2017 Travel Plans

[mommyoffive]

I need some ideas of where to travel to next year

 

 

So what are your travel plans for next year?

[SKL]

My Hawaii trip has been ditched for 2016, so I may try to do it in 2017.

 

We've also talked about going to Iceland, Scandanavia, and the Netherlands.

 

ETA our post-Christmas trip to Costa Rica will end Jan 2.

Edited December 2, 2016 by SKL

[mommyoffive]

Costa Rica, I have heard good things.  Have you been?  Do they have Zika?

[SKL]

I haven't been to Costa Rica before, but I've been to surrounding countries.  It's supposed to be a nice place.  I don't know about Zika.  None of us is pregnant, so hopefully it is not a significant concern for us.

[creekland]

Not 100% sure due to recent family health issues.

 

Canada, of course.  We go there every year at least once.  Florida is planned in Feb/Mar as my son's college has Parent's Weekend and we haven't been to one of his yet.  We'll also get "somewhere" in during August for our Anniversary - absolutely no clue where as we haven't even begun to talk about it.

 

In general, we're keeping trips in 2017 inexpensive (so not far flung) as 2018 or 2019 should bring our "escape" to the Caribbean for at least snowbirding months (if not full time).  In 2018 we expect to visit our top choices.  Then we'll go from there.

[gingersmom]

I'm planning on driving to the neighboring town. That's about as exciting it's going to get.

[Ali in OR]

We do big (airplane) trips every other year. We did Boston and NYC this year, so 2017 will be smaller, by-car trips. We have a camping trip to the Oregon coast planned. We may visit colleges in Portland and WA over spring break. Hawaii is a possibility for our next big trip, but I think spring break 2018 is more likely for that one.

[purplejackmama]

Did you ditch the Europe trip?

[Farrar]

I'm thinking maybe just dh and I will go somewhere. Maybe Europe. We'll see.

 

We've been to Costa Rica. It's soooo great with kids. People love kids there. Not sure what the Zika deal is there. We went to the Yucatan this year (it was awesome) and there were billboards up about Zika. It wasn't a huge concern to me because I'm done having babies for sure.

[happypamama]

I would love a chance to travel back to Ocracoke Island, in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, because it's been a decade, but for various reasons, I don't think it'll happen next year.

 

I also still want to take my whole crew to Boston, but expensive.

 

Have you done the historic east coast sites?

 

If I could travel overseas, it'd be a tough decision between Italy and the U.K.

[Alice]

California. We have a nephew graduating in May from USC so we're going to fly take about 10 days and see LA, San Fransisco and stuff in between. Dh is the planner so I'm a bit fuzzy on all the details. 

 

We did Iceland and Paris this year and it was great. That plus California is breaking the travel budget for awhile. We'll likely do some small more local trips (NYC, Philadelphia, places in Virginia). 

[FaithManor]

April 2017 if things go well for Student Launch team, we will be in Huntsville from Apri 4-10.

 

Mackinaw Island June 24 and 25.

 

Trip for me to Albany August for one week.

 

Two weeks in Aswan, Egypt the last of November.

 

Ds and I also have college visits to make 2017/2018.

Edited December 3, 2016 by FaithManor

[Amira]

We have a lot of trouble planning ahead with travel. That is why I like road trips.

 

So far, we're planning to go to the UAE at the beginning of the year. We want to go to Jerusalem before oldest ds leaves home in the summer. Dh and I will go on a 20th anniversary adventure before he leaves home too. That could be anywhere. And we'll have to deliver oldest ds to college in the summer, wherever that may be.

[madteaparty]

I'm thinking maybe just dh and I will go somewhere. Maybe Europe. We'll see.

 

We've been to Costa Rica. It's soooo great with kids. People love kids there. Not sure what the Zika deal is there. We went to the Yucatan this year (it was awesome) and there were billboards up about Zika. It wasn't a huge concern to me because I'm done having babies for sure.

Agreeing on Costa Rica.

