Vacation 2019

It’s time to start thinking about vacation and wondering what some are planning. Clyde & I are thinking about going to Toronto. We like going to other baseball stadiums so thought Toronto might be a good choice, not too far of a drive. Would like to go to Niagra Falls, maybe just an overnight there. Any advice on being a tourist there, what to do, what to avoid, just tossing it around for now. Also interested in anyone else’s plan, but has to be a drive, no flying, lol.

Bessie Bessie
Mar '19

Not everyone is crazy like me but we're going to Antarctica in November through the Drake Passage purported to having the roughest waters in the world; possible 30-40 foot waves..yeeeeeha!!


Get to Niagra in the early afternoon, enjoy the sites, and leave the next morning. I’m not sure how people can stay longer than a day there.

In Toronto take a ferry over to the island park - kind of like Central Park in NYC but it is an island. You can walk and bike all around.

The Hockey Hall of Fame is in Toronto and worth a stop if even remotely interested in hockey.

I did a very touristy thing by having dinner up the CN Tower. Was a good meal, but if you want to save a few bucks just go up there for the view.

D-ManPV D-ManPV
Mar '19

IRIS

you are my spirit animal :)

cheqche cheqche
Mar '19

For Niagara, the American side is more quiet and natural, Canadian side more touristy. We needed a day and a half. There’s a tower on The Canadian side (name escapes me right now) to view the falls from above. And on a clear day from the top, you can actually see Toronto across the lake in the far distance!
We may plan a trip to Boston to catch a game, Bessie!

3wbdwnj 3wbdwnj
Mar '19

Bessie - I've only ever gone to maybe three baseball games ever, but one was up in Montreal. Particularly an afternoon games has a lot to do there at the Olympic Park. (gardens and insectarium are also there) Subway is every easy to get around, and in my opinion a lot more to do than Toronto.

In Toronto, drop Clyde off the hockey hall of fame. (not that he'll appreciate the best teams mind you...) Go to the market. Then head up the CN tower. Niagra is a nice place to stop into. You can do other NY state things as well on the way, in the Finger Lakes, Corning. Or on the Canadian side there are casinos. Both areas have wineries.

Ottawa and Quebec City are both very nice too although not baseball destinations. Montreal and Toronto are very cosmopolitan but Ottawa and Quebec are more old world.

iris - I love your vacations. Way too much fun!!


I can't see myself getting a vacation this year. If I had to drive I would be going down to Tennesee. I need to see Shiloh one of these days and might combine it with Nashville or Memphis.

If I was allowed to fly, next on my list is either Poland or Croatia/Bosnia/Montenegro.


Our spring trip will be to Missouri. It's on our list of possible places to retire. Going out to take a look at property in a couple different areas. We haven't decided on a destination for our fall trip yet.

Toronto is great. You will have a good time if you go.

Two tips for Toronto:

1) Do not, under any circumstance, get pizza;

2) Drink beer not mixed drinks, unless you can find an illegally operating, free hand pouring establishment. ;-)

Calico696 Calico696
Mar '19

Last year, we did 3 weeks in Europe. Iceland (Reykjavik), France (Paris and Montpellier), Italy (Venice/Murano/Burano), Croatia (Split and Dubrovnik), Czech Republic (Prague), Hungary (Budapest), and Germany (Dusseldorf).

This year, we are settling on just one week in Europe ..... a bike and boat trip on the Lycian coast of Turkey. Really excited about it! :-)

IRIS, your trip sounds GREAT!! My G/F's daughter really wants to go there. We are looking at different tour packages, ..... thinking about next January.

Rob Durana Rob Durana
Mar '19

Last time I was in Toronto I was in high school... so probably not much help on what to see or do now (I did go up in the CN tower and spent a few hours at Niagara Falls), but I was also in the Finger Lakes area a few years ago to go to Watkins Glen (the park and the race track) and you may be driving right by a few things we did on I-86 / I-390.

