Hatrack River Forum: The Solo Vacation: Where to go?

This is topic The Solo Vacation: Where to go? in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
http://www.hatrack.com/ubb/main/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=058021

Posted by Javert (Member # 3076) on :

I'm 27 and this May I will be taking my first real vacation.

What makes it 'real', you may ask? This is the first time I plan to go and have a holiday that does not involve my family. I'm equal parts excited and nervous, but mostly I just can't wait to have a few days to recharge from the 9 to 5 Financial Aid office grind.

But I'm wondering, where should I go? Part of me thinks I should just get a hotel room in a city like L.A., Chicago, Denver or the like and just play tourist. Another side of me is really interested in checking out Universal Studios, since I've never been.

What do you recommend? Any help is appreciated!

Posted by Mucus (Member # 9735) on :

Do you have a passport?

For myself, I've identified that the cities I'm most interested in have both a long history and an interesting current culture, so I work off of that pattern. So maybe work off places that you have been interested in the past and find out what they have in common.

Also, I've been watching a lot of Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations, fun!

Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :

Do you want to meet up with Hatrackers? If so, pick a city with lots of them -- Chicago, Portland, L.A., etc.

If you do pick L.A., not only do you get Universal, I can promise* you (*well, no date conflicts dependent) a shinda! [Big Grin]

Posted by Javert (Member # 3076) on :

No passport. And not a lot of money. Probably should have mentioned that.

My ideal vacation spot would be Rome, as I'm obsessed with its history. But that won't happen for a couple years yet.

Posted by shadowland (Member # 12366) on :

Make sure the place has a good public transit system. Unless you're driving there, then it probably doesn't matter.

Posted by Javert (Member # 3076) on :

Rivka, thanks for the offer, but I think I want to embrace the 'solo-ness' of this first vacation experience. I will avail myself of your shindabilities at some point, though. [Smile]

Shadowland, that's why Universal is currently at the top of my list. It's actually cheaper than getting a flight and hotel in Chicago and the transportation issue is moot.

Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :

I completely understand. My most restful vacations involve no other people at all. [Wink]

Posted by shadowland (Member # 12366) on :

This reminds me, are there any Hatrackers in Boston? I'm taking a solo trip there for a couple days (March 24 and 25), but I don't recall anyone here ever mentioning being in the Boston area.

Or San Francisco? I'm going there for a week in early April as well.

Posted by AchillesHeel (Member # 11736) on :

Is there anything in your state that you have never checked out? This year Im going to rent a Challenger and make my second trip to the Grand Canyon as I havent seen it since I was a boy and some other more hidden gems of Arizona.

Posted by Geraine (Member # 9913) on :

I'd suggest coming here to Vegas, but it is really only fun if you come with other single friends. By yourself it is kind of a drag. [Razz]

Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Javert:
No passport. And not a lot of money. Probably should have mentioned that.

My ideal vacation spot would be Rome, as I'm obsessed with its history. But that won't happen for a couple years yet.

It sounds like you need a vacation now as opposed to one later, but I cannot stress how much I encourage you to find a way to save up for a trip to a place like Rome eventually, if that is how you feel about it.

Those sorts of trips are more than worth the effort and money required to make them happen. I myself have been to Rome, and let me tell you, it was incredible.

I would also say though for this particular trip, hooking up with Hatrackers is always fantastical. We've got quite a few here in Utah, but I can't in all honesty recommend Utah ahead of many other locations in the states. If you're the outdoorsy type, then Utah slides up to the front of the line significantly. If you love Paleontology, than Utah is also a solid choice. But if you are just trying to somewhere with a lot of interesting places to visit I think LA in the summer would do you right. Universal Studios was way fun for me, but there's also a lot of other interesting places: museums, historical sites, etc.

Personally, I could really do with a Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, American History: Revolution - Civil War tour.

Posted by theresa51282 (Member # 8037) on :

I live in Arlington VA and feel obliged to suggest DC. It is a great city to visit with tons to do and terrific spribg weather! A big plus is that the attractions are often free ie the Smithsonians, monuments and zoo. Also it has a 1st rate transportation system. Family and friends love to visit!

Posted by advice for robots (Member # 2544) on :

I'd go somewhere warm and quiet, like a small Caribbean island. And all I'd do is sit on the beach.