After Rocki’s great post yesterday about accomplishment…I’m actually taking some of that to heart and spending the day with my college girls who are home for spring break. What does that have to do with accomplishment? Well, both these girls–young women now–are accomplished in their own right and I’m going to enjoy hearing what’s coming up in their lives the next couple months until I see them again, while I’m finishing up several projects of my own.
I’m also pretty thrilled they chose to come home for spring break. While other college kids are partying on beaches and in the mountains, my lovelies are here hanging out with Mom, Dad, and their little sister.
But that did get me to thinking. If we could go anywhere for spring break–if work, and deadlines, and school and money wasn’t an issue…where would I take my family?
No brainer. French Polynesia. Check out these pictures:
This one is in Bora Bora — I just love saying that name!
So if the magic vacation fairy granted you one wish and you could go ANYWHERE in the world, where would it be?
I’ll throw in a prize of some sort to a lucky random commenter or two!




















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Scotland hands down. But if I wanted a good beachy place I’d go to Antigua maybe? Or the Caymens or somewhere like that.
Oh, I’m so with you on Scotland. And Ireland and Italy and Australia and New Zealand and St. John’s (island) and…
it’s sad I don’t even have a passport. No time for travel any time soon, but I am hoping to in the next few years!
… how can you not have a passport?? That absolutely baffles me! Granted, I’ve had one practically since I was born, and have gone through a fair number of renewals…
I don’t have a passport either as I haven’t traveled out of the country as an adult. I’m going to get one in the next year or two because we ARE going to Scotland and the family is going with. I’m putting my foot down on this one
Raising hand that I don’t have a passport either – yes, I am rectifying that soon!
Antigua sounds good too!
Have a fantastic day with your girls!
I’ve always wanted to do a cruise down the Nile (like in Hercule Poirot’s – Death on the Nile – without all the drama) and spend a couple of weeks viewing the pyramids in Eygpt.
Thanks Michele – and that trip is an interesting idea
Hawaii, Australia, or Scotland
Would love to visit these three places.
We’re on the same wave length Amy!
Oh how I would LOVE to go to Bora Bora or Tahiti! Back when I worked full-time my computer’s desktop photo was an aerial view of a small island off Tahiti. I’d like to stay in one of those rooms over the water with the small glass floor section where you can see the fish and a swimming platform right outside your door. I’d even love a room with an outdoor shower!
Now you have me dreaming in the middle of winter when it is freezing outside. I’d love to be on a warm sandy beach today. I have a feeling without the ‘vacation fairy’ I’d have to win the lotto just to afford the airfare.
I know, Heather, it sounds heavenly, right?
Although the weather here has been fab
I would love to go to Ireland one day, I was checking out vacation homes there online and they have a few pretty awesome castles that you can rent. I think that would be cool to stay in a castle in Ireland. It is also really pretty there from what I have seen.
I never thought of renting a castle!
This is a no-brainer: RAPID CITY.
And if the fares are too expensive, THEN I’ll to one of those over the water bungalow places where they serve drinks with umbrellas in them…:)
You are welcome anytime, now that I have my guest bedroom done!
But you’re right, sadly, the airfare to Bora Bora might be cheaper than to here
I want to go to Fiji. I’m leaving the teenage kids at home with thir dad and sipping umbrella drinks on the beach. I’m wearing only a sarong and ogling those guys wearing sarongs.
Sighhh…
Fiji by yourself? You’re adventurous Sue!
Well I’m on spring break right now too and just enjoying days at home. But of I could vacation anywhere I’d like to travel or backpack in Europe. Start out in England and visite my sister then travel around. Seems like a great vacation to me.
Seena, I wanted to do that when I was younger, but I fear I might be too old now
great idea though!
Yay for having your girls home for Spring Break. Mine’s home, too. =o)
Right now, I’d want the magic vacation fairy to send me to Michigan. I’ve been feeling a little homesick. But Michigan in May. Right now the chance of snow still exists and I do not want to deal with Michigan snow.
Those places look pretty darn fab! I’ll take one!! I wouldn’t mind seeing Scotland or Italy i guess or just give me Florida. Anything would be fine as long as the weather is nice.
