summer vacation

HappyGilmore · September 06, 2010, 07:23:00 AM

Anyone else here take vacations? Time off work? You go anywhere or just stay home and relax?

I'm sitting here, just took some time off work. Worked Saturday til 5:30, and I've been off since. Don't go back til Monday the 13th. Although, I won't be on again til Sunday, as I'm going away and have no internet access.

But I got to thinking about summer vacations and if there's anything anyone does as a routine? Same spot to visit every year? I wait til the Jerry Lewis Telethon is on tv. That's when my vacation starts. Otherwise it just AINT summer vacation. If I go any sooner it just doesn't feel the same.

Andrew · September 07, 2010, 06:16:37 AM

I've been able to take some time off, and I needed to due to how much leave I had built up. Mostly it was the kids and me doing things; Katie has been working a lot with the new bank branch that is opening. However, we did go down to Assateague over the Labor Day weekend to enjoy one last time at the beach before the summer was over.

The kids had never been to Assateague before, and they loved it! The wild horses excited them, the beautiful (and really quite empty) beach excited them, the waves that were just the right size for Andy and Jenna to boogie board excited them, and collecting shells excited them. The weather was clear and the right temperature, too. We really lucked out, because it was just perfect. They were worn out when we drove home last night.

Trevor · September 07, 2010, 06:27:47 AM

I shall be departing the family home here (at www.badmovies.org, that is

) for most of October: I haven't had leave since September 2009 and it is starting to get to me. I'll also be off to Nelspruit for the Innibos Festival (www.innibos.co.za) in the last week of September.

Sleepyskull · September 07, 2010, 11:14:16 AM

Quote from: Andrew on September 07, 2010, 06:16:37 AM
I've been able to take some time off, and I needed to due to how much leave I had built up. Mostly it was the kids and me doing things; Katie has been working a lot with the new bank branch that is opening. However, we did go down to Assateague over the Labor Day weekend to enjoy one last time at the beach before the summer was over.

The kids had never been to Assateague before, and they loved it! The wild horses excited them, the beautiful (and really quite empty) beach excited them, the waves that were just the right size for Andy and Jenna to boogie board excited them, and collecting shells excited them. The weather was clear and the right temperature, too. We really lucked out, because it was just perfect. They were worn out when we drove home last night.

I feel annoyed at myself because I've lived in Maryland my whole life and have never been to Assateague! Of course, I've been to Ocean City way too many times. I like it, but I want to try somewhere different!

The Burgomaster · September 07, 2010, 12:05:49 PM

We went to Brazil last year (but we went in October) and Las Vegas the year before. We didn't take a trip this year. I'm planning to take Thanksgiving week off and the week between Christmas and New Years, but we will probably just hang around home and relax. Next year we may either go camping for a week or possibly take a cruise. We'd also like to go to Sicily within the next few years.

Mr. DS · September 07, 2010, 08:03:53 PM

Took a minivacation to northern NH where we took the kids to Storyland and Santa's Village. It seems to be becomming a tradition in my house. It has been rough over the past two years because we've had an infant each time. I'm hoping it gets easier every year.

I kind of prefer to hit local vacation spots post labor day. Less people and nice weather still. I tend to avoid crowds when I can.

Sleepyskull · September 07, 2010, 08:13:31 PM

Quote from: The DarkSider on September 07, 2010, 08:03:53 PM
Took a minivacation to northern NH where we took the kids to Storyland and Santa's Village. It seems to be becomming a tradition in my house. It has been rough over the past two years because we've had an infant each time. I'm hoping it gets easier every year.

I kind of prefer to hit local vacation spots post labor day. Less people and nice weather still. I tend to avoid crowds when I can.

I remember Storyland! That's in Glen, New Hampshire, right? My extended paternal family has a reunion every 3 years (beginning sometime in the early 1990s) somewhere in New England and several times it was held in New Hampshire.

Andrew · September 08, 2010, 06:54:18 AM

Quote from: Sleepyskull on September 07, 2010, 11:14:16 AM
I feel annoyed at myself because I've lived in Maryland my whole life and have never been to Assateague! Of course, I've been to Ocean City way too many times. I like it, but I want to try somewhere different!