We took a winery tour at Pleasant Valley / Great Western near Hammondsport. Oldest winery in the Finger Lakes. Hmm, I still have a bottle of sparkling burgundy to open...

https://www.pleasantvalleywine.com/


Right around the block from there is the Glenn Curtiss museum. He was an aviation and motorcycling pioneer. Some neat things to look at in there.

https://www.glennhcurtissmuseum.org/


Also right off the highway (further south near Corning) is the Wings of Eagles discovery center. It was closed on the day we drove by (didn't even know it was there initially) but they have several planes outside which are cool to look at up close (F15, F14, and some older vintage models which I can never remember the names of).

http://www.wingsofeagles.com/

Mark Mc. Mark Mc.
Mar '19

We have 3 annual trips we always do:

long weekend in the Finger Lakes wine country (we can bring the dog)
week in Cape Cod (with best friends, for like 20 years)
long weekend in Rehoboth (we can bring the dog)

We are adding one more trip this year: for my 50th, we are going to NOLA. It was a toss-up between Nashville+Memphis (been to Nashville twice, never Memphis) or NOLA (went once, many years ago, only saw the quarter... this time, we are going to eat and listen to music where the LOCALS do)... we are both huge live music fans and foodies.

JeffersonRepub JeffersonRepub
Mar '19

Bessie, if you're going up that way, be sure to stop at Niagara-on-the-Lake on the Canadian side north of the Falls. Reif Winery is a must-stop for us in the N-o-t-L area.

In Toronto, Clyde will love the hockey HoF. You will probably enjoy it too. Other sights of note are the Distillery District (restaurants, breweries, art galleries, other retail shops) and Casa Loma, which served as Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows... in addition to the other sights mentioned by others above.

This year, we're headed to southeastern Virginia for 10 days including the 4th of July. Driving through Shenandoah NP on Skyline Drive, then stopping overnight in Charlottesville. From there we'll hit Monticello before arriving at our cottage in the woods that we rented outside of Williamsburg. In addition to the Colonial section, Busch Gardens and Water Country USA, we're also going to do Jamestown/Yorktown, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Newport News, NASA Langley, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (I'm already convinced it will be the highlight of the trip for weeanimal - he's a transpo junkie like his old man) and hopefully spend a day sailing on the Chesapeake. I'm probably going to need a vacation when it's over...

sheanimal and I are also spending a 4-day weekend in Old Town Alexandria in a few weeks for our 12th anniversary. That should be a little more relaxing...

ianimal ianimal
Mar '19

Next month we're going on a cruise from Miami to four stops in the western Caribbean, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Costa Maya.

Usually try to get away for a long weekend without the kids once a year, but nothing planned yet other than a wedding in Connecticut that will require an overnight (of course the day before Mother's Day).

I really want to see Niagara Falls. We drove up to Barrie, Ontario once when we were first dating but it was a short trip and we didn't have time to stop.

Tracy Tracy
Mar '19

In Toronto, stay in the Oakville area - you can easily get to Niagara Falls for the day (Canadian side is 10X better than the US side) & you can also get to the wineries in the Niagara by the Lake area as well. You can also get into the city of Toronto no problem staying in Oakville. I saw the Blue Jays a few years ago - great stadium!


Growing up outside Buffalo, I have been on the US side once. The Canadian side is touristy because it’s better. Better attractions, better views, better flowers— spectactular in the fall. Two towers, the smaller has a revolving restaurant. The larger, up on the bluff, has an external elevator. You can park there and walk to the falls. If I was with you, I would show you the shortcut through the woods….

We used to cross into Canada over the peace bridge and then amble down the Niagara Parkway sometimes stopping at Chippewa for touristy restaurants. Angry river on one side and million dollar homes on the other.

If you get there early, the upper parking lot lot just before the falls, if it’s still there, is the best place to park. Everything is easy walking distance from there. Over the years, I have been impressed at the unchnged aspects of the Canandian side so good chance it is all still as I say.

We love the caves under the falls. It was a real test of bravery to see if you could make it to the end of the third tunnel. We also like the old restaurant right at the falls but very hard to get a table unless you are early or off hours.

