Winter Vacation 2015

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That sounds great Jobam! I think I would enjoy that. We often stay in small apartments or B&B's when away. I've never actually stayed in an all-inclusive resort; for me, when travelling, I like to get out and about in the local neighbourhoods & experience local restaurants, parks, to talk with local folks, etc. so cruising & all-inclusives aren't yet on my radar. I can see that may change in future if mobility becomes an issue.

I've noticed that some places in Victoria BC advertise to attract "snowbirds" - low monthly rental rates on suites & apartments for the winter season when their weather is quite temperate - compared to other areas of Canada. No concerns re health insurance, language, food, etc. by staying in Canada.
 
I'm not sure what we will do when we get into "snowbird" territory. Mrs. M has talked about wintering at "home" (ie. Shanghai) when she retires. It's not the warmest part of China but rarely gets below +10 C and snow is a novelty the odd time that they get it so certainly gets us away from the Ontario winters. It would nice since she would get to celebrate Chinese New Year with her family (we'd probably stay here until Christmas/New Year's was over so we could enjoy that festival, too). As a major air and rail hub, it would also be a good base for seeing more of Asia (I've really only been to China in that continent). But we shall see. That's still a decade or so off.

I can't really see us doing what Jobam and Chris (and other traditional "snowbirds" I know) are doing, though. We just aren't the types to stay put when we vacation. More likely we'd head somewhere that we can use as a base for travelling/touring around.
 
Carolla said:
I've never actually stayed in an all-inclusive resort; for me, when travelling, I like to get out and about in the local neighbourhoods & experience local restaurants, parks, to talk with local folks, etc. so cruising & all-inclusives aren't yet on my radar. I can see that may change in future if mobility becomes an issue.
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@Carolla that's one of the reasons we like cruising because we meet "locals" and see local things but with a more safe or guaranteed environment (which is good for my anxiety). You can also reach out to local tour companies and get an even more authentic tour experience. In St. Marteen, for example, we had a local guide (a NA transplant) and we ate at a local restaurant and went to non-touristy places to snorkel, etc as well as taking in the airplane experience (if you don't know what I am talking about youtube St. Marteen and airplane - it's pretty incredible). It's not for everyone but it gives us a little adventure.

@Jobam We went whale watching in Roatan - one of the best I have ever done! The waves were huge though but the captain was incredible. We were only 8 on the boat so it was a pretty intimate experience. I understand it's one of the best places to whale watch.
 
I have friends who love going to Roatan - because they can simply walk in from the beach with their snorkel gear & swim to a fantastic coral reef - no need to take a boat to get out to it, as is often the case. I think I might enjoy that.

What kind of whales did you see there Justme? I've seen humpbacks in the Atlantic Ocean, and Orcas in the Pacific - but haven't been south to see any - yet.
 
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I goofed. It was in Samana not Roatan - I keep mixing them up - I thought I finally got it straight. They are the humpback whales that we see in the Atlantic but apparently they tend to be more active in the warmer water (and they were very active when we saw them that day in January).

Apologies for the mix up - I hate when I do that!
 
Carolla said:
I have friends who love going to Roatan - because they can simply walk in from the beach with their snorkel gear & swim to a fantastic coral reef - no need to take a boat to get out to it, as is often the case. I think I might enjoy that.
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Our cruise stopped there. Nice enough place but we got to see a bit of the "other side" via a friendly cabbie. The people there are better off than they would be on the mainland of Honduras but it still isn't a pretty sight. Needless to say, this was not one of the cruise company approved excursions. :cool:
 
I love cross country skiing and went yesterday.
(for those in Ont. I grew up skiing Mansfield-and often spring break at Ste. Anne deBeupre).

I am taking my 81 year old mother on a cruise down the coast of California in March.
 
I know a couple who spend time in Victoria every winter and really enjoy it. They use the library, visit museums and art galleries do some bird watching and take long walks when the weather is good. One sketches and the other takes photos so it works well for them. They stay in a place that offers a sitting area, bed, bathroom and minimal kitchen for a price they find affordable.
 
@Tabitha let me know if you need any tips on cruising :) sounds like a wonderful cruise - I've only left from Cali once - for a Panama Canal cruise but I have some general tips I can send you if this is your first. Also cruise critic is an interesting site (but be careful you can waste a lot of time reading and wondering!). Have a great time!
 
This is the apartment view - snow is coming down here tonight so this looks so awesome....hard to keep my mind on work.

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Jobam, I was in DR a couple of years ago. The place we stayed at was where many of the ballplayers lived (basically a hotel within a compound with homes and 2 golf courses. ) We had armed guys along the fences of the compound. Now, that could have been for lots of reasons, but, the poverty, the driving, the food, infrastructure (power was on/off), all seemed to mark it as risk.

As you seem to love it, what is the area like that you go to? Do you ever feel at risk?
 
Hi Pinga - we leave on Sunday - can't wait. We fly into Samana then cab it to Las Terrenas. Chris and I are always together so we stand out a bit - two guys doing everything together....but the locals seem to embrace us and/or just don't care. We don't speak Spanish - on our list of things to do - and people are always willing to help. We eat out a lot - thus checking out the local restaurants is always fun. Las Terrenas is a small town (10,000) people - real French people, Quebec French, Italians, and the locals make up most of the town. Its basically a fishing village. We like it because its laid back - their driving however is not laid back and we avoid it..LOL. Hydro is expensive so not many street lights - most of us carry flashlights if we are out walking at night. You get used to it. There is poverty. Some street begging.

The locals have their own natural charm. We had never experienced anything like it - thus this is our third time...3 weeks in 30 plus weather - after -24 it will be a nice change. If you are on facebook check out my facebook page as we will be posting pics.....not to show off - but to show off the awesome beach and ocean. The only planned event is a day trip to do some whale watching...other than that - who knows. I think the United Church needs a sister church here....
 
My son told me that they only had good food in Dominican when the went off the resort
to a steak house run by an Edmonton man. He thought the food tasted funny. I presume it was the spices.

He said ,IHO, the Dominican is for old folk and he won't go back until he is old.
 
Jobam said:
Are you going to somewhere warm this winter?
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We have not yet been "somewhere warm" on a winter vacation yet, and will not this winter either. Perhaps someday, but not yet. Two reasons . . . health issues, and still not at the point of leaving my daughter for the length of time I would like to be away for.

Where are folks going?
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Although I am not one of the folks going, I know of several people who have already gone or are going - some of the places are Cuba, Palm Springs, Arizona, Maztaland, Victoria, BC, Jamaica, and Las Vegas.


Whats hot and whats not?
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My furnace, electric fireplace, and wood stove in the garage are hot . . . outside in Manitoba is NOT!
 
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