2008 is going to be about adventure travel for me. I've booked my Spring trip to Banff, Canada for a few days of hiking and kayaking. I'd also like this to be the year I finally go on my solo volunteer holiday to The Azores in Portugal.

I'm surprised to see Brooklyn on BT's list of destinations of interest. I know this town as well as I know the topography of my own face, so if you folks would like some advice, please don't hesitate to ask.

Happy travels in '08!

Posted By Jennifer Katz on December 28, 2007, 5:11 PM

Planning trip with friends to Sicily and Sorrento in April, 2008. We did Northern Italy in 2006. We figure Euro might still go higher and as we get older who knows if we can make the trip????

Posted By Jersey Joe on December 31, 2007, 7:18 AM

We had hoped to do a Mediterraen cruise in 2008 but after a rather expensive trip to Eastern Europe in fall 2007 when the dollar plummeted, we think we're going to do more traveling stateside. We've always wanted to drive cross-country (northern route) and go to coastal Oregon so those are good bets. Of course, if an interesting cruise bargain comes up, we'll consider that too!

Posted By Karen McIntyre on December 31, 2007, 7:23 AM

You may think in Uruguay , a small country where you can find very nice white sandy beaches, friendly people always ready to help tourists and a quite secure place, at very low prices. the best time of the year is in summer (december to marcha)

Posted By RUBEN WEISZMAN on December 31, 2007, 7:29 AM

Corcovado Tent Lodge - near Carate Costa Rica. It's absolutely magical.

If you like nature then it should be on your short list of places to visit.

Posted By Michael Fowler on December 31, 2007, 7:51 AM

In 2008 my sister and I will be doing a 10 day driving tour through Ireland. She has always wanted to go and so ahve I and we decided that this is the time. I'm a little hesitant about the driving on the "wrong" side, but I'm sure I'll catch on. The scenery is what we want to see and we're very excited! If anyone has any must see places, let me know.

Posted By tnsauerkraut on December 31, 2007, 8:06 AM

In February we are headed for southern Spain and Morocco.
In September we plan to visit the Ukraine.
Neither trip has anything to do with the currency. They are just places we have not been to yet and are on our "list".

Posted By Fran Roux on December 31, 2007, 8:06 AM

Later this winter...a cruise around South America from Valparaiso to Buenos Aires with a side trip to Iguazu Falls
This fall...a cruise with 10 friends through the Panama Canal
This winter...Puerto Vallarta

Posted By boomerone on December 31, 2007, 8:35 AM

My husband and I are known for our last minute bookings...we're headed to Colorado in two weeks for some great skiing (and to visit my brother) and then to England to visit my husbands' family. We got an amazing deal on the CO flights, and thats great because England is always a rip-off, but we have NO WAY OUT (since it's family)!!!

I'm also hoping for a surprise trip to Asia this year or possibly a whiskey tour through Scotland (thanks to a recent Ian M. Banks book). Any time there is a fantastic deal on flights - we're checking it out!

Posted By Alex W on December 31, 2007, 8:49 AM

we just returned from a 10 day cruise to antarctica. it was amazing! the penguins, seals, whales, icebergs . . .it was beyond our wildest dreams. that was how we ended 2007. in 2008, we are planning a 30 day trip to africa, egypt and dubai. we will do a 9 day safari, cruise the nile and ski in dubai! we will also be in mexico in november (an annual golfing trip) as well as a couple of trips to florida to golf and visit family. best wishes to all our fellow travellers for a healthy, safe and laughter-filled 2008!

Posted By lisa on December 31, 2007, 9:21 AM

I had originally planned on taking my niece to Paris as a college graduation gift. When exploring the costs, I found we could take an 8-day Mediterranean cruise in June for the same cost as only 3 days in Paris. The cruise saves us money since we are paying for nearly everything in American dollars. Next thing I know, friends and other family are joining us. So, Bon Voyage to six American ladies from Barcelona on June 1st. Paris will just have to wait.

Posted By Beccy Kugel on December 31, 2007, 9:23 AM

We are going to Egypt in February. After arriving in Cairo, we will cruise down the Nile and visit many of the Egyptian sites. This is a tour. If anyone has any tips, it would be great.

