Too many good things - how do you choose

[Mouseaholic!!!]

DH and I are lucky, we manage an assortment of vacations each year.

This year has been tough. There are SOOOO many great deals all over the country, it's hard to squeeze in a Disney trip (we have a week at DL so far).

There are many great deals happening at National Parks right now.....Grand Canyon National Park, the Arches, Grand Tetons. Closer to home just about every place has upgraded their visitor centers and visitor experiences.....Gettysburg, Monticello's new Visitor Center just opened last weekend.

Two weekends ago the Baltimore paper has "Alternatives to a High Priced Disney Vacation".....and they all sounded GREAT.


In the last 6 months we have spent 10 days at WDW (DH's castmember rates are wonderful)....but now other vacations are far better priced than Disney at castmember rates.

It's GREAT to expose children to other things and they are so CHEEP right now...why not! Example.....a week at Williamsburg/Busch Gardens (for the coaster nuts) and finish the week at Virginia Beach (just rated the safest beach in the US)!

Anyone else being tempted?

We think it's GREAT to expose the kids to other things. We happen to love history so it's easy to get others excited about history-travel. Since two trips to Alaska, we have been biten by the National Park bug and are working our way through all US National Parks.

So much that's beautiful and interesting!

 

[patsal]

We did Madrid Spain over February break--the airfare was double what I would have paid to Florida/WDW but the rest way less. After we landed we easily acclimated to the public transportation system, learned tha tmost museums are free on Sundays and also that studnets are free so only DH and I paid for our admissions to all the wonderful cultural spots. My totals for the four of us were way less than what I would have spent at WDW. Once we wrap what we have already paid for with WDW we are on to try out many new and wonderful things.

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

I agree.

We were talking about our revised "Bucket List" just last night. First thing on the list now are all the National Parks in the US --- happily that will take us back to Alaska to parks we have not visited - Katmai and the brown bears and others. We are already talking about our 10th anniversary (8 years from now).

My DH used to spend a couple of weeks each year in Europe - visiting the great masterpieces in cathedrals throughout Italy was one of his faves....that's back on the list.

Discount dates at El Tovar - newly renovated- Historic National Park Lodge 25 steps from the south rim of the Grand Canyon -- WOW.

We are history fans - spent the last vacation nearby in Washington, DC. We visited the new Capital Visitor Center and toured the Capital Building. Just take a moment and look down at those stones in the floor and imagine the great men and women who walked there...or visit the dark room in the basement which was the first Supreme Court. Or spend some time in Arlington National Cemetary - changing of the guards at the tomb of the unknowns......21 steps - turn - 21 steps. 21, the nation's highest honor --- try to hold back a tear there. Jefferson Memorial at Cherry Blossom time....OMG how beautiful --- and FREE! 2 year renovation of the Museum of American History.....our beautiful Ft. McHenry flag is once again on display.

This is the very flag that Frances Scott Key struggled to see the night of the Battle of Baltlimore. The British had just completed burning the White House to the ground and Key was a prisoner onboard one of the mighty British ships pounding Ft. McHenry. Key stood there - heart pounding - tere----there it was...that beautiful flag was still flying proudly. He wrote his feelings on a piece of paper. That poem is now our National Anthum......and you can now stand 5 feet from the very same flag --- ridddled with holes.....too fragile to hang - but it's now on display - proud once again.


Our Bucket List seems to grow each week. Yes, we will continue to visit Disney....but so much more to do and see now. With all the discounts because the down-turn in tourism - it's tough to decide what to do first.

Sure, we could have taken advantage of that postcard mailing my DH received a couple of months ago.....$564 for 7 nights at a Value Resort with a $500 gift card at checkin (ok, where is the profit for Disney in THIS reservation)....but we didn't have time for it. We'll catchup with the Mouse in DL later this year. FREE DVC points from a friend who no longer visits the Mouse as often cannot be passed up.

Anyway --- what a GREAT time to travel!

 

[skier_pete]

When I was a teen, my parents took me on a west coast National Park tour. We did Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon, BCG (Black Canyon of the Gunnison), Mesa Verde, and Rocky Mtn in a three week tour. All were incredible. Just before DD was born, DW and I did Yellowstone as well, which has to be seen to be believed. I look forward to when DD is a little older to take her on a tour of the granduer of the American West.

