Update – comments are closed for this portion of the contest. I’m going to New Orleans. Help me pick my hotel!
______________
I need to go away. And you need to help me!
American Express has kindly added 150,000 points to my AmEx card to be used for a getaway. But I’ll need your help on this custom-tailored trip so that I can get the maximum amount of usage from the points to create a trip that I can be super excited about.
And for your input, you’ll be entered to win a $100 gift card from AmEx. All you have to do is leave a comment and tell me where to go π
It’s pretty simple. Over the next 3 weeks you’re going to help me shape the trip:
- First, we need to decide on a destination (this week, Week 1)
- 2nd, we’ll need to find me a place to stay (Week 2)
- And finally, because a girl’s gotta eat, I’ll need some help with restaurants (Week 3)
Here are my guidelines:
- I’ll be flying from Seattle.
- This will be a 4-day/3 night getaway.
- I’d like a trip that incorporates a bit of adventure and a bit of local culture.
- I’m aiming to take this trip sometime between November through January.
Now for the fun part. I’m open to going pretty much anywhere – as long as it makes sense for a long weekend (i.e. Australia’s out of the question). Keep in mind that I’m one who’s more inclined toward music than museums, I prefer food over drinking, and I’d pick an “adventure” over a “destination.”
Here are some options I came up with and I’ve included the corresponding membership points for flights from Seattle:
- Los Cabos, Baja California, Mexico – I love warm, sunny weather. I thought that Cabo would give me some mid-winter sun, a chance to consume some real Mexican cuisine and, if I have a rental car, an opportunity to drive to some small villages that are off the beaten path. Flights – 60,000 points
- New Orleans, Louisiana – It’s been forever since I’ve been to NOLA and I heart this city so much. A trip here would mean Po Boys, Zydeco dancing and a trip to Cajun country for some music and down-home cooking. Flights – 50,000 points
- Anchorage, Alaska – I’d love to see the Aurora Borealis. Even though I’m a warm-weather gal, I’d don a parka to head up north in January to get a glimpse of these magical lights. If I time it right, a long weekend should do it. Flights – 50,000 points
- OR, your choice π
Have a different idea? If you want to help me by poking around yourself for some flight options, there are 2 ways to do this using AmEx points:
1) You can go to the Pay with Points site which is not unlike other travel booking engines. Pay with Points allows you to create your own personalized journey by choosing your flights and then making additional hotel, car rental and restaurant arrangements.
All you need to do is click the Use Points to Book Now button, search for flights and, on the final page, it will tell you how many points are required. Remember that I’ll still need a hotel, some food and maybe a rental car in addition to those flights, so leave me a little wiggle room, won’tcha?
Note that the Pay with Points option is geared toward travel. It allows you to search across all available flights/airlines and provides the required point info on the final page.
2) You can also check out the American Express Membership Rewards site. Heads up that this is a bit more limiting in terms of airline options. Fewer airlines are part of this site BUT they have Open Table, which will be ideal when you’re ready to help me choose restaurants in a couple of weeks.
To use the Membership Rewards site, click on Use Points and then Airlines in the drop down box. If you have a destination in mind, you can click on it using the list on the left hand side of the screen.
*****
Once you’ve come up with a good recommendation for my long weekend getaway or you like one of the options I’ve mentioned above, leave a comment and tell me where to go. That, my friend, is going to put you in the running for the $100 gift card from American Express!
Rules – In order to qualify for the the $100 gift card from American Express, an email must be entered for each comment so that we may contact you. Only one email/person per week, please. You may, however, enter each week for the 3 weeks for a total of 3 tries at winning. Multiple entries in the same week will be disqualified.
Each week’s contest will be closed at the end of the 7th day of that week’s post. Dates are July 11, July 18 and July 25 at 23:59 PST. (This means you cannot go back and enter your suggestion for Week 1 if you discover the contest during Week 3.)
