The New Travel Thread: Now with write ups in the OP

Discussion in 'The Mainboard' started by Jax Teller, Apr 8, 2015.

  1. Guns

    Guns horse paste aficionado
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    anything wild I should do in Toronto? I’ll be staying downtown at the Sheraton Centre in Queens St W for the next few nights.
     
  2. Lyrtch

    Lyrtch My second favorite meat is hamburger
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    not wild but i'd hit momofuku/milkbar thats a block away
     
  3. Guns

    Guns horse paste aficionado
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    got a momofuku/milkbar here in DC. think I'm going to hit up Historical Distillery District and try and get into trouble.
     
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  4. Arliden

    Arliden Well-Known Member
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    That’s our main priority but we do it all, EMS, car accidents/rescues, structure fires etc.
     
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  5. racer

    racer Yuma, where I work in software.
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    I did Bergen last fall as apart of a bigger trip. ORD - CPH - BGN on Scandinavian $450pp RT in their upgraded economy. Air BnB’d about a mile from Bryggen, right by University of Bergen. Walked the whole thing except when we met my wife’s distant aunts for a half day. 4 days total. Did a fjord cruise to Flam and back, hikes, and otherwise just explored the city and ate. Took the train to Oslo overnight to catch our flight to Dublin. Slept about half, now wishing we took the daylight train instead of night, but oh well. Still saw some cool stuff in between naps. Oslo was straight to the light rail for the airport.
     
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  6. Wee Bey

    Wee Bey racially ambiguous
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    Where should I go? I don't have anything planned or literally anything in mind. This is my first stop of trip planning because I know nothing about Alaska. Thinking I could fly into one of Anchorage or Juneau. Leaning Anchorage considering I may not ever be back in Alaska.

    As far as crowds go I don't really give a shit unless it's like nightclub crowded. Checking out the weather averages across May/June/July there is a decent increase from May to June, so may hold off for another time after Memorial Day.

    If you can give me a cool area to stay around Anchorage it would be much appreciated. Actually, give me two spots, a place to stay without a car and with a car. Also, should I rent a car?
     
  7. Arkadin

    Arkadin inefficiently efficent and unclearly clear
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    Go to Denali. You can do it with or without a car. I'm renting an RV, but you can also get there by train. Seward just south of Anchorage looks awesome as well. We are taking a flightseeing trip with a glacier landing out of talkeetna on the way up to Denali
     
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  8. Wee Bey

    Wee Bey racially ambiguous
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    That sounds amazing. Thanks Ark. I'll look into Denali and Seward.

    When you're in Annapolis: https://www.cantlers.com/
     
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  9. bro

    bro Your Mother’s Favorite Shitposter
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    considering Alaska or Calgary/Banff as well. You book any flights?
     
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  10. HunterPKP

    HunterPKP Well-Known Member
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    Very interested in Banff. I've heard people say that you need to go in Winter as well, but may do a trip in early August. What are best times to go there?
     
  11. bro

    bro Your Mother’s Favorite Shitposter
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    I found a Banff writeup by Det. Frank Bullitt but a lot of it is hiking/camping specific and pictures that have been deleted.

    Curious more about general thoughts and comparisons to other experiences.
     
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  12. Nug

    Nug MexicanNug
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    I went to Alaska last year, flights are super cheap from Seattle. Will definitely return. Want to spend some time in Denali.

    Regarding Banff, we're going to drive. Trying to pick a long weekend in July/August and we're just going to rent an outfitted camper van, something like this -- https://www.seattlecampervans.com/campervans -- Leave Wednesday/Thursday PM and drive through the night until we get tired, arrive at Banff or Jasper on Thurs/Fri morning. Spend ~3 days in the park, head back Sunday evening/Monday morning. Heading from the West to East towards Banff is supposed to be one of the most gorgeous drives in the world.

    Also probably going to rent a camper van for Spain and go Madrid --> along the Pyrenees on the Spain/France border --> arrive in Barca.
     
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  13. Nug

    Nug MexicanNug
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    You won't be able to do much hiking in Winter due to level of snow and avalanche risk. You'd also need a lot more gear.