If you like the beach for the beach and nature, then definitely go to Assateague. Ocean City is good for the beach, dining, and entertainment, but Assateague is just miles and miles of parkland and big sandy beaches. There are miles of beach that are only accessible by hiking, too.

Sleepyskull · September 08, 2010, 10:21:51 AM

Quote from: Andrew on September 08, 2010, 06:54:18 AM
Quote from: Sleepyskull on September 07, 2010, 11:14:16 AM
I feel annoyed at myself because I've lived in Maryland my whole life and have never been to Assateague! Of course, I've been to Ocean City way too many times. I like it, but I want to try somewhere different!

If you like the beach for the beach and nature, then definitely go to Assateague. Ocean City is good for the beach, dining, and entertainment, but Assateague is just miles and miles of parkland and big sandy beaches. There are miles of beach that are only accessible by hiking, too.

I like both! The only problem is I TOTALLY HATE the feel of sand. The only exception is walking on the beach at night when it's a little more peaceful. I have no idea why, but the feel of sand does not bother me then as long it's not all over my body. I would still like to go to Assateague for the nature. I would love to just walk around and look at the wildlife.

HappyGilmore · September 12, 2010, 12:26:14 PM

Quote from: The Burgomaster on September 07, 2010, 12:05:49 PM
We went to Brazil last year (but we went in October) and Las Vegas the year before. We didn't take a trip this year. I'm planning to take Thanksgiving week off and the week between Christmas and New Years, but we will probably just hang around home and relax. Next year we may either go camping for a week or possibly take a cruise. We'd also like to go to Sicily within the next few years.

I wanna go to Vegas. But I'm not a big gambler, and Atlantic City is a short drive away.

Italy is a spot I wanna visit at some point. I'd have to get a better job to afford it.

In the meantime, the Jersey Shore is best for me.

The Burgomaster · September 13, 2010, 11:00:54 AM

Quote from: HappyGilmore on September 12, 2010, 12:26:14 PM
Quote from: The Burgomaster on September 07, 2010, 12:05:49 PM
We went to Brazil last year (but we went in October) and Las Vegas the year before. We didn't take a trip this year. I'm planning to take Thanksgiving week off and the week between Christmas and New Years, but we will probably just hang around home and relax. Next year we may either go camping for a week or possibly take a cruise. We'd also like to go to Sicily within the next few years.
I wanna go to Vegas. But I'm not a big gambler, and Atlantic City is a short drive away.

Italy is a spot I wanna visit at some point. I'd have to get a better job to afford it.

In the meantime, the Jersey Shore is best for me.

I've been to Vegas about half-a-dozen times. You don't need to be a big gambler to enjoy Vegas. I love gambling, but I spend only a few hours a day gambling when we go there (usually at night when my wife is in bed). We go there mainly for the restaurants and shows. During the day we walk around the strip, shop, take pictures, or whatever. You can also hang out at the pool. We were there for 12 days last time and still didn't do everything we wanted to do. My wife doesn't gamble at all, but she manages to have a very good time out there. Don't get a tattoo out there, though. The prices are much higher than anywhere else I've seen. Like 2 to 5 times higher. By the way, the difference between Las Vegas and Atlantic City is huge. I was in Atlantic City about 18 years ago and I thought it was a dump. Not sure if it has changed, but based on my experience there I would never go back.

HappyGilmore · September 13, 2010, 08:38:05 PM

Quote from: The Burgomaster on September 13, 2010, 11:00:54 AM
Quote from: HappyGilmore on September 12, 2010, 12:26:14 PM
Quote from: The Burgomaster on September 07, 2010, 12:05:49 PM
We went to Brazil last year (but we went in October) and Las Vegas the year before. We didn't take a trip this year. I'm planning to take Thanksgiving week off and the week between Christmas and New Years, but we will probably just hang around home and relax. Next year we may either go camping for a week or possibly take a cruise. We'd also like to go to Sicily within the next few years.
I wanna go to Vegas. But I'm not a big gambler, and Atlantic City is a short drive away.

Italy is a spot I wanna visit at some point. I'd have to get a better job to afford it.

In the meantime, the Jersey Shore is best for me.

