I am so in need of a vacation. I want to do a week SOMEPLACE....LOL.

Nothing is off limits, no real restrictions. Right now I'm researching Paris (never been), Jamaica (been twice), some spa in Arizona (don't have one yet), and that's it.

HELP!!!!

Money no object? Paris sounds good to me!

what about taking a cruise? greece, alaska, or the carribean (sp?)

if u wanna go somewhere, mazatlan and puerto vallarta are be-autiful, inexpensive, close, but if u havent been, i suggest it. at least research it.

have fun gurlie!!!

The best place I've been is to a small town about two hours south of Cancun Mexico on the Caribbean coast. It is called Playa del Carmen and it is like heaven!

If you like the outdoors, come to Colorado. We have world class skiing, and if you don't want to come when it's cold, there's also stuff to do up in the mountains in the summertime.

Paris in the spring is like no other! But if you are going sooner then Jamaica or the Bahamas

Now I'm really confused....LOL :)

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm going to research all the mentioned spots. And money is an objct but it is the one thing I will do for myself this year. I have wanted to go to Paris for as long as I can remember.

But the other spots sound really really good. Um....now the work begins.

Dear Optimistic!

I envy you! Maybe if you told us of your likes and dislikes, we can help you better decide. of course, paris sounds dreamy!!

Do you like warm climates or cold ones?

Are you at all interested in an active nightlife or a quiet restful place?

I'd also take the weather into account, when you plan to go.

If you do choose Paris, in springtime, you may want to visit a couple of other countries, too, such as Italy!

I envy you, still! Good luck in choosing!

Amanda8088

Paris is a great city .. i have only been twice but both times were great.. what bout Italy(venice) - i went once when i was 15 and had a ball my family enjoyed it as well .. or even greece- in all the places the ppl are great and the food was excellent.. lol

It's crazy but I really have no likes/dislikes when I travel. I love the beach, but I love a great city. I love snow but I love heat. Easy to please....that's my way :)

So I checked out Paris on expedia and it's like $1300 a person for airfare and a four star hotel. I was thinking about October so I could do a payment plan through like AAA. If I wait for the spring it would have to be spring 2007 :(

If I go to Paris, do they have really fun nightlife? What about the food? I speak NO FRENCH....LOL...so will I still be able to enjoy myself or will it all just be too frustating?

Paris is full of nightlife and the food is unbelievable! Its been many years since I was in Paris, but even back then we had no problem making ourselves understood ;) Many many French people speak English!

I'm sure Paris on October would be fantastic as well!

VILLA VIGNAMAGGIO
CHIANTI, TUSCANY

Italy... so beautiful..look into this too when you have a chance!

here's a thought just to confuse you more:)
http://www.costalegre.ca/index.htm
I've been there and it was paradise

Hi Everyone,

I just got back from Negril, Jamaica. I was parked on that beach every day at 5:30pm with my toes in the sand and a drink in my hand watching some of the most beautiful sunsets ever. This is my third time to Jamaica. Twice to Negril. Once to Dunn's River Falls.

I went to Paris two Julys ago. I speak no French but most of them speak some English. They were wonderful people and I enjoyed Paris to the max. The City of Lights is truly the most ROMANTIC city ever!

Lee took me for my birthday. Every where you look there are couples tucked away, sharing a bottle of wine, and French bread or sandwiches. Love... Mmmm I'm staying clear of Paris until my man can join me. Looking at all those loving couples would be too hard for me because I'm way too emotional to deal with it.

The ladies have made some excellent suggestions. I've been to many of those places and any one of them would be great.

It's going to be wonderful to go no matter where you go. Just going and being free (sort of) of reality is fabulous. While I was in Jamaica, I thought about Lee, but mostly thought about me and didn't think about prison once!! That's just what the doctor ordered.

You will have a fabulous time no matter where you go!

Have a great trip and hurry back! I can't wait to hear all the wonderful details even if you just hung out!

Have fun!!
Tia

Optimistic- You and I need to talk. I hear Playa de Carmen calling us. It is my favorite out of all the places I've visited- not too many American tourists, small, charming, beautiful, laid-back, things to do (Cancun is 45 minutes away)but wthout the big city. And it's inexpensive.

If you want to travel to Europe, you'll probably want to give yourself at least 2 weeks because of the time change adjustment. It will cost a lot more than $1300 because the Euro is so high and food/taxi,shopping will be through the roof.

I think I have to pop up in this thread. :D

I work in a 4 stars hotel entirely designed by French fashion designer Christian Lacroix and I could help you out with the prices. :) I could give you a Superior room for 180 euros instead of 250 with breakfast included (instead of 15 euros). I would of course give you the best Superior room we have. :)

If you come in October, don't wait too much to book your things as there are a lot of fashion shows and fairs in Paris and the hotels are very often sold out. Some are also increasing their rates during the fairs season.

My hotel is situated in Le Marais area which is one of the oldest part of Paris, right in the middle of the city. Most of the building in this area date back from the 17th century, the hotel building was built in 1615.

The location is great and convenient to go almost everywhere, and many places such as Notre Dame, Place des Vosges, the Picasso museum are within walking distance.

It's also 15 minutes walking distance from where I live, so it will be easy for you when you come home for dinner. :)

This is also the gay area of Paris, so there are tons of fun places to go out for a drink or dinner and also you won't be bothered at night when walking back to the hotel. :)

There are many many places to have fun at night in Paris, you can find all kinds of discos with all kinds of music and all kinds of people.

If you stay only in Paris and don't plan to visit other European countries, you don't have to stay more than 1 week. Jet lag is pretty smooth, only 6 hours since you are in Georgia. Last November I went to Miami for only 4 days and survive. :D

If you want to visit Versailles, it will take you one day, the Louvre museum will take you at least a half day, going on top of the Eiffel Tower a half day too and shopping might take the rest of your time. :D

The euro is about 20 % higher than the dollar so you might think things are more expensive than in the US. Anyway, you do not have to take taxis to move around the city as we do have a very good bus and subway network and you can buy a 3 days to one week unlimited pass.

A beer in a bar will cost between 2.80 to 3.50 euros, a dinner around 20-25 euros (can go as high as 300 depending on where you eat :D ), a lunch around 15-18 euros and a haute couture evening dress by Jean Paul Gaultier around 15 000 euros. :D :p

Beginning of October is cool as we still have some beautiful days. Also, many French people speak English especially in the hotels, restaurants and touristic places.

Should you need any further info please feel free to ask. I can also PM you the name of the hotel I'm working in along the link to the website for you to see.

Phil

I think that Paris is a great idea. It is a beautiful city. Also you could travel round Europe from there if you wanted to. London is a good place to visit... were only an hour or so away from Paris! ;) Kill two birds with one stone! :p

If you want nightlife... Spain or Corfu (Greece) are good spots.

If you want somewhere exotic... the Caribbean islands are all beautiful. St. Lucia and Barbados are fantastic. Theyre a lot less commercial than Jamaica, but still have plenty to do and nightlife.

I was in Paris in October of last year (2005) and it was wonderful. We were very lucky with warm days and lots of sunshine.

I agree with Phil, if you only have a week, do Paris only. We had 9 days and still missed seeing so much. The Louvre is unbelievable, shopping is exquisite and scenery is breathtaking. I was just upset because the Louis Vuitton store on the Champs Elysee was closed for remodeling and a private grand re-opening when I was there. We left on a Tuesday and it re-opened on Wednesday.

We found that most people knew a little English and between my very bad French and their English, we were fine. The people in the hotels and touristy restaurants and bars spoke English very well though.

It was wonderful- you won't regret it!