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British Virgin Islands, for sure. Although like lovesMountains said, the Out Islands of the Bahamas, the Abacos in particular, are spectacular. BVI might have more to do, though. Flights are direct from CLT to St. Thomas, and it's a short and beautiful ferry ride to Tortola, the main island. You probably won't have time for chartering a sailboat, but there's tons to see and do there. Highly recommend it, and happy early birthday!
Ok, I'm turning a page in my life by turning 30 in December.
Let's hear your spots!
I would take an alaskan cruise but I think that is closed at that time due to the ice.
I second the virgin islands. I used to live in St. Thomas and it was breathtaking.
Another place I really loved was Negril, Jamaica. I actually flew in Kingston, rented a jeep and drove around the island and flew home in Montego Bay. We stayed at beautiful B&B places that were plantation style. And OMG, the food was delightful. From street side Jerk to fancy restaurants where the celebrated chefs served you. Even the KFC there tasted divine. (they use local chickens)
Of all the places, Negril was beautiful and the inner island up the mountains. Lots Rastafarian farms. However I just spoke with someone recently and they said there are problems with the inner part and to stick to the coasts.
Foir something different, try Homestaed, UT. A winter vacation doesn't have to include warm weather. There is an extinct volcano dome with a hot spring inside, you swim inside the rock dome. Do some skiing, eat some good food. Delta has a non=stop from Charlotte to Salt Lake City.
Though I have not been to Aruba, I have been to her sister island, Curacao (for work, once upon a time!). It was a beautiful island and is slightly off the beaten path. I believe my total flight time, including a layover in Miami from DC, was 6 hours.
There are beach front hotels as well as smaller hotels scattered throughout the island. I would have LOVED more time to spend exploring the capital city of Willemstad, but like I said, I was there to work at a conference.
The people we met there were extraordinarily open and friendly. One taxi driver gave us a tip for the best seafood restaurant I ever ate in. He warned us not to be in a rush though... after taking your order, the restaurant staff goes out to the beach and catches a fresh fish for you! It was just a wonderful meal.
I've always wanted to go back there - if you decide on Curacao, can I live vicariously through you?
Thanks ctr, maybe I'll let you live vicariously through me in Aruba since it's less industrialized.
Just called my bud b/c it was annoying me. But he said that the place I remembered is actually not a resort, but a tourist town called Cuzco. But he said he's sure that there are resorts there that you'd enjoy.
That's really cool of you Mr. T....I'll definitely be doing some research on Cuzco.
CG, for someone like you, I would recommend Memphis and the Delta if you have not already been. Suits that amount of money and time. Do note, not talking Beale St. per se. Absolutely no experience like it if you really love American music. Pamper self at the Peabody then head down to Clarksdale, MS. I can hook you up with some cool places and cool people to check out. If you decide you are interested just let me know.
Thanks for the suggestion ARG, but since my wife lived in Memphis (graduate school) for a couple of years, I'd have to do some REAL coaxing to get her back there. She really hates that place! Who knows, maybe I'd enjoy it, but not sure if I'll ever get the chance to find out!
Vancouver, then up to Whistler Mountain for a skiing vacation. It's breathtaking. Vancouver is a beautiful city with plenty to do. Whistler if I remember correctly is less than two hours away. I think you can get a coach up there too if you didn't want to drive. There are plenty of lovely lodges there with pampering. If you don't want to ski then hire a skidoo and take in the scenery that way. You can't beat it.
We are dying to go to Whistler! We'd want to make it a week long trip though in order to get in as much as possible. We want to go during the summer months as well. Truly a magnificent place from what I've been told and read.
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