Monday, November 15, 2010

Where would you go?

If you had a week's worth of vacation time in early March.

You're leaving from Montreal.

You could go anywhere, keeping in mind that you're leaving from Montreal so your travel time factors in (so not Australia or Japan, however much you might want to go there.)

You would probably want somewhere warm and sunny. If you've spent a winter in Montreal you would automatically know this.

You don't know anything about any destinations in the Caribbean except that St. Lucia was recently wiped clean by a hurricane and Mexico is not exactly safe these days (crime + natural gas explosions = not going there.) I don't know from Barbados from Bahamas from Bermuda. Except Bermuda is supposed to be cold.

You've been to London and Paris many times, but not Italy. However Italy in March might be cold and wet.

You'd be willing to try scuba diving. You know there is no scuba diving in Italy.

You don't care about night life. Your disco days are so over.

You've never been on a cruise and have no desire to go on one but might be talked into one if you heard a convincing enough argument. An onboard casino is not a convincing argument.

You've never been on a sun filled holiday except for Hawaii last year (which was business related) and Florida twenty+ years ago (also business related/throw in pregnant.) Vegas doesn't count. There is sun in Vegas but no one goes under it on purpose. It is sent from the gods to punish you for gambling all your money away on penny slots.

Be specific. Tell me where and what hotels if you know of a fabulous spot.

Please.

I can't stay home for another holiday week and paint the bathroom or clean out the garage.

27 comments:

BB said...

Yeah - I do. Email me!!!
:-)
BB

Rachel Chesnutt Blasdell said...

Here's the thing about a cruise. I've been on a couple out of Galveston, Texas (simply because we can drive there in an hour and get on the boat, thus saving airfare, etc.) I've never set foot in the casino. I don't participate in the group activities organized by the hyper cruise director. What I do is go to the pool on the back of the boat, find a chair, turn on my ipod and read my little heart out, periodically stopping to grab a beverage. When the cruise ship stops somewhere, I go snorkeling. Then I get back on the boat, go to my spot and read some more. It's not a bad way to spend a few days. Definitely beats painting rooms.

nightsmusic said...

To my closet. With my pillow and blankie, enough light bulbs, chocolate and water to see me through a week, a couple notebooks and pens and lots and lots of books.

And I would tell my family to go away for a week. Anywhere they wanted.

As long as it wasn't in my closet with me!

A Novel Woman said...

BB, it's a secret? Now I'm intrigued.

Rachel, I love to snorkel, a fact I discovered in Hawaii. That's all I wanted to do. Hmm. Might rethink the cruise...

NM, that doesn't sound like a vacation. Come out of the closet.

Yutha said...

I'm with Rachel. When I go on a cruise, I don't do any of the cruise activities. We get a cabin with a balcony and either hang out there or find a quiet place on the ship. Even the biggest ships have private nooks somewhere. That being said, I'm still not sure if you would like a cruise with Doug. Maybe you and I should try it out first!?

And now I'm curious - where BB? Where?

Deniz Bevan said...

Turkey! Istanbul! Of course! And then maybe I could wrangle a week off too and we could walk around together [g] Or at the very least... hmm... thinks... you could stay at my parents' condo... yes, I'm offering up someone's else's house without checking with them first.
Everyone wants to travel with you [g]

Lisa Q said...

I would go to Sicily. You have the mountains and the sea...It's warm enough. Food is great. language is the most beautiful. People are warm and friendly.. There's history, civilization, art around you. If not Sicily, go to Panama -- Boquete -- beaches are heavenly in March at Las Lajas. Lots of N. Americans there, so Spanish is optional in some places...

A Novel Woman said...

Deniz, I was in Istanbul in 1971, in late February actually. I remember it being one of the most interesting places on the planet. I loved it! Especially the Grand Bazaar and the Blue Mosque and the palace... But something tells me my husband won't be as keen to go, at least this time. :)

Lisa Q. - Oh, I hadn't considered Sicily and you're right, it would be warm enough. And my son went to Panama last summer for a few weeks, albeit deep in the jungle. He loved it there.

Another option is Costa Rica. Anyone been there??

Thanks for all the suggestions. Keep 'em coming.

Deniz Bevan said...

Costa Rica's a great idea! I've got a colleague and a cousin-in-law from there and it sounds like a beautiful place.

Diane T. said...

I can highly recommend St. Kitts in the Caribbean. Specifically, Ottley's Plantation (www.ottleys.com). We went several years ago and it was heavenly. The owners are from the U.S. (New Jersey), having bought the place in the late 1980's--they couldn't be lovelier. The inn is located on a former sugar plantation and their property includes rainforest where you can go hiking. We also took a great catamaran ride to Nevis and went snorkeling. The food was also wonderful at the inn.

Kathy P-H said...

Last winter, my sister (also trying to escape a Montreal winter)rented a privately owned "villa" right on the beach in Turks and Caicos. She LOVED it and said it was the most relaxing vacation she has ever had. I made her promise to take me next time :)

A Novel Woman said...

Diane T. that sounds right up my alley! I shall look it up forthwith and toot suite. :)

Kathy P.H.? You wouldn't have more info would you? I mean, this is a one time thing. You could email me if you'd rather.

Think of the winter I am about to endure. Thing of the cold, the slush. Think about the CHILDREN! Okay, so there are no children involved here, but please. Think of me and my old bones. They need sun and warmth!

Diane T. said...

Kathy P-H, I'd be interested in hearing specifics about that villa, too :-)

Youngest said...

You want to escape the burden of seeing me on my week home? I see how it is.

A Novel Woman said...

Nah, it won't be a problem.

Debby said...

*Lifts head from books and watches wistfully to see where NW is headed on vacation...*

Kathy P-H said...

Diane T ....
I emailed that info to Pam last evening. Hopefully she has your email address and will forward it to you.

A Novel Woman said...

Debby I have a book giveaway coming up next week so stay tuned!

Diane T. just send me an email and I'll forward the info. It looks wonderful.

kaye said...

Villa Tarcela is also ideal and affordable for anyone. The best place to stay.

A Novel Woman said...

Villa Tarcela in the Philippines? Uh, too far. Way too far for a week.

Allison said...

St. Kitts & Nevis, or Anguilla. These are the second (and third!)homes of a friend who regularly retreats from Toronto. She loves their spectacular beauty, lack of hustle and bustle, great beaches, local culture, and the easy slide into island time.

Allison said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
A Novel Woman said...

Hi Allison. I've heard great things about Nevis but I don't know anything about Anguilla. Must investigate.

Thanks!

Everyone has been awesome with the suggestions. I still haven't decided so keep 'em coming.

Hanna said...

My sisters have been to Cuba on 3 different occasions - all inclusive, wonderful snorkeling, 2.5 hour flight from Toronto. Very warm in winter.

A Novel Woman said...

Hanna, would you happen to know where your sisters stayed? Would you email me with the info? I'm keen on Cuba.

The Pookies said...

Belize - more specifically - Ambergris Caye!! I know it's probably too late, but I so would recommend you coming down here...:)

Anonymous said...

Are you still pondering? or have you chosen from some of the excellent suggestions posted by more prompt respondents? If it's not too late, you may consider the Sugar Mill Hotel on Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. Run by an American couple who were Bon Appetit writers. The restaurant on the property is one of the 12 most romantic in the WORLD! Here's a link to whet your appetite - http://www.sugarmillhotel.com/default.asp