GumTurkeyles
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$10 down, $10 a month, don't you be a turkey
Posts: 3,065 
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Post by GumTurkeyles on Jan 7, 2016 10:39:21 GMT -5
I'm starting to research the yearly Euro trip I take for work, and if I'd pair it with vacation. GumHERcules has expressed interest in Spain, so I'm trying to see if I can pair that with work in Germany. Traveling by train seems like a terrible option, as it's more costly than flying, and takes more time. However, since flying would involve multiple trips, those tickets aren't looking cheap. So I might do 2 Euro trips. Or see if GumHERcules would prefer to go somewhere else first. I could also see if we could travel together for Spain, then she returns home while I go to Germany for work. My ticket is covered, so we'd just split the cost of her ticket. On the other hand, that is a fucking beautiful train journey basically any way you take it. Good point. 2 years ago I took the train from Venice to Munich, and my god, northern Italy and Switzerland were gorgeous. Equally awesome, the train from Barcelona into the basque area of Spain. |
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Baron von Costume
TI Forumite
Like an iron maiden made of pillows... the punishment is decadence!
Posts: 4,683
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Post by Baron von Costume on Jan 7, 2016 11:44:30 GMT -5
On the other hand, that is a fucking beautiful train journey basically any way you take it. Good point. 2 years ago I took the train from Venice to Munich, and my god, northern Italy and Switzerland were gorgeous. Equally awesome, the train from Barcelona into the basque area of Spain. I did a good chunk of europe by eurail pass about 5 years ago and it was amazing. I loved all those routes. Getting to Interlaken in particular was just beautiful. |
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Post by Ron Howard Voice on Jan 7, 2016 15:42:37 GMT -5
February 10-14: Ron Howard Hits New York! Feb. 10: I have tickets to see Hamilton Feb. 11: I have tickets to see The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (free) Feb. 13: getting tickets to see the New York Philharmonic (free) This is exciting. This will be my first time ever in New York City, not counting 2 hour layovers between flights. P.S. spring break note for Liz n Dicksgiving and Baron von Costume , Portugal was my #1 choice too, but for a couple of my friends, either Europe option turned out to be too expensive for them right now. Liz n Dick, get excited for your Dallas visit!! |
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Post by Pedantic Editor Type on Jan 7, 2016 15:54:32 GMT -5
In June there is a library conference in Orlando, so we will be packing up the kids (10 and 5) for our first trip to Disney World. Right now I am debating whether the price difference is worth picking Art of Animation or Pop Century resorts over the All Star Resorts. Also trying to figure out how to get some groceries into the hotel room. Rent a car or Uber or delivery? Art of Animation and Pop Century are very similar to All Star. AoA has the bigger family suites, though, which might be worth the extra. For a basic hotel room, though, they're all more or less the same. It's the moderate resorts that offer you any discernible upgrade in comfort/amenities. There are many grocery services that deliver to Disney for just that reason, though you can expect a surcharge. (Make sure you've got a fridge if you're getting cold stuff.) |
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Post by Pedantic Editor Type on Jan 7, 2016 15:57:21 GMT -5
Right now we've only got one vacation planned for the year, a big June vacation with TWBE's family. The good news is, it's a Disney cruise, so we will be allowed to do our own thing for the most part and I can sit by the pool drinking bellinis instead of forced togetherness or walking all over creation every day.
We're also doing two days at the parks alone before the cruise starts, so it'll be a whole 10-day extravaganza.
