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Emerald U.

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Would You Rather? 05.19.2025​

How are you doing, dear GrayViners? đź’•

I just returned from a heartfelt and wonderful trip with my family. It was a bit stressful since I was the designated tour guide, but mostly joyful—and at times, emotional. I found myself in tears at one point as I saw the happiness on my parents’ faces. We visited places they’d only seen online or on TV—yes, the big, bustling, tourist-packed ones—but they absolutely loved it. They kept telling me that it was a dream come true.

It made me wonder… what kind of traveler are you? Would you rather travel to iconic, well-loved destinations, even if they’re crowded, or explore quiet, off-the-beaten-path spots? I’d love to hear your answers and swap stories! Share them in the comments below!
 
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I enjoyed seeing famous things and locations ( in the U.S. and in many countries) with my husband, a pilot; he made an excellent tour guide. I’m glad we went when we did; he died in 2020 and I have arthritic knees now.
 
I prefer the off beaten path as you can see alot more than many think. Occasionaly i will go with the crowd.
 
A little of each of those. We traveled to many states. We visited iconic places like The Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park. We checked out the hot spots wherever we went. On route to many places we took the scenic path, stopping to put our feet into a small creek or stream. Once we were in Kanab Utah and checked out the cabins lived in by stars filming in the area. The cabins were slept in by the likes Dean Martin, John Wayne, Sammy Davis Jr, Frank Sinatra and Joey Bishop, Jimmy Stewart etc. Each one decorated in the actors style. We also went to The Grand Teton Mountains. Took a dip in the FREEZING COLD Lake Jenny. We stayed in a rustic Lodge there. We traveled through the Ruby Falls and the attractions in The Great Smokey Mountains and other places throughout Tennessee. We stayed in New Orleans to cruise The French Quarter and taste so many goodies there until we were stuffed to the gills! The music there was awesome and amazing! We loved stuff like that.
 
I'm so sorry you lost your husband.
My lifelong dream has been to see Paris but it hasn't happened yet. I enjoy visiting historic sites whether in small towns or big cities. I was born in a small town in Ohio. We vacationed every summer in Ontario, Canada because my father liked to fish. After an unhappy divorce I took my kids and moved to Corpus Christi, TX. We visited Mexico a lot then because back then it was safe and I could drive there. After my youngest went off to Texas A&M I moved to San Antonio which I loved and I had family there. I remarried in San Antonio and he planned our honeymoon to Frankfort, Swiss Alps and Italy. I was hurt he didn't include Paris. He's dead now. I moved to MD because my daughter and grandkids lived there but I couldn't handle the weather. I fell on the ice 3 times. After 2 years I moved to FL and married again. We had big plans and moved to a lovely 55+ gated community. I hoped to be there forever but he became ill and went downhill slowly - 5 1/2 years.
We were married 7 1/2 years when he died. My son decided I shouldn't be living alone with no family near so he brought me to GA . I was not happy but now absolutely love GA and I live just 9 miles from my son.
That brings me to today. I am planning on going to Paris alone next May. I have researched all of France and study French a little each day. The Patron Saint of Paris is St. Genevieve and that is my name. I won't be able to wander through castles because I'm old and use a cane. I hope to take a day trip to Normandy and another to Mont Saint Michel. I don't know where to stay because I'm on a fixed income. I must stay in a clean, safe place. The research said there are a lot of bed bugs in Paris which is a concern.

I have traveled extensively in the US. I spent 6 weeks every summer with my grandparents in PA. My grandfather paid for me to accompany my grandmother to visit my uncle stationed in GreĂ t Falls, MT. We went from Ohio to Montana by train. My uncle took us to Yellowstone and Mt Rushmore.
Also the Dakotas. I was 15. My aunt took me to visit her cousins in NJ.
I have skiied at Lake Placid, NY. Visited friends in Rye Brook, NY, visited Manhattan 3 times, Boston twice, Connecticut once. Been to Gatlinburg twice, NC more times than I could count, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada twice, New Orleans 3 times and Hawaii once.
I really love to travel!!!


I hope I haven't bored you with so many details.
 
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Marilea said:
I enjoyed seeing famous things and locations ( in the U.S. and in many countries) with my husband, a pilot; he made an excellent tour guide. I’m glad we went when we did; he died in 2020 and I have arthritic knees now.
Click to expand...
Hello, @Marilea! Thank you so much for sharing that. It sounds like you and your husband had some truly special adventures together—what a gift to have seen the world through his eyes as both a pilot and your personal tour guide. I’m so sorry for your loss. It must make those memories all the more meaningful now. Sending you warmth, and gratitude for being here and sharing your story with us!
 
Arkie98 said:
I prefer the off beaten path as you can see alot more than many think. Occasionaly i will go with the crowd.
Click to expand...
I agree, @Arkie98! There’s definitely something special about discovering places that feel tucked away—those quieter moments often leave the deepest impressions. And you’re right, there’s usually so much more to see than people expect when they veer off the main trail. I’m curious—what’s one of your favorite “off the beaten path” discoveries? I’m always collecting ideas for future trips!
 
