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Sus (Susannah)
| | Posted on Sunday, November 24, 2002 - 04:10 pm: | 
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Okay, so we started this discussion briefly under the "Boat Drinks" thread...but I wanted to get as many people involved as possible. I'm polling everyone I know.
Ivan and I are getting married in late May 2003. We have the opportunity (gift) to fly anywhere in the World for our honeymoon....and we are planning on taking atleast a week maybe two off for the trip. We have our sights set mostly on the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand areas...but I need more feedback. I LOVE islands. Snorkeling, the weather, the sun, the water. I have always thought about Bora-Bora...you know with an overwater bungalow and a 4x4 excursion into the rainforest? But also, I know that Queensland, Australia can offer some, if not all, of the same things.
So, send me your ideas. Definitely look beyond the US. It doesn't have to be limited to those areas or types of terrain, but it should hopefully be warm, relatively unpopulated but not desolate, and of COURSE, include an option for ROVERING! And, money exchanges, language barriers are to be considered.
This is going to be great... |
Danno (Danno)
| | Posted on Sunday, November 24, 2002 - 04:44 pm: |
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we went the other way, we went to Switzerland in to do some skiing. |
Zak Ruck (Zak)
| | Posted on Sunday, November 24, 2002 - 05:12 pm: |
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Well, not quite as exotic as New Zealand, which would be my first choice if I did it again, but my wife and I went to Maui for our honeymoon. Loved it. Did a lot of snorkeling, horseback riding, rainforest hiking, etc. Not to sure about 4x4'er, but i would assume there are some over there.
Zak |
Max Thomason (Lrmax)
| | Posted on Sunday, November 24, 2002 - 09:51 pm: |
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Susannah,
My sister did some research on renting a full expedition Land Rover (Disco, Rangie, Freelander, Defender 110 and 130) in Australia. It seemed really cool, but then she ran out of money. She showed me the website but I can't remember the website but they had full details on all of the rigs there (TDi!) and the website in general was cool. They would pick you up at the airport and let you go. Plus, they would give you a discount if you demonstrated the use of a Hi-Lift jack . I would suggest doing a Google search b/c they are out there.
FWIW...
Max T.
I do not think it is a good idea to choose the Freelander for this. |
Snowman
| | Posted on Sunday, November 24, 2002 - 10:07 pm: |
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Sus-
For me it would be St. Kitts again. Snorkeling, riding, rainforest trips and wild grey monkeys running around. It's rural carib., we absolutely loved it.
S- |
Todd W. McLain (Ganryu)
| | Posted on Sunday, November 24, 2002 - 10:22 pm: |
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New Zealand is nice .... but, if you really like the islands than I would recommend Saipan. The diving is unbelievable amd definatly has your bungalow over the ocean kind of place. And your still in the US, sort of.
Prior to last month, I would have recommended Bali as well, but not anymore. |
Todd Stopnik Todd
| | Posted on Sunday, November 24, 2002 - 10:40 pm: |
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Sus,
Queensland, Australia has it all. We went there Sept.2001 and loved it. Anything you want to do, you can do; the exchange rate on US dollars is still strong too.
FWIW
Todd |
Eric N (Grnrvr)
| | Posted on Sunday, November 24, 2002 - 10:42 pm: |
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Hey, isn't Steve Irwin's Zoo in Queensland? That would probably be a pretty cool place to visit for a day. Specially if he is there messing with the crocs. |
Dominik Chrzan (Dominik)
| | Posted on Monday, November 25, 2002 - 12:50 am: |
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Yes, it’s a few hours north of Brisbane, but a HUGE letdown … just too commercialized. And stevo is hardly around anymore.
Anyway, the REST of Australia is amazing! =) Really.
If you are looking for a place to relax, I can highly recommend Heron Island It is a beautiful coral cay situated a couple of hours off of Gladstone, and because of this more remote location, still [relatively] unhurt by human interaction (as opposed to, say, Green island or Fitzroy island, which are both closer to Cairns and popular to day trippers, who really take their toll on the delicate island ecosystems). All that is there [heron] is a resort and research station. No phones (ok, a few payphones). No TV. And it's a divers paradise (some of the best diving in the world)!!! I could go on and on, but with only 2 or 3 weeks available to you, I think we have to keep moving.
