An architect friend of mine has been posting glorious photos of his multi-week trip to Italy. Where are your favorite places to go, or where do you want to go, and why?
My wife and I went to Mexico (Quintana Roo, mostly Cancun) for the first time last fall, plan to visit an old friend near Nice and Cannes this fall, and in two years will spend a couple of weeks in Sicily for her 50th birthday. (She can get dual citizenship so we might not want to leave!) I have seen more of the US than she has, but she has traveled to and lived in many parts of the world. Quebec is only a few hours away so we like to go there to experience a different culture, but otherwise we have suppressed our desire to travel for a long time but now want to see everything. The British Isles and Iceland are on my short list. What's on your list?
luvu
Apr 23, 23 11:10 pm
Copenhagen , DK !
chris-chitect
Apr 25, 23 1:33 am
Excellent suggestion. I really liked it myself, very walkable and liveable.
Bench
Apr 24, 23 6:58 am
WG - have you considered looking at what international flights are available from minor airports closer to your location, and just wing it on whatever comes up next? Many of the smaller budget airlines are adding flights to these that are a great value.
The first destination that comes to mind is definitely Iceland.
Wood Guy
Apr 24, 23 9:49 am
No, but Boston is an easy drive, bus and/or train ride away so it's easy to get to most places. I know a lot of people who have been going to Iceland and I definitely want to go. I wasn't really looking for suggestions for me, per se; I'm just interested in where the folks here like to go themselves.
Bench
Apr 25, 23 11:13 am
Ah, fair enough. I am passively watching flight sales to various caribbean / south american cities lately, due to the fact that NYC seems to have an endless supply of destinations one can hop to in 3 hours if there's no particular preference. Ticked off 3 locations so far and expect a few more later this year. Easy weekend trips where dual-national friends like hosting!
graphemic
Apr 24, 23 1:02 pm
I keep going back to Paris... I can speak the language and it's nice developing familiarity with a place.
Wood Guy
Apr 24, 23 1:55 pm
Do you have favorite places there? I was there as a broke 22yo but saw a good chunk of the city and museums.
graphemic
Apr 25, 23 1:03 pm
Oh yes. A handful of institutions/buildings/restaurants I like to revisit, but my real joy is having a morning coffee on the sidewalk and biking absolutely everywhere. Photographing or drawing
everything. Which is too bad because it takes me away from the metro, which I also adore. Also frequent meals on the Seine made up of a baguette, cheese, tomatoes, pastry, and a few beers.
graphemic
Apr 25, 23 1:55 pm
For the sake of recommendations: Parc de la Villette, the Bourse, Museum of Natural History, Cite de l'Architecture, Palais Tokyo, Marche aux Puces de Saint Ouen, Operas Garnier and Bastille, 38 Riv, Pigalle and Monmartre for night life, Robert et Louise, La Fleur Pave, Bistro Paul Bert, etc. etc. etc.
chris-chitect
Apr 25, 23 1:38 am
It seems funny to describe Quebec as a different culture to me. I went to Montreal and Quebec City for the first about 15 months ago. Sure it's more French but I have always felt somewhat exposed to it being in a federal government job in Canada in the past. No real culture shocks. It just has a bit more style and aggressive, anything goes drivers flying down pothole littered freeways well above the speed limit in sub zero temperatures.
Wood Guy
Apr 25, 23 8:58 am
It's not a wildly different culture but they primarily speak French, especially outside of Quebec City or Montreal, they have a strong focus on local, sustainably produced food, a very different relationship to the indigenous culture, etc.
chris-chitect
Apr 25, 23 7:53 pm
That's true, the early French had a bit more of collaborative (if you can say it) relationship with the first nations compared to the English. Quebec is also a bit more socialist with cheaper university and a bit more of a collective spirit. That being said, it's also known for a lot more corruption and a fair amount of organised crime.
chris-chitect
Apr 25, 23 1:44 am
For me, the most impressive place I've been was China, particularly Shanghai. I wouldn't go now, and probably won't return unless there's serious reform. I first went back in 2014 for a vacation, it was my first time to Asia and trying a country that wasn't predictable like anything in Europe. It was absolutely fascinating, and since it required a visa and a bit of advance planning it felt a bit more off the beaten path, and even somewhat special to be there. And the smog added a bit of mystery to the landscape ;) I returned for work a few times, and always felt somewhat at home there. Beijing, and Xi'an not so much though.
