March 3, 2016

2016 Travel Plans

78 comments

Thank you to TripAdvisor for sponsoring this post! Book any hotel through TripAdvisor.com in the month of March and be automatically entered to win incredible prizes – more details at the end of the post. #BookToWin

As you guys know, I LOVE to travel. (See also: my enormous blog travel page which includes all my work and personal travel adventures since starting this blog in 2009.) There’s nothing like leaving work and normal life behind and experiencing a different culture, and once I finished grad school Matt and I started making it a priority to do at least one big trip (and/or a couple smaller ones) per year. Give me an adventure/experience over diamonds any day. 🙂

istanbul with matt

In 2013, Matt and I spent about a week adventuring around Italy as part of a trip including a friend’s wedding. I’m still dreaming of hiking Cinque Terre. 

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In 2014, I spent a couple weeks exploring France and Switzerland with friends. (One of the highlights was the awesome and really affordable off-the-beaten path hostel where we stayed in Switzerland – Hostel Rotschuo. Right on the water and very family-friendly. I think I was the only American there!)

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And last summer, Matt and I headed to Malta (via an overnight layover in Istanbul) for some scuba diving adventures. (If you ever make it to Malta, I highly recommend the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Golden Sands – gorgeous. And for Instanbul, highly recommend The Premist hotel – it lived up to its reviews and is super centrally located, which was great for our quick layover!)

best malta resorts

As for this year, here’s what we have 100% set so far for the next few months:

  • In April, we’re heading to Florida for Matt’s brother’s wedding. We have a house from a family friend to stay in for half the week, and Matt and I decided to go early and treat ourselves to a mini-vacation before the wedding festivities begin. We’re going to stay at the SpringHill Suites Pensacola Beach for a couple nights, which we booked because it has amazing reviews on TripAdvisor!
  • Our big trip scheduled so far this year, though, is a hiking trip to western Canada in June! We’re traveling with my German friend Melli and her husband Moritz for most of the trip, which will include hiking in Banff National Park and Jasper National Park before ending in Vancouver. So excited! We’re mostly staying at budget places to keep the trip cost down – in Banff we’re staying at the Bow View Lodge, and in Jasper at the Mount Robson Inn. The only thing we still need to book is our Vancouver hotel – any recommendations for a place that’s not too expensive but nice and centrally located? I’m waiting to book that hotel until the TripAdvisor contest starts. 😉

Speaking of – more details about that contest – TripAdvisor’s #BookToWin Trip-A-Day Giveaway! In addition to reading reviews and checking prices, did you know that you can now book hotels right on TripAdvisor? To celebrate, TripAdvisor is giving away over $60,000 worth of trip money – sweet! Book any hotel through TripAdvisor.com in the month of March and be automatically entered to win incredible prizes. 31 winners from every day in the month of March will receive $1.5k towards their next trip booked on TripAdvisor, and 1 grand prize winner will receive $15k towards a getaway of their choice, anywhere in the world, booked on TripAdvisor. Amazing!

Happy hotel booking and traveling, my friends!

What do you guys have planned on the travel front this year?

What’s the #1 place on your travel bucket list right now?

—

Please note there are affiliate links in this post.

