Home > Still Traveling > Archives > 2008 > December > 30 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWhere did your travels take you in 2008?
Tell us your favorite getaways from the year or discuss where you would like to go in 2009
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For most of us, the holidays are over. We still have New Year’s Eve to celebrate and, depending on how rockin’ that is, a New Year’s Day headache to suffer. But the winter holidays, like the year 2008, are basically over. Many of us are back to work, and the school kids are painfully aware that homework starts again in a few days.
As this year draws to a close, I thought I’d ask you to share your favorite travel stories of 2008. (Click here to send your photos!) Over the past 12 months, so many Atlantans have sent in beautiful photos of weekend trips and family vacations that I’m looking forward to seeing which journeys topped your list - and why. And, as we stand on the precipice of a shiny new year, I am imagining all of the travel possibilities the future might hold. Even if the economy confines most destinations to dream status, it’s still pretty to think about. So I’m also asking you to tell us where you would like 2009 to take you.
I’ll start…
Because of work and the increasingly complex schedules of our three kids, our family didn’t take as many little trips in 2008 as we have in the past. Many of the quick getaways of yore couldn’t be squeezed in between basketball, gymnastics, running, tennis and job demands. Still, we did manage a couple of beach trips, a few jaunts into the mountains and a handful of “explores” around the region.
My favorite had to be our big vacation to Ocracoke Island in the Outer Banks, NC. The beaches were beautiful, the waves were huge, the island not too crowded, and the Blackberries were off for 10 days. But I also loved the day trip we took to southwest Georgia to explore Providence Canyon State Park (Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon) and Lake Walter F. George. Though I have covered the state of Georgia pretty well in my travels, this is the area I had explored the least. A tour of Rome and Mount Berry in northwest Georgia also earns an honorable mention.
Realistically, 2009 will hold the Still family’s first big trek out West. We are taking the girls and meeting up with old friends from D.C. for a week in Yellowstone National Park. William worked in Yellowstone during college, and is itching to take the kids out now that they’re old enough to appreciate the park. When he won two free (domestic) flights a few weeks ago, we decided to cash in frequent flier miles and plan the trip.
While we can always count on breaks to St. Simons and middle Tennessee to visit family, I am hopeful that we will be able to squeeze in a few other outings around the region. My wish list for 2009 includes a springtime visit to Mobile to see Bellingrath Gardens in full bloom; my first trip to Baton Rouge, La., to see two different sets of friends who moved to the city this month; and a step back to Colonial times in Old Salem in Winston-Salem, N.C.
And on the “you’re dreaming” list for 2009…a journey to New Zealand’s South Island; a long-promised trek to visit friends in France and family in Austria; and a fortnight at Wimbledon this summer.
Now it’s your turn. What were your favorite vacations, getaways or day trips this year? Why? Where would you like to go in 2009 - realistically or just in your dreams?
Have a safe and happy New Year’s Eve, and I wish you all the best as we travel into 2009.
• Click here to send your favorite 2008 vacation photos
Permalink | Comments (38) | Post your comment | Categories: Southeast travel
Services »
Comments
By Calif Dreaming
December 30, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
The ultra trips were to Europe in past years, but a no in 2008. When the dollar is equal to or better than the Euro, we will return. Our ultimate 2008 trip was our yearly jaunt to California. This year we did the SFO, wine country, down to Big Sur and back up route. Memories that stay with you all year long! A wonderful trip for less money than a week in Destin. I am already planning our 2009 Calif trip and will do LAX, Santa Barbara, Big Sur, Carmel, Santa Cruz and up to SFO again. A beach trip to Charleston or HHI for long weekends is typical for us. We need to see more of Georgia and that can be an easy one day trip.
By Joe
December 30, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
My wife and I were married in October and we wanted a fall destination for our honeymoon…so where better than Canada? We chose Vancouver and boy did we chose well! What a wonderful and beautiful city with kind and welcoming people. Absolutely the most gorgeous city and surburban center in the world. What a wonderful place…I would recommend a trip to Vancouver be added to your “bucket list” immediately.