After staying put for most of the pandemic I recently travelled to Japan in March. I took my 76 year old mother to see the cherry blossoms and had an amazing time. I could have stayed much longer, and day dream about returning
Miyadaiku
Apr 25, 23 4:07 am
The moon sounds like it would be a cool trip but it's a bit out of my budget.
JLC-1
Apr 25, 23 11:36 am
My wife and I have visited Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Tulum and Merida in Mexico, so far Merida stands out for its architecture, urban culture and food - plus the mayan ruins exploration. Next is either Oaxaca or San Miguel de Allende. But first we'll have an Italian fall in October, with a sprinkle of paris, brussels and antwerp.
Wood Guy
Apr 25, 23 12:59 pm
My SIL loves Merida; we might go there sometime. We swam in cenotes near Tulum (which was amazing, though I had been nervous about it) and hear that a lot of people like Tulum as a town. Have fun on your European tour this fall! Where will you go in Italy?
JLC-1
Apr 25, 23 1:04 pm
Roma, Napoli, Capri, Bologna and Milano, and then some; we are seriously planning to retire in Italy, but maybe in Sardegna which will be another trip in itself in a couple of years. Wife is Italian and I'm working on citizenship (30 years late).
the cenotes are something else, did you get into the big one with the fish that eat your foot skin?
Wood Guy
Apr 25, 23 1:56 pm
Yes to the foot-nibblers at Cenote Caracol!
My wife recently learned that her grandfather never gave up citizenship when he immigrated from Sicily so she can get citizenship, and we are seriously considering retiring there as well, or more likely to the south of France. We need to do more on-site research ;-) I've only been to Venice and Florence, long ago, but look forward to seeing more of the country.
proto
Apr 25, 23 1:56 pm
I lost my interest in traveling internationally as the travel part of it became just awful -- it's really too bad cuz i never made it to a lot of cool and interesting places. I will read along & enjoy your travels.
Wood Guy
Apr 25, 23 1:59 pm
Is it the actual travel that you dislike? I'm going to try to get Valium before my next big flight. I don't heavy-duty freak out but I get pretty antsy and grumpy.
chris-chitect
Apr 25, 23 4:03 pm
If you haven't used it before, I would strongly suggest you try it first on the ground. I have a friend that used to work in operations for Qantas and they had loads of issues with people trying sleep aids for the first time on board. The worst story was a guy who was in a daze, thought he reached the lavatory and ended up urinating on other passengers mid flight. Another friend of mine is a doctor, took some strong sleeping pills he brought for himself on a flight, passed out so quickly he hit his head on the tray table, knocked over a drink and made a huge mess.
chris-chitect
Apr 25, 23 4:09 pm
Yeah, flying can really suck these days, the airport process is brutal and I don't have the energy for sitting upright for 12 hours. Without sounding totally unrealistic, I've really started to put effort into finding deals into business class. Collecting a load of points has helped. The cost can be absurd, but if the flying experience keeps you from ever taking another flight to an international destination, there are so many other things I'd go without in my life before I tell myself I can't see Europe or Asia ever again.
Wood Guy
Apr 25, 23 5:51 pm
I hadn't flown in nearly ten years but in the last year I've flown several times domestically and to Mexico. You're right that it's not fun at all! Good tip on trying any medication first. I tend to deal with meds and drugs pretty well but better safe than sorry.
proto
Apr 25, 23 7:31 pm
(I don't want to sidetrack things...sorry about that!) Yeah, just the actual travel part: dealing with airports mostly...overly inflated waits & logistical hoops
chris-chitect
Apr 25, 23 7:47 pm
True, although from an architectural perspective you must walk through there wondering how it could be better. Airport design is fascinating to me, such a logistical and spatial challenge, and always lacking. For the waits etc... there are things you can do like sign up for Nexus and other programs. It's a money grab and doesn't make us safer, but makes getting through the airport a bit faster.
JLC-1
Apr 26, 23 2:45 pm
We opted for traveling only with a carry-on, it simplifies airports a lot. Haven't signed up for any fast track program, but may have to.