If you get to Buffalo, look for restaurants with roast beef on cummelweck (sp). Unfortunately the best restaurant for this has closed. Often it’s just called wick or weck.

Spending many a summer on Lake Seneca, let us know if you’re serious about Finger Lakes. I know creeks n pools and even waterfalls you can walk right to the edge. Also, if you happen to travel south to Erie PA, I could recommend a beach that rivals any in the world and the second best sunsets in America. We always used to say, perhaps It’s the steel mills in Cleveland… Spectacular. Also one of the best Americana diner fish fries ever.

Damn, I’m going back this year, you talked me into it!

StrangerDanger StrangerDanger
Mar '19

A month in Ireland and Scotland early summer, first time to both places.Then 3 weeks in Prince Edward Island in Canada late summer.

We have been going to Prince Edward Island the last 10 years it is our special place. PEI is truly a beautiful place if you like no crowds, red sand beaches, amazing seafood, wonderful friendly locals, lush green rolling potato fields, warm water compared to Maine and folk music, best time to go is July & August. If you need info on PEI let me know.

Regarding Canada you may need a passport to get in and back into the USA. Make sure you top off the gas while in NY, gas is like $4.25 a gallon in Canada.

NotIn NJ Anymore NotIn NJ Anymore
Mar '19

Calico, where in Missouri are you going? We went to Branson years ago, very touristy but we stayed by Table Rock Lake, beautiful area.

Bessie Bessie
Mar '19

If you want a great experience in Niagara I'd do the night boat trip and falls-view dinner. The falls are lit up and it breathtaking.

The CN tower restaurant is high end and a bit pricey but you can go look at the view and stand on the glass floor afterwards.

Skydome is a wonderful stadium. Hope you plan it so you can see your team play the BJ's.

As mentioned there is; the Hockey HOF, Casa Loma, for museums. Nathen Phillips Square, Harbourfront Center, Ripley's aquarium, The Distillery District, Greektown, Chinatown, Little Italy, Canada's Wonderland, Canada's Walk of Fame (always surprises on that), Winter Garden Theatre. There is also a Medieval Times last time I was there.

Not sure if you are into churches or not but there is St Patricks's Cathedral, St. James's Cathedral, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir,
St Michael's Cathedral Basilica. That's just to name a few.

Hope that helps

Sirya
Mar '19

Bessie - We are looking at property in the southeast area of the state. We have picked two "home bases" for the trip. St. James and Perryville. Will be looking at property in the counties of Phelps, Pulaski, Perry, Washington, Crawford, Ste. Genevieve and Cape Girardeau.

St. James is actually in the wine belt of the state. Many vineyards there. We are looking forward to speaking with the locals and getting a general feel for the area.

Calico696 Calico696
Mar '19

As always, thanks for the responses..they've given me a lot to think about. I'm glad I'm in the company of such a well traveled group of friends.

Bessie Bessie
Mar '19

I am going to "Thomas Jefferson's Monticello" at the end of May ...

LibertyThinker LibertyThinker
Mar '19

Two tips for Toronto:

1) Do not, under any circumstance, get pizza;

-------

I've been Toronto a few times for business. There is a bar/restaurant around the block from the King Edward hotel. They had a pizza made with wheat and rice flour. The rice flour made for a very thin and light crispy crust. Was fantastic. I just wish I could remember the name of the place.

The area around the soccer stadium has tons of small pubs. I had dinner at one and it was great

Personally, I liked Montreal much more than Toronto. Toronto had NYC vibe (which I like) but Montreal was just so much cooler - artistic neighborhoods, very walkable, great French bakeries, museums, Old Montreal has a European feel, and POUTINE!

Bessie - you can check out my wife's FB page to see all the pictures of Montreal.

emaxxman emaxxman
Mar '19

Bessie here's another vote for the Canadian side of the falls. I haven't seen anyone mention the botanical gardens yet so thought I would throw this out there.

https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/play/outdoor-recreation/botanical-gardens/

I'm another person who loves PEI too.. we go there as often as we can but it's quite a drive so not every year.

