My dream is one day to go to the Pacific, from (South) Korea down to New Zealand (hi, cyn : ) -- my sister NZ worshipper). I have to say, though, China probably wouldn't be on that list, but S. Korea (evidently we'd be put up in grand style by families of ESOL students in my classes), maybe Philippines, Thailand, some of Indonesia (better get there fast before the rain forests are all gone), and *definitely* Australia and New Zealand.

I'd gladly settle for any one of those, although Aus/NZ would be my top right now--I have many online friends because of one particular band, whom I would love to meet IRL. Seeing that band play in Sydney or Auckland would just about send me right to heaven. And I have to visit the Australia Zoo to see my mosaic of Malina, and DD's of the North American Gray Wolf : ). I have a fantasy trip already planned--just need to stumble upon the money!

I would have said Aus/NZ *and* Japan, but sadly I have had to cross Japan off my list at least for now.

So maybe going the *other* way around the globe might be a possibility to consider for you all?

Very interesting! I lived in the Philippines for a few years right after I married for the first time (he was military) and have often thought I'd like to revisit the places I saw then. Well, maybe. I'm pretty sure the area around what used to be the military base is still seedy (shades of the "sex tour" industry) - but I'd still be interested in revisiting the place with more experienced eyes.

Australia/NZ sounds fascinating! I have a friend who married a guy from Australia, and she brought back photos from one of her trips over there of koala bears in trees - in the guy's backyard!

Well, the US-base-phenomenon anywhere is less than completely palatable, but there's so much more. Just start googling NZ and you'll be *amazed* at the variety of landscapes. Beaches, surfing, snorkeling, scuba, skiing in the mountains...and the arts there and in Australia (including mosaics, of course : )), the architecture and landscape design...ahhhh...

Put me on a plane, and I'll go just about anywhere! Though I haven't really had the chance to travel extensively, my DH and I did go to Australia about 8 years ago - he won a contest at his job, and it was a fantastic trip! I could easily have spent more time there. We were able to active and cultural things in Australia as well as relaxing on the beach.
My oldest son just finished up a year teaching in S. Korea, and is now on his way to a job in Ukraine. I didn't have the chance to visit him in Korea, but maybe I can meet him somewhere in Europe in the next year.

Italy is wonderful and beautiful. Especially Venice. I started crying while looking out over the Grand Canal at sunset because it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. It was embarrassing.

I think almost everyone loves Italy. Have you considered it?

DH won't fly so our destinations have been limited. The maritime provinces of Canada are wonderful. Grand Manan Island is real people low key (25 years ago anyway). We were surprised a couple of years ago by Mobile, Alabama. The coast is meh because of oil rigs but the city was fun.

Our two favorite vacation spots are the Adirondack Mts and southern New Jersey. The Adirondacks are something that everyone should experience. Woods, lakes, peace. Southern New Jersey is a favorite because we're birders and it is a real hotspot for that. Not everyone's cup of tea.

Fly and I need to start a business that will enable us to stay in NZ for long periods of time! I am in agreement that it is one country everyone needs to visit.

I have heard that Eastern Europe is wonderful, although I have never been. Of course, Italy and France are both amazing as is Greece.

I am also a south Jersey fan-grew up spending summers in Stone Harbor with its wonderful bird sanctuary. Of course, this was before they built houses all the way to what we called "the Point" where we found many nests and horseshoe crabs-none of which we disturbed (of course)!

Still, gotta say that NZ is my "happy place" to go to when I need a mental boost. If anyone goes, unless you are a huge fan of cities, don't plan much time in Auckland. Getting away from there and into the countryside makes for a much better experience. If we go back, we will spend most of our time on the South Island. Happy to give ideas for specific spots to visit if you want. Just email me!

If Jen's DH was left with bad feelings after a TransAtlantic flight, I don't think he is going to enjoy the flights to New Zealand or Australia ... he might never want to travel again!!!

Since your DH likes Mexico, you might want to look into going to Greece. Spend just a few days in Athens and then go tour some of the islands.

Another vote for Italy. Last year we went to Venice and Florence (with a day trip in Tuscany) and it was an amazing trip. The cities are so different and DH and I had very different reactions. I liked Venice more; he liked Florence more. Next time, I'd stay in Venice for a while, and then go to a villa in Tuscany for a while.

We're going to Switzerland this summer -- I can report back afterwards!

italy, greece and turkey are high on my list of places i want to go...hopefully next summer.
used to REALLY want to go on an african safari and hike mt kilimanjaro, but with all of the unrest in the past 15years, less so...but they're both still on my to visit list.
also, really would love to go to egypt/cairo and would love to go on a nile river cruise...

To us, it's equally important to choose a style of vacation along with the destination. It's also important to determine if you want a destination where English is the primary language or if you are fine with another language being predominant.

There are "go to 1 place, take day trips, and lounge around" vacations. Then there are "go, move frequently, see the sights in a region" vacation.

We tend to do the latter. My favorite to date has been Egypt, flying into Cairo and joining an organized tour of the region. My next favorite region has been Prague, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Awesome architecture and history in both! I've been fortunate to have spent alot of time in England, Scotland,Wales, France, Switzerland, Germany. To me, Wales is just more of England and Scotland. I'd take Scotland over Wales anyday...particularly because the golf is better in Scotland.

My cousin's son will be moving from England to Bali in 2 wks. Bali and Indonesia are our next long distance destination. We're planning that to be a "stay in basically 1-2 locations, do day trips and lounge type of vacation".

Good luck on your decision.

Sorry AJ...

I can't remember if you guys have been to Hawaii yet?!

I know...sounds boring in a way, but soooooo beautiful! About 5.5hrs. flying from LA anyway...

(I'm trying to think of a Hotel I could recommend...;-))!

Faron

We went on a European cruise last Fall. It was the trip of a lifetime for us. Started in Barcelona, then Monaco, Florence, Pisa, Rome, Naples, Capri, Istanbul, Ephesus, Mykonos, Athens and Venice. It was incredible.

I know what Nancy means about the Grand Canal, it brings tears to your eyes. And I will also tell you that when visiting the house where Mary died in Epehesus was one of the most emotional places I have ever visited. So many people crying. It was so overwhelming.

If you have the opportunity to do a cruise that visits multiple places, you can't go wrong. If you are looking for a land only, I would agree, that Italy is fantastic, Venice is especially magical.

We rented an apartment in Venice and stayed there one spring break with our two young children. We based our visit on the children's book "Vendela in Venice"--and went to a book signing with that author in DC just before our trip.

Imagine our surprise when we were in St. Mark's Square standing in line when a woman approached us to ask if we were in line to see the lions, or to go into the church. It was the author of "Vendela in Venice"!

This vacation was one of our favorites of all time, and the kids still talk about it. Magical. We did everything described in the book, and it was wonderful.

I've been to Venice a few times, and I am never disappointed (though I would never go there in the summer). I also love Rome, though that is a bustling, muscular city and not other-worldly the way that Venice is. Florence is stunning, but in recent years I find it overrun with tourists and velos.

Venice! Ooooh, I'm fascinated! Actually, DH has mentioned Venice after he saw some Johnny Depp movie that was (supposedly) set in that city. My friend and her DH are traveling to Italy next week (Rome and Sorrento, if I recall correctly) and I'm very eager to hear her trip report when she returns!

Some of you put me to shame with the extent of your world travels! Wow, I am duly impressed! There is just so much to see, so many wonderful places to choose from ... Thanks so much for the info on where you have been, and I'd love to hear further detailed reports (with photos?) from anyone who cares to share!