The vacation

I am itching to go on a vacation.  Not right now, but probably by sometime in the spring. B.O. (before Oscar), I would go on one or two vacations a year, usually altering between the beach and anywhere else. My last official vacation was last Thanksgiving, when I went to New Zealand.  Of course, Oscar and I did spend some time in Bali while we were waiting for his visa.  Sadly, though, that part of the trip was anything but a vacation, in that I was obsessed with coming back to the States.

There are three primary contenders, with a whole list of other places I’d like to visit, but am unsure whether it’s the right time to go (either because I’ll be traveling with a toddler (like a safari or hiking in Patagonia) or because of geo-political reasons).  The wrinkle is that I’ve already traveled to most places I’d like to see, with the exception of some really remote areas, which of course fall into the don’t think I want to take Oscar yet category.

Vietnam – obviously, I just returned from there six months ago.  I really would like to return, though, and see Sapa, Halong Bay (how I didn’t do this while I was in Hanoi for over three weeks is beyond me) and Nha Trang.  While there, I would want to do a side trip to Cambodia to see Angkor Wat.  Upside – it’s Oscar’s birth country and the people are amazing – oh, and cheap hotels.  Downside – 20+ hours on the plane each way.

Paris – I haven’t been back in ten years and would love to return.  Just wandering the streets would be fun. Upside – free air with miles, museums, Disney Paris, croissants and only (!) 10′ish hours each way in the air. Downside – obscenely expensive hotels.

Turkey – this is in the quasi-questionable category, given safety issues.  I’ve wanted to visit Istanbul for a long time now, and Turkey has amazing antiquities. 

Hawaii or Cabo – just returned from a long weekend on Lanai and I’ve been to both places multiple times (I’m old and I live on the west coast).  Other downsides – the sun – Oscar’s skin doesn’t love it and I’m pale and prone to freckles.  Upsides – playing in the ocean and in the sand are obvious winners and very short flights.

Australia – never been, but have always wanted to visit.  Self-evident downside – flights. Upsides – people with super cool accents.

October 27, 2008 Posted by Oscar and Etta's mom | travel, Uncategorized, vacations | vacation | Leave a Comment