Yep it did and it bit me HARD too.
I have always loved to travel and now that I’m doing it alone, I CANNOT wait to plan my next adventure. I want to print out a copy of the US map and tape it on my wall (along with my latest list of cities I want to visit) so I can ponder where I want to jet off to next. Suddenly, travel and seeing things I’ve always wanted to seems so…possible.
I love solo travel! And I want to take advantage of every vacation day I have.
Sure, they don’t always have to be big trips, but the anticipation of doing something fun and adventurous or just going to get some R&R outside of the city where cars always honk and sirens always blare, sounds perfect.
And fortunately, I just got my next round of vacation time and I have FIVE days that I have to still use before September 30.
Which means…it’s time to plan another trip!
Sadly, I can’t do something as elaborate as Napa (tear), but I’m looking to do 1-2 small trips with that time and I have no idea where I want to go.
Rome/Europe, Vancouver and Mexico are still on my list, but I can’t jump to a trip like that just yet. And my dream of driving up the west coast from LA to Seattle is a little too ambitious this year.
So now I’m back to studying my list and the drawing board about where I want to go. And that’s where I need your help!
Here are the cities I’m debating between now:
- Austin
- Denver
- Seattle
- Charleston
- Raleigh
- Portland
- Washington DC
All of these cities are new to me, except for DC. I’ve been there before but am thinking about getting my “history on” again this summer. Basically, I’m torn about what to pick so I hope you all can help me :)
What do you think? What place should I visit that’s on or NOT on this list. I’m open to suggestions!
What places are on your must-see travel list? Does anyone have fun weekend plans?
As a Texan who went to college in Austin I have to say AUSTIN! Such a fun city–great clubs, great restaurants, great music and arts scene. And beautiful!! Especially in the spring when all of the wildflowers are blooming.
Just beware in the summer–it’s hellish hot!
Have you been to Nashville? Another city I highly recommend!
I vote for Austin, for selfish reasons! But…I have always wanted to go to Seattle and Charleston, so I’d be interested in reading about those experiences.
I wasn’t a huge fan of Portland, but I did go in the dead of winter, so that may have jaded my experience. I adored the Oregon coastline and would go back anytime.
As for Raleigh, I spent a lot of time there growing up visiting my best friend. It’s a neat town, and you’ve got a bunch of cute towns nearby, but I don’t think I would ever go there if it weren’t to visit a friend.
I love DC–you can’t go wrong there!
I too have the travel bug…and bad. That being said, I’m happy to say I’ve been to four of the cities you listed. Each time was brief(ish) but I liked them all!
Austin: Great city in Texas. Lots of people say it’s very un-Texas. Great, great, great Mexican food! Well known for lots of live music, and downtown Austin has a great vibe!
Denver: Just got back from there actually. It’s beautiful this time of year… I went on a gorgeous hike and white water rafting which I enjoyed through and through.
Charleston: I’ve spent the least amount of time in this city, but it is just beautiful. Quaint and historic…full of Southern Charm. I definitely want to go back some day.
DC: Obviously full of our nation’s history which is amazing to exeperience! I love the city of DC too…the architechture is gorgeous.
I wonder what you’ll choose!
Apparently Arizona isn’t listed much but I say, get yo ass here. Now.
Austin is a really cool city with lots of great places to eat. I would probably start there. The next big trip I am planning is to Maine or maybe the fall foliage tour up the east coast by train.
I’m so glad you are enjoying travelling alone. I’ve always like it.
I have to say, I have never been bitten by the travel bug. But I think once I do go on my first, “real” trip where I actually do more than just visit family, it’ll hit me.
Out of that list, I vote for SEATTLE! I’ve always wanted to travel there.
Out of all the cities you mention, I wanna visit Seattle the most. I heard it’s pretty :)
I’ve been to four cities on your list and I recommend Charleston, SC by far! I visited for the first time last year (my cousin lives there) and have been back 3 more times. It’s one of the top two places that I want to move to.
I am so jealous of you! I wish I had the guts to travel alone (I am a huge wimp). I didn’t see CT on that list, how are you going to visit me?! :)
We just got back and I’m DYING to go somewhere again!! One of my dream US trips is to do Seattle, Denver and Vancouver. And I’d love to go to Colorado, to visit some of my favorite blogger ladies. :)
UGHH. I wish I could travel more!!!
Austin if you want HOT weather and margs, Seattle if you want a breath of fresh air : )
If you’re interested in Charleston, you should also consider Savannah, Ga. I actually love Savannah MORE than Charleston. They’re both charming Southern cities, and you could spend a couple days in one and then a couple days in the other (you’d need a car to get between them, but it’s only about a two hour drive.)
I’ve always had a crush on Portland but have never been, so that’s where I would go!
I think you should add PA to that list so you can see this cute face *wink wink*
i vote raleigh or denver, woo! have fun with any of your picks!