By Joe
December 30, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
My wife and I were married in October and we wanted a fall destination for our honeymoon…so where better than Canada? We chose Vancouver and boy did we chose well! What a wonderful and beautiful city with kind and welcoming people. Absolutely the most gorgeous city and surburban center in the world. What a wonderful place…I would recommend a trip to Vancouver be added to your “bucket list” immediately.
By CH
December 30, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
Our favorite trips are to the Grand Canyon, Black Hills, Yellowstone and Grand Tetons. We were there in June 2007 and June 2008. We also enjoy Wrightsville Beach and Seagrove Beach.
By Noah
December 30, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
Our favorite trips have been to Central America and especially Costa Rica and Panama. Can’t beat it for adventure and pure relaxing and getting away from stress.
By C
December 31, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
My favorite trip for 2008 was a Thanksgiving jaunt to South Africa with a group of friends. It was Summertime there and the people wonderful and the outings were great. For 2009 I think I want to cruise the Panama Canal!
By Keith
December 31, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
CH — How much time did you spend in Yellowstone and how much of the park were you able to explore? We’re taking the kids this year, and I want to make sure we have enough time in each area of the park.
I also understand the driving on the park roads can be slow-going in the summer. Was that your experience, and about how long should we allow to get from one part to another?
By CH
December 31, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
July and August are the busiest times in YNP. We were there in June both times. YNP is like a figure 8. We spent 5 days in 2007 and saw the western part of the park and the GT. In 2008 we saw Cody and the eastern part of YNP in 4 days. We had a great time both years and can’t wait to go back. We had no problem driving-just allowed enough time. I post on tripadvisor and found lots of info on that website. Also a good book called Yellowstone Treasures. Also did a float trip on Snake River which kids will love- used Barker-Ewing out of Jackson Hole.
By P
December 31, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
We went to Cancun and had a terrific time! Beautiful beach, but so many other things to do. We explored the Mayan ruins, went on a zip line over the tree tops in the jungle and floated down the underground river at Xel-Ha.
Thinking of going to DC this summer. My children have never been there and I think they would enjoy it.
By ck
December 31, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
Where in the Cancun area did you stay to be able to go on all those excursions? In Cancun, or another town?
By ck
December 31, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Where in the Cancun area did you stay to be able to go on all those excursions? In Cancun, or another town?
By Lisa G.
December 31, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
Our adventure this year was to drive to Minnesota (with fun stops in Chicago and Madison). Camped at the Headwaters of the Mississippi for a week then off to the Boundary waters. We stayed in a cabin where we could walk out the door each morning to canoe the long chain of lakes and fish. Everyone up there has wood-fired saunas it seems, so that’s how we ended each night after eating all the fish we caught. The saunas are built on the lakes, so you can jump in. Brrrr! The International Wolf Center in Ely is amazing and we went howling to the wild wolf packs at night. Almost jumped out of our skin when they howled back! When the kids are older, we’d like to go back and canoe into the BW and camp there.
By PureLife
December 31, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
Spent an all inclusive expense paid week in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico during the Spring of 2008. Absolutely magnificent. Had the time of my life with just me and the hubby. Although the hubby had to attend some company events, I enjoyed every single aspect of our trip. The trip to upstate NY in May was also very rewarding. In 2009, I look forward to taking the kids up to DC and VA and maybe even to FL. Hopefully, we will also get a chance to explore some of GA.
By dan
December 31, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
Our best vacation was to Key West which is where we are right now. Warm to hot during the day and into the 60’s at night. WOW. You can drive it in 15 hours or fly to Miami and drive down the Keys or just fly to Key West. Great people, beaches, snorkeling and Duval Street for a very good time, eating & shopping. We don’t want to come home! We are in shorts & T- shirts.