    If you want to go hiking, late June/early July to around early October would be least amount of snow.
     
  14. bro

    bro Your Mother’s Favorite Shitposter
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    preemptive plan was to fly there in late June, but was also considering Alaska or some other western US NPs. Will figure it out over next few days
     
  15. Det. Frank Bullitt

    Det. Frank Bullitt God Bless Texas
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    I'll reply after I get back to the US
     
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  16. bro

    bro Your Mother’s Favorite Shitposter
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    bad ass
     
  17. Nug

    Nug MexicanNug
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    South Africa

    Top destination in the world, hands down. The wildlife is crazy, views are silly, and super cheap.

    The safari was amazing. Our guide told us Botswana has the best safaris of all South African countries, largely due to their penalties for poaching - only country that has the death penalty for poachers. South Africa sees over 1,000 rhinos poached per year, it's so sad.

    Arrived in Jo-burg and immediately took a van to Kruger. Every drive we saw so many damn animals. Going in, I didn't really understand how people could do a 5-6-7 day safaris; but after doing only 3 days/2 nights I totally get it. It's amazing. You're up before sunrise every day, animals are most active that time and you see so much. More animals than I can list. Kruger is a fucking special place.

    [​IMG]

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    It's not so much a regret, but we didn't really get to explore the city of Cape Town all that much; we were busy doing so much,

    Arrived 10 PM on Tuesday, wake up Wednesday and drive around the Cape. One of the most beautiful places in the world. It can take a good, 6-7 hours, but Simon's Town and the "suburbs" south of Cape Town are gorgeous. Also head to Boulder's Beach and check out the penguins

    [​IMG]

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    Next day went cage diving in Gansbai, about 2 hours southeast of Cape Town. Learned that killer whales have scared away most great whites, but we were lucky as shit and saw one. Also saw a lot of copper sharks and seals. It was still cool AF.

    Spent the rest of the time in Cape Town getting stuff for the Burn.

    Afrikaburn was pretty indescribable. Really intense, so many drugs, constant dust storms, several nights of no sleep. We had built showers, but the wind was so bad we were only able to use them twice the whole week. There was also a human carwash where a bunch of retirees give you a sponge bath, but I didn't do it. Some in our camp did and said it was amazing.

    Awesome artwork in the desert and everything turns into a DJ stage at night. About 90% techno/house/trance, but my friend hates electronic and still found good music/had an amazing time. Our camp was mostly Brazilians, but also Dutch, British, Swiss, Aussie, everywhere. Really great group of people.

    I would absolutely do it again, but not for 7 days--would prefer arriving on Wed/Thus and going through Sunday. A week is too much.
     
    #17617 Nug, May 12, 2019
    Last edited: May 12, 2019
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  18. Nug

    Nug MexicanNug
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  19. Arkadin

    Arkadin inefficiently efficent and unclearly clear
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    This is pretty cool, hopefully it's as functional as they're pretending it will be

     
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  20. Arkadin

    Arkadin inefficiently efficent and unclearly clear
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    This is pretty dope

    TO:

    Mahé (SEZ)


    FROM:

    New York City (JFK) - $702



    WHEN: Late October 2019 through March 2020, including Thanksgiving and Xmas/NYE
     
  21. Where Eagles Dare

    Where Eagles Dare The Specialist Show On Earth
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    Was Really close to booking this yesterday for Thanksgiving
     
  22. Arkadin

    Arkadin inefficiently efficent and unclearly clear
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    Well why didn't you
     
  23. Where Eagles Dare

    Where Eagles Dare The Specialist Show On Earth
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    Auburn TigersAtlanta BravesWashington Football TeamAtlanta United

    We haven't fully decided on vacations yet, might do Indo in Sept as wife has to go to China... Still hashing it all out.
     
  24. Arkadin

    Arkadin inefficiently efficent and unclearly clear
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  25. Room 15

    Room 15 Mi equipo esta Los Tigres
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    He hates to miss the family prayer before the big meal
     
  26. Where Eagles Dare

    Where Eagles Dare The Specialist Show On Earth
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    Only have to suffer through that once a year at one Xmas dinner.

