 16:59:35 GMT -5
He, He Mez - can you tell the goverment to Pay me! LOL . I just HATED that Bloody Hell ad and let me tell you - SO DID THE AUSTRALIAN'S!!! I hope it got pulled off your TV's! Oh, was there a stink when that came out and you know that blonde on the beach - bit gossip here - she broke up this footballers marriage and would you believe it - she has landed herself more work and a rich fiance! May karma come her way! LOL
|
|
|
|
Post by Anne on Feb 8, 2008 5:23:22 GMT -5
I second very much Ray and Becky's suggestion of the Californian coast .
Anna, provided that your parents are willing to rent a car, they could fly to SF and fly back from LA (or reverse) and then do a leasurely drive like Sonoma (lovely) - Muir Woods - Monterey - Big Sur - all the way down the coastal Hwy 1 (absolutely beautiful) with several stops until they reach LA .
|
|
|
|
Post by sistereurope on Feb 8, 2008 9:02:00 GMT -5
The area around Sonoma in northern CA is BEAUTIFUL! We spent a week there last spring (with 4 days in San Francisco). Once I started researching the area I found that there is SO much to do and see. You have the ocean and the woods, the towns of Sonoma and Healdsburg are lovely (as is the area around the Russian River), and if they like wine they have incredible wineries (that aren't as crowded as Napa)
But even if they don't visit the wineries there are many other things to see and do...I wanted to move there ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by Anne on Feb 8, 2008 9:15:09 GMT -5
Yes, if they are not interested in doing a "wineyard trip", well, they could be doing a kind of "Missions trip" instead ;D, all the way down from Sonoma which I think is the Northern-most one in Cal . We also visited the missions in Carmel and Lompoc (mission La Purissima, huge one), they were both beautiful .
|
|
|
|
Post by Darcy on Feb 8, 2008 16:48:23 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by Darcy on Feb 8, 2008 16:51:18 GMT -5
The train trip across Canada would be good too, but unfortunately it's quite expensive. I've checked it out a few times because my husband and I love trains, and last time I looked I think it was around $2500 - $3000 per person and the trip is only about four days.
|
|
|
|
Post by willow on Feb 10, 2008 23:17:03 GMT -5
Thank you all for the suggestions!
I am looking into a trip along the California Coast, and Vancouver Island for now.
My sister is looking into Mexico and Arizona!
We have also decided to look at September since it will be easier to arrange!
Thanks again!
|
|
|
|
Post by joan1 on Feb 10, 2008 23:33:17 GMT -5
Willow I live in Victoria if you want any help just ask.
|
|
|
|
Post by gracejoan on Feb 11, 2008 10:10:02 GMT -5
I would take Joan1's offer and think about not only lovely Victoria but Salt Spring Island!!
My husband's aunt lived on Salt Spring Island. You take a ferry from Victoria.
We stayed at the Empress in Victoria...but fell in love with Salt Spring Island...I remember all the wonderful sheep!!
I'm sure it has changed quite a bit since we were there.
Enjoy.................
|
|
|
|
Post by willow on Feb 11, 2008 10:32:48 GMT -5
Thanks Joan!
I may just take you up on that!
|
|
|
|
Post by joan1 on Feb 12, 2008 21:39:38 GMT -5
Ah gracejoan, Salt Spring Island LAMB now thats a treat,, LOL ,
|
|
hahahha