17 different women, 36 crazy children, 0 babies in utero
Adventures, Advice and Questions from a group of Mormon women who met in Queens, NY and have now scattered all over the place.
 

Monday, May 21, 2007

It's a year away...but

Ok, it's actually MORE than a year away, but my 10th wedding anniversary will be here before I know it. I want to go on a trip. I plan on going on a trip. I need help.

Here are my issues:

1. My honeymoon was to Boston. I love that city, but it's not that honeymooney right? We were poor so we stayed in a crappy hotel, and it just wasn't ideal. We have since been back 3 or 4 times and had a blast and stayed in nice hotels, so we are in a good place with Boston, and don't want to go there for our 10th.

2. I am not a beach or sun or pool person, but the beach kind of sounds appealing if I can just wear layers and layers of sunscreen, a sun hat, and lay on a chair and read and sleep in and spend time with my husband. But I don't want to go in the ocean or get sand in my places that I don't like sand, and my husband doesn't love to read.

3. I am interested in travel. BUT traveling is EXHAUSTING....and how will I know that I will like it once I get there? I enjoyed Austria, but all in all, that was a difficult trip for me. I also get bad jetlag. I have been to CA twice in the past year and I just never feel myself while I am there, I am dizzy, tired and sinusy. "Traveling" might be tough. And I can't poop.

4. My DH and I have been on one cruise and it was rocky and cold and not ideal. I don't know if we are ready to give a cruise another chance.

5. We would be dropping the kids off in Chicago, so keep in mind that we would be flying from there.

I guess the moral of these issues is despite our best efforts, we really have had some less-than-ideal times on vacation. I DON'T want to mess up this trip....I need good ideas of where we could go and have fun and relax and celebrate and reconnect (WITHOUT OUR CHILDREN YIPPEE!). Maybe we will just drop them off at the grandparents, and come right back home....

Some ideas that have been floating around for us so far:
Bermuda (it's close to NYC at least)
French Riveria (I have no idea what that even means)

And that's it....

posted by Kage @ 5/21/2007 09:28:00 AM   add to kirtsy


43 Comments:

  • This comment has been removed by the author.
    posted by Blogger Guinevere at 5/21/2007 07:52:00 PM  



  • Some people are travel people - they love it, they're good at it, they make it work - and some people aren't. I'm thinking that you're NOT a travel person. Since this is an anniversary that is important to you and you care about, it doesn't need to be about the BIG trip to the COOL place - it just needs to be about the two of you and the things that you TWO love.

    August right? Hmmmmm...

    I'm a big fan of London and I think it would suit you well - it's a city, there's tons of culture and history and beauty. You would have to deal with jet lag, however...

    Staying in NYC but doing all the things you never make time or can usually afford to do. Like, staying at the Waldorf Astoria, dining at some of the very best restaurants the city has to offer, exploring a part of the city you've never made time for. And going back to your apartment isn't an option - it's a vacation.

    Bermuda is close to NY, maybe an hour time difference if that? So you wouldn't have the jet lag issue...

    I'll keep thinking...
    posted by Blogger Sara at 5/21/2007 08:25:00 PM  



  • Fun Places to visit that don't include long plane rides or the beach and can be romantic:

    British Columbia: Just beautiful. A wealth of fun things to do, romantic bed and breakfasts, wildlife, Whistler (summer or winter its cool), Victoria Island.

    San Francisco/NorCal: (Unless you've been there a lot) There are alot of smaller romantic hotels, cool touristy things to do, fun summery/ocean things to do, boating, fishing, vineyards, shopping, culture. Lots of awesome food.