Posted By Bonnie Richards on December 31, 2007, 9:27 AM

In June 2008 we are planning a 17-day trip to Ukraine, Russia and Finland. We will start in Kiev, then up to Moscow over to St Petersburg then take a boat trip over to Helsinki and fly home from there. It helps that the dollar is stronger over in those countries especially since the plane fare is outrageous. Then in '09 possibly Korea.

Happy travels!

Posted By Kimberly on December 31, 2007, 9:32 AM

To tnsauerkraut
Some friends and I made two trips to Ireland, once to the south and once to the north. If you are going north, don't miss the Giant's Causeway - it is amazing! Belfast and Derry are musts, as well, if you are in Northern Ireland. In the south, the Ring of Kerry is beautiful and the Cliffs of Moher are gorgeous. There is lots to do in Dublin and a trip south of there to Glendalough is well worth the trip. These past trips were arranged tours, but I would like to go back on my own to vist and check out the interior.

Posted By Kathleen Milligan on December 31, 2007, 9:36 AM

We are going to Panama the end of January. 3 days in Panama City, 3 days at Bocas Del Toro and 3 days at El Valle. A perfect blend of city, beach and mountains!

Posted By Eleanore Jakubowski on December 31, 2007, 9:42 AM

This Feb- a trip to Patagonia with a few days in BA. Wanted to go there for a long time. And the currency situation helps. Later in fall- probably, Peru.

Posted By Tatiana on December 31, 2007, 9:55 AM

My husband and I are going to Kerala, India in mid January with two other couples for a close friend's wedding. I'm a little nervous about the long flight and different cuisine, but it's an opportunity of a lifetime!

Posted By Wendy on December 31, 2007, 9:55 AM

My niece married a Brazilian national a couple years ago, now has a baby. The whole family is headed to Vitoria, Brazil, this April for baby Bella's 1st birthday. Then a side visit to Rio de Janeiro, and to Iguaco Falls. Should be a lot of fun.

Posted By Erin on December 31, 2007, 10:05 AM

April: Yunnan, China, to photograph native plants, visit different ethnic groups.

October: Cape Province, South Africa, to study southern hemisphere plants, Johannesburg to visit Soweto, learn about living conditions, changes since end of apartheid.

Posted By Linda on December 31, 2007, 10:09 AM

Well I'm going to tough out the weak USD and go back to one of my favorite places, Rome. Afterall, I did throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, so I guess I'm destined to go back. BUT, I do have plans to travel to Thailand also. I'm trying to not let the US Dollar stop me.

Posted By Rob M. on December 31, 2007, 10:15 AM

After years of wishing and dreaming of it, my Mom and I are heading to Ireland in April. Her grandparents were born there and we plan to do some family research as well as taking in all the local Irish culture we can. We plan on driving wherever the wind, scenery, and music takes us! Counting the days....

Posted By Amy on December 31, 2007, 10:18 AM

Without each other's knowledge, my partner & I won trips through our work that must be taken in 2008. Plus, we already had a trip planned for January.

So in mid-January, we are going to Buenos Aires, Argentina for 10 days. We hope to take in some day trips outside the city, including a day in Uruguay.

Then in April/May, we will take the trip that I won to the Caribbean. We still have to decide on a specific destination, but are thinking possibly the Dominican Republic or St. Bart's.

August will probably bring the trip that he won - 5 days in Bulgaria plus the additional week that he has added on in Greece.

Besides all of these, we will be making regular weekend trips to New York City and other stateside destinations. So it will be a fun-filled year of travel for us!

Posted By Guy Parker on December 31, 2007, 10:18 AM

Without each other's knowledge, my partner & I won trips through our work that must be taken in 2008. We gave them to each other for Christmas. Plus, we already had a trip planned for January.

So in mid-January, we are going to Buenos Aires, Argentina for 10 days. We hope to take in some day trips outside the city, including a day in Uruguay.

Then in April/May, we will take the trip that I won to the Caribbean. We still have to decide on a specific destination, but are thinking possibly the Dominican Republic or St. Bart's.

August will probably bring the trip that he won - 5 days in Bulgaria plus the additional week that he has added on in Greece.

Besides all of these, we will be making regular weekend trips to New York City and other stateside destinations. So it will be a fun-filled year of travel for us!

