Be a salesperson, sell me on your vacation spot! Anyone been to Bermuda?

[In2Photos]

My wife and I are beginning our search for a vacation destination! When I say, beginning I mean we beginning! We don't know when, we don't know where, we don't know for how long! But we have a potential opportunity that will allow us to go "anywhere".

My wife would prefer someplace "tropical or beachy". I just want someplace that is safe, fun, and affords some nice photo opportunities. We are not party people, we tend to stay home and hang out, so keep that in mind when offering up your spot! We need some activities to do, but nothing real adventurous (man we sound boring! :confused:).

So there you go, now sell me on your vacation spot! Where should we go? Why? When? What is there for us to do, see, photograph?

EDIT: Latest thought on our vacation spot!

I think we might be leaning towards the cruise now for a couple reasons.

1. We can drive to Norfolk, VA for a 5 night Bermuda cruise.
2. This saves us money on plane tickets that we can use towards a longer vacation.
3. We can drop our kids off at my aunt' house for the week on the way.
4. We won't need passports.
5. We get to spend 2 full days in Bermuda and 2 full days sailing!

So, has anyone been to Bermuda? I would love to hear if we can skip the shore excursions and find ways to get around on our own. Any places you can recommend?

[halitime]

Vancouver Island British Columbia Canada!!! Hundreds of websites,close to Vancouver and about 75-80
f in the summer

[mathogre]

You need to go to Walt Disney World in Florida and stay "on property." It's the only way to visit. It's fun, it's clean, and photo opportunities abound. If you fly to Orlando, you need only take a Disney bus to your hotel, and can take a bus back to the airport when your vacation is over. If you drive, once you arrive you won't need your car again until you leave. The Disney transportation system will bring you wherever you need to go. Should you choose to spend a day outside of WDW, car rentals are easily arranged.

At WDW, you have many parks that are all kid-friendly and equally fun for adults. Here you have the Magic Kingdom with all of the traditional Disney characters. EPCOT has rides and exhibits on one side and pavilions of 11 nations on the other. There's the Animal Kingdom with animals ranging from the pettable goats and sheep to the safari ride among the wild ones. The other major park is the Disney Studios, which is okay (and probably my least favorite of all of them).

Dining at Disney is excellent, and can range from being economical to very expensive. Likewise, hotel accommodations range from modest to "if you have to ask...". Regardless of what you pay, you are treated as royalty all of the time. If/when you have a problem, you find that your treatment isn't superficial. They really mean it.

Photo opportunities are everywhere, and you can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish. In '07 we visited and I used the little Sony in my sig. I hadn't yet fully come back to photography, though I created my first hardcover book from photos on this trip. In November of last year, we returned and I created yet another hardcover book, this time with photos from my little Rebel, the Sony, and a few from a friend's camera whom we'd planned in advance to meet. Mostly I used the 18-55mm kit lens; the 55-250mm lens was simply too long. I'll probably bring my 50mm f/1.4 on our next visit, and, assuming I get the 28mm f/1.8, I'll bring that also; the 18-55mm will round out the lens collection.

We've visited Disney properties over the years, BK (Before Kiddo) and AK (After Kiddo). While we've mostly visited WDW in Florida, we've also visited Disneyland in California. A Disney vacation is the best.

[Woolburr]

Snag your passports and take a cruise...Go Disney if you want to take the kids....Royal Caribbean if you plan on just you and the Mrs. Guarantee there will be sights to see, photo ops aplenty and more than ample activities to give you happy memories for some time to come.

[Sports_Dude]

Hawaii! Lots of beautiful places to see (beaches, mountains, etc...).

[halitime]

When I was 22 I was In Tahoe and the nice Lady serving drinks said that she visited "Victoria Island"
when she was in Disney Land.

[neilwood32]

Scotland!

Not too hot, so nice to just walk around in without having to worry excessively about getting burnt.
Lots to do (from castles to dungeons, zoos, wildlife parks, stately homes, walking trips)

Nice food - lots of excellent seafood as well as other more traditional scottish fare and the other cuisines.

