Anyone got any travel planned?

[Sunset]

I just made the final payment yesterday for a trip to India and Nepal with Overseas Adventure Travel in March. I've been to India on business a few times and am REALLY looking forward to going back. My Aunt is also taking the tour. It should be fun!

I was reading Delhi is having super bad pollution in the air, so if you are going there, or other large cities you might want to take an N95 rated mask just in case.
https://www.amazon.com/3M-500511314...=UTF8&qid=1510377152&sr=8-8&keywords=n95+mask

 

[Meadbh]

I was reading Delhi is having super bad pollution in the air, so if you are going there, or other large cities you might want to take an N95 rated mask just in case.
https://www.amazon.com/3M-500511314...=UTF8&qid=1510377152&sr=8-8&keywords=n95+mask

Not a bad idea, but be aware of two things:
1. An N95 mask needs to be properly selected to fit your face. If it is not completely sealed, it’s not going to work.
2. These are single use disposable devices. At a minimum, you will need two or three for every day you spend in a polluted area.

https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/...ies/PersonalProtectiveEquipment/ucm055977.htm

 

[explanade]

I was reading Delhi is having super bad pollution in the air, so if you are going there, or other large cities you might want to take an N95 rated mask just in case.
https://www.amazon.com/3M-500511314...=UTF8&qid=1510377152&sr=8-8&keywords=n95+mask

I guess I have a bias against developing countries because the pollution would definitely make me avoid visiting.

I remember hearing about people trying to photograph the Taj Mahal and for whatever reason, they were there before sunrise, wading around some wet areas. When the sun came up, they realized they were in some muddy swamp which was full of fecal waste -- you'd think they'd have known by the smell.


My experience with developing countries was a visit earlier this year to Vietnam, which has some beautiful sites but the pollution is pretty bad, both the air and most bodies of water. But it sounds like there are places in India and China which are that much worse.

 

[kcowan]

Packing for our annual relocation to Puerto Vallarta on Thursday. Finalizing the rental of our northern place on Monday.

I guess I have a bias against developing countries because the pollution would definitely make me avoid visiting.

We were at The Grand Canyon one April and had to ask the guard why the large pictures did not have several of the things we could see in the distance. He said that it was exceptionally clear and the normal smog from Los Angeles had been blown away! The pictures were there because you could not normally see what was in the pictures.

I suppose we should all thank California for pollution controls.

Once I was on business and arrived in Manila on a holiday Monday. I was amazed at how clear the skies were. By Tuesday, the smog was back.

 

[Lagniappe]

I went to Lisbon in October. Lots of hilly, terraced streets (makes walking around San Francisco seem easy), friendly people, beautiful city. Enjoyed many great restaurants, and loved the Vinho Verde!

 

[Scuba]

As a general rule, I do 1-2 "away" vacations each year of 1 week each (I'm still working FT).

I've already done Vegas (spring) and Aruba this year, but I'm seriously considering going and doing a liveaboard dive trip over Christmas later this year (probably in the Bahamas). I didn't budget for it, and it would be nice to stick around to spend the holidays with my parents since I don't think my siblings will be here for them this year, but every time I think about it I keep coming back to "I'd like to go"...

If you're thinking about the AquaCat trip, go! We did it a number of years ago and it was great!

 

[exnavynuke]

If you're thinking about the AquaCat trip, go! We did it a number of years ago and it was great!

I ended up booking with Blackbeard's. Same company, but their "budget" boat. I'm really looking forward to it

 

[audreyh1]

Week over New Year's in Destin FL. Rented a house with pool for a family get together.

 

[brett]

Looks like our winter trip to Singapore/Thailand, the Philippines is a go. Good job because I booked a great air fares a few months ago. We just booked a last minute AI to Puerto Vallarta and an Xmas AI with daughter and family to Mayan Riviera. Went from having nothing solid a few months ago to a full dance card as it were.

 

[brett]

I like to travel. It came home to me again yesterday when we finalized three upcoming trips. Two short AI's and a winter trip.

Now I am starting to think about next Sept/Oct and come up with a short list. DW will find out when the guide books show up from the library. She always suspects because she just knows.