Frazer island. Although I personally did not make it out there (although I was supposed to work on the research station, alas, they lost their funding and it fell through), I heard great things about it from very credible sources (surfies) who spent most of their vacations in the islands gorgeous rainforests and on it's beautiful sand beaches. Sounds good!
I know, I know, But how about something with a Land Rover??? And if you were not limited by time, sure. Otherwise, go with a Toyota Land Cruiser. Seriously. Everyone drives them, and rightly so! Although indefinitely cooler in a landy, it’s just not practical with limited availability of parts and harshness of roads. I learned this the hard way; spending 2 months traversing Queensland’s Tropical North with a good mate … we made it to “the tip” of CapeYork peninsula, but not without the expected hardships (which left me stranded for a week waiting on parts to be flown in). Ok, I’ll spare ALL the details here, but along the way we met a couple from Italy who rented a cruiser campervan and were doing the tour on their own (very popular thing to do, actually). For a short trip, this is the way to go. They had a stove, fridge, and 2 beds (one of which I ended up using for 2 nights … long story .. involves drowning of the landy and a couple of nights on the piss) and goes for about 300 AUD a day. But find the company that also gives you a winch!! But again, the time problem. You CAN make it in a week (as the Italian’s we met were doing), but at the cost of seeing and enjoying the things around you, which is, after all, the point of doing it.
And the best thing about the Cape York trip; after about 2 weeks of rigorous 4wd terrain, dirty, unshaven, well shaken and half mad from coca-cola withdrawal, in a despairing tone repeating over and over again, “Not ANOTHER fucking creek crossing!!!” Ahhhhhhh, memories ….. =)
Hmmmmm, what else. If you are planning on going west into the deserts, prepare for cold! Now I know what your thinking, “can kangaroos even survive in the cold?” Apparently so. But much more I cannot tell you of this, as when I found out it WAS so cold I immediately went north. Driving over sand dunes didn’t appeal to me THAT much!
Well I hope this gives you a few ideas ... please feel free to email me for more info (as i would be MORE than happy to corner a few more victims to tell this tale of adventure to).
In fact, I also filmed the entire Cape York trip, and a documentary is currently in production and should be out in early 2003, so if persuaded I might even give you a videographic preview of [potential] sights to come.
Best Reards,
Dominik
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gp (Garrett)
| | Posted on Monday, November 25, 2002 - 07:51 am: |
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damn that is good artwork there Dom.
how about Iceland? my friends went there for theirs and loved it.
i am very partial to Banff, Alberta, Candada. just love it up there.
another place i have been really happy with is Ireland. never crowded, good beer, good people, lots of space to do whatever you want and good beer. |
Rob Davison (Pokerob)
| | Posted on Monday, November 25, 2002 - 09:54 am: |
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fraiser island,, i am pissed i didnt go there. you can 4x4 around and there is a fresh water lake in the middle. |
Sus (Susannah)
| | Posted on Monday, November 25, 2002 - 10:13 am: |
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Wow, Dominik! You have quite a lot of information to share. Expect an email soon!
Thanks for everyone's suggestions. We still have a few months to plan. Does anyone know about package deals for stopping say, in Tahiti and then continuing to Australia? |
Justin Day (Polytropoi61)
| | Posted on Monday, November 25, 2002 - 11:34 am: |
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You could check out Greece, there is a website
rentvillas.com where you can rent a villa on crete or the mainland. Its something to check out. Regardless I wish you guys nothing but the best! |
Alan Yim (Alan)
| | Posted on Monday, November 25, 2002 - 02:37 pm: |
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Garrett,
If you like Banff, you'll like Jasper even more. It's further north in the Rockies but less commercialized/touristy; more rugged. |
gp (Garrett)
| | Posted on Monday, November 25, 2002 - 02:51 pm: |
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yeah i was pretty happy there (banff/lake louise). went skiing at all three major resorts there and it was never crowed anywhere. then again i am use to Vail and places like that. and some very nice snow when i was there. similar to the utah stuff.
i will have to check out some stuff on jasper. thanks for the heads up.
