Looking Forward: Travel Dreams for 2012
Happy New Year everyone! It’s officially 2012, which means that even though it’s just a regular day–much like yesterday and the day before that–people all over the world are reflecting upon the past year and looking forward to the new one. Of course, many of them are doing that with a wicked hangover, but still. My point is that it is time for both reflection and planning (and, if you live in Pennsylvania Dutch country, pork and sauerkraut).
As I look over my past travels, I too wonder where this year will take me. My plan for this year is to take more travel risks, visit more varied locations, and take full advantage of the second half of my year-long leave of absence (and of shoulder season fare sales!) Thus, my 2012 travel wish list includes many domestic destinations as well as several international locales. Will I get to all of these places? Probably not. But I will forever have more places I want to go than time or money to visit them. And that’s fine with me.
In 2012, if at all possible, I would like to travel to…
–Iceland. Ideally during the summer solstice. To drive the entire Ring Road. My husband and I already chose this as our summer trip, but that may change for a number of reasons. Stay tuned.
–New Orleans. A friend of mine is going there to run a marathon, and I think I’m going to join her (in New Orleans–not in the marathon!) It seems like my kind of city–combining history with drinking. Those are a few of my favorite things.
–The Florida Keys, particularly Key West. I’d like to fly into Miami, rent a car, and drive slowly to Key West, stopping overnight wherever I feel compelled. I’d also like to not over plan this trip. We’ll see how that goes!
–Peru. I’ve always wanted to visit Machu Picchu, and it seems that the best time of year to do that is late spring. I don’t know when I’ll ever have the time in late spring again, so this year seems like my best option.
–San Antonio. This season’s Top Chef started out there, and it looks like a cool city. From what little research I’ve done so far, it seems like it has a great food scene (and I love food), a lot of history (and I love history) and a quaint, walk-able downtown area (and I love quaint). I’ve also never been to Texas, and San Antonio seems as good a place as any to start.
–Seattle. I’ve never been to the Pacific Northwest, and if I can find a reasonable fare, I’m there.
–San Francisco. I keep saying that I’m going to visit my oldest friend in the world–and then I keep not doing it. This spring, I’m going damnit.
–Panama. I’d really like to do a Panama canal cruise. If I find one with a single supplement that I can handle, I’m there. I already have my eye on one in April.
–Barcelona. I planned to visit in 2010 but then cut my Europe trip short. I still really want to visit this city to enjoy the food and architecture.
–Munich and Bavaria. My obsession with King Ludwig II may require that I visit this part of the world–and soon. I’m carrying around a book about Ludwig II’s life in my purse. Not kidding. I’ve also always wanted to see the Alps.
–The Grand Canyon. I’ve still never been here. I will get there this year. Yes, yes I will.
–Niagara Falls. See above.
–Montreal. My husband and I have planned to visit Montreal for the past two summers. I’m saying screw it and going without him just as soon as the ice thaws.
–Boston. I only live 6 hours away, and I’ve never actually been there. Well, I was there for a few hours maybe ten years ago, but that super doesn’t count.
–Paris. Yes, Paris. I refuse to have a city beat me. I’m going back damnit, and I’m going to have a better time. As god as my witness.
I’d also love to see Norway by cruise ship, sail anywhere in the Caribbean (San Juan is of particular interest for some reason that I can’t quite put my finger on), and generally be at sea as much as possible. A transatlantic cruise would be super–particularly one specific one that leaves from San Juan and sails to Spain (and is very reasonably priced–I’m not sure why I’ve not booked it yet!) I also really like trains, so a train tour of Great Britain would be nice, too (particularly if I can find a crazy low spring fare like I found last year but couldn’t use). And the possibility always exists that I’ll just get in my car and drive in a direction for several hours. I’ve not been anywhere in over a month, and I’m starting to go a bit crazy!
So–what do you think of my 2012 travel dream list? Which places should I make a priority? Which places should I scrap? And what’s on your own list?
I’d wait until December to go to San Antonio. Linda & I went to a Cruise Critic Face to Face there in 2010 and the river walk was magical with the holiday lights and luminarias. Plus, the weather was perfect in December.
Linda told me about San Antonio. She said it was amazing at Christmas time (and warned me about going in January, when they drain the canals). Unfortunately I can’t wait until next December–I’ll be back at work. Perhaps springtime? I clearly have LOTS of plans for springtime!
And I didn’t see Chicago on your list.
OH! Chicago is DEFINITELY on my list! Aaack! Can’t believe I forgot that one! Sorry!
Some really great travel goals. Iceland is on my bucket list. We went to San Juan wayyyy back when we were first married- once was enough. I’d also like to see Spain (and Italy), but hubby is not interested. I still think you should consider one of the southern cities that you and your husband are interested in for an Easter Break trip. Happy New Year!
