Redemption
As you know, Sweets and I went on a pretty fabulous vacation just last month. And yet, I’m already thinking about our next vacation. I’m not talking about our camping trip in June. Nor our trip to Cape Cod (with a dash of Maine and Boston) in July. Not my half marathon in Madison in August. Nor another camping trip in Door County in September. Those trips are already planned. And yes, I look forward to them.
Today, I’m talking about an unplanned trip. You see, I have somewhere north of 60,000 frequent flier miles just waiting to be redeemed. And up until now, we really haven’t had a need to use them. Domestic flights – it’s just not worth it to redeem them for a $200 plane ticket. Same thing for our honeymoon – $350 to Costa Rica wasn’t bad. And this latest vacation to Grand Cayman? Those miles were gifted to us by my aunt and uncle (awesome!).
But, now I kind of have the vacation bug. The question is where to go and when. (By the way, Sweets doesn’t yet know I’m already planning another trip. Guess he will after I tell him about this post! Don’t worry, I won’t actually plan it until we’re in agreement regarding where to go!)
Some places I’ve never been that I’d really like to visit?
- Hawaii
- Mexico
- Brazil
- Germany
- Czech Republic
Depending on when we would travel, my miles might be able to cover both of our tickets. Or certainly at least one ticket. For now, it’s something to think about.
Where is the most interesting place you’ve ever traveled? Do you have any fabulous upcoming trips? Care to weigh in on my list – any places you think I absolutely need to add?
April 22nd, 2010 at 4:53 am
Out of that list i have been to the Czech Republic (Prague) which is stunning and filled with fabulous architecture.
I have a list of masses of places that i really want to visit -- Chicago, LA and NY being some of them
April 22nd, 2010 at 6:39 am
I would love to go to Hawaii and Mexico too, they just look so amazing. I’m supposed to be going on holiday in about three weeks. Still not decided where to go, although Mexico is on the list of possibles.
Most interesting places I’ve visited…probably Belize and Guatemala. So much to see and do and lovely people. Getting to see Mayan ruins was pretty impressive.
April 22nd, 2010 at 7:38 am
Hawaii is beautiful! That is where I would go.
April 22nd, 2010 at 7:51 am
I’ve not been to any of those places you listed before so they all sound delightful to me! I would have to say, though, that Italy and Greece are #1 and #2 on my list, so I think you should add them too :)Just thinking about those countries makes me want to quit my job and runaway to the fields of Tuscany, wine country, heaping bowls of pasta, beautiful seaside views. Sigh.
April 22nd, 2010 at 7:51 am
Go for the Czech Republic! I’ve been DYING to go there -- it looks so incredibly full of culture and beautiful architecture. I’d be in heaven. And I totally hear you on the travel bug -- we went away in January and we couldn’t hold off booking another big trip for the summer (Europe here we come!!) -- yes, we may be poor for the rest of our LIVES but at least we’ll have had some awesome times seeing the world :)
April 22nd, 2010 at 8:01 am
I’ve never been to any of the places you’ve listed, but I am sure they would all be beautiful vacation spots. I used to work with a young woman who was a grad assistant here at the college, she was from Belize. The pictures from her country were stunning. If I was headed for a tropical desitination, I would definitely head there.
April 22nd, 2010 at 8:28 am
Probably would take too many points, but the best place I’ve been is New Zealand, second is Australia, third is Ireland.
I have been to Hawaii, Germany and Mexico. Mexico was great, but I got sick (from the water as do many people I talk to). Hawaii, well I was only 4, but I do remember a bit and imagine it would be similar to the Carribean, but with different culture. Germany was really great, I stayed there for a month in the northwest. It was like a Fantasyland. So many flowers, beautiful old buildings, brick/stone paved sidewalks and streets, just so beautiful. And the mountains… and castles. It was really easy to take a biking tour and deep history is everywhere you turn.
Hopes that helps a tad.
April 22nd, 2010 at 8:29 am
Oh, and the senior Wyckoffs have been to the Czech Republic.
April 22nd, 2010 at 8:37 am
I really wanted to go to Dubai — before I looked at prices. Oh. My. God. I read somewhere that it is like the 8th most visited city in the world, and I have no idea how.
