Anybody home?
 

Didn't go on the factory tour, but the BMW museum sux. There's probably a world of difference, but it's worth noting that the museum should be avoided.

Concur on the Englischer garden.

Take the DB (train) to Salzburg; don't drive. Salzburg's small enough that once you're at the train station, everything's in walking distance from there.

If you do have a car, go to Wurzburg (Marienburg fortress and exceptional Prince-Bishops' Residenz) and Rothenburg (well-preserved medieval city). There are a number of worthwhile baroque and Roccoco cathedrals along the way, and Bavarian Catholicism's love of withered, fucked-up relics of saints is second to none.

dead board relief
 

1. Climb up Diamond Head. Bring a camera. The view is priceless.

2. Stay at or do brunch/breakfast at the Sheraton Royal Hawaiian. Also, have a couple of Blue Hawaiians there.

3. Lay on the beach.

4. Visit Pearl Harbor.

Anybody home?
 

Look out! CNN is reporting a massive beer shortage this year.

http://www.kieranhealy.org/files/oddments/cnn-cap2.png

Either that, or CNN needs a new copy editor.

dead board relief
 

Also rent a car and drive around the island one day. Hanauma Bay is good for snorkeling, but is kind of touristy and you have to get there early. It's always crowed. The better (by far more beautiful and substantially less crowded) beaches are away from Waikiki. Shark's Cove has the best snorkeling on the island and my favorite beach is Waimea. In Honolulu, a stoll around Chinatown is interesting. Definitely do the Arizona memorial, but get there before 9 or so or you might not get in at all.

Rockin' in Rio...
 

Anybody got any suggestions on where to stay and what to do in Rio de Janiero? Planning a joint trip with Buenos Aires for the spring (avoiding Carnival, thank you very much), and would love any ideas.

Kauai or Maui?
 

Never been to either one and I am trying to decide on a vacation spot. I suppose I am looking for a place that we can do some resort/relaxation but also some hiking, snorkeling and enjoy the scenery. Hotel recommendations are appreciated too.

If you had 8-9 days would you spend it on one island or try to do both? I am currently leaning towards spending the entire time on Kauai, but that's based solely on the travel guides I've read. What do y'all think?

Kauai or Maui?
 

You could do both in that amount of time. Maui seemed more versatile. You could do all the things you want on Maui quite nicely. For relaxation, Maui would likely be better. Kauai seems better suited to a person who wants to be very active--hiking and kayaking in particular (I think the snorkelling is better on Maui, but I'm no expert).

Maui is more touristy, however, and more built up. IF that's not your dish, then Kauai might be better.

One thing you could do is go to Maui for a week, and then do a two day excursion (or 1 1/2) to Kauai--take the helicopter trip and a drive, and don't bother with the resort-type stuff.

[ETA:] Not to be outdone by NCS, PM me for additional details as well, if you care to. Although NCS may tell you my advice sucked.;)

Kauai or Maui?
 

I've been to Maui (last year) but not Kauai. I stayed on the west side of the island near Kapalua (just north of Lahaina). The south side is the other resort area. I was in Maui for 6 days and I could have used more time. There are a lot of day trips and we did a lot of hiking. My favorite part was either hiking in the crater or exploring lava fileds. If I went back, I would probably not bother with the road to Hana, but many people enjoy that, especially if you go during the winter, which is supposed to be the wet season (the road to Hana is pretty waterfall intensive, so water is important).

Feel free to PM me if you decide to go to Maui and I can tell you more. I've heard great things about Kauai, and if you decide to go, take notes because I'll likely be going in the next couple of years (we are doing one island per year)!

Is this your honeymoon destination?

got vacations
 

So now that I am moderating here, I'm sure the posts will be just flying in. And people other than Penske's socks are also welcome to post. The more the merrier, and etc.

People do still take vacations, don't they? If your slavedriver boss does not allow vacations, feel free to discuss the hypothetical vacation that you might take once you quit that hellhole.

Carry on.

got vacations
 

Where's a good (but not way expensive) beach place for Nov/Dec? Ocean w/waves required. I like the sound.

got vacations
 

Cabo San Lucas. Actually some of the resorts between the airport and Cabo are better than the ones in Cabo proper. When I went several Decembers ago, it was sunny and in the 80s for the entire trip. And it is a short plane ride from these parts. And reasonably cheap. Much better waves than the Gulf side.

Anyone else?

got vacations
 

I was going to recommend Cabo as well. Perfect for winter getaways.

got vacations
 

I stayed at a place in Puerto Vallarta last year with serious wave noise, great views, and pretty good privacy. All inclusive (food and drink; not a ton of activities, as its a fairly small place), which I don't usually like. But it worked great for a short get-away. PM me if you want the details; I'd go back.

got vacations
 

Thanks to all y'all and thanks in advance to anyone else who might have suggestions!

While you are at it.
 

I also have some vacation coming up. I am a bit of a history buff, something my family is willing to put up with and sometimes even enjoy. I was thinking of a "civil rights tour" of the south.

Any other ideas? Anyplace I should include in the journey?

Thanks!