Posted By Guy Parker on December 31, 2007, 10:19 AM

In 2008, we will be completing our endeavor to visit all 50 states. Our circle driving tour includes Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, Michigan, and Iowa. We will also continue our passion for cruising with a southern caribbean cruise from santo domingo, a weekend bahamas cruise, and a weekend northwest pacific cruise. Last, but not least, a Renaissance festival in Arizona. Happy traveling!

Posted By Kent Waggoner on December 31, 2007, 10:20 AM

In 2008 my boyfriend and I are taking a trip in recognition of my recently acquired Bachelor's degree. In April, we are headed to Panama for 8 days. The highlight of this trip will be our stay at the San Blas Archipelago to visit the Kuna Yala.

Posted By Abigail on December 31, 2007, 10:31 AM

Well, if tourist visas for US citizens become available in 2008, I'd really like to take a tour of the DPRK (North Korea - part of the "axis of evil"). I've always been fascinated with places that are not quite in the same time/space dimension as the rest of us, and overrun with monumental architecture. After seeing the North, then visit the South.

Posted By Dennis Blazey on December 31, 2007, 10:51 AM

Airline travel has become so disagreeable, we avoid it like the plague. Since we are in Southern California, we take advantage of the Ports of Los Angeles and San Diego for cruises to Mexico, Panama, Hawaii or Alaska. Our one concession is a short flight to or from Vancouver for repositioning cruises

Posted By Boyd Briskin on December 31, 2007, 10:51 AM

We're going to Paris for a week in May. I know the dollar is so low against the euro, but the price I paid for this trip thru an auction was too good to pass up.

Posted By RGTraveler on December 31, 2007, 10:59 AM

Natchez Pilgrimage in April.

Oregon/Washington/Idaho incl. Hell's Canyon in June.

Kitty Hawk/Outerbanks, NC in July

Lancaster Festival (Music & Arts) Lancaster,OH, also in July - this is a wonderful 12 day celebration of the music & arts - many events are free. Includes over 100 musical & art performances - an eclectical mix of all genres - classical, jazz, pop, latin, country, etc. incl. symphony orchestra of top musicians from around the world, top name entertainers, art exhibition, ballet, chamber music, all in an historical town of SE Ohio. Great hiking in state parks of the Appalachian foothills nearby. Great 3-4 day trip from places like Chicago, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Nashville, D.C.

October - Mesa Verde/ SW Colorado

Posted By DOC on December 31, 2007, 11:15 AM

We are flying to Bucharest in June, then taking a cruise on the Danube from the Black Sea to Budapest. We'll stay a few days there before flying home.

Posted By Maggie on December 31, 2007, 11:29 AM

Planning trip to Cabo Wabo San Lucas Mexico in May.

2009 maybe the Phillpines???

Caribbean Area- St Martin, Jamaica???

Posted By stephen russell on December 31, 2007, 11:34 AM

Between a weak dollar and investment (non)performance, this year will have a trip to Oregon and Northern California. We enjoyed Italy last spring and tour from Charleston to Jacksonville (with an extension triggered by December ice storms and power outages at home). So we are cutting back this year and hoping the currency and economy both improve.

Posted By Joe Eder on December 31, 2007, 12:26 PM

We've traveled a lot, spending 11 weeks total in New Zealand the last two years. It's now our favorite destination and we'll go back again in 2009. The dollar hopefully will still be favorable there. This spring we'll stay out of airports(!!) and take off driving to the southeast coast then follow the sun north, maybe as far as Maine to see a bit more of the U.S.

Posted By Mary on December 31, 2007, 12:30 PM

We're going on a cruise to the Mediterranean. We were thinking about traveling through Europe by land, but with the state of the Euro we realized we can have a really luxurious vacation paying US dollars by cruise ship. And I can't wait to see Venice! We've been to Rome, Sicily, Sorrento, but not to Venice and its supposed to be at the top of most people's lists.

Posted By Eriqua on December 31, 2007, 12:30 PM

After doing Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Slovenia last year, I've decided to simplify in 2008 and will spend 10 days in Ireland.

But for those who are considering it, I highly recommend Argentina as a destination -- affordable, cosmopolitan, and some of the most stunning scenery you'll ever encounter.