    Also, cool places that have lots of cool things to do, resorts, spas, etc.:
    -San Diego
    -Kauai (more rain foresty - lots of nice resorts, hikes, horse back riding etc but still the magic that is Hawaii)
    -Monterrey Bay (guess that falls under NorCal...)
    -Santa Fe, NM
    -Sedona, AZ
    posted by Anonymous Anonymous at 5/21/2007 08:42:00 PM  



  • How exciting to be able to plan a big trip. I'm with Chloe on London. I could totally see you having a good time there. Also if you're not crazy about travel just splurge on an amazing hotel or bed & breakfast and have some incredible meals, and like Chloe said - enjoy doing the things you can't do with kids around. If you head back to NYC, I would say definitely stay at a hotel so you don't fall into old routines around the house. I'll keep thinking.... I'm with you on the cruise thing, too. I don't like them.
    posted by Blogger Beth at 5/21/2007 08:46:00 PM  



  • How about Vegas? My DH and I went there for our honeymoon and had so much fun that we want to go back every other year or so to a different themed hotel. Of course, we don't gamble or go clubbing, but we have fun seeing the good shows and shopping and eating. Vegas is only a state away from us, so it is an easy drive, but at least you wouldn't have the jet lag of going out of the country. Anyway, we always have a ball without the kids in Las Vegas and find plenty to do! :) Good luck planning and have fun...
    posted by Blogger LJ at 5/21/2007 09:11:00 PM  



  • Isn't Virginia for Lovers?
    posted by Blogger This is Carrie at 5/21/2007 09:22:00 PM  



  • Chicago is a great place to be if you don't want to travel. You can walk or bike by the lake, go visit the Sand dunes in Michigan (a fun day trip), eat at nice restaurants or just fun ones...

    That being said, I'm a huge fan of southern France. BUT in August, it will be swarming with global tourists.

    Hole up somewhere and have a great time.
    posted by Blogger Erin at 5/21/2007 10:03:00 PM  



  • I know it's the cheesy honeymoon capital of the world, but Niagara Falls is wonderful. We spent my honeymoon there and keep going back. (Of course I'm actually talking about the Canadian side, don't know much about US side.) Book a nice hotel overlooking the Falls, take a trip out to Niagara on the Lake, do the touristy stuff and go to the Butterfly Conservatory. We love it there!
    posted by Blogger Monique at 5/21/2007 10:23:00 PM  



  • Wow. That is the whiniest post I've ever read. I don't think you'd recognize something wonderful if it bit you in the a$$.
    posted by Anonymous Anonymous at 5/21/2007 11:34:00 PM  



  • DH has always wanted to go to the Pocono Mountains.
    Had he had this info in time for our honeymoon, we would have gone there.
    Here are some quick links :
    http://www.800poconos.com/static/index.cfm?action=group&contentID=58
    And DH would have loved to stay at one of these resorts-
    http://www.caesarspoconoresorts.com/resorts/resorts.aspx
    It's always fun to think of fun/nice/romantic things to do, so whatever you end up doing you will enjoy because you are together!
    posted by Anonymous Anonymous at 5/22/2007 04:05:00 AM  



  • I think these are all great ideas (keep them coming - it's giving me ideas to plan with myself in a couple years) - I like the idea of one of those all inclusive resorts - but I am one of those people who doesn't like to venture into the unknown when I'm on vacation... some place warm, without the kids, where there's lots of things to do or not to.... although in august maybe something not too warm... perhaps just a B&B over the MA border would be good... not leaf peeping weather yet, so it wouldn't be touristy, but lots to do in our neck of the woods...
    posted by Blogger Lucy at 5/22/2007 05:14:00 AM  



  • our 10th year anniversary is next year too and we are thinking of trips too (kid free!)..but we are thinking jamaica, mexico or Ireland. We are both travel folks and love to go anywhere.

    I'm totally with you on the cruise thing..we hated our cruise and will never go again. the boat moved to much and I just hated all the structure of the whole thing. Good luck deciding!! When is your anniversary? Ours is 8-1-98
    posted by Anonymous Anonymous at 5/22/2007 05:44:00 AM  



  • How about Quebec City? No time change, perfect climate in August and great European charm on this side of the Atlantic. Stay at the Chateau Frontenac for a splurge.
    posted by Anonymous Anonymous at 5/22/2007 06:07:00 AM  



  • I say no to London - it's a 5-hour time change from NYC, and it will be quite a haul to get there- if you're not good at flying, that won't be fun. I vote for staying on the continent. What about someplace like Jackson Hole? Amazing scenery, some really nice inns and hotels, and great food. Might be a little "outdoorsy" for you, but there's also lots of spas, art galleries, and some gorgeous easy-going hikes you could take. And what better time to try a new activity together? (rafting, fly fishing, biking, whatever...)

