The Travel Thread

[PensFanInDC]

Maybe Couples is very hard on that kind of thing. Maybe they pay well enough. Who knows? All I know is that I don't think I'll stay at another brand resort if I can avoid it.

[count2infinity]

Maybe Couples is very hard on that kind of thing. Maybe they pay well enough. Who knows? All I know is that I don't think I'll stay at another brand resort if I can avoid it.

you didn't enjoy it? I had a good time. Off the resort wasn't very fun for us. Get mobs of locals trying to get you to buy their carvings and whatnot. They just attack you (not literally).

[PensFanInDC]

Maybe Couples is very hard on that kind of thing. Maybe they pay well enough. Who knows? All I know is that I don't think I'll stay at another brand resort if I can avoid it.

you didn't enjoy it? I had a good time. Off the resort wasn't very fun for us. Get mobs of locals trying to get you to buy their carvings and whatnot. They just attack you (not literally).

Maybe I didn't word it correctly. I will only stay at a Couples resort unless there isn't one where I am going. We had an amazing time (this was 7 years ago). Everything was perfect.

[count2infinity]

Ahhh... i misread your original post as "I'm not going to stay at a brand resort, including couples." I see what you're saying now. I very much enjoyed our time at the couples resort.

[mac5155]

If you hear a banjo...run

[llipgh2]

I stayed off the strip last year when I went for a bach party. It was a timeshare at the Westgage Flamingo Bay Resort (a little ways past The Palms). I don't think you can really appreciate how different the experience is off the strip. I guess it's okay to stay off the strip, and it is definitely cheaper, but I don't think it's as enjoyable. Being on the strip from 10 AM to 4 AM and taking a cab back to catch a shower and a few hours of sleep is less than ideal.

Flamingo is probably a decent off-strip street to stay on, though.

I did the whole Strip thing my last 2 times in Vegas. This time I'd like to go to the National Atomic Museum, and the Neon Museum. And finally take in a show. More of a low-key, relaxing trip.

Just do a little gambling.

[blackjack68]

I'm guessing your resort is all inclusive.

Regardless of what you're told, be sure to tip. Tip your maids, tip the bartenders. It's appreciated, and they remember who tips.

Lots of clean towels, extra bottles of water, immediate service at the bar...

Although I did find they weren't as friendly as the Bahamians. The Bahamian bartenders and cleaning staff were incredibly friendly and excellent at their jobs.

We tried tipping in Jamaica. It was refused every single time. We were being inconspicuous about it too. Maybe they recently had a crack down on accepting tips but I wasn't able to give any.

Were you at a Sandals property?

Couples

Couples is second only to Sandals in making sure their staff doesn't take anything. Nice properties. Which one did you choose?

[blackjack68]

Did we have this discussion already? My apologies if so.

[count2infinity]

I was at Tower Isle in Ocho Rios. Was very nice.

[blackjack68]

Ah, Nudie Isle.

Was this after the renovation?

[count2infinity]

Renovation? I went in November and everything was pretty nice. Didn't see any construction going on.

[blackjack68]

Renovation? I went in November and everything was pretty nice. Didn't see any construction going on.

Yeah, renovation was a couple of years ago. Sorry, I missed your travel dates and PFiDCs "7 years ago" messed me up.

[count2infinity]

no problem. the alcohol service was really good. food was pretty darn good especially at the non-food hall spots. snorkling, beach sports, the spa was nice. really don't have any complaints about it.

[PensFanInDC]

Swept Away. Loved every minute. A bag of weed literally fell out of our curtains when we got there. No bs

[Letang Is The Truth]

.... did you smoke it?

[blackjack68]

Swept Away. Loved every minute. A bag of weed literally fell out of our curtains when we got there. No bs

Our first visit (the since closed Grand Lido Negril), we found a bag in our safe. So, I believe you.

[PensFanInDC]

Swept Away. Loved every minute. A bag of weed literally fell out of our curtains when we got there. No bs

Our first visit (the since closed Grand Lido Negril), we found a bag in our safe. So, I believe you.

My guess is "We're leaving so might as well leave it for the next guest" is the thought. There wasn't anything to leave behind when we left though...