Posted By Linda S. on December 31, 2007, 1:01 PM

My daughter and I plan to visit Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa, Mexico in late 2008. We've never been to Mexico and given the status of the dollar, this is a great time to take a break from Europe.

We're also planning to visit Billings, MT, just to get a little peace and quiet and enjoy the beautiful mountains and lakes.

Posted By Renee on December 31, 2007, 1:16 PM

Jan -- India
Feb -- Canada-winter carnival
March -- Las Vegas
April -- Canada -train to Halifax
May - last cruise on the QEII to Med.
June, July, August -- time off
Sept -- train to Canada west coast and cruise west coast and thru Panama Canal to Miami
Oct -- Costa Rica
Nov and Dec -- more time off

Posted By Pat on December 31, 2007, 1:27 PM

Have suit case will travel! During '07 we barely had time to re-pack having gone to Hawaii/Kauai, New York, southern Italy (Rome and the Amalfi coast) New Orleans, a wonderful Danube River Cruise in Oct. and Acapulco in early December. We have China and/or Costa Rica on the radar so far for '08, however I may give up China and go to Japan instead. Travel is our passion, but the weak US dollar doesn't help. I guess we just have to search for better deals. Happy travels!

Posted By Moonyean on December 31, 2007, 1:34 PM

My husband and I are doing a transatlantic cruise the end of March from Fort Lauderdale to Amsterdam. On the stops we will need Euro and Pounds. Ouch!!!

In September, my son is treating me to a Polar Bear and Northern Lights stay at the Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge in the Cape Tatnum Wildlife area. The program is different than Churchill's for there is no snow or tundra buggies. We sleep two to a cabin and go out every day on ATVs. The bears and the cubs come right up to the fence just a few from the lodge and cabins.

So I'm hoping for good weather and lots of polar bears because the Nanuk polar bear population is the highest in Manitoba. For me this will be the trip of a lifetime.

Posted By Marge Pacheco on December 31, 2007, 1:46 PM

I am trying to get away for at least a week. (I am a mother of six, so time is limited) But I am having dificulty getting cheap airfares. I don't care, kind of, where I go, as long is sunny and warm. Please advise!

Posted By Barbara on December 31, 2007, 2:07 PM

We are heading to China in early April. Beijing, Shanghai,Suzhou, Hangzhou. Leaving from San Francisco so will spend a couple of days there before and after.

In June we will take a 12 night cruise-tour from Vancouver to Alaska with three nights in Vancouver pre-cruise.

In addition we will travel to Texas and to Arizona to visit relatives.

Posted By Jerry Felgenhour on December 31, 2007, 2:10 PM

We are spending two weeks in Argentina this January. We are spliting our time between Buenos Aires and Salta in the northwest.

Posted By Kathleen Lonergan on December 31, 2007, 2:48 PM

I am traveling to the tiny village of Suvereto on the Tuscan Coast in Italy to attend a dear Italian friends wedding. The wedding is being held in the town church and then afterward the entire wedding will be transported to his family's villa outside the village for the reception.
After the celebration my friends and I are traveling to the gorgeous Amalfi Coast to enjoy a week at a rented house in the seaside village of Praiano.
I am looking forward to taking many beautiful pictures!

Posted By Wendy Dreaney on December 31, 2007, 3:13 PM

Headed for the Adriatic in late May--trying to stretch my $--Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina (small group trip). Fall will be a trip to Norway or Egypt, leaning toward either trip on my own. Although in my 70's, still traveling as much as I can afford. The Euro is much too high, plan to wait it out. The world is a big place.

Posted By Jessie Graham on December 31, 2007, 4:17 PM

We are off to London in March, yet again. I found a good package from Brit Air, and they stop flying into Detroit at the end of March ... so this is one last chance to enjoy their service. It certainly beats that of Northwest, which is our hub service provider.

We know it will be expensive, but we can make our own lunch and eat pub food for dinner. There are so many free museums, and we have one more chance to visit our very special friends in Canterbury.

We are in our mid 60's, and at this age you never know when you will be able to see friends who live so far away.

In the Fall we will will probably drive out
West -- Washington and Oregon. Unless I find an unbeatable deal to Australia. We would like to go there "one last time".

And maybe we will be lucky enough to be able to travel until we are 80. But we are not taking any chances on that.