A random winner, based on all 3 week’s comments, will be chosen on July 27th.
Winner must reply within 3 days of being notified, otherwise, a new winner will be chosen.
OK, tell me where to go! And, please remember, it’s for 4 days/3 nights…
Travel Well,
Beth
Photo credit:
Woman at beach: mysza831’s photostream
Aurora Borealis: Trodel
Mardi Gras Beads: Mark Gstohl
Kasey says
What about Costa Rica?
Beth Whitman says
As a matter of fact, I checked for flights and because it takes so darned long to get there and back, it wouldn’t make sense for 4 days, however.
Good idea though so you’re still in the running for the gift card π
Jan Ross says
We just returned from our first visit to Las Vegas and LOVED it. You can read about some of our adventures on my blog. I really recommend it – it’s a big city with great restaurants and shows but you can quickly get to interesting places where you can hike, go white-water rafting, etc. And you could get there easily from Seattle!
Beth Whitman says
Interesting choice, Jan. You’re right about it having a little bit of everything. I forgot about all the things you can do outside of the city.
Christie R says
New Orleans is one of my most favorite places so that’s a great idea. I would also suggest Austin, TX! “Live-music capital of the world” and delicious food!
januarywins at hotmail dot com
Erin Shine says
Anchorage, Alaska! I moved to Anchorage last year and there hasn’t been a day that I haven’t enjoyed. Although it’s cold and dark in January, one look at the Aurora Borealis and it’s all worth it!
Melissa says
What about Kyoto? Amazing temples, culture, & food. It’s a 30 min train ride from both Osaka and Nara and it could be as simple or daring as you want it to be.
Beth Whitman says
Aaaah. Austin. Another great idea. Thanks, Christie!
Beth Whitman says
Melissa – Kyoto for a long weekend? Are you sure?
Elizabeth says
I’d suggest Alaska. I have a friend who moved up there recently, and he is absolutely in love with it, and from the pictures he sends, it looks like there are things to do that would appeal to just about everyone!
Personally, I’m also a huge fan of the Eastern Canadian shore- it’s easy to make a fantastic trip out of Quebec and Nova Scotia!
Beth Whitman says
OK – another vote for Alaska!
Leslie says
Go to the Roatan Island in Honduras.
Beth Whitman says
Leslie – can I get there for a long weekend getaway?
Sharon says
I’m on-board for a vote to New Orleans but instead of making it just a trip to New Orleans, how about getting off the beaten path and heading into some of the more authentic cajun areas, like Lafayette or Washington, LA (check out the Steamboat Warehouse Restaurant) and make it a culinary experience of the truly local kind.
Beth Whitman says
NOW you’re talking, Sharon. Personally, I love Erath but Washington sounds fantastic!
Sharon says
Cafe des Amis in Breaux Bridge is another feast for the palate …and they have a live zydeco band and wooden-floor dancing on Sunday mornings! …(you gotta see this to believe it — it’s wonderful!) Cheese grits, omelets smothered in crawfish etouffe …oh my, it’s a magnificent experience. I’m a local so if you’re thinking about heading that way, I’m full of suggestions!
Beth Whitman says
Oh – where’s the place that does the live radio program and dancing on Saturday mornings? And does Marc Savoy still have his get togethers at his accordian shop on Saturdays?
OH the memories!
Courtney says
Oaxaca! Amazing food, good music, a 30 minute jaunt to the coast for swimming in the ocean, and sunny in January.
Sharon says
I believe the live radio broadcast is done from Fred’s in Mamou on Saturdays. π
And, if you’d like some pure local color, tune into KRVS (local out of Lafayette). Their weekend music line-up is like no other.
(Yes, as far I know the accordion get-togethers are on-going. Violin/fiddle, too.)
Beth Whitman says
Any chance you checked flights on the Pay with Points site, Courtney? I’d be concerned that it would take too long to get there for just a 4 day trip. What do you think?
nicki says
Yosemite… A little cold, but so beautiful.
