Where to go? What to do? Questions I need to answer so we can take a vacation. AM isn't really in the mood for planning one right now (it stresses her out), so it looks like it is up to me. I'm having a hard time deciding between several places, all of which are interesting, and most of which would be a very rare trip for us. A lot of the places are international, which isn't a problem as we got our passports last year so that we could take a (relatively) spontaneous trip overseas if we wanted to.
Japan: This one is my favorite, but it also requires the most planning. If we are going to go there, I want to spend at least 2 weeks there, possibly 3 (1 in Tokyo/Edo, 1 in Kyoto, and 1 just roaming all over). It would also be the most expensive, but I'm not overly concerned about that. I just don't know if we could pull it off well by August. Also, I have been told that we should try to go in March or April so the cherry trees will be in bloom.
Denali: This is another big one (2 weeks?), and is rather high on the list. We have a better chance of pulling this one off, plus it would be the right time of year (highs in the 70s and such, as opposed to subfreezing temperatures). This would also give me some good wildlife shots, and probably my best chance for photographing bears. The main drawback for this one is I have the least personal resources for it (I don't know anyone that has been there).
Yellowstone: I'd really like to do this one, but the best time for it is September / October. That is when I would have the best chance for pictures of bears, wolves, and elk. There would also be a lot of good hiking there, so I think we would both really enjoy it.
Australia / New Zealand: AM's best friend Debbie went there for a late honeymoon, and it looks really cool. I think we would both really enjoy it, but because of the distance involved we would probably want to spend at least 2 weeks there, possibly 3 (just like Japan). I would be a little less expensive than Japan, and we would at least have some ideas of what we should do there, but it also isn't quite as interesting because of that. Also, it wouldn't feel quite as alien as Japan would, so that would take some of the adventure out of it.
Ireland / Scotland: Debbie has been to Scotland, and Mark has been to Ireland. They both did castle tours, which looked like a lot of fun. We could probably do this one with a little over a week and really enjoy it. I'm not sure how easy it would be to plan a trip for the next few months, but I think I could pull it off.
France: I can't say that I like the country that much (I have a real problem with a country that goes on strike at the drop of a hat when they already have 15% unemployment), but seeing the Louvre would be very cool.
Germany: Gothic architecture and the food are a major draw for this one. I would love the sausage, schnitzel, and roasted potatoes, while AM would get to try some (supposedly) really good beer. Plus, I'd get to drive on the Autobahn. The only real drawback to this one is 20 pounds we would probably gain while there.