    God bless
     
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  27. Det. Frank Bullitt

    Det. Frank Bullitt God Bless Texas
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    bro Matt Foley my Google Photos disappeared, but here's my original writeup
     
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  28. Det. Frank Bullitt

    Det. Frank Bullitt God Bless Texas
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  29. 941Gator

    941Gator TMB's resident beach bum
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    Florida Gators

  30. bro

    bro Your Mother’s Favorite Shitposter
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    how was the teahouse?

    what was your favorite hike? and/or what part of nature struck you the most?

    what wildlife did you see?


    You did Banff only, not Jasper?
     
  31. enjj

    enjj Well-Known Member
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    Anyone done a 3/4 day all inclusive? Looking for a resort that caters to adults and has a good party scene. Heard Riu Republica in PC is a good time.
     
  32. Gin Buckets

    Gin Buckets Well-Known Member
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  33. Nug

    Nug MexicanNug
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    Madagascar is so high on my list. But pretty expensive and difficult to travel around.

    There's a chance I return to Afrikaburn next year, it was that incredible. But I'd do it for the first half of my trip and then go somewhere for the second half--Madagascar, Namibia, Botswana; in that order.

    But I will also spend some $$ to get on that Delta non-stop from ATL to Jo-burg. It's just so fucking long going through Dubai.
     
  34. Arkadin

    Arkadin inefficiently efficent and unclearly clear
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    Not mad at these prices to Costa Rica.

    These fares are basic economy, which means early seat selection and checked baggage are not included. A checked bag costs $30 each way on all airlines for both basic and regular economy except on Copa, which has no bag fees, etc.


    All prices are for roundtrip flights and in USD unless otherwise stated.
    TO:

    San José (SJO)


    FROM:

    Atlanta (ATL) - $313

    Austin (AUS) - $310

    Baltimore (BWI) - $299

    Boston (BOS) - $269

    Buffalo (BUF) - $335

    Charleston (CHS) - $313

    Chicago (ORD) - $397

    Cleveland (CLE) - $355

    Denver (DEN) - $355

    Fort Lauderdale (FLL) - $263*

    Hartford (BDL) - $373

    Jacksonville (JAX) - $329

    Miami (MIA) - $275*

    Nashville (BNA) - $385

    New Orleans (MSY) - $327

    New York City (JFK) - $331

    Newark (EWR) - $375

    Orlando (MCO) - $273*

    Philadelphia (PHL) - $321

    Pittsburgh (PIT) - $377

    Providence (PVD) - $375

    Raleigh (RDU) - $313

    Richmond (RIC) - $335

    Toronto (YYZ) - $397 CAD

    Westchester (HPN) - $385

     
  35. Arkadin

    Arkadin inefficiently efficent and unclearly clear
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    Cancún (CUN)


    FROM:

    Atlanta (ATL) - $240

    Baltimore (BWI) - $291

    Charleston (CHS) - $285

    Chicago (ORD) - $249

    Cincinnati (CVG) - $240

    Dallas (DFW) - $298*

    Detroit (DTW) - $240

    Fort Lauderdale (FLL) - $224*

    Fresno (FAT) - $289

    Houston (IAH) - $219

    Jacksonville (JAX) - $266

    Las Vegas (LAS) - $277

    Los Angeles (LAX) - $289

    Miami (MIA) - $204*

    Minneapolis (MSP) - $240

    New York City (LGA) - $261

    Oakland (OAK) - $289

    Ontario (ONT) - $290

    Orlando (MCO) - $271

    Raleigh (RDU) - $240

    Sacramento (SMF) - $293

    Salt Lake City (SLC) - $243

    San Antonio (SAT) - $296

    Seattle (SEA) - $243


    * - nonstop / direct


    WHEN: Varies greatly by origin. Generally August 2019 through March 2020, some routes including Thanksgiving but all excluding Xmas/NYE
    NORMAL PRICE: $550+
     
  36. BayouMafia

    BayouMafia Thought Leader in Posting
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    on the flights home on Sunday my wife and I started talking about where we go next, and I brought up South Africa. Did some preliminary research yesterday and it seems like Blyde Canyon and Nuy River Gorge are definitely up our alley.

