Where's the Best Photo Trip?

[NMarti]

My hubby has said to plan a vacation - anwhere I want to go (within reason so that leaves out Alaska, Australia & Tahiti:rolleyes: ). I am really torn between some places I really want to go. Who has been to Glacier National Park, the Sierra Nevadas, Yellowstone or any other place that would offer gorgeous photo opportunities as well as a relaxing atmosphere? (but not too relaxing or I'm not coming back :D ) Can anyone suggest a great place to stay like a lodge or something on a lake? He's not into camping so forget that. Help me out here guys - this is my dream vacation and I'm LOST! :eek:

[Carbone]

I wonder how Hawai would be rated.. ? I have never been there myself, but I would be tempted to visit.

Ray

[tbrannon]

Nancy, sorry can't help you out. I just wanna say, I'm jealous and I want your vacation. We are planning a trip out west sometime, so post some pics where ever you go so I can throw hints that direction.. hee hee. I think we prolong it cause I want to go out there so badly, I'm thinking hubby is prob. holding off afraid I'll throw a temper tantrium and not wanna come home.

Here is something my hubby and I want to do some day when we retire.
Check this out.
It's a tour of outwest on a train.
http://www.americanorientexpress.com/

Looks like a great way to travel and enjoy the scenery.
And to see lots too.

[lindajay]

Nancy,
Okay -- I know you ruled out Alaska, but how about Canada? We took the trip of a lifetime up the Dempster Highway (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dempster_Highway) back in 2002. The Dempster is a 450 mile gravel road, running from (about) Dawson City to Innuvik. Then you can take a one-hour plane hop to Tuktoyaktuk, which is a subsistence Inuit village on the shore of the Arctic Ocean. For the first 250 miles, there isn't one man-made thing in sight (other than a few sheds for road equipment). No gas stations, no restrooms, no power lines. Just wilderness. The second half of the road has a few small villages that you pass through or by. I can't tell you what wonderful memories we have of this trip. Here are a few of the pictures I took: http://homepage.mac.com/ddjudd/PhotoAlbum50.html

Since you can drive all the way, maybe you can keep the cost down enough to do it???? Of course, if you're looking for luxury, this isn't the trip for you. It's more of an adventure.

Edit: You DO need 4-wheel drive

[quillabee9]

Crater Lake Nat Park in Oregon has some stunning views. A lodge too. don't go too early. Winter last a long time up there. One or two days should be enough.

Mt Ranier Nat Park in Washington State is big and has lots of wonderful sights. If you can do some day hiking (they have all levels of strenuousness) you can get some wonderful shots. Paradise is probably the most popular, but Sunrise is my favorite. If you don't mind a bit of a climb ( it's a walk-up, but a bit tedious) Plummers Peak gives a magnificent vista on a sunny day. Sunrise isn't open until around the first of July. There are lodges at least at Paradise.

Glacier is absolutely stunning, particularly the "Road to the Sun". Don't know about lodges. Watch for the grizzlies.

Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. YES. Lodges in Yellowstone.

If you are heading west out of your neck of the woods be sure and spend some time in the Black Hills of SD. There's much more there than Mt Rushmore. And visit Devil's Tower National Monument. You will get some great photo op's. It's an easy walk around the Tower from the Visitors' Center.:)

[e-mailsucks]

Hey Nancy. Glacier National Park is really beautiful. It borders the US and Canada. Of course it's a part of beautiful Alberta, but I'm a little biast of course. Any where in Western Canada or North Western US is so picture esque that you'll probably wear your camera out and not want to move back East again...ever! Once you've seen the West, you've seen the best. OK, enough of the cliches.

Brian :)

[PaulH]

Tons of ideas...

From $ to $$$$$$

So much depends on wht YOU want to shoot, season, how you are traveling.


Love the Rockies, been there ad want to go back.

NW US OR - Wa

Canadian Maritimes - esp. Nova Scotia

NE US, Maine

Yucatan

Caribbean - pick a spot

Alaska AND Dempster Hwy. (but AK is Off limits )

The Southwest US

Black Hills - could add some Rockies to this.


Oregon tulip fields in spring, cherry blossoms in DC, Aspens in Rockies in the fall, Maine or Vermont in the fall.

Now if someone wants to add, put in links, add pics and make a montage or slide show we ALL can dream.