Wood Guy
Apr 27, 23 10:00 am
I've traveled with a few people who have a fast-track program. It seemed to save a few minutes at best. They just had to wait for me to catch up with them. Maybe there are situations where it's more helpful.
atelier nobody
Apr 27, 23 2:37 pm
I actually prefer checking luggage over having to keep my carry-on with me the whole time I'm in the airport - I'm a compulsive early arriver. Next time I have to fly anywhere I am definitely paying for pre-check.
atelier nobody
Apr 25, 23 7:38 pm
I'm like you - I'm not well-travelled internationally but have seen more of the US than many folks. As a result, my travel bucket list is pretty much EVERYWHERE.
atelier nobody
Apr 25, 23 7:45 pm
Architecturally speaking, I'd really like to visit archeological sites of th earliest cities - Mohenjo-daro, Çatalhöyük, Teotihuacan...
chris-chitect
Apr 25, 23 7:50 pm
Oddly enough I've barely seen my own country, Canada. At least in the US you have cheap but miserable airlines like Spirit to get around. Our airlines are expensive and miserable and as a result it's far more appealing to fly to Europe when its only a few hours more and sometimes a few hundred less.
atelier nobody
Apr 25, 23 8:04 pm
Between the time I got a driver's license and the time I went from having all summer off to only 2 weeks a year, I drove all over the US.
x-jla
Apr 27, 23 1:04 am
very grateful that I got to travel to Tanzania before I had kids. It was an adventure way off the touristy path….Beautiful country. Downside was the anti malaria pills. They make you feel gross, and you have to take them everyday. I would love to go back.
Non Sequitur
Apr 27, 23 8:08 am
Malaria pills? You know there are nano-bot microchips in those, right? That ill feeling is evidence the gay agenda surveillance bots are doing their job.
x-jla
Apr 27, 23 9:55 am
If you go, and a doc prescribes you hydroxychloroquine as an anti malarial, make sure to let him know that you won’t take fascist agenda maga drugs. You only want new drugs with high profit margins that are promoted heavily by democrats.
atelier nobody
Apr 27, 23 2:41 pm
My uncle was in the Peace Corps in Tanzania back in the early 70s - it was a rare family get-together that we didn't get a slide show.
Non Sequitur
Apr 27, 23 8:13 am
Favorite has to be Banff... actually the whole stretch between Banff and Lake Louise. Just check the road conditions before, you never know when that late-may/early june snow fall might close the road.
A less common place for me would be Evora, Portugal, I was only there a few days but this tiny Unesco site is a wonderful time capsule of medieval Europe with notes of Moorish past. There is also a wicked-cool chapel of bones and the roman aqueduct.
Non Sequitur
Apr 27, 23 8:22 am
Side note, Toledo, Spain is also wonderful but very touristy.
Wood Guy
Apr 27, 23 8:56 am
Banff-Lake Louise have been on my list since I drove across the US in 1995 and considered heading up north. Someday I'll make it there.
atelier nobody
Apr 27, 23 2:43 pm
There's a rail trip all the way across Canada I'd love to take some day.
chris-chitect
Apr 27, 23 6:41 pm
I've heard the rail trip is stunning, but insanely expensive. It's the kind of thing people will wait their entire life to do. The nicest stateroom can go for about $11k. I had a tour of the train when it was in a station last fall. Looks not bad on board, and I hear the food is really good.
x-jla
Apr 27, 23 7:13 pm
Alicante, Spain was really nice.
Wood Guy
Apr 28, 23 9:06 am
My wife spent a month in Alicante for work once, and she speaks Spanish. She loved it.
sameolddoctor
Apr 27, 23 4:34 pm
Tunisia ... most beautiful place I have been to, at least it was before the Arab Spring.
ill_will
Apr 27, 23 7:17 pm
Scotland is super cool if you're into historical architecture. Nothing like getting a pint and seeing a castle in the distance!
kenchiku
Apr 28, 23 6:40 am
Favourite was probably living in Japan for a few years. Vietnam and Indonesia are also fantastic places. Next up would be a road trip around the Mediterranean, particularly interested in the N. Africa countries.
An architect friend of mine has been posting glorious photos of his multi-week trip to Italy. Where are your favorite places to go, or where do you want to go, and why?
My wife and I went to Mexico (Quintana Roo, mostly Cancun) for the first time last fall, plan to visit an old friend near Nice and Cannes this fall, and in two years will spend a couple of weeks in Sicily for her 50th birthday. (She can get dual citizenship so we might not want to leave!) I have seen more of the US than she has, but she has traveled to and lived in many parts of the world. Quebec is only a few hours away so we like to go there to experience a different culture, but otherwise we have suppressed our desire to travel for a long time but now want to see everything. The British Isles and Iceland are on my short list. What's on your list?
Copenhagen , DK !
Excellent suggestion. I really liked it myself, very walkable and liveable.
WG - have you considered looking at what international flights are available from minor airports closer to your location, and just wing it on whatever comes up next? Many of the smaller budget airlines are adding flights to these that are a great value.
The first destination that comes to mind is definitely Iceland.