hoping to hit mount tremblant this year. it's on the east and somewhere i have not been. and with the canada/u.s. exchange it is always good. |
Alan Yim (Alan)
| | Posted on Monday, November 25, 2002 - 03:21 pm: |
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Garrett,
Jasper has the Marmott ski hill which in my opinion is more fun to ski than the ones by Banff, purely on it being less crowded but I do like Lake Louise a lot. Not too keen on Sunshine; funky layout that results in some flat spots that you have to cross to get from one side of the resort to the other. You must have gone during a quiet lull or something because those places can get quite crowded. Also, you'll see more wild life (if that's possible) in Jasper just because it's not as crowded with tourists. Not unusual to see huge herds of elk around and also not unusual to see black bears around. Some wolf but they're usually pretty careful to stay out of sight.
The town of Jasper is much, much smaller and no where near as trendy as Banff but you'll find everything you need. Just south of Jasper is the Columbia icefields and there are some really neat cabin resorts there with some really cool trails and stuff you can do. I was there earlier this June doing some glacier training (they don't see much summer in that particular area - always snow - guide at the snow center said they hadn't really seen summer there in about 3 years) but it's just a gorgeous drive (sheer rock faces on either side in some places). You'd enjoy it. Let me know if you want more info. |
James F. Thompson Jaime (Blueboy)
| | Posted on Monday, November 25, 2002 - 04:20 pm: |
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Sus,
You might also want to check out Southern France around the Provence area. Rent a villa on the Gulf of Leon and enjoy some great wine, food, etc.. see http://rentvillas.com/Browse.aspx?NavToMap=3004 for some villa rental info..
Jaime |
Ross Thoma (Rossthoma)
| | Posted on Monday, November 25, 2002 - 04:35 pm: |
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Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise all good bounce down and do some skiing and it would be a must to stay at Banff Springs Hotel, and Le Chateaux Lake Louise and then the Canadian Picific Hotel in Jasper all world class hotels and yes presidents and royalty have stayed there.
But it sounds like you want to get nearly naked in the WARM sun so I would say Fiji or French Polynesia and perhaps the Soloman Islands. Jan to April seems to the the wet season on the islands so you should be fine.
I would personally do the New Zeland 4x4 exploration thing then do the isolated island paradise thing or vice versa depending on if you want to zonk out after the wedding or after the 4x4 paly time.
My $1.25 worth
Congrats!!!
Ross Thoma |
Al Cruz (Alc)
| | Posted on Monday, November 25, 2002 - 05:58 pm: |
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Sus,
My vote is for Tahiti, my wife and I spent our honeymoon there and we're planning on going back next year on our anniversary (our 10th). We spent most of our time between Moorea and Bora Bora. The main island of Tahiti is nice, but a little crowded for our taste. And if want to go rovering there's a great tour on a 130 in Bora Bora. The owner for the tour even brought us to his farm for a visit.
Great snorkeling and diving, great food and friendly locals. We stayed at the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort in a over the water bangalow and it had an excellent view of a volcano. Not sure if it has changed management since then, but the staff was excellent! Next time around we will check out the other outer islands.
Good luck on your choices, but I gotta admit New Zealand sounds awful tempting too!
One last bit, my wife and I also enjoyed Banff and Whistler. Excellent skiing and your dollar goes a long way! |
KJ
| | Posted on Monday, November 25, 2002 - 11:35 pm: |
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Sus,
I'm trying in vain to catch up here, but my first thought about late May is that if you're thinking Downunder, do factor in the seasons changing. Our Spring, their Fall, you know what I mean. Just thinking of those water sports....
Karen |
Matt Richards (Mateu)
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 26, 2002 - 06:13 pm: |
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I vote for a Greek islands run. Can't beat it. Or charter a yacht in Turkey, also awesome, maybe better. Charters there might be the most economical you'll ever find anyplace. More public nudity on the Greek side if you guys want that kind of honeymoon adventure.