Not that there isn't beautiful scenery in the East, but the Rockies are a totally different animal, and whoever decided to set these places aside for future generations certainly picked some great spots.

SkierPete

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

When I was a teen, my parents took me on a west coast National Park tour. We did Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon, BCG (Black Canyon of the Gunnison), Mesa Verde, and Rocky Mtn in a three week tour. All were incredible. Just before DD was born, DW and I did Yellowstone as well, which has to be seen to be believed. I look forward to when DD is a little older to take her on a tour of the granduer of the American West.

Not that there isn't beautiful scenery in the East, but the Rockies are a totally different animal, and whoever decided to set these places aside for future generations certainly picked some great spots.

SkierPete

Oh boy - don't let my DH read this!

I hust read the National Parks are recipients of some of the stimulus $$$ - Yellowstone in particular.

Can't wait....Next Grand Teton for the wildlife...Yellowstone, obvious reasons, the Arches National Park, Grand Canyon....ok,ok, I'll stop.

I am VERY jealous of your trip in your childhood - what a wonderful experience your parents gave you. You are right, there is simply nothing like our majestic mountains.

I have one word for you - ALASKA....my DH's first experience with powerful mountain ranges. We spent two nights 40 miles from the base of Mt. McKinley - highest mountain on the North American continent -- 20,320 feet above sea level. You can see it from as far as Anchorage or Fairbanks on a clear day. Second year we traveled through the georgous Kenai Peninsula....takes your breath away! It was spring and the baby animals were everywhere....adorable little black bears, moose, baby dall sheep - fox - I can go on and on.

Don't forget the glaciers - viewing from a cruise ship is amazing. Ok, ok...two more words HUBBARD GLACIER....most amazing thing I have seen in my life and I travel everywhere. Face of the glacier is 300 feet high and 6 1/2 miles long......it's active so you can watch the calving....listen to it move.

WOO HOO for 2009 travel discounts!

Isn't travel fun?!?

 

[skier_pete]

I have one word for you - ALASKA....

Isn't travel fun?!?

I would highly recommend Yellowstone. There is so much variety in that one park. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, the geysers and mud-bogs. The lakes and rivers. So much to see, you need at least 4 days just to see it, plust the tetons are magnificent. I also LOVED Zion NP, much more than Grand Canyon. Zion is like GC in reverse. You drive into the bottom of the canyon, and spend your time their, and hike up out of the bottom. The canyon narrows the further you go, and towards the end there is a hiking trail that you can take, and the canyon narrows to only a few dozen feet wide while the walls still soar 100s (1000s?) of feet above you. Very cool. We will probably make it out there next summer, as my parents winter in Arizona, and then usually work-camp in Utah, so I'm hoping DD will be old enough, and we can do Bryce / Zion / Grand Canyons.

Would love to do Alaska, we had some friends who recently went, and it's sounds amazing. The biggest issue there is $$$. Since DD was born, DW dropped down to part-time work, and it has put a crimp in the travel budget. We try to do three trips a year, but they are all typically on a pretty tight budget. Last year's Disney trip was only able to happen because of free dining. I think if we did Alaska we might have to go just the two of us.

I do agree that there is so much to see and do...it is why I can't see heading to Disney more than once a year, even though I love it so. We for a short time considered going this August, as we possibly could have gotten free tickets AND free dining, which would have made the trip ridiculously cheap, but we decided that we didn't want two trips that close together. I worry that going too often would make it feel less special.

We actually have been saving up for a mega-trip to Australia, tentatively in 2011...My DW loves Australia and has been 3 times, the last time was 14 years ago right after we met. Her best friend from high-school married an Aussie and has lived there for the last 17 years. She's been dying to get back, but I said we have to wait until DD is old enough to be (1) less of a handful and (2) appreciate the trip. She would be 8 by then. The other issue is time, I have 4 weeks vacation a year, but would ideally like to go for 4-5 weeks on that one trip. (No WDW trip in 2011, but I'm trying to swing a stop at DL on the way back from down under.) We would also have to go in August during DD school break, which is their winter. However, then I get to go skiing, which I told DW if we go to Australia we HAVE to do. On my "bucket list" is to ski 4 different continents, at that'll get me to 3.

