Vacation Spot/Activity that was even BETTER than you imagined.

[Anonymous]

Kuala Lumpur — I spent three or four days there as part of a longer trip with no expectations. I hadn’t included Malaysia in my original rough draft of an itinerary, but the cheapest flight out of Phnom Penh was to KAL. It ended up my favorite stop of the trip. Top notch Malay, Indian and Chinese food, inexpensive (this was a glampacking trip so lower budget), pleasant people, workable public transit, multicultural, no bus loads of tourists...will go back at some point.

[Anonymous]

Amsterdam. We went as a side trip to Paris but I prefer Amsterdam. I love Paris, it’s amazing, but I have such a fondness for Amsterdam.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pancake Rock on New Zealand’s South Island at sunset. The waves roll in off the Tasmanian Sea and come under the rocks and then explode up in geysers sounding like jet plans. Truly breathtaking. The rocks themselves look like towers of pancakes. Google it.

Loved this spot and the whole West Coast is amazing.

It's Tasman Sea.

[Anonymous]

Maine. We went because I didn't want to schlep internationally with a 5 year old. I was kind of resigned to it being a "back up vacation".

I LOVED it. More than I've loved most of Europe, actually. It was just the quaintest, most relaxing place, with the friendliest people. July had absolutely gorgeous weather for outdoor activities, everything was dog friendly (we had brought our little dog), and my son had a blast. I'd go back every year if I could.

Before becoming parents, we did Peru. I was nervous about the food/culture/etc as we hadn't traveled much, but oh my gosh, what an awesome country. We ate the best food we've ever had in our lives in Cusco, and everyone was amazingly friendly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Adding to the chorus of those saying Paris. I was cynical and expecting a tourist trap but I just immediately fell in love. I am dying to go back.

There was dog shit EVERYWHERE when I went.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DisneyWorld. I hadn’t been in about 30 years, and we finally took the kids in February. My expectations were really low, but gosh it was a great trip and I’m so glad we went. Now I get why people like it so much. I’m a convert.

This- I think because I thought I would really not be into it that much. The kids loved it and I found myself loving it as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Agree with LA. I thought I was more “San Francisco” but I ended up really liking LA.

I’m the same way.

[Anonymous]

Branson.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dolomites in Italy.

The Dolomites are beautiful. We also like going to Modena and the surrounding area.

+1

Cortina is also a fabulous mountain town! Makes a great split stay with Venice (off season which is magical)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Big Island Hawaii

Yes, Big Island is fabulous!!! Everyone says the beaches are a let down but try the Mauna Kea area.. gorgeous and fairly secluded! Awesome food in this area and a lot of things to do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maine. We went because I didn't want to schlep internationally with a 5 year old. I was kind of resigned to it being a "back up vacation".

I LOVED it. More than I've loved most of Europe, actually. It was just the quaintest, most relaxing place, with the friendliest people. July had absolutely gorgeous weather for outdoor activities, everything was dog friendly (we had brought our little dog), and my son had a blast. I'd go back every year if I could.

Before becoming parents, we did Peru. I was nervous about the food/culture/etc as we hadn't traveled much, but oh my gosh, what an awesome country. We ate the best food we've ever had in our lives in Cusco, and everyone was amazingly friendly.

Where in Maine did you visit? I'm scared to go because I have heard summer is insane with tourists.

Cusco is on my list!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bryce Canyon. I had been to the Grand Canyon several times before, and while it was beautiful, I didn't have that "WOW" feeling that other people talk about. So when we got to Bryce I was surprised that it just took my breath away. Hands down one of the coolest places I've ever been.

Similar, for us it was Zion. The hike up Angels Landing. The food in this little restaurant just outside the park with a view of the cliffs. Amazing.

Kyoto in Japan. Harder to navigate than Tokyo but the smaller feel of the city was nice.

Chiang Mai in Thailand. Small, friendly, inexpensive, lovely little place. Our favorite part of Thailand.

[Anonymous]

Oman. I couldn’t locate it on a map before I visited. I was working in the Middle East and went to Muscat for a long weekend. Beautiful scenery and very welcoming people. It was so clean! Like DisneyWorld.

[Anonymous]

London. Thought it was a “check off the list” European city, but ended up loving it more than I ever imagined.

[Anonymous]

Prague. Even with tourists.
Cinque Terre (not sure how it is now- I went a long time ago)
Japan- everything is amazing.