No, but Boston is an easy drive, bus and/or train ride away so it's easy to get to most places. I know a lot of people who have been going to Iceland and I definitely want to go. I wasn't really looking for suggestions for me, per se; I'm just interested in where the folks here like to go themselves.
Ah, fair enough. I am passively watching flight sales to various caribbean / south american cities lately, due to the fact that NYC seems to have an endless supply of destinations one can hop to in 3 hours if there's no particular preference. Ticked off 3 locations so far and expect a few more later this year. Easy weekend trips where dual-national friends like hosting!
I keep going back to Paris... I can speak the language and it's nice developing familiarity with a place.
Do you have favorite places there? I was there as a broke 22yo but saw a good chunk of the city and museums.
Oh yes. A handful of institutions/buildings/restaurants I like to revisit, but my real joy is having a morning coffee on the sidewalk and biking absolutely everywhere. Photographing or drawing everything. Which is too bad because it takes me away from the metro, which I also adore. Also frequent meals on the Seine made up of a baguette, cheese, tomatoes, pastry, and a few beers.
For the sake of recommendations: Parc de la Villette, the Bourse, Museum of Natural History, Cite de l'Architecture, Palais Tokyo, Marche aux Puces de Saint Ouen, Operas Garnier and Bastille, 38 Riv, Pigalle and Monmartre for night life, Robert et Louise, La Fleur Pave, Bistro Paul Bert, etc. etc. etc.
It seems funny to describe Quebec as a different culture to me. I went to Montreal and Quebec City for the first about 15 months ago. Sure it's more French but I have always felt somewhat exposed to it being in a federal government job in Canada in the past. No real culture shocks. It just has a bit more style and aggressive, anything goes drivers flying down pothole littered freeways well above the speed limit in sub zero temperatures.
It's not a wildly different culture but they primarily speak French, especially outside of Quebec City or Montreal, they have a strong focus on local, sustainably produced food, a very different relationship to the indigenous culture, etc.
That's true, the early French had a bit more of collaborative (if you can say it) relationship with the first nations compared to the English. Quebec is also a bit more socialist with cheaper university and a bit more of a collective spirit. That being said, it's also known for a lot more corruption and a fair amount of organised crime.
For me, the most impressive place I've been was China, particularly Shanghai. I wouldn't go now, and probably won't return unless there's serious reform. I first went back in 2014 for a vacation, it was my first time to Asia and trying a country that wasn't predictable like anything in Europe. It was absolutely fascinating, and since it required a visa and a bit of advance planning it felt a bit more off the beaten path, and even somewhat special to be there. And the smog added a bit of mystery to the landscape ;) I returned for work a few times, and always felt somewhat at home there. Beijing, and Xi'an not so much though.
After staying put for most of the pandemic I recently travelled to Japan in March. I took my 76 year old mother to see the cherry blossoms and had an amazing time. I could have stayed much longer, and day dream about returning
The moon sounds like it would be a cool trip but it's a bit out of my budget.
My wife and I have visited Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Tulum and Merida in Mexico, so far Merida stands out for its architecture, urban culture and food - plus the mayan ruins exploration. Next is either Oaxaca or San Miguel de Allende. But first we'll have an Italian fall in October, with a sprinkle of paris, brussels and antwerp.
My SIL loves Merida; we might go there sometime. We swam in cenotes near Tulum (which was amazing, though I had been nervous about it) and hear that a lot of people like Tulum as a town. Have fun on your European tour this fall! Where will you go in Italy?
Roma, Napoli, Capri, Bologna and Milano, and then some; we are seriously planning to retire in Italy, but maybe in Sardegna which will be another trip in itself in a couple of years. Wife is Italian and I'm working on citizenship (30 years late).
the cenotes are something else, did you get into the big one with the fish that eat your foot skin?
Yes to the foot-nibblers at Cenote Caracol!
My wife recently learned that her grandfather never gave up citizenship when he immigrated from Sicily so she can get citizenship, and we are seriously considering retiring there as well, or more likely to the south of France. We need to do more on-site research ;-) I've only been to Venice and Florence, long ago, but look forward to seeing more of the country.
I lost my interest in traveling internationally as the travel part of it became just awful -- it's really too bad cuz i never made it to a lot of cool and interesting places. I will read along & enjoy your travels.
Is it the actual travel that you dislike? I'm going to try to get Valium before my next big flight. I don't heavy-duty freak out but I get pretty antsy and grumpy.
