OMG Is it Possible?

[nurse.darcy]

Now that I live here and can go to WDW on a whim, at any moment in time when not working, I want to vacation (and I mean an actual "take time off from work" vacation) elsewhere. Is it possible? I thought about waiting an actual year of living here before deciding, but the proverbial "bug" has already bit and I am looking at heading to England/Scotland/Ireland soon. Not exactly sure when but its coming. . .gotta wait till I have an actual schedule at work before deciding.

 

[pdchris]

Good morning, early bird. I, too, have been thinking of taking a trip across the pond. There's a pub in London that's got my name on it and I'd like to stop in. (Dad's ancestors came from England.)
You've already probably thought of this, but I'll throw it out there anyway. You should head over to the UK board and connect up with some of our fellow WDW 'cousins.' You might even arrange a house/apt. swap. That would save some $$.

 

[SanFranciscan]

Nurse Darcy, no matter where we live we need a change of scenery from time to time. I live in a tourist town too, but I am heading to Florida on Thursday. I am sure that if I moved from San Francisco I would see it differently during any visits afterward. Living near WDW does mean that you can visit on a regular basis when you get a day off from your paid work, but you still have your mind on all of the unpaid work that you must do to stay in working condition before you return to your paid work. That, of course, can never be the same as my trip to Disney World, where I will be in a very different mindset.

 

[ClareH37]

Darcy (or anyone else), come on over to the UK and we can have a Dis adult meet in the UK!

 

[nurse.darcy]

Clare, I am thinking I will come out either in March (for my birthday) or end of May/June. Will definitely keep in touch for a meet up.

Its funny. I used to live 20 minutes from Disneyland and grew up in that park. I have been coming to Florida approximately 6 times a year for vacation. Now I want to still vacation, but those will take me to the other places in the world that I love.

 

[nurse.darcy]

Good morning, early bird. I, too, have been thinking of taking a trip across the pond. There's a pub in London that's got my name on it and I'd like to stop in. (Dad's ancestors came from England.)
You've already probably thought of this, but I'll throw it out there anyway. You should head over to the UK board and connect up with some of our fellow WDW 'cousins.' You might even arrange a house/apt. swap. That would save some $$.

Hey Chris, great idea there. Maybe I will venture over to the UK board and say hello...

 

[Floydian]

heh...she's only been here for a few weeks and she already wants to leave...silly Darcy

But seriously, I get it. It's why my favorite park is Epcot. Because I can hit World Showcase and feel a little less like I'm in Orlando or even at WDW.

 

[Judy in Texas]

Have you ever been to London? I've been several times and would go tomorrow by myself if work would allow. It's a great place for solo travelers, the transportation system is superb, and there is so much to see. A really good day trip to do on your own is Canterbury then on to Dover. If you get to Dover, make sure you visit the wartime tunnels inside the white cliffs. Fascinating. My favorite place in London is Westminster Abbey. Even if you aren't particularily religious, make time to attend Evensong when the choir is singing. Whatever you decide, you will have a great time.

 

[Businessgypsy]

You can't really make a bad decision here. Even disaster trips provide lessons and add to your abilities. From Orlando, Amsterdam can be a good choice. Cheap flights to AMS, everyone speaks English, the city is very densely populated and easy to get around in on foot (or my favorite, bike). The train station is in the airport. The food is great, music inventive, art and architecture amazing, history all around you.

Yeah, the first thing most people bring up is pot and prostitution. I don't think there's any more marijuana use or prostitution in Amsterdam than there is in Orlando, it's just not funding crime, spreading disease and creating a shadow economy. It's pretty eye opening to see families wheeling baby strollers through the red light district on their way home. I don't partake, but the whole double standard and guilt thing we invest so much time and money in right out of the equation. As a nurse, you probably have employment testing that would preclude a coffee shop visit, but it's as ordinary as going to a pub to lift a pint (without the angry drunk factor).

You almost never hear a voice raised in anger in the street. It's like the life we live here in the US, but with everything out front and a social contract to live in respect and harmony. Also, you can get a savory pancake for dinner.

Hong Kong is also a favorite, but a long trip from central Florida.

If you want to stay stateside, and just have a hankering for the fall that Florida doesn't have, take a cheap, fast flight to Atlanta. Rent a car and drive north for an hour and a half to the tiny antique town of Dahlonega. You're in the Appalachian mountains with waterfalls and late fall color, cool bluegrass music everywhere, cabins with hot tubs and fireplaces easily available. I try to go for Halloween every year. An easy weekend trip than won't tire you out or break the bank.

I'm with pdchis: do a home exchange. You'll save huge bucks and make life long friends. My AMS H.E. is so casual now that we don't even need to do a lot of planning. I got a couple of hundred more ideas, but maybe these will light a spark. Have fun!

 

[nurse.darcy]

You can't really make a bad decision here. Even disaster trips provide lessons and add to your abilities. From Orlando, Amsterdam can be a good choice. Cheap flights to AMS, everyone speaks English, the city is very densely populated and easy to get around in on foot (or my favorite, bike). The train station is in the airport. The food is great, music inventive, art and architecture amazing, history all around you.

Yeah, the first thing most people bring up is pot and prostitution. I don't think there's any more marijuana use or prostitution in Amsterdam than there is in Orlando, it's just not funding crime, spreading disease and creating a shadow economy. It's pretty eye opening to see families wheeling baby strollers through the red light district on their way home. I don't partake, but the whole double standard and guilt thing we invest so much time and money in right out of the equation. As a nurse, you probably have employment testing that would preclude a coffee shop visit, but it's as ordinary as going to a pub to lift a pint (without the angry drunk factor).

You almost never hear a voice raised in anger in the street. It's like the life we live here in the US, but with everything out front and a social contract to live in respect and harmony. Also, you can get a savory pancake for dinner.

Hong Kong is also a favorite, but a long trip from central Florida.

If you want to stay stateside, and just have a hankering for the fall that Florida doesn't have, take a cheap, fast flight to Atlanta. Rent a car and drive north for an hour and a half to the tiny antique town of Dahlonega. You're in the Appalachian mountains with waterfalls and late fall color, cool bluegrass music everywhere, cabins with hot tubs and fireplaces easily available. I try to go for Halloween every year. An easy weekend trip than won't tire you out or break the bank.

I'm with pdchis: do a home exchange. You'll save huge bucks and make life long friends. My AMS H.E. is so casual now that we don't even need to do a lot of planning. I got a couple of hundred more ideas, but maybe these will light a spark. Have fun!

Some great ideas. I have not been to Amsterdam or Hong Kong. Most of my overseas vacations have taken me to Europe and to countries along the Mediterranean. I have also extensively toured South and Central America. I love to travel - though I will probably limit myself to a longer vacation once a year and stay stateside for short trips any other time the urge strikes.

Great and fun suggestions all. Now that I have my dream job (truly), all I gotta do is plan and go. For now, I will enjoy world showcase as Brad suggested and stockpile some bucks so that I can go when and where I want. England is definitely first on my list. I have people I need to go see. I have put it off for far too long and I truly love it there. Let the planning games begin. . .