Seems like I need to get planning! Not sure what we want to do this year yet but might rent a house or cabin on a lake in NY state. Want to be able to walk outside and swim, fish or kayak.

hktownie hktownie
Mar '19

We just got back from Myrtle Beach. Watched some college baseball and stayed on the beach in our timeshare. In June we're going to the Dominican Republic for a week at an all-inclusive resort.

Metsman Metsman
Mar '19

Mets - Which resort did you end up choosing?

Calico696 Calico696
Mar '19

Grand Bahia Principe La Romana

Metsman Metsman
Mar '19

We would prefer Montreal but since there’s no professional baseball team there anymore, we were looking at Montreal. We like to try and get a ballpark in our travels.

Bessie Bessie
Mar '19

Toronto is a great city but my idea of vacation is getting AWAY from the crowds.

Consigliere
Mar '19

Toronto is a small NYC so not so much worth a trip other than business or passing through. Montreal is quite different plus you can combine with Quebec City for a long week.


Info on PEI if you like no crowds only downside 2 days of driving.

https://www.fodors.com/community/canada/halifax-and-pei-1664364/

NotIn NJ Anymore NotIn NJ Anymore
Mar '19

If you like country music and the beach here you go

https://www.cavendishbeachmusic.com


Carrie Underwood is one of the headliners.

NotIn NJ Anymore NotIn NJ Anymore
Mar '19

Vacation? What’s that? Envious of the responses. Have fun!

Tray
Mar '19

we're going to meander through Maine and spend several days on Grand Manan Island in the Bay of Fundy

4catmom 4catmom
Mar '19

Maine is for that. Paddled/portaged the Allagash river decades ago and car camped with the family on the Machias river. Highly recommend going to Maine during the Summer, although for skiers you need to go to Sugarloaf once in the Winter.


PEI is on my to do list and to go to Labrador too.


iJay

Did Newfoundland for 3 weeks in August 2018, amazing place so different the east and west coasts. Hiking was over the top fantastic. Takes forever to get to Newfoundland, 3 12 hour days including 7 hour ferry, not many roads to drive on very cool 50-60 in August. Food was a real challenge unless you like cod, we like it just not for 21 days. Tons of bear and moose made driving a lot of fun! If you need more info let me know.

NotIn NJ Anymore NotIn NJ Anymore
Mar '19

Plan on seeing my wife’s family in North-East Thailand & Koh Samui. I hope to do a side trip to Sri Lanka a place I have always been fascinated by. I may have to do this trip alone.

Weedwacker Weedwacker
Mar '19

Hopefully, Operation Koh Samui is a success and you don't get evicted from the Circle of Trust, Gaylord. Nursing is a noble profession...

ianimal ianimal
Mar '19

Iris you rock!!

Emaxx - LMAO re: pizza tip!

I'll be 'parachuting' myself down into Nepal or Tibet with zero planned itinerary later this year. Just land on the ground and go where the wind blows me and the teachers call...

Weedwacker - Sri Lanka - yes! That place is calling me too.

<3

Rebecka Rebecka
Mar '19

Going to our home in FL in 2019. Saving for Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand in 2020.


Re: Vacation 2019

Rebecka -

"Nepal or Tibet" - I've heard Tibet isn't the easiest place to just show up. You're supposed to need like three different visas and permits. And then you pretty well get led around by the hand.

"where the wind blows me" - travel well and travel safe Lungta, there are many paths to follow even if they all are to the same place. With every rustle of the prayer flags another prayer is sent to heaven.

"We shall not cease from exploration,
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time"


Jono you will love South-East Asian! I first went in 2000 & have been back over a dozen times. Even worked in Hanoi for some time. I brought back a ball & chain from Thailand. But don’t forget Loas My favorite country to visit in South-East Asia.

Weedwacker Weedwacker
Mar '19

Rebecka I just watch a train ride ( I love train travel )threw Sri Lanka on YouTube. It looked so amazingly lush going up the mountains to the tea plantations. I had a trip booked to go to Sri Lanka about 5 years ago from Bangkok & my girlfriend now wife didn’t want to go. I should have went anyway. I regret not going. I was already on that side of the world.