Lisa B
Yay that you’ve got a spring breaker home too, B.E.!
The 3 hour plane ride to Texas ever year is about the length of time I can stand being on a plane. If it wasnt for that there are many places I would love to see. Scotland and Ireland from the books I’ve read. But Hawaii is the one place I would make an exception for the plane ride there. My parent met and got engaged there and have beautiful pictures from when they both lived there. I’ve always wanted to go.
I’ve not flown overseas, I might change my mind too, after I’ve done it once – and take a boat next time!
Some place warm but I don’t have a beach body. San Antonio or Savannah or New Orleans..that sounds fun!
One thing about not having a beach body, Ginger, is I tell myself I don’t know anyone anyway so I don’t care what they think as I’m sitting in the sand soaking up the sun
Count me in for the tropics too! Back to Hawaii maybe??? Or I could suffer and hit the South Pacific–Fiji, Bora Bora–only requirement?? Warm water. Not a cold weather girl =)
So no mountain vacations for you?
Oooh *waves hand* I have BEEN to Bora Bora and Tahiti!!! Rode a horse on the beach, went snorkeling in that turquoise water, had the time of my life!! Ah, to be young, free, and childless. Those were fun days!
Right now, my magic fairy vacation would be Italy…just a month in Tuscany, please. xo
I think I hate you, Rocki. Kidding, I’m just little jealous me – and we can both be jealous of our traveling MSW sister
[...] It’s my blog day at Murder She Writes – check out where I would go if I could go anywhere: Spring Fling [...]
I’d love to travel through Europe doing one of those two week bike riding tours, or the Andres in South America. I’ve been lucky enough to go places in the world with the Navy that I never would have dreamed of (Seychelles, Jordan, Oman) that i’ve been spoilt
Another adventurous woman, Dee! I think I’d be too lazy to work that hard on vacation!
My dream vacation would be Hawaii or Ireland. The scenery for both is breathtaking. Or, hey, as long as I’m dreaming why not both?
Enjoy all your girls being home. I’m jealous because my college son is going on a mission trip for spring break and I know I should be proud of him but honestly I’m really sad he won’t be here.
Kim, I figure this is really the last time we’ll all be together for spring break as the oldest graduates in May
My dream vacation would be Ireland. Its just so beautiful there.
Lots of votes for Ireland!
I haven’t had a day off work in almost three weeks or gone on vacation in nearly three years, so I would be happy to be just about anywhere else! I am one of those who loves to sit in a beach chair with a cold drink and a good book…my idea of the perfect vacation. I’m off to California at the end of the month (for business, not vacation), but I might try to work in a quick beach trip.
You’re so lucky your girls came home for Spring Break. My college girl stayed in NYC to work on a student film.
Enjoy your time with your family!
Larri, I hope you get to relax, sounds like you deserve it!
Ireland, in a heart beat. Sit in a pub and listen to traditional Irish music. Heaven. See the castles, cemetaries, green hills, fairy mounds. That I could deal with. Paint all over Ireland to the beat of O’Carolan tunes.
I’d go for the beer and the accents, but not the cuisine!
What exactly is a vacation? It’s been so long I’ve forgotten. Sigh.
My dream vacation would be to spend the entire summer break travelling to the Grand Canyon, Australia, Ireland, England, France, Germany, and Italy.
That would be a lot of traveling, Holly, but looks like you’d hit all the hot spots!
I’ve traveled all over the world for work, so there aren’t many places left on my bucket list. However, those little cabins over the water are definitely something I’d be into doing!
So Kris, you could put South Dakota on your travel plans
My dream vacation would be to take a culinary tour of China.
China is on my must see list too!
Enjoy the time with your family this spring break. As for traveling, I’d love to go to anywhere in the South Pacific, England, and Austria.
Thanks Linda, we’re having a great time
Would love to go to Australia, Ireland, Greece, Tahiti…. Ok I better stop now!
I thought the same thing too, Erin, so many places I’d love to see.
My dream vacation would be Scotland. Its romantic, it has history and my Great Grandmother was of the McDonald Clan. It would be interesting to meet any relative I have there. Otherwise, since its close my husband and I like to head into Wyoming and South Dakota…Devils Tower, Sundance and Deadwood…this area rocks as far as beauty.
