Adventures!

[D20]

Here's the deal...

I'm 22 years old, and hopefully I will be out of college and teaching somewhere within the next year and a half. Alternatively, I might find myself in graduate school. Regardless, I will probably have summers relatively free as long as I am teaching or working in academia. Basically, I have the goal to go at least one "adventure" every summer for the next handful of years. I realize that money and family will inevitably complicate these plans, but, assuming that I remain unmarried and am financially stable, what kind of "adventures" could/should I go on?

This thread is not just about me though. I want to hear your stories! I want to know what trips and expeditions you have been on. I want to know what I cannot miss, and what I have to avoid. Essentially, I want this thread to be a place where we can share information, pictures (yes, I know there is already a picture thread), and experiences. Feel free to post anything and everything on the topics of traveling, exploring, site-seeing, backpacking, climbing, rafting... you get the idea.

Here are some of the plans that I have been tossing around in my head...

Road trip across the US - I am no stranger to long drives. Playing competitive Melee has forced me to drive long hours, at all times of the day, and in terrible conditions. I am not too concerned about my stamina, but the scale of this trip would be epic. What do I see? How long would it take? Do I keep to a very specific timetable? Do I make it up as I go along? If anyone has attempted a cross country, or a partial cross country road trip, I would love to hear how you handled it. In addition, I would like to hear your thoughts on what the "must see" locations are.

Hike the Appalachian Trail - I have to admit, I would be completely out of my element if I attempted this now. I obviously would have to start smaller... this would be more like an ultimate goal. I also realize that hiking the entirety of the 2,000+ mile trail is too absurd for me to even think about at this point, but I would certainly love to tackle a portion of it. Again, have any of you tired it? What went right? What were you unprepared for? Was it enjoyable?

Anyhow, I have typed enough for now. It is your turn to say something.

~D20

 

[AprilShaw]

Admittedly, I have never gone on any "epic" trips (or trips at all for that matter, outside of melee & visiting family in Tennessee lol). But I will let you know one thing I wanna make sure I do before I die... I wanna see the auroras, in both hemispheres

 

[Sizzle]

Europe is a great place to adventure. I was lucky enough to go there with a bunch of good friends my senior year in HS, and it was amazing. Seeing all the history there, as well as experiencing new language, culture, food, etc. was really awesome. We went through mainly Italy and Greece, and just soaked up all of the sites that we could. I agree with you in the sense that this is the "prime" of your life, and you won't have many more opportunities like this before you might settle down with a career and/or family. For me, the most surreal part of the trip was sitting in the Coliseum in Rome, and just marveling at the spectacle, since I had always wanted to travel there ever since I learned about the Roman Empire and all of the history that the city has. It was truly amazing.

 

[Nø Ca$h]

i wanna go traveling

 

[Todd Bonney]

I saw a TV Show a few months ago called "Extreme Pig Outs." I immediately wanted to visit each one.

That's what I would do.

http://www.travelchannel.com/Places_Trips/Travel_Ideas/Food_And_Drink/Food/Extreme_Pig_Outs

 

[Mr.Freeman]

inb4 going to the Zone of Alienation.

For those of you wondering: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zone_of_alienation

It was the site of one of the biggest nuclear accidents in history, and has long since abandoned. Despite what most people think, there aren't any giant mutated monstrosities lurking around.

And I've always wanted to go there since I heard about it.

 

[BBQTV]

you wanna do teaching?................. good luck with that (you'll need it) ps. you'll REALLY need it

 

[Moon of the Strawberries]

I agree with what Sizzle said, Europe is a fantastic place. I was lucky to go to Greece, Italy and France this summer for three weeks for this program I signed up for. If you want to go somewhere amazing, go to Europe.

Personally, I'd say you should do some of the following. In Greece you should really visit the Pantheon and Parthenon, they're both goregeous and it's amazing to see them still standing today. If you can make the long drive, I suggest you go see the Ampitheater as well. Also, Greece has some amazing beaches.

Italy is just amazing. The first thing I suggest you do is eat some pasta. I've even been to truck stop/fast food kind of places and the pasta there is better than anything i've ever tasted in my life. But of course, you should definetly go around Rome, that's where you'll find the most things to do and see. Rome has practically everything, the Colliseum, the Spanish Steps, the trevi Fountain and St Peter's square. But even if you don't go see anything in particular, just walking through the streets is a treat. Another place you should visit are both Venic and Florence. They just have the most beautiful views there.

I'd say the best thing you can do in Paris is to visit the Eifle Tower. I knew it was huge, but when I actually visited it was mindblowing. One of the best memories I have, and it's really cool to look over the side and watch the little people down below. Of course, if you're into art I highly recommend the Lourve. The paintings and other artwork there are outstanding, and I can't believe after so many years they still keep that quality.

But even if you can't see certain things, just walking there, walking around all the countries just makes you feel good. The air is so much better there too, and it's one of those moments you're lucky to be alive.

I wish you well with all this, dude. Hope you go to some awesome places.

 

[Shök]

i wanna go traveling

 

[BBQTV]

 

[Shök]

 

[ranmaru]

Well, instead of a trip for smash (which should be an option) you could do a trip for knowledge, or for love. I'd do it for knowledge if smash wasn't an option. For smash, base it upon national/regional/local tournaments happening. Then plan a schedule you can make. Too many mlg tournies for a trip like that though lol.

But yeah, I'd do a trip for knowledge because you can learn so much, and there is still so much left to learn for anyone. Our brains will never stop learning.

 

[Mr.Freeman]

If I could (and I would) I'd want to explore glacial caves.

Too bad they don't last long, what with global warming and cow farts. Plus I live in south Florida, so no snow for me.

 

[Colonel Cuddles]

I want to personally meet Justin Bieber so I can give him a nipple twister (With luv )