    Or a Canadian resort - Banff is supposed to be amazing. How about a city you've never seen - Seattle? Austin? Savannah, Georgia? I'm being random, but in reality, you need a nice hotel, some good food, and something to do every day. There's a lot of places you can find that if you're creative. (and I know you are!)
    posted by Blogger marian at 5/22/2007 06:09:00 AM  



  • Wow! I love all these ideas....especially London, Canada and a B and B in Mass....but I am seriously going to at least google, every other suggestion.

    anon, I am not whining, just stating the reality of my pathetic vacation state....I am not good at it, so I need extra help. And, btw, we are trying to build a community here, and though disagreeing with each other is perfectly acceptable, using derogatory remarks (especially when they are spelled with symbols), are just not cool man.
    posted by Blogger Kage at 5/22/2007 06:17:00 AM  



  • Might I suggest the great northwest. Somewhere like the Oregon coast, if you wanted to do beach stuff, it just seems more relaxed and calm then CA and more quaint. The NW is beautiful, but I might be partial since that is where my heart is and I like to call home. Another place that might give you more options up there is one of the Islands across the Puget Sound from Seattle. They are very charming and you don't have the hussle and bussle of Seattle, but yet you are a quick fairy boat ride away and can still enjoy the things Seattle has to offer. One thing I'd like to offer no matter where you go is a Bed and Breakfast. We love them and stay at one whenever possible. You can meet some amazing people that seem more relaxed and open then when you stay at a hotel. There are many great sites online for Bed and Breakfast so you can find one almost anywhere you go. Good luck with your planning.
    posted by Blogger Erin at 5/22/2007 06:33:00 AM  



  • Might I suggest Cape Cod, which isn't a far drive from New York, and it's BEAUTIFUL, especially in the summer. You can relax at a cute B&B, go shopping at some fun stores, or do the outdoorsey thing, like biking, swimming, etc, if you want. Also, you can have fun in just one weekend, if you don't want to spend too long away from your kiddos. There will be some traffic, probably, in August, as that is the height of tourist season, but you are going to run into that anywhere, if you are serious about traveling in August.

    We went to London from DC, and it was a rough transition. We LOVED our vacation there, and I'm so glad we did it, but the first few days, with the jet lag and the long flight (7 hours from DC), were tough. If you are going to go international, I suggest giving yourself more than a week over there, so you can have abou 2 days to adjust, and about 5 days to enjoy. We gave ourselves 10 days overall, and it was perfect.

    If you hate the plane and jetlag, I suggest finding other places that are within a day's drive of New York. Get yourself a Let's Go USA book, or even a day trip book, and plan away.

    We are going tropical for our 10th. The Bahamas is only a 250 dollar flight away from here. Woo-hoo!
    posted by Blogger Heather O. at 5/22/2007 07:56:00 AM  



  • If you're interested in san Fransisco or Napa, we just ahd a very relaxing weekend awya by staying overlooking that water in sausalito- close to both but really what made it great for us was just having a fabulous hotel and a view. We mostly laid on the bed, read in the spa, and soaked int he tub. We only went out for walks and meals. Really, you can do that in any nice city. But Sf is an option :) oh, or Monterey! we did a very nice one last year on Monterey, same thing.

    I don't mind if you contact me for specific hotel tips if you want. :)
    posted by Blogger cchrissyy at 5/22/2007 07:59:00 AM  



  • Oh, sorry, I just read that you are going to be leaving from Chicago. In that case, get a Let's Go Canada book. Canada has some awesome places that could be within a day's drive of Chicago.
    posted by Blogger Heather O. at 5/22/2007 08:00:00 AM  



  • anon,

    Yeah, what Kage said. Not cool. And seriously, Kage is good at a lot of things, but when it comes to planning a vacation, she needs help :).

    Now I have time to say a little more than I did before. I think paying attention to the time change should be high on the list. Then you should think about the things that you and your DH enjoy doing together. This should help you narrow down your choices.

