I know we had a similiar thread in the past, but I figured it would be a good idea to have a new thread for this year!

Where are you going for vacation this year?

We are going to Maui the first week of April for a week of snorkeling and diving. I am excited as my niece who has been living with us since December has never been to Hawaii.

We are also planning a trip to San Diego when school gets out for the summer. I am trying to talk my sweetie into letting me do the dolphin trainer for a day at sea world for my b-day gift.

We also have a trip planned to New York in the fall to do some shopping and see some shows.

I have saved some time off in the event there was an outsports convention, but I haven't seen anything so I am guessing there will not be one this year.

Mike

going to London and Paris--although it's on a tour with my family--I'm still going to Europe for the first time

I'm pretty excited

Florida Panhandle next month for the MulletMan triathlon (hope to see Aubie!). I'm sure we'll get to Rehoboth Bch., Del., sometime this summer, too.

We're trying to save our pennies for next year. My brother the Coast Guard officer is being transferred to Kodiak, AK, this summer, so we'll want to visit next June. In December, we're taking my dad to Belize for his 70th b-day.

I am planning on returning to my second home of San Francisco, which I have not been too for about 10 years. Too long.

Theodore have fun!!! Are you taking the Eurostar under the English channel to get to Paris? How long are you going for?

GJ if you need tips on Alaska when you get ready to go, give me a holler. My partner works for Alaska airlines, and we get up there pretty frequently, when do you plan on going?

Mike

Heading up to Western Mass next week for the annual St. Patrick's day parade in Holyoke (reportedly 3rd largest in the country, after Boston and NYC).

Heading to International Mr. Leather in Chicago in May to...well, you know.

Theodore - you can't help but have fun in Paris. I went for a long weekend two weeks ago. Notwithstanding the rhetoric from the "freedom fries" crowd, I found the French to be friendly, accomodating and delightful.

I plan on doing more international travel this year hunting for cheap airfares.

I also look forward to summer weekends in Rehoboth Beach. GJ - hope to see you there.

MDPHL, please give vacation tips, not... eek! nevermind.

Go figure, i thought GJ had a PHX trip planned... fun-n-the-sun.

Well - it depends on your definition of accomodating. But, insofar as I could tell, the French certainly like Americans...

Sugarplum, BG and I will definitely head to PHL when you make your annual pilgrimage. Only this time we're not staying in that concrete warren that Best Western calls a mo-tel.

Let's coordinate. We're aiming for the weekend of July 10 - our first anniversary!

We're thinking June 2006. We'll definitely get more info as it gets closer. Gotta save for the airfare first.

Wayne and I will be going to the new cottage for the month of July. All that's left to do is the gardening. All construction is done. FINALLY!!!!!

All we are planning on planting are native grasses and flowers, and let them naturalize. There''s no lawn, and I don't want one. It's on the side of a hill surrounded by big pines, so nothing would grow anyway.

September 7th is our 25th anniversery, and I have tentatively booked a transatlantic crossing on the Queen Mary 2. I'm still not sure the exact date, but we'll do that, and then spend a week in the china factories of Stoke-On-Trent.

I have told the travel agent I want a nice room with a balcony, but don't want a first class suite, as they tend to be about $3,000 per person. I love him, but the Scot in me cringes at that.

We are both gone some much during the year and travel with each other on business (NYC 4 times a year, ATL, Boston for me this year) that we are taking our vacation at HOME. I want to do absolutely nothing but wake up, put on my swimsuit, get in my boat and sit in the middle of the lake all day.

GJ, still trying to arrange the Mullet. I think we will be able to make it.

One can not blame me, that was the cheapest hotel I could find, since i needed booze money.

you DO know that the biggest Eagles Tailgate Party will take place in AZ this year toots....

we're taking the train under the Chunnel

it's not the greatest tour--I'm a museum freak and I think that we only get to hit maybe two or three in Paris

For my first time in Paris and London, I'm not going to complain, and the best thing, it's pretty much free for me.

My partner and I are going to Puerto Rico the end of April. We are spending four days in Vieques @ a gay owned/operated Inn, and then a couple days in Ponce. It will be the first time for both us.