I will definitely be down your way, and likely sooner rather than later (What are you doing tomorrow? Ha! Only kind of kidding!)
Happy new year to you, too! I will meet you in real life in 2012–promise!!!
You are welcome any time! And I look forward to meeting you. But I was thinking that you and your husband could visit Savanah or Charleston in the spring and miss out on the heat and humidity. One place you might think about is Calaway Gardens (in Georgia). Supposed to be lovely. My sister and I are hoping to take our mom this spring (she has expressed a strong desire to visit there at least one more time). You could head to Atlanta, then on down to the gardens.
I will be down in the spring. My husband will not. Even if none of his Easter break is cancelled, it’s not enough time to get that far. I, on the other hand, have all the time in the world! In your opinion, what would be the best time, weather wise? I seriously need to come up with a plan for the next few months–there’s so much I want to fit in!
How do you feel about mid-March? I’m available then, and could see doing a southern road trip. I want to write about summer vacation destinations in the off season.
It all depends… March could be lovely. It often is. But… we’ve also had our “worst” snows in March- LOL! Some years spring starts at early as mid-February and others, not until late March. We’ve had frost as late a mid-April, but that is really rare. If you are wanting to check out the moutains, decide if you want totry to hit the last of the skiing/winter season (in which case head down in Feb.) or the spring/summer season (any time from late Feb. on). If it’s the beaches, then anytime except perhaps the dead of inter in Jan. and Feb. For us in the middle- mid-spring to early summer (mid to late March to early July) is probably best other than the fall season. As far as I know, I’ll be around at almost time. In fact,I was just thinking of you. My son is getting married on June 23. At McCullough castle in Jamestown NC (of all the ‘off the beaten path’ places in the middle of nowhere). I’m searching for venues for the rehearsal dinner and have been exploring the websites of various vineyards. I knew there were some, but didn’t know HOW MANY!!! You could hit 2 or 3 a day and have weeks full. LOL! Don’t think we’ll be able to afford doing the dinner at one, but I’m trying. There is even a “honey wine”/mead “vineyard”!!! Sounds delish!!!!!!!!! And some “fruit wine” vineyards with apple, strawberry, raspberry, etc. wines. Interesting.
Oh- and if you find that really great air fare to the UK, let me know. We’ve only been there more than 40 times and we love to use the trains…. Listen to the Moody Blues song “English Sunset”- makes me dream about riding British trains again….
I will let you know the moment I find it. Perhaps we could do a simultaneous solo trip!
I only wish!!!! With hubby’s mom’s hip fracture, I most likely will be overseeing some renovations to her house as well as her continued recovery this spring. And any spare $$$ will be spent on the renovations. I’d love to go back though!
I think it’s a great list, Tracy–many of those places are on my list, too–I’m just thinking how exhausted I would be if I tried to tackle all of these in one year! New Orleans is one of my all-time favorite cities. If you have a chance to go, do.
Yeah–there’s no way I’m doing this all in 2012. Particularly because I’m going back to work in September. That’s why it’s a travel ‘dreams’ list. They are the places I want to go, and for sure I’ll make it to several. Just not all. I’m also not independently wealthy! Ha!
But really, having a list like this really helps with planning. I’m able to refer to it and decide where to spend my time and money. I’ve already spent a good deal of time looking at the calendar and planning. If only I had unlimited time and money.
San Francisco is beautiful, I really love it there, something for everyone. Plus your only a little drive away from amazing wine country, which I love even more than the San Fran.
Munich and Bavaria – also stunningly beautiful, Neuschwanstein is such a magical place – go, just avoid going in the summer if you can!
Niagara Falls – the actual falls are amazing, but the town, especially the Canadian side is super touristy
Paris – I may be biased because this is my favourite place in the world, but I say go back! Just don’t go in the summer – unless I got to go for free, I would never go in July or August. I spent a winter and spring and France and the crowds are much fewer, I’ve been able to walk right up to the ticket counter at the Eiffel Tower, tour an empty Pompidou etc. Even just before I left in early June, I found the crowds to be getting too busy. If you can get there this Spring, I say do it. Just be prepared for grey skies and a bit of rain.
New Orleans … I so have to connect you to my blog when I went with Roo back in 2002. My favorite city of all time!
You may need to do that sooner rather than later–I think I’m about to book a trip for the end of the month. (!!!)
I think a solo jaunt to Paris should be top travel priority for you (and visit soon before it gets hot). You hated Paris before. You hated your teaching job before, too. You’ll be tackling teaching again this Fall (with likely a whole new attitude & perspective from your year long absence), so would be interesting to see you write about giving another shot to someplace you hated so much (kinda like your former hatred of NYC!).
