My wife and I take frequent trips/vacations to escape the horror of living in Southern California (Pasadena, actually, we do have some standards!). Usually we drive north (south never) to enjoy some great scenery/beaches/food/wine/culture/trees in the SF Bay area and environs (Half Moon Bay, Marin, Sonoma coast) or the Central Coast. However, we try to get to Europe every other year--2019 was France, 2017 Ireland (...Russia, Italy, etc.).
This year, we had four trips planned and had to cancel three of them due to concerns about COVID. We were able to escape to our favorite seaside cottage for a week of self-isolation back in August, but other than that, we are stuck here in SoCal. (Silver lining for me this year is that I am working completely remote so I have to see less of it--no commuting).
Anyway, we are hoping to get to Spain next year (May/June) for about a month. A likely itinerary is Madrid, Granada/Cordoba, Barcelona, San Sebastian/Bilbao--each site for about a week. We are particularly interested in the museums, architecture (Gaudi cathedral, park, etc.), food, wine, and the remnants of Moorish culture (Alhambra, Mosque in Cordoba, etc.)
Challenges here include vaccination (how soon we can get ours), how well-protected we will be even after vaccination, and the cost. I wonder whether the cost of flights and accommodations will skyrocket next year due to pent-up demand for travel. Don't know whether we're pushing our luck hoping to do this in late May-June.
Any thoughts? Any trips you have put off due to COVID? Any plans/hopes for 2021 travel?
Ya, try Asia.
I'm longing more simply to be able to socialize.
Quote from: flyingdutchman on November 25, 2020, 02:13:39 PM
Ya, try Asia.
I've only been to Hong Kong and Guangzhou--but I loved it! Asia is really eye-opening (for many reasons) for traveler from the West. Japan, including Kyoto, Kanazawa, and Hokkaido are very high on our list! China, Thailand, Tibet are also of great interest, but there are too many places to go and not enough time (or money).
Moscow, if possible.
Moscow would be great indeed! Extremely expensive from what I understand. We were in St. Petersburg for a couple weeks in 2007 with side trips to Tsarskoe Selo and Novgorod, and it was incredible. St. Petersburg may be the most beautiful city in the world--art surrounds you. The palaces, museums (e.g., Hermitage!), parks, bridges, churches, public buildings, monuments are breathtaking. I highly recommend St. Petersburg if you are in Russia. Unfortunately we did not make it to Moscow, but we probably should have tried.
Quote from: André Le Nôtre on November 25, 2020, 02:48:03 PM
Moscow would be great indeed! Extremely expensive from what I understand. We were in St. Petersburg for a couple weeks in 2007 with side trips to Tsarskoe Selo and Novgorod, and it was incredible. St. Petersburg may be the most beautiful city in the world--art surrounds you. The palaces, museums (e.g., Hermitage!), parks, bridges, churches, public buildings, monuments are breathtaking. I highly recommend St. Petersburg if you are in Russia. Unfortunately we did not make it to Moscow, but we probably should have tried.
If I get to go, I will certainly go to both. Moscow is where a conference will take place and I am invited. IF the pandemic subside by then, I will certainly be there, with a few side trips, I am sure. In fact I wouldn't mind going to Germany, or Prague...
Longing indeed. Only travelled domestically in 2020 due to the circumstances, but still had some fine experiences, with 5 cheap trips of varying length.
Main problems with going abroad, if things open up more, would be covid-19 and treatment options. Authorities here will be introducing a more differentiated and flexible system as regards travel advice, based on regions/provinces, not whole countries. Which is a good idea.
Also, things seem to only really normalize in the later part of the summer 2021, they say. If so, domestic travels until then, and maybe an overland summer trip to nearby Western Norway's fiords, or, less likely provincial Germany. Unexplored parts of coastal Norway would be great. Sweden has had, and has, too many problems currently, and flight destinations as a whole would be less likely.
But am also longing for Southern Europe, and, in the long perspective, possibly more of Asia - which would be years away in the future, though.
Quote from: André Le Nôtre on November 25, 2020, 01:38:50 PM
(...)
Anyway, we are hoping to get to Spain next year (May/June) for about a month. A likely itinerary is Madrid, Granada/Cordoba, Barcelona, San Sebastian/Bilbao--each site for about a week. We are particularly interested in the museums, architecture (Gaudi cathedral, park, etc.), food, wine, and the remnants of Moorish culture (Alhambra, Mosque in Cordoba, etc.)