Tremendous photo ops almost everywhere (buildings that are 800+ years old and still standing, excellent views at almost every turb)

Need I say more? Visit Scotland (http://www.visitscotland.com/)

[evo5ive]

Barbados!! :) :)


VERY Tropical/Beachy, lots to do, good deals in the summer, and importantly, LOTS to photograph!


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2774/4265923779_41083f5ec7.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kirkwatkins/4265923779/)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4369628689_cd161c6eda.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kirkwatkins/4369628689/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2804/4437305479_341bc35327.jpg
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/kirkwatkins/4437305479/)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4257189458_08f6a9e777.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kirkwatkins/4257189458/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2755/4378470461_fb14391520.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kirkwatkins/4378470461/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2693/4346212841_e3f6c850df.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kirkwatkins/4346212841/)

[-MasterChief-]

Mike, no better beach than El Nido in Palawan, Philippines:

http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&q=el+nido+palawan&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=roHyS43CBIOKlwfEh839DA&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4&ved=0CDgQsAQwAw

[matonanjin]

...
My wife would prefer someplace "tropical or beachy". I just want someplace that is safe, fun, and affords some nice photo opportunities. ...


So I suppose Nebraska is out? :cry:

[In2Photos]

Vancouver Island British Columbia Canada!!! Hundreds of websites,close to Vancouver and about 75-80
f in the summer
Interesting! I never would have thought about Canada. Glad I posed the question and will check it out!
You need to go to Walt Disney World in Florida and stay "on property." It's the only way to visit. It's fun, it's clean, and photo opportunities abound. If you fly to Orlando, you need only take a Disney bus to your hotel, and can take a bus back to the airport when your vacation is over. If you drive, once you arrive you won't need your car again until you leave. The Disney transportation system will bring you wherever you need to go. Should you choose to spend a day outside of WDW, car rentals are easily arranged.

At WDW, you have many parks that are all kid-friendly and equally fun for adults. Here you have the Magic Kingdom with all of the traditional Disney characters. EPCOT has rides and exhibits on one side and pavilions of 11 nations on the other. There's the Animal Kingdom with animals ranging from the pettable goats and sheep to the safari ride among the wild ones. The other major park is the Disney Studios, which is okay (and probably my least favorite of all of them).

Dining at Disney is excellent, and can range from being economical to very expensive. Likewise, hotel accommodations range from modest to "if you have to ask...". Regardless of what you pay, you are treated as royalty all of the time. If/when you have a problem, you find that your treatment isn't superficial. They really mean it.

Photo opportunities are everywhere, and you can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish. In '07 we visited and I used the little Sony in my sig. I hadn't yet fully come back to photography, though I created my first hardcover book from photos on this trip. In November of last year, we returned and I created yet another hardcover book, this time with photos from my little Rebel, the Sony, and a few from a friend's camera whom we'd planned in advance to meet. Mostly I used the 18-55mm kit lens; the 55-250mm lens was simply too long. I'll probably bring my 50mm f/1.4 on our next visit, and, assuming I get the 28mm f/1.8, I'll bring that also; the 18-55mm will round out the lens collection.

We've visited Disney properties over the years, BK (Before Kiddo) and AK (After Kiddo). While we've mostly visited WDW in Florida, we've also visited Disneyland in California. A Disney vacation is the best.
I used to live in California and have been to Disney Land many times. A truly wonderful place! If we end up taking the kids WDW will be hard to beat! Thanks for all the info!
Snag your passports and take a cruise...Go Disney if you want to take the kids....Royal Caribbean if you plan on just you and the Mrs. Guarantee there will be sights to see, photo ops aplenty and more than ample activities to give you happy memories for some time to come.
I am looking into getting passports. We went on a cruise for our honeymoon (Royal Caribbean) and wouldn't mind doing it again. Definitely on the list!
Hawaii! Lots of beautiful places to see (beaches, mountains, etc...).
Been to Hawaii once before and absolutely LOVED IT!!! Would definitely go again, also on the list!
When I was 22 I was In Tahoe and the nice Lady serving drinks said that she visited "Victoria Island"
when she was in Disney Land.
I'll check that out too!
Scotland!

