Wanting to go on vacation... any ideas?

[Exalt]

So... I recently got a check for a little over 8 grand. It was back pay from the military, so it's basically spending money. It's gonna be summer here, so school will be out for the semester, and that gives me basically all summer to go somewhere if I want. I probably wont be spending 3 months anywhere, but this gives me an opportunity of a lifetime really to go and not have to worry about the money issue or the time frame. I even talked to my work, and they would give me the time off if I wanted it.

My big issue is where to go. I've been almost everywhere in north america, so I'm ruling that out. I want to go to another continent basically. I think my biggest problem would be finding a friend or someone to come with. Either way, I wont' exactly let it stop me from traveling.

Anyone have any good ideas of places to go? I know we have a lot of Europeans on these forums, as well as some Australians. I'm going to rule out Africa and South America immediately. I've been to South America already, and Africa isn't my preferred destination right now. I'll do a safari when I'm 60 and lost my sex drive hahaha.

Ok, so... all ideas are welcome.

[Crescent Seal]

go 2 china, creatures parents own half of it

[Xog]

go 2 china, creatures parents own half of it

oh lord lol

also, book a cruise. if you buy your ticket about a week or so before its supposed to leave, that's when it's supposed to be cheapest, because that's the time they're trying to get rid of all the cabins

[Soup du Jour]

I've been almost everywhere in north america

I find this extremely hard to believe. There are so many things to see/places to go in the US, let alone Canada and Mexico. My first thoughts were to recommend something like an East/West coast trip (maybe Gulf of Mexico?), which ever you've seen less of, since that is where most of the things to see are. There's always Alaska. I'd be a bit surprised if you say you've been there. Canada's maritimes have some fantasic places to see and stay for us city boys who aren't used to the open air.

I'm a firm believer in a North American vacation (staycation ) at the very least because it supports the local economy. Go see Europe when (if?) the US is back as the absolute economic power in the world. I realise that your $8k, if you spend it all won't do shit, but if everyone vacations in America instead of overseas, it will make a difference. Maybe a better reason is that North America has, imo, many of the most interesting places to visit... but you say you've seen most of it, so maybe that's not an appeal.

If I had your restrictions, the first place I would probably choose is Europe. If I could get one of my Chinese friends to go, I'd also try to go somewhere in East Asia. As I write this, I'm watching a documentary on Dubai and it looks like a decent vacation if you're willing to spend to money. I'm sure Displaced will find this and say more if he gets stops working 20 hours a day.

As you can see, I've put a bit of thought into this. In August, I'm planning to take 3 weeks to drive up the Alaska highway as far north as I can go.

That's enough for now. If you want more of my opinions on places, I could probably blab on for another half page so let me know.

[Soup du Jour]

Oh wait, you don't want to go to the Gulf of Mexico now

[TagMor]

go to texas. I hear they have imax and a plastic beach.

[Exalt]

Oh wait, you don't want to go to the Gulf of Mexico now

I take roadtrips every single year, and I can honestly say I've been to every state in the US except hawaii and alaska. I've been to various parts of canada, and I even lived in mexico for 3 months before. North america just doesn't interest me as a vacation spot anymore, and my 8 grand won't do shit to help our failed economy haha.

I'm trying to go somewhere completely different culterally than north america if that makes sense. It's not a limitation though... north america is the limitation in my eyes

[project dragon]

Actually, China is actually a pretty good place to go for the summer. They have the world expo on now so you'll get to see some wonderful things along with the actual country, and apparently there are pretty great discounts if you go with a tour. My parents were thinking of going and they found a deal: $500 for 9 days, but you'll have to buy your own plane ticket (cheapest we found was around $1200).

[kthx]

Go hike up Machu Picchu, I plan on doing it with my wife after she squirts out our kid and hes old enough to be ok with my dad or something for a week.

[Ilya]

will you be traveling with someone?

edit: Israel

[Ilya]

wait a second. kthx is married?

this is a bigger mindfuck than when i found out soupero is from Oregon

[Pandagirl!]

oh lord lol

also, book a cruise. if you buy your ticket about a week or so before its supposed to leave, that's when it's supposed to be cheapest, because that's the time they're trying to get rid of all the cabins

This. We did this for spring break and got a 5 night cruise for around $300. If you have 8 grand to spend, that's just pocket change. Might as well spend time in the Caribbean before you head off to another destination.

As for where to go... well I've only been to Germany and Austria. It was great fun though.

If you have no time limit really, why not just backpack through Europe? Then with any left over money you could either decide to hop on a plane to somewhere else, or go back to some place you thought was really cool and spend some time there?

[Fit of Rage]

To me, 8k is a LOT of concerts. However this is also an option: dunno if you have a girlfriend or whatever, but if there's a girl you have your eye on, you could always make a move like "I've got an extra ticket to Paris..."

If you want specific travel recommendations, Italy is highly suggested (Venice, Florence, Milan, Rome) Paris/France is also pretty good. London was alright, but there are other places I would visit first. Alps are always nice. During summer you can hike them and find remote villages where the townspeople are super-friendly and hospitable. I'd like to visit Greece as well, I've heard and seen nothing but good things. Might want to check out the political situation there though, I've heard it's kind of rocky lately.

[Shan]

Finland, get wasted for 2 weeks then you're like one of us. Good old drunkie

[Turban]

Klara vappen!!!!!! :d:d:d