[mrod]

Nancy-

Yellowstone is awesome. I may be there this summer myself on our (tentative) road trip to Ohio to visit family (hopefully with a new D80 in tow--we'll see on that one...).

As for Mt. Rainier, while we'd love to have you visit our corner of the country, we've also had a horrible winter with snow, rain, wind damage, flooding, etc., and there has been rumors flying around that some access roads, trails, etc. around Mt. Rainier and other spots may be closed because of the damage. So, if you decide to come this way, check in on some of this stuff. Just FYI, Washington is full of great spots besides Rainier. The San Juan Islands are very relaxing and photogenic, as is Deception Pass, Leavenworth and surrounding areas, Whidbey Island, the Olympic Peninsula, etc. I'd better stop now, before someone mistakes me for the tour bureau.

I also have a link to recommend, but it's at home. I'll post it on this thread later...

Have fun planning!

Mike

[CarolLHB]

I was in photo heaven in Sedona, Arizona-it's amazingly beautiful:rolleyes:

[Rusty]

Nancy,

I'm sort of a flatlander like you so I was blown away by the mountains. Glacier is magnificent but, if you go in high season (summer) you might be as far away as Shelby to get affordable accommodations (ordinary motel room). The Canadian Park, Waterton Lakes, abuts on the north -- Brian can best advise about where to look for places to stay.

Of course, if you do go to Glacier, you are so close that it would be a shame to not drive up to Banff and then drive the Icefields Highway thru Lake Louise to Jasper. This is Banff National Park/Jasper National Park all the way. The photo ops will take your breath away.

It's not just scenery -- lot of animals as well. I am in full agreement with Brian, the mountain parts of western Alberta must be seen. Eastern Alberta is nothing to get excited about -- sort of like Nebraska except the cows say "Eh".

Rusty

[Barb O]

Mt Rainer and the San Juan Islands is a very interesting thought - because they are so different yet possible on the same trip.

You also have the option to make a city stop in Seattle. Taking a ferry from the Olympic Peninsula in to Seattle is a great panoramic photo opportunity if you are lucky and the weather cooperates.

I have traveled to each of these places over the years but do not have any current recommendations for lodging. Perhaps someone local to that area can make suggestions for lodging and best time of year.

[e-mailsucks]

:D Rusty, the cow comment was too too funny. The rest of your thread was dead on accurate. There are loads of places to stay at Waterton, and Logans Pass in the US is breath taking. Scared the hell out of me when we were there last year. That's too high up and no railings??? Give me a break. Nancy, you need a strong heart and no fear of heights to travel for 25 miles way up in the air with (let me say it again) no damned railings.

Brian :)

[msbrad]

I sure liked Sedona too! And the Grand Canyon area.
I want to go to ALASKA so bad...but hubby isn't thrilled with the idea.

BTW Italy and France are nice too.
m

[NMarti]

Brian
I was sick to my stomach on the 15th floor of our hotel when we went to Florida. NO thanks on heights that far up.

There are some great suggestions. I am looking for the scenery, mountains, lakes, fresh air, and animals. Not likely to get too many animals unless we do some hiking (out of the question for him) or driving (perfectly fine). I want to wake up and look out of a lodge or hotel and see a beautiful sunrise over a mirror smooth lake. I want to breath fresh air and take life slow for a few days. Okay - I know what I want, I just have to pick the right place to find it.

I was leaning heavily toward Glacier but didn't know which lakes to target. I also was leaning toward the Sitting Bull monument because it won't be done in my lifetime but do want to see the progress. I think that is so cool!

I would have to check a map on Sedona but my aunt lives in AZ and I sorta wanted to see her. I have not seen her since I was about 16 and she is not getting any younger. I may be able to combine that trip.

Brian's pictures of Lake Louise sure look inviting too!

The train trip is a real dream vacation. We watch the documentaries on PBS showing the trip and it is absolutely breathtaking. It is a bit above our budget though. Maybe someday!

Italy is my second dream vacation. My daughter insists when she is a famous architect she is taking me there. (am I blue yet? :D)

So much to think about, so much to do.

[LeeOtsubo]

There's a September Meet & Greet of DPReview members being scheduled for Sep 16-22, 07. Last year, there were about 35-40 members. Monitor this thread (http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1019&message=21281934) for details or contact Wm. Bates via DPReview. My wife and I are planning to go in our RV this year.