- anne

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78 comments
  • I'm traveling to Florida in April as well! Near Pensacola, to Destin. A hiking trip through western Canada sounds like my fiance's dream! I need to show him this blog post and see what he thinks. We are planning a trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico right now--hopefully in September this year.
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    • Puerto Rico is amazing! Check out my travel page -- we've been there a couple times :)
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  • I've already checked two destinations off my bucket list (Iceland and Thailand) and my next two are Ireland (planning a trip for the fall) and Croatia!
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  • sounds like an awesome spring/summer.#1 on my list right now is patagonia. would love to do a long hiking trip there. #2 is china.
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    • We are really interested in Patagonia, too -- tentatively thinking of going there in November... we'll see!
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  • Well not much here...I am going with my husband to Chicago the end of May which I am SUPER excited about! I've never been and I need a getaway!!
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    • Chicago is such a fun city, especially when the weather is nice! Enjoy!
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    • I go to school here and I've gotta say, Chicago is pretty cool :) I'm sure you've got it covered, but if you're looking for recommendations, feel free to ask!
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  • We are planning a European trip this fall- several cities in Italy and a quick stop in Germany- I've been dreaming about Italy forever so I cannot wait! I've been looking at other bloggers Italian recaps (including yours) to use for our planning as well as talking to friends. Also excited to visit Vermont this summer and fall!
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    • Italy is SO amazing -- and so is Germany! Have fun!!
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  • If you love hiking, you NEED to go to Glacier National Park in Montana! Brandon and I went last summer and it was hands down one of the most beautiful places I have been. We're going to Cabo the end of this month for a relaxing vacation/belated anniversary trip, but we both really want to go to Yellowstone!
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    • Ooo, great tip! I'll put that on the list! :)
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  • I'm hoping to take a trip in July, but I can't decide where to go! Thinking of either Costa Rica or Iceland (which are totally different), but I definitely want to take a trip with lots of outdoor adventures!
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    • Costa Rica is amazing - check out my travel page because we went there for our honeymoon and I did some recaps after. And Iceland is on my to visit list, too! Supposed to be amazing!
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  • Can't wait to hear about that Vancouver trip! I'm headed there for my honeymoon in October (haven't chosen a hotel yet, also looking at cool lofts with Airbnb) but I'd love to hear about what you end up doing there!
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    • I'll definitely share a recap! :)
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  • Hey Anne! I live in Calgary, but we frequent Banff and the surrounding parks for hiking and snow sports since they're so close to the city. There are many great hikes to do - last year we did a few around the Upper Kananaskis Lake (it's a gorgeous blue in the summer), like Mt. Indefatigable, but I'd also recommend Lake Annette. Your American dollar will go far on your trip. :-) https://peanutbutterkait.wordpress.com/category/hike/
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  • Vancouver is my home! It is beautiful and you will have your pick from hikes in the mountains to amazing fun on beaches and so much to do in town. Depending on the weekend there are festivals and fun sights to check out. But you must try and squeeze in a run around the Stanley Park seawall! (10km-ish loop of the park) Hotels can be pricey and the transit isn't always the best, but there are many amazing eats! The Wedgewood and the St Regis have been hits with our friends and family staying in town but they are boutique and might be not what you were looking for. Depending on when you come and for how long you can pack in a whirlwind trip to this fantastic piece of the west coast! :)
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    • Yay! Can't wait - thank you!
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  • The last time I visited Vancouver I used vrbo.com to rent a condo in the downtown area, near Stanley Park. It was cheaper than a hotel and had a great little kitchen for making simple meals, and it even included parking! I know some people may prefer a hotel, just an idea!
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  • Depending on what my internship/job prospects look like in the summer, I'll probably just do a few small domestic trips with my parents, but in the future I'd really love to go to Spain and Italy!
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  • Vancouver has great AirBnB options! My last two trips we found great apartments in awesome neighborhoods for really reasonable prices. Check out Gas Town, you guys would love it there.
