Travelling - your destination of choice
 

Since I'm currently considering my travel options I thought I'd throw this question out there:

If you could be gifted a two-week holiday anywhere in the world, where is your destination of choice? And, more importantly, why? (I guess that's two questions, but fuck you, I don't care)

Alternatively if you just want to throw recommendations at me for places you think I should go for a couple of weeks, do that to.

And go.

I've always wanted to check out Ireland and see what it's like, maybe get a bit better understanding of my ancestry. Since you're in Europe that's probably more mundane from your perspective, but I think it'd be an interesting trip.

I've been to Dublin, but admittedly that was on a somewhat boozey 4-day piss up/party, so yeah, possibly doesn't count as really seeing Ireland. But it is close, and seeing Ireland properly wouldn't be a bad idea. I can imagine there are some fantastic places full of history to go see.

I've always been interested in reading about medieval history and the crusades, so i'm thinking of heading out to Damascus next year to check out the dead cities and religious monuments. I know, its fucking Syria (terrorism and strict religious codes) but hey, whatever interests you. I just think Damascus doesn't get a lot of tourist rep like other historical cities in Western Europe, so why not try something different?

If I had studied abroad, my two top choices would have been Japan or Greece. Japan for the obvious anime-fan in me, and Greece because... well, I've always loved Greece. I'm a big mythology buff, so that always made me curious about the country itself.

I would love to backpack through Europe though... I almost had the chance, but my best friend decided she was too wrapped up with her boyfriend to take the ALL EXPENSE PAID trip to Ireland her parents were offering as a graduation present to me and her.

... yeah, that was my reaction too.

The worst thing an anime fan can do is go to Japan. Because the Japan they want doesn't exist. I'm sure it's incredibly demoralizing.

Also, Greece is fully of hairy, sweaty Greek people. I don't recommend it.

And the obvious answer here is Dubai. Stay in the nicest hotel on earth, and for the price of a couple grand you can fuck the most beautiful woman you've ever seen and then kill her if you want. And then probably have sex with like, an 11 year old boy while a dog masturbates. All while Poison plays live in your suite.

Because that is the kind of shit that happens in Dubai. It's like Disneyland for sociopaths.

Since I've always been confined to Asia, I would really love to go to Europe and see what it's all about. The famous destinations, like Paris, Rome, Venice, Madrid, Athens, and so on. I'd go to London, but I hear the teens stab people there.

However, this may not work for you Omagnus, since you're already a European. Depends really on your interests. Since you're already going to Florida, why not take in the sites of the continental United States for a fortnight?

I have always wanted to go to Germany, that's where my biological family is from and I'd like to check it out. I got the chance to go to the Philippines once for 2 weeks and I had the best time in my life. I went there for some church mission outreach and we eventually ended up in Dumagete. It is the most beautiful place in the world that I've seen in real life. Get a hotel on the beach and you are set. If you go, you better take me..........j/k =)

I would like to travel to Europe. Mainly northern Europe.

First choice would be South Korea, because ever since I was really young I have always wanted to go there. Second choice is my GF's hometown, which I plan to be at next summer with her.

Actually, anywhere in Asia works for me.

We should go traveling together, tems, I'd love to visit these two countries for the same reasons ^_^

I'm going to throw one out for West Virginia. Chances are you haven't ever been there. It's beautiful country, And also Snowshoe ski resort. That's apparently a special place.

The concept is known as "Paris Syndrome", which applies to the tendency that Japanese people get severely demoralized upon visiting the real Paris, France, after being exposed by their media an image of France that doesn't square with how it actually exists.

I suppose for Western otaku, that would translate as "Tokyo Syndrome".

As for me, I would really like to drive up and down and through the western half of the United States, just looking at and be in awe of the great landscape and geology there.

Florence itself for the city alone is very breathtaking. Also Cologne for its cathedrals as well as other European countries.

I think a lot of people know that I realllllly want to go to Norway -- preferably while Kaizers Orchestra are touring (of course, I would kind of like to see them somewhere that doesn't speak Norwegian or Danish, so they would be talking in English and I'd hear Janove's adorable accent ;)). It probably has something to do with the fact that I don't like hot places, I like the Norwegian language, and I love Norwegian music. I'd like to just go over there and catch as many live concerts as I can, see the fjords (tourist :rolleyes:) and Stave Churches. Maybe see Sweden or Finland while I'm at it...

My second choice is Thailand. It's a gorgeous country with amazing food, and I'm a big fan of asian temples/architecture/art.

Geology ;)... well, I suppose there are some interesting landscapes, especially in Utah.
Strangely enough, the US holds very little appeal for me. I'm mostly interested in New York, Louisiana, Alaska and that new National Monument that's northwest(?) of Hawaii. I totally want to scuba dive off a 100-foot underwater cliff.