Not too hot, so nice to just walk around in without having to worry excessively about getting burnt.
Lots to do (from castles to dungeons, zoos, wildlife parks, stately homes, walking trips)

Nice food - lots of excellent seafood as well as other more traditional scottish fare and the other cuisines.

Tremendous photo ops almost everywhere (buildings that are 800+ years old and still standing, excellent views at almost every turb)

Need I say more? Visit Scotland (http://www.visitscotland.com/)
I know about the photo ops, the photos here are just stunning!!! While I would love to go, I don't think that is on my wife's radar. But I'll certainly check out your link. Thanks!
Barbados!! :) :)


VERY Tropical/Beachy, lots to do, good deals in the summer, and importantly, LOTS to photograph!



THAT is what my wife is looking for!!! Top of the list my friend! :D
Mike, no better beach than El Nido in Palawan, Philippines:

http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&q=el+nido+palawan&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=roHyS43CBIOKlwfEh839DA&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4&ved=0CDgQsAQwAw
OOOOOHHHHHHHHH!!!! Nice!!! Also the top f the list!!!
So I suppose Nebraska is out? :cry:
:lol::lol::lol: 'Fraid so! But I love me some steak!

[jdizzle]

How about a trip to St. Lucia?! :) I loved it and enjoyed my stay! :D
http://DLImaging.zenfolio.com/img/v16/p349268115-4.jpg
http://DLImaging.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p818087867-4.jpg
http://DLImaging.zenfolio.com/img/v12/p420171044-4.jpg
http://DLImaging.zenfolio.com/img/v13/p774242917-4.jpg
http://DLImaging.zenfolio.com/img/v18/p400603746-4.jpg

[golfecho]

Vancouver is no doubt nice, but give the Atlantic coast of Canada some thought. No big crowds, unbelievable scenery, forests to beaches to rocky shores to lighthouses. Prince Edward Island/New Brunswick/New Foundland . . . all really great. Lots of historic lore (like Scottland), and very colorfull!

[tango_28]

How about 30A, no oil so far. It's on the Florida panhandle aka the red neck Riviera.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2506/3764003236_1996670c38.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2565/3790679918_9cde449d3b.jpg



http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3460/3790875884_120ba9a284.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2568/3764005426_4a6ed377de.jpg

[In2Photos]

How about a trip to St. Lucia?! :) I loved it and enjoyed my stay! :D


Julian, where did you stay? Did you book through someone?
Vancouver is no doubt nice, but give the Atlantic coast of Canada some thought. No big crowds, unbelievable scenery, forests to beaches to rocky shores to lighthouses. Prince Edward Island/New Brunswick/New Foundland . . . all really great. Lots of historic lore (like Scottland), and very colorfull!
Thanks for the info!
How about 30A, no oil so far. It's on the Florida panhandle aka the red neck Riviera.


Looks nice and peaceful! If we stay in the continental US we'll check it out, thanks!

[jdizzle]

This is where we stayed. http://www.coconutbayresortandspa.com/

Is this trip exclusive to you and your wife? Or are you bringing the kids along? We just booked the trip online.

[In2Photos]

This is where we stayed. http://www.coconutbayresortandspa.com/

Is this trip exclusive to you and your wife? Or are you bringing the kids along? We just booked the trip online.
Thanks, I'll check it out! This trip is just for the wife and I.

[jdizzle]

Thanks, I'll check it out! This trip is just for the wife and I.
I don't know what your budget is but, you can spend a ton on nicer resorts exclusive to couples. I chose that particular one bcoz' it's kid friendly. The resort is divided into two areas. One for families and one for couples. The staff at the resort are very accommodating and friendly. It's all inclusive so, you can eat/drink to your heart's content. :) This place is a great if you're really on a budget. :)

[In2Photos]

I don't know what your budget is but, you can spend a ton on nicer resorts exclusive to couples. I chose that particular one bcoz' it's kid friendly. The resort is divided into two areas. One for families and one for couples. The staff at the resort are very accommodating and friendly. It's all inclusive so, you can eat/drink to your heart's content. :) This place is a great if you're really on a budget. :)
Well frankly I don't know what my budget is either! My wife is getting a gift towards this vacation so we are likely willing to spend some of our own money to go someplace special rather than someplace local.