I've been to Vegas about half-a-dozen times. You don't need to be a big gambler to enjoy Vegas. I love gambling, but I spend only a few hours a day gambling when we go there (usually at night when my wife is in bed). We go there mainly for the restaurants and shows. During the day we walk around the strip, shop, take pictures, or whatever. You can also hang out at the pool. We were there for 12 days last time and still didn't do everything we wanted to do. My wife doesn't gamble at all, but she manages to have a very good time out there. Don't get a tattoo out there, though. The prices are much higher than anywhere else I've seen. Like 2 to 5 times higher. By the way, the difference between Las Vegas and Atlantic City is huge. I was in Atlantic City about 18 years ago and I thought it was a dump. Not sure if it has changed, but based on my experience there I would never go back.

I don't regularly frequent AC. It's just closer for me to get to without having to spend the huge amount of money on Airfare, Hotels, food, shopping, shows, and then losing money gambling. I can't say how it was 18 years ago, as I was 8 or so at the time and wasn't frequenting it. But from what I did see of it last year, it was nice enough.

I wouldn't mind seeing the shows they have there. It'd just depend how long I'm there. I'm thinking of going next summer, but it's hard to get much time off of work. I can get a week in September for Wildwood in New Jersey, but I doubt I'll be able to get 8 or 9 days for Vegas.

SkullBat308 · September 13, 2010, 11:03:54 PM

I'm to poor, but mostly to scared to travel

Lack of a car, which I'm to scared to learn how to drive anyway, doesn't help.

Rev. Powell · September 28, 2010, 11:59:00 AM

Quote from: The Burgomaster on September 13, 2010, 11:00:54 AM
Quote from: HappyGilmore on September 12, 2010, 12:26:14 PM
Quote from: The Burgomaster on September 07, 2010, 12:05:49 PM
We went to Brazil last year (but we went in October) and Las Vegas the year before. We didn't take a trip this year. I'm planning to take Thanksgiving week off and the week between Christmas and New Years, but we will probably just hang around home and relax. Next year we may either go camping for a week or possibly take a cruise. We'd also like to go to Sicily within the next few years.
I wanna go to Vegas. But I'm not a big gambler, and Atlantic City is a short drive away.

Italy is a spot I wanna visit at some point. I'd have to get a better job to afford it.

In the meantime, the Jersey Shore is best for me.

I've been to Vegas about half-a-dozen times. You don't need to be a big gambler to enjoy Vegas. I love gambling, but I spend only a few hours a day gambling when we go there (usually at night when my wife is in bed). We go there mainly for the restaurants and shows. During the day we walk around the strip, shop, take pictures, or whatever. You can also hang out at the pool. We were there for 12 days last time and still didn't do everything we wanted to do. My wife doesn't gamble at all, but she manages to have a very good time out there. Don't get a tattoo out there, though. The prices are much higher than anywhere else I've seen. Like 2 to 5 times higher. By the way, the difference between Las Vegas and Atlantic City is huge. I was in Atlantic City about 18 years ago and I thought it was a dump. Not sure if it has changed, but based on my experience there I would never go back.

Next time you go to Vegas be sure to take a side trip to Red Rock Canyon or the Valley of Fire. Those trips were always a big hit with visitors, and it's nice to get away from the casinos. Man, I miss Vegas.

The Burgomaster · September 28, 2010, 03:10:06 PM

Quote from: Rev. Powell on September 28, 2010, 11:59:00 AM
Next time you go to Vegas be sure to take a side trip to Red Rock Canyon or the Valley of Fire. Those trips were always a big hit with visitors, and it's nice to get away from the casinos. Man, I miss Vegas.

We once took a trip to the Grand Canyon during a Las Vegas vacation. It was an all-day event (mostly spent inside a Greyhound bus driving to and from the canyon . . . I think we were actually at the canyon for less than 2 hours). I remember they showed the movie "Jack" with Robin Williams on the bus. It was nice to get away from the strip, but on the other hand it killed an entire day riding in a bus. As for the Grand Canyon, here are my thoughts:

* It's amazing to see . . . ONCE . . . now I've seen it and I don't need to ever see it again.
* I'm glad I just went there as a side trip. I can't imagine making the Grand Canyon the focal point of an entire vacation. Although, I suppose if you go rafting through it or something it might be interesting.
* I didn't run into the Brady Bunch while I was there.