DC is great, but I vote Seattle or Portland! Because I lived in Oregon for 10 years, I guess I have to go Portland all the way! And if it doesn’t make the cut, I wouldn’t save it for winter. I mean, it’d be nicer than a Chicago winter, but Oregon gets its rainy rep from winter. Late spring, summer, and autumn are pretty!
AND perks – no sales tax and you aren’t allowed to pump your own gas! :)
Seattle for sure. Keep your eye on Travelzoo too — you never know what crazy-cheap vacation may pop up!
I would definitely do Charleston, and that’s ONLY because I read everyday musings (olivia-rae.com). It just sounds so peaceful and lovely. I’ve also heard Portland is great.
Btw, what is your job? Based on vacation time, it sounds perfect — haha!
I;ve got the bug too. I’ve been to Denver and Louisville, KY this year so far. Next is Blogher in August.
If you want history, come to Boston! You may have already been, but there is histroy here and you can go leaf peaping in the fall as well as see history.
Well, you already know that I’m going to tell you to go to Charleston and/or Seattle. I seriously loved Seattle when I went before our cruise last month and I think you’d love it too. BUT, for a less urban trip, definitely consider Charleston…if only for the beach, charm, and food. Holy hell, the food. :)
As for the weekend- PITCHFORK (after corporate prom, of course). Want to head over there with me around 12ish on Sunday?
I’m from Houston and make it to Austin regularly and I can say without a doubt that if my entire family, my job, and my house weren’t already in Houston I’d move to Austin. That being said, it is extremely hot here these days, so it might be better to visit in the fall or spring.
Charleston is a city I’ve always wanted to visit too; my aunt & uncle live 2 hours away and they go all the time.
For this visit if I were you I’d do a Portland/Seattle combo.
Seattle! I’ve never been there but I’ve always wanted to. It looks like it would be so much fun!
I’ve not been to any of those places (since I’ve not been to the states at all) but of them all, Austin shouts out to me the most. That and DC (purely because the awesomeness that is LiLu and Maxie are there). Good luck deciding!
I say DENVER!!!! If you click on my name above you can see the first (of 3) posts I did on our trip to Denver. We absolutely LOVED the Rocky Mountains!!!!!!!!! Totally laid back city with LOTS to do!!!!!!
I vote Denver!!
If you come to visit us in Seattle (we’d love to have you!) make sure you do so in the summer. It’s absolutely gorgeous outside and there’s so much going on. :-)
Denver, Seattle or Portland are definate musts! Seattle is amazing with so much to do. Portland is beautiful and if you drive out just a little bit, you are to the ocean and great hiking. I’m planning a trip to Seattle in less than one month!
Austin!! Austin!! I’ve always wanted to go there :)
Save Denver for the winter. Portland and Seattle too. Never been to Raleigh, DC is alright. However, I cannot recommend Charleston enough. Some may say its too hot there, well, its about as hot as it is here minus the humidity. The prices are solid, the food and beverages are fantastic, and there is nothing like walking around downtown with a beverage in hand on a cool Saturday night. So awesome. A few years ago some friends and I stayed on a houseboat for like a week and I don’t think I have had a better trip than that one.
Ummmm…what about Detroit?! Though I get that probably isn’t a 5 day trip. I vote for D.C. because it’s my absolute favorite.
Another thing I’ve been wanting to do that isn’t necessarily city-based is do New England. I know you already did Boston, but what about doing a drive up in Vermont/Maine/all the other small states up in that corner of the world?
As a citizen of Raleigh I feel like I need to stand up and say something good about my city! I have lived here for many years, and while Raleigh doesn’t appear to have a whole lot going on, it’s actually a really cool place! There are so many great restaurants that it’s hard to go wrong (Raleigh Times, Little Tokyo (the best sushi in Raleigh, IMO) Zely and Ritz, Dos Taquitos, & Vivace(especially for Sunday brunch) are some of my favorites) and there ARE things to do!
We have great museums, like the NC Museum of Art, which was just renovated and has a completely new look and feel (It also holds a lot of concerts/outdoor movies every weekend during the summer), the Museum of Natural Science, and the Museum of History. You can go to Helios and get a delicious coffee, and spend an entire afternoon people watching, or you can hike/run the Greenway trail, or head over to Umstead park and spend an afternoon in the woods.
Downtown Raleigh has First Friday every month, which means all the art galleries open their doors, and you can see some really great work, and meet some really cool people.
Raleigh is also cool because it is close to Chapel Hill (I only go there to go to the Cat’s Cradle, a great music venue if your taste veers more indie), Durham and Cary, and it’s 2 hours away from Wilmington, a great city that’s on the beach!