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Post by nowimnothing on Jan 7, 2016 16:39:31 GMT -5
In June there is a library conference in Orlando, so we will be packing up the kids (10 and 5) for our first trip to Disney World. Right now I am debating whether the price difference is worth picking Art of Animation or Pop Century resorts over the All Star Resorts. Also trying to figure out how to get some groceries into the hotel room. Rent a car or Uber or delivery? Art of Animation and Pop Century are very similar to All Star. AoA has the bigger family suites, though, which might be worth the extra. For a basic hotel room, though, they're all more or less the same. It's the moderate resorts that offer you any discernible upgrade in comfort/amenities. There are many grocery services that deliver to Disney for just that reason, though you can expect a surcharge. (Make sure you've got a fridge if you're getting cold stuff.) Thanks, I was mostly looking at AoA and Pop because of the dedicated bus service. It seems the All-Stars all share buses. I don't think we can swing the family suites. Is there really that much of a difference between the value and moderate? What are some of the upgrade examples? |
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Post by Pedantic Editor Type on Jan 7, 2016 18:18:32 GMT -5
Art of Animation and Pop Century are very similar to All Star. AoA has the bigger family suites, though, which might be worth the extra. For a basic hotel room, though, they're all more or less the same. It's the moderate resorts that offer you any discernible upgrade in comfort/amenities. There are many grocery services that deliver to Disney for just that reason, though you can expect a surcharge. (Make sure you've got a fridge if you're getting cold stuff.) Thanks, I was mostly looking at AoA and Pop because of the dedicated bus service. It seems the All-Stars all share buses. I don't think we can swing the family suites. Is there really that much of a difference between the value and moderate? What are some of the upgrade examples? Yeah, I guess the buses might be a little slower but I don't think it'd be that bad. The moderates are just a bit nicer. Like, the pools have more theming, they have sit down restaurants, the soundproofing is a little better in the rooms, the toiletries and towels are nicer. It's not that the value resorts are bad, they're just a little more basic. Your kids won't notice  |
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Post by ganews on Jan 8, 2016 0:49:10 GMT -5
Hm, the last time I posted in this thread it was from Disneyland. Now I'm leaving for Disneyworld tomorrow.
I have GOT to get out-of-country again.
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Post by Desert Dweller on Jan 8, 2016 1:34:56 GMT -5
February 10-14: Ron Howard Hits New York! Feb. 10: I have tickets to see Hamilton Feb. 11: I have tickets to see The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (free) Feb. 13: getting tickets to see the New York Philharmonic (free) This is exciting. This will be my first time ever in New York City, not counting 2 hour layovers between flights. JEALOUS!!! I now have a ton of vacation time banked. However, because I'm in grad school I have no money. Ugh. Will likely spend my paid vacation time this year taking days off work in order to do homework. I really wish I were seeing Hamilton, Colbert and the New York Phil instead. |
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Post by Albert Fish Taco on Jan 12, 2016 17:02:59 GMT -5
So far I've already booked the main parts (flights, rental, airBNB) for a slightly over a week trip in mid-late April in Southern Arizona/Tucson. I figure Tucson will be a good base, because beyond what's in and around there (Saguero NP, Sonoran Desert Museum, lots of hiking, Mt Lemmon, etc.) it would be easy to do several day trips further afield like Tombstone/Kartchner Caverns, Organ Pipe Cactus NP, and Phonix to see Talisan West and catch a Diamondbacks game.
Not really too deep into a summer trip, but thinking of going to the Azores (probably just Sao Miguel island) for a week, since I can drive out to Boston and fly there in just 4-5 hours. Also feel like I should get at least one more use on my current passport before it expires in 2017.
Already thinking of doing some kind of cross-country trip in 2017 (but would probably need to get a new car for that). |
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Post by Desert Dweller on Jan 12, 2016 23:11:38 GMT -5
So far I've already booked the main parts (flights, rental, airBNB) for a slightly over a week trip in mid-late April in Southern Arizona/Tucson. I figure Tucson will be a good base, because beyond what's in and around there (Saguero NP, Sonoran Desert Museum, lots of hiking, Mt Lemmon, etc.) it would be easy to do several day trips further afield like Tombstone/Kartchner Caverns, Organ Pipe Cactus NP, and Phonix to see Talisan West and catch a Diamondbacks game.