Posted By Mary on December 31, 2007, 4:18 PM

After a fabulous trip to Peru last summer, we're heading to China this year in March (Beijing, Beidahe, Yangshuo and either Xian or Chengdu). Then to the Big Island of Hawaii to visit friends this summer. We had to give up on a trip to Greece and Turkey this spring because of the prices. China seems like a better bet and I really want to go before the Yuan floats against the dollar.

Posted By Debbie on December 31, 2007, 4:18 PM

My husband and I are traveling to Croatia, Slovenia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina in May with a Rick Steves' tour group.

Posted By Tawana West on December 31, 2007, 4:44 PM

While I haven't decided WHERE I want my next trip to be to, I have decided on WHAT I would like for my next trip to be.
I've travelled through a small portion of Europe and have learned how to travel, now I'm ready for something more exotic. I'm wanting to go somewhere that will throw me into more of a culture shock and tear down my comfort zones - I'm considering Ecuador, India, and Vietnam as a few of the possibilities.
In addition to a big trip like this, I would like to return to Europe as well - either Paris or Ireland would be my top choices, but ultimately I would go wherever cheap airfare would take me.

Posted By Vanessa on December 31, 2007, 4:49 PM

In May I'll be traveling to the Grand Canyon for hiking and camping. Hopefully, August will bring a trip to Acadia NP. It's time to rediscover the beauty of the USA.

Posted By kami on December 31, 2007, 5:54 PM

My wife and I are planning a two + week trip to Ireland this April. Hoping to drive throughout the Southern counties.

Posted By don on December 31, 2007, 6:42 PM

My boyfriend and I are planning on going to Chile, Peru, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands in the fall. Luckily, we took a trip to Europe in 2006 when the dollar wasn't nearly this bad! (Although, I'd probably go back to Paris no matter how bad it got!) A Happy New Year of travels to everyone!

Posted By monica on December 31, 2007, 7:10 PM

My boyfriend and I are going to Maui in Feb/March. The first time for both of us!

Posted By Amelia on December 31, 2007, 7:19 PM

for bonnie richards:
my son and i just returned from egypt in april and had the best time. we are history and culture buffs so we loved the temples. the tombs in the valley of the kings are not to be missed, see as many as you can. we traveled thru djoser (budget travel recommendation) and anubis tours and were treated very kindly. take time to learn a little arabic and use it in the shops and restaurants- we found the people of egypt extremely friendly.

Posted By jim siedlecki on December 31, 2007, 7:32 PM

My husband, 1 year old daughter, and I are headed to Chile in January and February. We will be based in Santiago, and taking excursions to other regions, including the Atacama desert, Patagonia, and a "wine train" rail tour through Chile's wine country.

Posted By Anna on December 31, 2007, 10:28 PM

My husband will be traveling to Italy for business, so this will help our budget since we can extend his trip a bit and check out northern Italy and Switzerland. Had planned a trip to Ireland with a friend, but we are putting it on hold since we've heard Ireland is one of the most expensive places to go right now.

There is so much to see in the US, we also plan to visit several National Parks in the western US.

Posted By Beth on December 31, 2007, 10:35 PM

Well, we kinda plan trips at the last minute, but....we are for sure going to Orlando in March for business, LA in June for a wedding....

Then, in May we may go to Yellowstone, and December, I am leaning towards Peru. Just got back from Panama and had an amazing time....

Posted By Lori on December 31, 2007, 10:49 PM

I'll be doing a two-week motorcyle tour of Tibet this summer and am presently searching for a two week tour in India and a one week tour in Nepal for either before or after the Tibet adventure. Any suggestions?

Posted By Stephen on January 1, 2008, 8:09 AM

We plan to travel to Hawaii after we retire this summer. We are undecided yet as to whether we will do a cruise or spend 2 or 3 weeks island hopping by commercial air.

Posted By Gary & Marilyn Hairston on January 1, 2008, 10:14 AM

My wife and daughter and I are contemplating a family vacation to Nassau this summer. We've been there for the day on a cruise and would like to see more of it (including a Dolphin Swim!)

By the way, the 'little cove' in Bermuda pictured at the top of this page is called Jobson's Cove and it's one of the most beautiful areas on the island! We've been to Bermuda three times and hope to get back there in a few years for our 20th anniversary.

