[James Matthew Najera]

General Discussion Thread 01.28.2024​

Hello, everyone!

I’ve been daydreaming about travel lately, so I thought it’d be fun to get a thread going where we share our most unforgettable travel experiences.

You know, the ones that stay with you long after you’ve returned—whether it’s the awe of a stunning view, a wild adventure, or something that went hilariously wrong.

It's hard to pick just one, but I'll start with this: I once found myself stranded on a world-class tropical island where there were usually a lot of people crowding the beach. I had the white sand beach all to myself!

Image Credit: Blue

Now, I want to hear YOUR stories! Was it a road trip through the countryside? A sunset on a beach that left you speechless? Or maybe an experience that made you appreciate a bit more of the world than you expected?

Can’t wait to read all your stories and live vicariously through them!

Cheers!
Blue

 

[moppyroda]

Me,my husband and his friend Dennis were driving west to east.Dennis lived in Texas and we were gonna take him home. On the way our car broke down in Oklahoma.we didn't know it ever got cold there but this day it was freezing .we pulled over to the side and wondered what do.it was before cellphones .Dennis was willing to hitchhike to a local garage with a tow truck.meanwhile 2 cops,noticing our out of state licenses and young ( 20s) age asked if we were students of a nearby college.we said our car broke down and had to explain our friend hitch hiked we were afraid theyd arrest him but they let us sit in their warm car till the tow truck came with our friend and we went to a gas station.because it was the alternator it was gonna be a while .the cashier gave us huge amounts of hot chocolate and they were all so nice .we even took a walk.thats my best travel memory

 

[gatorfan]

My significant other and I made a trip to Mesa, AZ to visit family. While there we went to the Grand Canyon which was amazing. On the way home we went to Tombstone to see the re-enactment of the gun fight at the O. K. Carol, traveled route 66. the Alamo and River Walk. We were gone for 2 weeks and it was a trip of a lifetime.

 

[Jules#1]

As a family, we went to Niagara Falls, it was an absolutely beautiful trip. The Falls was beautiful & at night they lit it up in colors. Pictures can not even totally capture the beauty!

 

[BSWP]

Two weeks traveling in the mediterranean on a cruise ship with our daughter for her second birthday.

 

[Chiquita]

I took my first cruise in 2019 I went to seven different islands had the time of my like for the first time I didn’t have to worry about anyone but me

 

[James Matthew Najera]

Me,my husband and his friend Dennis were driving west to east.Dennis lived in Texas and we were gonna take him home. On the way our car broke down in Oklahoma.we didn't know it ever got cold there but this day it was freezing .we pulled over to the side and wondered what do.it was before cellphones .Dennis was willing to hitchhike to a local garage with a tow truck.meanwhile 2 cops,noticing our out of state licenses and young ( 20s) age asked if we were students of a nearby college.we said our car broke down and had to explain our friend hitch hiked we were afraid theyd arrest him but they let us sit in their warm car till the tow truck came with our friend and we went to a gas station.because it was the alternator it was gonna be a while .the cashier gave us huge amounts of hot chocolate and they were all so nice .we even took a walk.thats my best travel memory

Wow, what an adventure! That must have been such a stressful moment at first, but it sounds like you ran into some truly kind and helpful people along the way. I love how unexpected kindness can turn a tough situation into a great memory—those cops and that generous cashier really made a difference! And I have to say, there’s something about sipping hot chocolate while waiting out car trouble that makes it feel a little more like an adventure than a disaster.

Thanks for sharing! Have you ever been back to Oklahoma since? Hopefully, under warmer and less eventful circumstances!

 

[James Matthew Najera]

My significant other and I made a trip to Mesa, AZ to visit family. While there we went to the Grand Canyon which was amazing. On the way home we went to Tombstone to see the re-enactment of the gun fight at the O. K. Carol, traveled route 66. the Alamo and River Walk. We were gone for 2 weeks and it was a trip of a lifetime.

Wow, that sounds like an absolutely incredible trip! The Grand Canyon alone is breathtaking, but adding in Tombstone, Route 66, and the Alamo? That’s like a history lover’s dream road trip. I bet seeing the O.K. Corral re-enactment really brought the Wild West to life!

Two weeks of adventure like that must have left you with some unforgettable memories. Did you have a favorite stop along the way, or was the whole trip just one amazing moment after another? Thanks for sharing—I’m definitely taking notes for a future road trip!

 

[James Matthew Najera]

As a family, we went to Niagara Falls, it was an absolutely beautiful trip. The Falls was beautiful & at night they lit it up in colors. Pictures can not even totally capture the beauty!

That sounds absolutely breathtaking, Jules! Niagara Falls is already stunning during the day, but seeing it all lit up at night must have been pure magic. There’s just something about witnessing nature on such a grand scale that makes you appreciate the world a little more. Did you get up close on a boat tour, or just take in the views from the overlooks? Either way, what an unforgettable family trip!

 

[James Matthew Najera]

Two weeks traveling in the mediterranean on a cruise ship with our daughter for her second birthday.

What an incredible trip! A Mediterranean cruise and celebrating your daughter’s second birthday? That’s a memory packed with beautiful scenery, great food, and (I’m guessing) some adorable toddler moments. Any particular stop along the way that stood out to you? I bet she was the star of the ship!

 

[James Matthew Najera]

I took my first cruise in 2019 I went to seven different islands had the time of my like for the first time I didn’t have to worry about anyone but me

That amazing, Chiquita! There’s something so freeing about traveling solo (even if you're on a cruise full of people) and just soaking in the experience without any worries. Were there any islands that completely stole your heart, or a moment from the trip that stands out the most? I’d love to hear more!

 

[moppyroda]

Wow, what an adventure! That must have been such a stressful moment at first, but it sounds like you ran into some truly kind and helpful people along the way. I love how unexpected kindness can turn a tough situation into a great memory—those cops and that generous cashier really made a difference! And I have to say, there’s something about sipping hot chocolate while waiting out car trouble that makes it feel a little more like an adventure than a disaster.

Thanks for sharing! Have you ever been back to Oklahoma since? Hopefully, under warmer and less eventful circumstances!

Never went back,but telling the story puts me in mind of another positive Oklahoma thing .although the tornado in Moore was truly awful,my daughter adopted and rescued a dog shelter survivor,Livvy.shes my pride and joy ( and so are my daughters!)