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  • Banff and Jasper are amazing! I live in Calgary and spend a lot of time in the mountains. Make sure since you will be here in June to read up on bear safety on the National Park websites - they can be pretty active at that time of year as they are on the lower slopes where things are growing fattening up. And the weather can be pretty tempermental too - everything from hot hot days to snow is possible ha! http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/securite-safety.aspx Good link for safety info for the national parks!
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    • Yikes, okay! Thank you for the tips!
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  • I would love to visit Iceland this year. That is my ultimate dream. Maybe I will be able to make it happen. Your trip this year sounds amazing!
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  • Vancouver is one of my favorite cities to visit! Running along the Stanley Park sea wall is really cool and the food is amazing- always go for the fish/seafood!
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  • Oh fun, you're headed to my neck of the woods! Enjoy the parks - they're GORGEOUS. I live in Calgary but spend quite a lot of time in Banff and Canmore. As far as Vancouver is concerned, check out the Sylvia Hotel. Privately owned in English Bay. Personally, I find Vancouver super walkable, and the Sylvia is right on the sea wall so it's a good spot to start a run from!
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  • I live just an hour away from Banff. While you're there make sure you check out the Banff Spring Hotel. It's gorgeous and there's lots to see. Staff will even tell you their favorite ghost stories if you ask. The Bow Falls Trail is also worth checking out. It'll probably be pretty busy while you're there, but there's so many beautiful views! Unfortunately in Vancouver if you want to stay downtown (and within walking distance of lots of stuff) you're going to have to pay more, just like in any big city.
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  • Ooh have you been to Vancouver before? Ever been to Whistler? Definitely go while you're in Vancouver!!!! Favourite city ever...I could live there and that's saying a lot from a home bird!
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    • No, I haven't! Is there stuff to do on Whistler in summer or is it just for skiing?
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      • Ye I was there in September!!! It's BIG for mountain biking in the summer and lots of hiking!!! It's beautiful!!! Definitely don't miss it!
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  • I am from Vancouver and still live there (although am currently in Australia :) ), so feel free to ask any questions you may have regarding food spots/ different neighbourhoods/ outdoor activities!
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  • The Hyatt in Vancouver is a great, centrally located and affordable hotel.
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  • Hi Anne! I am not sure on hotels in Vancouver, as I usually book a VRBO. I can tell you to look in the Yaletown neighbourhood or English Bay. Both are close to great trails, shopping, and restaurants. You will absolutely LOVE running along the sea-wall - it goes for miles and miles. We just returned from my "dream" trip to Australia/New Zealand. And our next travel adventure will be a Danube River cruise this summer.
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    • So jealous of the Australia/NZ trip! I was there in 2003 studying abroad and fell in love with both. I bet the Danube River will be amazing, too!
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  • When you are in Banff head to Yoho National Park at Field, BC for some hiking. Emerald Lake is gorgeous and there's some nice glacier hikes there.
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  • You will absolutely love the hiking in Banff and jasper! I live about a 4 hours drive away and its the perfect getaway with stunning views!
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  • We went to Vancouver last summer for the Seawheeze Half and absolutely loved it! We stayed at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver mainly because it was close to the race start, but it was a great location and hotel in general. The Grouse Grind is a great hike and Heirloom is a great restaurant you guys should check out :)
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    • The Seawheeze Half is on my bucket list - someday!
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      • You will love it! I think it's my most scenic half to date :)
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  • Hi Anne, Fellow RD here who lives in Vancouver! Seriously love it here and I also used to previously live in Alberta and frequently visited the Rockies. In terms of where to stay, just keep checking expedia/booking.com/travelocity etc for hotel deals in advance. Anything near the seawall or central downtown would be my choice. Being able to run to Stanley Park is a major perk.. try to get a deal at the westin bayshore or fairmont waterfront because of the location. You could also try airbnb if you want a kitchen. You're lucky because the dollar is working in your favour! I live on the north shore and have to say that you being outdoorsy and into active living, like myself, would love some of the hikes. Someone above mentioned the Grouse Grind.. SO touristy and more of a workout than hike. There are tons of other hikes more difficult and way less busy if you're into that. Check out Granville island for food exploration and lunch/coffee/snacks. Feel free to message me for any other tips/hikes/restaurants/shopping. I was once a tourist but have now made Vancouver my home :)
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    • I would LOVE more hiking recommendations! Please share - thank you! And thank you for these great tips!