To be honest I’m ready to sell everything & ditch out to a studio apartment I used to rent in Udon Thani Thailand for $80 a month.

Weedwacker Weedwacker
Mar '19

Thanks Weedwacker for the suggestion. I will try to get Laos worked in as we will be away for a month. Really looking forward to this trip.


Jono - reserve as much time as you need for Angkor Wat. I'd like to see a few different places in that area, but that is the one place that I can't imagine skimping on.


Tracy, Grand Cayman is our favorite. We were there a month ago. You probably won't have much time with it being a cruise, but definitely take a stroll along 7 mile beach. Cocoloba is a great spot for lunch. Enjoy.

We're headed to Hilton Head in July, as well as Pittsburgh for the Vintage Grand Prix.


Thinking Chicago for September. We have a Germany, Austria, and Switzerland on our to do list, as well as Greece.

MeisterNJ MeisterNJ
Mar '19

+1 for 7 mile beach. Absolutely gorgeous!

Calico696 Calico696
Mar '19

It is our happy place Calico.

MeisterNJ MeisterNJ
Mar '19

GC Angkor Wat is on the schedule with lots of time.. What other must see sites do you recommend ?


Rebecka, my daughter was in Nepal a few years ago & loved it! Let me know if you want to talk to her about it.


Jono - I haven't been there myself so understand I'm saying that because it's what I'd really like to do too. I've seen all the Nationall Geogrphic type shows on it. When I looked into it there was a national park nearby that was interesting. And some caves in the other direction. Bangkok - Phnom Penh - Ho Chi Minh looked doable but am not sure I really want to do much more than Angor Wat in Cambodia and Vietnam. I have on my list Bangkok and Ayutthaya so I figured I would do mostly Thailand if I ever get there.


I hope you get there GC. After working 50 plus years these trips are on my bucket list. Some day hopefully Hong Kong, Abu Dahbi ( not sure of the spelling ) and Greece/Istanbul/ Ephesus. There are other locations in the USA and elsewhere to visit and experience. Some would be return trips. Unfortunately there is so little time along with other obligations and of course that thing called money.


A coworker loves to visit Cambodia, he has been there many times. Definitely on my "list" but my list is long...


Thanks, Meister and Calico. We leave in less than a month and I have not had time to make any more plans. We're doing an all-inclusive in Cozumel that I booked privately. Besides that, I really wanted to do the sting-rays with the kids in Grand Cayman but I couldn't decide what tour operator to use. I also really would have liked to do Dunn's River Falls, but I think the kids are still just a bit too young and uncoordinated.

My brother is currently in Thailand on a solo trip. He seems to be enjoying himself so far.

Tracy Tracy
Mar '19

Re: Vacation 2019

@Weedwacker - you're ready to... well... that makes two of us. And I'm going for it. ;-)

@GC - no worries to be had. One can make no mistakes when one is following one's heart, soul, mind and everything else. This girl knows with every bone in her body where she needs to be.

<3

Rebecka Rebecka
Mar '19

Currently in Maui ! 5 more days!! I don’t ever want to leave

Mariann Mariann
Mar '19

Block Island for me. I've been to RI but never there. The bf and many friends love it, so hopefully I will too.

I'm jealous of those who've been to Iceland. It's been on my list a long time.

Everyone, have fun!

Lori...since '73 Lori...since '73
Mar '19

TORONTO

I was born 30 miles North of here. Came to America when I was 5. I am a true Yankee. Can't beat NJ to live in.

It is beautiful country with all the Botanical gardens. A must to see the one around Hamilton which is on the QEW to Toronto. Stop in the wineries around St. Catherines

The Falls is nice (Canadian side) better.

Casinos are everywhere. Toronto has a great baseball stadium, an underground city for shopping, lots of great places to eat (don't ever get pizza) a castle to the north to visit (a must) and an island to the south VIA a short ferry ride. This is just a "touch" of interesting things in the city and close by. Try POUTINE (fries with gravy and cheese) and you will see vinegar out on the table and have to ask for ketchup.