I love that I can take a quick trip to Devil’s Tower whenever I want. And you know how much I love Sundance
Would like to take tour of England, Ireland and Scotland’s history and their castles.
Hey, Mary Anne, I hear they have castles for rent!
I’d choose Japan!
If I could go to one of the unpopulated areas of Japan, I’d be willing to go.
Scotland! Tour all the castles, just listen to people TALK…. le sigh….
Something about those accents, eh?
I would so choose Greece. Santorini is just made for me. Another good one is Scotland and Italy. I love this question.
I’m glad you like the question, Monica, and I’m with you on the Greece trip!
No real dream vacation, I just love to travel. I’d love to go back to Germany and I’d love to share Chile with my husband. (He’s never been but I lived there as an exchange student.) Coasta Rica looks like a fun place to visit. Key West usually calls my name every winter. Ireland/Scotland would be awesome. Sturgis is on hubby’s wish list and I’d love to see the Black Hills. We’re talking of maybe heading to WY next year. So, dream vacation…..any where but work and some where that my cell phone won’t work!
Well, Terri, there are PLENTY of places in South Dakota and WY where cell phones don’t work!
My dream vacation will be in Australia but I wouldn’t mind going to Bora Bora or French Polynesia especially after seeing the pictures you posted LOL
I didn’t realize how much I wanted to go until I saw those pics either…
Ireland just to see where my grandparents grew up. Then off to a warm tropical island.
Another vote for Ireland!
Lori–
Can I come along with you? I promise to bring chocolate!
As long as you bring lots!
Lovely photos. I would love to go to Italy and France.
Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. Hands down. I’ve been a lot of other places but those three are still on my bucket list!
You’re doing something right if the girls want to spend Spring Break at home!
THanks, Silver, we are so happy to have them home!
I’d probably be bored to death in a vacation on a beach like that… besides, I have beaches all over me. I’d want to go to London! Or Los Angeles! Maybe even NYC. A big, big bright city, with lots and lots of people and shopping and noise and the sounds of English being spoken
Barbie, I’d LOVE to go to Brazil – it’s on my list of top 10 destinations!
Wow, Bora Bora looks beautiful. If I could spend time anywhere in the world I would choose Scotland. I like history and it seems as though there are a lot of quaint places and castles to visit.
Plus there are those hot Scottish accents all around you…
I would go to Australia. It is my dream vacation.
Australia is also in my top 10!
Scotland, Ireland, Germany or Greece would be my dream vacations
My family heritage is from Germany but I’ve not had a burning desire to go there…yet.
Ireland! I want to compare freckles with some of my very distant relatives. The dh wants to go to vegas if we r getting on a plane for that long.
Vegas is always fun, I’d love to go for the NFR this year!
I would go to Greece or any other place in the Mediterranean. If that didn’t work, definitely Ireland or Scotland.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Thanks for stopping by, Paula!
I have always wanted to go to Scotland and Ireland, so that is where I would choose.
My son was home last week for spring break, it was nice having him home.
I miss the little buggers, but they do leave wreckage all over my house — hard to complain though!
I was looking at those pictures last night and wishing I could be there. But my Spring Break is a week at home not having to worry about work or school right now.
My daughters are happy just not doing anything…but hanging out, which is a nice break for them!
Enjoy the time with your girls.
Dream vacation: Australia or Germany been to both but want to go back.
That’s a testament, Teresa, that you’d go back to both places
Those pictures are beautiful. There are so many places I want to go from Australia to Alaska to Ireland.
Oddly enough, Alaska has never been on my “must see” list — people try to change my mind on that frequently
Hmm – we rarely travel, but I’d love to go back to San Francisco.
I would also like to go to Ethiopia. My daughter spent a few months there four years ago and wants to go back, and I’d love to go there with her.
Enjoy your week with your girls!
Thanks Hope! I’ve been to San Francisco but I’d like to go back with my husband.
I’d like to do Australia and New Zealand in depth. I’ve visited a couple of ports for a day on a cruise, but I’d like to really get to experience them.
Definitely New Zealand!