Actually, while I say I never wish for my DD to grow up, I am looking foward to ages where she can appreciate vacations outside of beach / Disney. Even though my parents were firmly rooted in the middle class, we did a lot of US / Canada traveling, and a tiny bit of international growing up, and I really hope to provide that to my DD.

SkierPete

PS I see your post regarding your hubby's job. Just know this, how Disney treats its employees is not any worse (and probably better) than a lot of major corporations right now. I work for a Fortune 50 company, and we are seeing a continual degradation in how the corporation treats its employees. Even companies that used to treat their employees great have cut back. (I have friends work for Microsoft, and for the first time they sounds like the rest of us.) I hope whatever he does, he still finds some pleasure in working for the mouse. I personally couldn't stay at a job I hate, regardless of the employer or benefits.

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

I would highly recommend Yellowstone. There is so much variety in that one park. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, the geysers and mud-bogs. The lakes and rivers. So much to see, you need at least 4 days just to see it, plust the tetons are magnificent. I also LOVED Zion NP, much more than Grand Canyon. Zion is like GC in reverse. You drive into the bottom of the canyon, and spend your time their, and hike up out of the bottom. The canyon narrows the further you go, and towards the end there is a hiking trail that you can take, and the canyon narrows to only a few dozen feet wide while the walls still soar 100s (1000s?) of feet above you. Very cool. We will probably make it out there next summer, as my parents winter in Arizona, and then usually work-camp in Utah, so I'm hoping DD will be old enough, and we can do Bryce / Zion / Grand Canyons.

Would love to do Alaska, we had some friends who recently went, and it's sounds amazing. The biggest issue there is $$$. Since DD was born, DW dropped down to part-time work, and it has put a crimp in the travel budget. We try to do three trips a year, but they are all typically on a pretty tight budget. Last year's Disney trip was only able to happen because of free dining. I think if we did Alaska we might have to go just the two of us.

I do agree that there is so much to see and do...it is why I can't see heading to Disney more than once a year, even though I love it so. We for a short time considered going this August, as we possibly could have gotten free tickets AND free dining, which would have made the trip ridiculously cheap, but we decided that we didn't want two trips that close together. I worry that going too often would make it feel less special.

We actually have been saving up for a mega-trip to Australia, tentatively in 2011...My DW loves Australia and has been 3 times, the last time was 14 years ago right after we met. Her best friend from high-school married an Aussie and has lived there for the last 17 years. She's been dying to get back, but I said we have to wait until DD is old enough to be (1) less of a handful and (2) appreciate the trip. She would be 8 by then. The other issue is time, I have 4 weeks vacation a year, but would ideally like to go for 4-5 weeks on that one trip. (No WDW trip in 2011, but I'm trying to swing a stop at DL on the way back from down under.) We would also have to go in August during DD school break, which is their winter. However, then I get to go skiing, which I told DW if we go to Australia we HAVE to do. On my "bucket list" is to ski 4 different continents, at that'll get me to 3.

Actually, while I say I never wish for my DD to grow up, I am looking foward to ages where she can appreciate vacations outside of beach / Disney. Even though my parents were firmly rooted in the middle class, we did a lot of US / Canada traveling, and a tiny bit of international growing up, and I really hope to provide that to my DD.

SkierPete

PS I see your post regarding your hubby's job. Just know this, how Disney treats its employees is not any worse (and probably better) than a lot of major corporations right now. I work for a Fortune 50 company, and we are seeing a continual degradation in how the corporation treats its employees. Even companies that used to treat their employees great have cut back. (I have friends work for Microsoft, and for the first time they sounds like the rest of us.) I hope whatever he does, he still finds some pleasure in working for the mouse. I personally couldn't stay at a job I hate, regardless of the employer or benefits.

I sent your notes about Yellowstone right to my husband.

I do agree with you, we LOVE Disney. We are going far less now than in the past and 2009 may be the first year away from WDW (20+ years for me an 14+ years for D)....but we simply cannot stay away from DL and our beloved Grand Californian.

Like you, too much to tempt us elsewhere!

I read USA Today's travel section and look what was in there today - listed as......TRAVEL DESTINATIONS YOU THOUGHT YOU COULD NEVER AFFORD....

here are two - for YOU .....