I also was in the Yucatan this year and did not see the billboards. Hmph. We went in May. I guess we lived.

Swimming in the cenotes (spelling?) was fun

[Farrar]

Agreeing on Costa Rica.

I also was in the Yucatan this year and did not see the billboards. Hmph. We went in May. I guess we lived.

Swimming in the cenotes (spelling?) was fun

 

They were up on the road south of Cancun. Something about mosquito prevention.

 

Cenotes are the awesomest.

[theelfqueen]

I think we're doing Glacier National Park this summer

 

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

[whitestavern]

So far we are looking at a week in upstate New York to visit colleges, a trip to Europe--first for the kids--Italy, Switzerland, and France, and a long weekend on Martha's Vineyard.

[DawnM]

Not sure, but we are planning to go to the West Coast I think.  My parents aren't doing well, health wise, and probably can't come here this year.  So, we will go there, but we can't go until school is out for the summer.

[QueenCat]

Gatlinburg at the beginning of 2017 and somewhere in New England probably for October/November. We're thinking of Boston and then to Portland. Dc will soon be at an age where he can't just up and go on vacation at anytime anymore, so we're trying to get a little more traveling done now, and cut corners (& do without, in some cases) in some areas to make it work financially.

 

You may want to check into Gatlinburg. They will still be in major recovery mode then. Not sure much will be open. Some resorts are completely gone from the fires.

[alisoncooks]

We're taking our kids to Disney World for the first time next year!

[Laura Corin]

Lake District of England for a week. Weekend trips to Edinburgh and Glasgow. Day trips to the Scottish Highlands.

[TravelingChris]

Dh is considering taking us for a vacation in Idaho in August.  He wants to see the total eclipse and while the best place to see it if conditions are perfect is actually a few hours drive for us, we live in an area which usually gets lots of clouds and rain.  Not always but we get 55 inches of rain a year usually and so we have missed a number of astronomical events due to weather.  He thinks dry Idaho or western WA may be better chances. I haven't spent much time in ID but I am sure I will find interesting things to see.

[mommyoffive]

Did you ditch the Europe trip?

 

Nope, just looking for other trips too.   I am addicted.

[mommyoffive]

I'm thinking maybe just dh and I will go somewhere. Maybe Europe. We'll see.

 

We've been to Costa Rica. It's soooo great with kids. People love kids there. Not sure what the Zika deal is there. We went to the Yucatan this year (it was awesome) and there were billboards up about Zika. It wasn't a huge concern to me because I'm done having babies for sure.

Yeah Zika is on my radar.  I kind of want to have another baby.  Ok more than kind of.

[mommyoffive]

I would love a chance to travel back to Ocracoke Island, in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, because it's been a decade, but for various reasons, I don't think it'll happen next year.

 

I also still want to take my whole crew to Boston, but expensive.

 

Have you done the historic east coast sites?

 

If I could travel overseas, it'd be a tough decision between Italy and the U.K.

 

Haven't done the east coast at all with the kids.  I would think the historic stuff would be right up dh's alley, but when I bring it up he doesn't get excited.

[creekland]

Dh is considering taking us for a vacation in Idaho in August.  He wants to see the total eclipse and while the best place to see it if conditions are perfect is actually a few hours drive for us, we live in an area which usually gets lots of clouds and rain.  Not always but we get 55 inches of rain a year usually and so we have missed a number of astronomical events due to weather.  He thinks dry Idaho or western WA may be better chances. I haven't spent much time in ID but I am sure I will find interesting things to see.

 

Thanks for posting this!  We hadn't even thought of creating a trip around the Eclipse, but we're definitely thinking about it now...