Right now we are trying to decide between a cruise (we loved the one on our honeymoon) or an all inclusive.

[jdizzle]

If I could spend the money, this would be the place I would stay. $1000.00 USD plus for one night. :) Imagine waking up to this view. :)
http://www.jademountainstlucia.com/

[In2Photos]

If I could spend the money, this would be the place I would stay. $1000.00 USD plus for one night. :) Imagine waking up to this view. :)
http://www.jademountainstlucia.com/
Nice! Maybe when I win the lottery!

[jdizzle]

Nice! Maybe when I win the lottery!
Haha! Me too! :)

[In2Photos]

I think we might be leaning towards the cruise now for a couple reasons.

1. We can drive to Norfolk, VA for a 5 night Bermuda cruise.
2. This saves us money on plane tickets that we can use towards a longer vacation.
3. We can drop our kids off at my aunt' house for the week on the way.
4. We won't need passports.
5. We get to spend 2 full days in Bermuda and 2 full days sailing!

So, has anyone been to Bermuda? I would love to hear if we can skip the shore excursions and find ways to get around on our own. Any places you can recommend?

[joove]

I don't think this compares to the St. Lucia's view. However, for 200$ per night, a backyard opening into the beach and beach waters protected by a ring reef, full kitchen and multiple bedrooms, vacation rentals in the North beach of Kauai, HI are superb. I don't know how these independent units compare to the ones in Resorts that also take care of kids as I don't have any kids yet and tend to avoid crowded resort type places.

The summers in Kauai, you can choose to participate in a a guided Ocean Kayak trip along the Na-pali coastline/Kalalau trail.

http://juvvi.smugmug.com/Travel/Hawaii-Trip-2008/View-from-Anini-Lani-Kai/814485190_gzAEk-L-1.jpg

[Flo]

Man, I am now 52, and was in Bermuda for almost three months when I was 17! My Dad was stationed there in Somerset, just an amazing place to go...mopeds to get around, or else smaller cars . The sands are like nothing else, or there were then. Nob Hill is the American base...usually a sub or two there. Hamilton I bet has changed heaps since I was there...its a cool city. If the Swizzle Inn is still there you MUST stop in for a cold beer!
I had been to the Princess Hotel a few times, learned to body surf for the first time there on the pink coral beach.

If I had to go anywhere, it would be Bermuda....its so expensive , but to go for a good stay would be worth it,.

Scanned photos.....the water was the most incredible I had ever/have ever seen.

These were taken with My Dads Kodak Instamatic.lol.when you had to use the wax stick to preserve the photo...man...

Swizzle Inn..
http://macymae.smugmug.com/Nature/Misc/sc004fae52/873298760_UoGUc-L.jpg


Off Nob Hill.can anyone say overexposure
http://macymae.smugmug.com/Nature/Misc/sc004fba44-copy/873300175_Gch5k-L.jpg

No, if these beauties don't just want to make you pack up right now, I don't know! ;)

[MikeFairbanks]

If it's mid July through September, it's hard to beat the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The weather is perfect that time of year, the water is reasonably warm (don't go in June if you want to swim), and it's fun. If you stay at the Villages of Nagshead you can do anything without driving.

But, yeah, Hawaii is amazing. Can't beat it. Sheraton Moana is the best place to stay, hands down. Expensive, but worth it.

[Palladium]

Cabo San Lucas ;)

[In2Photos]

Just thought I would let everyone know that we just booked a cruise to Bermuda! 5 night on Royal Caribbean! Can't wait, we leave June 12th! :mrgreen:

[jdizzle]

Cool Mike! June 12th is almost here. Have fun!

[In2Photos]

Cool Mike! June 12th is almost here. Have fun!
I know! We had to act quick. This cruise leaves from Norfolk, VA so we can drive there instead of flying to Florida. Saves us about $600! Plus, we are dropping our kids off in Raleigh with some family so it worked out perfect!