Sounds great! There is a lot to do in Tucson. The hiking in that area is outstanding. We are getting so much rain thanks to El Nino, the desert flora might be extra gorgeous. If you come in late April, just be very aware of the weather forecast if you intend to hike. Temperatures can start to really heat up at that time. Please don't get caught hiking somewhere in the middle of a 95 degree day. Yes, yes, I'm sure you know this. But way too many tourists die while hiking here due to heat. They do not understand the effect of the heat on their bodies. I'm now really obnoxious about warning people. |
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Baron von Costume
TI Forumite
Like an iron maiden made of pillows... the punishment is decadence!
Posts: 4,683
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Post by Baron von Costume on Jan 13, 2016 11:16:03 GMT -5
I'm sort of bummed. I really want to go somewhere else this spring but my finances mean the best bang for my buck is probably a last minute resort type vacation just to warm up a bit sometime soon. Unfortunately I have literally zero single friends of the "let's go hang out in the sun and drink for a week" variety anymore.
I've done a ton of travelling solo, but there's something about a resort holiday that would make that seem really sad.
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Post by Albert Fish Taco on Jan 13, 2016 12:06:29 GMT -5
So far I've already booked the main parts (flights, rental, airBNB) for a slightly over a week trip in mid-late April in Southern Arizona/Tucson. I figure Tucson will be a good base, because beyond what's in and around there (Saguero NP, Sonoran Desert Museum, lots of hiking, Mt Lemmon, etc.) it would be easy to do several day trips further afield like Tombstone/Kartchner Caverns, Organ Pipe Cactus NP, and Phonix to see Talisan West and catch a Diamondbacks game.
Sounds great! There is a lot to do in Tucson. The hiking in that area is outstanding. We are getting so much rain thanks to El Nino, the desert flora might be extra gorgeous. If you come in late April, just be very aware of the weather forecast if you intend to hike. Temperatures can start to really heat up at that time. Please don't get caught hiking somewhere in the middle of a 95 degree day. Yes, yes, I'm sure you know this. But way too many tourists die while hiking here due to heat. They do not understand the effect of the heat on their bodies. I'm now really obnoxious about warning people. I'm already planning on hitting up a Target for way more water (and eletcrolyte-restoring snacks) than I'll possibly need (maybe even as the first thing I do after the airport). |
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Post by Desert Dweller on Jan 13, 2016 16:36:23 GMT -5
Sounds great! There is a lot to do in Tucson. The hiking in that area is outstanding. We are getting so much rain thanks to El Nino, the desert flora might be extra gorgeous. If you come in late April, just be very aware of the weather forecast if you intend to hike. Temperatures can start to really heat up at that time. Please don't get caught hiking somewhere in the middle of a 95 degree day. Yes, yes, I'm sure you know this. But way too many tourists die while hiking here due to heat. They do not understand the effect of the heat on their bodies. I'm now really obnoxious about warning people. I'm already planning on hitting up a Target for way more water (and eletcrolyte-restoring snacks) than I'll possibly need (maybe even as the first thing I do after the airport). No joke, no matter how much water you take, if it is too hot, don't go. So many people think that as long as they take lots of water, they'll be fine. But, if you are caught out there at 2pm and it is 95+, water may not be enough. If the temp is scheduled to be over 90, don't start the hike any later than 5am. |
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Post by Albert Fish Taco on Jan 13, 2016 17:22:20 GMT -5
I'm already planning on hitting up a Target for way more water (and eletcrolyte-restoring snacks) than I'll possibly need (maybe even as the first thing I do after the airport). No joke, no matter how much water you take, if it is too hot, don't go. So many people think that as long as they take lots of water, they'll be fine. But, if you are caught out there at 2pm and it is 95+, water may not be enough. If the temp is scheduled to be over 90, don't start the hike any later than 5am. That's one of the reasons I liked the idea of using Tucson as a base but not being too firm about most of when/what I'd do so I can play it by temp and nix anything activity where the timing/temp won't work that day without having to worry about a specific day being my only chance to do it. |
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Post by Ben Grimm on Jan 13, 2016 18:40:50 GMT -5
We may go to Atlanta in early April - visiting my Aunt, a grad school friend, possibly my wife's aunt in Tennessee, and taking in a TMBG concert. We're also going to Jacksonville at the end of the month, but we do that all the time, since my parents live there.