Gas is expensive, and you are taxed for everything. This is how their Socialized Medicine is paid for.

Be sure to take a drive past Megyn Markel's place.

Have a great time, you will love this vacation.

Bernie Bernie
Mar '19

As previously mentioned, sheanimal and I are heading to Old Town Alexandria next weekend for our 12th wedding anniversary. We haven't been there in about a decade and unfortunately, our favorite Italian place on King Street is no longer open. The restaurant that replaced it looks interesting but is more of a New American F2T-type than your classic Italian.

Any recommendations on the best Italian restaurant currently in either the Old Town or Del Rey neighborhoods? I've looked on Yelp, but who knows if people down there have any idea what good Italian food is, right?

ianimal ianimal
Apr '19

Turns out the resort chain I picked is where most of the people are dying. Changed to a different place. Hopefully we don't die.

Metsman Metsman
Jun '19

We did go to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello - and had a pretty amazing time - really enjoy the house and property !!!!

LibertyThinker LibertyThinker
Jun '19

LOL Metsman, I hope not. I was thinking of booking a DR trip soon. I bet prices are wayyyy down.

Calico696 Calico696
Jun '19

Nice, Liberty Thinker... we'll be visiting Monticello in a few weeks after spending a day in Shenandoah NP and staying overnight in Charlottesville. Then it's off to Richmond and then New Kent, where we have a cute little 3BR cottage in the woods that will be our base camp for the week-long assault on the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Newport News, Hampton, Portsmouth... it's going to be a lot like the Wehrmacht rolling through France in June of 1940. Can't wait... I've been working way too much lately.

ianimal ianimal
Jun '19

That trip sounds amazing ... enjoy ...

LibertyThinker LibertyThinker
Jun '19

Found a legit tree house in NC on air bnb that I’m taking the kids to next month. Climb up to get in, shimmy down pole to get out. Supposedly has 80’ flat screen tv in the LR, hot tub on the deck and high speed internet. I can’t wait!!

H-town Mama H-town Mama
Jun '19

Htown mama, does it have indoor plumbing?

3wbdwnj 3wbdwnj
Jun '19

3wbdwnj~ it sho does!
All the modern conveniences up in the trees of NC!!
Full kitchen, 2 bedrooms, LR, DR, deck
It’s connected to 2 other smaller treehouses

H-town Mama H-town Mama
Jun '19

What town ?

Skippy Skippy
Jun '19

That sounds pretty darned amazing!

3wbdwnj 3wbdwnj
Jun '19

My fiancé and i are looking into St Lucia for our honeymoon, has anyone ever stayed at the sandals resorts there???

Michael Michael
Jun '19

My wife and went to St. Lucia for our honeymoon and absolutely loved it. We didn't do the saddles resort though. We stayed at Sugar Beach.

Mr. Joe Mr. Joe
Jun '19

China Grove,NC

H-town Mama H-town Mama
Jun '19

Costa Rica this year..splitting our time between Pacific Coast and farther inland to experience more of an eco setting although most of the country is nicely preserved. Can't wait.

firefly firefly
Jun '19

Question about what can we use for ID since our passport expired and had not gotten a chance to renew and at the same time also need to get passports for kids. We are thinking of Montreal. I Googled it and it said all we need are ID and proof of citizenship like birth certificate, naturalization certificate and even expired passport will do if i think under three yrs. And I believe same documents will do coming back to US. Anyone knows by any chance?

Thank you!

Mom2U Mom2U
Jun '19

You might have trouble coming back into the US with an expired passport. When is your trip? The rush service is worth it if you’re short on time.

3wbdwnj 3wbdwnj
Jun '19

Mom2u I wouldn't try it. Be sure you have proper ID.
https://www.us-passport-service-guide.com/can-you-return-to-the-us-from-canada-with-only-a-birth-certificate.html
https://www.tripsavvy.com/passport-requirements-driving-to-canada-1481711

maja2 maja2
Jun '19

Thank you both so much, Was wondering more on coming back to US. I assume we can rush getting passport if we are not flying but what should I show them our Hotel reservations? I know if flying we can show the tickets. We are thinking week after July 4th. I will call an agency for passport to find out if we can rush knowing we are driving instead. Thank you again!