    I'll try to do a Viet Nam write up in the next few days. We've been on some great vacations but this one was one of the best. Even as excited as we were to go it far exceeded our expectations. Talking about going back soon as there's so much of the country we didn't see.
     
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  37. The Banks

    The Banks TMB's Alaskan
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    If you're going south you can hit up girdwood, seward, (the kenai peninsula in general which has world class fishing). If you go north you have Talkeetna, Denali, Fairbanks. Both are accessible via car or rail (though rail is slower but more scenic). Ark has a solid plan for his ~weeklong trip
     
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  38. Nug

    Nug MexicanNug
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    Can vouch for Kenai peninsula and Seward. Really, really cool area.
     
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  39. herb.burdette

    herb.burdette Meet me at the corner of 8th and Worthington
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    I have never read this thread. We’re doing six destinations in Italy next month. 353 pages of this thread seems pretty daunting to review.

    Anyone have anything interesting to share on Palermo, Sorrento, Milan, Rome, Assisi, or Venice?
     
  40. Nug

    Nug MexicanNug
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    A lot of our time in SA was eaten up by the festival, but Kruger and Cape Town are both world-class destinations. We hiked both Table Mountain (5-6 hours) and Lion's Head (2-3 hours), which aren't very difficult but still awesome. I'll never stop talking about that safari, and we were on a fucking "budget beater" for 3 days/2 nights. I can only imagine what it'd be like to spend some $$ and get first-class accommodations and viewing for a week or so.

    Some locals raved about Blyde Canyon, have not heard about the Gorge.

    One very popular thing is to drive from Cape Town up to Namibia; I really want to see the desert sand dunes spill into the Atlantic.

    Re: Vietnam, it's amazing. Definitely in my top 2-3 SE Asian countries along with Myanmar. Maybe the best food I've ever had. I would go back to Hanoi tomorrow.
     
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  41. tjosu

    tjosu This is kind of like the breakfast club, huh?
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    You can limit your search to this thread only, I know I did a Rome and Venice review and there are several other as well
     
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  42. herb.burdette

    herb.burdette Meet me at the corner of 8th and Worthington
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    Perfect, thanks
     
  43. tjosu

    tjosu This is kind of like the breakfast club, huh?
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    If you need specifics beyond any of those throw em out there. I don't think I'd be much of a help as far as food recs because we generally just find something that looks good depending on how our day is going
     
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  44. herb.burdette

    herb.burdette Meet me at the corner of 8th and Worthington
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    Ohio State Buckeyes

    I am mostly interested about driving. We’re renting a car in Florence to drive around Sorrento. I have an international drivers permit. I have also been told to buy the no deductible insurance and take photos of the car when picking it up because it’s kind of a scam in Italy to ding tourists over car damage.

    Curious about other issues.

    We’re doing public transportation in Pisa, Palermo, Rome, and Venice.
     
  45. Arkadin

    Arkadin inefficiently efficent and unclearly clear
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    Do you have any of the good credit cards? They'll cover the car insurance, no need to pay extra
     
  46. herb.burdette

    herb.burdette Meet me at the corner of 8th and Worthington
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    Ohio State Buckeyes

    Too late if I do, I already bought it. I read the insurance contract before buying it, so I’m fine paying it and knowing what I have.
     
  47. Arkadin

    Arkadin inefficiently efficent and unclearly clear
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    In the future just book with a credit card that covers it then imo
     
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  48. Det. Frank Bullitt

    Det. Frank Bullitt God Bless Texas
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    Added replies, re-adding a couple photos.

    Larches and view above Lake Louise
    PANO_20170930_132220.jpg

    View of Storm Mountain/Upper Twin Lake
    IMG_20170930_072634.jpg

    Teahouse
    IMG_20170930_124515.jpg
     
    #17649 Det. Frank Bullitt, May 14, 2019
    Last edited: May 14, 2019
  49. laxjoe

    laxjoe Well-Known Member
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    Finally got global entry yesterday. That was incredible easy and looking forward to taking advantage of that in the future