 

If anyone is curious as to where one can see it best, this is a pretty cool website:

 

http://www.eclipse2017.org/2017/path_through_the_US.htm

[creekland]

ps  Now, of course, we're wondering how many Boardies live in the totality region (esp in KY or IL) who would like company (perhaps pitching a tent).   :lol:

 

We thought about making reservations somewhere, but this thing is so weather dependent, we think we'll have "plans" and take our tent, but no actual reservations.  We're ok living in our car for a night or two if needed.  BTDT

[Frances]

ps Now, of course, we're wondering how many Boardies live in the totality region (esp in KY or IL) who would like company (perhaps pitching a tent). :lol:

 

We thought about making reservations somewhere, but this thing is so weather dependent, we think we'll have "plans" and take our tent, but no actual reservations. We're ok living in our car for a night or two if needed. BTDT

In my state in the PNW, I'm not sure there are any reservations left for the best viewing spots away from city lights, so being willing to sleep in a car is probably very helpful.

[medawyn]

Still coming up with plans. Denver to see the ILs once or twice (depending on days off/$$), Santa Fe, NM for a class at St. John's if I can convince my mom my three hooligans are not too much work (they probably are), and definitely eclipse viewing. One of the upsides to having a large, close extended family is places to visit and stay for cheap. There are downsides, too.

 

I'd love to travel internationally - DH's job is taking him all over Southeast Asia these days - the ages of our children plus the fact that I'm hoping to be pregnant again soonish makes that unlikely for 2017.

 

We are DEFINITELY going to Chile for DH's 40th in 2019/20, though. I'm already planning, because I don't get to scratch my travel itch enough right now.

[Guest]

I would like to go to Alaska and collect my 50th state. I'll be in Houston in may for a goddaughter's graduation. I'll go to Boise a couple of times to see my mom and maybe back to Colorado and to Hawaii for fun. We might go to a different island this time around. We've travelled a lot since October 1 and while I enjoy it, I also like being home.

[gardenmom5]

we tentatively are planning on yosemite and dd and dsil will be there.  they want to hike the half-dome, but she's also talking about getting pg next year.  not sure that's a good mix, even for my most athletic child.  (i've read the page on hiking the half-dome.  it's pretty intense.)

[Lanny]

Gatlinburg at the beginning of 2017 and somewhere in New England probably for October/November. We're thinking of Boston and then to Portland. Dc will soon be at an age where he can't just up and go on vacation at anytime anymore, so we're trying to get a little more traveling done now, and cut corners (& do without, in some cases) in some areas to make it work financially.

 

About Gatlinburg: I strongly suggest that you investigate whether the property you are planning to stay in survived the horrible fires they've had very recently in that area.  Some properties are OK, others were badly damaged or destroyed.  

[Lanny]

We're taking our kids to Disney World for the first time next year!

 

We strongly suggest that you also go to Universal Orlando. Buy the ticket that allows you to go to both parks the same day, so you can ride the train between the parks. If you are interested in Harry Potter, UO is a must. 

[Lanny]

Dh is considering taking us for a vacation in Idaho in August.  He wants to see the total eclipse and while the best place to see it if conditions are perfect is actually a few hours drive for us, we live in an area which usually gets lots of clouds and rain.  Not always but we get 55 inches of rain a year usually and so we have missed a number of astronomical events due to weather.  He thinks dry Idaho or western WA may be better chances. I haven't spent much time in ID but I am sure I will find interesting things to see.

 

Western WA I don't know.... Maybe better in Eastern WA where it is more desert ish?  I worked on temporary job assignments in Western WA, twice, in the Seattle area and seem to remember clouds.  Howecer, on a clear day, when you can see Mount Rainier, it is awesome.  My memory, driving back to TX from there is that Eastern WA is drier, like ID.  

[Sneezyone]

We are trying to decide between South Africa, Kenya, Sri Lanka and Bali for our big, 2-3week trip next year. We may add a week-ten days in the UK and France too.

[creekland]

In my state in the PNW, I'm not sure there are any reservations left for the best viewing spots away from city lights, so being willing to sleep in a car is probably very helpful.

 

We're not heading that far west, but when we were checking for reservations in other areas they were still available.  They were just very expensive, esp for an event that could be blocked by a rain or even just a cloud.  We're simply not willing to pay that much.  Our car is comfy enough.  