    As a side note, I always thought we'd go to Hawaii for our ten year, but due to the fact that we had to spend a lot of money moving during the year or our 10 year anniversary, we decided to go somewhere closer. Then dh had a crazy month at work and we weren't sure if we would be able to get away at all. An unexpected break at work allowed us a last-minute getaway. We ended up going to Ventura, CA - barely two hours away and definitely not known for being a "destination". BUt it was the only place I could find a hotel on the beach for under $500 at the last minute. I started off being a little disappointed. I mean come on, this was our 10 year anniversary! It ended up being so AWESOME! I think it helped that I didn't have a lot of expectations built up about the location. Or a lot of expectations based on spending a large amount of money to be there (which we didn't). We just hung out together (and got to know downtown Ventura very well :).
    I guess the point is don't let the "perfect" destination dictate the "perfectness" of the anniversary. I almost did and that would have been a huge mistake.

    If I were you, would look more heavily into Canada.
    posted by Blogger This is Carrie at 5/22/2007 08:11:00 AM  



  • I thought I would add my two cents for the first time on Tales....

    Not interested in going out west at all. Not that the west coast is bad, let's face it, the east coast is the happening right now...

    Very interested in Quebec City. I travel to Canada on business a lot and am becoming very familiar with the land up north.

    Also thinking Disney World and maybe with the kids. Joking...

    Still thinking Bermuda and London. Maybe Iceland...not as far as London. Bjork is still rockin it in Iceland...
    posted by Anonymous Anonymous at 5/22/2007 09:12:00 AM  



  • I agree with Canada (although, I must confess I am Canadian born-and-bred). You wouldn't have to deal with much jet lag if you went to Quebec or Ontario, but those provinces are still different enough from the U.S. that you'd feel like you were really getting away. If a few hours of jet lag don't bother you, Banff is beautiful and there are lots of outdoorsy things to do. Or Vancouver. This is random, but I just interviewed Julie Andrews and she said Vancouver is one of her favorite places. You're a singer, too, right, so maybe you'll like it as well.
    posted by Blogger Natalie at 5/22/2007 09:22:00 AM  



  • Old Quebec City is gorgeous - I would definitely stay at the Hotel Frontenac. The whole area has a very european (French) feel, but you don't have to fly across the ocean!

    Iceland could also be really interesting. I've been there for a quick stop, and it was a very strange and beautiful place.
    posted by Blogger marian at 5/22/2007 09:22:00 AM  



  • Oh, another thing, but I'm not sure how interested your DH would be - the Stratford Festival (huge theatre festival in Canada each summer) is amazing, and the town that it is in is adorable. Could be something.
    posted by Blogger marian at 5/22/2007 09:24:00 AM  



  • This might sound like a random suggestion, but Iceland is beautiful this time of year and it's not as far away as you may think, so the time adjustment isn't SO bad. Also, practically everyone speaks English and it stays around the 60's to no higher than the 70's in the summer, temperature-wise. The Blue Lagoon, it's best known geo-thermal spa is awesome for getting pampered and relaxing, and the scenery is beautiful throughout the country. Also, Reykjavic, the capital, is on par with all the bigger Euro. cities as far as technology, fashion, food, culture, etc. Here's a link if you want to check it out: http://www.icelandtouristboard.com/news.php

    (And p.s.-just to be clear, I'm not the Anon. from above. I love your gals' blog!)
    posted by Anonymous Anonymous at 5/22/2007 09:29:00 AM  



  • Oops...didn't see the previous comments on Iceland before I posted, but obviously I agree--my suggestion still stands! Best of luck deciding!
    posted by Anonymous Anonymous at 5/22/2007 09:34:00 AM  



  • You mentioned that you don't want to travel far but... the Greek Islands are B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L!!!! My parents were transfered to Greece for 2 years. I was fortunate to go there during summer breaks from college. We travelled to many of the islands. I would recommend Santorini - the most beautiful sunsets in the world. Because the island was created from a volcano it has black and white sand beaches. Lost of little white and blue hotels to stay at - cheap. Food is great, people are wonderful, plus you can take day trips to all of the other islands very easily. You can have the beach, the history and the romance all in one place. If you do go - make sure to buy olive oil!!!!

    If you want to stay state - side, I would recommend Colorado. There really are TONS of things to do no matter what the season is.