I just wanna be on a beautiful beach somewhere with a drink in my hand. Location is not that important.
We went to the beach a couple of times last year and it was heavenly, which is why a beach is always my #1 destination!
Yes, I’ve always wanted to go to Tahiti. I also really want to go on a Mediterranean cruise with stops in Italy, Greece and Turkey.
I have friends who go to Turkey every year and they say it’s amazing
I’d choose Hong Kong as I have relatives living there whom I have not seen for a long time.
The size of Hong Kong scares me!
As someone who spent many years in HK, it’s epic! And pretty likely to give anyone culture shock
Scotland, the land of the McKays has been calling to me for about 3 years so Mike has promised to send me for my 50th when that hits, He doesn’t want to go because they don’t speak American English. Because I want 3 weeks there I would say I would take a week and visit your Dakotas- Maybe not have a set in stone itenerary and just drive. I think I would need Jenny Natali with me so we could get into lots of trouble. Maybe even invade your quiet life!
I’d show you ladies all around if you made the trip!
I told Jenny and well ….just remember you offered!
Bora Bora or ireland or maybe Greece. Pretty much anywhere:)
Same here, anyplace that gets me away from work for a bit
Italy, hands down! Now just to get my chicken butt on a plane to get me there
If they ever build a bridge across the Atlantic, I’m there!!
French Polynesia or New Zealand…. Or even just Miami..LOL
I’ve driven through Miami but never stopped there, so yeah, that’d work too!
I’de to back to Paris
&(it is true what they say about Paris in the Springtime)
Ah, Paris. Someday!
That’s a tough one. If I’m with my husband I’d go to New Zealand. If I’m with my daughter I want to explore Europe, all the castles and cathedrals along with Scotland. If it’s a family kick back vacation I want to go back to Barcello Maya Beach Resort on the Mexican Riviera. That all inclusive resort was AWESOME
glittergirl54 at ymail dot com
Glittergirl, you and I would vacation well together
Awesome
Maybe someday it will be a date, lol
If I could go anywhere, I’d go to Australia and New Zealand.
Those two places are a close second to Ireland and Scotland in this informal poll.
My dream trip is to visit Great Britain and spend lots of time traveling around England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. I sure hope the magic vacation fairy visits me.
Me too, Barbara. I read your response as time traveling–wouldn’t that be fun, to pick a time to go back to?
Spring break? What is this ‘spring break’ you speak of?? Postgrads don’t believe in holidays…
I’m about as big a travel whore as I am a book whore and lucky enough to have parents who loved travelling in my youth (now I just go alone– I love solo travelling!), so I’ve been to loads of places in Europe, Asia, Oceania (Australia to you Americans), and North America. I haven’t been to French Polynesia–albeit the blokes I scuba dive with are thinking of organising a trip to Tahiti, in which case I’m the first person there!– but I have been to Melanesia in the South Pacific [Fiji] and Micronesia in the North Pacific [Guam]. And countless idyllic beaches: the Maldives, Bali, the Phils, Borneo, the Mediterranean, Bermuda, etc. They’re all incredibly beautiful, but now I can’t just go on holidays and sit on the beach! I need something more active, so I mostly go diving & seeking out cultural pursuits. Warm tropical waters with vibrant reef life & great visibility are always a nice change from the cold murkiness of the North Atlantic!
Ireland seems to be a favourite dream destination, but personally I prefer Scotland– it’s more rugged & dramatic. Byronic, if it were a person. And well, those accents… ’nuff said.
Current dream-vacation-in-the-making for when I defend my dissertation & become Dr. Travel Whore: a month in southern Africa visiting Johannesburg, going on a big game safari in South Africa or Botswana, spending time in Cape Town & Table Mountain, cage diving with great white sharks off Cape Town & Gansbaai, more diving along KwaZulu-Natal (and, hell, Mozambique too), checking out Victoria Falls in Zambia or Zimbabwe, and hanging with the lemurs in Madagascar. The moment I turn in the final version of that dissertation, I’m so there. Hopefully my investment portfolio will cooperate
.
Cris, if this whole grad thing doesn’t work out for you, you could always become a tour guide!