Mom2U Mom2U
Jun '19

Dont bother calling. Just go to any bigger postoffice and they can help you for renewal. Those typically don’t take as long as an initial. Go online to get the application I believe.
The post office in Long Valley was fantastic.

3wbdwnj 3wbdwnj
Jun '19

In the Dominican Republic and still alive. Just had a few long islands. Place isn’t busy which is cool with me. Get drinks faster. LOL...

Metsman Metsman
Jun '19

I was able to find the info. As long as I can provide proof of travel like airline tickets, hotel reservations, we can expedite quicker in person if travel is less than 2-3 weeks. Thank you all for your help. If we do go will let you know.

Metsman, be careful, but also enjoy it!

Thank you!!!

Mom2U Mom2U
Jun '19

Yes, I remember we had to provide proof of travel to expedite. Good luck, Mom2U!

3wbdwnj 3wbdwnj
Jun '19

Glad to hear you are still alive Mets. Have a drink for me!

Calico696 Calico696
Jun '19

Have three from the minibar... it's called Dominican Roulette.

ianimal ianimal
Jun '19

Anyone going to Prince Edward Island in Canada I posted our favorite places in PEI here

https://www.fodors.com/community/canada/halifax-and-pei-1664364/

We have been going to PEI for the past 35 years, it is our special place....

We just came back from Scotland and Ireland and posted some info on our experience here
https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/ireland-itinerary-feedback-1668894/

I posted under TLC195.

NotIn NJ Anymore NotIn NJ Anymore
Jun '19

I survived the Dominican Republic. It was a snack box on the flight home that made me feel sick. Food was great, alcohol didn't kill me cuz I drank plenty of it, and the people down there are very hospitable. Great trip!

Metsman Metsman
Jul '19

What resort were you at Metsman? What was the general talk down there about the news stories?

Calico696 Calico696
Jul '19

We stayed at Presidential Suites in Punta Cana. They kind of downplayed everything. It is kind of strange no one under 40 has died from strange circumstances. I guess we won't know what's really going on until the toxicology reports come out. Sounds like some of the deaths could be because of pesticides sprayed in rooms specifically at the Bahia Principe chain.

Metsman Metsman
Jul '19

I will never go back to the DR. I made that decision before all this happened. I didn’t find anyone down there to be friendly. I also won’t pay to go to a place where i can’t go on the beach after 5 pm.

Nosila Nosila
Jul '19

I am thinking of going to St. Michaels MD in the fall...anyone been?

whocares whocares
Jul '19

A million years ago we sailed into St. Michaels on an antique 40-foot ketch to spend a couple of nights moored off-shore.. Twas a sleepy little tourist town.

Funny story, kids on a dingy, acting out, talking loudly, swearing, pull alongside to climb aboard only to meet Father Flannagan with our friend's Dad. Oooops. Embarrassment. More for the Catholics than Episcopalians amongst us. Snicker, snicker..... Think Jim Thorpe or New Hope on the water.....1,000 residents, 4,000 in the summer! Hopefully, it's still pretty sleepy for you. Enjoy the blue fins.

strangerdanger strangerdanger
Jul '19

@strangerdanger Thank you! Sleepy is exactly what I am looking for.

whocares whocares
Jul '19

Nosila IDK what beach you were near but people were in the water after 5.

Metsman Metsman
Jul '19

Does anyone have any information on Glacier national park and Banff national park

stephen stephen
Jul '19

What would you like to know about Glacier? Visited it in 1974 when they had multiple road closures and snow of 9 feet, well over our VW camper bus. In JUNE.