Australia

These days you can explore the outback without denting your piggy bank. In fact, with several airlines offering flight sales, it's just as cheap to fly to Australia as it is to Europe. Plus, the exchange rate is even better than the euro once you land. For instance, a pint of beer will cost $7 in the U.K., but only $3 in Australia.

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With the launch of Australia's new international airline V Australia, flights between Los Angeles and Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane start at $530 round-trip through December 15; other airlines have started to offer competitive prices as well.

Qantas has two different ways to save. The airline offers flights starting at just $530 round-trip from Los Angeles to Sydney, Brisbane, or Melbourne for travel between August 2 and September 28 or between October 25 and December 6. You must book by April 21. If you're planning on traipsing about the country, the AirPass may be more your speed. The pass starts at $999, and includes round-trip airfare from the U.S., plus three domestic flights in Australia. Prices are based on seasonality and travel zones. You must book by April 30. Both sales have already been extended, so keep an eye out to see if this trend continues.

Not to be outdone, United has also offered an Australia sale, with flights starting at $778 round-trip traveling from Los Angeles or San Francisco to Sydney or Melbourne before September 21. No booking date has been released.

Qantas Vacations also makes it easy to save once you land by offering one-week walkabouts in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane starting at $699 for six-night's lodging, airport transfers, and some tours.

To help plan your trip after you land, visit Tourism Australia's website.

Alaska

With so few months of warm and sunny weather, it's not surprising that Alaska becomes a prime spot for tourists during the summer. Typically, however, the rise in visitors also means a rise in prices, but this year as the state celebrates the 50th anniversary of its statehood, you can find a slew of deals to make your visit worthwhile.

For instance, you can save more than 60% on an Alaskan cruise, such as Norwegian's seven-night Alaska and Sawyer Glacier cruise starting at $349 per person for an interior room during the summer months. The cruise departs from Vancouver, with stops in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. This is only one of the many options of cruises that will allow you to see the natural beauty of the Klondike state from the comfort of a floating vessel. Holland America is also honoring the state's 50th by offering 50% off of cruises and cruise tours, such as the 12-day Discovery Cruise and Denali Adventure cruise tour, which starts at $1,229 per person for travel in July and August.

Other specials and discounts, including 50% off second-night stays at resorts and hotels, free train rides for those turning 50 this year, and discounts on hotel rates, can be found on the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau 50 Anniversary page. You can also discover what events are taking place and 50 different ways to explore the state while making your plans.

The Alaska Tourism Board has also released statewide specials, including discounts on packages and tours (two-for-one Princess Rail tickets in May and June), hotels, transportation, and activities. Plus, you will also find a plethora of anniversary deals here as well.


Finally - life in my DH's division is not what it once was. The staff reductions have increased stress beyond what can be managed long term. Luckily he has 7 1/2 weeks of vacation so we can find time to break free and eliminate stress.

One thing I WILL say about Disney affiliates - we have GREAT health care, 1/3 the cost of the horrible plan I had before we married and 10 times the coverage at least. We were VERY surprised when the cost and coverage stayed nearly the same at open enrollment last year.

Because of a new, serious, health concern for me...the health insurance is the major reason he is there.

We always knew Disney was not a "warm fuzzy" employer. Now they are just going out of their way to reinforce it.


Oh well....

Talking travel is so much more fun!

 

[skier_pete]

Wow, those are some pretty good deals. Our big ticket with Alaska would be getting there. Flying from the East Coast costs a lot more than the west.

Those Australia deals look great too! I have a bunch of FF miles on Delta, which doesn't fly to Australia, but my thought was to use that to get from the East coast to either LA or Hawaii, and then buy tickets to Aussie from there. I was expecting it will cost us $1000 per person round trip, so this info is promising that it could be that or less. (It's waaaay too early to book for 2011.)

And 7.5 week vacation, wow! I feel lucky to have 4! Some of our recent benefit cutbacks: Our medical went up 34% this year, almost $1000, and while we still have a pretty good plan, it's rumored that the company will soon dump the HMO in favor of the "corporate" plan, which abot 20 % less money, but you pay your first like $1500 per person out of pocket. Those that travel frequently (not i) have really been getting the screws to them. Recently announced that you have to pay for your own lunch when you travel on business. This is explained as "when you are at work normally, the company does not pay for lunch, so why should we during travel" They also cut out anniversary lunches/dinner. So anyone getting say 25 years this year gets the crappy gift out of the catalog, but no dinner. Cut out the company picnic and christmas party. There also having furloughs across the company (unpaid time off) but so far not at my site.