By Curt
December 31, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
I spent a week in early October in Bavaria, starting with a few days in Munich, then driving further down to Mittenwald, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Oberammergau, and other small towns. Beautiful! Gorgeous weather, beautiful flowers still in bloom, great food and beer, wonderful people, ULTRA CLEAN everywhere. Wonderful lakes, mountains and castles. Highly recommended! Auf wiedersehen!
By Steve
December 31, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
Cruise - to the Virgin Islands over Christmass. It was our first (not our last) to celebrate our 20th anniv.
By Shannon
December 31, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
My favorite vacations in years past have been to Hawaii, Maine (specifically Bar Harbor and Arcadia National Park), Cape Cod, San Francisco/Carmel, Cancun (19 years ago … stayed at Hyatt Cancun Caribe, which still looks as nice as it did back then) and Atlantic Beach, NC. This year I probably wouldn’t have taken a vacation except that it was my 40th birthday, so I took a long weekend trip to NYC. Unfortunately, unless the economy gets a whole lot better there probably won’t be any vacations for me in 2009 (or if there is, it’ll be a very small one).
By Shannon
December 31, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
Also, I always have a wonderful time in NYC and when I went to Bar Harbor/Arcadia one day we drove up to Calais, Maine and then drove across the border into Canada and spent the afternoon at a small town on the coast of New Brunswick called St. Andrews.
By Jim
December 31, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
In the spring we did a 12 day Mediterranean cruise with some friends that was awesome. We were in Turkey, 3 different ports in Greece, Cyprus, Egypt and Italy. We saw the pyramids in Egypt, the ruins of Pompeii and Ephesus, and many other fantastic places. The cruise departed from Rome so we also spent 4 days there. It was definitely a trip to remember.
By Patrick
December 31, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
I ran the Benton MacKaye Trail this past March. 288 miles, mostly in the wilderness. My support team, my wife Terry, my mother and two friends helped me out along the way. It will always be a specuial memory partly because of the beauty of the trail, partly due to the physical accomplishment but mostly because of the love and support I received from my support team. I really understand that nothing worth doing is worth doing alone. The best “vacation” I’ve ever had.
By Amanda
December 31, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
Our family vacation this year was to Disneyworld; we just love it there; it as for my daughter’s graduation from high school. we spent a week with Mickey and friends and I cannot wait to go back. we hope to go back maybe for Christmas next year I would really like to go to Williamsburg. We went to DC last year; and had allot of fun touring and soaking up all the history.
By Vicki
December 31, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
We went on our annual family vacation to Daytona Beach Florida. We stay for a total of 9 days every time we go. I look forward to our trip every year. We are now 5 generations of going to Daytona. Watching the kids eat ice cream on the beach is one of the best things. The can’t eat it fast enough, and ice cream is all over them.
By Charles
December 31, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
We tried Park City for our annual family ski vacation this year but was very disappointed. It might have been fine if we hadn’t been spoiled by years of going to Beaver Creek, Colorado. Maybe it made us appreciate the Vail area since I’ve already booked our 2009 ski vacation for Beaver Creek.
By Bob
December 31, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
Vicki,
A suggestion…spend 4 or 5 days in Daytona and then take the kids somewhere else. I have no right to tell you and your family how to vacation, but I can promise you there is more to see in the world/country/state than Daytona. Try something new, you might just find heaven.
By dd
December 31, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
We took our vacation around the Georgia/Arizona State Football game in Tempe Arizona.
10 days in Sedona, Az, Durango Colorado, Santa Fe & Albuquerque NM.
I was really impressed with the treatment our family received in that part of the country.
It was so nice to be out in wide open spaces and have fresh air to breath.
I would highly recommend an out west trip and would love to do the Grand Tetons.
Huge bummer coming back to Atlanta and sitting in traffic.
Makes you really think about what kind of lifestyle you’d really like to live.
By Andrea
December 31, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
Our favorite trip for 2008 was our second trip to Yellowstone. In 2007 and 2008 we spent the second week in July in Paradise Valley, MT and explored Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding area. We even saw snow at several spots in the park this year.