April 22nd, 2010 at 8:54 am
I have a desire to see South America (I blame too many Samantha Brown shows on the Travel Channel), so maybe I’d vote for you to go to Brazil.
I haven’t been outside of the country except to Canada, so I can’t offer much feedback. I did like British Columbia quite a lot.
Maybe you would get good bang for your buck by using the miles for Hawaii. I read that because people are always using their banked miles for flights to there they are very expensive to actually have to purchase. And the bonus is that it’s HAWAII. :)
April 22nd, 2010 at 9:11 am
I like to use my miles to upgrade to first class when possible. I’d vote for Brazil. I haven’t been there. But I love Prague. It is one of my favorite places! I really want to go to Monaco. I don’t see that in my near future, but someday.
April 22nd, 2010 at 9:16 am
My husband and I are taking our year-delayed honeymoon in July and are going to Croatia. So excited. We’re going to the southern French Rivieray part, and I CANNOT wait.
We also went on a ridiculous cruise vacation last summer (not on our dime.. the best!) which stopped in Greece which was absoultely amazing. As was Istanbul and Sicily. Ahh I could dream about travel all day…
ps where in cape cod? that’s where my inlaws are!
April 22nd, 2010 at 9:23 am
Oh these all sound amazing! I was going to say Cuba, but that’s still not kosher in the US, is it? =)
I’ve been really, really, really wanting to go to Iceland for a while, there and Sweden! The coolest place I’ve been to is Australia. It would take a lot to get me on that plane ride again, but it’s incredibly beautiful and so cool to see the culture and the country.
April 22nd, 2010 at 9:28 am
We went to Hawaii last year and didn’t really like it. Not that much to do if you’re not a beach bum (we sunburn!). It’s really expensive and full of bugs everywhere. I’d vote for Brazil. Mexico would depend on which part you’d go to.
April 22nd, 2010 at 9:33 am
Granted I just got back from Maui so I am baised but Hawaii was wonderful and I want to go back there again. It combined a relaxing vacation with lots of outdoor activity.
But I would love to go to the Czech Republic>
April 22nd, 2010 at 9:34 am
I went to Prague in 2004 and absolutely loved it. Every street is beautiful and it is just a charming city. So you can’t go wrong by going there!
It’s hard to say which place has been the most interesting… one of my favorite destinations was New Zealand. I spent a week toodling around the south island with some study abroad friends. It was like Colorado on crack. So, so, so gorgeous. But I imagine that would take a heck of a lot of miles…
There are so many places I want to go… I really need to start planning for my next trip… and I need to start saving!
April 22nd, 2010 at 9:36 am
I am thinking Germany would be a good place to start for many different reasons,
a) I could give you some tips :)
b) Germany is in the heart of Europe and you can EASILY visit some other places (like the Czech Republic) as well (by train!), because everything is so close together!, and
c) it’s just a beautiful country.
(Mh, I might be biased, but oh well ;))
April 22nd, 2010 at 9:42 am
I looooooved Mexico and really want to go back. I’m also itching to get to Hawaii as I have never ever been and that is just a travesty.
Living in the land of rain and clouds sure does make a girl long for some beachy sunshine.
April 22nd, 2010 at 9:53 am
that’s a pretty damn good list! i think you’ve been to europe already, right? i’d add ireland to that list, personally. id love to go to hawaii and hmm… what if you took a trip to denver? then again, it could be too tempting and you two might never come back!
April 22nd, 2010 at 9:54 am
I’m dying to go to Asia. Japan, Thailand, China… top of my list! Oh and also South Africa.
April 22nd, 2010 at 10:17 am
I’d really really encourage you to go to Prague. Not that I’ve ever been, but I really really want to go.
And if you plan for a long enough trip, a couple days in Germany won’t be too shabby either! (Two birds with one stone, see?)