For the US travel, as a New Englander I would love to see you finally go to Boston. Back when you were trying to figure out where to go on your summer vacation with the hubby, I suggested a road trip and I also suggested Boston and the Maine Coastal route. You didn’t make it to Boston, but you did the road trip and you loved Maine. Think you’ll feel the same about Boston. But skip the car and fly or take Amtrak from Philly! Traffic around Boston is horrible so if it’s not part of a grand voyage of a road trip, leave the car and rent one only if you wanted to do a day trip somewhere else (like Salem, MA).
With the exception of Iceland, Peru, Panama, Munich & Bavaria, I’ve been everywhere else on your current list (including Chicago which you forgot to add!). Since you are such a foodie, I’d suggest Montreal which is amazing, as well as New Orleans. I’d love to visit Peru and Iceland, but really want to go to Russia, Romania and China first. You can’t go wrong with that list you have! Choosing where to go first will be rough, but fun!
I have to say that I simply LOVE your reasoning for my return to Paris. That’s a GREAT point–thank you! I will absolutely have to do that!
And yes, I will be visiting Boston. I tried so hard to fit it into our summer road trip–I even knocked off a night from the Portland stay with the hopes that we could hit Boston on the way home–but no such luck. I will absolutely be visiting as soon as the weather is nice enough (which for me means ‘no snow in the forecast’!) And yes, I will look into taking the train. That sounds much more relaxing than driving. I think there’s a train to Montreal, too–which I’ll look into. Maybe I can do a great northern cities train trip! That would be fabulous!
Choosing where to go first was surprisingly easy–and the trip is already booked. I leave in a little over two weeks! Ha! Post to come as soon as I finalize the lodging.
Boston in the late Spring (late May or early June) is great. The only better season is early Autumn. And do something goofy & fun like take a ride on the Swan Boats! As a writer, it may be nice if you did some side trips by car either before or after exploring Boston, I’d suggest Concord (Louisa May Alcott), Amherst & Northampton (Emily Dickinson & Sylvia Plath) – Northampton is actually a cool college town to spend a night with nice restaurants and a very walkable Main Street dotted with nice pubs, bars and interesting boutique shopping.
Just remember what your mistakes were for Paris (over planning! Not knowing the cuisine – watch those Anthony Bourdain specials on Hulu. Every place he eats looks amazing, and not all are fancy. Getting caught up in big taxi queues.). And mix it up to get away from urban overload. A day trip to Versailles or catch a train to get out into the countryside or a northern coastal town.
New Orleans doesn’t really ever feel like an urban city to me. Except for the French Quarter which can be super crazy & crowded at night (especially mid week through Sunday) & smell a bit funky (public urination & puking can do that to a neighborhood!), the Garden District is a great escape for some peace & quiet away from the crowds you dislike.
Thanks for the tips (and the warning about the French Quarter smell! Ha!)
I’m so jealous of your wish list! I bit the bullet (and ran out of money) and got myself a teaching job a couple weeks ago. Tip: joining a disgruntled high school staff mid-year is not fun. I already miss my middle schoolers.
Anyways, I would HIGHLY recommend Norway for 2012. It’s my favorite place in the world. If I could only find a Norge-man to marry, I’d immigrate in a minute. Let me know if you go to Seattle, that’s home for me. Oh, and I went to NOLA with a couple of girlfriends last year for the RnR marathon and we had a blast. Go to Central Market and have a muffaletta.
I’m so sorry to hear about the disgruntled high school staff. I completely know what you mean. And bravo for making the decision to return to work. I feel like no one ever writes about that. It’s all like ‘la la la I’m just going to travel around the world forever…’ But that takes money. And that damn money tree keeps dying on me.
Which is why I’ll be back in the classroom in September!
I’ve been stalking a Norway fjords cruise, but it might be out of the budget for this year. I can’t plan a summer trip like I’ve planned in years past, since I’m doing so many fall/winter/spring trips! But perhaps something magical will happen and I’ll find myself cruising the fjords come July. And by ‘something magical’ I mean ‘a random crazy cheap airfare sale’. I’m not holding my breath!
I will absolutely let you know if…when…I get to Seattle. I will be very sad if this year does not include a trip to that coast. I’d also be very surprised if it didn’t! 😉
And don’t worry–I think my main plan for NOLA is ‘to eat’! It will also be my first trip where I try to run whilst traveling. I’ll let you–and everyone else–know how that goes!
If the MAIN purpose of the Miami-Key West trip is to experience the drive thru the keys, you might consider flying into Ft Meyer and driving from there. However, if you have time to spend in Miami, well then, there’s nothing like a few days in South Beach. Maybe you could make the Ultra Music Festival 3/23-25.
BTW – there’s a hydrofoil ferry now between Ft Meyer and KeyWest. Drive down to KW and hydrofoil back. That’s one of my 2012 plans.
My cousin and her family did an Alaskan cruise last summer… heard it was amazing!