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  • We like "Robson Suites", they offer appartments in Downtown Vancouver close to the park an Coal Harbour with free parking for reasonable prices (plus, they are also on Tripadvisor :-)) : https://www.tripadvisor.de/Hotel_Review-g154943-d614794-Reviews-s1-Robson_Suites-Vancouver_British_Columbia.html We already stayed there in 2014 and we will stay there again this June :-)
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    • Sweet! That's a good tip! We'll give it a look :) Can't wait to see you for the Jasper/Banff portion of the adventure!!
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  • We leave for Mexico tomorrow. This has been planned for a year
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  • Oh western Canada is AWESOME! Stay near Stanley Park. I've stayed at the Coast Hotel and it was nice. http://www.coasthotels.com/hotels/bc/vancouver/coast-plaza-hotel-and-suites/rooms/ Do the Grouse Grind up Grouse Mountain. http://www.coasthotels.com/hotels/bc/vancouver/coast-plaza-hotel-and-suites/rooms/ Other Vancouver highlights: Granville Market Sushi! Vancouver has amazing sushi! Gastown for some nice dining and pubs Capilano Suspension Bridge Park There are lots of nice yoga studios Kitsilano (Kits) Beach
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    • Thank you so much for these tips!
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      • Sorry wrong link for the Grouse Grind: https://www.grousemountain.com/grousegrind There are lots of great hikes and outdoor adventures in Vancouver. Bring your umbrella and a rain coat. Vancouver has weather much like Seattle.
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  • Going to New Zealand and Australia this fall! CAN'T WAIT!
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    • Ahhhh!!! I'm SO jealous - I studied abroad in Australia (Brisbane) and traveled all around it and spent about 10 days on the south island of NZ, too - amazing.
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  • I don't go on vacation much, but I do travel quite a lot. Every year I travel at least twice to Italy to see my parents and friends. While there I try to go somewhere I have never been before: this past January my fiancé came to Italy with me and we went to Tuscany to visit the Chianti area, which was completely breathtaking. He works in the wine industry so we were able to see the real Chianti wineries, and not the awful commercial and touristy stuff that attracts Americans. Next summer, I am taking a group of Boston college students to Sicily. I have never been here and, although I'll have to work most of the time, I will try to have a few moments for myself to enjoy the place.
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  • Looks like an awesome plan!! I'm so jealous of your Canada trip, wish I could join you! :D I was so lucky to be part of the Europe adventures in 2014 and then Malta in 2015 with you, the more traveling the better ;) Tops of my list right now are going to East Asia finally, especially since my good friend just moved to Hong Kong, and trying to do a South America trip (which is a bit far from Europe). And also Berlin because it's one of the few European capitals I haven't visited yet and supposed to be a lot of fun :) I also really want to go back to Iceland (I basically only did Reykjavik last time and also in January so it was freezing..) so keep me posted if you guys are thinking of coming over, it's halfway between us ;)
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    • Deal!! Let me know if you find a cheap flight to Canada -- you are welcome to join us! :) And I still want to try to make Berlin work -- tbd!
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  • YAY FOR CANADA!! Looks like you have some Canadians like myself on this board, who are thrilled you're making the trek up here! You will LOVE Banff National Park - here are some recommendations from my end: - Make sure you head up to Moraine Lake, which is Lake Louise's less popular cousin (but definitely no less beautiful. THIS is Moraine: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moraine_Lake There's several trails to hike from Moraine - the hike to Constellation Lake, or if you've got a few hours and energy, the Larch Valley hike. You won't see the beautiful larches changing colours in June, but it's an amazing hike you won't regret. - On your drive out to Banff you'll pass through a town called Canmore which is beautiful - lots of great local eats, including a restaurant on a double-decker bus! http://www.blakecanmore.com/pd3-by-blake.html - If you're looking for accommodation in Vancouver, we're going there in July and are doing Air BNB, way cheaper than a hotel. Just a suggestion! - Finally, on your way to Vancouver you'll go through a town called Field, which has an amazing restaurant called Truffle Pigs Bistro. Delicious! http://www.trufflepigs.com/ Are you spending any time in Calgary? That's where I live and if you need suggestions I am more than happy to pass them on! Cheers, Lindsay
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    • Thank you so much!! We'll be in Calgary just for a quick overnight on our arrival day - any tips welcomed!
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      • You are so welcome! Where are you staying in Calgary? Let me know and I can recommend a restaurant or a pretty drive through the city. :)
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        • We used some of Matt's Marriott points to book at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Calgary Downtown. Any tips welcomed :) Thanks!
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          • Excellent! You are next to two great restaurants worth trying out: Native Tongues, an incredible Mexican restaurant (if you go, get the grilled corn and also the mushroom tacos....SO good!), or the Belmont Diner, both are right around the corner from your hotel. A third option is Boxwood, which is a fantastic small sandwich/casual eatery in the park across the street from your hotel. All great options. Hope you have a great time!