I was at glacier 5 years ago. What questions do you have

Philliesman Philliesman
Jul '19

Maybe some sights that should not be missed or some day trips local food establishments ,vacation things .

stephen stephen
Jul '19

I’m assuming that you are just visiting the park. No real food establishments other than that we had dinner at many glacier lodge. Views were amazing. Did a boat ride with a hike at many glacier while we were there. Avalanche lake was a nice easy hike with a boardwalk going through the huge cedar trees. Logan pass was cool. Mountain goats would walk right up to you. We stayed in whitefish, but next time would stay in the park. Too far of a drive. That was the only “town” around.

Philliesman Philliesman
Jul '19

Canadian Rockies are just spectacular - Jasper, Banff - and don't miss Maligne Lake -oh geeze- I could go on and on -just glorious up there................

4catmom 4catmom
Jul '19

Beyond the rodeo, what’s good in Calgary?

StrangerDanger StrangerDanger
Jul '19

Do you have any recommendations for the place to stay with kids, by the lake with canoeing/boating opportunities? We would like to go to Quebec Canada this year. If you have any experience you can share, it would be great. Thank you, Sandy.

Sandy 01 Sandy 01
Jul '19

Just got back from Ireland. Spent time with my family and stayed with one of my cousins. We had a blast, she took us all over also. I found out a lot about the country I never knew. I would like to share this 1 BIG thing with you all to keep you safe if you go over.

Be very careful in Belfest especially if you rent a car from Southern Ireland. They have different color plates. Dublin area (white), Belfest (yellow) They try to set up road detours to the white plates in Belfest area, they get you on side of road and will KILL you. That's right KILL you.

Its best to stay away from this area,unless you have someone who can guide you to where to go and what to see. Also they go by Pound in money & only take NEW MONEY. (They do not take old , torn, taped ect.) But you can use your charge cards. If you do this, make sure your credit card will not charge you to change over to american money. Also while using your credit card, tell them to charge you in Pound its less money that way. Now the southern area uses Euro , they will take any euro, but do the same with credit card. Charge in Euro. You may also run into a little problem in smaller stores. You will need a pin # to charge. But mostly in small stores, not to often. It only happened to me 1 time with the pin. which was weird since I dont use debit, only charge.

Oh, 1 more thing the tax on items are HUGE, so you might want to ask for a tax form so you can claim at customs. I didnt do that and lost about $50. Or just pay you stuff at the airport. You will go threw customs arriving in Ireland and leaving. Nothing in Newark airport. And items at the airport are duty free.

Any way have a great trip if you go.

Dbelle Dbelle
Jul '19

Hard to believe the dangers in Belfast. Have you ever traveled to a 3rd world country and rented a car?


Dbelle, I don’t question your experience at all, but I would like to clarify for those who don't know, north, as in North Ireland part of the UK, and south, Ireland are two different countries. Different governments, money, etc, now the Troubles you speak of are a whole nother lesson.
Having family I’m sure you know this, if you like to elaborate please do, hope you enjoyed it regardless...

Roywhite Roywhite
Jul '19

I am all over the place on where I want to go in October. Any recommendations regarding Savannah? How is parking if I don't stay in the Historic/Riverfront Areas?

whocares whocares
Jul '19

Dbelle, I absolutely question your experience. Was in ROI and Northern Ireland in September. Had absolutely no issues anywhere! We rented a car from Dublin and drove to Belfast and up into the Giant’s Causeway/Antrim Coast. Encountered nothing but congenial folks who had no interest in being anything but. Walked around Falls and Shankill without any issue. Took pics everywhere we went.

We’re both Catholic. Didn’t feel the need to advertise. Again, never felt threatened.

Belfast is perhaps the most affordable city in the UK.

Skunky Bass beer perhaps, Dbelle?

YeahRight YeahRight
Jul '19

Dbelle must be explaining the plot of Patriot Games.

Metsman Metsman
Jul '19

I was also in Northern Ireland and Ireland for 3 weeks in May June 2019 , no problem at all in Northern Ireland and Belfast. A lot of signs of past troubles from 20 years ago but we had no problem a few weeks ago for the 5 days we were NI.

NotIn NJ Anymore NotIn NJ Anymore
Jul '19

We also had no issues in Belfast other than some confusing road signs. The people in Northern Ireland are not as friendly as the ROI but they were fine.


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