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Post by ganews on Jan 17, 2016 20:28:20 GMT -5
Wifemate and I are taking my young sister to NYC for the long President's Day weekend.
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LazBro
Prolific Poster 
Posts: 10,280
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Post by LazBro on Jan 26, 2016 9:56:28 GMT -5
Quickie San Antonio Sub-Thread
I'll be in San Antonio for a few days starting this Thursday. I'll be busy at a convention almost the whole time, but on arrival day Mrs. Snape and I are looking for a recommendation. Do you know San Antonio or know someone who does? I can't remember who on TI knows San Antonio, but please someone tag them if you do.
We're looking for a good craft beer bar. I'll take any and all recommendations, but some positive qualities would be:
- Must be open on Thursday. I want to go straight there once we get to town, because our hotel doesn't offer in/out privileges, so once we're parked, we're parked.
- Serves food
- Open for lunch and doesn't close between lunch and dinner
- Deep stock of craft beer
The most common recommendations I've found via search are:
- The Cove
- The Friendly Spot (looks great except for its outside seating and the Mrs. can't stand the cold)
- Big Hops (I read that there was a Gastropub location with food, but I can't seem to confirm this on their website)
- The Granary (sounds amazing but they close in the afternoon, exactly when we'll be trying to arrive)
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Post by Liz n Dicksgiving on Jan 27, 2016 10:16:06 GMT -5
Liz n Dick, get excited for your Dallas visit!! I am SUPER excited for the Dallas visit, and am pleased to report that the stately Dick n Hisses "Git Along Little Dogie" Express has been booked. We will be arriving in Dallas the evening of Sunday, March 27 and leaving early morning on Friday, April 1. YEEEEEEEEEEE HAW!!!! ::attaches longhorns to hood of car:: ::fires six-shooters into the air:: All-a y'all Dallasites, if you've got social obligations that week, cancel 'em! If you've got travel plans, change 'em! You are not going to want to pass up the opportunity for a meet-up that will be The Party Of The Century!! |
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LazBro
Prolific Poster
Posts: 10,280
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Post by LazBro on Jan 27, 2016 15:53:35 GMT -5
"Git Along Little Dogie" Express .......... YEEEEEEEEEEE HAW!!!! ........... ::attaches longhorns to hood of car:: .............. ::fires six-shooters into the air:: I am genuinely excited for y'alls visit, but as a born and bred Texan I just want you to know that I find the above language offensive. And yes, that's coming from a guy who just used "y'alls". |
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Post by Liz n Dicksgiving on Jan 27, 2016 16:09:15 GMT -5
I am genuinely excited for y'alls visit, but as a born and bred Texan I just want you to know that I find the above language offensive. And yes, that's coming from a guy who just used "y'alls". My sincerest apologies. The friend we're staying with, also born and bred, assured me such language was a light-hearted joke, but I understand. As someone who can call fellow redheads "gingers" but expects non-redheads to use the term "member of the ginger community", I see how words can hurt. |
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Baron von Costume
TI Forumite
Like an iron maiden made of pillows... the punishment is decadence!
Posts: 4,683
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Post by Baron von Costume on Jan 27, 2016 16:18:22 GMT -5
I am genuinely excited for y'alls visit, but as a born and bred Texan I just want you to know that I find the above language offensive. And yes, that's coming from a guy who just used "y'alls". My sincerest apologies. The friend we're staying with, also born and bred, assured me such language was a light-hearted joke, but I understand. As someone who can call fellow redheads "gingers" but expects non-redheads to use the term "member of the ginger community", I see how words can hurt. How do you feel about "nature's crimson mistakes?" I'm asking for a friend.  |
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Baron von Costume
TI Forumite
Like an iron maiden made of pillows... the punishment is decadence!