We're going to Phoenix next month for a week. I'll be playing in their softball tournament over the weekend, and then who knows what for the rest of the time.

Utah in June for some hiking in Arches and Canyonlands. Also hopefully spending a week in San Diego in August for the NAGAAA World Series. If not that, then possibly a week in either Seattle or Denver over Labor Day.

My boyfriend and I are spending a week in South Jersey to go to my best friend's wedding. I can't wait till it because I'm his best man. Plus it'll be nice to visit my parents and see a couple of my other friends.

I'm planning a 5 day rafting trip down the Green River in Utah during June. I also go back to Western Montana in July for a family reunion.

And once I leave L.A. I will make plenty of trips back here, but not sure if that counts as vacation plans.

I'm going to Ft. Lauderdale this weekend, 3/12-13, before I leave for a Caribbean cruise. As chance would have it, it's gay pride in Ft. Lauderdale. I'm only going to be in town for about 24 hours. Can anyone recommend what to do (and not to do) and where to go (and where not to go)?

I have no absolute plans set. I would like to see the Phillies on the road somewhere -- not counting what would be day trips or weekend trips to New York or Washington, that is. If anyone lives in a city the Phils will visit this year and would like me to visit them, just let me know!

I could also be persuaded to visit another major league town even if the Phils aren't playing there...in fact, if you want your team to win you should probably invite me, based on the success that canmark's Blue Jays -- not to mention the Canadian hockey team -- had with me in attendance last year during the JIPWCOH2K4TOC. Admit it, you've missed seeing that fun little acronym, haven't you?

Since I bought a ticket for the Red Sox-Blue Jays game at Fenway in September and it's a Thursday night, there's the chance that I could stay in Boston for a long weekend. That will depend in part on the planned get-together that PF mentioned for when the Eagles play in Arizona. The date of that game isn't known yet so if they play the same weekend, I won't be able to stay in Boston.

My nephew will be bar mitzvah this year and if he gets his way the occasion will be marked in Israel. If that happens, I'll visit that region for the first time in nine years. If his parents put their collective foot down & keep him in country, I hope to travel to Japan instead.

~Adam

[ March 10, 2005, 06:06 PM: Message edited by: Adam ]

The bar mitzvah won't be between Aug. 9-11, will it? Because that's when the Phillies visit L.A. and it just wouldn't be right if I made that trip and you weren't around. wink

I fully expect the ENTIRE philly crew to be out here for the birds game. We should all hope and pray the game is in late oct or nov. Those sept games are just brutal.

Can't promise a full stadium, but i can offer tailgate...

This includes GeagleFan also....

Well, I know where I won't be going!

I'm off to South Dakota for a wedding. The bride told me to bring a date (male), but I decided not since I want her to be the talk of the wedding ... not me.

I'll probably be heading to Tampa for my birthday next month.

And hopefully, back to New Orleans for Halloween. I need to make a repeat of last year!

As I have long known, you are far too kind. The bar mitzvah won't be until October--and if it conflicted with a chance to get together with you, the bar mitzvah would take place without me.

~Adam

Hmmm let's see:

January: Florida - check

February: Joisey for a hockey game and see Susan Lucci - check

March: No long distance travel - tax season

April: No long distance travel - tax season (unless Cornell is playing outside the East or Northeast NCAA hockey regional, then anything goes )

May: Probably Vegas, but springtime in Vancouver sounds good too. Also Wisconsin if "Mommie Dearest" picks up the tab.

June: Maybe go out to Seattle mid-month for the Mariners/Mets interleague series. Also to hit on MDB's boy Ichiro

July: Could end up annoying Cattledog and the Gator Chickie by going to DC for the 4th (and the Mets game) Otherwise, just visit the Cape once.

August: It's Gay Day in Philly otherwise Scottie will beat me.... again.... eek!

September: No long distance travel (friggin' taxes)... NAH F*** it, we're going back to Vegas.

October/November: Phoenix for my yearly conjugal visit with the ex-husband. Also I'll catch some tran.... cowboy lovin freak out there any maybe some old high school friends too.