Challenges here include vaccination (how soon we can get ours), how well-protected we will be even after vaccination, and the cost. I wonder whether the cost of flights and accommodations will skyrocket next year due to pent-up demand for travel. Don't know whether we're pushing our luck hoping to do this in late May-June.
Any thoughts? Any trips you have put off due to COVID? Any plans/hopes for 2021 travel?
An exciting Spanish route indeed, I hope you'll succeed. As you might know, Granada has small De Falla and Lorca museums. And Toledo, close to Madrid, is definitely worth an excursion or more, of course.
There are people who, looking at the big picture, say that the era of reckless international travel is over. Consider yourself lucky you have seen a lot of the world.
Global tourism is a major vector for pandemic infectious diseases and air travel is a major detriment to the environment. Sorry to be a downer, but on the other hand, I'm pretty sure the destruction of the planet will proceed as before.
Quote from: MusicTurner on November 25, 2020, 09:29:12 PM
Also, things seem to only really normalize in the later part of the summer 2021, they say. If so, domestic travels until then, and maybe an overland summer trip to nearby Western Norway's fiords, or, less likely provincial Germany.
'
Send me an PM whenever you decide to visit western Norway. I can provide you with guiding and perhaps some company/accomodations.
Personally I hope to be able to travel late 2021. San Sebastian/Galicia is high on the list (I've been there twice), but late autumn isn't optimal on the Atlantic coast.
International travel seems to be dependent on a vaccine.
Quote from: Holden on November 26, 2020, 01:07:37 AM
International travel seems to be dependent on a vaccine.
Yes, I guess so. Therefore late 2021 at best.
Quote from: The new erato on November 26, 2020, 12:30:00 AM
'
Send me an PM whenever you decide to visit western Norway. I can provide you with guiding and perhaps some company/accomodations.
Personally I hope to be able to travel late 2021. San Sebastian/Galicia is high on the list (I've been there twice), but late autumn isn't optimal on the Atlantic coast.
Thank you. I love Galicia too :)
We prefer to stay in Britain and go somewhere with our dogs. Wouldn't mind going to Northumberland again, it's very quiet and a couple we're friendly with have moved there.
Quote from: steve ridgway on November 26, 2020, 07:45:19 AM
We prefer to stay in Britain and go somewhere with our dogs. Wouldn't mind going to Northumberland again, it's very quiet and a couple we're friendly with have moved there.
That's one of the privileges of living there - the space and variation you've got. Yorkshire/Northumberland are on my wish-list too.
Quote from: steve ridgway on November 26, 2020, 07:45:19 AM
We prefer to stay in Britain and go somewhere with our dogs. Wouldn't mind going to Northumberland again, it's very quiet and a couple we're friendly with have moved there.
Nice.
My sister and I are hoping to drive down to Tennessee to visit with another sister in January.
Travelling and COVID...
My wife and I were in NY in March when, at the end of our stay, the pandemic broke out there.
I believe we attended the last performance at the MET before it closed.
It was a performance of, o irony, The Flying Dutchman!
Our scheduled flight back left 4 hours before Trump's travel ban from Europe came into effect.
We were worried that the flight might get cancelled, or be overbooked, and chaos at the airport.
Images of the fall of Saigon came to mind... with a massive run to the last planes on the runway.. . ::)
But the situation at JFK was nervous but orderly, and our flight with Royal Dutch Airlines left as scheduled.
The plane was full of Europeans scrambling to get home - quite a few other European airlines actually did cancel their flights. A few Italians on board were told that they would be unable to continue their journey to Italy after their arrival in Amsterdam, since all flights to Italy were cancelled and its borders were closed.
In a chat the flight attendants expressed their concerns about their jobs. I told them that the Dutch govt. would probably support the airline financially (which it did - so far €3.4 bln).
When we arrived home, we self isolated for 2 weeks. Not sure if I could distinguish between mild virus symptoms and jetlag, but we were OK. The office closed when I came back and I have been working from home ever since.
After NY, I had planned going to Seville with a close friend, but that never happened.. ..
We have agreed that we will go as soon as that is safe again. Perhaps next September?
Last summer travel restrictions were relaxed in Europe after the 1st wave. Partly to save the tourism industry in Southern Europe from total collapse. In hindsight probsbly not a good idea.... but it provided a short window to squeeze in a stay of a few weeks on Corsica (French Mediterranean island off the coast of Italy). We drove and took the ferry with a private cabin and basically self isolated in a seaside house with garden, except for getting necessities. We had nice weather and a great time. Beaches were deserted. Considering the circumstances, a wonderful vacation.