Posted By Jon May on January 1, 2008, 11:04 AM

My husband and I are headed to Puerto Rico for 9 days in February to go surfing! My husband has always wanted to go to "surf camp" and I'm going to give it a shot as well. We're also planning on checking out old San Juan and maybe a rum factory while we're there. Other trips are friends and family-related... the 125-year celebration of the farm in North Dakota in July (complete with barn dance) and a wedding in St. Paul, MN in October.

Posted By Nancy Lueke on January 1, 2008, 11:08 AM

My partner and I will celebrate our 25th Anniversary in March with a week in Poipu, Kauai for some snorkeling and whale watching. Then a beach trip with family in May to Gulf Shores, Alabama and probably a camping week in August or September at Lake Powell, Arizona. Maybe a special surprise trip in November for my partner's 60th birthday!

Posted By Toby on January 1, 2008, 11:38 AM

We're going to Nevis, West Indies, for a week in June, and then on to Puerto Rico for 4 days afterward. We got a steal on the Nevis villa in this shoulder season, but airfare (Denver-St Kitts, ferry from there) is a bit scary for a family of five! Since we need to fly through either Miami or Puerto Rico, we decided to stay for a few days in PR and check it out too.

Posted By Lisa T. Bergren on January 1, 2008, 12:07 PM

We're heading to Mongolia for the Nadaam Festival of the Manly Arts (wrestling, archery, and horseracing) in July.

We'll spend 17 days traveling to Ulann Bataar, the Gobi Desert, Lake Hovsgol and to see the games in Moran where we'll meet the wrestlers in person. Hope to ride a camel, a yak cart, a Mongolian pony and a reindeer before it is all over!

Posted By Sarah on January 1, 2008, 5:06 PM

A solo trip to Italy was great in 07, but this year something closer to home might be less expensive. British Columbia sounds like just the thing...taking the Amtrak up the Pacific coast to make it a bit slower paced.

Posted By annie on January 1, 2008, 6:11 PM

Kosovo -- before it gains independence (so, before May 2008), and then again after, just to see the difference.

Posted By Magdalena Rahn on January 2, 2008, 3:41 AM

March/April: Natchez Spring Pilgrimage, followed by a leisurely drive north on the Natchez Trace.
June: East-coast grandson graduation, hope to fit in a tour of his future college campus as well.
September: Bluegrass festival in Winfield Kansas, then Kansas friends and I are driving west to Mesa Verde, the one male in the group hopes to find fishing on the trip.
December: My 70th birthday is December 10, I want to do something memorable. . .a spa week? Back to New Zealand after many years? First time in Australia? I live in Iowa, so it needs to be warm! Suggestions?

Posted By Joan Laing on January 2, 2008, 6:56 AM

Planning a big trip for my 60th birthday this year: to China in September including a cruise up the Yangtze River. Also hope to go back to Argentina in April for my third time. Liked BA and Mendoza, now would like to see Bariloche. The dollar definitely goes farther down there, but it is changing.

Posted By Sue Julian on January 2, 2008, 11:54 AM

I love to go to Croatia. It looks beautiful, and seems to be as reasonably priced as the weak dollar would allow. I think I would include it with a trip to Italy, and proably take a ferry from there. Does anyone have any advice for me on Croatia?

Posted By kathleen on January 2, 2008, 4:11 PM

Disney World Christmas 2008. Already looking forward to a big family vacation with three generations.

Posted By Elaine on January 2, 2008, 6:10 PM

My husband and I are splitting up for travel this year, he to Peru with our grown over-35 daughter and me to the West coast with our younger son also over 35. Our older son expects to migrate to Brisbane in February so we will be all over the place. Any suggestions for what to do in Portland?

Posted By Gay H on January 2, 2008, 6:35 PM

last year I enjoyed Tanzania for 8 day safari.
And China twice. this year
I will stay closer to home.
take the super ferry to Maui
(from Oahu, my home)
and spring ski at Steamboat.
Beyond that am still open for suggestions.

Posted By Carolyn on January 2, 2008, 9:21 PM

Staying stateside this year. Traveling through New Mexico, Arizona, California, Oregon and Washington and my home state Texas. A few camping trips at some Federal Parks, a camping trip along the old Route 66. Beach side vacation in Oregon.

