Summer vacation ideas?

[flames_fan13]

I need some help on deciding where I should go for a brief summer vacation and would like to know where people have gone to in the past and enjoyed. I'm 24 years old so something with a little bit of a night life would be nice but not like a drink fest as I don't drink. And keep in mind I can't afford anything too expensive.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[blankall]

I would suggest using sites like redtag.ca, expedia.ca, etc... and find vacation packages to somewhere with a beach.

A couple of years ago I go an all inclusive trip to Venezuela for a week. Unlimited booze, food, hotel and plain all included. It was on Margarita island, which apparently only gets 3 or 4 days of rain a year. It was absolutely gorgeous.

[vodafone_b]

I recently just got back from vegas and had a blast there, even if it was my 5th time down there. Packages are always on sale on expedia. And even if you book separately, you can find some amazing deals on hotel and fares if you are lucky, and do your research (and I agree with blankall, using sites on like redtag and expedia could save you a bunch) The key here is to do your research, and book immediately before the deals are gone!

There's tons of night life down in vegas (which you are looking for). You don't have to be a gambler or a drinker in order to enjoy the night life. Lots to do even if you are out at night. The atmosphere is great. Very vibrant and just exciting. The city never sleeps. I had a blast down there very time I go down there. Might be a good choice for you to look into it. Good luck in your summer vacation hunting! It will be worth all the research time when you are on your vacation!

[metallicat]

Edmonton. I hear the mall is nice.

[troutman]

Hookers and blow

[Buff]

Originally Posted by vodafone_b

I recently just got back from vegas and had a blast there, even if it was my 5th time down there. Packages are always on sale on expedia. And even if you book separately, you can find some amazing deals on hotel and fares if you are lucky, and do your research (and I agree with blankall, using sites on like redtag and expedia could save you a bunch) The key here is to do your research, and book immediately before the deals are gone!

There's tons of night life down in vegas (which you are looking for). You don't have to be a gambler or a drinker in order to enjoy the night life. Lots to do even if you are out at night. The atmosphere is great. Very vibrant and just exciting. The city never sleeps. I had a blast down there very time I go down there. Might be a good choice for you to look into it. Good luck in your summer vacation hunting! It will be worth all the research time when you are on your vacation!

I concur. The only thing about going to Vegas in the summer is the dreadful heat. You would have to drink tonnes of water and put on lots of sunscreen. You never know when you'll be walking down the strip.

Last year we went in April and it was already quite warm. We went again in November and while I was in a convention all week, my wife told me the days were still warm and I believe her as the last day I was able to be outside during the daytime and I found it hot. I can't imagine how hot it would be in the summer time. At least in November and April it cools down in the evening. I hear that it doesn't cool down much during the summer. During the winter I hear it cools down substantially.

I also concur with Troutman.

Mexico-cheap and there's always a few bars in the more "touristy" areas

Hawaii-Maui was AMAZING!! You'd have to get a good deal on a flight, but there's a hostel that works out to be $40 a night in Wailuku (a friend stayed there and raved about it) My husband and I stayed in a condo that we found on a "For rent by owner" website. So much to do! but you HAVE to rent a car.

Seattle-nice for a weekend getaway-underground tours, tour of Safeco field or maybe a game, Eperience music project, I think they may even have a few Starbucks there...

Victoria-good weekender. Downtown is full of touristy stuff and the museum is awesome. I don't know about the nightlife anymore, I moved 10 years ago. And you can always go up the island to tofino, but the hotels are expensive but worth it.

Los Angeles-always cheap flights and you can go to DISNEYLAND!

San Fran-Same as above: cheap flights and lots of things to see. They were doing canine police training that day on Alcatraz Island and the island was FILLED with fully armed/vested people from all sorts of law agencies... made it very realistic. I did the SanFrancisco Giants Baseball stadium tour (and being a girl thought it was going to be lame, but was REALLY interesting!)If you get a car you can go to the vineyards in the area.

