need vacation ideas

Danimal

Danimal

Well-Known Member
I'm burnt out. Haven't had a real vacation in years and just need to get away. Looking for a warmer "bucket list" worthy location. I'm single, and don't drink, so i don't really care about nightlife. More about the scenery, different excursions and adventures and maybe a place i can rent a bike for a bit. I don't have a rockstar budget, but am willing to indulge a bit cause F it. New Zealand was a suggestion, but i'm not sure i can deal with sitting on a plane for 18 hrs. Looking to book something within the next month or so.
 
As someone who's going to Sedona in 3 weeks... you should consider it.

Arizona is relatively easy. Direct flights to Phoenix. Phoenix is hot and different, Sedona is amazing and a straight drive up. There's a few spots to hit without much stress like Prescott or Tuscon to mix it up.

The morning when the day starts warming up and the sun comes up in the sky over the scenery this time of year...can reset your brain.
 
Building off a closer version of NZ, my initial though was Azores. Haven't been in a few years, but laid back, nice hikes, hot springs, seafood, wine and cozido and corn cooked with steam from the hot springs. I didn't do any riding, but driving around the island the only traffic was livestock and i thought it would be good for roadies and of course mtbs https://www.updowntrails.com/

Pretty sure you can now fly direct from newark to ponta delgada. Used to only be direct from Boston.
 
Kinda similar to Madeira and the Azores (Portuguese) are the Canary Islands (Spanish). All similar, guess flight prices & times and costs of lodging and such might make one a clear winner over the others, not sure.
 
Johnny Utah said:
Sedona and Moab are fantastic. There is a lot to see, hike and bike in between the two.
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Never been to Sedona (it's on my list) but I have been to Moab and would absolutely recommend it to anyone considering. There's a good bike rental industry and plenty of trail to ride. You can do a myriad of other outdoorsy things besides ride and then there's the huge off roading scene, really cool place to visit.
 
If you like hiking and beach look at Tenerife Island Spain, Madeira Island or Ponta Delgado Portugal (on my list to visit).

Tenerife and Madeira will be a bit warmer compared to Ponta Delgado. I spent about 3 weeks in Tenerife before Christmas and the temp was usually around low to mid 60’s unless I was hiking up in the mountains.

United has a direct flight from Newark to TFS and takes about 7hrs or so. Madeira you will have to go through a Lisbon or Porto so plan for 10 to 12 hrs. If you are willing to fly out of JFK Azores Airline has direct flight to Ponta Delgado (PDL).

if you want info on hiking in Tenerife ping me and I can share additional information.
 
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Danimal said:
booking a flight for Aruba. Anyone have any stay recommendations, or places to explore?
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Ritz, Hilton, Hyatt were the last three trips. Plenty of great restaurants, but nothing is cheap. NYC prices. Plenty of atv tours to see the other side of the island. There’s a new winery and rum distillery about 15 minutes from Eagle Beach that was worth the trip.

Is this a family trip?
 
Danimal said:
booking a flight for Aruba. Anyone have any stay recommendations, or places to explore?
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Personally I would get an AirBnb on the northwest corner of the island. The resorts are insane prices. Many places have good prices but you generally need to stay a week. These will be off the beach, inland to some degree.

I would rent an ATV for sure. I would also rent a jeep, which you can take into the national park there. ATVs are not allowed.

Food is expensive for sure. There is a Dutch pancake house near the resorts that we have gone to like 4 times. Probably the best coffee I have found on the island.

Try to go snorkeling. It's truly amazing down there.
 
Bike N Gear said:
Ritz, Hilton, Hyatt were the last three trips. Plenty of great restaurants, but nothing is cheap. NYC prices. Plenty of atv tours to see the other side of the island. There’s a new winery and rum distillery about 15 minutes from Eagle Beach that was worth the trip.

Is this a family trip?
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solo trip
 
Well... Brevard ain't Aruba, but you're always welcome to come on down and crash with us... Plus I think I know a few people with spare bikes to borrow.
 
MissJR said:
Well... Brevard ain't Aruba, but you're always welcome to come on down and crash with us... Plus I think I know a few people with spare bikes to borrow.
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i'm gonna take you guys up on that offer one day, even though i'm pretty sure that offer stands just so you can ridicule my new found roadie life in person. 😀
 
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