For after COVID (AC) my wife and I are discussing a leisurely trip to Asia, possibly Thailand.
And when things get really back to normal, I'd love to do some trips to Italy.
On my wishlist is attending an open air opera performance in the amphitheatre in Verona, for instance.
Anyway, let's dream on.. :D
Q
Bucharest ... at the head of a large invading tank-column.
Greater Hungary, lads!!!
Quote from: Que on November 26, 2020, 11:35:44 PM
For after COVID (AC) my wife and I are discussing a leisurely trip to Asia, possibly Thailand.
And when things get really back to normal, I'd love to do some trips to Italy.
On my wishlist is attending an open air opera performance in the amphitheatre in Verona, for instance.
Don't know if you're aware, but Thailand is a totalitarian state for the benefit of an absentee king, his harem and a small elite of generals. The tourism is part of it.
Thai people have been demonstrating for months now to put an end to supression, and yet, tourists are saying "but it's so lovely and cheap!"
Quote from: Scion7 on November 26, 2020, 11:53:44 PM
Bucharest ... at the head of a large invading tank-column.
Greater Hungary, lads!!!
Bucharest??? Your column won't even make it past Nădlac. ;D
The Romanian army, on the other hand, had a very nice sojourn in Budapest in 1919. ;)
Quote from: Herman on November 27, 2020, 12:26:36 AM
Don't know if you're aware, but Thailand is a totalitarian state for the benefit of an absentee king, his harem and a small elite of generals. The tourism is part of it.
Thai people have been demonstrating for months now to put an end to supression, and yet, tourists are saying "but it's so lovely and cheap!"
In any dictatorship any serious money that is generated or comes in, is channeled to the pockets of the ruling elite.
So going anywhere in Africa or Asia as a tourist is off limits from that perspective.
And so is buying anything from those countries, or buying anything for the production of which natural resources from those countries have been used.
Same applies to countries that might be democratic, but are suffering from widespread corruption - your money will end up in the wrong pockets.
Besides, international travels are bad for the environment....
Q
Quote from: MusicTurner on November 26, 2020, 07:59:06 AM
That's one of the privileges of living there - the space and variation you've got. Yorkshire/Northumberland are on my wish-list too.
From my current reading -
The Gallery of Geography, 1899.
It seems as though with an intentional propriety, Great Britain, seated at the very centre of the hemisphere containing nearly all the land of the globe, had been placed in such a position to serve as an index to its diversified formations, being a model representation of them.
Quote from: The new erato on November 26, 2020, 12:30:00 AM
'
Send me an PM whenever you decide to visit western Norway. I can provide you with guiding and perhaps some company/accomodations.
Personally I hope to be able to travel late 2021. San Sebastian/Galicia is high on the list (I've been there twice), but late autumn isn't optimal on the Atlantic coast.
My wife and I are itching to take an "Aurora Borealis" trip some winter, possibly to Norway. I was in Bergen in 2012 (Hotel Augustin) for a few days as a side-excursion from a meeting in Oslo. Would love to return with my wife, but we would also want to explore up the coast--Bodø, Tromsø, Hammerfest, are of interest. We are looking for a good chance to see the aurora, preferably very close to a beautiful beach and a nice town with good dining options. I am also looking to not have to rent a car or drive (as is usually the case when I visit Europe--Ireland excepted). Any advice?! Thanks! 8)
I'd like to go to Iceland and to see the Northern Lights but my wife likes hot climates :(
I'd also like to visit the sites of the Normandy Landings of 1944 in France but I may have to do that with my daughter.
My wife and I hope to go to Vietnam and New Zealand one day.
Alternatively, I can stay at home, play with the cat and listen to my CDs :)
Quote from: André Le Nôtre on November 28, 2020, 05:33:23 PM
My wife and I are itching to take an "Aurora Borealis" trip some winter, possibly to Norway. I was in Bergen in 2012 (Hotel Augustin) for a few days as a side-excursion from a meeting in Oslo. Would love to return with my wife, but we would also want to explore up the coast--Bodø, Tromsø, Hammerfest, are of interest. We are looking for a good chance to see the aurora, preferably very close to a beautiful beach and a nice town with good dining options. I am also looking to not have to rent a car or drive (as is usually the case when I visit Europe--Ireland excepted). Any advice?! Thanks! 8)
if you don't want to drive and still see the incredibly beautiful coastline (I prefer the stretch from Trondheim to Lofoten myself) I guess your only option is the coastal express route when that opens post Covid. Otherwise Tromsø is the natural option for an attractive city of some size.
