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Which tourist site have you visited that really lived up to the hype and blew your mind with how amazing or beautiful it was?
For me it has to be the Iguassu Falls on the Brazil/Argentine border. Truly stunning.
Leave your suggestions in the comments box below…
Last month I asked where you would take the Great American Road Trip, and here’s what some of your fellow Mobal Members said (in alphabetical order)…
(You’ll notice that they’re catagorized in a miss match of states, cities and sites, but I’m sure you’ll get the idea. Also, where someone has mentioned more than one site, you’ll see their same quote repeated under each suggestion.)
See if your favorite is on the list, and if not, add it in the comments at the end…
“Personal favorite, any of the various state campgrounds or small towns in the Adirondacks. Close enough to my home for weekend trips. Soul-calming respites from the rest of the world.”
Ed Tarney
“It’s a toss-up between Maine in the Fall and Alaska. Both incredibly beautiful.”
Barbara Dickinson
“A Road Trip to the Painted Desert National Park in Arizona. Serene, peaceful, kind of spiritual too.”
Pam
“Best vacation area : California-Idaho-Arizona-New Mexico”
Horst Masch
“Last October we did a bus trip through the Magestic National Parks – North Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. I’ve been all over the world and those areas in the fall are as spectular as Norway, Egypt, Greece, New England, and South America. There is nothing that compares to the Grand Canyon or Canyonlands National Park. We just don’t appreciate what we have here in the U.S.”
Sharon Clay
“The American Southwest especially the area around the four corners of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. Monument Valley, Mesa Verde National Park, Antelope Canyon, Canyon de Chelly, Sedona, etc.”
John Urian
“Maine coast or N. California coast. Sea to shining sea, and all that stuff.”
Ed Tarney
“Although I am from New England and partial to our coastline and islands for the perfect vacation, I found that my greatest U.S. vacation was driving the mid-California coast in a jazzy little convertible! From San Francisco and the wine country, through Big Sur and Carmel, down to Los Angeles — everything was perfect, including the weather. The Beach Boys had it right: “Fun, fun, fun!”
Mary-Jo
“Vermont or the California Coast.”
Jean
“We have at least 12 favorites, starting with: North Carolina mountains, Vail and Aspen, Berkshires, Miami and other Florida beaches, northern California (coast, San Francisco and Yosemite), and Seattle and the San Juan islands. Impossible to select one of these.”
Dave Lieberman
“Best vacation area : California-Idaho-Arizona-New Mexico”
Horst Masch
“There’s so much to see, that there’s no one answer. A perfect vacation is different enough from home to be an adventure, but not so strange that you feel threatened or actually are harmed. That behing said, Redwoods parks in California and Oregon most specifically, but the coastal pacific northwest as a whole.”
R. Keyes
“California and Hawaii coastlines are very beautiful and interesting. I love the Ocean and surfing so of course Hawaii is the best with the warm water. But for urban diversity and surfing LA is unbeatable! Honolulu is second with the tropical diversity and San Diego third with less diversity but the best mainland waves. Adios and enjoy!”
Kervin
“I have lived all over the USA and the best places to visit are Charleston,SC, San Francisco, Napa/Sonoma, and New York City.”
Katherine Rogers
“I have lived all over the USA and the best places to visit are Charleston,SC, San Francisco, Napa/Sonoma, and New York City.”
Katherine Rogers
“We have at least 12 favorites, starting with: North Carolina mountains, Vail and Aspen, Berkshires, Miami and other Florida beaches, northern California (coast, San Francisco and Yosemite), and Seattle and the San Juan islands. Impossible to select one of these.”
Dave Lieberman
“Last October we did a bus trip through the Magestic National Parks – North Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. I’ve been all over the world and those areas in the fall are as spectular as Norway, Egypt, Greece, New England, and South America. There is nothing that compares to the Grand Canyon or Canyonlands National Park. We just don’t appreciate what we have here in the U.S.”
