Going on a pony spotting boat ride in Chincoteague then getting Island Creamery.

Anonymous wrote:Renting a chartered catamaran and sailing around the BVIs. Captain takes you where you want to go, chef asks what you want to eat, the drinks flow, kids jump off the side of the boat and swim or go tubing with the dinghy, no screens, it's amazing.

Didn’t you feel like you never had privacy, though? I’ve always wanted to do this but would hate the intrusion.

Anonymous wrote:Snorkeling in St John--I've had better snorkeling experiences, but it was the first time my kids got to do real snorkeling and they were so excited to see rays and sea turtles.

We rented a random apartment in Aruba, and the guy who owned it (a Dutch expat) also rented to an American expat couple who were teachers there, and every evening we'd all meet on the deck and have cocktails and watch the sunset. Sometimes his ex-wife who was a former Ms Aruba would stop by as well. They were all really fascinating people to hang out with.

We’ve snorkled St. John’s and thought it was the best snorkeling we’ve ever done. Where was your better experience?

Camping in Wadi Rum, Jordan, which started as a tour of the red desert, including picnicking in the shade of some of their large rock formations, and then meeting Bedouin guides, who grilled veggies and meat. Then laying under the stars in the middle of the desert, which still are the most stunning stars I’ve seen anywhere in the world.

Cottage 7 at Caneel Bay on St. John (RIP) a million years ago…before Brangelina or Madonna stayed in the same spot, and before the hurricanes decimated the reef and marine life. It was amazing.

Subsequent island experiences paled in comparison until I started exploring coastal Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, etc.

Sailing into the Bay of Kotor is magical. You cannot experience on land; you must soak it in for the two hours approaching the mountains.

Sailing into Labadee, Haiti is also breathtaking. It’s a million times more lush and green than any other Caribbean island (and I’ve seen dozens upon dozens).

St. Kitts is awesome in myriad ways, but spending the day on an uncrowded beach with a view of Nevis in the distance and a beach shack frequented by locals with amazing food and drinks a short walk away is heaven. The drive over the mountain to get there is an experience, especially when sucking on sugar cane with your kids. Bonus points if you get to hold a baby monkey. 🐒

Wandering around Dubrovnik with an amazing cup of coffee and a pastry early in the morning before the hordes of tourists arrive and then heading off on a private boat once the town gets crowded. Enjoying the party vibe after dark.

Snorkeling in St John--I've had better snorkeling experiences, but it was the first time my kids got to do real snorkeling and they were so excited to see rays and sea turtles.

We rented a random apartment in Aruba, and the guy who owned it (a Dutch expat) also rented to an American expat couple who were teachers there, and every evening we'd all meet on the deck and have cocktails and watch the sunset. Sometimes his ex-wife who was a former Ms Aruba would stop by as well. They were all really fascinating people to hang out with.

We like doing via ferratas on trips. We've done 5--sometimes guided, sometimes just rent equipment and do it ourselves. Find a via ferrata, find other stuff to do around there as well, and there's our vacation. Just did one in Murren, Switzerland--fantastic.

Glamping at the foothills of Mt. Fuji in the winter. It was so beautiful and relaxing with a fire pit, private hot springs, and an entire villa like complex to ourselves. Waking up to a full view of Mt. Fuji right in front of our eyes through the clear glass of our glamp tent was amazing. We stayed here: https://vision-glamping.com/yamanakako/en

My favorite travel experiences are when we visit friends. I have done this in Switzerland, Norway, and the UK. Some several times. I like the interactions and view into their life. Going to a city and visiting the required sites is fun, but I like it more when it is interspersed with personal interactions. Next up is Peru and possibly France.

Renting a chartered catamaran and sailing around the BVIs. Captain takes you where you want to go, chef asks what you want to eat, the drinks flow, kids jump off the side of the boat and swim or go tubing with the dinghy, no screens, it's amazing.

Sleeping overnight in the Sahara between Fez and Marrakech. We rode camels into the desert, ate a meal cooked for us over a fire and then slept on mats and blankets under the stars. Except I didn’t sleep at all because it was the most spectacular star-filled night sky I have ever seen in my life. Almost a spiritual experience watching falling stars and contemplating the vastness and beauty. In the morning we climbed the dunes before sunrise and watched to sun rise over them. Breakfast cooked over a fire and then a camel ride back out.

Aruba, the boat ride that included a rope swing off the bow and snorkeling
Loved by kids ages 8-10 and the adults
Being at a hotel with a resort feel with the beach right there, plus also the shops/stall/restaurants off site also within walking distance and feeling safe.

I like going to Italian resort towns in the summer— somehow I find being a crowd of people walking around a historic town at 9 pm is exhilarating rather than exhausting if it’s in Puglia or Sicily instead of Rehoboth or Ocean City.

Also hiking from one night’s stay to another— there’s something extra fun about walking into a hotel or hut for a meal and a room after a long hike.

The food tour we did in Lisbon was excellent— really gave us insights into history, culture etc plus an intro to the city and its food.

Night kayaking the biobay on Vieques was really cool too.

Cruising: I love waking up before everyone else and having a light room service coffee and pastry delivered, which I enjoy on the balcony as I watch the sunrise.

Looking for travel inspiration, and would love to hear from people what their favorite travel experiences were, as opposed to just the destination.

More than just “camping in the Shenandoah” or “London for spring break.” More like “we camped at a lakeside spot in the Shenandoahs and every morning I’d wake up before everyone else and enjoy a cup of coffee by myself wrapped in a cozy blanket watching the fish jump.” Or “we went to tea at xxx in London and DD wore her princess crown and favorite poufy dress and the staff all doted on her and called her ‘m’lady’ and she was beaming the whole time.”