December: Provided there is NHL hockey and I get YET ANOTHER travel coupon, I'll be in Vancouver for my yearly hockey pilgramage.

At least all the flights will be 1st class!

Go to the beach! For drinks before/after the beach check out Georgie's Alibi and Hamburger Mary's (Ramrod is there too) they are in the same part of town (Wilton Manor) the beach is about a 5-10 min drive.

Amsterdam and Belgium in April/May

NYC for the Bucs game (TBA)

Aruba for the holidays...

As long as you leave Boonie alone, all will be good! Maybe we could organize an outsports get together for that game??

Mike

I would never want you to miss your nephew's bar mitzvah, but I'm glad it won't conflict. This reminds me of when I attended the bar mitzvah for a former co-worker's son. At the point where he had to make a short address (I'm not sure if there's a term for this part of the ceremony) he managed to work in a quote from one of Eminem's records! Nothing vulgar, but amusing nonetheless. wink

Anyway, I'll have to ponder this. Here are some Phillies road series that have appeal:

5/27-29 (Memorial Day weekend) at Atlanta
6/14-16 at Seattle
6/17-19 at Oakland
8/9-11 at L.A.
8/12-14 at San Diego
8/22-24 at San Francisco
8/26-28 at Arizona
9/16-18 at Florida -- but that's still in hurricane season

And of course, if the NHL ever returns and they're not using replacement players I could certainly see myself making Flyers road games as well.

[ March 11, 2005, 12:01 PM: Message edited by: Joe in Philly ]

Hey Joe:
I know Jim Allen, Brent and I would love to go to Dodger Stadium with you. We could have an Outsports mini-West Coast gathering.

That's a good idea, Jim. An Outsports mini-convention. wink Between you guys and Adam, I'd say that L.A. has moved into the early lead in the Joe in Philly Vacation Sweepstakes. So all you other cities need to step up!

Vivaaaaa Las Vegas! Going there for the 1st time April 14-17. Attending the Cauliflower Alley Club reunion (bunch of old wrestlers).

Either June or July going home to NC to see the family and my 10 year high school reunion- eek!

After that who knows.

theodore-
Don't get too excited about the ride through the Chunnel.....I was excited and it turned out to be pretty much nothing. And it really was only fast for a small portion of it. wink

Definitely catch the d'Orsay.......now that's an awesome museum.

The French are nice and witty. I didn't find the Londoners to be the most friendly.


Me and my boyfriend are going to Italy in late May/early June, I cannot wait! We're going to Monaco for a couple days, Genoa and Venice. We like being around the water if you can't tell. I feel bad being so close to Rome and Florence and not going, but going 5-6 places in less than 2 weeks is too much for me. Anyone been to any of the above 3 places? I have not met anyone who has been to Genoa, it does not seem to be a big tourist place, but we're staying at a pretty nice hotel that is on the water a little outside the city, a nice pit stop... wink

Just got back a few weeks ago from two weeks in the South of France, and northern Italy, which was wonderful.
Late June, we will be heading up to Boston, and P-town for our annual visit there, plus tacking on a swing thru Southeast Pennsylvania for my sister's wedding.
End of August we will head over to Barcelona to jump on an Atlantis Cruise of the Mediteranean.

Swing through Santa Margherita if you can, but don't bother with Portifino. They've ruined the whole town by changing all the cute little shops into Gucci, Pucci, Armani, LV, etc....plus the drive over there is life-threatening...

In another thread, swimnaked posted

I'm heading to Riviera Maya, Mexico at beginning of May staying at Dorado Seaside resort. Anyone else going to be in the area? Tips? Gay friendly? nude beach? Things to do?

Back to London in 2wks for spring break. Can't wait to hit the dance clubs.

I've done all the major touristy stuff (aunt's a tour guide). The only thing on the agenda is to visit a place called Q gardens and would like to sit in on Parliament. Not sure if they're still allowing it though? Also, hoping to catch a play and seeing if I can find the location of a big fetish club a friend told me about. Not into that but curious to know what all the fuss is about. I'm all about fun and adventure.

