Ask MetaFilter posts tagged with holiday

Where Does it Snow in Europe at Christmas?

mary8nne — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 05:39:42 -0800

Europe: Where does it Snow for Xmas? I'm looking for a nice romantic getaway for Xmas in Europe where we can be assured of Snow around actual Christmas Day? (ie a week around 25th December).

Not looking for a Skiing Holiday.

Just looking for a little cottage in the snow, to sit around with a book cook some goose, etc. head into town for some bread and pastries..

We were looking at Switzerland - (Lucerne or similar) but apparently it often doesn't snow there until Jan.

Looking for an e-guitar boot camp!

lord_yo — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 07:14:15 -0800

My wife and I are looking for a "boot camp" to learn to play electric guitar. Can you recommend any kind of retreats, workshops camps, schools, that offer intense one- or two-week e-guitar training in a pleasant, vacation-like surroundings? We are based in Switzerland; European workshops - if there are any - would be our first pick, but we're open for other options as well. We speak English, German and French.

Italo Disco

sgt.serenity — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:16:16 -0800

Got a week in Pisa, Italy - looking for good places to camp nearby the beach and wonderful metafiltery things to do : ) Yep, I heard about - see the tower and thats it but me and the kochanie are into being by the beach, camping, maybe some good food and how to get to rome or florence by train and quick back would be really helpful - I'm sure there's some beautiful scenery there also thats off the beaten track and someone from mefi would know about as well : ) - some italo disco clubs would be really funny : )

Let's come up with a few cool ideas, yuk yuk.

Willie0248 — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 09:55:44 -0800

Help us flesh out our cool-weather anticipation celebration! My ladyfriend and I hate hot weather with a fiery passion. I know, I know... Most people love summer, but down here in the forested parts of the Texas coastland it gets too hot and muggy to do anything outdoors comfortably. The parks and trails are completely deserted around this time of year for this very reason. In response, we have decided that we are starting our own holiday to commemorate the day after the hottest day of the year (by average), which is the first day that the temperature starts dropping! From here on out, every day will be a little cooler than the last, allowing a few exceptions. Oh yeah!

First, we need a name for the holiday. Coldmas? Coolfest? Frostember? All the names we come up with kinda stink, as you can see. Let's see if you can do better!

Second, we need some meals. This will be an all-day event, so we need ideas for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Obviously, the dinner is most important. This is when all the guests will arrive to enjoy our cold-weather themed snacks and treats! There will also be the obligatory adult beverages, if you have any cute ideas in that department.

Lastly, we need ideas for activities or what have you. Cold theme is a must!

Please evaluate my route from Italy to Spain by car

zaebiz — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 02:07:07 -0800

I plan to drive from Venice, Italy to Valenica, Spain in April or May 2009 using the following route. I will stay for a few days or weeks in little spots along the way. I should have about six weeks in total. I mostly want to see a little of Spain and Italy, the French Riviera, Montpellier, Marseilles and finish at Valencia. Apart from that anything else I should try to see? Any parts of the chosen route I should avoid? What's driving like along that route? Any rental car companies which will let me pick up in Italy and drop off in Spain?

Holidaying on my own?

anonaccount — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 16:45:32 -0800

What to do with 15 days holiday, and no one to spend it with. I'm a 25yo guy living in the UK, recently split with my long-term girlfriend.

I have holiday time that I have to take before the end of the year but I'm not sure what to do. I feel like I'm in need of a break but it's going to be impossible for me to arrange something with friends, which means any time off work will likely be spent alone and bored.

How can I best make use of this time on my own with a fairly limited budget? Would it be crazy to go on holiday to Ibiza or somewhere on my own?

It's up to you, New York!

electriccynic — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:04:45 -0800

I've been tasked with taking 8 members of my family, needing five bedrooms from the UK to New York in June 2009. Any advice on group booking deals and the like, for flights and/or hotels? Am I looking too early for good deals?

Istanbul, Constantinople ...

the luke parker fiasco — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:14:01 -0800

Turkey vs. Greece: A colleague of mine is looking for suggestions on the best place to visit for a seaside vacation with her 15-year-old son. This more or less encompasses the criteria she gave me. She is planning to take a vacation in the next six weeks or so, with her son. They want to go to the seaside in either country, and are looking for suggestions on the best location to choose, where to stay, etc. She did mention the word "resort", but I'm assuming that outrageously expensive locales are to be avoided. Where are the places you've gone, loved, would recommend?

Recommendations for European holidays with a 19month old in tow?

blacksky — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:17:56 -0800

Recommendations for European holidays with a 19month old in tow? We live in the UK, and are looking for recommendations for holiday destination in mainland Europe that are toddler friendly, yet affordable.

Specifically which hotels/apartments have you stayed in with your toddler that you felt was well equipped and welcoming for little ones.

More generally, what are your experiences with resort holidays vs the more free-range type holiday with toddlers in tow?

