I grew up doing lots of travel. However, truth be told, I have only ever done one dedicated roller coaster trip in my entire life.
Majority of my travel focuses on various cities and historic destinations - emphasis on gorgeous natural wonders and National Parks. Itinerary is usually lots of outdoor activities (hiking, canoing, city strolls, etc.). For cruises, I really approach them as a means of covering more territory than possible with other transport. My favorite trips have been:
- A Norwegian Cruise beginning in Dover, darting along the coast clear up to the North Cape
- Utah National Parks Trip, beginning in Las Vegas and driving up to Arches, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Park
- Mediterranean Cruise beginning in Rome, with extensive land visits to Turkey, Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt (gratefully right before the 2011 Morsi election, so the country was in relative peace).
- Lots of Family visits to Southern California featuring Yosemite, San Francisco, LA, and San Diego.
- Lots of Family visits throughout New England, focusing on New Jersey, NYC, Connecticut, and New Hampshire. Yay Revolutionary War history!
- Trip to Glacier National Park and neighboring Waterton Lakes National Park.
- Trip to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Park.
My general philosophy on roller coasters continues to be that they are fun, but there are better reasons for travel. If I am able to pick up a park or two on the way, great. However, will I travel to a far off destination specifically for a roller coaster or amusement park? Rarely.
For instance, my fiance and I are planning to honeymoon in the Adirondacks in upstate New York. She may be coaxed for a quick ride on Ravine Flyer II at Waldameer, but we will be driving right past Darien Lake to give us more time (and budget) for activities later in the week.