    Also - I know you're from IL - as am I, but I hear Door County in WI. as well as Macinack (sp?) Island in MI are both wonderful. I remember hearing about them in HS and thinking how boring it might be, but 10 years makes you wiser. :) I would love to visit them now. Plus it's only a drive away from the 'ville. :)

    Good Luck!
    posted by Anonymous Anonymous at 5/22/2007 09:37:00 AM  



  • OK, this is scary but I JUST rememebered that my 10 year anniversary is in January...and clearly, I have no plans...

    Hmmmmmmm....

    I'm going to hijack a few things from this list...although we really love to travel and jet lag isn't a problem....

    I'm thinking Jackson Hole...wait...somewhere warmer...wait...I just need a good hotel and good food....
    posted by Blogger Sara at 5/22/2007 09:37:00 AM  



  • Our 10 year is next year as well. We'd love a trip too, but we're building a house and it is scheduled to be finished late this year. We're a little hesitant on planning the 10 year trip we have wanted because money might be a little tight. If we didn't have that worry we'd be planning a trip to England and France.

    That being said, our 9th anniversary was the 8th of this month. We spent the night at a B&B. It was heavenly. Perhaps it's because the first night we've had alone together in 2+ years...and the twins were waking my parents up in the middle of the night and not me.

    I live closer to the West coast so we always default to San Diego, San Francisco and L.A. I would love to see some parts of the East Coast though. Hilton Head, SC is probably at the top of the list. There are also so many cities filled with history there that have a lot to offer - with great B&Bs.

    Have fun planning!
    posted by Blogger Tandy at 5/22/2007 10:03:00 AM  



  • I don't know what month your anniversary is but last August was out 10th and we went to a super small and quiet island called Macinac Island. It's between Michigan and Canada, and allows no motorized vehicles. Only Romantic Horse drawn carriages or biking or walking! A small Victorian style island, and if you stay at the historic Grand Hotel(see www.grandhotel.com, where they filmed the movie Somewhere In Time)- you won't be dissapointed!! It was perfect for just being alone and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
    posted by Blogger Rachel H at 5/22/2007 10:42:00 AM  



  • OK, this suggestion may be off the wall, considering you want something low key, but I say...hiking the pyramids of Mexico or Guatemala! Stay at a nice hotel, get up early, explore while the weather is good, then lay around the hotel relaxing till dinner. Then, of course, you get to eat awesome local cuisine.

    And let's face it, leaving your kids, spending money, and taking time off of work and your everyday lives is never convenient and always somewhat of a hassle. Even so, stick with your gut, plan something fun, and years from now hopefully you two will say, 'remember our ten-year anniversary? It was awesome!'

    And one more suggestion, if you do go somewhere really low-key try and plan one memorable activity, like riding in a hot air balloon. When else would you get the chance to do something like that?
    posted by Blogger the Rew Crew at 5/22/2007 10:49:00 AM  



  • Banff is gorgeous. Quebec would be neat too but I have never been there. there is a quiet little place in Kohler Wisconsin that has a fabulous spa, gorgeous grounds and a great golf course. There isn't much around it, but it's nice.
    What about San Juan PR? We were surprised by how much we loved PR. Some great B&B's, yummy food, they used USD, spoke English, and Old San Juan was charming. It's not super far.
    If you aren't into the west coast this is off the list, but Monterey Bay is awesome.
    What about Newport in Rhode Island? Or cape cod? Lots of places close that you can find charming little B&B's to relax and get away.
    posted by Blogger Melissa at 5/22/2007 11:02:00 AM  



  • Okay...I'm the one who suggested Quebec City, but I see a couple of suggestions for Savannah and SC so I'll put in a pitch for the south since that's where I'm from. Just one problem. In August it will be HOT and HUMID. Charleston is one of the most romantic cities in the US, closely followed by Savannah (in my opinion). Fantastic food and atmosphere. Any B&B you choose would be wonderful or you could go for plush and stay at the Charleston Place. Both are walking cities, though. You will sweat (or, perspire, as we say down here).
    posted by Anonymous Anonymous at 5/22/2007 11:04:00 AM  