Although we're open to package/resort holidays, in the past, we've booked our own flights, hotels, transfers etc in places like the south of France, or northern Italy and thoroughly enjoyed that kind of freedom. We are particularly worried about the availability of things like high chairs, cots, car seats etc to borrow/rent so we don't have to lug them around with us.

How can I make the most of a trip to Iceland in August?

chinese_fashion — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:12:56 -0800

How can I plan a trip to Iceland this August? What do you recommend to do, where to stay, what to budget ... and how can we spend money intelligently rather than in tourist traps, etc. I am hoping to meet a friend in Reykjavik this August. I'm flying in from NYC, he (is an Aussie) from Ghana.

We both love checking out natural wonder, hiking, natural hot springs, etc., but would greatly appreciate turning it out at bars at night sometimes, too. I know very, very little about the country, apart from the fact that it's both gorgeous and pricey.

What would you recommend doing while there? Any "can't-miss" things? Affordable hotels that may be a cut above hostels without being exactly opulent?

Any links, tips, ideas where to start are greatly appreciated. I'm not sure where to turn, but need to get planning.

Shopping the 4th Of July weekend in Seattle

cgg — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 09:54:28 -0800

SeattleFilter: The BF and I are going to be in Seattle tomorrow. Are there any 4th-Of-July-weekend sales events or goings on we should know about? We drive down to Seattle from Vancouver on a pretty regular basis to shop. We usually go about once every couple months, so we do have a pretty decent idea of where we're going. With that and the GPS, we're up for anything between Bellingham and Tacoma, out to Auburn to the east. Basically, the I5 and the I405. (If something just can't be missed that's outside that range however, we're open to making it happen if it's really worth the trip.)

The places we usually hit include a bunch of guitar shops (the BF's weakness), plus Seattle Premium Outlets, The Auburn Supermall, Fry's, and maybe Bellis Fair in Bellingham if we have time.

Are there other sales events or things we should know about given the 4th of July holiday today?

(Yes, I've checked the other questions, but this is specific to a particular date. And although cool, I have no desire to see Archie McPhee's again, thanx.)

I love you, but I hate your style.

hwyengr — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:32:13 -0800

I'm 28 and still being dressed by my mother. Every birthday and Christmas, she buys me more clothes. But they're awful, hideous things. How do I get her to stop? I love my mom a lot, but she thinks I'm still 12. Sure, it's the thought that counts. However, shouldn't I be able to get some joy from my holiday gifts? And it's not like it's one thing, she's probably spending $100 on things I'll wear once to be polite (if that), then let fester in my closet before going to Goodwill. To top it off, I've lost 40 lbs since college, but she thinks I'm still 2 sizes larger, despite my repeated efforts to correct her.

My sister (32) suffers the same fate. It's an ongoing joke about our regular trips to donate our "Mom Clothes". We've both made slight hints that we would prefer gift cards so that we could pick out our own clothing, but she insists she knows better than we do.

Of course, giving gifts brings her joy. But, I feel bad that she's wasting her money. Am I just ungrateful?

Independence Day in LA

dead_ — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:59:33 -0800

What's the best (cheap) thing to do on the Fourth in Los Angeles?

I need a cool remix of a non-denominational holiday song.

tealeaf522 — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:55:15 -0800

Does anyone know of a version of "Baby It's Cold Outside" or "Let It Snow" or "Winter Wonderland" or any other non-denominational holiday song that has been remade so that it's upbeat? A cool electronic or hip hop remix would be awesome. It's important that it's upbeat and not slow and mellow like the originals are usually sung.

UK visa question

mooza — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 05:10:12 -0800

I'm applying for a UK working holiday visa. I'm Australian. The rules on the britaus website state that I must be in the UK within three months of my application. The website also says I should apply in my own country. Hm. I was planning on travelling for around 5 months BEFORE landing in the UK. I called the expensive helpline and asked if I could apply in another country if I had to, and they said there were no guarantees and that it was at the discretion of whichever consulate I went to.

I've never applied for a visa before. Does anyone know if my chances are good with applying in a country other than my own? A friend of mine got one when he was in Holland, but that was a few years ago and I'm not sure if the UK has changed things to make it harder. I could do it in either Canada or Berlin. I'd be a bit nervous about sending away my passport while in a foreign country but if I knew there were others who did it recently I might feel a little more confident.

My other choice is to cut down my travelling in Nth America considerably and going to activate the visa in the UK before going again to Berlin which was where I was planning on going first. It ain't ideal...

Looking for a Quebec Retreat with Urban Possibilities

Any Moose In a Storm — Fri, 30 May 2008 10:21:30 -0800

Know of any great places to stay or see in Southern Quebec? Looking for a quiet idyll that's not too far (2hrs ish?) from Montreal and Quebec city for daytrips. SO and I are looking for a quiet place, preferably on a body of water, where we can relax and generally not have to deal with other people, but where we can drive into the cities without too much of a hassle.

Obviously, I understand a great place may not be equidistant from the cities, but something not too far afield from them.

