Singing Loudly

I've been considering what I should do for my trip this summer. Everyone has their opinions of what the best trip should be which is fine and all, but I don't want to go on a cruise or to any islands.

Let me set the record straight: I think that cruises tend to be a bunch of shifty Americans who are too lazy to go out and see the world on their own. In my opinion, it is the lazy-man's vacation. If I want to see the Panama Canal, then I will go to Panama and explore the country. If I want to go through the Greek Isles, then I will take the time to see the beautiful Greek countryside with a trusty backpack. I know there are people swear by cruises as an effiecient, enjoyable, and relaxing way to see the world. It just isn't for me.

Second, going to these islands or beach-front Spring Break locales does not interest me for a couple reasons. If I am going to travel outside the country, I want to avoid American frat/sorority/rich kids. I'd rather meet people in hostels who are different from the people who woke me up at 4am because they were wondering if I had some beer they could drink. Also, I'm a freckled redhead who will burn in seconds, and blister in minutes. I have absolutely no business or desire to be laying out on a beach drinking cheap liquor.

What I'm considering is either going through Eastern Europe with a backpack, going to some of the national parks here in America, or, something we can all get behind, going to Vegas. I fear that Vegas will wind up in a confrontation with the same Greek Frat/Sorority kids and cheap liquor as I would have in Cancun, but I would at least be able to sleep in a room decorated like a cheap French motel.