STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

sfclinevandy · Coach

Where should I go???

Escrime · Kate Spade

Malta

Canary Islands

Egypt

Morocco

How about SE Asia? Hong Kong, Singapore. Cathay Pacific offers their All-Asia Pass that's a great deal and an opportunity to see a lot of cities in the area.

http://www.cathay-usa.com/offers/aap/subdefault.asp

I'll have to keep thinking...

-- Edited by Escrime at 14:47, 2005-04-23

Lilykind · Hermes

I'm totally biased (my family is Thai), but I think you guys should visit Thailand...that Cathay Pacific All-Asia pass sounds like a really cool deal. I got this Daily Candy email and I was reminded of you guys. The exchange rate is most def. in our favor, so you could have a plush vacation without it being too much on the wallet.

Here's the Daily Candy email on Thailand.

April 23, 2005

Travel: Thai One On

It's gorgeous, it's tropical, it's cheap. Any reason not to visit Thailand? (The few provinces hit by last December's tragic tsunami are on the way to recovery, and the economy could use your tourist dollars.) Bangkok is a chaotic shopper's paradise (teeming street markets, glam high-rise hotels, sleazy red-light district), and the most beautiful beaches in the world are a 40-minute flight away on Phuket.

NEST
Stunning hotels abound in Thailand, and a strong exchange rate makes luxe options like The Peninsula Bangkok (almost) affordable. For other-worldly spa experiences, hit the Banyan Tree Bangkok and the trendy Como Shambhala at the Metropolitan. Nirvana awaits on Phuket at the Katathani Thani Resort & Spa on Kata Noi Beach where you can have a poolside massage or pedicure for less than $10.

INGEST
No need to overspend on meals; you could thrive on the Thai breakfast of fried rice and pad thai noodles. But then you'd miss telling the kids back home that you ate at Cabbages & Condoms in Bangkok, where they specialize in delicious curries and a safe-sex agenda. It's a toss-up whether the best part of the inexpensive Baan Krating Jungle Beach resort in Khao Lak is the spicy green papaya salad or the stunning ocean view.

INVEST
In Bangkok, don't miss The Jim Thompson House, the Southeast Asian decorative arts collection amassed by a former CIA operative who went MIA in 1967. His world-renowned namesake product line is sold in the gift shop. Score silk pillowcases, Starbucks, and a sex show at the infamous red-light Patong street market.

From Phuket, help with tsunami recovery by stocking up on candy-colored woven bags (great souvenirs) that the women in the village at Khao Lak are making for the cause. English-speaking volunteers can donate a few hours or a few days (teaching English, cooking classes, building furniture) through the Tsunami Volunteer Center.

That would Thai things up nicely.

Oh, and it will be twenty trillion degrees if you decide to go in summer.

Karina · Chanel

i second egypt & morocco

how about japan?

Maddie · Coach

If you are interested in South America, go to Central America. It will be warm and it's Latin America too so it has a similar feeling. Or Southeast Asia could be cool. And anyone I've ever known who has visited South Africa has said it's completely amazing.

lsubatgirl · Gucci

I vote for SE Asia. I think it would be a nice change from what you have both seen and experienced.

sfclinevandy · Coach

Well, my parents are being total pains. Since I would be using my bday money that they supply to pay for the trip, they won't shut up about how they just aren't comfortable with the idea of 2 girls going to some desolate country because it might not be safe
See my post under LSUbatgirl's thread under "Dating and Relationships" for more background. Every other time I've done big trips, it's been with the fam (and other friends, boyfriends, etc. that we bring along) And my loaded investment banker friend doesn't see why I have to comply with what they want since she has tons of money not tied to her parents.

They are being helpful, suggesting lots of places that I would like but my friend has no interest in... Canyon Ranch and other nice spas (that are so up my alley but not my friends), Miami (I have no desire to stay in Florida), Vegas (fun for a weekend but not more than that), and others.

I'm getting so fed up with my parents and friend I think I just take my own trip visiting friends from college who are spread out all over the country. Thanks for everyone's ideas though!

valenciana · Dooney & Bourke

what about Montreal? i know it doesn't sound too exotic or exciting, but it's not too far, probably safe for two girls traveling alone

, and it's supposed to have a very european feel, and i've heard the shopping is great. just throwing another idea out there before you give up hope!

Joina · Kenneth Cole

I totally second Thailand. I have been to many many places, and Thailand is on the top of my list of my favorite vacation spot.

sfclinevandy · Coach

Valenciana-

Thanks for the suggestion. I love Quebec... I've been there and my friend goes there often for business so I don't think she'd be up for that. But thanks for the suggestion. There's a good chance I'll be making a trip to our beloved Nash Vegas for mini-reunion with college friends. I can't wait to hit Calypso, Greenhills Grille, Ham and Goodys, and Noshville... the things I miss most about college

valenciana · Dooney & Bourke

quote:
Originally posted by: sfclinevandy
There's a good chance I'll be making a trip to our beloved Nash Vegas for mini-reunion with college friends. I can't wait to hit Calypso, Greenhills Grille, Ham and Goodys, and Noshville... the things I miss most about college "

No problem.

mmmm...Noshville...i haven't been there lately... you mean it's not the classes you miss?

i hope you figure out something fun to do this summer...but visiting around the country sounds pretty good too. my parents have flipped out when i've mentioned destinations like Thailand or Morocco before too...sigh.

lynnie · Chanel

How long are you traveling? If you want somewhere safe, go to australia if you can afford it. although that might get boring if you aren't living there for a while- to set up camp and meet people, or are there for longer than a couple of weeks- longer than a vacation. I really liked Road Rules Latin America, which I think would be sooo fun with a group of close friends, but that might be hard without someone showing you what to do, and unsafe like your family is worried about. What about a tour group? My friend that I met in France went to Thailand for a couple of weeks with a group and she said it was a great way to meet people her age, male and female. She went with a couple of her good friends too so it wasn't just her and everyone was around her age.

bumblebee · Dooney & Bourke

how about hawaii? have you been there? most people who live on the east coast don't really go, but it's so beautiful and amazing.

or turks & caicos? closer for you and still technically kind of the carribbean, but it supposedly is quite a different atmosphere (i haven't been there myself).

the seychelles? could combine that with morocco and have a fab trip.

also, apparently havana and the rest of cuba are experiencing their last days of untouched beauty before they get all touristy--your parents might be even more nervous about you going there, but i think it would be a cool adventure and absolutely the right time to go.

how about mexico? i always suggest playa del carmen (outside cancun)--it's really fun and has kind of a euro/beach-town vibe that is really laid back, great restaurants and beaches, etc. mexico city is also having a bit of an arts and cultural renaissance, and there's san miguel de allende right nearby.