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Post by Rare_Commodity on Jun 14, 2011 9:35:02 GMT -5
Hitting up H-town in July. Might take some time to visit the A to catch up with the fam...
Has anyone every traveled alone on vacation? I am nervous but I really want to take advantage of my PT job's travel benefits. I thought about going through Gap Adventure and booking a group trip with some strangers...
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Post by LejaOMG on Jun 14, 2011 10:16:37 GMT -5
Has anyone...traveled alone on vacation? I do it ALL the time. Sometimes, I go to cities where I know people. Sometimes I go explore a brand new place all alone. Other times, I do a tour-group (this is for super exotic abroad trips). I like solitude though. I particularly enjoy traveling at my own pace and doing my own thing. Not ready for breakfast til 1pm? Cool. It's on you. Want to rest rather than hit the club? No one to judge. It's become my preferred method. My favorite city to visit alone is New Orleans. There's so much going on ALL the time that you totally don't need anyone else. |
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Post by Chal™ on Jun 14, 2011 10:18:04 GMT -5
why are you nervous about travelling alone? it's so peaceful and relaxing. There is nothing like hitting the open road. Just me, the Good Lord, the car, the box of cheez its, the bottle of water, the peace, and the piece.  |
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Post by T-Rex91 on Jun 14, 2011 10:25:12 GMT -5
I've traveled alone. Spent a week touring the Hawaiian islands and a few days in Italy. Maybe a couple of the best trips I've taken. You need to be safe and aware of your surroundings but I'd def endorse doing it, even alone. Travel groups are a good option if you're not comfortable.
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Post by LejaOMG on Jun 14, 2011 10:26:48 GMT -5
Just me, the Good Lord, the car, the box of cheez its, the bottle of water, the peace, and the piece. FOR THE WIN. |
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Post by LejaOMG on Jun 14, 2011 10:27:45 GMT -5
However, I don't really care for long distance driving. I did a lil driving tour of the Southeast a few summers ago and I fully dreaded each leg of the journey. It wound up not being so bad though. I'll be doing it again this summer, but the midwest this time
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Post by Rare_Commodity on Jun 14, 2011 10:31:25 GMT -5
I just didn't think it was safe I keep thinking about getting kidnapped! If I am being cautious of my surroundings guess there wouldn't be a problem. My issues are most of my friends are single parents so having to wait for them to find accomodatins and/or canceling trips at the last minute has really gotten to me. I am a rather private person and like to come and go as I please so traveling alone may be my best option. I have this passport and don't really know where to start or what to do. Should I get a travel agent or just do the research online and wing it? I have never been to the NO it is like 6 hours from me I would like to go. I really haven't been out of the southern states (shame on me)  . I went to Miami and Phoenix once and was really suprised at the differences it sure took the lil country girl by suprise! |
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Post by LejaOMG on Jun 14, 2011 10:58:02 GMT -5
I wouldn't go abroad dolo as my first trip. Try a tour group. My favorite one is Gate1 Travel. They do everything for you, accomodations, meals, excursions, ground transport, air, the works. All you do is pay your money, show up and have a good time. Last trip I took with them was to Morocco. Even though I'm a seasoned traveler (and I speak Arabic) I thought it best not to wing it in such a farflung destination.
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Post by LejaOMG on Jun 14, 2011 10:59:22 GMT -5
and please, please keep your wits about you. YOU might be on vacation but the same doesn't go for everyone else in the host country.
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Post by T-Rex91 on Jun 14, 2011 12:13:38 GMT -5
Agreed. Might not want to get your pockets picked and camera stolen (do you mind taking this pic for me?) on the first try. Start small, Rare. Do you prefer luxuriating vacays or active ones? Are you trying to go domestic or international?
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Post by Rare_Commodity on Jun 14, 2011 12:19:09 GMT -5
OHHH that would be me too lol! I want to start out domestic bc there are so many places in the US that I haven't visted. Through my job I get to stay in some nice hotels for free or super cheap so really all I have to worry about it transportation. Ultimately, I want to go international but I like to have a nice little money on reserve for those trips. I'm not a big partier I prefer active things like site seeing places that will make me ohhhh and awwwww. I like pamper me and relaxing places as well. I want to visit all the "well-known" places like Niagra Falls, Grand Canyon and places like that.
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Post by Rare_Commodity on Jun 14, 2011 12:26:02 GMT -5
What about flights whats a good site the standard airline sites?
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Post by T-Rex91 on Jun 14, 2011 12:27:55 GMT -5
They have great spas/resorts in Arizona. Maybe start out with that which will give you a good mix of relaxation and sightseeing (Grand Canyon). I found Niagra Falls to be boring and there's nothing near Mt Rushmore. I haven't made it a point to do all the tourist spots in the US. I def would not recommend taking on NY by yourself if you haven't traveled alone before.
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Post by T-Rex91 on Jun 14, 2011 12:28:59 GMT -5
Hitting up H-town in July. You will just be a lil melted lump of Rare after this trip......LOL. I love Houston though. Crusing for cheap tix every day. |
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Post by LejaOMG on Jun 14, 2011 12:30:10 GMT -5
Saaaame! My law partner told me to make sure I take a shower cap for my Houston trip next month. For outside. Lol.