[jazzfisher]

Nancy,
Two Words!!
SAN DIEGO!!!!!!

P.S. Have guest room waiting....:D

[NMarti]

Oh wow Sheri - thanks! I'll swing by there when I start running out of money for a hotel! :D :D

Actually he would like that because of the naval yards. He really gets into military stuff.

[jazzfisher]

Nancy,
San Diego was built on the military--he & John can go on the Battleship & you & I can go to the Wild Animal Park!!:)

[kayser]

Well, we have the naval academy here in Maryland...:)

Sounds like you have a lot of great ideas, and your husband sounds like a keeper, with that kind of offer!

[Red Sky]

Nancy- Wow, a fairly open book of where to go...that's really exciting. I can't argue with any of the choices suggested and I am a bit biased towards the Pacific Northwest for there is a huge variety here. Like Mike said, Mt. Rainier took a hit this winter and access could be a problem for awhile. I use Western Montana as my immediate escape and absolutely love the area. I usually stay at the Izaak Walton Inn (http://www.izaakwaltoninn.com/) in Essex, though it is right next to the train tracks, which some people (weird people) might not like. You can take the train from Chicago and it drops you off at the Inn, and rent a car to take to the Park. The photo in my gallery of the zipper road is shot on the Going to the Sun Road. Great area. I can't argue with the southwest either. Southern Utah is an amazing, mystical place, what with Monument Valley and all the Anasazi ruins.There is another shot in my gallery (I hope I'm not tooting my own horn here) of Arches Park in Utah. I have a gripe though with Utah's laws limiting the alchohol in beer to be limited to 3.5%.:confused:

[Ellen]

I live in a tourist town but if you want a lodge, clean air, big trees and imho the most amazing lake how about here.
http://lakecrescentlodge.com/
From Seattle you'd come by my neigborhood (15 miles from 101) so I'll buy lunch.

[virgo1]

Nancy,
If you want to see the UP and Lake Superior I have a spare room at the house in Ironwood. Take US 35 to US 151 to US 51 to Hurley WI.:D
Eva;)

[BonzoDog]

As a non American who has travelled through most of the US my top choice of photogenic places would be New York City, pronounced Noo Yok Siddi. You can shoot day and night and there is a never ending series of photo opportunities of every description. From Central Park, over to the Guggenheim, back to Columbus Circle. Little Italy (Liddle Iddaly) is one of my favourite areas and a great place to stop off and eat. The shots from any of the ferries are spectacular but best of all I think is to shoot form the Empire State Building as dusk approaches. I rate NYC higher than London or Paris.
Top of all is Italy and top in Italy is Rome. wander around any of the streets in the centre, stop at a junction and you can easily shoot 100 pics of the local scenes and people. It isn't just the people and buildings, it is the food outside the stores, the mixture of people integrated into the lifestyle of pavement cafes. the little Apé delivery carts, put-putting around and then the big Vistas will open up of St. Peters or the Colliseum. For me though it isn't just the landmarks, it is the pure integration of ancient Rome, 2000 years ago into modern life and all the times in between. You can see it in the buildings and in the people. Now is the best time of year to go, after this and until November, it will be packed with other tourists and do not go in the summer, it is far too hot. Also worth visiting is Florence a kind of upmarket Rome on a smaller scale, where the Medicis built the basis of modern commerce and where the Renaissance began.
Venice is probably top of most peoples list but it is the most crowded of the crowded. Best time to see it is December to January when there are mists around and you can wander and take shots without fighting 1000 other tourists blocking your shot. Fly into Zurich Switzerland, rent a car, enjoy the mountains and lakes as you meander down through Switzerland and Italy. On second thoughts don't rent a car, it is a liability in the Italian cities, go by train instead.

[baderms]

Don't forget the red rock country of Utah, or you could drive up the pacific coast from California to Washington, lots of things to shoot along the way. Even though I'm stuck in the east, my heart will always be in the west.