  • Last year was my parents 35th wedding anniversary and they sprung for nearly a week on Macinah Island (not sure if that's spelled properly). They LOVED it. LOVED it. They live in DC and drove there - not bad. And Rachel H is right - this is where they filmed Somewhere in Time - it's a gorgeous place.
    posted by Blogger Sara at 5/22/2007 11:14:00 AM  



  • I'm with Chloe's (earlier) comment - it's my 10 year this October, and we've got nothing planned at the moment, so I'll be checking some of these out! I like the Mexico hiking the pyramids idea from Tandygirl - my husband would LOVE that, and I could definitely be into it as long as there was a nice pool and good food waiting for me when I get back! ;-)
    posted by Blogger marian at 5/22/2007 12:54:00 PM  



  • hawaii!
    posted by Anonymous Anonymous at 5/22/2007 01:12:00 PM  



  • italy is a beautiful place
    posted by Anonymous Anonymous at 5/22/2007 01:13:00 PM  



  • How about New Orleans? The cuisine, the French quarter... exquisite!
    posted by Anonymous Anonymous at 5/23/2007 05:28:00 AM  



  • Just adding my praise and adoration for Mackinac Island in northern Michigan (a drive away from Chicago)--our honeymoon spot. Very vintage, quaint and relaxing. We enjoyed renting a tandem bike and riding around the perimeter of the island, dining well, meandering and feeling like we had nothing to care about or be responsible for--very somewhere timeless. The Grand Hotel is a little faded in glory, but fun to tour. There are several more recently renovated hotels that offer charm and better prices. We married in Nauvoo, stayed at a great bed in breakfast in Springfield (of Lincoln fame) where we went to an outdoor musical (Cole Porter) and took a tour of a beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright house down the street from our B & B. Then we drove up to Mackinac for a few days before making our appearance at a reception in Ohio. Those were good days. And now for our fifth anniversary my husband jokes about our booking at "Emory Eastside..." a hospital where I'll be with our new baby. I'm hoping to dream a little bigger for our tenth as well...Best wishes.
    posted by Anonymous Anonymous at 5/24/2007 09:27:00 AM  



  • Ditto again for Mackinac Island area. We were there for our 10 yr. and LOVED it. We actually stayed a little south of there in Petoskey/Bayview in an ammazing B&B called the Stafford Bayview Inn (the Staffords own several properties).. I was ultra romantic and the best part was that there was stuff to do if we wanted and when we didn't we sat on the giant front porch of the inn, played checkers and had lemonade brought to us. It was nice to be in a place that we didn't feel like we had to fill our time with sightseeing, like we would in Europe or New York or the like. We just relaxed and spent time with each other and then when we got bored with that we took walks in the woods, sailed, played croquet, visited the little towns (including Mackinac) and ate fudge until we were sick. It's a little like stepping back in time 100 yrs but you get to go potty inside!!

    Okay, enough. If you want more info just ask! You'll love it.
    posted by Anonymous Anonymous at 5/24/2007 02:05:00 PM  



  • Okay, just to sooth my own embarressmant, not only was I super romantic but IT was super romantic.
    posted by Anonymous Anonymous at 5/24/2007 02:13:00 PM  



  • Wow, tons of comments... didn't have time to read through all of them so I hope I'm not repeating someone else's suggestion.

    Do what New Yorkers have been doing for at least a hundred years. Summer in the BERKSHIRES. No jet lag, no pressure, no sand. Lots of things to see and do if you want or a beautiful place to just relax.

    I just posted about our annual trip to the Berkshires and then read your post through another link. How apropos!

    I would also suggest Bermuda. We LOVE it there. Short travel time and a world away. Tropical and British... how can you go wrong? And the sand is just so soft and pretty...it can't possibly bother you!

    Smart of you to start planning now. Good luck and enjoy!
    posted by Blogger laina kay at 5/29/2007 09:39:00 AM  



  • Come to Utah. Moab, Zion's, Needles, Arches, Dead Horse Point, The Grand Canyon, Lake Powell or Northern Utah Hiking, biking all sorts of stuff to do in the summer to keep you busy. All BEAUTIFUL. Something to consider.
    posted by Blogger Kristen at 5/29/2007 01:30:00 PM  



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