Beth Whitman says
I bet beautiful in the winter!
Emma says
What about Chicago? I feel like it would be beautiful this time of year. I’ve become a little bit obsessed with the city as of late. There are some FANTASTIC restaurants. Catch a Cubs game, Lincoln Park Zoo, free street theatre and the summer dance festival. You’ll have no shortage of wonderful things to do.
Beth Whitman says
Consider it on the list, Emma!
Shana says
I vote for New Orleans, with a bit of time spent out of the city. I would also recommend Savannah or Jackson, MS. Great food in both.
Carol says
NOLA! just back and the city is back. Great food, music, sights and sites.
Cassie says
Victoria, BC! So much to do – whale watching, cycling, seaplane tours and winery tours. July 9-15 is North American’s largest and longest running SKA FESTIVAL! 4 Days of Ska, Reggae, Punk and Dub.
If you are up for another day trip to the West Coast of the Island, Long Beach is gorgeous and you can try surfing in Tofino!
Shannon says
I vote for NOLA! I’ve been watching the HBO series Treme and it’s reminding me of the music, food and culture…so great! So sad to watch some of the devastation from Katrina, as well as corruption/aftermath of its handling, but this is a city with deep roots and so much that is unique. Nice to get away somewhere warm during those months too, should be a nice time there. There’s a cooking school, where you could check out how to make some of those NO specialties and there is also some great outdoor stuff to do there and nearby (lots of water activities and nature trails, parks etc.).
Beth Whitman says
Cassie – I’ve always wanted to go to Tofino. Not sure if I can use the points to get me there and to stay but it’s definitely something to check out.
Jessie C. says
My vote goes to Anchorage, Alaska. I’d love to tag along if you don’t mind. Seriously, I’ve always wanted to see the Aurora Borealis.
Beth Whitman says
Uh-oh. This is getting to be hard with no clear-cut winning destination so far!
katy says
How about Banff (flying into calgary) or Vancouver? Both are great cultural destination cities with lots to do.
Beth Whitman says
Oooh. Another northbound trip. What would be the draw in the winter? Sell me π
Rachael says
My vote is for baja! As soon as winter hits you’ll be glad you went somewhere warm π
Beth Whitman says
Thank goodness. A sunny thinker!
Laura says
I have a slightly out-of-the-way suggestion — Cuernavaca, Mexico. Cuernavaca is not far from Mexico City, and there are a bunch of language schools there were you can take Spanish classes (I studied at Cemanahuac, which was lovely (http://www.cemanahuac.com/)). They had lots of guided educational trips to all kinds of interesting places nearby, like Taxco (cute little village where silver is mined), or archeological sites like Cuicuilco, Tepotzlan or Teotihuacan. I would spend my mornings studying Spanish and my afternoons exploring Cuernavaca or hopping on a bus to some fascinating place. But NOLA and Austin are also great suggestions. And Alaska — I love it there. You’re going to have a tough time picking with all these great suggestions!
Beth Whitman says
Can I do Cuernavaca over a long weekend, Laura? I only have 4 days/3 nights…
Laura says
Yes, I think you could do it over a long weekend. You’d have to pick and choose which excursions you wanted to take (or just explore Cuernavaca, which is a nice place to visit in and of itself), but I don’t think the flights are too long for a short visit.
Melissa Burford says
It all depends on if you want to be somewhere warm or cold. During the winter months, especially since I live in northern Idaho near the Canadian border, I’d choose Cabo. I spent a week there one November and it was glorious. Great food, meet lots of interesting people and it’s perfect for a long weekend. I spent my time alternating between cultural events, relaxing on the beach and snorkeling at land’s end. Have fun picking and planning.
