Hello RS community!
I’m at the start of planning a September 2024 trip for me, my spouse and 2 young adult daughters. One daughter has limited vacation time so we are looking to plan a vacation of about 7-8 days, including travel time.
We live in the Maryland/Washington DC so easy access to airports and some nonstop flights. We love to travel and enjoy learning about culture, nature, history, eating good food and drink. We are looking for an international destination. We’re considering Iceland, parts of Canada, Ireland and Portugal. We are avoiding the Caribbean due to hurricane season. Mexico is a maybe.
Any ideas fellow travelers? Happy new year all!
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
24262 posts
Budapest obviously
Posted by
Minnesota🌲
10460 posts
For a short trip like that, I would choose Iceland. It has the advantage of being closer to the US so you won't be dealing with as much jet lag (an important consideration on a short trip). The scenery there is so incredibly different from anything you would see elsewhere. There is a lot of history there, a very interesting culture, and good food and drink.
It is true that Iceland is more expensive than most countries, but it is worth it. And just about everyone there speaks excellent English, which is always helpful.
Posted by
Irving
3473 posts
From BWI to Reykjavik, Iceland there is a round trip nonstop flight on PLAY for less than $250pp: https://www.flyplay.com/en.
Posted by
Atlanta
5527 posts
Agree with Mardee about Iceland. She's correct on every point.
Posted by
9383 posts
Personally, I wouldn't spend the bucks to fly to Europe for only a week.
You mentioned Canada and Iceland, which are great ideas.
For eastern Canada, I would look for a cruise that stops in Nova Scotia, PEI and end in Quebec City. If you can't find one for your time period, consider flying to Quebec City for 3 days then taking the train to Montreal and spend the rest of the time there, then flying home from Montreal.
For western Canada, the Canadian Rockies are amazing, Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff.
We did a wonderful 8 day tour of Iceland with Nordic Visitor. It was the Ring Road Tour and great.
https://iceland.nordicvisitor.com/travel-deals/multi-day-tours/
You could visit Mexico City there is a lot to see in that city and nearby.
Posted by
Chicago
2184 posts
Mexico-while it's hurricane season, I think Oaxaca/Puebla or Mexico City would be a great idea. Abundant culture, incredible food and a bit more exotic than Europe.
Posted by
Salt Lake City
3177 posts
Quebec and the Gaspe peninsula are delightful in September.
So are Nova Scotia and PEI - lots of great hiking opportunities there.
Posted by
Bay Area, California
1832 posts
How about Newfoundland and Labrador?
Posted by
SF Bay Area
1197 posts
We spent a great week in Mexico City in 2019.
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
24262 posts
I dont get the love with Iceland. I saw pictures of the Apollo 11 landing on the moon and it pretty much described what I saw in Iceland. But I did have a blast for several days watching whales. That made it worth it. That and the best $20 burger I ever had (the only $20 burger i ever had). My goodness that place was expensive.
But each to their own. I love a lot of places people dont understand. Its life.
Posted by
OP
Maryland
19 posts
Thanks all for your great suggestions! We’ve narrowed down to either the Canadian Rockies or Ireland. I’ll check out other RS posts to help us.