Hello All:
Email seems too antiquated a technology for the Hughes Family 2010 Vacay, and the survey a little inflexible, so I'm thinking a blog is the best way for me to really take the obsession to the next level.
I’ve been doing much fun and fabulous research on options for our trip to Italy this fall and would like to propose an itinerary taking the following into consideration:
1. Convenient flight schedules that allow potential use of Frequent Flier Points or pay with miles discounts
2. Maximizing the most efficient train schedules
3. Usage of Marriott Points for hotel room savings
4. Convenient locations that offer opportunities for everyone to do their own thing and still gives the option for doing things as a group
With that disclaimer in place. We now officially have our first decision to make.
Decision One: Date
Looking at the best way to maximize flight schedules, be in town for Grandpa’s Birthday, Halloween, and Thanksgiving, and still have a little time to recuperate when we get back home I’ve put together a list of potential travel dates. The following dates all offer simple one connection flight options and can coordinate well between SLC and RDU.
1. Tuesday, October 19th (arrive early morning on the 20th) – Friday, October 29th
2. Tuesday, October 12th (arrives on the 13th) – Friday, October 22nd
3. Wednesday, November 3rd (arrives on the 4th) – Saturday, November 13th
4. Saturday, November 13th (arrive on the 14th) – Tuesday, November 23rd (thanksgiving is on the 25th )
Note: All of these schedules assume flying into Venice and out of Rome (which allows the easiest departure and arrival schedules).
Please post thoughts and comments on the potential travel dates. What works for you? You can post below or answer on the poll to the left.
Options 1 or 2 look best to me. I wonder if November isn't getting a bit late. Perhaps option 1 is really the best since its gets us home well before Halloween as well. Dean and I have pretty flexible schedules, so we'll do whatever the rest of you decide.
ReplyDeleteLove to all from cold Nauvoo--5 below last night; wind chill minus 20!
Mom
Brad and I can be flexible but all things considered, the earliest option works best for us.
ReplyDeleteRob is flexible, a little later works just because he likes Utah weather but earlier works too.
ReplyDeletePosting for Kris:
ReplyDeleteIt is really up to Tom to carve out the time in his work schedule and then protect it like a ferocious dog. I'm up for anything.
Right now I can claim and hold any of these dates. Let's decide fast, and then I will just not relent on them here at work.
ReplyDeleteStacy asked me to make some observations about locales in Italy, based on my past travels. Not sure about others, but I am interested in seeing fewer places for longer times. Maybe 2-3 days per location, rather than trying to hit everything in one trip. Rome easily occupies a couple of days. The best way to see it is to walk, which can be tiring, but you miss a lot if you just drive around. As for a place that's nice for just hanging out, I think it would be fun to head up to the area around Portofino (right at the northern-most part of the med along the western shore or Italy). I stayed in Rapallo for a week, which is just a few miles away, and that whole area is gorgeous and quiet (at least it was when I was there). For Kristen's interest--it's not too far from Reggio 'nell Amelia, which might make a nice day trip.
ReplyDeleteSo, did a little research (cause that is what I love) with a sleeping four year old on my lap. I learned that the Reggio Emilia schools only allow visitors in February (I'm assuming Kris wanted to tour their early childhood education center?) Unless, Kris is working on a specific research project. Are you researching Kris?
ReplyDeleteLooks like you can day trip by train to Rapallo from Florence by taking a 5:30 AM train, arrives at 8:34 AM, then take a 5:30 PM train back which arrives in Florence at 10:00 PM.