Posted By Kathleen on January 3, 2008, 2:31 PM

I have three trips planned for this year:

China (Beijing and Shanghai) in March, the Disney Cruise in November, and a little fun jump to Amsterdam for December (or September, whichever works better for our little group).

Posted By Mel on January 3, 2008, 5:32 PM

All I can say about Europe is thank goodness we lived there from 1986 to 1990. My husband had something to do a few weeks a year but we were really on perpetual vacation. We haven't been back since our daughter was four. We have a 19 and 13 year old. We wanted to wait until they were older and now Europe is just too ridiculously expensive. Even in the 1990's I remember paying $5 for a coke and $6 for a cup of coffee in many of the popular cities. Since we have had kids we have been travelling in Mexcico, Belize, Honduras, the Caribbean and Hawaii. Due to school vacations and my husbands work I will be taking our daughter to Costa Rica for Spanish classes and touring. My husband will be taking our son to Baja for one of the ATV or motorcycle one week tours. When we go back to Europe, Greece is high on my daughter's list and my son wants to visit Italy. I just hope it becomes more realistically priced soon. By the way, we are from California and are used to paying high prices for everything.

Posted By Deborah Tupin on January 4, 2008, 10:14 PM

It is a sad but true fact that the US dollar is nearly worthless in Europe. However, since Europe and the Mediterranean are among my favorite places to vacation my husband and I are going on our second Mediterranean cruise (different route) in October 2008. We will save money because nearly every expense is covered by the cruise line. Unfortunately air fares are ridiculous but we love to vacation in Europe so that is the price we have to pay!!

Posted By Phyllis S Waring on January 4, 2008, 11:51 PM

Reply to Ruben asking about Ireland. If you really want to try a nice tour of Ireland and want to do a bit of driving, here is what we did. Fly into Shannon Airport and drive up to Galway for 2 night, then to dublin for 2 more. After Dublin we stayed 1 night in Cashel to see the sights. From there we drove to Dingle for 3 nights and left early on our last full day to drive to Bunratty which is very near Shannon. Excellent trip. Was very ambitious but did not feel overly rushed and we saw some great cities in Ireland.

Posted By Jim on January 5, 2008, 1:05 PM

We have been trying to book a reasonably priced trip to Paris (flight, hotel), prices are high. Any suggestions?? This is for April.

Posted By sunshine on January 6, 2008, 4:12 PM

I usually travel to Europe at least twice a year, but not in 2008. Just returned from Hawaii and am planning hiking in Utah and Canadian Rockies for this spring/summer. I'm even encouraging my European friends to come to the USA!

Posted By Sherry on January 6, 2008, 8:01 PM

Family visits with a baby along will bring us to Yosemite National Park in spring for waterfalls and flowering dogwoods. We'll stay in Twain Harte, CA at a rented house. Come fall we'll be munching Polish sausage at the ever-so-Texan "Scarecrow Festival" in Chappell Hill, TX, possibly the most charming Texas town in historic Washington County. In between we have to celebrate our 40th birthdays, so a week in Amsterdam with friends to split the bill on a houseboat and a week at a beach of my choice (Maine?) should wrap it up.

Posted By TropicBird on January 7, 2008, 12:25 PM

To tnsauerkraut- I HIGHLY recommend a stay at An Bohreen bed & breakfast in Dungarvan (www.anbohreen.com)YOU MUST have dinner there as well. Ann is a wonderful professionally trained cook and they can tell you all the sites to see in the area, give you maps, etc.

Posted By Lisa Ceddia on January 7, 2008, 1:05 PM

My husband and I are
going to Vienna, Austria in April for 2 weeks. We will save money by renting an apartment and eating in a lot. We will be renting through Untours that we first read about in Budget Travel.
In July we will spend a week in Sedona, AZ by exchanging a timeshare.
In November we will spend Thanksgiving week in St. Thomas, USVI where we have a cousin. We will stay with our daughter and her family in a rental place we found on line.