I’d love to go back to Italy. We lived there for 2 years and I really miss the people and food!! After that, on to Scotland where I can get a kilt for my hubby. Hmmm. Will he wear anything under it?????
If you get your hubby in a kilt, you’ll have the insider scoop and you can share with all of us the secret!
I’d want to go to Australia.
More Aussie votes!
I’ve always wanted to go to Australia.That’s my dream vacation.
I’m thinking Australia has a booming tourist business–more than I imagined.
Ireland for sure!
We could make it a research trip!
Lori, you have two great girls there, all the more so because they’re also great gal pals.
Cheers to you — and them — for recognizing what is important: the memories you’re making, together.
Always in awe of you, girl!
xx Josie
Thank you Josie, the time has gone by way too fast!
Italy! To visit my dad.
I didn’t know your dad lived in Italy, Syl.
It’s Hawaii or a cruise, I can’t decide…
A cruise to Hawaii!
I’ve always wanted to go to Austrailia. Not to the coast, but to the outback, where the big ranches are. Must be from seeing Quigley Down Under, and Man from Snowy River. That’s on my bucket list that never will happen. LOL. Glad you took some time and spent it with the girls. Glad they decided to come home and spend it with you.
Of course a ranch woman like you would want to go to the Outback, Tiss
–
I see a number of people have mentioned going to Ireland and Scotland for their dream vacations. I got a chance to go to both countries 5 years ago (a gift to myself for my 50th birthday). During our last full day in Ireland at one point I suddenly felt as if I was home. Really weird feeling but hopefully that means I’ll get to go back again some day.
If money and opportunity presented itself, I’d love to go to a private tropical island that has unlimited drinks, spa services, and plenty of male attendants to fulfill ANY desire that might strike my fancy.
You are so lucky, Donna!
Thailand, hong kong,Italy nic pics
Thanks Kim
My dream vacation is: Italy… for the art, the cuisine, the Italian men, the wine, the architecture, the Italian men, the history, the sun, the Tuscan countryside, and oh yeah, did I mention the Italian men?!
LOL – No, I don’t think you mentioned the Italian men, Cathy!
South Dakota would be nice this time of year, right!
South Dakota has been really really nice the last week, Tom – I wish we’d get some rain though so things would green up more
Wow, there are so many places I’d love to visit, but I guess I’ll say Australia. Have to have a couple shrimp on the barbie.
And a couple of Aussie football players to toss them on for us!
Beautiful pictures. I would pick Sidney if I could go anywhere. Its on my dream list and someday I hope to make it there.
That opera house in the harbor is something, isn’t it?
Greece, I’d love to see where my grandfather was born and raised! The pictures are pretty but I want to see the village with my own eyes!
And maybe you could find relatives to stay with!
Well, I live in Australia and I can say it’s beautiful
. I’ve been to French polynesia, Vanuatu and New Zealand and you seriously cannot go wrong with any of them!! I’d love to go to Sundance…..
We could swap – a week in Australia for me, a week here in SD and a trip to Sundance for you, B!
New Zealand is my nearest neighbour geographically & I can’t think of a single reason why I have not gone yet. Middle Earth here I come.
Middle Earth, snicker. But isn’t that the way it goes? We don’t visit the places closest to us?
I’d definitely go to Hawaii! It’s really far away from where I am and it looks so lovely and warm and sunny!
It’s on my list too, Claudia
North Shore of Oahu. No question.
Hawaii seems to be gaining votes!
The South Pacific for me too!
And of course, I’d love to go to Italy, and….and…..and….
I love the and…and… I feel that way too!
It would definitely be Ireland. I’ll probably never make it there but I can dream.
You can at least celebrate like the Irish tomorrow on St. Patrick’s Day
I would love to do a huge road trip around the US! So many places I want to see there – and since I am in little ol’ New Zealand the USA seems really exotic to me
Lani, the US is HUGE, there are many places here I’d love to visit – or revisit too!
I’d love to go to Italy, dying to go!!! My brother in law is living there for the next two years, so we are saving up and am excited and anxious!!!
You honestly hit the nail on the head except….I would want a private island with the beautiful hut, private service and total serenity!
I would love to go to Tanzania for a photographic safari complete with luxury bush accommodations!
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