If you get out of the car in YNP, you have the place to yourself and this year we did more of that. Our girls learned to fly fish in 2007 but lingering snow melt made fishing impossible this year. We hope to return next summer.
By shaggy
December 31, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Wow. 2008 Vacation
In late June my climbing partner and I summited a Teton peak and came 75 feet from a second, both in 4 days.
1st one, Rockchuck Peak, was like swimming in waist deep snow uphill for about 5,000 feet. Took 8 hours up and 2 down. My partner got in an avalanche I caused when I fell, while leading, and self arrested. He chopped out with an ice axe.
2nd one, Mt. Wister, was a walk in overnighter. Started climbing at 2:00AM, after walking across a frozen glacier lake from camp. Things got dangerous at the summit, we didn’t have a rope, and storm was moving in. We bailed, and yes plenty of snow in The Tetons last june.
Then we went to Colorado gold country around the Arkansas for some more fun. We try to go every year, and I can’t wait for this year.
By jon
December 31, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
At the end of May, my faithful Lab and I loaded up and went to FLA. I had tickets to see the Shuttle launch from the Causeway on Kennedy Space Center. The launch went according to plan and was the most spectacular thing I ever saw in my life. Everyone should go to see a launch. Greatest show on earth!
Came back up to Daytona Beach - hadn’t been there in 30 years. Had a good time and my dog Huck even broke the rules and played on the beach.
Bittersweet to recall this trip - Huck died in August, but we had a grand adventure in his last summer.
By Thomas
December 31, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this
Best trip was along Cinque Terre on West coast of Italy. Hiking trails between small villages (such Monterrosso) along the coast was breathtakig.
By Lisa
December 31, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
Far and away, my best trip this year was a two week trip to New Zealand’s south island in November. I hiked on a glacier, rode a couple of jet boats, saw thousands of sheep, and saw a lot of breath-taking scenery. Definitely well worth the effort to get there! It was my first trip outside of the USA.
I also went to San Diego for the first time back in the spring with my mom and we had a fantastic time.
By Dot
December 31, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
Being a divorced female I was able to do quite a bit of travel in 2008. Several trips to different areas of AL for family visits as well as a family reunion. I must say that my favorite trip was in April when I traveled to Los Angeles and flew to Las Vegas and back to Los Angeles all in 4 days. It was an exciting moment although I have taken this trip several times in my life time. Other trips to include Charleston, SC and Destin, FL. Charleston was very historical and Destin was had a laid back atmosphere. I had an opportunity to visit Destin on several occasions but Charleston was a first timer for me. I enjoyed all of my trips and will definitely go again. My goal for 2009 is to travel to San Francisco, Seattle, maybe another cruise to the Carribbean or Houston.
By Toren Anderson
January 1, 2009 3:13 AM | Link to this
Our greatest vacation this year was staying at a Mermaid Cottage on Tybee. The vibe, peace and total relaxation there was life changing. We took day trips into Savannah and even visited Elizabeth on 37th the best Savannah/Tybee dining experience. The trick is to stay in Tybee Island, it is less expensive and feels more like a getaway. The parking is easy, traffic simple and with Savannah 15 minutes away, it’s the best of both worlds.
We also take day trips and sometimes an over nighter or two to Beaufort SC 45 minutes away and one of the most magical towns. We love exploring the south, and can’t seem to stop visiting these areas time and time again. Upon return we feel refreshed, uplifted and hopeful. I wonder why we don’t relocate there.
If you have not been now is the time, their rates are incredible in the winter and it’s wonderfully broody and restful. Just lovely times for us and our five children age 8 to 25. Just perfection really. No pretense or stuffiness. This is for REAL people trying to get away and experience something new. By the way, Beaufort is the best walking town ever and their historic district is nothing like any southern town I have seen. Now we know what Conroy was writing about first hand.
By Scott
January 1, 2009 7:52 AM | Link to this
We like to go on cruises. At Christmas I found a great deal out of Port Canaveral for less than 50.00 a day per person. Three plus meals a day, a place to sleep and entertainment inculded, what’s not to like!!!