Lisa Goodmurphy says
It may be a little out of the way for your weekend but a trip that I think would be really cool is a polar bear tour in Churchill, Manitoba. (You would have to fly to Winnipeg and then Churchill) There are tours available as short as 3 nights (with 2 full days of polar bear watching) and October/November are the prime viewing months. An added bonus is that you may also see the aurora borealis while there. I don’t like the cold but I would love to do this trip for the opportunity to see polar bears in their natural environment.
Nicole says
I definitely think you should go to New Orleans! I’ve always wanted to go there and if you like music…there is no doubt in my mind that they will have some of the best music you can find!
Vera Marie Badertscher says
I have to vote with Sharon–fly to New Orleans,but head out of town toward Lafayette and points west–do a swamp tour for some adventure, visit Mamou on Saturday morning, and find some of the way out in the country real life Cajun jams…the Zydeco Cajun Prarie Scenic Byway is the BEST. ROAD TRIP. EVER.
Amber Smith says
I’m also a vote for New Orleans!! It’s such a unique place with the cajun food, wild street parties, fantastic blues bands and gorgeous historical buildings. You’re entire trip would be a blast – can’t wait to see where you choose because there are so many great suggestions here π
T. Dunn says
What about Charleston, South Carolina? If you love New Orleans you’re sure to enjoy visiting here as there’s so much to see and do.
Home to several James Beard Award Winning restaurants and chefs the food is amazing. Also, if you love traditional Southern food and BBQ you’ll feel right at home here.
The area is also a mecca for those who love fishing, boating, or golfing. Or you can visit the historic plantations, take a horse and buggy tour, or tour some of the famed gardens of the area.
Dave and Deb says
Being Canadian, I always say go warm in the winter. My vote is Belize. Head to Caye Caulker and enjoy swimming with the sharks and diving the Blue Hole. Its a small island so 4 days is enough time to enjoy. 2 days in the water, 2 days at the beach!
Beth Whitman says
Hey T. Dunn – interesting idea! I would never have thought of that.
Dave and Deb – I’m totally with ya on the warm weather. Will definitely check to see if I can make those flights work!
Ange says
Although I’d enthusiastically second the vote for Belize (San Pedro for me), I’d like to add another option that would be easy to get to from Seattle: Sedona AZ. Adventure aplenty if you like to hike, visit ancient ruins, take a boffo off-road jeep tour, go up in the hot air balloons, or go in search of the New Age vortex energy. The natural environment is absolutely stunning, better than the best pictures.
Food–funky places to eat, with some good local color and vibes, most with stunning views. A few haute cuisine places as well.
Music, haven’t experienced it there, but the local papers list some interesting options. If you take one of the many New Age tours you can likely enjoy some drumming/Native American flute playing, for “local culture”.
Beth Whitman says
I like that twist on enjoying the music of Sedona, Ange, through the Native American culture there. Thanks for this great recommendation!
Emiko says
How about San Diego? Though it’s not as warm as Mexico, it still is a lot warmer than Seattle (or AK). Balboa Park, which hosts a variety of museums, is a great place to explore arts/history/science. The architecture is beautiful as well. There is always the gorgeous beaches to see the Sunset. Great restaurants (good Mexican food too!) everywhere. Old Town State park is nice too. There is mission San Diego as well. If you’d like a hike up a mountain within the city boundaries, Mission trails are right there. (Of course, there are more hiking trails inland at a short drive distance.) Mount Soledad is not a hike, but it’s place where you have a good view of the whole city. La Jolla is a very pretty area also. There is a very small aquarium that is part of the Scripps Institute of Oceanography. They have a nice display. It’s a relative short flight from Seattle, so you get to spend more time at the location than on the airplane.
Beth Whitman says
You’re right, Emiko. SD would be far warmer than Seattle. And how I love the ocean!
senas says
I personally would love to go Anchorage, Alaska but for you, I vote for
Los Cabos, Baja California, Mexico because you want some adventure with local culture. Plus you like food and mexican food is awesome! YUM!
swissmiss says
I also recommend New Orleans – gorgeous plantations, delicious food, and so much history!
