So....what are everyone's plans for travel/vacation/experiences for 2026?.....

[ApexLion]

In Florence, near Piazza San Spirito (Left Bank). Make reservations. You’ll thank me. €20-25 per person. Not at all hoity-toity.

Trattoria la Casalinga – Trattoria fiorentina dal 1963

trattorialacasalinga.it

I liked Bucca Mare, yes, somewhat touristy but the waiter drank with us for part of the night.

 

[ApexLion]

Headed to Maine soon to move child 3 in to college. Mom said she won't cry (she will). Plan to spend some time in Portsmouth on the way back, just the two of us.

 

[Sharkrules]

Aanyone have any suggestions for a maybe 3 day/night trip to Long Island after labor day? Just want to relax and eat and drink with the wife and drive around and see the sights.

 

[ClarkstonMark]

Aanyone have any suggestions for a maybe 3 day/night trip to Long Island after labor day? Just want to relax and eat and drink with the wife and drive around and see the sights.

Honestly, my suggestion is why Long Island?

 

[psuro]

Aanyone have any suggestions for a maybe 3 day/night trip to Long Island after labor day? Just want to relax and eat and drink with the wife and drive around and see the sights.

If you can find a place to stay, (may be tough), head out to Montauk Point and see the light house. The lake is a pleasant place. Coming back a little further west, Hither Hills State Park might be a nice stop for a few hours. Not sure of your price range, but Montauk Yacht Club is supposed to be a decent place to stay.

 

[psuro]

Honestly, my suggestion is why Long Island?

There are parts of the Island - especially out towards the lighthouse, that are really pretty. it might be a bit crowded, but if he is mentioning Long Island, he is probably near the City and is used to crowds.

 

[G3624]

My wife and I left Arizona end of June in our diesel pusher. We met another couple in Havasua City, spent a few days there then headed up through Nevada to the Valley of Fire, then to the great Basin National Park. From there we headed west on the loneliest road in America until we could turn North and head into the painted Hills of Oregon near John Day state park. Then a little more north to the Columbia River Gorge. From there we went to see Mt Saint Helens, then Mount Rainer. Onward we traveled to Washington and and Olympic National Forest. Saw Mount Olympus and hiked the rainforest
Went up to the tip of the penninsuela, to tribal lands and visited their museum. Before we left we went to Victoria on Vancouver island. In Washington we ran the 5 then the rest of the trip involved the 101. The turn around loop, then the rock coasts of the northwest followed on are way south. Much driftwood and stone collected on the way. Then the redwoods of the coast of California. From there we headed back east on California 299 on our way to Redding then Lake Tahoe. From there we completed the western half of Highway 50 before turning south on US 95 the main two lane freeway between Reno and Vegas. We now sit in Laughlin Nevada enjoying the 115 heat wave. On the 95 we went through Hawthorne, Nevada. The largest ammunition storage facility in the world. If you use Google earth you can see all the Bunkers and buildings associated with this site. There is only one military person there. The rest of the facility is manned by civilian contractors. I am one day from where I call home and expect to be there tomorrow. Hope to start before dawn and drive in the cool of early morning . Forgot Lassen Volcano National Park.

 

[Midnighter]

Headed to Maine soon to move child 3 in to college. Mom said she won't cry (she will). Plan to spend some time in Portsmouth on the way back, just the two of us.

Which school if you don’t mind sharing? Daughter is interested in NE schools and has an older friend at Colby.

 

[Midnighter]

If you can find a place to stay, (may be tough), head out to Montauk Point and see the light house. The lake is a pleasant place. Coming back a little further west, Hither Hills State Park might be a nice stop for a few hours. Not sure of your price range, but Montauk Yacht Club is supposed to be a decent place to stay.

That is where we stay when we go - definitely recommend.

Also make sure to hit up ‘Lunch’ on the way in - best lobster roll I’ve had. Also saw Josh Brolin there last time we went. If you have the time, the show ‘The Affair’ is set in Montauk and the restaurant is heavily featured. Awesome show too.

https://www.lobsterroll.com/

 

[ApexLion]

Which school if you don’t mind sharing? Daughter is interested in NE schools and has an older friend at Colby.

