Biggest destination disappointment

[W2R]

Rome was a major dissapointment.
I am in Florida right now in Feb. Three weeks and leaving to go back home in NJ.
I cannot see the fascination that some people have to come down here. I went to 4 different areas of the state where 4 couples (freind/aquaintances) are staying till April. They are not doing anything different down here than they do up North. I saw the Villages also . Not Impressed!

Except for not shoveling snow!

I don't live in "snow country", but can't you just hire someone to do that for you? I wouldn't think that would break the bank. Besides, there is a lot more to comparing cost of living, than that. It might actually be more expensive to live in the north, but I would look at a more thorough comparison of costs before assuming that is the case.

 

[Moemg]

Except for not shoveling snow!

Plus they are usually walking the beach , eating at outside cafes , playing golf or tennis ,fishing , or just sitting outside instead of spending four months in constant gray weather . I've lived in Florida for fourteen years and there are some things I do not like but being able to go outside year round without massive layers of clothes is not one of them .

 

[Bestwifeever]

Moe, how long did it take you to stop hunching your shoulders up to your ears when you go outside, as my daughter and I were just laughing about doing from October through April here in Illinois? Brrrrr.

 

[Rich_by_the_Bay]

Plus they are usually walking the beach , eating at outside cafes , playing golf or tennis ,fishing , or just sitting outside instead of spending four months in constant gray weather . I've lived in Florida for fourteen years and there are some things I do not like but being able to go outside year round without massive layers of clothes is not one of them .

I agree with you, Moe. After spending forever up north, we moved to the hot weather about 10 years ago. Living outdoors trumped the negative factors. Only the kids could draw us away, and probably only part of the year at that.

I loved Wisconsin for 21 years and still do. But my priorities have changed for good.

 

[Moemg]

Moe, how long did it take you to stop hunching your shoulders up to your ears when you go outside, as my daughter and I were just laughing about doing from October through April here in Illinois? Brrrrr.

It took me awhile to acclimate and every once in awhile I would say I missed living up North and one of my co-workers would make that sound your car makes when starting in brutal cold weather and that would bring me down to earth . I still visit the North and there are many things I love about it but January to March is not one of them . It's not just the snow . It's the constant grayness and lack of color for months and the cooped in feeling .

 

[jimnjana]

My biggest destination disappointment were the pubs in Ireland. Totally corporate feel for me. The brewpubs that we found in Dublin were really what I thought the pubs would be like.
The pubs had essentially the same setup behind the bar, no matter where you went, same beer, same liquor, same setup and organization. Sure the people were fun etc, but just wasn't what I was expecting. The brewpubs though were a wee bit of heaven!

 

[Purron]

Wow...if Rome was a major disappointment then we must have had different experiences there. So much to do, so much to see, different tastes/language/culture. I had a blast there, Venice and Florence! Sorry you must not have...darn.

Glad to hear this. Hope Rome is not on my disappointment list. DH and I are going to Rome for the first time in a couple of months. I hope I'll like it. We're not much into frantic touring and shopping. We prefer hanging out and soaking in the feel of a place.

 

[freebird5825]

...but January to March is not one of them . It's not just the snow . It's the constant grayness and lack of color for months and the cooped in feeling .

Really? I never noticed that.

Just call me at 1-800-CBN-FEVR

 

[Westernskies]

Echoing what several others have posted here...
Biggest destination disappointments:
1. Stonehenge (the motorway 100 yards away kills the whole mysticism thing, IMO- it just looks like big rocks in a field alongside the road with lots of traffic whizzing by)
2. Las Vegas (is there anywhere else on earth with a higher concentration of chain smokers?) I have to do a couple of trade shows a year there, dread flying in and cannot wait to get out of the place....

 

[Orchidflower]

It took me awhile to acclimate and every once in awhile I would say I missed living up North and one of my co-workers would make that sound your car makes when starting in brutal cold weather and that would bring me down to earth . I still visit the North and there are many things I love about it but January to March is not one of them . It's not just the snow . It's the constant grayness and lack of color for months and the cooped in feeling .

Don't forget the annual Winter colds, sniffles and other assorted ailments you get during that time up North, too. Cough, cough...21 days or 3 weeks whichever one you pick is how long it usually lasts.