Congrats. |
BMac66
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 26, 2002 - 11:14 pm: |
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http://www.fraser-magic-4wdhire.com.au/
Just up the road from me, actually
Bruce. |
Todd W. McLain (Ganryu)
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 27, 2002 - 02:11 am: |
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Bruce,
Gotta love them zebra-striped Defenders! If only my disco was white, I might do the same. |
Leslie N. Bright (Leslie)
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 27, 2002 - 11:18 am: |
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Alan,
Years ago, a buddy and I made it to there, hiked the Athabasca Glacier to where it comes out of the Columbia Ice Field.... that was where the tourists were sneaking at taking pictures of us as we passed where the multi-wheeled drive buses parked on the glacier.... lol....
-L |
Sus (Susannah)
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 27, 2002 - 11:27 am: |
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Bruce,
That's pretty cool...Fraser Island has a few votes.
Thanks to everyone...Al, I think your trip sounds almost perfect. Though I'm really drawn to Australia. I think we want to combine both.
Canada sounds great, but I think it would be more feasible to go at another time. We both love to ski (well, he's a snowboarder) and my absolute favorite place in the world...so far...is Glacier Park, Montana. So to continue north would be fantastic.
Karen, I think north-eastern Australia and the Pacific Islands are OK during that time. But I'm sure the further south you go, the colder it gets. And New Zealand would be pretty wintery.
Keep 'em coming! I love the ideas! |
Alan Yim (Alan)
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 27, 2002 - 11:38 am: |
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Leslie,
Yup, that was where I was this June. We hiked from the parking lot up to where the snow cats sit and then turned and hiked up Mt Athabasca to it's backside to do snow training. This is with all the ropes and mt axes and backpacks of stuff. Nice hike but hard with all that gear and we got hit by a blizzard while we were up there. Even the cats stopped running tours by noon. We didn't get down until late afternoon. But weather changes so fast that by then it was sunny and we were using our packs and coats as magic carpets to get down. The cats don't get very close to the Columbia Ice Fields though. You're still sitting on the Athabasca Ice field where they drop the tourists off for pictures but the Columbia ice fields are still a good 3 hour hike from there. Too many crevaces for the cats to go any further. A tourist died last winter because he wandered out onto the ice field where he shouldn't have been and fell into a crevace and no one knew. This is within a couple hundred feet of the parking lot where the glacier comes to with signs posted everywhere telling people to stay off the glacier. People think glaciers are flat sheets of ice but they have cracks all over the place, some as deep as 130 feet and they're often covered by snow so to an untrained eye, you won't see a crevace until you're in it. But glaciers are one of the most awe-inspiring sights. |
Alan Yim (Alan)
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 27, 2002 - 11:49 am: |
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Sus,
You'll love the Columbia Ice Fields and there's tons of trails around that area to hike and the Marmott ski resort is not too far from there. If you stay in Jasper, the Ice Fields are an hour south and a very scenic drive. You enter a valley surrounded by huge mountains and you'll see some cabin resorts around that you can stay in. If you feel really adventurous, you can always stay in hostels. Last time I was there, I got to see my first avalanche. I was sitting on the side of Mt Athabasca having lunch, looking across the valley at the mountain range on the other side of the glacier when the overhang of snow at the top of the mountain fell loose. Considering how far I actually was from there, it was still quite loud. Very loud thundering roll...very cool to see. Caught it on camera too.
I've been to Whitefish, Montana a few times skiing. It's nice there, snow is quite different though. It's funny because you see a lot of Alberta plates on all the vehicles because it's so close to the Alberta border. But yea, if you want bathing suite type place, then Jasper isn't the best place....although, sitting in a hot tub, outside, with a bottle of wine, facing the mountain ranges at night is quite nice. |
John N (John_Tdi_Aus)
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 27, 2002 - 05:39 pm: |
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Here are a couple of links to get you thinking.
http://www.landwide.com.au/default.htm
http://www.exploroz.com.au/Splash.asp
http://www.kingfisherbay.com/2sequence/index.html
May in QLD is still dive/swim weather.
John |
Dominik Chrzan (Dominik)
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 27, 2002 - 06:18 pm: |
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great links john!
actually, may - august are the only times you can do the queensland 4x4 trip. the rest of the year the area is flooded and impassable, and just stinkin hot!!! |
John N (John_Tdi_Aus)
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 27, 2002 - 07:17 pm: |
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Oh ... I forgot this one which is aimed especially at fraser island
http://www.seefraserisland.com/fi/fi.html
John |
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