We will be driving from ATL to save money since the cost of gas is way down and avoid the hassle of flying.
Great deals to be found if you like cruising. Fuel supplements have been dropped also.
By Empty Nester
January 1, 2009 8:20 AM | Link to this
My husband and I went to Southern Italy for a 2 week cycling trip. Now that is a great way to turn fifty, good food and wine with lots of exercise. The people of Italy are just wonderful. The Adriatic Sea with the towering white cities over looking it is amazing. I could live there year round.
By Jim
January 1, 2009 9:55 AM | Link to this
We took a trip to Tanzania for a safari (an American Express Travel trip). Unbelieveably fabulous. If you ever get a chance to go, do it (don’t wait for a “chance”, make it happen!). All the animals, in the wild, no comparison to a zoo. 25 feet fron lions in an open safari vehicle! Staring down a leopard. The majesty of the elephants, the curiosity of the giraffes. Thousands and thousands of zebras and wildebeests on migration. Millions of pink flamingos, plus hyenas, babboons, monkeys, monitor lizards, crested cranes, storks, crocs, hippos, cape buffaloes, and on and on. We went to Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Grumeti River Camp. Accomodations were super luxurious and we had a butler at each place. The food and hospitality were top notch. Many of the the photographs we took look like something out of National Geographic. In addition to all the animals (incl’g the Big 5) we were especially surprised by all the beautiful birds. Also went on a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti, followed by an elaborate breakfast in the bush complete with champagne. All this followed by a stop off in Amsterdam on the way home made for a truly great trip. Everyone says it was the trip of a lifetime, but I say I hope it is just the first of our trips to Africa. Can’t wait to go back. Met a couple on their 5th safari, this time to see the gorillas.
By Ben
January 1, 2009 11:21 AM | Link to this
I am hoping to go to Honduras the first week of June for a Missions trip. I am looking for the cheapest fare, right now $608 plus junk fees is the cheapest I have found, I have seen $800 plus for this destination. Should I buy now or wait for a cheaper fare ? How long should I wait ?
By Missing the islands
January 1, 2009 11:37 AM | Link to this
My husband and I took a belated five-year anniversary trip to French Polynesia in 2008, and I have been trying to devise a way to get back there ever since! We spent 5 days in Moorea, a short 30 minute ferry ride from the more “hustling and bustling” (in loose terms) Tahiti, and another 6 days in Bora Bora! We greeted the morning at sunrise every day from the private porch of our overwater bungalow. It was impossible to sleep in because we were so completely refreshed and relaxed from the day before. We’d feast on fresh fruits, and fresh-baked French pastries for breakfast, and our fill of Mahi Mahi caught that day for lunch or dinner. I’ve never been surrounded by such intense beauty, both on land and in the sea. We swam with sharks, 4-wheeled to the top of mountains, and danced the hula with locals. It will be a long time before we top this trip… but I look forward to trying!
By JillGaffigan
January 4, 2009 4:31 PM | Link to this
Charleston with a “French Twist” was my favorite girls trip in 2008. My college friends of 22 years and I stayed in the French Quarter, ate at French Bistros, attended a French wine tasting and French cooking class and participated in a walking tour, designed just for us, wich focused on the French history of Charleston. It was a lovely way to approach Charleston with loads of joi de vivre!
Although my husband and I did take our three children to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks this summer, and it was glorious…my favorite family vacation was a week in Highlands, NC, over spring break. I liked the easy drive from Atlanta, quick access to outstanding and family friendly hiking and our daily post hike icecream in town. We all liked it so much that we went back to the same rental house for a long weekend before Christmas.
I have organized and will guide a “girls only” tour to Paris in February of 2009. The cheaper rates, diminished sightseeing crowds and warm cafes, more than makes up for the chilly weather. I am looking forward to visiting with my Parisian friends and three former French students I have hosted here in Marietta.
I am almost positive the family trip will be to Washington DC this year. What an incredible year to introduce my children to the Nations Capitol and my former place of residence!