[blackjack68]

Swept Away. Loved every minute. A bag of weed literally fell out of our curtains when we got there. No bs

Our first visit (the since closed Grand Lido Negril), we found a bag in our safe. So, I believe you.

My guess is "We're leaving so might as well leave it for the next guest" is the thought. There wasn't anything to leave behind when we left though...

Nor us.

[npv708]

Going to Seattle/Victoria/Vancouver in November to sight-see around a conference my wife is working. I'll have something like 3 days on my own in Seattle, then 1 day in Victoria and probably 3/4 days in Vancouver.

We're going to try to see a Canucks game while were there, outside of that its pretty open.

Unfortunately, I won't have a car at all, so I'll be pretty limited to what's walkable/reachable by public transportation, which eliminated two of my top choices (Mt. Rainier and Olympic National Park), but otherwise, I'm pretty open to all suggestions.

[shafnutz05]

Am I in high school again?

[llipgh2]

Going to Seattle/Victoria/Vancouver in November to sight-see around a conference my wife is working. I'll have something like 3 days on my own in Seattle, then 1 day in Victoria and probably 3/4 days in Vancouver.

We're going to try to see a Canucks game while were there, outside of that its pretty open.

Unfortunately, I won't have a car at all, so I'll be pretty limited to what's walkable/reachable by public transportation, which eliminated two of my top choices (Mt. Rainier and Olympic National Park), but otherwise, I'm pretty open to all suggestions.

Go to dinner at Joe Fortes. Best Steak Diane I've ever had. Killer oyster bar (although I don't eat raw oysters, my friends said it was fantastic).

Edit - this is in Vancouver.

[shoeshine boy]

Seattle: lunch at Salumi : http://www.salumicuredmeats.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
the porchetta sandwich is pure pig heaven!

Vancouver: if you like Indian, dinner at Vij's, make a reservation. http://www.vijs.ca/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
even though the cooks are vegetarian they make the most amazing meat dishes!

if you're staying in downtown Vancouver your lack of car won't be a problem. we stayed in the West End and walked all over downtown Vancouver. in certain parts the panhandlers are pretty aggressive but not dangerous. you'll see a fair amount of women panhandlers which is unusual. I highly recommend going to a Vancouver Giants or Victoria Royals game while you're there. much cheaper and still great hockey. if you go to a Giants game though I recommend taking a cab. that arena's not in the greatest neighborhood.
if the BC Lions are home consider going. we had a fantastic time at their game. my only disappointment with both BC Place and Rogers Arena was that the beer was 90% Bud and Bud Light. seriously Canada????

[tifosi77]

Going to Seattle/Victoria/Vancouver in November to sight-see around a conference my wife is working. I'll have something like 3 days on my own in Seattle, then 1 day in Victoria and probably 3/4 days in Vancouver.

We're going to try to see a Canucks game while were there, outside of that its pretty open.

Unfortunately, I won't have a car at all, so I'll be pretty limited to what's walkable/reachable by public transportation, which eliminated two of my top choices (Mt. Rainier and Olympic National Park), but otherwise, I'm pretty open to all suggestions.

Enjoyed Seattle immensely, to the point that if Mrs Tif ever had to transfer her job we'd totally request that as a destination.

While it was closed when we were there, I will second the recommendation of Salumi (Mario Batali's dad's place), which is sorta south of the Pioneer Square neighborhood, near Chinatown. If you're looking for more adventurous eating, there's Spur Gastropub, a couple blocks from Pike Place Market.

I also really enjoyed the Rock & Roll/Science Fiction Museum..... yes, both museums are in the same Frank Gehry-designed building at the base of the Space Needle. I think the SciFi part is largely transient exhibits, and so YMMV on enjoyment level depending upon what's in house on the day.

Took an afternoon trip out to Bainbridge Island, which I liked. Not much to see or do, but a fun place to just sort of boot around for a couple hours. Plus the ferry ride back offers some excellent views if the weather is clear.

Since it's November, if you are going to be in Seattle on a Sunday I'd probably look into seeing a Seahawks game.

[llipgh2]

While in Vancouver you may want to hit Granville Island. Good brewery there.

[mac5155]

Leaving for Mexico Thursday morning. Trip company said they would make a note for the airline about my sisters incorrect middle name. I sure hope it doesn't have any negative effects