Dying to visit more castles and I'm destined to finally visit stonehenge ignoring all the naysayers who keep telling me "they're just a bunch of rocks", which have managed to keep me away for all these yrs. But I am going anyway just to cross it off the list.
Other than that and tango dancing with my tango-crazed aunt, I'll be playing the rest by ear.

allenisf, Kew Gardens (not "Q") is amazing and beautiful, you'll enjoy it. When I was there the weather was gorgeous and time was limited, so we didn't even go into any of the historic glass conservatories, and spent the whole time outside.

We made our annual winter trip to Puerto Vallarta in February.

We're going to Montreal for the first time in July, for a whole week, and I'm really looking forward to that. We've done a lot of research, but if anyone has ideas/suggestions for things to do, let me know!

We're going to Vegas with a big group of friends in April; staying at the Flamingo because it's about the cheapest place right on the strip, and they have an awesome pool complex for those of us who don't gamble. Right after we booked that trip I found out I'm going back to Vegas two weeks later for a work-related event.

Good news and bad news...
I can make the rafting trip in Utah but have to pass on the family reunion.

Alleninsf:

I don't know what castles you seen so far, but when I was there last year, I made the point of seeing Chatsworth, in Derbyshire. It's the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, and is totally amazing.

Also, Hampton Court is very nice but the day we went to see it there were about a million bus tours there, so we said f**k it, and went to the V&A instead (the Victoria and Albert museum).

The one place that I didn't see that is top of my list is Blenheim Palace, where Winston Churchill was born. It is supposed to take your breath away, so when we go back, it is stop number 1.

If you have time, there are also some great castles in Scotland. Blair Athol (Athol Castle, home of the Duke and Duchess of Athol) is nice. Way in the middle of nowhere, and the grounds during the summer have nice gardens, and even a couple of very snarky Peacocks that roam around.

And Edinburgh Castle is nice, but the men in the bars on the Royal Mile is even nicer.

I'm sure you're not.

I would love to visit London someday, but that's a place where I'd have to go with someone, so...

Still deciding on where to go this year...outside of L.A. no one has made a bid.

My boyfriend and I are going to Cabo for the first time in July...will probably play a round of golf, maybe do a desert ATV tour, etc. The sun and drinks are a given...

Is it July yet? frown

I went to Hampton Court - didn't go inside (we only had about an hour), but the outside is very nice. Nice gardens and grounds.

With the historical interpreters in period costume and the amazing gardens, Hampton Court Palace ranks as one of my favorite tourist sites in England so far. As for my vacation plans -- off to San Fran in April for a visit.

I don't know if Chi-town intended to use the word 'amazing' as a pun, but it is a very suitable word because Hampton Court has a famous maze on its grounds. At least, I assume it's still there. I got lost in the Hampton maze back in 1984. It was near closing time, and an employee sitting in a tree overlooking the maze called out directions to me and other bewildered visitors.

As for my own plans, I'm off to South America in May for five weeks. Certainly the most ambitious trip for me in quite awhile. The first two weeks will be spent in Peru, on an organized trek/tour, which includes Cuzco, the Inca Trail/Macchu Picchu, then the Amazon rainforest and Lake Titicaca. Our intention was to end the tour in La Paz and stay there a couple of days, but I have just been advised that travel to Bolivia is not recommended due to political turmoil. So some revisions may be necessary. Next stops tentatively are Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls. We are trying to arrange a trip to the fabulous Pantanal wetlands region of Brazil, although this is proving to be complicated. We also have a few other stops planned in Brazil, including a visit with my foster child's family, and ending in Rio de Janeiro. I'm trying to learn some Portuguese, it's a beautiful language!

[ March 16, 2005, 10:55 AM: Message edited by: Marc ]

Leaving for London in a few hours, Paris next week for a day or so... Spring vacation.

Summer? Up to my ranch in BC to work in the woods, train, read, grab lots of sun. We're planning a mini camp for some skiers, and a reunion of a lot of the guys I used to coach in the Old Days in early August.

Nat