[bnk1953]

Having spent time in 43 of the National Parks of the United States (actual National Parks - not those part of the system) - Any are wonderful photography opportunities. If you want a "tour" - a few that I have done w/ my family (wife and 2 kids) - pacific northwest - North Cascades then Olympic National Park, then Mt. Rainier, down to Crater Lake in Oregon and down to Redwoods National Park (not Sequoia). Another would be the Utah Tour - Zion, Bryce, Capital Reef, Canyonlands and Arches. Both of these were 3 week tours - we like to spend a couple of days in each park if possible. The one thing that many people do - is to visit the parks in a whirlwind tour. I've know people who have driven from Rocky Mountain to Grand Tetons and Yellowstone and then up to Glacier and did it in 4 days saying that they saw "EVERYTHING"!
One of the best sites in looking at the National Parks of the US is the National Park Service website at http://www.nps.gov/
You can pick a state and it covers not only the Parks but also the monuments, etc.
I truly believe that you could spend 2 weeks to a month in each park and not really run out of things to photograph.
I recently spent 10 days in Yosemite going from before dawn to dark - there are still spots that I want to go back to.
Good luck with your decision.
~bruce.

[PaulH]

Nancy,
If you want to see the UP and Lake Superior I have a spare room at the house in Ironwood. Take US 35 to US 151 to US 51 to Hurley WI.:D
Eva;)


- Hey I'll remember that :)...

Been through there twice in the last few years.

Made a dash from Lake of the Clouds to Split Rock (2004) and stayed there overnight. Stayed an Comfort Inn.

Coming back from Duluth in 05 stopped for breakfast. Had a bear run across the road just outside of town.


Love the UP....

[mrod]

Nancy, here's the website I menetioned earlier. Maybe you're familiar with it. It's got some free stuff, some not-so-free stuff, and, among other things, has some pages dedicated to travelling and photography.

Hope it helps!

http://www.photosecrets.com/

Mike

[NMarti]

Wow - between Eva and Sherry I can skip the hotel :D . I was about decided on a lodge at Glacier until I read the reviews on it. :eek: Sure looked nice though. Looks like either Glacier Park or Lake Louise are at the top of the list right now - but still looking.

[virgo1]

Nancy,
Don't Gogebic and Ontanagon Counties sound interesting? And Chequamegon Bay? And then there's the Keweenaw Peninsula and Ishpeming.:D
Eva;)

[jazzfisher]

Eva,
If she can't pronounce the names of where she's going how is she going to get there?:D :D :D

[virgo1]

Sherry,
That's simple. Nancy can pick up US 51 in central Illinois and drive it to the highways northern end at US 2. Ironwood is just east over the state line from there.:D
Eva;)

[apasskey]

I wonder how Hawai would be rated.. ? I have never been there myself, but I would be tempted to visit.

Ray

Hawaii is very photogenic - and fun too.

If you want to visit scenic Arizona, you can certainly stay at our house. Andie

PS - I agree about the National Parks - they are all very photogenic but camping is the best way to see most of them, I think....

[jazzfisher]

Nancy,
Pack a bag--you get one free night at everyone's house in US & Canada (unless you decide on an airplane or boat to get to other countries):D

[e-mailsucks]

Hey Nancy, remember that your dollar is worth about $1.15 in Canada. That's like getting 15% off everything up here. And besides you'd get to meet all the friendly Canadians who treat Americans with such respect:D .

Brian :)

[jazzfisher]

Brian,
I know, you always are so respectful of me....:D

[Red Sky]

Seriously, what Sherry said makes sense. As far as I know nobody on this forum has made a trip involving contacts with forum members. I think you should consider it Nancy. Not only would you get some cheap (free) lodging but you could see stuff only the locals would know. You know enough people here that I'm sure your trip could be planned out to the best of your advantage. Hell, Ellen already offered lunch. That and a beautiful ferry ride over to Whidbey Island gives you a 1 hour drive to my house for dinner. Then I send you north to see Shari in Vancouver BC, a world class city, and from there....?

[jazzfisher]

Forum Home Tours!!!! Now Available--see your PSE Agent!:)

[baderms]

My family and I are going to Washington State & Canada in August to take my daughter to college. Is it too early to book my tour and lodging? :D :D :D

[NMarti]

Hey Steven - you would be a great travel agent! I think after much discussion and consideration what we are doing is this:

We are going to go to for a short trip this summer and just get away for a few days - haven't decided where for sure but probably San Francisco (Sherry may still be in the running :D ) to enjoy the old Victorians and save the money and next year for our 30th anniversary we are going to do the rail tour thru Canada which will include Lake Louise and parts of Glacier too! We are doing the economy one ( 5 days 4 nights as opposed to the Luxury one at 7 days 6 nights at double the cost :eek: ) but it will still be absolutely awesome. That's what I want most to do and this will give us plenty of time to save for it and enjoy it more. That way we can enjoy the scenery and not have to worry about driving and getting lost and I still get the room overlooking a lake one night. :D

I really don't want to be gone too long right now with Cara being pregnant and Travis in Iraq. I would just feel better about being here.