University of Maine, Honors, Marine Science, plans to work summers at Shoals Marine Lab on Appledore Island and graduate in 3.5 years. Then apply to CA grad schools (goal is UCSD Scripps). That's her plan. When I was her age, I had no clue (some say I'm still that way).

 

[Wilbury]

Just got back from a 4 day weekend in Maine. Going back up for a similar length of time in another two weeks. Just some laid back family trips.

We made an impulsive decision to go to Croatia in September. The price was right. It looks beautiful.

Washington Game in November - we'll probably go for a few extra days. I've already done all of the national parks out there so we might go up to Vancouver.

 

[WanderingSpectator]

Just got back from a 4 day weekend in Maine. Going back up for a similar length of time in another two weeks. Just some laid back family trips.

We made an impulsive decision to go to Croatia in September. The price was right. It looks beautiful.

Washington Game in November - we'll probably go for a few extra days. I've already done all of the national parks out there so we might go up to Vancouver.

We’re heading to Washtington too. Sailgating is a bucket list item for me. The PSU boat sold out in a matter of hours.

The AZ Cardinals are playing Seattle on Sunday too. Should be a great weekend.

 

[Fac]

Just got back from a 4 day weekend in Maine. Going back up for a similar length of time in another two weeks. Just some laid back family trips.

We made an impulsive decision to go to Croatia in September. The price was right. It looks beautiful.

Washington Game in November - we'll probably go for a few extra days. I've already done all of the national parks out there so we might go up to Vancouver.

Can't wait to read about your Croatia trip? Are you Croatian or Serbian? I'm Croatian.

 

[LionJim]

Can't wait to read about your Croatia trip? Are you Croatian or Serbian? I'm Croatian.

I was in Zagreb last year, they were still recovering from the 2020 earthquake. Hopefully everything’s open now.

My favorite soccer player is Luka Modric; I got a lot of mileage from telling people that.

 

[LB99]

In Florence, near Piazza San Spirito (Left Bank). Make reservations. You’ll thank me. €20-25 per person. Not at all hoity-toity.

Trattoria la Casalinga – Trattoria fiorentina dal 1963

trattorialacasalinga.it

We just booked an Italy trip for next spring. Seeing Rome, Vatican, Florence, Sorrento, Capri, Naples, Tuscany. If you have recommendations, I’m all ears. Thanks in advance.

 

[LB99]

I liked Bucca Mare, yes, somewhat touristy but the waiter drank with us for part of the night.

This?

Buca Mario • Dal 1886 nel cuore di Firenze

Dal 1886 a Firenze, Buca Mario celebra la cucina fiorentina autentica con piatti tradizionali e ospitalità senza tempo.

www.bucamario.com

 

[psuro]

I am seriously considering a guided M/C in Morocco next May. When I was coming back from Denver in June, I got bumped and they have me a voucher for an airline ticket - which I will use for the travel. It will be 9/10 days of riding through the country, from the Atlas Mountains to the western Sahara.

 

[PSU Mike]

My wife and I left Arizona end of June in our diesel pusher. We met another couple in Havasua City, spent a few days there then headed up through Nevada to the Valley of Fire, then to the great Basin National Park. From there we headed west on the loneliest road in America until we could turn North and head into the painted Hills of Oregon near John Day state park. Then a little more north to the Columbia River Gorge. From there we went to see Mt Saint Helens, then Mount Rainer. Onward we traveled to Washington and and Olympic National Forest. Saw Mount Olympus and hiked the rainforest
Went up to the tip of the penninsuela, to tribal lands and visited their museum. Before we left we went to Victoria on Vancouver island. In Washington we ran the 5 then the rest of the trip involved the 101. The turn around loop, then the rock coasts of the northwest followed on are way south. Much driftwood and stone collected on the way. Then the redwoods of the coast of California. From there we headed back east on California 299 on our way to Redding then Lake Tahoe. From there we completed the western half of Highway 50 before turning south on US 95 the main two lane freeway between Reno and Vegas. We now sit in Laughlin Nevada enjoying the 115 heat wave. On the 95 we went through Hawthorne, Nevada. The largest ammunition storage facility in the world. If you use Google earth you can see all the Bunkers and buildings associated with this site. There is only one military person there. The rest of the facility is manned by civilian contractors. I am one day from where I call home and expect to be there tomorrow. Hope to start before dawn and drive in the cool of early morning . Forgot Lassen Volcano National Park.