(https://turjenter.no/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/helgelandskysten-idakathrine-turjenter33.jpg)
(https://www.helgelandphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/DJI_finnvika_Panorama.jpg)
Thanks, that looks great! (but I will not be jumping off that cliff.)
I was unable to go to the NYC area Summer 2020. Our summer Band concert series was cancelled (1st time since it's founding in 1969), plus the U.S.-Canada border has of course been closed since March. I did manage my usual 2 weeks at the cabin in Northern Manitoba last month. I'm hoping 2021 will see the border open and my concerts in NY a go. 2020 was the first Summer not doing concerts there for me since 1986. Of course, I hope the vaccine gets to Canada in time for me as well.
Quote from: TMHeimer on November 30, 2020, 07:58:02 PM
I was unable to go to the NYC area Summer 2020. Our summer Band concert series was cancelled (1st time since it's founding in 1969), plus the U.S.-Canada border has of course been closed since March. I did manage my usual 2 weeks at the cabin in Northern Manitoba last month. I'm hoping 2021 will see the border open and my concerts in NY a go. 2020 was the first Summer not doing concerts there for me since 1986. Of course, I hope the vaccine gets to Canada in time for me as well.
I'm hoping to travel to Canada next year. I really want to go to Montreal and Quebec City, but I'd love to see the maritime landscapes of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. I mean looking at these photos, how could I resist?
(https://frontier-canada.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/new-brunswick-swallowtaillLighthouse-holiday1920x1080.jpg)
(https://media.dertouristik.com/exports/KuoniUK/ImageGalleryLightboxLarge/363117_ImageGalleryLightboxLarge.jpg)
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/9f/96/99/9f969964702e760fa3020497b09c29c9.jpg)
We had to cancel trips to Oregon (girlfriend was to run a half-marathon around a tulip farm during bloom in March) and Atlanta (she was going to a PhD lab reunion), and we likely would have visited friends in New York this fall. Returning to NYC for a weekend is high on my late 2021 hopes, and we're thinking that when restrictions are fully lifted, we'll take at least 2 weeks to go somewhere extravagant. The time of year likely dictates what that is: if we can travel in May, the UK; if it's the fall, maybe the US west coast or Central America. There are so many places I want to visit that I don't much mind which. :)
Quote from: Mirror Image on November 30, 2020, 08:12:50 PM
I'm hoping to travel to Canada next year. I really want to go to Montreal and Quebec City, but I'd love to see the maritime landscapes of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. I mean looking at these photos, how could I resist?
Montreal and QC are amazing. I haven't been to the Canadian coast, but my parents and girlfriend have (separately!!! They don't travel together and leave me at home) and they all loved it for different reasons. Montreal is one of my favorite cities in the world. Under ordinary circumstances, I'd recommend you go in August, when Montreal's weather is lovely and also when the OSM does a week-long festival of short concerts that are scheduled kind of like a school day - you can go to a 45-minute orchestra concert, then pop around the corner to a 45-minute chamber concert, then come back for a 45-minute piano concert, etc. The concept sounds like it's meant for pops, and there are some pops mixed in, but not entirely; I saw two world premieres, the Barber violin concerto, and a piano recital performed (eccentrically but memorably) on a staircase. It was fun building my own "class schedule" by choosing the various concerts (and remembering to leave time for dinner!).
Quote from: vandermolen on November 29, 2020, 04:02:06 AM
I'd like to go to Iceland and to see the Northern Lights but my wife likes hot climates :(
This is a "fight" we have also - I want to see Iceland in the summertime, and she wants the aurora borealis.
Quote from: Mirror Image on November 30, 2020, 08:12:50 PM
I'm hoping to travel to Canada next year. I really want to go to Montreal and Quebec City, but I'd love to see the maritime landscapes of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. I mean looking at these photos, how could I resist?
(https://frontier-canada.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/new-brunswick-swallowtaillLighthouse-holiday1920x1080.jpg)
(https://media.dertouristik.com/exports/KuoniUK/ImageGalleryLightboxLarge/363117_ImageGalleryLightboxLarge.jpg)
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/9f/96/99/9f969964702e760fa3020497b09c29c9.jpg)
Great photos John. I especially like the last one - it looks like something from the Lord of the Rings film!
Tempting indeed. Norway is one of the relatively few countries in that fiord league too.
Most likely northern-ish Europe in 2021, was originally planning to go in summer 2020.