Out of all the cities I went to in Italy, Florence was by far my favorite. I would love to go back some day and start in Florence, then go south; last time I went from Rome up north.

I heard Thailand has very cheap hookers, and shemales.

I've always wanted to visit Maine, since I've heard that it's beautiful there. I love the coast. I'd also like to go to Russia, because I love cold places too, plus the country has always fascinated me and I'd like to learn more about it in an active way. Alaska is quite tempting too.

Mosquitoes the size of your fucking fist.

If Omagnus likes to go to the beach and dive into corals n' stuff, he should also consider a trip to the Philippines!

I could got to the Phillippines and visit Vemp, which would undoubtedly be great fun, since Vemp is da man. Sod's law says I would do this at the same time Vemp came to Europe.

One of the big cities in the US I'd quite like to visit is Chicago, and I'd quite like to see Washington D.C. (though people I know who have been there weren't that enthused).

I've really no idea about a singular place I want to go visit as there's just so many places. I think off the top of my head I'd be inclined to say New Zealand, but China or South Korea could be really interesting to hit up I reckon.

And I'd so love to go back to Japan sometime soon. Had a fantastically good holiday out there a couple of years back so would be more than willing to do that again. Hey Temari, how you fixed for summer 2009? :p

That's taken at least half of my curiosity. Dubai sounds intriguing though...

China would be a good place, since it's vast and huge.

I'd stay away from it until AFTER the Olympics though. Prices are sky-high, and visas aren't easy to get.

When OP visits the Philippines, he gets instant rockstar status. Girls, boys, girl-boys will smother him with love and attention, and he'll get to have the best seats in bars, restaurants, and strip clubs.

My brother got lucky. A few weeks ago he, along with a few co-workers, were sent to New Jersey for two weeks of training. During that period, he was able to roam around NJ, NY, and Washington. He told me it was pretty cool, since they have rabbits and squirrels a plenty. We got chicken and dogs.

I guess traveling is really fun, but being in a shithole country, a visa is a bit hard to get a hold of. Perhaps I will resort to visiting local tourists spots instead.

I have 3 choices:

1) A tour of all 50 States. I've always lived in California. I'd like to see the rest of America.
2) Peru. Always wanted to see Macchu Picchu.
3) Anyplace in Japan that's NOT in Tokyo (Never been anywhere west of Tokyo to be honest). And my obligatory quest to the top of Mt. Fuji.

Peru. Go to Peru. Peru is fucking -amazing-.

It is definitely one of the places I have the strongest desire to go to. I guess #1/3 are the more feasible trips, or the ones I think I'll eventually do.

OP, Washington, D.C. is not that pretty to fly over, Zeph and I had a layover there and I was expecting more. I'm sure it'd be cool for the tourist part of it on the ground but it wouldn't be all that amazing to see the landscape. Another place I would love to go is Australia, probably Sydney. I love the accent and it would be amazing to see.

DC is cool for all the free museums, but for a major city it kind of sucks. There are no skyscrapers, so you don't get that "big city" feel of being a tiny speck dwarfed by monstrous buildings. Also, there's not a whole lot of quirky, unique shops like you'd find in Philadelphia or New York (I could be leaving out Georgetown, but that's not accessible by the subway, so I've never been. 7 years living here, 1 1/2 working downtown, and I've never once driven my car into the city). The problem with DC is that it's mostly government, museums, and offices, and most everyone lives in Maryland or Virginia.

As for my own travel aspirations, I've never been further west than St. Louis/Minneapolis, although the west coast has never really called to me. I enjoy driving to places within a day or 2 of home, as opposed to flying somewhere. I'd like to go back to Canada at some point, and one of these days I'd like to make it to the UK.

What were in retrospect the best years of my life were spent in and around Chicago, and in spite of personal complications which preclude me from visiting the city, spending a fortnight there would be wonderful. Looking at pictures of the place makes me realise just how photogenic it is, too.

I guess when things start to settle down a bit there are quite a few places I would love to visit once I have the funds and the free time to do so. There are mainly four places in particular I would love to visit in some time in my life. Those are:

1.) Anywhere in Japan except Tokyo. Despite I am an anime/JRPG fan it is just a country that always intrigued me especially its history. More than anything else I would love to visit a lot of the shrines and historical monumnets that decorate the entire country. I would love to see the rual side of Japan moreso than the urban side.

2.) Ireland. Half of my family are of irish descent and it is just one country I would like to experience. It just comes across as a type of place that you can just sit back and take in the experiences that this place has to offer.

3.) Egypt. This is more so on Chibi Neko's part than mine actually. Since she loves a lot of things about ancient egyptian culture. It also fascinates me as well. A society as great and historic as the ancient egyptians deserves to be observed in its purest form.