Sharon Clay
“The American Southwest especially the area around the four corners of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. Monument Valley, Mesa Verde National Park, Antelope Canyon, Canyon de Chelly, Sedona, etc.”
John Urian
We would take our dogs and travel to the Eastern Sierra. Our favorite spot is north of Bishop in a campground on Rock Creek overlooking Iris Meadow. Heaven!
Fran Roberts
“Fort Walton Beach, Fla., and region.”
Patrick
“Grand Canyon. Just impossible to describe or appreciate without your own eyes.”
Ed Tarney
“I’ve never been to the Grand Canyon so I suppose that is self-expalnatory.”
Andy Mathisen
“Last October we did a bus trip through the Magestic National Parks – North Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. I’ve been all over the world and those areas in the fall are as spectular as Norway, Egypt, Greece, New England, and South America. There is nothing that compares to the Grand Canyon or Canyonlands National Park. We just don’t appreciate what we have here in the U.S.”
Sharon Clay
“Although you cannot drive to Hawaii, there’s no doubt in my mind — Hawaii No Ka Oi! (”Is the Best”)
Wonderful weather, year ’round… Gorgeous scenery… Historic sites… Plenty to see and do (especially on Oahu, the major island, where public transportation is so good and so inexpensive that there’s no need to rent a car)…
You’re still in the U.S. but you’re in a truly diverse environment with allkinds of authentic food and cultural events presented by fellow Americans — whose ancestors just happened to hail from China, Japan, the Philippines, Korea, and Portugal as well as the mainland U.S.
Because there’s so much competition among hotels and restaurants, Waikiki has a full range of high-value, reasonably priced accommodations and shopping.
And, of course, since the good old U.S. dollar is the currency, you don’t even have to worry about exchange rates!”
Cherry C.
“California and Hawaii coastlines are very beautiful and interesting. I love the Ocean and surfing so of course Hawaii is the best with the warm water. But for urban diversity and surfing LA is unbeatable! Honolulu is second with the tropical diversity and San Diego third with less diversity but the best mainland waves. Adios and enjoy!”
Kervin
“Best vacation area : California-Idaho-Arizona-New Mexico”
Horst Masch
“Key West. Leave an hour before sunrise, from Miami and drive down RT 1 as the sun is coming up. Fly back.”
Merle
“Maine coast or N. California coast. Sea to shining sea, and all that stuff.”
Ed Tarney
“Mid coast Maine (hands down) for summer and nothing beats Key West for Feb/March.”
Leah Syndell
“It’s a toss-up between Maine in the Fall and Alaska. Both incredibly beautiful.”
Barbara Dickinson
“We have at least 12 favorites, starting with: North Carolina mountains, Vail and Aspen, Berkshires, Miami and other Florida beaches, northern California (coast, San Francisco and Yosemite), and Seattle and the San Juan islands. Impossible to select one of these.”
Dave Lieberman
“We have at least 12 favorites, starting with: North Carolina mountains, Vail and Aspen, Berkshires, Miami and other Florida beaches, northern California (coast, San Francisco and Yosemite), and Seattle and the San Juan islands. Impossible to select one of these.”
Dave Lieberman
“Glacier National Park, Montana”
Machell Apple
“Monterey Peninsula, California staying in Pacific Grove, being with the ocean and the bay, prowling over Steinbeck Country.”
Jane
“I love Monterey and the famous and beautiful coastline & history.”
Andy Mathisen
“Combine Yellowstone Natl Park for its animals, geology and excitement with the peace and serenity of the National Bison Range outside Missoula MT. Yellowstone is truly one of the great places of the world, but it has lots of people during prime viewing season. After enjoying the fun and excitement, move about an hour west and find rolling hills and easily viewed wildlife (bison, elk, deer, etc) in an area visited by very few.”
Carol
“Island Beach State Park, NJ.