Netherlands, Germany, Belgium. Possibly Sweden. But was a plan in progress, not fully set.
And that was after scrapping the original plan of going to New Zealand/Australia.
Was planning to travel abroad once a year after starting to make actual money, but half of those years will probably be Japan, staying away for too long sucks. Never been anywhere outside of the US except for Japan due to lack of time/money...
Also thinking of taking a trip to Mexico if possible in 2021. Monterrey is only a five hour drive from the current city I'm living in.
Russia is a country that has sort of captured my imagination more recently, though it seems it would be hard to get in. Within the next 5 years would be cool to take a visit.
Quote from: The new erato on November 26, 2020, 12:30:00 AM
'
Send me an PM whenever you decide to visit western Norway. I can provide you with guiding and perhaps some company/accomodations.
Personally I hope to be able to travel late 2021. San Sebastian/Galicia is high on the list (I've been there twice), but late autumn isn't optimal on the Atlantic coast.
About one year delayed due to corona, I nonetheless now bought a one-way airplane ticket to Ålesund in Western Norway for this summer, on a sale from Norwegian Airlines.
The ticket can be changed however for other destinations, close to the departure - but really nice to look forward to the destination as a fixed option, after two years of domestic trips only.
Quote from: greg on December 31, 2020, 10:03:57 AM
Most likely northern-ish Europe in 2021, was originally planning to go in summer 2020.
Netherlands, Germany, Belgium. Possibly Sweden. But was a plan in progress, not fully set.
And that was after scrapping the original plan of going to New Zealand/Australia.
Was planning to travel abroad once a year after starting to make actual money, but half of those years will probably be Japan, staying away for too long sucks. Never been anywhere outside of the US except for Japan due to lack of time/money...
Also thinking of taking a trip to Mexico if possible in 2021. Monterrey is only a five hour drive from the current city I'm living in.
Russia is a country that has sort of captured my imagination more recently, though it seems it would be hard to get in. Within the next 5 years would be cool to take a visit.
This is hilarious how bad this aged. :P
Was corona a factor for you, besides a certain war as regards prospects for Russia?
Quote from: MusicTurner on April 10, 2022, 08:11:58 AM
Was corona a factor for you, besides a certain war as regards prospects for Russia?
Yeah, any international travel. Just seemed too risky.
And Japan was closed entirely nearly the whole year.
And having second thoughts about ever visiting Mexico, tbh, you have to really know what you're doing to be safe, not even sure it's worth it. Would love to drive, but would probably have to fly.
QuoteYeah, any international travel. Just seemed too risky.
And Japan was closed entirely nearly the whole year.
Yes, these are sensible considerations for many; some of my family members went abroad in Europe several times though (Sweden, Germany, France etc.) & actually nothing happened, except of one social occasion, where it turned out they'd brought corona with them from Denmark to France. None got seriously ill, however.
I also know a university student of Japanese, who has been unable to go there for 2 years. She went to Tokyo a lot previously though.
Quote from: MusicTurner on April 10, 2022, 09:02:40 AM
Yes, these are sensible considerations for many; some of my family members went abroad in Europe several times though (Sweden, Germany, France etc.) & actually nothing happened, except of one social occasion, where it turned out they'd brought corona with them from Denmark to France. None got seriously ill, however.
I also know a university student of Japanese, who has been unable to go there for 2 years. She went to Tokyo a lot previously though.
Yeah, very unfortunate.
I had a two week trip to Germany and Austria/Wachau about 6 months ago and am hoping to go to the south of France/San Sebastian with my wife and daughter in late June. Hopefully it will go as planned.
Took the plunge & will be in the Czech Republic (Tabor, likely Bechyne & Luznice Valley, Prague) for a week, from the day after tomorrow.
I just hope corona won't interfere & things will go smoothly. First time abroad for 27 months. They say Prague is somewhat influenced by the huge influx of Ukrainian refugees.
Quote from: MusicTurner on April 18, 2022, 12:21:35 PM
Took the plunge & will be in the Czech Republic (Tabor, likely Bechyne & Luznice Valley, Prague) for a week, from the day after tomorrow.
Prague is
wonderful!. I envy you your trip!! I was there in 2017 for a conference and hope to return someday. Safe travels to you!!
Earlier in the thread, traveling to see the aurora borealis was mentioned. In 2018, I took an astronomy cruise (https://www.hurtigruten.com/destinations/norway/astronomy-voyage/) in Norway to see the aurora and really enjoyed it. I would gladly do it again!!
