To us, it's equally important to choose a style of vacation along with the destination. It's also important to determine if you want a destination where English is the primary language or if you are fine with another language being predominant. There are "go to 1 place, take day trips, and lounge around" vacations. Then there are "go, move frequently, see the sights in a region" vacation. We tend to do the latter. My favorite to date has been Egypt, flying into Cairo and joining an organized tour of the region. My next favorite region has been Prague, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Awesome architecture and history in both! I've been fortunate to have spent alot of time in England, Scotland,Wales, France, Switzerland, Germany. To me, Wales is just more of England and Scotland. I'd take Scotland over Wales anyday...particularly because the golf is better in Scotland. My cousin's son will be moving from England to Bali in 2 wks. Bali and Indonesia are our next long distance destination. We're planning that to be a "stay in basically 1-2 locations, do day trips and lounge type of vacation". Good luck on your decision.

Mmm... nice: "Sitting in the room after having room service deliver my dinner and looking at a beautiful sunset is my way of relaxing." Maybe a little far, but I will have to look at that option! Joanie: I'm in Northern Virginia. How far to go? I would go as far as the West Coast, but don't want to go overseas (because of the extra travel time --would rather that time be spent at the location). Camlan: Have no problem spending time with the nephews -- on the contrary! They always make me laugh. (Until I get the dinner bill!) A few more details about me: Lived in Miami Beach, so I kinda got my beach fill there; Visited Sanibel -- is it basically the same as Captiva?; lived in Chicago, still love it -- looked quickly at New Year's week for a quick getaway, but really expensive (had I thought about that a few months ago, that would've been among the top choices); also have a niece in Boston, and the last time I was in Boston for more than a day, I was in either junior high or high school! But I think I'd want it to be during warmer weather. I do want to go to the aquarium there and maybe a day trip back to Cape Cod and go on one of the dolphin-searching boats I was on years ago. Haven't been to San Francisco -- does anybody have any rec's for someplace that's a cross between a hotel and a more relaxing veg-out "inn"? I know there are bed-and-breakfasts there, but the quality and experience would probably be wasted on me. (Hmm. I guess there are a few nice options on my list!)

Ive done some minor trips alone-- extensions of business trips, a week at the beach, a day or overnight in a city. I really don't need the company of others for the times when I am lounging on the beach, shopping or museuming. I think the key is to plan your trip around the things you very much enjoy alone. I used to rent a house on the beach where I could take my dog. My sister and niece would come down for an overnight.. sometimes I would allow a bf to come for a night or two. I loved those getaways but I don't really think of them as vacations. I have been looking at options for a trip -- not yet sure of the timing but I am considering a cooking school in mexico that offers a lot of solo time as well as a trip to Cuba. The problem with these kinds of solo trips is that you are at least loosely connected with a group. I am not sure if I'll enjoy that.

Definitely not Yemen although I am interested. Perhaps Yazoo as I am interested in the people who populated that area before. Of course the tribe was wiped out and blended into the French and Chickasaw peoples. Still interested strangely enough.