Phoenix-golfing/shopping.... need I say more?

Those are just a few that come to mind...

[tvp2003]

Seeing as how the OP is in Richmond, I'd probably be making monthly trips down to Seattle because it's so close. Good shopping, Mariners/Seahawks games (depending on the time of year), and a cheap exchange rate.

Otherwise, LA and SF are close by for short and relatively cheap excursions from YVR; lots to see and do in both cities. Last year we flew to LA for a few days and then drove down to San Diego, which was really nice. Not really sure about the night life though...

Just do some research to see what you might like to do, and to maximize the time you have.

[rubecube]

Depending on what you like, Kelowna might fit the bill.

[Sainters7]

Originally Posted by rubecube

Depending on what you like, Kelowna might fit the bill.

Agreed, that's my trip for the summer. Lake's nice & warm in August, weather's around 35+ every day. And sittin out on the patio at Rose's Coyotes overlookin the Okanogan. Their wings are outstanding too.

[4X4]

With the Loonie doing so well against the Yankee buck, it's a great time to go check out some american cities. Check out Miami or New Orleans or something. Orlando?

[peter12]

I'm going down to Birmingham, Alabama to see Tom Waits in July. Should be pretty awesome.

[4X4]

Originally Posted by peter12

I'm going down to Birmingham, Alabama to see Tom Waits in July. Should be pretty awesome.

Alabama, eh? Thinking of bringing your sister as a date?

[MelBridgeman]

Okangan is a good bet, close, cheap..hot, and some night life...

[flames_fan13]

Thanks guys for the advice. Not going to do Seattle or Victoria just because I've been there and want to go somewhere new. The nightlife wasn't really a requirement of the place, I just don't want to go somewhere and then during the night be stuck in my room watching television because of the lack of activities at night.

Vegas does seem to be a popular choice, but i'll continue searching expedia and redtag and see what i cna find and like.

[dissentowner]

The French Quarter in New Orleans is my personal fav, lots to see and do, Bayou tours, Haunted places tour, lots of history and always a fun party time even if you don't drink. Plus, the city can use as much tourism money as possible for obvious reasons.

[Buff]

Originally Posted by flames_fan13

Thanks guys for the advice. Not going to do Seattle or Victoria just because I've been there and want to go somewhere new. The nightlife wasn't really a requirement of the place, I just don't want to go somewhere and then during the night be stuck in my room watching television because of the lack of activities at night.

Vegas does seem to be a popular choice, but i'll continue searching expedia and redtag and see what i cna find and like.

Here are some links that can help you learn more about Vegas:

What Brian Thinks About Las Vegas
Vegas Tripping
Vegas Lists
Rate Vegas
LV Casino Info
Cocktail Doll
Vegas Today and Tomorrow

I'm a Vegas junkie. If you decide to go to Vegas or just have more questions about it just send a PM my way and I'll try to answer any questions (I could answer the questions here too but I may miss them).

[peter12]

Originally Posted by 4X4

Alabama, eh? Thinking of bringing your sister as a date?

Haha, actually I'm going with my brother.

Come on, it's Tom Waits in the American South. By going, I'm fulfilling a freaking dream.

[Sainters7]

I've seen New Orleans mentioned a couple of times. I've never left the continent, but I've been all over Canada and the States, and New Orleans is definitely my favourite place I've been to. SUCH a different town, with so much culture. World class food, and world class partying. Plus during the day you could always go check out a swamp tour on a fan boat(I'm still mad I never did this), and there's a ton of interesting buildings to look at due to the city's French roots.

We went in '02 which was obviously before Katrina, but from what I've heard, most of the damage was in the suburbs(Lower Ninth Ward), the French Quarter was fine. I'd love, LOVE to go back. Highly recommend!

[BlackEleven]

I've gotta recommend Montreal as a place where you can both party and relax. Great city with tonnes to do. And cheap if you're used to Calgary prices.