Choose my adventure

[textualdeviance]

So, we've decided to blow our tax return on a nice vacation. It's been quite a while since we did any real traveling, and what with bebe plans and such, it's doubtful we'll be able to do a big trip again for the forseeable future.*

Mid-April looks like the earliest/best time for us to go, but we're trying to nail down the where, and that's where y'all come in.

Our criteria:
*No more than 6 hours by plane. I start getting claustrophobic in cattle class if I have to be in it for longer than that.
*Can be done in four days--we're planning a Friday-Monday trip.
*Not saturated with drunk college kids, conservative old folks or horny heterosexuals on the prowl.
*Not aimed primarily at families with small kids, or with a way to get away from/ignore said kids. (Amusement parks: Yes, so long as our hotel is away from the park.)
*Goal is 75% relaxing, 25% sightseeing/adventuring/shopping.
*Need a place that's lovely to look at, with gorgeous scenery and/or cool architecture. Something involving water would be good.
*Sunshine and warmth, please, but nothing too hot and no deserts. Grew up in one and therefore am entirely unimpressed with sagebrush and rocks.

In terms of budget, think somewhere in the Hilton/Hyatt/Wyndham sort of range. Fairmont and Four Seasons are too much, but we definitely want a nice place with good beds, room service and high-end rooms with a good view.

Options:
*We've done Maui twice (Kaanapali and Wailea) and Oahu (Waikiki) once, but we're definitely open to going back to do something different.
*We're considering an Orlando trip. It's been several years since we were there last, so we'd like to see what's new. However, we'd need to find a balance between parks and relaxing, so we'd need a very good, adult-aimed hotel.
*A cruise somewhere? No Carnival, though. Bleh.

[Poll #1139678]

Also, if you happen to know of any particularly good deals going on around that time, let me know *looks pointedly at southplains* May as well save the cash if we can.

*Note to mom and dad: Yes, this means no Alaska cruise this summer, unless you want to go on your own. I just don't trust being on a boat with morning sickness and a high miscarriage risk. :(

Comments

[noipeh.livejournal.com]

What about some place like Yosemite? It's not far, at that time of year it's not crowded, while there isn't a lake there are lots of lovely waterfalls, especially in the Spring. It's been a heavy year for snow, though, so it might be cold. If you want warm, do NOT do Monterey. We did it in March/April a few years ago and about froze to death.

Orlando would be about the worst place to go. The amusement parks would be fun, but it's a zoo all times of the year. Let me think a bit, we've gon all over the place, there must be some place that I can think of.

[little-aims.livejournal.com]

First of all... you're pregnant? That's wonderful! Congradulations!
As I don't know where you live, nor much about America, I can't give you a NAME of somewhere to go, but I would suggest somewhere close to whever you live, possible even a 'B&B' type gig within your state. I'd rule out Vegas as there's likely to be alot of booze and smoke and other things that could be harmful to your bub, and most places in Hawaii I'd imagine to be packed with tourists. Perhaps something woodsy where you can have lovely sleep-ins and pretty walks, with nice restaurants around so you can enjoy tasty food. Ah, I've just realised you've put 'lakeside resort' as an option... so that one!

Although, you could do Hawaii, but go to one of the lesser known islands with fewer tourists and therefore a bit more relaxing. If it's relaxing you want, don't pick anywhere that you'll feel abliged to 'site-see' because even if it's recreational, you'll end of tiring yourself out and getting stressed over your leasure activities!

I think a sweet cabin by a lake or a quiet beach might be your best bet.

[textualdeviance.livejournal.com]

First of all... you're pregnant? That's wonderful! Congradulations!

Nope, not yet, but we're trying, and chances are good that I'll be pregnant by summer, which would preclude doing anything then. Sigh...

I have been thinking seriously about Kauai or the Big Island. They're a lot less crowded than the other two and might be more relaxing.

[pixxelpuss.livejournal.com]

If you do it in the late spring/early summer and are looking for Lakeside resort stuff, there's lots of nice stuff like that up in Canada. On the coast, or near the great lakes in Ontario, or in the Canadian rockies (Lake Louise and Fairmont are nice).

[little-aims.livejournal.com]

Oh well good luck then! Perhaps somewhere a little romantic for your trip then, like a 'honeymoon' type weekend getaway? There are places in Australia I know (I always look at them enviously!) which offer romantic packages that include like, champagne and chocolates on arrival at the hotel room and sexy lighting and stuff. Apparently the higher the passion in sex, the likeler to fall pregnant! Don't know how true that is, but it couldn't help!
Kauai or Big Island would offer something like that, I'm sure. A beautiful private bungalo by the beach having dinner outside at sunset? Ah, I'm jealous already and you havenn't even read this!!!

[little-aims.livejournal.com]

Sorry, it couldn't HURT. My bad. Good luck!!!

[pixxelpuss.livejournal.com]

I advocate Belize every chance I get (it's where we plan to go when we actually get around to a honeymoon). There's the sun and sand stuff, and rainforest (complete with Jaguar reserve), and Mayan ruins. The scenery is gorgeous. And it's close enough that you probably won't die of jet lag if you're only there for a few days.

I can't speak to their politics. I know that some places down there are very anti-homosexual and that some people prefer not to give them tourist dollars on account of that. I don't know whether that's the case with Belize or not.

[bratqueen8.livejournal.com]

I know there are really decent weekend Jamaica packages - I worked with a girl who went on a couple of weekends in the Fall. Might be worth checking out.