Travel confessions

[dulcemariamar]

Anybody want to do some travel confessions??

i have a couple. 

A couple of years ago, I did a cruise around Italy and France and the only time I got off the boat in Italy was to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It like the hugest tourist trap ever but I wanted to see it in person. I enjoyed the other days on the boat because it was basically empty and I got to enjoy the pool to myself.

my DH hates camping. He has never done it but he refuses to go. He is so posh when it comes to that types of things so I actually was goggling luxury campsites to see if I could find something that he would do. I think I will just take my DD and leave her at home. I dont want her not to experience camping because of DH.

I really want to go to Japan but I always put it off because I know I am not going to like the food there. That is a silly reason not to visit but it is true...

any travel confessions.?

[potatopie]

I hate sightseeing. I get worn out and bored easily. When DH and I were in China, my favorite day was when we both got terrible colds and spent the day in the hostel watching The Last Emperor. At least it was a movie about China!

[rupertpenny]

I kind of hate going to museums.

My favorite part of traveling is day drinking, especially if I can do so while sitting at a sidewalk cafe and people watching.

[Deleted]

dulcemariamar DH and I both don't like camping. We're doing a weekend in Yurts this summer with a few other families. Hot water, real beds. Even with that I am not sure we are up for "glamping".

rupertpenny Day drinking is the best. My sister and I did a bit of that in Paris in February.

potatopie You'd like this: we were tired from a morning of walking so we went back to the hotel, drank cider and champagne, good bread and cheese and watched the Winter Olympics and/or read while cozied up in our beds. I have so many friends that have never been to Paris it feels terrible to even admit we "wasted" an afternoon in that great city getting buzzed in the afternoon in our hotel and reading and watching tv. But it was so fun!

I guess I just confessed my wasteful Paris afternoon.

We went to Morocco and I hated it. DH and I aren't good developing world travelers. It made me really sad when 10 taxi drivers fought for twenty minutes to see who would get to drive us for the equivalent of $3 USD.

[Waffles]

Another fan of day drinking on holidays here!

I don't mind going to museums but I walk through them at a higher speed than most people. I don't get staring at each painting/sculpture/whatever for ages. I will stop at ones that grab my attention, but it's not every single one!

I am more interested in the architecture of places than what's in them usually. I'm just into buildings I guess! So what I like best is wandering around, stopping at terraces to people watch every so often.

We're going to Italy for a few days over Easter and I'm looking forward to long lunches & aperitivos!

I have a hard time "wasting" time in a hotel room on short breaks, which is particularly silly as I always pick nice hotels you want to spend a bit extra time in. I'm going to work on that in Italy: H has warned me he won't let me run around all the time.

[Deleted]

I stayed a week in Paris with some girlfriends and while they went to Versailles to see the inside and all that, I took a bath and a nap. I figured I would be back in Paris eventually and I really wanted that nap. That being said, I've lived in Paris for a few years now and still have not been back to see the interior of the palace! I'm lame

[crimsonandclover]

To add to the Paris confessions, the one time I was there back in 2001, the group I was with got to skip the Louvre line and go in directly. Instead of actually enjoying it, two others in the group and I basically ran through to the Mona Lisa, saw it, and left. Now I kick myself because I haven't been back to Paris since, and it's going to be a long time until my girls are old enough to tolerate me taking my time in the Italian renaissance wing.

Oh, and add me to the general museum haters, although there are some exceptions. I will also breeze through museums to see the one famous object I came to see (see example above!) like the Rosetta Stone or Nefratiti. Otherwise I hate what I call "rock and coin" museums.

[Wanderista]

I think this is a really fun idea and a great way to liven up the board.

I confess that I love museums. I am the person who goes through and stares at nearly every picture and who reads most of the captions. My only limitation in a museum is time and perhaps my travel companions, but if need be, I'll let them go on without me and I'll catch them later. After that, I do go off to a park to lounge or a cafe to drink during the day or night and people watch too.   I try to get it all in. 

I guess that I have my own pace for traveling. I like to see as much as possible but I'm also kind of relaxed about it. I don't obsess over lists but I try to fit pretty much everything that I want in. I count relaxing and taking in the local ambience as part of that. I also don't mind splitting up for a while if someone wants to do something different than I do. When I traveled with my little sister to LA, she wanted to go watch a movie in a regular movie theatre just like she could do at home. I told her, "See you later," and I went swimming at the pool. There was no way I was going to a movie unless it was a special local movie theatre/movie. I'd have gone out on the town that evening but I was also happy to spend time in the pool. I had to feel like I was doing "something". (I count time utilizing hotel facilities as "something" as long as it isn't the only thing that I do).

I hate camping. I have next to no interest in it. I like nature, but I like it in a very "contained" way. I'm somebody who walks on the paths. I like appreciating nature and then going back to my creature comforts. I don't "rough it". I'd rather be at a clean, modest motel or 3 star hotel (2 if there's no other option) than to be camping. I also don't like hostels. I also pay extra to have an en-suite if I can. I just don't find it fun to be without the basics. I don't judge others for doing it, it is just very outside of my comfort zone to do that.

