Vacation ideas?

[shorty]

I have one week left of vacation to use before June 1st and I have no idea where to go. This will be my first "real" vacation (my family never really went anywhere when I was younger), so I don't know what to do. Most likely I will be going alone too, which makes it even more difficult for me to figure out what to do and where to go.

Anyone have any suggestions? Where should I go and what should I do? I'm really up for anything. I like trying new things and seeing new places. I'm not really into any rural/outdoorsy activities though (especially not by myself). I'd rather go to a city and maybe do some sightseeing. But I'm not really sure what else to do besides that (I'm not sure if I want to spend my entire vacation just walking around and looking at stuff).

The other thing is that I'm only 23, so renting a car is kinda iffy. I live near Portland, Oregon. I guess I could drive to Seattle but I could do that whenever (plus I went to college there and I'd rather go somewhere new). I've been thinking somewhere in California or NY or DC... But other than sightseeing, what is there to do?

I am really not happy with my job and I think a good vacation would really help. Thanks!

[caddymac]

Call up old friends from college, book a flight, and go on a bender.

[GoogleGirl]

if i had a week off and my job didnt involve working 24/7, I'd fly to NEw York just to go see the Art Museum and such...um...I love Denver! Seriously...if I had the opportunity you have, I'd just do some research online, find some cool events going on somewhere, and hit the road/air jack! :D

[PeakDream]

Do you know anyone in those cities? Visit a city without knowing anyone there gets boring after a few days, since you can't really do much other than the standard tourist package. If possible, you can visit both NYC and DC, they just four hours bus ride away. That should definitely keep you busy.

Personally, I don't go away to another city to get away from work, since it just reminds me of my normal daily routine watching people. I know you say you don't like outdoorsy stuff. Perhaps you can join one of those "tour groups" and go some place abroad?

[spokes]

... But other than sightseeing, what is there to do?


here is a tip before you get sucked into spending a crapload of money by leaving your home city - stay home - every city is the same as your city, the people are the same, the resturants - yeap they are the same, the sunsets, sunrises, smell of the air - same, same, same........

[GreenFolder]

I would definitely get at least a couple of friends to go with you - vacation is a lot better that way. And from the sound of it you could really use a bahamavention - http://www.bahamavention.com
A few friends and i went down to the bahamas for a week and had a great time - i highly recommend it. we went to port lucaya and it was amazing.

[aggiegrad05]

i personally love visiting places for the first time on my own. it takes me out of my comfort zone, makes me open my eyes and really see what's around me and forces me to get out and make things happen. i always end up meeting some locals and having them show me the fun local hangouts. in my experience, when i've gone with friends (who didn't live wherever we were going), we ended up sticking to all of the touristy things and didn't really experience the city.

i second what googlegirl said...research what's going on in the cities you're considering. look for outdoor festivals (cheap and fun), special exhibits at museums, places with good live music scenes, etc.

[WorkInProgress]

Well, for a week's vacation, you could almost go anywhere, including overseas. A lot of the touristy stuff in DC will be cheaper than NY, and there is a ton of it, so if you're going to do a lot of that, you could fill up a week. If you're into it, you could try to get tickets (yeah, tickets) for a visit inside the HoR and/or the Senate, and maybe go see a case being argued in the Supreme Court. I got to see the HoR and the Senate on a visit once, and I thought it was pretty cool.

My touristy visits to NYC have been limited but I had a great time at the Met, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. There's more I'd like to do there, of course, the next time I go.

Wherever you decide to go, make sure that somebody knows where you're going, and your itinerary.

[winneythepooh7]

NYC is a good place to go. It's the type of place as well that you won't feel out of place going by yourself, either. There's so much to do and see here, that even "New Yorkers" don't take advantage of. The major downside though is the cost. Although I've heard of people doing it for less, by staying at places like the Y which I think run around $40.00 a night. A lot of the museums run on suggested donations so you don't have to pay outrageous fees to get in. Just walking around here is fun.

[J-girl]

here is a tip before you get sucked into spending a crapload of money by leaving your home city - stay home - every city is the same as your city, the people are the same, the resturants - yeap they are the same, the sunsets, sunrises, smell of the air - same, same, same........
No way!!! Every city might be similar but there is always a unique twist to every place. You cant say Toronto and Calgary are the same or Calgary and Vancouver etc etc.

[Millenial]

here is a tip before you get sucked into spending a crapload of money by leaving your home city - stay home - every city is the same as your city, the people are the same, the resturants - yeap they are the same, the sunsets, sunrises, smell of the air - same, same, same........
i got a vacation starting this saturday until the 20th i am definitely just going back to my home town and freaking taking a load off, don't really want to spend money.