April 22nd, 2010 at 10:51 am
I would love to see Prague! And go back to Paris (now that my 37 year old self likes wine a whole lot more than my 21 year old self did). I also have Greece on my list. And also a return trip to Ireland, and maybe I would add in Scotland and London. I would recommend Egypt as a fabulous vacation…I LOVED IT. I went to Iceland last year (no ash anywhere) and LOVED IT as well. Hawaii is also fabulous, but make sure you make it a multiple island adventure (when I went, it was only to Oahu for a week, I wish to go back and see Maui and the Big Island). Happy trails!
April 22nd, 2010 at 10:55 am
i was just in prague in october -- it’s gorgeous! i would definitely recommend it. and bonus -- you could bundle germany in on the same trip. check out open jaw options -- i was surprised how little $$ that tacked on to my trip (eg flying into prague but flying out of dubrovnik). it was cheaper than a train back to prague, plus the day you lose travelling just to get out of the same airport. ANYWAY, my point is that prague is awesome and very nearby germany :-)
April 22nd, 2010 at 10:58 am
I absolutely LOVE international travel. I’ve only been to three countries outside the US (okay, four counting Mexico), and one of them happens to be Brazil! I went in 2001 (almost TEN years ago!? sheesh…) and while I wasn’t there as a tourist so much as a high schooler on a mission trip with my church, it really was a great experience, and what I did see of the country was lovely. I am morally obligated to insist that you add Romania to your list, because it’s my favorite place on the planet and it is even MORE beautiful than Brazil. If you ever do decide to go there, let me know and I will give you all the hot spots and helpful phrases. Or, here’s a better idea: take me with you! :-)
April 22nd, 2010 at 12:17 pm
I’ve not really traveled very far…or at all, really. I’m headed to NYC in August and CANNOT WAIT. Paris is the city I dream of, though…someday!
I have the travel bug, but never quite seem to make it happen. I need to rectify that; I think my perspective of the world would change so much.
April 22nd, 2010 at 12:18 pm
Wait, you’re going to Cape Cod? Lucky buggers. I’d love to go to Cape Cod and I know my better half would as well. Thanks for the, er, indirect suggestion ;-)
April 22nd, 2010 at 12:28 pm
Prague!
Prague and the Czech Republic are incredible. And Vienna -- you should do Prague and Vienna. The train ride between them is only a few hours, and they’re both incredible cities.
We used credit card points for our trip to Ireland -- I got a plane ticket and one of our hotel nights at a REALLY nice hotel for free with our points, and it made the trip so much better.
Do it!
April 22nd, 2010 at 12:31 pm
go to brazil!
April 22nd, 2010 at 12:36 pm
I have a soft spot for England but I think the coolest place I’ve ever visited is Rome. Or Genoa. So Italy is my suggestion :)
Or Vancouver!!
April 22nd, 2010 at 12:40 pm
My wife and I went to Hawaii in March 2009 and loved it. It was the first time for both of us and we plan to go back someday. We visited Oahu and the Big Island of Hawaii.
As for a place that I would love to visit someday: Europe. All of Europe. Outside of Mexico and Canada, I’ve never been outside the US. Would love to travel and see everything across the pond.
April 22nd, 2010 at 12:54 pm
I’m ALL about the idea of going to Prague…but I really think you and Sweets would love the Big Island in Hawaii. It has a million things to do and a ton of awesome stuff to see. If you do venture that route, however, I would also suggest taking an Island-hopper flight to Maui or something, there is nothing like it (and it is NOTHING like the Big Island).
xox
April 22nd, 2010 at 1:27 pm
I would highly recommend Hawaii- CP and I contemplated going back to Maui for our honeymoon b/c our two week trip there was SO AMAZING.
Mexico is too easy to get to and you can find inexpensive flights- I would nix that idea.
I would highly recommend South Africa as once you get there, it is surprisingly inexpensive. CP and I would LOVE to go back there and check out Cape Town, a city where one of our friends lived for two summers in law school.
Otherwise, I would also highly recommend Argentina. It is VERY affordable for US citizens, the steaks are AMAZING (grass-fed!), and the people are welcoming. There is the opportunity to head to the southern-most tip to Ushuaia, Patagonia for the most amazing glacier I have ever seen (Perito Moreno in Calafate), west to see the Andes (we went skiing there in the Fourth of July!), more northern west to head to wine country, or even north of Buenos Aires to Iguazu and Cataracus- ridiculous water falls.