I've been traveling only domestically since the pandemic started, and only by car. My longest trip was a two-month road trip earlier this year that took me down the east coast of the US and then west through a total of 11 states (not including my own). I spent most of my time in wildlife refuges and national and state parks and saw a
lot of wildlife, especially birds. It was great! I also spent a few days in Cape May, NJ (to look at birds), have a short trip to the mountains scheduled, and hope to visit Vancouver later this year for a reunion. I'll be on sabbatical for a few months in the Great Lakes area, too, so though not vacation, it's still traveling, right? Right! :)
My wife has always wanted to go to Vietnam. This year she has a significant birthday - so that is the plan.
Quote from: owlice on April 19, 2022, 12:40:04 AM
Prague is wonderful!. I envy you your trip!! I was there in 2017 for a conference and hope to return someday. Safe travels to you!!
Earlier in the thread, traveling to see the aurora borealis was mentioned. In 2018, I took an astronomy cruise (https://www.hurtigruten.com/destinations/norway/astronomy-voyage/) in Norway to see the aurora and really enjoyed it. I would gladly do it again!!
I've been traveling only domestically since the pandemic started, and only by car. My longest trip was a two-month road trip earlier this year that took me down the east coast of the US and then west through a total of 11 states (not including my own). I spent most of my time in wildlife refuges and national and state parks and saw a lot of wildlife, especially birds. It was great! I also spent a few days in Cape May, NJ (to look at birds), have a short trip to the mountains scheduled, and hope to visit Vancouver later this year for a reunion. I'll be on sabbatical for a few months in the Great Lakes area, too, so though not vacation, it's still traveling, right? Right! :)
Thanks, I agree about Prague being one of the highlights of Europe, and combined with some peaceful Czech countryside in Spring, likely a relaxed start for some travels abroad again.
Still haven't experienced the aurora, but hope to some day.
Being interested in birds, you then do some research for reaching selected birdie destinations? I once met an elderly couple in Scotland, who toured in a converted, passenger car-sized van, they had designed for their birdie trips, including overnight parking, a small kitchen etc. And do you have an opinion on Messiaen? I guess some prefer natural bird song ...
Quote from: owlice on April 19, 2022, 12:40:04 AM
Prague is wonderful!.
+ 1.
FWIW, I like it more than Vienna.
Next month we're flying to southern France for a 15 day stay. We'll tour the Occitanie region, staying in Toulouse, Albi and Carcassonne.
(https://upload.travelawaits.com/ta/uploads/2021/04/10d4fc6b906ea702215086d148fa710d4fc-800x800.jpg)
Quote from: Florestan on April 19, 2022, 05:31:11 AM
+ 1.
FWIW, I like it more than Vienna.
I liked Prague as well - never been to Vienna.
This year I'll be saving for next year. Next year possibly Vienna, unless family intervene.
Quote from: André on April 19, 2022, 06:33:25 AM
Next month we're flying to southern France for a 15 day stay. We'll tour the Occitanie region, staying in Toulouse, Albi and Carcassonne.
(https://upload.travelawaits.com/ta/uploads/2021/04/10d4fc6b906ea702215086d148fa710d4fc-800x800.jpg)
Looks wonderful! Have a great time André.
Thanks Jeffrey ! We're crossing fingers that we don't catch covid and that there is no lockdown until we leave :P
Quote from: MusicTurner on April 19, 2022, 01:55:43 AM
Being interested in birds, you then do some research for reaching selected birdie destinations? I once met an elderly couple in Scotland, who toured in a converted, passenger car-sized van, they had designed for their birdie trips, including overnight parking, a small kitchen etc. And do you have an opinion on Messiaen? I guess some prefer natural bird song ...
Yes, I had many birding/wildlife destinations on my list of possibilities, many more than I could actually visit! And I got suggestions from others along the way, so I also adjusted as I traveled. The desire to dodge some bad weather influenced where I went as well. I have an SUV and camp comfortably in it; I had a bed, camp stove, fridge, etc. along, so can be self-sufficient, but I prefer staying at sites with at least loos available. The two-month trip was the longest car-camping trip I've taken, and I could have easily kept going.
I have a bit of Messiaen in my little collection and like it. :)
Quote from: Florestan on April 19, 2022, 05:31:11 AM
+ 1.
FWIW, I like it more than Vienna.
Quote from: vandermolen on April 19, 2022, 06:55:20 AM
I liked Prague as well - never been to Vienna.