I had a good time in Paris. There are still some things that I have to see but I'm fine with that. I enjoy it there and I'd visit any time. It is one of many places that I like. I did most of the touristy things but I did not make to the Musee d'Orsay because I tried going on a Monday AM before my flight out.

[Wanderista]

I should add that I find staring at all the art and such in museums to be relaxing. That's part of why I do it. I'm also very fond of history.

I'm doing a second part because the first one was just responding to things that have been said. Now I'll add a couple.

- I did not enjoy my visit to Berlin. I would go back and visit again, but I didn't particularly care for the city. I don't mind if others liked it more at all. I was just underwhelmed. I preferred Vienna to Berlin. I'm more Vienna than Berlin, I guess.

- I've never actually been to NYC and I'm fairly unmotivated to do so. It's not that I think I'll dislike it. It's just that I don't think I will be blown away like many people are. I'm sure I'll go at some point, it just isn't a priority for me. 

- I have to be really ill to avoid doing something during the day while traveling. I might have an easy night if I'm sick, but I usually try to push ahead when a bit unwell. I actually went on an all day snorkeling excursion in Egypt even though I had a bad case of "mummy tummy". TMI but the sailors on the boat probably thought I was seasick when I actually had caught a traveler's stomach flu the day before. I was really glad that I avoided having any accidents. I ran to the bathroom like 20+ times but I was still able to carry on with the excursion. It was more important to me that I saw a bunch of fish and swam on barrier islands than that I took it easy. (I'm not saying that's the best way to do it or anything hehe). I had medicine and recovered within a few days, but that was an experience.

[dorothyinAus]

I hated Las Vegas. I went because it was a family vacation and others wanted to go, especially for a tour of Hoover Dam. But it was the month after 9/11 and Hoover Dam was closed and we spent all the time in the casinos. There is NO quiet in that place. I never need to go back.

I never take pictures of people on my vacations. If my shots have people in them, it is almost always on accident.

I love cruising, but if I have more than 2 sea days in row I tend to go a bit stir crazy.

I have to schedule downtime on my trips. I do not mind "wasting" time my napping in the hotel room in the afternoons.

[dulcemariamar]

Las Vegas is my favorite travel destination

[klingklang77]

I am tired of looking at/visiting churches in Europe unless it is really unique. After a while they all look the same.

I don't mind art museums, but if I had a choice between art museums and eating local food with a time constraint, I'd pick eating.

I spend far too much time researching local foods and drinks of places we are going to visit. DH and I are way too interested (almost obsessed) with finding that perfect non-touristy restaurant/take away place.

ETA: I pass on pastries or sweets and would rather have savory food, especially on vacation. But I absolutely love baking. 

[mrsukyankee]

I've never hated a destination but there are places I wouldn't go back to, like Las Vegas - I hate gambling.

I do like museums but again, like going at my own pace.

I prefer to travel on my own so I can do what I want, when I want. Though DH is a great travel companion as he's up for doing it at my speed (probably one of the reasons he's my DH).

I love researching food and drink places...I like finding a little gem. If there is craft beer or really good wine, I want to be there.

[Deleted]

I was completely underwhelmed by London. London was one of my top choices to see before I had traveled and when I went, I was thoroughly disappointed. I would go again, I ate well there and think it would be an okay place to live, but I wasn't impressed with it as a tourist destination.

I never even wanted to go to France. I had my list of destinations in Europe and France was not even near the top of the list. This of course was before I met H and also before I'd ever been to France. Since then, I'm completely in love with the country! I love the places and the food and culture. Clearly I had no idea what I was talking about when I said I didn't care to see France lol

[potatopie]

Apr 9, 2014 3:41:22 GMT -5 klingklang77 said:

I am tired of looking at/visiting churches in Europe unless it is really unique. After a while they all look the same.

This is one type of sightseeing I actually love. I would do a tour of churches if I could. I love seeing them and find it so peaceful and inspiring. I also loved seeing mosques when we were in Turkey. 

[jennybee1018]

Apr 9, 2014 4:31:35 GMT -5 mrsukyankee said:

I've never hated a destination but there are places I wouldn't go back to, like Las Vegas - I hate gambling.

I do like museums but again, like going at my own pace.

I prefer to travel on my own so I can do what I want, when I want. Though DH is a great travel companion as he's up for doing it at my speed (probably one of the reasons he's my DH).

I love researching food and drink places...I like finding a little gem. If there is craft beer or really good wine, I want to be there.

This is my DH! We're usually scanning Yelp and other review sites to try and find the best spot to go to in a new city :-) Best part of vacation!

[dulcemariamar]

Apr 9, 2014 5:13:48 GMT -5 @myblue said:

I was completely underwhelmed by London. London was one of my top choices to see before I had traveled and when I went, I was thoroughly disappointed. I would go again, I ate well there and think it would be an okay place to live, but I wasn't impressed with it as a tourist destination.

