Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with december

Traveling near Tokyo in December?

destrius — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:45:44 -0800

Some last minute business brings my girlfriend and I to Tokyo this December, and we'll be spending a week's vacation there as well. We've been to Tokyo before, so what can a couple do out of the city (but nearby) during winter? We'll be there from December 11th-17th. We'll probably just spend the weekend in the city, and are thinking of venturing farther afield during the remaining weekdays. Does anybody have any suggestions of good places to visit and things to do, keeping in mind the weather?

I'm not inclined to travel too far away, so somewhere about 1-2 hours train away from Tokyo would be best. We've already been to Nikko so that's out. Skiing is also out as we don't ski.

Our current ideas are:

1. Head to the Fuji Five Lakes region to look at Mt Fuji and relax in an onsen.

2. Head to the Izu Peninsula and wander around (and also relax in an onsen).

Thing is, I'm not really sure what there is to do besides relax in an onsen; will the towns be interesting to walk around and explore, will the scenery be good? A lot of the info I'm finding seems geared for summer travel.

Another issue with onsens is that most are divided by gender, and we don't really want to spend most of the trip separated like that. I know private (family) baths exist, but they're harder to find, more expensive, and usually attached to a ryokan. And they're probably not outdoors too.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Plan My Drive from ATL to Vermont

tmharris65 — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:32:20 -0800

A few weeks ago, you guys helped to reassure me that I could drive from Atlanta to Vermont in December. Now, I'm asking you to offer some suggestions for that drive. The plan is to drive for three days, stopping after about 6 hours of driving each day, and arriving in Vermont on the third day. I'm looking for suggested routes and cities-towns-villages to stop in that would have some combination of a) cool place to spend the night, b) a nifty place to get a bite to eat, and/or c) something cool to see/do. Thanks for any suggestions!

Drive to Vermont in December?

tmharris65 — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 04:53:33 -0800

Are we crazy to think of driving from Atlanta to Vermont in late December? We have reservations at a great loft-barn-cabin and we have our favorite table at our favorite restaurant reserved for a New Year's Eve dinner, but the flights are so expensive right now. How much stress will we add to our lives if we drive? (It's not the length of the trip that worries us ... it's the potential for winter weather that Georgians don't know how to deal with.)

December travel recommendations

impluvium — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:46:16 -0800

Where is the best place to travel in December? December in Canberra is hot, windy and deserted -- help us have a fantastic time somewhere else!

Our holidays are in December this year, and we (late 20s couple) are wondering if there are any places around the world where December is the time to visit. We're based in Australia, but willing to travel anywhere.

Is there a December event or festival that simply can't be missed? Or a spot where the climate is perfect this time of year? Neither of us is religious, so Christmas isn't a consideration -- except as far as it concerns Christmas markets and their delicious components.

Bonus points for options that include non-air travel for at least part of the trip -- think trains, or interesting car trips.

Songs about difficult Decembers?

MrVisible — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 23:43:22 -0800

My sister is having a rough month. She's toughing it out through a Jerry Springer-scale divorce drama while dealing with potentially serious medical problems. She's asked me to find songs for a compilation about difficult Decembers to help her get through. It's fine if it mentions Christmas but it shouldn't be a Christmas-centered song. She's already got "A Long December" by Counting Crows, and Merle Haggard's "If We Make It Through December." I was thinking about throwing in Tom Waits' "Christmas Card From A Hooker In Minneapolis" and possibly Imogen Heap's "Just For Now" (thanks to this thread), but I'm pretty stumped after that.

My sister is doing amazingly well considering the circumstances, but it's a rough time, and particularly tough due to the constant presence of cheery Christmas music.

I'd appreciate any help you have to offer.

Things to do in chicago in December

mrunderhill — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 01:43:25 -0800

What should I do in Chicago this weekend? I got here today, bought a beanie and gloves, went to the AI and walked around the theatre district. I'd like to see another neighborhood or two, listen to a few blues/jazz sets, maybe see an improv comedy show and eat a few slices of pizza. Where should I go? What should I see? Thanks!

What to do in the Pacific Northwest next week?

vytae — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 10:48:59 -0800

What should I do in Seattle, Portland, and points between, during the first week of December? I'll be in the Pacific Northwest December 5-9 (so, next Wednesday through Sunday). My current plan is to spend the 5th in Seattle, then drive down to Portland for the 6th and 7th, and be in Tacoma on the 8th. I leave from Seattle again on the 9th around lunchtime. (A whirlwind tour, I know, but it has a purpose.) I will have a rental car to take me wherever I want to go.

Are there any special events I should make a point of attending? Any fun winter/holiday/December-related activities I shouldn't miss? Any great and not-overly-expensive restaurants/coffee shops/stores I should visit? Any especially gorgeous scenery I should take in?

I'm a pretty outdoorsy, casual girl who would prefer a nice hike (weather permitting) or hour spent wandering a good bookstore, compared to visiting the trendiest bars. I do love a great meal, but I'm not likely to dress up too much for it. I spent a day in Seattle a couple years ago, so I've got the space needle and Pike Place market checked off my list. What else should I check out?

Tropics on the cheap?

greta simone — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 08:00:45 -0800

Where can I go with the stipulations and budget that I have? I will be available to travel from Dec. 9 to Dec. 22 and/or Dec. 28 to Jan 6. I would like to go somewhere warm, as winter now has a firm grasp on home. I have some parameters I have to work within:

1. I can only take a Delta flight that costs under $450 (I have vouchers) or not much over. I know the airline sucks, but that's all I have to work with.
2. I can maybe spend $800-$1000 total for the whole trip (excluding flight).
3. I would like to go for a the longest break possible within one of my two time frames.
4. I have no problems staying in a hostel or homestay situation, but it MUST be safe, as I will be a young female traveling alone.
5. I would like beach and sand and beauty and calm, with culture as well. No frat-tastic party cruise stop-over towns, please.
6. I would need to fly out of RDU, CLT, or ATL.
7. I prefer to be out of the lower 48 states. No Florida please.

I am not asking you to be my travel agent. I'm having trouble searching for flexible dates AS WELL AS flexible locations while not being able to be flexible with my airline. I have looked at Kayak Buzz which was not helpful, as I cannot search for these things under one airline. I have also looked at STA (student travel), which was not helpful. I perused Delta's website, but I have to search dates and locations.

Is there a better place or way to search for these things? Do I need a travel agent? Do you have any specific suggestions? General ones?

Please do not suggest using a different airline. I would not be going if it weren't for the fact that I have vouchers in the first place.

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!

A Year In Music?

blue_beetle — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 12:47:13 -0800

A Year In Music: Songs with a month in the title, and with lyrics that feature a month prominently? examples: 5 Days in May (Blue Rodeo), November Rain (Guns N' Roses), A Long Devember (Counting Crows). Please feed my need for the ultimate mix CD for a calendite.