I've been to Vienna a couple of times, most recently in 2018 (a good travel year for me) for a couple of weeks, and it's fabulous, too, though if I could pick only one to go back to, I'd pick Prague. That said, I hope to return to both! There's still a lot in each I haven't seen.
Quote from: André on April 19, 2022, 06:33:25 AM
Next month we're flying to southern France for a 15 day stay. We'll tour the Occitanie region, staying in Toulouse, Albi and Carcassonne.
That looks wonderful; I've never stayed in that part of France, and look forward to reading your impressions.
So many places to go...
Quote from: owlice on April 22, 2022, 01:44:09 AM
Yes, I had many birding/wildlife destinations on my list of possibilities, many more than I could actually visit! And I got suggestions from others along the way, so I also adjusted as I traveled. The desire to dodge some bad weather influenced where I went as well. I have an SUV and camp comfortably in it; I had a bed, camp stove, fridge, etc. along, so can be self-sufficient, but I prefer staying at sites with at least loos available. The two-month trip was the longest car-camping trip I've taken, and I could have easily kept going.
I have a bit of Messiaen in my little collection and like it. :)
(...)
Great to hear about this interesting 'sub-culture'. I'm sure there must have been a lot of unforgettable experiences on those trips closer to nature etc. I like camping too, I tend to do it with a bicycle, combining it with trains/airplanes, to overcome longer distances. I tend to mix camp sites with a bit of wild camping, but I also avoid the too 'developed' & big camp sites, preferring calmness and scenery.
I have to admit that I've never been abroad. Fear of flying, lack of money, and lack of companions caused it in the first place, but sloth setting in as I get older doesn't help.
Quote from: MusicTurner on April 22, 2022, 09:41:20 AM
Great to hear about this interesting 'sub-culture'. I'm sure there must have been a lot of unforgettable experiences on those trips closer to nature etc. I like camping too, I tend to do it with a bicycle, combining it with trains/airplanes, to overcome longer distances. I tend to mix camp sites with a bit of wild camping, but I also avoid the too 'developed' & big camp sites, preferring calmness and scenery.
There were a few experiences that perhaps I'd have been happier not having, though of course now they are (mostly) funny stories! :laugh: And yes, some unforgettable experiences! And photos... a
lot of photos.
I've taken a few bike trips, though not recently, but for those, I stayed in B&Bs or hotels along the way. I definitely wanted a hot shower and a bed each night!
Quote from: Rosalba on April 24, 2022, 11:18:01 AM
I have to admit that I've never been abroad. Fear of flying, lack of money, and lack of companions caused it in the first place, but sloth setting in as I get older doesn't help.
I traveled when I could afford to when I was young, did not travel very much while married and raising a child, but now? As often as I can. Camping can be done pretty inexpensively, as I'm learning, especially as a senior. Between my retirement from my day job in 2017 and the start of the pandemic, I was traveling somewhere almost every month. (Some of my travel is related to my work in astronomy.) This year, finally, I think will be the same, though all in North America, and next year, I hope to resume traveling overseas. (I've been planning!) I basically retired to do astro stuff and to travel.
I have wanderlust. My siblings were/are not similarly afflicted.
Sooooooo, anyone been anywhere? ;D
Quote from: owlice on September 21, 2022, 05:24:35 PMSooooooo, anyone been anywhere? ;D
Since 2021? No.
But I'm fortunate in that my little town has much to offer...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menlo_Park,_California
Next year one of my nephews is getting married. I'm planning on flying out to Kansas for the wedding, which will be fun as my brother's family is quite awesome. The Midwest of the United States is an adventure in itself ( l lived in Kansas from 2000 to 2008 ). Warm, generous people are in proximity with ignorant Trumpkins, so you have to expect pretty much anything around any given corner.
The cost of living is still relatively low in Overland Park. When l retire in 2025, l may well resume my residence there. Menlo is awesome, but far from inexpensive.
Never visited Rome and hopefully this is the year we do so.
Quote from: owlice on September 21, 2022, 05:24:35 PMSooooooo, anyone been anywhere? ;D
Haha, yes, got back from Japan a few weeks ago. A very eventful vacation. Was on local TV, made a friend from Chile while visiting anime tourism locations, saw many new areas since a little more than half of it was spent in cities that I hadn't been to before.
This feels like some sort of redemption seeing the state of this thread earlier :P lol
Quote from: Irons on May 22, 2023, 06:49:11 AMNever visited Rome and hopefully this is the year we do so.
In for a treat. Enjoy!