4.) Brazil. As dangerous as this country is. There are a lot of things I would love to see in this country. I would like to see the amazon rain forest first hand. I've always been a big fan of capoiera fighting as well, and it would be nice to see some of that fighting in its country of origin.

I've never been to alaska, so I can't really comment, but if you want to avoid the flies in a certain place, don't come to Labrador the dust clouds of black flies are enough to eat you alive.

Well, I heard Brazil has hot women. Oh yeah, that's worth going there. I'd go to Alaska because of Kriz. heh. Also, I would like to go to Russia. They have a different kind of crazy up there. Damn Russians.

if I could go anywhere without any limitations of money and for 2 weeks?! I would go to Dubai, Greece, Italy, Hawaii, and Thailand! I pick these five because they have some of the hottest beaches in the world. Oh and I always wanted to to go to India, change of scenery, explore some unknown culture, and Indian food is awesome

Oh man I don't think I could limit a chance at a FREE 2 week vacation to just one place. I have a couple of choices:

1. Italy. I am mostly Italian and my grandmother has always said that she would like to go to Italy so I think I would take her. I think she's also told me that we might actually have relatives over there, so that would really help out with learning about the culture and getting used to things.

2. Ireland. I am also part Irish and so that is the main reason why I would visit Ireland. Plus I've heard from more than a few people that have been there say that the countryside is just the most beautiful thing you can imagine. Since I live on the north coast of California, literally right in between the ocean and the giant redwoods, the outdoors are extremely special and very 'at home' to me.

3. Amsterdam. Holland in general, really. being a stoner, it's talked about as some sort of Shangri-La amongst us, so there's that part of it for me. Plus I've heard that it's just a really great time for anyone who likes to have a little fun, so I'd definitely like to check it out smoeday.

Italy =) I think I'd love just the atmosphere of everything. Minus the costs of course though ;) I would have said Japan earlier this year, but I just went there recently for vacation and I really liked it.

Florence, Italy. The art capital of the Renaissance world. Donatello's pad. I'm going to be there Fall Semester and I couldn't be more excited. Plus, you are a quick train ride from Pisa, Tuscany-region, Rome, and Milan.

Chicago is a must. If you can get there soon enough go see da Cubs while they kick ass.

My brother just got a new job as the BBC's Shanghai correspondent (As opposed to Tokyo correspondent as he is now) starting after the Olympics so as it's my 30th birthday next year, my family and girlfriend are going to pay for us to go and see him, probably in September 2009. The plan is to spend a couple of weeks with him in southern China or Thailand, depending on where he is (BBC correspondents seem to spend 75% of their time on holiday) and then head to Australia for a couple of weeks. I've got a mate who lives in Brisbane but we'll probably go to Sydney. Might need someone to show us around...

Edit: I was totally going to change my avatar to a Rorschach one today.

because I have familly there, I love Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood and NY city. The latter one is especially awesome for its nightlife and, at least south of central park, for its openmindedness towards gay people. Manhattan is probably one of the only place in the US where my boyfriend isn't afraid to hold my hand in public

I have no idea why you'd feel this way.

So long as you're not in Bible Country, you should be fine holding your boyfriend's hand in public most anywhere else.

At least in New England, we're super open about that shit. I'm pretty sure the majority of the northeast is cool with it.

my boyfriend has lived in NYC most of his life. According to him, the surrounding borough, where working class people live, are a little less tolerant than downtown. I don't know to what point, but i trust him judgement

Maybe his boyfriend is only 12 years old?

he's 44, thanks you very much

So you're 12?

In New York City. Riiiiiiight.

Twelve sounds about right, guys.

Hmmm I think I could end up somewhere in Europe, probibly Russia... Im not sure if that is classified as Asia or Europe but none the less.. I would go to Russia!

www.pervertedjustice.com

Do you recognize your boyfriend on there?

Well, seeing as I'll probably be in France in another year or so I'll probably take the opportunity there to try and visit as many spots in Europe as I can. I hope I'll be able to find the time to take the train to see not only a bit of France, but Spain, Germany, and Italy if possible. I also wouldn't mind going to England if feasible.

Besides Europe, I would love to go to Brazil someday, or perhaps China or Japan. Russia wouldn't be bad either. There are too many places I want to go to, and the thing is, I feel compelled to live in these places more than just visit them. I don't know if I would be satisfied with just dipping my foot in each pool. It's a pipe dream, I know.

hmmm Why not try Philippines?? You into beaches? I'd recommend Boracay, Dakak or Palawan. Very cheap here.....well thats what most foreigners say. I've traveled a bit...Been to Japan, Hong Kong, US (Philadelphia, New York and California...just once), Singapore and Thailand.