 

 

Western WA I don't know.... Maybe better in Eastern WA where it is more desert ish?  I worked on temporary job assignments in Western WA, twice, in the Seattle area and seem to remember clouds.  Howecer, on a clear day, when you can see Mount Rainier, it is awesome.  My memory, driving back to TX from there is that Eastern WA is drier, like ID.  

 

If you look at the path, WA doesn't get the (total) eclipse.  The window of totality is quite narrow.  There's a line from OR to SC, but even then, not everywhere within those states.

[TravelingChris]

I meant eastern WA.  And I don't think he even mentioned WA at all.  He is very interested in Astronomy like he gets Sky and Telescope, has his own telescope that he sometimes sets out on viewing nights for visitors to see, is a member of the local astronomical society.  I am probably more knowledgeable about astronomy than the average person since I took astrophysics as my physical science course in college and I do have a husband who is interested but I tend to find out about events from catching Starwatch on NPR or getting a facebook post about it.  He normally isn't telling me much about his astronomy just like I don't normally tell him much about the mysteries I read. 

[Pam in CT]

I would like to go to Alaska and collect my 50th state. I'll be in Houston in may for a goddaughter's graduation. I'll go to Boise a couple of times to see my mom and maybe back to Colorado and to Hawaii for fun. We might go to a different island this time around. We've travelled a lot since October 1 and while I enjoy it, I also like being home.

 

 

:party:

 

Too cool!  We keep a List as well, not that life is a checklist, but.  Various family members are between 35-41, so I Humbly Bow to your diligence and commitment.

 

 

My dad is quite frail, so I'm trying to work out a comfy house in a good location not too far from Western MA large enough to accommodate my brother's crew, mine, and my parents with good outdoorsy stuff nearby for the Actives to do and a tranquil calm on some sort of waterfront for him.  I'll happily take suggestions.

 

My girls and I will also do a homestay/language immersion in Nicaragua.

[mommyoffive]

:party:

 

Too cool!  We keep a List as well, not that life is a checklist, but.  Various family members are between 35-41, so I Humbly Bow to your diligence and commitment.

 

 

My dad is quite frail, so I'm trying to work out a comfy house in a good location not too far from Western MA large enough to accommodate my brother's crew, mine, and my parents with good outdoorsy stuff nearby for the Actives to do and a tranquil calm on some sort of waterfront for him.  I'll happily take suggestions.

 

My girls and I will also do a homestay/language immersion in Nicaragua.

 

How neat.

 

How do you find this kind of thing?

[Pam in CT]

re homestay/language immersion schools:

 

How neat.

 

How do you find this kind of thing?

 

It's sort of a family tradition, lol... we've done it in a number of places over the last 8 years (starting when my youngest was 5), and in addition to the language instruction it's a wonderful way to delve a bit deeper into the culture; eat truly local food and wander real neighborhoods etc.  The first time we did it was in this school in Costa Rica, which is a bit larger and more geared up in terms of infrastructure than many (and has dorm-like facilities and a couple of family apartments if the homestay idea is too daunting... though I highly recommend doing homestays, we've found them to be just as/even more valuable than the school part of the instruction).  This is the one I'm eyeing in Nicaragua though I haven't yet decided for sure.

 

There is a crowdsource ranking-evaluation website for language schools, which I do look at, but like any such thing it's often gamed.  I usually start with TripAdvisor, read a bunch of reviews, contact a few schools and the good ones are very happy to put you in contact with people who've done it, and then follow up from there.   PM me if you're interested in more re doing it with kids.  We've had very good experiences but there are some kid-specific strategies to pulling it off.

[Kari C in SC]

We are doing a cruise to San Juan, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, and Grand Turk in late February. We've been to all, but Grand Turk before. I chose this because I really wanted to take my mom to San Juan. It will be for her 77th birthday. When we wandered the streets of San Juan before I knew I had to take her there.