 

[W2R]

Don't forget the annual Winter colds, sniffles and other assorted ailments you get during that time up North, too. Cough, cough...21 days or 3 weeks whichever one you pick is how long it usually lasts.

I have had one for at least that long, here. In fact, it was on the news last night that all the doctors around here are swamped with a long lasting winter cold lately.

 

[Midpack]

I am in Florida right now in Feb. Three weeks and leaving to go back home in NJ.
I cannot see the fascination that some people have to come down here. I went to 4 different areas of the state where 4 couples (freind/aquaintances) are staying till April. They are not doing anything different down here than they do up North. I saw the Villages also . Not Impressed!

We're in the minority but you're not alone. I lived in Lakeland, FL for 3 years and spent a lot of time in Orlando, Tampa, Clearwater, etc. When I got transferred there I thought it would be wonderful. I have lived in WA, RI, CA, TX, FL, OH, IN & NJ and visited all over the US and several foreign countries, and FL was the least desirable place I have ever lived period (despite living in the nicest house we ever owned). But again, I realize that's not how most people feel, even some close friends of mine. YMMV

 

[Goonie]

.....I am in Florida right now in Feb. Three weeks and leaving to go back home in NJ.
I cannot see the fascination that some people have to come down here. I went to 4 different areas of the state where 4 couples (freind/aquaintances) are staying till April. They are not doing anything different down here than they do up North......

Except for not shoveling snow!

Walt Beat me to the draw! That was my first thought!

I don't live in "snow country", but can't you just hire someone to do that for you? I wouldn't think that would break the bank.....

It's really not an issue of cost. Sometimes it may be availability after a good sized snow fall....but they'll get around to ya eventually!

Besides the snow removal, there are countless other issues that us polar bears have to deal with throughout the winter....once the snow and/or ice are rmoved from our sidewalks and driveways, we have to clear the same off of our vehicles (if left outdoors...like mine are). Then there's contending with the ice, slush, slop, and snow on the streets and roads...as well as the other people who are doing the same (many of them have NO idea how to drive in the aftermath of a snowstorm!). Once you (hopefully) reach your destination, you have to get out of your vehicle and trudge through the ice, slush, slop, and snow in parking lots and on sidewalks that haven't been cleaned up yet. And after all of that....you get to play it in reverse getting back home! It's too much fun for one person to enjoy alone, so that's why there are so many of us living 'up north'.....a.k.a. misery loves company!

Plus they are usually walking the beach , eating at outside cafes , playing golf or tennis ,fishing , or just sitting outside instead of spending four months in constant gray weather . I've lived in Florida for fourteen years and there are some things I do not like but being able to go outside year round without massive layers of clothes is not one of them .

Ding, Ding Ding!!! Mo picked the winning number!!! Those are the reasons we come down to FL every February....it's an escape!!! We've escaped the gray days with the cabin walls closing in on us, and found warmer weather and sunshine! Layering my clothes down here has consisted of (at most) throwing a denim shirt on over my t-shirt or polo, and I found my pair of jeans in the bottom of my suitcase this morning while I was looking for something else. I'll probably have to put them on next Saturday when we're up north in Georgia!

Would I want to move down here permanently? No way! Summers would kill me, 'cause I don't like heat and humidity. Woiuld I consider spending the entire Winter here? Oh, yeah! I could easily adjust to that kind of thing! I have several friends and neighbors that do just exactly that! My one eighbor across the street comes down to FL just before Thanksgiving, and returns home up north right around 'tax day' April 15th. For me, the first week of December through mid to late March would be fine and dandy, 'cause I love Spring, SUmmer, and Fall at the old homestead in IL!!!

 

[Gworker]

Glad to hear this. Hope Rome is not on my disappointment list.....

I had a blast in Rome several years ago. I went for work with a coworker who was a good friend of mine. We had a good time. We also had some locals who showed us around and took us to some non tourist areas, I really like it there and plan on going back. Hopefully in the next few years.

One of our disappointments was the Virgin Islands. The beach and water were great but we didn't like the area. It just goes to show you everyone is different and likes different things. I know a bunch of people that just love the Virgin Islands.

