Trip-planning Thursday... what's that, you wonder?
Let me explain.
Last night I was aimlessly wandering the internet and decided to see what my 80,000 FF miles could get me. I figured I was only eligible for a few extra bags of pretzels or something, but apparently 80,000 FF miles is a decent amount (turns out all these silly work trips are going to pay off after all). So I started thinking.... Mr. Frankel and I should plan an anniversary trip in July. He'll be out of school for a week or so then, and our 3rd anniversary is July 18. Serendipitous, don't you think?
Let me explain.
Last night I was aimlessly wandering the internet and decided to see what my 80,000 FF miles could get me. I figured I was only eligible for a few extra bags of pretzels or something, but apparently 80,000 FF miles is a decent amount (turns out all these silly work trips are going to pay off after all). So I started thinking.... Mr. Frankel and I should plan an anniversary trip in July. He'll be out of school for a week or so then, and our 3rd anniversary is July 18. Serendipitous, don't you think?
So, good friends, we have a lot of planning to do before July. I say "we" because I often find that the best places to see and go aren't found in travel guides but through word of mouth. That being said, here's my plan: I'll set up places that I'd like to go and what I think might be fun to do there, and if you have anything to add or detract, PLEASE let me know. My hope is that within a few months I'll have a really good idea and understanding of where we'll have the best time.
Let's put some guardrails on this thing. I don't want you guys suggesting Siberia or anything. A few things I'm looking for in a destination:
Location: Anywhere but Asia. I've been there a lot lately and will probably be going again in the next few months.
Transportation: Easy to get around and SAFE
Food: Lots, variety, and GOOD
Lodging: We'll most likely stay at a Starwood hotel for part of the trip (so that it's free), but we might like to stay at a bed and breakfast as well- depending on the location.
Images (and explanations) via my Ireland Pinterest Board
If I'm being completely honest I haven't done much research on Ireland yet (i.e. I impulsively wrote this late last night), but here are the clear benefits I see:
-Decent English-speaking population
-Beer, Meat, and Potatoes (Christopher would be one happy guy)
-Castles
-Greenery
-Westin Hotel in Dublin: I have beaucoup Starwood points, so I'm inclined to spend at least part of our stay there to save funds for food and sight-seeing.
Help me out! What do I need to know about Dublin, Ireland?! Tell me the good, bad, and the ugly. I still have a lot of research to do.
Any suggestions for next week's destination? I'm thinking Puerto Rico, Spain, or Greece-- just off the top of my head. Opinions, please!!!!
Hey there Kelly! Regular reader of your blog here . . .
ReplyDeleteWe were in Dublin last year for Spring Break and we had a blast. It's a very walkable city, good nightlife and options for food. Everyone says the two big things you should see as tourists are the Guinness Storehouse and the Kilmainham Jail. We think you could easily skip both and still enjoy Dublin. It's worth a day trip to Bru Na Boinne and a MUST do. One of our favorite parts of all of our Ireland vacation was the crazy good live music that just springs up in the pubs in the evenings. Almost every night we'd walk the city and find a pub with music and wander in for a pint and some really amazing music and camaraderie. Good times!
If you do choose Ireland, you might also want to travel to the more Southern city of Kilkenny, which was probably my favorite town!
Slainte! Margaret
I would LOOOOVE to go to Ireland one day!! It looks so green and lush there!! How to plan a trip like that! Have you considered using a travel agent?
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