Mary Joy Argo says
How about San Francisco?
Beth Whitman says
Hey – now there’s a new one. I will definitely consider this!
Peter S says
I’d suggest Nashville, but with you preferring warmer weather, probably not the best choice. San Antonio might work well – especially on the Riverwalk. However, if you want the food and music and like New Orleans already, that will likely be your best bet. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of the area, but everyone has their own preferences.
Kerry Dexter says
Beth,
how about Taos, New Mexico? flight to Albuquerque, catch bus right at airport. history, museums, great people, good food, and in autumn and winter takes on a special atmosphere not found in summer.
another thought with many of the same qualities, if you’d like to get further away, is Halifax, Nova Scotia. seafaring, history, music…
Beth Whitman says
I heart Taos. But I will be in the area for our September Culinary Tour to Santa Fe. I might have to consider a return trip, however π
Roxy says
I once took a weekend trip to the bahamas. Loved it! Go for it!
Dana says
New Orleans is my vote although I think the flight could be a little long for a 4 day weekend. Love that city. My other choices for you would be Vegas and Chicago but I’ve never been to either city.
Cindy says
I vote for New Orleans. Really can’t top that, IMO.
Diane Winston says
South Louisiana, hands down! Fly in Friday to the New Orleans Airport
and drive to Breaux Bridge. Check into Maison des Amis
(www.maisondesamis.com), a quaint B and B on the National Historic
Register. Have dinner at a local diner and go to Mulate’s for cajun
dancing. Breakfast the next morning at Cafe des Amis
(cafedesamis.com). Eat Oreille de Cochon and a “Don’t Mess with my
Tasso” omelet while listening to live music by Lil’ Pookie and the
Zydeco Sensations.
Short drive over to Fred’s in Mamou – a cultural
wonder! Dancing and people-watching. (Yes, it is early morning)
Heading back to New Orleans, stop at the Butte Larose Visitor’s Center
in the middle of the Atchafalaya Basin. Hook up with father/son team
of Atchafalaya Experiences and do whatever it is you’ve ever wanted to
do in a swamp:photography, birdwatching,fishing, etc. Leave southwest
Louisiana, through Baton Rouge to Covington and Mandeville, on the
north shore of Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans. Drop your gear at
the Covington cottage home of a Wanderlust & Lipstick alumnae. Learn
how to make gumbo from Mandeville artist and bayou native.
(Beth-remember the politician and the artist? She’s the artist).
Invite whatever the evening brings. Next morning we get our bikes and
ride part of the Tammany Trace, a 31-mile biking path connecting the
major towns of St. Tammany Parish. After visiting Fountainebleau
State Park on the Trace, we bike back to Mandeville for a late
breakfast at The Broken Egg. We now take you across the Causeway to
New Orleans. At 24 miles, it is the longest over-water bridge in the
world. We’ll go to the lower ninth ward where the worst of the
devastation of Katrina took place (Fats Domino’s neighborhood). View
the great and generous work of Brad Pitt in rebuilding efforts. (you
might find http://www.lowernine.org interesting)
Then it’s to the French
Quarter for whatever moves you, although Tipitina’s is probably in
order. I can recommend a B&B or boutique hotel or try and sweet talk
a friend who has an apartment in the Quarter they aren’t using that
night. The next morning is breakfast at Brennan’s or walking the
neighborhoods where the fabulous (and authentic!) HBO series “Treme”
takes place. We can do it all in four days if you’re up to it — and
I know you are.
Cathy says
Hawaii always gets my vote. And from the west coast, it’s an easy trip! Thank you for the giveaway!
lala r says
canadian rockies! you will love it and will want to come back there again and again!
Dana Valle says
I have to vote for the suggestion to Sedona, AZ. It’s beautiful, not to far, and there is so much culture. I wish I was there now!! π
[email protected]
Betsy Hoff says
Key West! It is so beautiful!