I'm none too familiar with Quebec so any ideas? Suggestions? Warnings?

Flying to the USA - What should i watch out for?

freddymetz — Sun, 25 May 2008 12:56:26 -0800

Flying to the USA - What should i watch out for? Were planning on flying to the US (probably boston area) for 2 weeks in the summer (from germany).
Is there anything i should know to make my stay as enjoyable as possible?
Also, i use trabber for finding cheap flights. Does anyone know any similar useful websites and tools?

Cryptic jewish kids on parade...

Wavelet — Fri, 23 May 2008 20:12:01 -0800

I ran into a parade of children from our local Hebrew school today...what were they chanting? While out and about on errands today, I ran into a strange parade. At first I thought the Amish had made a break for it, given the long beards, sideburns, and bowler hats on the adult men in the parade, but it quickly became apparent that it was the kids from a local Hebrew school (plus teachers), carrying signs that read things like "Proud to be a Jew!" and chanting.

A bit of googling indicates that this was probably apropos of the holiday Lag BaOmer, which is apparently celebrated with children's activities and even parades. So, that mystery is solved. But, what I can't figure out is what the kids were chanting. They were saying "We don't want to wait for *some word that starts with M that I can't remember*! We want *that aforementioned word* now!" Whatever the word was, it was something that I had not heard before, about three or four syllables, and I think it began with "M." Help me askmefi! What didn't the Hebrew school kids want to wait for?!?!

Where should we go after Munich for our summer holidays

trashcan — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:10:12 -0800

Cosmopolitan, chilled out, cultural, lots to see and do all within reach of Munich....within flying, train or driving reach that is. We (my wife and I) are going on holiday this summer starting in Munich for four days, we then would like to head somewhere else for four days and then finally somewhere else beforeflying back to the UK.

We went to Berlin last year and absolutely loved it and then Amsterdam - which aside from the seedy side, loved it too.

We like nice bars, restaurants, famous architecture, galleries of famous artists - and not so - and we like live music.

We also love history, so Berlin was ideal for the mix available.

I'd really appreciate some ideas.

Thanks

TC

Passover Food in PDX

hopeless romantique — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 15:50:41 -0800

Stores that carry Passover food in Portland, OR? I don't celebrate the holiday anymore, but every time Passover rolls around I start craving the holiday treats. Macaroons, soup nuts, honey cake. All of that. Unfortunately, the main grocery stores (Safeway, Fred Meyers) don't have much of a selection, if at all. There must be a place in the metro area where I can satisfy my Passover cravings, right? I imagine there are places in the West Hills, but my knowledge of that area is extremely limited. Please help!

(Bonus points if I can easily get there via tri-met)

Now we have "open skies", we will travel

jobby — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 07:57:29 -0800

In the US from 24th-31st May, what do we do! We're two friends from London in our twenties interested in going to music festivals (particularly blues and jazz and possibly country), cultural events (food/drink based, film festivals) and anything else people think will be fun. We have a mid-range budget and don't like camping. We were thinking about going to New York but are open to other cities on either coast. We'd be up for some travelling but obviously can't see everything in a week. Our mighty currency permits us to lavish copious beverages upon those who please us.

Planning 3-month getaway to Australia

SRMorris — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 03:07:32 -0800

Planning a 3 month backpacking trip for Australia (hopefully including New Zealand/Fiji) during September - November. Any suggestions/recommendations for locations and durations? My fiancee and I (both 25) are starting to plan for a 3 month trip. We're starting off from UK, quick stop-over in Dubai (family live there) and then continuing on. I've been to Gold Coast several times (and Cairns) but is my fiancee's first visit.

We are considering exploring the Eastern coast, starting from Sydney (or Melbourne) and moving up to Cairns. We're planning on using the coaches, hopping on/off and exploring. After reaching (and exploring Cairns), we would like to go to New Zealand and perhaps Fiji.

Is this feasible? Any recommendations on ideal locations or durations for each place/part? Potential cost based on camping and perhaps motels (basically cheap accommodation)?

Thanks for all your help!
Excited to go!

UK travel on a budget

nikksioux — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:41:13 -0800

My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Jolly Olde England in May. Does anyone have any advice on reasonably priced accomadations in London? Other budget-friendly advice? Other travel-savvy tips for vacationing in the UK? Indian restaurant rec's? Thanks in advance.

Half-baked Holiday?

font_snob — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 19:43:37 -0800

National Poundcake Day: Attack or Defend So here's the deal, I see on various sites that tomorrow (March 4th) has been designated as National Pound Cake Day. I can't find a site that cites a source for this. Is this some Food Network conspiracy? For that matter, who gets to designate certain days as National Whatever Day? What's the process? Is there an official government list of these dates?

What should we do in Barcelona?

cardamine — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 05:20:01 -0800

Help make my trip to Barcelona awesome! I'm going to Barcelona next week with my boyfriend, it's our first holiday in a long time but we're only there for three days. What are the must-see places and must-do things in the city? Bonus for quirky, fun stuff!