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            • Perfect! Thank you!
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  • Hey Anne, I am also a Vancouverite and I would highly highly recommend the Grouse Grind as well! It's a serious workout and once you reach the top you can get lunch and drinks and check out the wildlife ( such as bears which are separated by a fence but in their natural habitat)! I would also say hit up a beach - Kitsilano Beach or Jericho/Spanish Banks are great and closer to downtown there is Second and Third Beach and English Bay to watch amazing sunsets. Spend some time in Stanley Park, bike or run around the seawall! In terms of food you must hit up Tacofino for the very best fish tacos! Also Miku for sushi and Blue Water Cafe is a Vancouver classic for amazing seafood (it's pricey but so worth it and in a cool part of downtown called Yaletown). Also look out for some awesome food and juice trucks! Hotel Georgia is also a fave for pre or post dinner drinks! Shopping is great on Robson or South Granville and definitely hit up Granville Island Market for lunch or a snack and to check out the culture. You can take a water taxi to get over to that side of the city! Vancouver is such an awesome healthy living city you will find lots of gems there!
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    • Yay, awesome! Thank you for the recs!! :)
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  • I'm heading to Barcelona for the marathon there next week with a group of running friends! We'll also have an overnight layover in Istanbul, but probably won't have too much time to see the city... I certainly hope to check the grand bazaar though! Later this year I'm hoping to go to China and Japan, which would be my first trip to Asia. So excited!
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  • Two yeas ago I went to London and last year I went to Rome. I made the decision that travel needs to be a priority...so I hope to go the Isle of Jersey this year. Already scheduled this year is a trip to San Francisco! Do it people!
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  • Does anyone have any recommendations for a place with hiking/ outdoor adventures somewhere in the U.S. that would be good for a honeymoon? I was thinking maybe California because pictures always look amazing..... This might be slight off topic... but while on the topic of travel and what not, I figured that I would ask!! Any help would be GREAT.
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    • I would totally do California near San Francisco -- Carmel area is gorgeous and there's a ton of nice hiking! Or, Grand Canyon or Colorado!
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  • Great plans for 2016. Should be a great year. The Vancouver trip sounds awesome! On my list - Aspen, CO in the summer: extraordinary cycling/hiking, incredible weather, and great restaurants/hotels!
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  • Sounds like fun! I'll be going to Daytona in April for a business retreat and some me time. Kev and I will go to Roatan, Honduras (3rd year in a row) in Sept. We are also talking about taking a long weekend to the Grand Canyon and Sedona at some point. We celebrate our 20th anniversary New Year's Eve so we'll treat ourselves to a couple fun trips this year. Next year we'll take my stepdaughter and granddaughter (she'll be 5) to Disney World. Bora Bora is on my bucket list and Australia/New Zealand is on our list for our 25th anniversary.
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  • DH & I really like The Listel Hotel in Vancouver. http://www.thelistelhotel.com/
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  • I'm just now catching up on the blog posts since the end of February, and this seemed like an appropriate post to comment on because my big trip just happened- I moved across the country! I got a new job out in California (East Sacramento) and just got here about a week ago, driving from Florida! My trip included stops all along the way, I-10 style, through Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas (twice...big state), New Mexico, Arizona, and all up the inner state of California from LA to Sactown :) Cant wait to travel around the western states this year - hopefully Washington, Nevada, and maybe Oregon and Utah!
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    • How exciting! Congratulations on the new job and big move - enjoy CA and your western travel!
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  • yayyyyyyy you're coming to Canada! those national parks are my new backyard and I've done many hikes there so far. as mentioned by someone else, stop in Canmore for quaint shops and the best coffee and food -- The Range, Rocky Mountain Bagel Co., The Grizzly Paw, Communitea, etc. -- and day hikes (Ha Ling, Buller Pass). I recommend Jasper Brewing Co and Bear Paw Bakery in Jasper, as well as Sulphur Mountain day hike which is THE best. you could take the gondola in Banff too (and go to Wildflour bakery!), and I've heard Johnston Canyon is a great hike. enjoy :)
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    • Amazing - thank you for these great tips!!
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  • Just got back from San Francisco/Napa area and going to Bermuda in a month. I want to do Lake Como in Italy later this year but it's not for certain yet!
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    • How fun! I went to Bermuda in 2006 -- gorgeous place! I've heard Lake Como is amazing, too!
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