 

[Scuba]

I ended up booking with Blackbeard's. Same company, but their "budget" boat. I'm really looking forward to it

Have fun! We really enjoyed it.

 

[brett]

Just booked a mid May -10 day escorted trip to China on a whim. It was an incredible price so we booked. Non refundable so we are going!

The last time we were in China was 1984. I expect to see some changes.

 

[DrRoy]

For the very low price trips to China, you should expect to have to do some mandatory shopping excursions.

 

[brett]

Maybe have to break our usual custom of carry on only.....at least on the return trip!

Then again.....we could just go over to Walmart and shop!

 

[friar1610]

Leave next week for a week in Ireland. 3 nights in Belfast, NI for the "Friendship Four" hockey tournament and 3 additional nights in Dublin. 6th trip to Ireland (the island), 2nd trip to Belfast/the North, 5th trip to the Republic, 3rd time in Dublin.

 

[mpeirce]

Heading to Malawi for two weeks at the beginning of December. Hopefully a chance to load up on sun and warmth before the winter.

Can I ask where? Up along Lake Malawi? Or maybe down south near Blantyre and Zomba?

 

[Winemaker]

Week over New Year's in Destin FL. Rented a house with pool for a family get together.

DW and I love Destin, we've been there several times. Our trip in early Nov. 2016, there was only 8 cars in the condo's parking lot. We had the place to ourselves. When we arrived, we actually thought that an evacuation order had been issued for the Florida panhandle.

Service at the restaurants was impeccable, as there was no one there.

 

[Montecfo]

Heading to NYC Saturday

This must be the best time of year to go: BEFORE Thanksgiving.

We arrive Saturday leave Thursday. Hotels are really cheap (well, by NYC standards).

Should be fun.

 

[ABQ2015]

Just made my hotel reservation for Grand Canyon South Rim next April. I went several years ago with DB and SIL in mid May and tent camped. The park (rim) was already crowded by then and camping, while sort of fun, was not really my thing. So wanted to go back a little earlier in the year or in the fall and stay at El Tovar. Checked availability a few months ago but El Tovar was scheduled for renovation most of 2018. Checked again today and they have delayed renovation until May and there are now some April openings.

 

[Bamaman]

Just booked 4 night Bahamas cruise for $319 each for balcony room week before Christmas. 6 year old granddaughter will love it. I

It fits in perfectly with school holidays.

 

[wompo]

Heading to Australia for three weeks starting last week of January. Will be driving from Sydney to Cairns then fly back to Sydney.

 

[fidler4]

I just booked a trip to Sarasota Florida for a few days next month to watch my DD play in a soccer showcase. I am looking at AirBnB for places to stay but I am not sure what the neighborhoods are like. Are there any areas of Sarasota I need to avoid? I read one listing that sounded good but the owner cautioned about walking off the beaten path at night. The games are actually in Lakewood Ranch but the team is staying at a hotel in Sarasota so I figured I would stay there. I also plan on renting a road bike from a local bike shop and getting some rides in while I am there. Thanks.

 

[Moemg]

The traffic in Sarasota is horrendous so I would be very careful riding a bike there except on dedicated bike paths .

 

[Sunset]

I just booked a trip to Sarasota Florida for a few days next month to watch my DD play in a soccer showcase. I am looking at AirBnB for places to stay but I am not sure what the neighborhoods are like. Are there any areas of Sarasota I need to avoid? I read one listing that sounded good but the owner cautioned about walking off the beaten path at night. The games are actually in Lakewood Ranch but the team is staying at a hotel in Sarasota so I figured I would stay there. I also plan on renting a road bike from a local bike shop and getting some rides in while I am there. Thanks.

Maybe the owner thought you had not been in FL before, so was letting you know about the dangers of walking on trails.

Like Alligators, rattlesnakes, armadillos (carry bad disease).
If it was Tampa, there is a possible serial killer in 1 section at night. (it is in the news).

 

[brett]

This time tomorrow I will be have watched the sunset on a beach in Puerto Vallarta and perhaps reaching for another G&T. Cannot come soon enough.

We love these last minute specials.