 

In May, we are driving to NYC and taking the kids to see Wicked. Nervous, but excited to do this trip. Need to do some planning.

 

Just me, the kids, my mom and my sister might head to Missouri for spring break to see family. We loved Silver Dollar City in Branson. Might try to do that again with all the nieces and nephews and their kids.

 

I'm hoping for a great first half of the year of travel because dd starts college classes in the fall.

[Guest]

Western WA I don't know.... Maybe better in Eastern WA where it is more desert ish? I worked on temporary job assignments in Western WA, twice, in the Seattle area and seem to remember clouds. Howecer, on a clear day, when you can see Mount Rainier, it is awesome. My memory, driving back to TX from there is that Eastern WA is drier, like ID.

There's no guarantee, but august in Seattle is often bone dry. Eastern wa is beautiful, esp ne wash. It's called the Okanogan.

[Guest]

:party:

 

Too cool! We keep a List as well, not that life is a checklist, but. Various family members are between 35-41, so I Humbly Bow to your diligence and commitment.

 

 

My dad is quite frail, so I'm trying to work out a comfy house in a good location not too far from Western MA large enough to accommodate my brother's crew, mine, and my parents with good outdoorsy stuff nearby for the Actives to do and a tranquil calm on some sort of waterfront for him. I'll happily take suggestions.

 

My girls and I will also do a homestay/language immersion in Nicaragua.

Travel changes when your folks get old. Btdt.

 

The diligence was on my parent's part. They set it as a family goal, and so I had all 49 by the time I was 21. I'm a laggard in finishing the job. My sister has all 50 I think.

[Guest]

:party:

 

Too cool! We keep a List as well, not that life is a checklist, but. Various family members are between 35-41, so I Humbly Bow to your diligence and commitment.

 

 

My dad is quite frail, so I'm trying to work out a comfy house in a good location not too far from Western MA large enough to accommodate my brother's crew, mine, and my parents with good outdoorsy stuff nearby for the Actives to do and a tranquil calm on some sort of waterfront for him. I'll happily take suggestions.

 

My girls and I will also do a homestay/language immersion in Nicaragua.

Travel changes when your folks get old. Btdt.

 

The diligence was on my parent's part. They set it as a family goal, and so I had all 49 by the time I was 21. I'm a laggard in finishing the job. My sister has all 50 I think.

[creekland]

Travel changes when your folks get old. Btdt.

 

The diligence was on my parent's part. They set it as a family goal, and so I had all 49 by the time I was 21. I'm a laggard in finishing the job. My sister has all 50 I think.

 

We're just missing Alaska too of the US states.  We had every intention of getting there, but then the economic downturn hit and college tours became our travel destinations.  Hubby and I could go there by ourselves, but we have this secret hope that we can still pull all of our boys (and their spouses/kids if applicable) to finish off #50.  That might be a pipe dream (sigh).  Otherwise, my guys had hit the other 49 by the time youngest was 11 and oldest was 15, and most of them were later (in those years) so they'd have memories rather than just the checklist.

 

I don't know if Alaska means as much to them as it does to us.  They're more world travelers now, and like us, would travel far more often if they could.

[Lady Florida.]

We're saving for an Alaska cruise with extended family members. 

[lynn]

Plans for 2017 England, Disney, New England, cross country

[Guest]

In january, my friend and I are going to NYC for 30 hours :)

[Donna]

So far for 2017...

 

February- Kansas City, MO (music related...actually all the travel is music related)

April- South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida (fitting in a few days at Universal Studios)

July- North Carolina

August- Ireland

 

We'll see what else comes up. (Dd and I love to travel.)

 

 

 

[J-rap]

We're going to South Africa for 6 weeks in January.  I've barely had time to think about it yet, and it will come up quickly after Christmas.  

 

For those wondering about Costa Rica and zika...  We've had an apartment in Costa Rica for several months each year for several years.  The last time we were there, about a year ago, zika was not yet a problem.