If you haven't used it before, I would strongly suggest you try it first on the ground. I have a friend that used to work in operations for Qantas and they had loads of issues with people trying sleep aids for the first time on board. The worst story was a guy who was in a daze, thought he reached the lavatory and ended up urinating on other passengers mid flight. Another friend of mine is a doctor, took some strong sleeping pills he brought for himself on a flight, passed out so quickly he hit his head on the tray table, knocked over a drink and made a huge mess.
Yeah, flying can really suck these days, the airport process is brutal and I don't have the energy for sitting upright for 12 hours. Without sounding totally unrealistic, I've really started to put effort into finding deals into business class. Collecting a load of points has helped. The cost can be absurd, but if the flying experience keeps you from ever taking another flight to an international destination, there are so many other things I'd go without in my life before I tell myself I can't see Europe or Asia ever again.
I hadn't flown in nearly ten years but in the last year I've flown several times domestically and to Mexico. You're right that it's not fun at all! Good tip on trying any medication first. I tend to deal with meds and drugs pretty well but better safe than sorry.
(I don't want to sidetrack things...sorry about that!) Yeah, just the actual travel part: dealing with airports mostly...overly inflated waits & logistical hoops
True, although from an architectural perspective you must walk through there wondering how it could be better. Airport design is fascinating to me, such a logistical and spatial challenge, and always lacking. For the waits etc... there are things you can do like sign up for Nexus and other programs. It's a money grab and doesn't make us safer, but makes getting through the airport a bit faster.
We opted for traveling only with a carry-on, it simplifies airports a lot. Haven't signed up for any fast track program, but may have to.
I've traveled with a few people who have a fast-track program. It seemed to save a few minutes at best. They just had to wait for me to catch up with them. Maybe there are situations where it's more helpful.
I actually prefer checking luggage over having to keep my carry-on with me the whole time I'm in the airport - I'm a compulsive early arriver. Next time I have to fly anywhere I am definitely paying for pre-check.
I'm like you - I'm not well-travelled internationally but have seen more of the US than many folks. As a result, my travel bucket list is pretty much EVERYWHERE.
Architecturally speaking, I'd really like to visit archeological sites of th earliest cities - Mohenjo-daro, Çatalhöyük, Teotihuacan...
Oddly enough I've barely seen my own country, Canada. At least in the US you have cheap but miserable airlines like Spirit to get around. Our airlines are expensive and miserable and as a result it's far more appealing to fly to Europe when its only a few hours more and sometimes a few hundred less.
Between the time I got a driver's license and the time I went from having all summer off to only 2 weeks a year, I drove all over the US.
very grateful that I got to travel to Tanzania before I had kids. It was an adventure way off the touristy path….Beautiful country. Downside was the anti malaria pills. They make you feel gross, and you have to take them everyday. I would love to go back.
Malaria pills? You know there are nano-bot microchips in those, right? That ill feeling is evidence the gay agenda surveillance bots are doing their job.
If you go, and a doc prescribes you hydroxychloroquine as an anti malarial, make sure to let him know that you won’t take fascist agenda maga drugs. You only want new drugs with high profit margins that are promoted heavily by democrats.
My uncle was in the Peace Corps in Tanzania back in the early 70s - it was a rare family get-together that we didn't get a slide show.
Favorite has to be Banff... actually the whole stretch between Banff and Lake Louise. Just check the road conditions before, you never know when that late-may/early june snow fall might close the road.
A less common place for me would be Evora, Portugal, I was only there a few days but this tiny Unesco site is a wonderful time capsule of medieval Europe with notes of Moorish past. There is also a wicked-cool chapel of bones and the roman aqueduct.
Side note, Toledo, Spain is also wonderful but very touristy.
Banff-Lake Louise have been on my list since I drove across the US in 1995 and considered heading up north. Someday I'll make it there.
There's a rail trip all the way across Canada I'd love to take some day.
I've heard the rail trip is stunning, but insanely expensive. It's the kind of thing people will wait their entire life to do. The nicest stateroom can go for about $11k. I had a tour of the train when it was in a station last fall. Looks not bad on board, and I hear the food is really good.
Alicante, Spain was really nice.
My wife spent a month in Alicante for work once, and she speaks Spanish. She loved it.
Tunisia ... most beautiful place I have been to, at least it was before the Arab Spring.
Scotland is super cool if you're into historical architecture. Nothing like getting a pint and seeing a castle in the distance!
Favourite was probably living in Japan for a few years. Vietnam and Indonesia are also fantastic places. Next up would be a road trip around the Mediterranean, particularly interested in the N. Africa countries.
New Grange is worth a visit.