Nothing compares to the Jersey Shore in Summer. Island Beach State Park has the classic dunes and isolated atmosphere to make for a great day at the shore. While there are the crowded areas near the pavilions, I head for one of the several spots with limited parking and a short walk through the dunes to a more isolated location. Pack a lunch and spend the day. You can’t do that at most shore locations since they prohibit food and beverage to be brought in. You need to arrive early since the park has limited access. Especially come early if you want to get one of the prime isolated parking spots (my first choice). There is a small daily vehicle fee, but well worth it.”
John Beck
“Best vacation area : California-Idaho-Arizona-New Mexico”
Horst Masch
“The American Southwest especially the area around the four corners of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. Monument Valley, Mesa Verde National Park, Antelope Canyon, Canyon de Chelly, Sedona, etc.”
John Urian
“New York City. with tickets to Food for Thought lunchtime theatre productions.”
Jane
“New York City would come Third..ain’t been there either!”
Andy Mathisen
“I have lived all over the USA and the best places to visit are Charleston,SC, San Francisco, Napa/Sonoma, and New York City.”
Katherine Rogers
“New York City – hands down. Better than Paris, London, Rome, etc. And if you need a beach break go to Jones Beach on Long Island.Fabulous!”
Bobbie Kunath
“We have at least 12 favorites, starting with: North Carolina mountains, Vail and Aspen, Berkshires, Miami and other Florida beaches, northern California (coast, San Francisco and Yosemite), and Seattle and the San Juan islands. Impossible to select one of these.”
Dave Lieberman
“Last October we did a bus trip through the Magestic National Parks – North Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. I’ve been all over the world and those areas in the fall are as spectular as Norway, Egypt, Greece, New England, and South America. There is nothing that compares to the Grand Canyon or Canyonlands National Park. We just don’t appreciate what we have here in the U.S.”
Sharon Clay
“A Road Trip to northeastern Ohio, specifically Wayne County and Holmes County. Holmes County is mostly Amish, and very scenic and peaceful, a beautiful area for driving slowly. Beautiful farms, horse-drawn buggies, etc.”
Pam
“There’s so much to see, that there’s no one answer. A perfect vacation is different enough from home to be an adventure, but not so strange that you feel threatened or actually are harmed. That be
ing said, Redwoods parks in California and Oregon most specifically, but the coastal pacific northwest as a whole.”
R. Keyes
“I love to go from my Southern California home playground to Orlando and play golf and play at Disneyworld like the big old kid I am, but as you say, the US is a big old place, so there are many, many delightful places to choose.”
Lynn Glover
“I have lived in California for 40 years and traveled all over the world. The Pacific coastline is as beautiful as anything I have seen anywhere. From the Mexican border to the Canadian, it’s one glorious site after another.”
Suzanne
“Any of the national parks along the Rocky spine. Oh beautiful, for spacious skies, etc.”
Ed Tarney
“Drive slowly down the Rockies, in springtime, from Glacier NP to Santa Fe.”
Barry Brill
“I have lived all over the USA and the best places to visit are Charleston,SC, San Francisco, Napa/Sonoma, and New York City.”
Katherine Rogers
“No question. San Francisco.”
David Erickson
“We have at least 12 favorites, starting with: North Carolina mountains, Vail and Aspen, Berkshires, Miami and other Florida beaches, northern California (coast, San Francisco and Yosemite), and Seattle and the San Juan islands. Impossible to select one of these.”
Dave Lieberman
“To the “Black Hills” of South Dakota. In the Spring and Fall there really are not too many visitors!!”
Henry D.
“Sun Valley, Idaho.”
Jane
“San Antonio, Texas.”
Joe Favaro
“Traverse City, Michigan. Especially between Christmas and New Years. Yes, believe it or not.”
Jane
“Last October we did a bus trip through the Magestic National Parks – North Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. I’ve been all over the world and those areas in the fall are as spectular as Norway, Egypt, Greece, New England, and South America. There is nothing that compares to the Grand Canyon or Canyonlands National Park. We just don’t appreciate what we have here in the U.S.”
