Vacation.

[Tim]

The thread about Italy made me decide to finally post something I've been wanting to post for a few weeks. It's time for me to start thinking about Christmas vacation plans. I've thought about going to Italy, since I haven't been there. [Side note: I've been all over Western Europe, but never to Italy. I hate swarms of American tourists, so I've shied away from Italy.] What I'm really looking for is some peace and quiet. I don't care about doing touristy things. When I go on vacation I want to spend 10% of my time "doing stuff" and the other 90% relaxing. That means sitting on a bench and reading a book, or lying on a beach somewhere, or walking around and checking out shop windows. That's how I relax.

So I wanted to ask you guys if you knew of any places I should think about checking out this December. Here are my qualifications:

- Any continent is fine.
- Small town or secluded beach area.
- Not a "tourist" area.
- Rental houses or local hotels are fine.

I've thought about maybe going to Portugal or southern Italy, or maybe to Chile, but I want to get more ideas.

[falafel]

I've thought about maybe going to Portugal or southern Italy, or maybe to Chile, but I want to get more ideas.

I don't have any suggestions. I'm just jealous of you.

[Non Sequitur]

If you're looking for peace and quiet, I vote for Panguitch. I just say that because this weekend I'm attending a family reunion in Torrey. Just one step up from Paguitch.

If you want somewhere to go in December, make it Australia. Coolest country on the planet. Beautiful country and nicest people I've ever met in my life.

[RockyBalboa]

Do a Austrailia/New Zealand hybrid trip.

[Fiyero]

Besides Japan have you been to Asia or Indonesia? Take advantage of your location and do a multi-stop cruise to those areas.

[Tim]

Yeah, I've been to Singapore, Malaysia, and India. I'm planning on doing a lot of small weekend/holiday trips around Asia while I'm here. For Christmas I want to find a place to just relax in a quiet place.

[Fiyero]

Bora Bora.

[SteelBlue]

Bruges, Belgium. One of Europe's best kept secrets.

[falafel]

If you're looking for peace and quiet, I vote for Panguitch. I just say that because this weekend I'm attending a family reunion in Torrey. Just one step up from Paguitch.

I was in Torrey about 6 months ago (October 1, I believe). Not much going on there, but my drive between Torrey and Panguitch along Route 12 in early fall, just as the leaves were changing, was awesome. I stopped every 20 minutes or so because each new turn was more beautiful than the next. I remember thinking that Panguitch looked like a cool little town as I drove through.

[pellegrino]

I'm going to do something I've never done before and suggest that you not go to Italy during Christmas.

OK, I just need to let that settle for a bit. Deep breaths, in and out, . . . breath.

Alright, the reason you shouldn't go to Italy (you have no idea how hard it is to say that) is not because you couldn't have a good time there during that time of year, but because the weather wouldn't likely cooperate with you in your quest to relax. There would be no sitting on park benches, no beaches, no warmth, even in Southern Italy. As agreeable as Italy's climate is, it's still cold during the winter. In many ways it's very similar to NC's climate without those random tshirt and shorts days, not bitter cold, but still cold, and fairly rainy.

I'd go to Australia if I were you. Your jet lag would be minimal to nothing and you could see some really cool beaches, perhaps go scuba diving on the great barrier reef.

When you're ready to go to Italy let me know and I'll be happy to answer any questions and give any suggestions.

[Drunk Tank]

I really dont have anything to add, except your idea of vacation is exactly the same as mine. It drives my wife crazy. She wants to pack as many things into a few days as she can. I hate it. I think its cool to see the sights, but to me that is not relaxing. I dont want to have to take a vaction to recover from my vacation.

[FN Phat]

Tim, you are awesome. My vacations always incorporate visiting family. I have been married for a little over 5 years and the only vacation that we have had that wasn't to visit family, was our honeymoon. I owe it to my wife to do something nice.

It won't be able to be this year, most likely next. But thank you Tim, you have inspired me.

[Jeff Lebowski]

If you're looking for peace and quiet, I vote for Panguitch. I just say that because this weekend I'm attending a family reunion in Torrey. Just one step up from Paguitch.

If you want somewhere to go in December, make it Australia. Coolest country on the planet. Beautiful country and nicest people I've ever met in my life.

I would second the vote for Australia. Get a condo in Port Douglas. Small town with a lovely beach. You can play in the Daintree National Park on one side (rain forest) and do day trips out to the Great Barrier Reef to snorkel on the other. Nice, friendly people.

And Torrey >> Panguitch.

[Indy Coug]

The thread about Italy made me decide to finally post something I've been wanting to post for a few weeks. It's time for me to start thinking about Christmas vacation plans. I've thought about going to Italy, since I haven't been there. [Side note: I've been all over Western Europe, but never to Italy. I hate swarms of American tourists, so I've shied away from Italy.] What I'm really looking for is some peace and quiet. I don't care about doing touristy things. When I go on vacation I want to spend 10% of my time "doing stuff" and the other 90% relaxing. That means sitting on a bench and reading a book, or lying on a beach somewhere, or walking around and checking out shop windows. That's how I relax.

So I wanted to ask you guys if you knew of any places I should think about checking out this December. Here are my qualifications:

- Any continent is fine.
- Small town or secluded beach area.
- Not a "tourist" area.
- Rental houses or local hotels are fine.

I've thought about maybe going to Portugal or southern Italy, or maybe to Chile, but I want to get more ideas.

Your style of vacationing seems best suited to a South Pacific type of retreat. Lucky.

[Surfah]

Your style of vacationing seems best suited to a South Pacific type of retreat. Lucky.

I was thinking Thailand or New Zealand.

What about Dubai?