Hazeleyes said:
I like both. I love adventure and travel. So much to see and do .
Click to expand...
That’s such a great mindset, @Hazeleyes—there is so much to see and do! I think having that love for both the iconic spots and the hidden paths makes every trip feel full of possibility. Do you have a favorite adventure or destination that really stands out in your memory?
 
Gayle B. said:
A little of each of those. We traveled to many states. We visited iconic places like The Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park. We checked out the hot spots wherever we went. On route to many places we took the scenic path, stopping to put our feet into a small creek or stream. Once we were in Kanab Utah and checked out the cabins lived in by stars filming in the area. The cabins were slept in by the likes Dean Martin, John Wayne, Sammy Davis Jr, Frank Sinatra and Joey Bishop, Jimmy Stewart etc. Each one decorated in the actors style. We also went to The Grand Teton Mountains. Took a dip in the FREEZING COLD Lake Jenny. We stayed in a rustic Lodge there. We traveled through the Ruby Falls and the attractions in The Great Smokey Mountains and other places throughout Tennessee. We stayed in New Orleans to cruise The French Quarter and taste so many goodies there until we were stuffed to the gills! The music there was awesome and amazing! We loved stuff like that.
Click to expand...
Wow, @Gayle B. ! What an incredible journey—you’ve painted such a vivid picture that I felt like I was right there with you, toes in the creek and all! That stop in Kanab sounds especially magical—imagine sleeping in a cabin once used by Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin! And your description of New Orleans brought a huge smile to my face… the food, the music, the atmosphere—it’s truly one of a kind. I hope I get to visit one day!

Thank you for sharing all of that. Do you find yourself reminiscing about those trips often? Or is there a place on your list you still hope to visit?
 
Aquarius said:
I'm so sorry you lost your husband.
My lifelong dream has been to see Paris but it hasn't happened yet. I enjoy visiting historic sites whether in small towns or big cities. I was born in a small town in Ohio. We vacationed every summer in Ontario, Canada because my father liked to fish. After an unhappy divorce I took my kids and moved to Corpus Christi, TX. We visited Mexico a lot then because back then it was safe and I could drive there. After my youngest went off to Texas A&M I moved to San Antonio which I loved and I had family there. I remarried in San Antonio and he planned our honeymoon to Frankfort, Swiss Alps and Italy. I was hurt he didn't include Paris. He's dead now. I moved to MD because my daughter and grandkids lived there but I couldn't handle the weather. I fell on the ice 3 times. After 2 years I moved to FL and married again. We had big plans and moved to a lovely 55+ gated community. I hoped to be there forever but he became ill and went downhill slowly - 5 1/2 years.
We were married 7 1/2 years when he died. My son decided I shouldn't be living alone with no family near so he brought me to GA . I was not happy but now absolutely love GA and I live just 9 miles from my son.
That brings me to today. I am planning on going to Paris alone next May. I have researched all of France and study French a little each day. The Patron Saint of Paris is St. Genevieve and that is my name. I won't be able to wander through castles because I'm old and use a cane. I hope to take a day trip to Normandy and another to Mont Saint Michel. I don't know where to stay because I'm on a fixed income. I must stay in a clean, safe place. The research said there are a lot of bed bugs in Paris which is a concern.

I have traveled extensively in the US. I spent 6 weeks every summer with my grandparents in PA. My grandfather paid for me to accompany my grandmother to visit my uncle stationed in GreĂ t Falls, MT. We went from Ohio to Montana by train. My uncle took us to Yellowstone and Mt Rushmore.
Also the Dakotas. I was 15. My aunt took me to visit her cousins in NJ.
I have skiied at Lake Placid, NY. Visited friends in Rye Brook, NY, visited Manhattan 3 times, Boston twice, Connecticut once. Been to Gatlinburg twice, NC more times than I could count, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada twice, New Orleans 3 times and Hawaii once.
I really love to travel!!!


I hope I haven't bored you with so many details.
Click to expand...
Oh, you did not bore me one bit @Aquarius —I was completely drawn in. What a life you’ve lived, full of resilience, love, heartbreak, adventure, and a deep, abiding curiosity about the world. Thank you for sharing your story with us!

Learning that you're already making plans to visit your dream destination brought a smile to my face. How exciting! And the fact that your name is Genevieve, and you’re planning a pilgrimage to the city of St. Genevieve, feels almost poetic. I truly hope Paris welcomes you with warmth, beauty, and a little magic.

I completely understand the concerns about safety, comfort, and staying within budget. We'll absolutely keep an eye out for helpful travel tips to share here—you're not alone in this planning!

I’ll be cheering you on for that trip to Paris. You absolutely deserve it!
 
Emerald U. said:
That’s such a great mindset, @Hazeleyes—there is so much to see and do! I think having that love for both the iconic spots and the hidden paths makes every trip feel full of possibility. Do you have a favorite adventure or destination that really stands out in your memory?
Click to expand...
One f my best trips was with my nieces. We went to Salem, Massachusetts for an extended weekend trip. We had places that we planned on visiting and then just went with the flow. We ended up on a walking tour and saw the house of the seven gables. That was a very interesting tour of the house. We really had a nice time. Also nice seeing museums of witches dungeons and how they had the witch trials back then. The best was spending time with my niece and bonus that the weather was nice.
 
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