"I would have to say that going on a cruise was the best vacation that I had. I went on the cruise with my mother, sister and cousin. We had a great time and we really enjoyed being able to sleep in, take naps in the sun and be carefree! I went soon after I graduated from college and I wasn't really sure about what I was going to be doing with my life. So it was a great way to take my mind of my impending adulthood. It lasted five short days and I can not wait to go another cruise."

— LaTasha Jones, 23, Greenville

"One of my favorite places for a vacation is San Diego, Calif. My friend, Gail Joyner, her mother-in-law, my daughter, Taryn, and I went for eight days. We had no agenda and knew nothing about San Diego ... and we had a ball! One of the neatest things we did was to book one of the Wild Animal Park tours where you actually go out in the truck to feed all of the animals. It cost more than the regular tour of the park, but is WELL WORTH the extra bucks. The animals all come up to the truck and eat out of your hands."

— Jeri Jackson, 63, Greenville

"My best vacation was in Vancouver, British Columbia. It is a beautiful city, the weather was perfect and the food was exceptional. Most of all Vancouver is very culturally diverse. To be such a large city, people were really nice."

"My all-time favorite vacation spot is Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. My husband and I stayed in the Bob Timberlake Inn for our third anniversary. Ahhh ... crackling fires, wine tastings, excellent service and great food. I would highly recommend Chetola to anyone looking to get away from their busy lives."

— Diana Hall, 32, Winterville

"My favorite destination is Key West, Fla. My husband, Jon, and I went for 10 days in June 2003 for our honeymoon and LOVED it. We biked, hit the beaches, visited Dry Tortugas, took a trolly ride, and, of course, ate tons of great food. We had a blast checking out Duval Street. We ventured out on a sunset cruise, hit the aquarium, and even kayaked through the mangroves. It was so neat to watch our first Key West sunset ... everyone applauded when it was over (we were two of hundreds of people watching the sunset from some piers) as if the sun was performing just for us! The Sunset Festival that occurs on the waterfront every evening was great with all kinds of vendors and performers. There were magicians, artists, and even a guy who trained his cats to perform! We sipped drinks in the pool and even had poolside massages. It was really great and an absolute blast. I can't wait to go there again ... maybe on our 10 year anniversary."

— Andrea Croley, 30, Winterville

"The best vacation I've had in a long time was last summer when my sister and I hit the Big Apple and spent a few days in New York City. There is so much to do and see and a great way for two sisters who hardly see each other to spend some time together. We went to the Broadway play 'Rent,' shopped until we dropped, went on a movie/TV tour of the city — we actually got to see Adam Sandler filming one of his latest flicks, and hung out with the rest of the nation on the 'Today' show. The food was awesome, Central Park is beautiful and Time Square was wild. Travel to the top of the Empire State Building and feel like you are on top of the world. The best part of it all though, was spending the quality time with my sister. She and I are making plans to go again very soon."

— Crystal Hildenbrand, 35, Greenville

"One of my favorite spots is Bermuda. The turquoise water was clear — perfect for snorkeling. You can find private coves all along the shore. From the main road, we just walked down to the beach. We felt like we had our own private island, secluded from the big crowds you see at the main beach area. It was weird. We only saw about five families the entire time and really did feel like we were in a secluded world.

"Bermuda is known for its pink sand that you can't find anywhere else in the world. The texture and density of the sand was like nothing I had seen before. When you walked along the beach, your feet would sink up to your ankles in the unusual airy cushion of sand. If you like to get away from it all and just enjoy time together in a beautiful setting, you need to plan a trip to Bermuda. We will definitely visit again."

— Kiki Siebels, 39, Greenville

"My favorite vacation escape is to the beaches of St. Maarten. The serene, blue water combined with the shore's white sand set the tone for an ambiance filled with tranquility. The natives of this quaint island also help to create a welcoming experience."

— Angel Parker, 28, Greenville

"One of my favorite places that I've been on vacation was a visit to Carolina Beach with my girlfriends. It was absolutely refreshing and wonderful. Carolina Beach is on the Atlantic coast of southeastern North Carolina. The hotel that we stayed in was right on the beach that had all oceanfront views. All that we had to do was simply pull back our curtains and view the beautiful ocean water. The most fun came when the girls and I rented the four-seater bike. It was so much fun peddling up and down the beach. We laughed like a bunch of teenagers. There were restaurants, shopping malls, and you name it, all right at our fingertips. It was so enjoyable that I have been anxiously awaiting the opportunity to return."

— Vickie Joyner, 46, Greenville