April 22nd, 2010 at 3:30 pm
As a gal who was born and raised in Hawaii, I’ll always recommend it as an excellent vacation spot. Not only is it absolutely beautiful and there’s tons to do, but you don’t have to deal with passports, currency, language, etc.
I’ve been to Ireland and England and loved them both. Dublin was my favorite. I LOVED it.
I would love to do a Germany/Austria/Switzerland trip one of these days. I’d also like to go to Croatia and that area, because it’s much cheaper and you still get the gorgeous beaches and landscapes that you would in Italy or other parts of the Mediterranean.
April 22nd, 2010 at 4:55 pm
Philadelphia? :)
I like the idea of Hawaii, mostly because I’d love to see the photos that come back from that trip. What can I say, I’m selfish.
April 22nd, 2010 at 7:35 pm
I have never been anywhere on your list, but I’m going to Mexico soon for a friend’s destination wedding, I can’t wait. For my honeymoon I’m going to Tunisia and Spain. I can’t wait to find out where you go!
April 22nd, 2010 at 7:42 pm
Have you been to Mexico before? I’ve never seen Cabo, but everywhere else I went was kind of over-rated. And given the whole state of the drug cartel fighting down there, I’d avoid that country for awhile. I read a statistic recently that there have been something like 40,000 drug-related murders there in the last 5 years. Startling.
I would recommend Germany to the nth degree. Mr. W and I went to Munich and Berlin last summer and enjoyed both immensely. Berlin was one of the coolest cities I’ve been to -- great architecture, good food, tons of history. Munich was adorable and Austria isn’t far—we drove through it and it was breathtakingly beautiful. And a lot of people speak English there. So that’s my vote. :)
April 22nd, 2010 at 10:14 pm
Hawaii or Brazil, I say!
My most interesting trip was to Italy. My only trip outside of the US (aside from our recent Cabo excursion). DD and I have talked about going to Europe, but he’s done almost everything EXCEPT Italy, while that’s all I’ve done. I keep telling him I’d be totally fine with going back though. Oh, the food and the wine!
April 22nd, 2010 at 10:52 pm
Hawaii would be amazing and it’s affordable right now because of the economy. I’ve been to Germany, it’s the best food ever. And I’m hoping to go to Mexico in fall because of a wedding. I can’t wait.
April 26th, 2010 at 10:05 am
J and I are desperately trying to fit in a 5 day trip to Costa Rica by the end of November…we have a free room at a small luxury hotel there, but flights are outrageously expensive.
April 27th, 2010 at 4:25 pm
The Czech Republic (really only Prague) is high on my list, as is Istanbul, Morocco, and the Greek Isles. I’d also like to go back to Egypt as an adult and back to Germany with more time spent in Bavaria and the western part and less time spent up north.
For us in California, Mexico is an easy and common getaway, so it really doesn’t interest me in any way. Germany and Hawaii are both amazing but would be very different trips. We spend a week on the Big Island every year and I was just in Germany for the first time in October. There is plenty to do in Hawaii (particularly if you island hop as Big Island is very different from Kauai which is very different from Oahu etc.), but overall it would be a vacation designed to relax you. Germany offers a more…perhaps engaging? experience--more architecture, history, food and beer culture, art, etc. And as others have said, you could certainly stop over in Prague from Germany (though we had 8 full days in Germany and I don’t feel that I got to see half of what I wanted to explore).
If you choose either Hawaii (and the Big Island is part of the trip) or Germany, I would be happy to provide suggestions.
April 29th, 2010 at 7:56 am
Hey!!! :-)
Well, we would definitely choose Hawaii!! We went to Oahu a few years back and had the absolute best time…. it is for sure one of our favorites. Very relaxed, kind of expensive, but what we did was make sure our hotel room had a fridge, and we would buy lunch meats and make ourselves sandwiches for lunch and stuff! Added plus is US currency, US cell phone reception, and fantastic weather all the time!! (well, maybe not the rainy season, watch for that, ha haha!!)
love
jen and scott
Have fun deciding!!! :-)