But what did you do on Day 2?

 

[JerseyLion]

Aanyone have any suggestions for a maybe 3 day/night trip to Long Island after labor day? Just want to relax and eat and drink with the wife and drive around and see the sights.

If you are into wineries, check out the North Fork. There is also a craft brewery.

 

[LionJim]

We just booked an Italy trip for next spring. Seeing Rome, Vatican, Florence, Sorrento, Capri, Naples, Tuscany. If you have recommendations, I’m all ears. Thanks in advance.

How long of a trip? First time?

 

[TheBigUglies]

2026 trips in the books. France(North east) then Scotland(3rd time). Thinking ahead to next year and really want to see the Alps. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[ApexLion]

This?

Buca Mario • Dal 1886 nel cuore di Firenze

Dal 1886 a Firenze, Buca Mario celebra la cucina fiorentina autentica con piatti tradizionali e ospitalità senza tempo.

www.bucamario.com

yes, I like the vibe and the food, sea bass (no laser beams)

 

[LB99]

yes, I like the vibe and the food

Thanks. I checked out the menu. Sounds delicious.

 

[LB99]

How long of a trip? First time?

Yes, first time. Ten days. Mainly looking for food suggestions or any little known suggestions of what to do/not do. We have an itinerary already. Thanks in advance. We are are pretty excited.

 

[LionJim]

Yes, first time. Ten days. Mainly looking for food suggestions or any little known suggestions of what to do/not do. We have an itinerary already. Thanks in advance. We are are pretty excited.

Florence restaurant, reservations mandatory. Excellent down-home vibe.

Trattoria la Casalinga – Trattoria fiorentina dal 1963

trattorialacasalinga.it

 

[PSUForever]

Has anyone done a hiking vacation like the Mont Blanc Circuit Trek through Switzerland, France and Italy or in Spain the Camino de Santiago?

https://activetraveladventures.com/hike-mont-blanc-circuit-trek/

 

[1995PSUGrad]

Just got back from 4 days in North & South Dakota. The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library was great and Medora itself was an interesting little town. We golfed at The Bully Pulpit (won't mention my score, but it wasn't close to the even par 72 that I shot at my home course 2 days before I left). Mount Rushmore was worth the trip, we hiked Black Elk Peak in Custer State Park, saw some buffalo in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and spent a few hours in Deadwood. To make things even better, I got to do all of these things with my son. It was a great trip.

 

[Psusports7]

We’re heading to Washtington too. Sailgating is a bucket list item for me. The PSU boat sold out in a matter of hours.

The AZ Cardinals are playing Seattle on Sunday too. Should be a great weekend.

I’m hoping they open up more slots for the Sailgating in Washington. Already have tickets and a hotel booked, just waiting on flights.

We will be there Thursday to Sunday.

I’m open to all recommendations, and seems like I’ll see a few of you out there!

 

[Bwifan]

Headed to Paris for 3 days in October then stay at my friends farm house out in the french countryside and see the castles in the Loire Valley near him and many other places in the France over the next week. He and I grew up through elementary, Jr High School, High School together and he went to do a semester abroad and married a french girl. He never came back and has been living there ever since. Really looking forward to this trip as he has a number of surprises he wants to take us to and won't tell us what we will be seeing. About 12 days total in France.
My daughter is doing a semester abroad in college in Florence, Italy. That won't be until the spring semester in 2027 but planning on going there as well while she is there.