 

[Danmar]

After reading these posts it's pretty clear the problem is with our expectations rather than the destinations. As we get older we seem to get jaded and cynical. Too bad. I think a large part of the enjoyment of travel is just to "be somewhere different".

 

[Amethyst]

We absolutely loved our four days in Rome, because we love art and are fascinated by antiquity. If those are not your "things," then I guess Rome would seem like any other crowded, overpriced city.

Amethyst

 

[travelover]

...............
One of our disappointments was the Virgin Islands. The beach and water were great but we didn't like the area. It just goes to show you everyone is different and likes different things. I know a bunch of people that just love the Virgin Islands.

I was on the VI with Earthwatch moving leatherneck sea turtle eggs. On an early morning walk, one of my fellow travelers was robbed at knife point while on the street. We went to the local police station and were stunned when he was asked, Did they take your money or did you give them your money?

 

[freebird5825]

After reading these posts it's pretty clear the problem is with our expectations rather than the destinations. As we get older we seem to get jaded and cynical. Too bad. I think a large part of the enjoyment of travel is just to "be somewhere different".

I'm with you on that one.
I've done a fair amount of domestic and foreign traveling in my 51 years, and have found that as long as I am wearing a smile and have an inquisitive attitude about local customs and food/drink, the locals are open to interacting. I always enjoy the learning experience.
For instance, while in Copehagen, we stopped to rest our feet at a small bar. We were hungry and asked for a menu. I was invited to try the smoked eel. I made a face at the idea, but agreed. The bartender and a few patrons such a kick out of that small gesture on my part to take a chance and play along with the "joke".
The smoked eel was wonderful BTW.

 

[MasterBlaster]

getting this picture was very unpleasant - Pamplona Spain.

 

[audreyh1]

Yes, it's all about expectations. Having few helps!

1. Know what you like, and avoid what you don't!
2. Keep an open mind.
3. It takes very little effort to get off the beaten path if that is what you like.

Audrey

 

[Gone4Good]

I think a large part of the enjoyment of travel is just to "be somewhere different".

I'm always surprised by the folks who go somewhere and then spend all of their time complaining about how things are different from what they're used to. If they want everything to be the same as home why ever leave?

 

[M Paquette]

I'm always surprised by the folks who go somewhere and then spend all of their time complaining about how things are different from what they're used to. If they want everything to be the same as home why ever leave?

Oh, yeah. DW and I were on a trip to Austria and Switzerland in 2008, and ran into a great case of this. Austria, and Vienna in particular has a huge cafe culture. There are easily a dozen different coffee variations, from melange (sort of like a cappucino, but appropriate any time of day, yummy!), to a schwarzer or großer brauner. Asking for coffee at any place that doesn't regularly deal with American or English tourists will get you a blank look.

We were in a highway rest stop (which happen to be pretty nice self-serve restaurants in Austria), when the fellow in front of us in line picked up a glass mug for a specialty drink, handed it to the young Austrian server behind the counter, and in English said "I want a coffee." She tried to ask if he wanted the specialty coffee, an Einspanner, that they were serving in that glass. The fellow was obviously frustrated, and said "I just want a damn cup of coffee." The poor server wasn't sure what to do. Being my usual buttinsky self, I broke in and explained to the fellow that if he wanted an American-style coffee, he should ask for a filterkaffee, and that the mug was for a specialty drink.

He got his coffee and wandered off muttering about foreigners, and I got a free melange.

One of the best things about traveling are the differences from home, and finding out how things are done elsewhere in the world. (After that trip, I now serve after-dinner coffees to guests with a small chocolate or cookie on the saucer. My European mother-in-law seems to like this.)

 

[Bestwifeever]

Several years ago our visiting European relatives had quite the conniption fit about not being able to order ein bier--in McDonalds.

 

[ksr]

(After that trip, I now serve after-dinner coffees to guests with a small chocolate or cookie on the saucer. My European mother-in-law seems to like this.)

Well who wouldn't like that? What a great way to end a meal!

 

[FIREd]

He got his coffee and wandered off muttering about foreigners.

LOL! He must have been mad at himself, since HE was the foreigner...