Sharon Clay
“The American Southwest especially the area around the four corners of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. Monument Valley, Mesa Verde National Park, Antelope Canyon, Canyon de Chelly, Sedona, etc.”
John Urian
“Vermont or the California Coast.”
Jean
“Washington, DC. A concentrated compendium of everything this country is about. As interesting per square foot an anyplace in the US.”
Ed Tarney
“Last October we did a bus trip through the Magestic National Parks – North Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. I’ve been all over the world and those areas in the fall are as spectular as Norway, Egypt, Greece, New England, and South America. There is nothing that compares to the Grand Canyon or Canyonlands National Park. We just don’t appreciate what we have here in the U.S.”
Sharon Clay
“Combine Yellowstone Natl Park for its animals, geology and excitement with the peace and serenity of the National Bison Range outside Missoula MT. Yellowstone is truly one of the great places of the world, but it has lots of people during prime viewing season. After enjoying the fun and excitement, move about an hour west and find rolling hills and easily viewed wildlife (bison, elk, deer, etc) in an area visited by very few.”
Carol
“We love going to Yosemite National Park in the winter – X-Country skiing out from Glacier Point Road’s Badger Pass ski area to Dewey Point, and overnighting at the ski hut, enjoying the home cooked meals there, spending a day skiing, and after X-country skiing back (a fifteen mile round trip)then shuttle busing down to the valley for a hot bath and restful night in one of Camp Curry’s rustic cabins. There’s always a chance to hike a bit to view the falls of ice (not so much water in the winter)over the stupendous walls of rock, and enjoy the views of meadows and river.
We always finish with an elegant Sunday brunch or just plain breakfast in the Ahwahnee’s huge dining room overlooking Yosemite’s winter meadows.
There’s a train and bus to Yosemite, and, of course, in the park a shuttle bus around the valley and to the ski area, but we like to gather some family and carpool to the valley for this annual adventure.
Advance reservations are a must, whether it’s for a heated tent, cabin or hotel room at Camp Curry, the Yosemite Lodge or the Ahwahnee.”
Gila
Did you agree or disagree with these suggestions?
Or have you got a favorite that’s not mentioned?
Just leave you’re suggestions in the comments box below…
Take along a travel-sized package of Clorox wipes. Disinfect the tray table and armrests on the airplane, and the telephone and TV remote in your hotel room.
William Alabaster,
Rochester, N.Y.
On international flights I used to fumble through my belongings—often having to retrieve them from the overhead bin—after a flight attendant appeared with the landing card, (I don’t know of many people who have their passport number and date of issue memorized.) Now I write all my information on the bookmark of whatever I plan to read on the long flights so I don’t have to dig out my passport. I can then fill out the card quickly—giving me more time to loan my pen to people who never seem to carry one.
Wendy Anderson, Orange, Conn.
Whenever my husband and I get news of eyeglasses, we relegate the old ones to our luggage, along with an inexpensive repair kit from the drugstore. If something happens while we’re away from home, we can hopefully fix the glasses ourselves. If they’re beyond saving, we have the backup pairs to get us through the rest of the trip.
Wayne Babcock, Chandler, Ariz.
They scratch just like any other lens would. Place a small piece of painter’s tape (or another that won’t stick too much) over the lens to protect it from contact with other items in your purse of backpack during travel.
Ursalene Baker, Santa Cruz, Calif. Suzanne Barr, San Diego, Calif.
I’m a gadget freak and I don’t like to travel without things like my digital camera and my iPod. On one trip though, I put my camera down in a crowded restaurant and then, distracted, forget to put it back in my bag. By the time I remembered where I’d left it, the camera was long gone. Now, I attach those kinds of items to my daypack with a lanyard. They’re still easy pull out and use, and they never get left behind.
Susan Beagle, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Got a travel tip? Leave it in the comment’s box below…
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