To be honest, I don’t know if you would really enjoy coming here for an entire week if you don’t have friends here, or if you want the type of trip where you are constantly doing tourist activities and always on the move. But I highly recommend Raleigh if you want to relax, eat some awesome food, and meet some friendly people! If you do decide to come, feel free to email me and I can give you a way more detailed list of restaurants, etc that you should check out :)
My hubby and I just planned a last minute trip to San Diego, since he’s going for work I’m going to tag on over the weekend. I can’t wait! In addition to that we’re hitting up Boston and Kennebunkport (Maine) in the fall. We’re trying to travel tons now while we can :)
You have a great list of places–I cannot say enough good things about Seattle! I’ve had to go for work a few times but loved exploring the city as well. If you do end up going let me know bc I have restaurant suggestions :)
I agree with Stevie and Angela – you could definitely do both Portland and Seattle in a long trip *and* August/September are the BEST times to go. Some people think you can do them in the same weekend, but they *are* 3 hours apart by car. But if you have 5 days, it should be no problem.
However, if you are at all interested in the outdoors – mountains/beach/etc., then I would say pick one. There are a lot of things you can do outside of both cities that would make it impossible to go to the other one. But if you just wanted to stay local, there’s enough to do.
Funny because Charleston is on my list too.
Fun list of cities, Jess! If you are planning summer travels, I say skip Austin and Charleston – it’s unbearably hot in those areas during the summer. Much better for fall or winter visits. On that note, I might also add Savannah to your list of beauties in the fall. And I must also ask, why on earth would you want to visit Raleigh (unless you have friends there)? I mean, Chapel Hill is beautiful (yes, I’m biased). But, that area? Well, from my time spent down there, I don’t think you need more than a weekend there to get a feeling for it. My vote for a summer trip? Seattle, Portland or Denver!
DC is great… Denver is on my list! :)
I live just outside DC and there is a lot to do here and, if you use Metro, you would not even need a car.
Mackinac Island, MI is not very far away from Chicago and it has lots of history, plus you don’t need a car–they’re not allowed on the island!
I’ve had a MAJOR travel bug ever since I went to Europe! I am thinking about my next trip ALL THE TIME!
I have no advice because I’ve never gone to any of those cities – but I will say, YES, go to Vancouver one day! It’s AMAZING there!!
I go to DC every year because I know a lot of friends there. I’ve been there so many times, I feel like a local. It’s relaxing, don’t worry about the touristy stuff and just enjoy the life there.
Charleston! I’ve been to a few other on your list and went through Charleston the first time this year for a wedding, it’s beautiful! So many cute homes, shops, eateries…you will die for the food! Anything on the list would be great, but my vote is Charleston!
Also, have you thought of doing any driving type trips closer to home? I know you don’t have a car, but you could always rent one and maybe do some long weekends in different cities in the midwest…just a suggestion! Galena, Il/Dubuque, Ia come to mind.
Good luck deciding!
SEATTLE!!! And as Angella mentioned, you could do Seattle and Portland in the same trip and YES August and September are the best months to visit this area!
Austin is fabulous, too.
oohh…I’ve heard great things about Austin – apparently some really good Mexican cuisine is to be had there and they have an awesome music scene.
Raleigh is a beautiful area but I’m not sure if it has a long list of things to do or see, although I’m probably very wrong.
I visited friends in Austin a couple years ago and it’s such a cool, young, fun city. Lots of good eats and bars for young professionals (in addition to just college students.) But considering the time of year you have to go weather will definitely be a factor. I went to Seattle about this time of year and it was so pleasant – also a super neat city!
Um, well, obviously my vote is for Charleston ;) But I can also say that August/September is pretty much the perfect time of year to visit Seattle and Portland. And as small as both cities are and as close together as they are, you could easily visit both on a 5 day trip.
But I still vote for Charleston! Haha!
Charleston! I am partial though, being from South Carolina. Come for a long weekend before late August though, when the city gets more crowded from the college kids coming back. What’s more relaxing than sitting on a veranda sipping a mint julep? There are also a lot of fantastic restaurants.
Have you ever been to Pittsburgh? Often overlooked, very cheap and small, tons to do (food, fun local shopping, museums), and the most gorgeous city in the world (but I might be biased–but it’s still gorgeous).
My grandparents live outside of Raleigh, and it is such a lovely city!
A city not on your list that I love…Nashville.
Denver is great. Go to Breckenridge and eat at Eric’s Pizza. Wander around the ski towns and enjoy.
Haven’t been to Austin. Dying to. I think a solo trip there would be fab and the guy to girl ratio is supposed to be favorable.
DC is fun but not relaxing.
And I love Seattle. I blame it on being a huge Fraiser fan.
I have to say you need to add Savannah to your list, especially if you want history and have never been there. Plus, a movie buff like you would love it. It’s so quaint and gentile during the day and then BAM it gets wild and crazy at night. I can even recommend some places to stay if you want.
Okay, so I just looked at the Amazon reviews… and maybe you shouldn’t buy the book I bought. But the other suggested books on solo travel for women might be of use.
I just bought this book on sale at Borders for $4… and I thought of you. http://www.amazon.com/Fly-Solo-Places-Earth-Travel/dp/0399533109/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279247767&sr=8-1
Denver is a lot of fun! I’m also partial to DC having just come back from here. I have always wanted to visit Seattle.