Thanks so much for all the suggestions and input. I think this trip will be worth waiting the extra year for.

[JNBarros]

If you decide on SF, I lived about 45 minutes north of that great city, on the way to the Napa Valley. I can definitely give you some places just to visit and some places to take beautiful photographs, Muir Woods immediately comes to mind. And best of all, not only can you take pictures, but you are very close to wine country when staying in SF, so you can kick back with some great wine and RELAX!

Joann

[jazzfisher]

Southwest flights are cheap--I can always fly to SF & visit--John travels there on business all the time.:eek:
I can give you a lot of restaurants & a couple of wine bars to try in SF---Remind me before you go.:)

[NMarti]

Thanks Joann and Sherry. I'll keep that in mind. My brother-in-law lives in Sonoma so he should have some suggestions too. This is just gonna be a "breather" for us with everything that has gone on lately. Just need a break. I'm really looking forward to next year too.

Sherry - we are flying SW because he has so many free tickets from all his business travel. I want to go to Fisherman's Warf too. I think that would be fun.

[jazzfisher]

Yes, Sonoma--wine!!
Fisherman's Wharf is great (also Has excellent wine bar) Alcatraz maynot sound interesting but it is. I love China Town & North Beach (Italian section) & lots of characters walking around eveywhere-not to mention the Golden gate etc...etc....

[billz]

Nancy - You'll love SFO and the Bay Area ... but wherever you go you'll do fine. My wife and I take our annual vacation that way too .. pick a city (or two) and just go visit, meet the locals, hang out, take pictures and eat.

Over the last 5 years we've chosen San Diego, Montreal & Quebec City, Phoenix / Sedona / Flagstaff, Toronto & Ottawa, and last year Kona & Honolulu. We've never had a disappointment and seen some very interesting parts of the US & Canada. This year we're going to Savannah and Charleston to see that part of the country.

You'll love your visit to the Canadian Rockies too!! (Let me know when you choose Portland .... I'll treat you to a ride on our new tram.)

Bill

[kimh]

Don't know how I missed this thread. All the places sound wonderful!!!
I won't be taking a trip anytime soon so will have to live vicariously through Nancy!!
Steven--was introduced to "low alcohol" beer when in Colorado last year.
What is up with that:confused: Quickly traded it in for the "real" stuff.:)
I guess I don't get out much!
Kimh

[NMarti]

Bill
Charleston was on my short list. My hubby has been to North Carolina twice on business in the last few months and he said it is beautiful there. Savannah GA was also under consideration. I think anywhere will be a great trip just to be away from home!

Kim
I'm afraid I lead a rather boring life otherwise. I am excited about next year though as the train trip is something I've long dreamed of.

[mrod]

Nancy-

My brother lives in Palo Alto, which is close to SF. We visited last summer. It's a fun city. You'll have fun doing all sorts of things, I'm sure.

If you're into the beach, there are tons of great places/towns withing driving distance. My wife and I were given a night at a B&B in a little town called Half Moon Bay by my family. Along with a very nice, slow-paced, relaxing town, they also have little, informal restaurant that serves the best fish tacos I've ever had. If that's up your ally, let me know and I'll get the name of the place. We ate lunch there, and then, the next day, my brother and his wife brought our kids down (they had them for the evening), and that was the unanimous restaurant of choice for that evening's dinner as well!

Mike

[Red Sky]

Nancy- Don't discount Amtrak for your venture west. Although it is not as glamorous as the Canadian trip it can be done at about 1/3 the cost. If you go in the summer months (west) you cross the Rockies in daylight and wake up in the morning crossing the Cascades. I love the trip, especially in your sleeper car, where you can just space out the window in privacy. I have done it half a dozen times and look forward to the next one.

[NMarti]

Thanks Mike - I'll keep that in mind.

Steven - I didn't realize Amtrak did the same sort of run. That would be nice to save the extra money. Are the photo ops the same on Amtrak? I guess they probably are the same as the other but I wonder if they stop periodically. On the PBS show they did show the train stopping at certain "photo op" spots in the mountains. That would be cool.