Quote from: greg on May 23, 2023, 05:03:01 PMHaha, yes, got back from Japan a few weeks ago. A very eventful vacation. Was on local TV, made a friend from Chile while visiting anime tourism locations, saw many new areas since a little more than half of it was spent in cities that I hadn't been to before.
This feels like some sort of redemption seeing the state of this thread earlier :P lol
Sounds like you had the time of your life.
Quote from: vandermolen on April 19, 2022, 12:46:33 AMMy wife has always wanted to go to Vietnam. This year she has a significant birthday - so that is the plan.
Did you get to make this trip?
Quote from: Brian on May 25, 2023, 08:01:37 AMDid you get to make this trip?
Not yet but still on the agenda.
Quote from: Irons on May 22, 2023, 06:49:11 AMNever visited Rome and hopefully this is the year we do so.
Booked today! Visiting Rome in September - can't wait.
Quote from: Irons on June 01, 2023, 07:44:16 AMBooked today! Visiting Rome in September - can't wait.
Yippee! ;D
PD
Planning for next year (likely early/mid June 2024) a two week trip to PEI/Nova Scotia for my 50th birthday. I already cannot wait (for the trip, not turning 50 ;D ).
I've already been to Nova Scotia last year and it was my most memorable trip. I tried so many seafood chowders!! 8)
Going with my significant other and her parents.
Quote from: Franco_Manitobain on June 02, 2023, 05:39:07 AMPlanning for next year (likely early/mid June 2024) a two week trip to PEI/Nova Scotia for my 50th birthday. I already cannot wait (for the trip, not turning 50 ;D ).
I've already been to Nova Scotia last year and it was my most memorable trip. I tried so many seafood chowders!! 8)
Going with my significant other and her parents.
Nice! And seafood chowders....yum! Years ago, I went to Quebec and still remember eating pommes frites et moules at a bistro (you had a choice of I think that it was with one of three different sauces/broths). So so so so good! PEI mussels....what can I say. :)
PD
Quote from: Irons on June 01, 2023, 07:44:16 AMBooked today! Visiting Rome in September - can't wait.
Perfect choice of season (too hot in summer). You're in for a treat. Make sure to throw a coin in Fontana di Trevi. ;)
Quote from: Florestan on June 02, 2023, 09:10:09 AMPerfect choice of season (too hot in summer). You're in for a treat. Make sure to throw a coin in Fontana di Trevi. ;)
Nothing better then Respighi to get me in the mood. :)
Quote from: Irons on June 03, 2023, 12:08:20 AMNothing better then Respighi to get me in the mood. :)
Quite so. :D
Quote from: PetieT on June 05, 2023, 06:18:04 AMNot long ago there were no plans at all for 23. You know how it is? The main thing is to live, and the rest will come. But not so long ago I won a good sum at the casino and now the plan is to travel around Europe :)
Nice! Hope that you enjoy your travels [Just make certain though that you set aside enough money for the tax man]. :)
PD
I have been away from GMG for a long long time, a fact that went pretty much unnoticed ;-)
I am traveling with my daughter Kimi in about ten days to the US, with stops in NY (Metropolitan Museum, Museum of Modern Art, and hopefully a classical concert), Elizabethtown, PA (living on a farm, going to a church service, be speaker at a couple of small events/gatherings, and maybe drive to DC for a day or two), Grand Canyon, LA (Dodgers game, Disneyland, concert at Hollywood Bowl, etc.) I am sure we will add some other activities along the way. I love impromptus!
Quote from: springrite on July 08, 2023, 12:12:46 PMI have been away from GMG for a long long time, a fact that went pretty much unnoticed ;-)
I am traveling with my daughter Kimi in about ten days to the US, with stops in NY (Metropolitan Museum, Museum of Modern Art, and hopefully a classical concert), Elizabethtown, PA (living on a farm, going to a church service, be speaker at a couple of small events/gatherings, and maybe drive to DC for a day or two), Grand Canyon, LA (Dodgers game, Disneyland, concert at Hollywood Bowl, etc.) I am sure we will add some other activities along the way. I love impromptus!
Wow! That's quite a bit of traveling! Hope that you are taking your time and not trying to cram everything into a week or ten days?
By the way, I know that everyone's life has its ebbs and flows and we all have lives outside of the forum (particularly if one has partners and/or kids, jobs, etc.), so I don't fret--unless someone has expressed unhappiness with the site and/or other posters...or has mentioned about dealing with illness(es). I try and remain positive. :)
And enjoy your trip!
PD