I never even wanted to go to France. I had my list of destinations in Europe and France was not even near the top of the list. This of course was before I met H and also before I'd ever been to France. Since then, I'm completely in love with the country! I love the places and the food and culture. Clearly I had no idea what I was talking about when I said I didn't care to see France lol

My mother hates London. Hates it hate it. Whenever you even say London she goes into this huge rant. She told that she refuses to visit me if I moved there.

i think it would be pretty neat to move there. 

[Deleted]

Apr 9, 2014 6:41:31 GMT -5 dulcemariamar said:

Apr 9, 2014 5:13:48 GMT -5 @myblue said:

I was completely underwhelmed by London. London was one of my top choices to see before I had traveled and when I went, I was thoroughly disappointed. I would go again, I ate well there and think it would be an okay place to live, but I wasn't impressed with it as a tourist destination.

My mother hates London. Hates it hate it. Whenever you even say London she goes into this huge rant. She told that she refuses to visit me if I moved there.

i think it would be pretty neat to move there. 

I honestly cannot even explain my dislike of London! It makes no real sense. I just don't click well with it, I guess!

[wise_rita]

Apr 8, 2014 12:20:46 GMT -5 crimsonandclover said:

To add to the Paris confessions, the one time I was there back in 2001, the group I was with got to skip the Louvre line and go in directly. Instead of actually enjoying it, two others in the group and I basically ran through to the Mona Lisa, saw it, and left.

This reminds me of a hilarious Will & Grace quote about running through the Louvre in a dead sprint.

In 1999 I had the opportunity to go up the World Trade Center. That's not the confession: I don't feel bad about turning down the opportunity.

I have NO desire to go to mainland China.

My #1 if-I-was-dying-soon, bucket list travel destination is Dover, England.

This one is pretty flameful: I generally support tours.

[mrsukyankee]

And I LOVE living in London. I don't get the hate. Oh well. To each their own.

[crimsonandclover]

Oh yeah, wise_rita, I'm with you on the tours. If I'm intending to visit a couple of touristy spots (e.g. Stratford, Stonehenge, etc.) then I would much rather just hop on a bus tour that takes a group to 3-4 spots on one day with a stop for lunch. It's so much more convenient than organizing it myself, and in the past - particularly in London - I've had good luck and gotten some really excellent tour guides. I don't know if that's the kind of tours you mean, but I'm all for them.

[Cicero]

I have a personal life goal of reaching my death without having ever slept outside.

[klingklang77]

Apr 9, 2014 18:11:10 GMT -5 Cicero said:

I have a personal life goal of reaching my death without having ever slept outside.

haha! I dislike camping as well. 

[Cioccolato]

I hate museums.

I'm not a fan of the eating schedules of Southern Italy and Spain. I hate the heavy, late lunches and the small breakfast.

My perfect vacation is a beautiful beach, a fruit (alcoholic) drink, and a book.

[potatopie]

I got another one, I hated Venice. It was hot, humid, confusing to get around, and claustrophobic (too many narrow alleys!). DH loves it though, so maybe going back someday with him I would enjoy it more.

[Waffles]

Cicero - I'm well on track to achieving your goal, having no intention of ever going camping.
H and I have however discussed the possibility of renting a mobile home and driving around the US/Canada for part of a holiday, which is out of character for me: I love hotels.

I absolutely despise tours with the strength of a thousand suns, having been dragged around by my parents as a t(w)een.
I'd rather get lost by myself than follow a guide.

[dorothyinAus]

Apr 10, 2014 8:31:49 GMT -5 potatopie said:

I got another one, I hated Venice. It was hot, humid, confusing to get around, and claustrophobic (too many narrow alleys!). DH loves it though, so maybe going back someday with him I would enjoy it more.

My older brother said the same thing, except he added that it was stinky.  I laughed that he willingly hung out in the French Quarter, which is all of that so I must be missing something.  He told me the French Quarter isn't flooded.

But these reports are the main reason why I really have no desire to visit Venice.

[GilliC]

Confession 1: I love cruising. The only way I'll relax on a trip to a new place is if you physically lock me up. I love the combination of busy days and then forced relaxation at night and on sea days. I feel guilty spending a minute not maximizing my experience. And I have found that I'm getting too old for it.

Confession 2: I frequently skip taking pictures that I want to take, because I'm self conscious about being a tourist. Even in Japan, where I'm obviously not native, and where half the time a local stops behind you and takes the same shot with a cell phone, because hey, it's a good shot!

[mich1]

I went to McDonalds in Paris.

In my defense, I was on a tight budget and was eating a lot of stuffed baguettes from boulangeries. I get hold off a bad one the night before I was supposed to go to Versailles, so spent he night in the bathroom. When I was certain there was nothing left in my gut to spew, I went to Versailles, toured the palace and got back to Paris.

It was my last day here, that night I was catching a train to Germany. So I sat in the jardins de Luxembourg eating a Big Mac and fries and listened to a concert.

[dorothyinAus]

Apr 26, 2014 19:49:13 GMT -5 mich1 said:

I went to McDonalds in Paris.

I don't see anything wrong with this.  I've been to a McDonald's in every country I've visited that has them.  I like to check out the regional differences in the menus, because they are different.  And I have no problem with wanting something easy and recognizable when you're exhausted or just need food and don't want to have to think about it.