Posted By Jean mcCall on January 7, 2008, 3:30 PM

Reply to Gay H about visiting Portland, Oregon. Portland offers a host of wonderful public gardens, and also several stunning private gardens open to the public. Start with the Washington Park Rose gardens and the Classical Chinese Garden, both located near the downtown area. The city is also filled with fabulous cafes, espresso coffee shops, local breweries with great ales, and restaurants both casual and fine dining. Wonderful neighborhoods with shops and eateries to explore include the trendy Pearl Distrist and Northwest 23rd Avenue near downtown and Historic Sellwood (antiques heaven) and funky Hawthorne Blvd. both in Southeast Portland. For Oregon Trail and regional history head to Oregon City and West Linn just south of town and also to Fort Vancouver in nearby Vancouver WA. And, don't miss a drive east into the scenic Columbia River Gorge area; great cafes in Hood River. Have the Visitors Information Centers in Portland, Hood River, and Oregon City send you maps and packets of information. Happy travels!

Posted By Myrna Oakley on January 7, 2008, 5:49 PM

Travel transforms you. Eat a hamburger at home; you just ate a hambuger. Eat Peking duck in China or sip champagne in Paris,and you are somehow changed. No ones knows it but you, but that does not matter. You have quietly transcended your prior experiences.

Posted By Jane on January 7, 2008, 7:02 PM

My top five "new" destinations for 2008:
1. Morocco
2. Spain and Portugal
3. Nordics (Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway)
4. Vancouver
5. Taiwan

Posted By Linda on January 7, 2008, 8:25 PM

we are the crazy americans that go to all the summer olympic games and this year will be no excepection. so over priced Beijing here we come.

Posted By cschwind on January 7, 2008, 10:27 PM

To Sunshine - we have booked a trip for a week in Paris in April with Expedia including airfare and hotel for a very reasonable price. We made sure to get a hotel near the Louvre that includes breakfast and checked the traveler reviews. Not buying one meal should save us a lot and being centrally located means we won't spend much in transportation. We have never stayed in a foreign city for more than a few days and this will be a first for us. In September 08 we've connected two timeshare weeks and will be going near Banff for one week and Glacier National Park for the other.

Posted By Doris Allen on January 8, 2008, 9:04 AM

June of this year approx. 15 - 20 friends and family are renting a villa in Tuscany for a week near Florence. Planned day bus tours of the surrounding area including Pisa Siena,Chianti Road, Pienza, etc. Depart villa for France with planned tours of Normandy Beaches and several days in Paris before returning to USA.

Posted By Sallie Saraceno on January 8, 2008, 11:34 AM

We are catching a transatlantic cruise in April that leaves us in Barcelona. Your article last week on Barcelona and Spain was great. It will be a great help.

Enjoy your site.

Posted By Joe Robertson on January 8, 2008, 5:37 PM

In 2007 we traveled just 11 miles, from our country home of the last 40 years to a city home (in a rather small city), plus a couple of domestic trips for weddings. We'll make up for our year without foreign travel by spending 3 weeks in Buenos Aires in March/April, plus visits with friends and family in Costa Rica (west coast) and Puerto Rico.

Posted By Lee on January 8, 2008, 11:38 PM

We are going to Greece in October and will be staying in apartments in small villages for the most part - we are hoping to shop at the local markets and go to restaurants the local eat at. We are avoiding big cities with high tourist prices.

Posted By Shirley Seal on January 10, 2008, 2:30 AM

Three friends and I are headed to South Africa (Johannesburg), Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls) and Botswana (Okvango Delta and Chobe) for 2 weeks in May/June. Our tour including airfare is through South African Airways (www.visitsaonsaa.com) and is called the Cascades and Carnivores tour. We are extending for 3 days to include city/Soweto tours and a side trip to Lesedi Cultural Village. I first head about it in Budget Travel. We looked at a lot of tours and this was the best package we found. I can't wait to go!

Posted By Chari Crow on January 10, 2008, 8:23 AM

i am off to antartica tonite for a two week cruise. should be exciting if i cont run into any icebers! in may i am going to northern ireland for a homestay with a family through friendship force. and in oct a cruise in the mediterranean. retirement is great

Posted By isabel strasser on February 7, 2008, 2:02 PM

I want to visit Argentina again. Went to Bariloche with the SkiAndLearnSpanish School in 2006, and highly recommend it. Their website can be found at: http://www.skiandlearnspanish.com

Matt H.

Posted By Matt on April 24, 2008, 4:06 PM