Posts: 4,683
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Post by Baron von Costume on Feb 9, 2016 14:33:25 GMT -5
Can't find anyone to go anywhere with.  Friends so sedentary and boring. |
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Post by Mrs David Tennant on Feb 9, 2016 21:17:48 GMT -5
I really want to make a trip this year to a place I have never been so I'm thinking either Chicago or New York. I'm a little nervous about the idea of NY on my own, and I have a high school friend in Chicago who I'd love to see again. What's the best time to visit either, locals? I'm thinking not until the summer - I work at a school and summer would be the best time for vacation.
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Post by Liz n Dicksgiving on Feb 10, 2016 16:15:48 GMT -5
I really want to make a trip this year to a place I have never been so I'm thinking either Chicago or New York. I'm a little nervous about the idea of NY on my own, and I have a high school friend in Chicago who I'd love to see again. What's the best time to visit either, locals? I'm thinking not until the summer - I work at a school and summer would be the best time for vacation. My experiences with NYC are just day-trip stuff, so I'm not quite a "local", but I'd say any time of year other than slush/snow season would be great there. My personal favorite is autumn, or around Christmastime, but really, as long as the weather isn't going to threaten slush-covered streets and turning the canyons between buildings into frigid wind tunnels, you're golden. Summer's great! Come visit! Hugs and I could come see you! I used to visit Chicago a lot in the summer as a kid, and always thought it was nice. My adult trips there have been in early March and mid-October. The second one was a bit better, weather-wise. |
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Post by ganews on Feb 11, 2016 23:59:36 GMT -5
Okay New York denizens, what sights off the beaten path do I need to see this weekend?
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Post by Liz n Dicksgiving on Feb 12, 2016 10:45:08 GMT -5
Okay New York denizens, what sights off the beaten path do I need to see this weekend? I only know the on-the-beaten path ones. Like, there's this little-known museum, the "American Museum of Natural History" that almost no one goes to. I recommend that one. Sigh. (I used to have a really killer restaurant recommendation for people hitting up the midtown touristy stuff, but it's long since closed. I'm useless.) |
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Post by Pedantic Editor Type on Feb 12, 2016 10:52:22 GMT -5
I really want to make a trip this year to a place I have never been so I'm thinking either Chicago or New York. I'm a little nervous about the idea of NY on my own, and I have a high school friend in Chicago who I'd love to see again. What's the best time to visit either, locals? I'm thinking not until the summer - I work at a school and summer would be the best time for vacation. Best time to visit Chicago is in warmer weather, April through October. It's usually a little cooler closer to the lake, anyway. There's a lot to do outside, lots of festivals, it's more comfortable to walk around, it CAN be very hot and humid but we really haven't had any serious heat waves the last few years... I would however check specific weekends, there are sometimes big events that fill up hotels etc - for instance Lollapalooza. |
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GumTurkeyles
AV Clubber
$10 down, $10 a month, don't you be a turkey
Posts: 3,065
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Post by GumTurkeyles on Feb 29, 2016 10:51:49 GMT -5
So I just bought round trip tickets from Boston to Barcelona for $280 per person. I'm not sure if the airline screwed up, but I made sure to jump on it immediately.
We've been looking at pricing and dates, so I had notifications set up on Kayak. One came through at $600 less than normal (those "normally $900" tickets have been with 30 hour layovers, or other shitty travel times). So, I saw the airline (TAP), and went to their site to verify. I got through to the end, and while waiting for my girlfriend to confirm, I checked back at Kayak, and those tickets jumped up to $1200. So, I'm not sure if I had reserved the last ones at the cheap price, by alternately going to the TAP website, or if they corrected their mistake. In any case, I completed the transaction at the $560 total, and now have screenshots and receipts stating this. I'm hoping I don't get a notice saying that my order has been cancelled.
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Post by pairesta on Feb 29, 2016 11:47:11 GMT -5
Grownup spring break getaway to Atlanta is confirmed. That's our old stomping grounds, so it should be fun marvelling at how much it's changed in 17 years.
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Friends so sedentary and boring.
