Monday, January 23, 2012

Summer Travel Wishes

It may still be the dead of winter, but I’m wasting no time in looking ahead to the brighter days of spring and summer, and especially to the May trip Stephen and I are planning to celebrate both the end of my days as a grad student and our second wedding anniversary.

While we haven’t made a definite decision yet about our destination, we’ve narrowed our options to three possibilities, for which we’ll be carefully examining the specifics, including the total costs and available dates, throughout the next couple weeks. I'll be sure to share more details once we've made our choice, but for now, here are the top contenders I'm busy daydreaming about. 

Image Source: destination360.com
1. Alaska 

While thoughts of Alaska might not do much to quell the winter doldrums, I've always dreamed of cruising this picturesque landscape that's home to some of the world's most stunning glaciers, wildlife and waterways. Though the early weeks of summer might surely still carry a chill in the air, the scenery, whale-watching, salmon-feasting and increased hours of daylight would more than make up for our having to bust out the cold-weather gear a final time. Plus, while some people are questioning the safety of cruises following the Costa disaster in Italy, I know that overall, cruising is still by far one of the safest forms of travel, not to mention lots of fun. 

Image Source: fodors.com
2. Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands 

Also high on our list of affordable options is a classic Caribbean cruise, especially one that includes stops in Puerto Rico, which has long held a place on my list of must-see island locales, and St. Thomas, where a dolphin-swim excursion awaits. Of course, another option is to choose just one island and make arrangements to stay for a few days, as we did last summer with our trip to St. Maarten. 

Image Source: packages.orlandovacation.com
3. Disney World

Though I always look forward to paying Disneyland a visit whenever I'm out in California, the high-volume holiday crowds kept me away this last time. But who needs Disneyland when a May trip to Disney World is also within reach, allowing me to get my fix while changing things up a bit? Plus, between airfare prices that are incredibly reasonable and a variety of week-long package deals to choose from, this may very well be the most wallet-friendly option of the bunch.

Do you have any spring or summer travel plans in the works, and have you visited any of the places we're considering? 

22 comments:

  1. I am going to New Orleans this friday--- with my grandparents LOL so it's not really a vacation. I am currently hoping to get a house by september so no vacation for me unfortunately! xo

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm looking forward to Summer too! Don't have any plans yet, but I'm hoping to get a trip in as well. These places look wonderful! So jealous.

    ReplyDelete
  3. All great choices! My mom and dad talked about cruising to Alaska before he passed away. I really hope that my mom will still go one of these days. Puerto Rico was also on our short list when discussing upcoming vacation options, but since Central America is closer for us, Panama won out. Can't wait to read about your decision :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Alaska looks beautiful!!! I've heard lots of good things about trips there.
    We're going to Jamaica for our 5-year Anniversary later this year. We're just flying but it will be an adventure to visit the capital instead of a resort!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Disney World in May is perfect! You miss most of the crowds, but the weather is divine.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I've always thought of Alaska but right now, the price tag is just too big for us. (Plus, I label it as a "kid friendly" trip so its not on my priority list.)

    I will, however, be going to PR & Disney World this March and was just in the Virgin Islands so I think these two on your list seem pretty darn cool ;)

    ReplyDelete
  7. really want to do alaska and puerto rico as well :)

    http://forallthatjas.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  8. I've been to Puerto Rico and it was really nice. I'd love to visit the Virgin Islands.

    Alaska isn't at the top of my list but it'd certainly be cool to go there. I'm not really into the idea of cruises (more because I tend to feel motion sick on boats) but they do seem like an affordable way to vacation. :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Im always on board for the warm options, but my inlaws did the Alaskan cruise last year and loved it!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Come visit us here in Grand Cayman, I would love to meet you in person, Disney Cruises come our way too!!!

    I love the idea of Alaska as well, it's on my bucket list!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm dying to visit Alaska! No summer travel plans as a summer baby is on the way, but I am super psyched to be returning to my old DC stomping grounds to visit my bestie's new baby next month!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great trips. I have done the Caribbean cruise, and it was great, but you don't get to spend much time in any one place. I am also from Florida, so Disney World can keep you entertained for days, with all of the parks (plus there are 10000 things to do in Orlando). I really want to go on an Alaskan cruise myself. Can't wait to hear which you choose.

    *Erin

    ReplyDelete
  13. I can't wait to hear what you end up going with. My parents just returned from a caribbean cruise yesterday, if you take the western carib route be careful with any that start in galveston, tx. their arrival to port yesterday was 8 hours delayed due to fog...which frequently happens.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I've been to them all! My DW trip is in Feb. DL is better, imo.

    ReplyDelete
  15. LOVE these ideas - a cruise around Alaska would be amazing. I'm already ready for summer!

    ReplyDelete
  16. We will probably just be doing a few beach trips this year to keep things cheap, but I cannot WAIT for the first trip to Disney with the little! I have such awesome memories of that place as a child (and as an adult).

    That Alaska picture is so gorgeous...it's one of the places I've always dreamed of traveling to!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Disney is the best trip ever! I went there when I was 13 and LOVED it!! Would love to go back.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I STILL haven't been to Disney World - some day!

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

    ReplyDelete
  19. i'm dreaming about travel, too! hoping to see disney world one day, as well as chicago and hawaii.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Such GREAT choices! As you know, we just came back from Antigua and WOW is all I can say, would LOVE to go back!

    ReplyDelete
  21. what great choices! we are in the midst of planning our first year anniversary trip to San Francisco!!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Alaska, definitely somewhere I have always wanted to go..but that sure does look cold!! :)

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.