Oh well, back to work!

SkierPete

 

[iluvwdw4ever]

Mouseaholic!!!...We were in DC over Easter Break and had an awesome time!!! Its one of our favorite places to visit. So much amazing history!!! We did see the Star Spangled Banner and that was by far my most favorite thing at any of the museums!!!!!!!!!!!!

We hope to go back over the Fourth Of July!!!!! I would love to see the fireworks!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

Mouseaholic!!!...We were in DC over Easter Break and had an awesome time!!! Its one of our favorite places to visit. So much amazing history!!! We did see the Star Spangled Banner and that was by far my most favorite thing at any of the museums!!!!!!!!!!!!

We hope to go back over the Fourth Of July!!!!! I would love to see the fireworks!!!!!!!!!!

I admit, Disney knows how to do fireworks - but there is something different about the fireworks in DC. The band, the narrator, the distinguished guests in attendance, the Capital building, Washington Monument, White House - all reflected in the fireworks - it's thrilling!

I'm happy so many are admiring MY flag. I watched as the Smithsonian restored it - lifting the blanket of burlap off with tweezers. Then - it was gone for 2 years as they completed the renovation.

Have you visited the Capital Building?


You are right - there is SOOOO much to do in Washington. My news-boy husband had come to DC many times from NYC to work - but never as a tourist.

We are lucky, I live in Annapolis so it's a quick metro ride for us now.

Want to see something REALLY cool? Go out to the Air and Space museum near Dulles Airport - space shuttle there, Anola Gay, Concord to name a few. It's a very big facility and easy to get aircraft into the museum with a taxi drive from Dulles Airport. IMAX there and simulators. I love the room filled with our space creations - and of course I LOVE the shuttles. I have seen 4 launches - all night launches.

Have a GREAT time down here on the 4th of July!

 

[iluvwdw4ever]

I admit, Disney knows how to do fireworks - but there is something different about the fireworks in DC. The band, the narrator, the distinguished guests in attendance, the Capital building, Washington Monument, White House - all reflected in the fireworks - it's thrilling!

I'm happy so many are admiring MY flag. I watched as the Smithsonian restored it - lifting the blanket of burlap off with tweezers. Then - it was gone for 2 years as they completed the renovation.

Have you visited the Capital Building?


You are right - there is SOOOO much to do in Washington. My news-boy husband had come to DC many times from NYC to work - but never as a tourist.

We are lucky, I live in Annapolis so it's a quick metro ride for us now.

Want to see something REALLY cool? Go out to the Air and Space museum near Dulles Airport - space shuttle there, Anola Gay, Concord to name a few. It's a very big facility and easy to get aircraft into the museum with a taxi drive from Dulles Airport. IMAX there and simulators. I love the room filled with our space creations - and of course I LOVE the shuttles. I have seen 4 launches - all night launches.

Have a GREAT time down here on the 4th of July!

We took our children for the first time last August and we had the best time!!!! It was our very first road trip and they all did really well!! Whoever invented the car DVD player is an absolute genius!!!!!!!

We loved it sooooo much that we just had to go back over Easter. We had planned to stay 5 days but had to cut the trip down to 3 days so we didn't get to see everything that we really wanted to see. Thats why we are considering going back in July.

I have heard that the fireworks are incredible!!!! Its my most favorite thing at Disney so I would love to see them in DC as well!!!!!

The flag is soooo amazing and I really cannot believe that they ever had that fragile piece of history hanging in the front of the museum like that!!!!! They should have taken much better care of it!!!! We did read about all the restoration and it was very interesting!!!!!!

We did have an awesome Capital tour on our previous visit but didn't have the chance to do it again this trip. I would love to do it in July though!!!

My kids realllllly want to go to the other Air and Space Museum!! We planned to go in April but couldn't since we shortened our trip!!! We will definitely go next time!!!

You are sooooooo lucky to live so close to DC!!!!! I would be there all the time if I were that close!! Its really a beautiful city and I just love walking around the National Mall!!!!

I really can't wait to get back!!!!!