If you can't take humidity...I don't suggest Singapore. One thing I liked about Singapore is the museums and the theater (I missed eminence T-T AND Play!). Ooo...the electronics too are nice.

Thailand is pretty much the same as the Philippines, just cleaner.
Hong Kong......shopping... I think me and bros got our PS1 when we went there.

Japan - well Japan has all the mangas and a lot of games. You can get some really nice artbooks or mangas just by going in a bookstore or a geo.
Second hand shops were my staple shopping areas. Got mangas cheap :D I bought the first half of the Shaman King series for 100-150 yen each (thats about a dollar each I think). I also made sure I stopped by some gamer land marks hehe.

Places I want to go?? I usually say this line, "Any country with a name that ends with 'land'." Russia too would be nice or any part of the former USSR. I was supposed to study in Latvia instead of Japan but my they found a slot for me. I wanted to see Russia because I don't know a thing about the place....except Moscow......thats it. I'd probably die of cold there lols. I felt like hibernating when I experienced my first spring and winter. I really like to visit Japan again too. (impossible at the moment....gas price inflation is killing us really)

Ireland!
NY for second choice.

Why? Cause I'd love to see the world outside of america and the irish love
american girls so I hear. Rain aside, it's supposed to be gorgeous. Too bad american's can't work in Europe {unless you're transfered or something is what I've always been told} cause I have a feeling it's where my heart truly lies, or least where I'm supposed to be for awhile. I've had so much happen in my life that I just want to go someplace new where I can break out ya know. Considering I'm not usually such a forward person. I don't like it that much. Not by myself anyway.

The Irish also love reality checks

If I were to visit Japan, I'd see tourist spots and appreciate local beauty, not go buying Jap-only games and game/anime merchandise. Actin' like a normal person.

I'd also like to go to the Philippines, but since the country is in turmoil since forever (and kidnappings abound holla) and prices got up since I last checked the place (it's still cheaper there), I might hold off a little. Probably visit Palawan for some natural flora and fauna as well as the provinces.

Honestly, I'd want to go see Russia to see what's all the fuss about. I've been hearing good things and been wanting to go.

Lots of great ideas floating about. Italy is one of the places in Europe I still need to visit, and whilst I have been to Spain a couple of times it was mostly work related and so it'd be nice to see Spain properly too.

Term: when you say 'acting like a normal person' are you referring to "I'd see tourist spots and appreciate local beauty"? The latter part, sure, but there's a reason tourist spots are called tourist spots. :p

On the Japan theme, Angel of Light I find your "Anywhere in Japan except Tokyo" odd as an option. I can understand wanting to see other parts of Japan besides Tokyo as there's a lot of beautiful places to see (and that's just saying from the small handful of them I got to see), but to avoid Tokyo seems a little churlish. You don't have to spend a whole holiday in Tokyo but I'd heartily recommend spending some time there as it's a huge, diverse, fantastic, chaotic and beautiful place, certainly in various parts. Certainly if you want to see elements of the country's history, there's a lot to be seen in Tokyo itself.

Unless, of course, like Shorty you've been to Tokyo already and that's why.

I really would love to go back to Japan sometime in the next couple of years, try and see stuff north of Tokyo (since we mostly went west and south last time).

Didn't you just say in your welcome thread that you have a girlfriend? Is this just some schnitzel on the side?

I don't think that a girl like that exists here - At least I haven't met her yet!

A couple of people have said Russia, and I'd like to go there too. I'm going to become a follower of the Siberian Jesus. Have you guys heard of the Siberian Jesus? Jesus is back, and he lives in Siberia.

He started a commune there and lives up a mountain. This is all real.

Anyone can join, all you have to do is sell your house and all your belongings and then give the money and the rest of your life savings to the commune. In return they'll build you some sort of house. You can live out the rest of your days there, doing manual labour for 14 hours a day, safe in the knowledge you are closer to Jesus.

If you're still not convinced: the worlds going to end soon, and only the people who live in the commune are going to be saved.

So okay, it's not so much 'travelling somewhere for 2 weeks' as 'uprooting and changing your entire life', but I'm just trying to save some souls here.

I would love to go to Ireland. It always seems like an incredibly beautiful place to me.

If you go to Italy, you cannot miss:

Cinque Terre National Park: 5 villages along the Italian Riviera.

Florence: Renaissance....

Amalfi Coast: Beautiful white building along the Tyrrenian Sea.

Venice and Rome.

Milan kinda sucks. I didn't much like it.


If you are interested in pictures, I've spent the last 2.5 months backpacking through Europe, and logged my photos on flickr.

http://flickr.com/photos/bmwesting/c...7606453518414/