As the weather begins to get colder here in the United States, we are dreaming of vacation destinations. We would love to hear about where you like to travel (warm or cold) and why its meaningful to you. Share photos, stories, whatever you'd like.
We will allow entries until next Monday 11/12 at 8am PST. When entries close, we will then begin the voting through Kudos. The entry with the most kudos will win an Upwork waterbottle.
Shortly after my wife and I became engaged, we began traveling each summer to the town of Gulf Shores, Alabama on the Gulf of Mexico coast. We continued the tradition after we married and after the arrival of our children. Freelancing allows me to visit whenever I like, and my wife has summers off as she is a schoolteacher.
My state has plenty of natural beauty, but the gulf coast truly stands out with sapphire water and sugar-white sand. Here is a photo from last summer.
I used to go to Gulf Shores during the summer. A family that I babysat for would bring me along to watch their 4 children. I always loved going out there to the ocean where you could sometimes spot dolphins. And at night we would hunt for these little crabs in the sand. Being from Michigan, we have lots of lakes, but they're not as magnificent as the ocean.
@Lena E wrote:I used to go to Gulf Shores during the summer. A family that I babysat for would bring me along to watch their 4 children. I always loved going out there to the ocean where you could sometimes spot dolphins. And at night we would hunt for these little crabs in the sand. Being from Michigan, we have lots of lakes, but they're not as magnificent as the ocean.
Yeah, but at least in Michigan lakes you don't have to worry about sharks and poisonous jellyfish 
@Virginia F wrote:
@Lena E wrote:
I used to go to Gulf Shores during the summer. A family that I babysat for would bring me along to watch their 4 children. I always loved going out there to the ocean where you could sometimes spot dolphins. And at night we would hunt for these little crabs in the sand. Being from Michigan, we have lots of lakes, but they're not as magnificent as the ocean.
Yeah, but at least in Michigan lakes you don't have to worry about sharks and poisonous jellyfish
That is true! We just have to worry about our lake water being contaminated. Several beaches were closed this past summer because of the water quality.
We love the dolphins, Lena! Here is a dolphin photo from our last trip.
Oh Jennifer I didnt realize you moved. Atlanta is nice as well, but I can see the lure of Florida. I travelled to Sanibel this past spring and fell in love. The sand felt like flour. I had never felt "soft" sand before lol.
Oh wow Fatih! When you make your trip to Cappadocia please share photos with us!!
Living in Colorado is like a vacation every day, IMHO. I like to do road trips … just get in the car and go. Love going to New Mexico, only a 3-hour drive away. But one place near and dear to my heart is Grand Lake. The lake is the largest natural body of water in Colorado. Grand Lake is the town that brought me to Colorado from New England. I came for a summer to work and backpack … and never left.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Arapahoe National Forest … in Grand Lake you're surrounded by beauty no matter which direction you look to. I never tire of getting up there (elevation 8,369′) - it's my "home town" in my adopted state.
If you were a fan of "Northern Exposure" - that's very much what that town and it's residents are like. A year-round population of about 500 meant a very close-knit community. It will always be my favorite place to visit. In the winter when all the tourists were gone, that was my favorite time to enjoy it.
@ Scott - I do know where Northern Exposure (one of my favorite shows ever) was shot. I was talking about the small, close-knit and diverse community who all get along and look out for each other. And yes, there are moose walking the streets as well.
@Virginia F wrote:@ Scott - I do know where Northern Exposure (one of my favorite shows ever) was shot. I was talking about the small, close-knit and diverse community who all get along and look out for each other. And yes, there are moose walking the streets as well.
I know the point you were making. I just thought it was funny using what was actually WA as a pointer to CO (and it suited me perfectly given my location). Was just making a funny here.
Hey Scott, since you already have a waterbottle we can find something else to send if you win 😉
I never really go on vacation, but I do travel a lot!
My favourite place on earth is Bali, and if I could I would stay here forever! Beautiful nature, lovely people, good food, and just as important – the weather is so much nicer than i Norway! The only downside is that after I went here for the first time in March this year i kinda lost the motivation to go to other places. I have visited other countries as well of course, but for some reason I keep on coming back to Bali again and again. Too bad it's hard for europeans to get a residency here. 😞
Thanks for sharing Jennifer. I'm glad to hear you have found a place that you enjoy. Norway sounds lovely and it has all the seasons with the ability to travel locally. I know first hand how trying it can be travelling with children, especially if they're younger.
Ok everyone, replies have now been turned off. Thanks for sharing your favorite vacation destinations. Community members kudos the post you like. The author of the post with most kudos by Friday at 2pm PST will win the Upwork Waterbottle.