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Post by Rare_Commodity on Jun 14, 2011 12:33:31 GMT -5
Yes I've been looking into the Phoenix Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak, Phoenix Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs, and Tucson-Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf and Tennis Resort. They are pretty booked but I am trying to get in one.
LOL I am use to the TX heat Dallas is not that different than Houston weatherwise.Hell its like 95% now my lil hair reverts so fast in this TX heat. Crazy been in TX all my life and have only been to Houston once and I found it very boring.
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Post by T-Rex91 on Jun 14, 2011 12:39:06 GMT -5
What about flights whats a good site the standard airline sites? I concentrate miles with SkyTeam partners so I'm not always looking for the best cost but best cost with only certain airlines. I've never used Priceline or the likes but find that travelocity, expedia, etc are competitive with the airline's sites. They key is not which site as much as how flexible you are on your dates. You'll see huge swings in price by leaving on a Thursday versus a Friday. |
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Post by T-Rex91 on Jun 14, 2011 12:47:00 GMT -5
houston is def not a "happening" spot but I have a ton of friends there (used to live there) and they have kids so there isn't a lot of clubbing going on
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Post by LejaOMG on Jun 14, 2011 13:20:47 GMT -5
If you're using priceline, cheaptickets, expedia, etc. Be sure to get NONSTOP flights and/or do not mix multiple carriers. Learned that the hard way earlier this year. Missed a "connection" and the airline couldn't do anything for me because it wasn't Continental's fault that Delta left late. I was literally stranded for a night (clearly, I got a suite, some room service and some in-room pampering to make myself feel better), BUT I did end up missing the first day of an important conference. I just thank God that my luggage wasn't lost. Never again.
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Post by T-Rex91 on Jun 14, 2011 13:32:45 GMT -5
in the current travel climate, minimizing connections is the wisest course of action period. These airlines can't keep on schedule to save their lives.
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Post by LejaOMG on Jun 14, 2011 13:47:53 GMT -5
In college I useta fly out of inconvenient airports, connect through Milwaukee between Atlanta and Baltimore (this really happened), mix carriers and all kinds of stuff just to save $40-50 on a ticket. Now, time is money. What I save in convenience is simply not worth the extra opportunity cost. Lately, I'm quick to upgrade to business class for the baggage allowance. $49 for the upgrade vs. $20 per bag. Worth it to me.
I remember once I went on a week-long trip and packed NO liquids just so as to avoid the checked bag fees and had a friend swing by the CVS for me so I could buy all my necessary potions. Made sense then. Not a bit now.
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Post by 123Diva on Jun 14, 2011 15:36:56 GMT -5
Already planning my next travel vacay in my head. Jamaica was relaxing but not what I expected son I gotta go back and make up for it. And yes, I am going straight back there to make it right.
I would love to treat myself to Thailand, Italy or Switzerland upon grad school graduation.
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Post by LejaOMG on Jun 15, 2011 8:51:12 GMT -5
Sallie Mae is really pimping me out. I had to get all my summer trips sponsored this year. Pushing my expense account to the limit, but I'm thankful for a job that allows me to travel and set my own schedule
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Post by dedicatedlove on Jun 19, 2011 14:15:41 GMT -5
It's been a while since I posted but my plans have changed. The vacations are now staycations with friends and a few potential replacements. Broke up with my boyfriend three months ago and I've since upgraded to better prospects. Although there might be a week spent shopping in Paris or Manhattan in the next few months if my summer works out.
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Post by Chal™ on Jun 20, 2011 9:25:44 GMT -5
So I have my countdown on the board in my office as a reminder (to those who actually enter) that hey, i'm finsta go, get everything you need done to me before then because TECHNICALLY, I don't owe you a verbal reminder. when I don't show up that day, don't get mad. You have my vacation schedule. lol
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Post by Rare_Commodity on Jul 15, 2011 14:00:21 GMT -5
Any good vacation stories??
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Post by Rare_Commodity on Oct 7, 2011 10:35:48 GMT -5
Upcoming Holiday plans?
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Post by Rare_Commodity on Oct 25, 2011 10:17:48 GMT -5
Just booked my hotel I will be in Vegas for New Years and Italy in February!!! Bout to put this passport to work in a minute.
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Post by LejaOMG on Oct 25, 2011 10:34:55 GMT -5
Nice!! I know you'll enjoy both trips. I too, am heading to Vegas for the first time in a few weeks. I watched "The Italian Job" last night and I now suddenly want to kick it in Italy. All the better if Mos Def and/or Mark Wahlberg will join me.
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Post by Rare_Commodity on Oct 25, 2011 11:58:39 GMT -5
This will be my first abroad trip. Hip me to a list of things I should bring with me. I'll go back through the thread and read the Do's and Don'ts as well.
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. I went to Miami and Phoenix once and was really suprised at the differences it sure took the lil country girl by suprise!