Where to go...Denver or Philly Or ???

I don't know what the weather will be like in either place but Denver appeals to me more than Philly.

I'd want to take a cruise to Alaska and let the boys fish!!!

If you come to DC in May? It's a great time here!! Weather is JUST starting to warm up and the humidity is (hopefully) low. DC can take all 8 days...no kidding. Walking the National Mall and going into the museums.

I've not traveled by train in a LONG time so I don't know. I would assume that if you get a sleeper car (if you only have 8 days - the train is what 40 hours?) Why not take a plane and get here in one day??

Philly is a beautiful city in May as well. It's a 3 hour drive from DC to Philly (depending upon traffic and who is driving!) not only is the liberty bell there - but there is also Independence Hall and the "Rocky" steps. This can all be done in one long day - we did the Duck Tour last time we were there in 2015. It was so much fun!

Colorado is beautiful too. So much to see there too!!

I'd choose to go to Alaska!! but that's me! And then Denver but that's because my bestie is there. I already live in DC - so yeah - I could do some travel here. There is a river route I want to take and that's in PA too...ooh yeah - Gettysburg and Hershey park!!

So much to do!! I hope you figure out what you want. If you come to DC? Let me know - I have extra Metrorail passes and maps.

I don't think I'd be much help you.

I'd fly to where I want to be and take a friend with me.

If I'm going to be alone? I would just take the time to be me. Get spoiled with massages, manicures, pedicures, etc.

I like all the choices you have listed. Each city has something great to offer. I love Alaska too!!

HOW exciting!

I have a friend who lives near Denver, and one that used to live in Denver. It's all about the great outdoors, good food, etc. and that kind of experience - but that's them too. My friends are very into hiking and yoga and retreats and that sort of thing (what drew them there) and so they absolutely love the scenery and that whole vibe. The photos they post .. incredible. I would love to go. The food, shops, etc. and things to do as well look really fun. I don't know what else there is to see and do, because they live there ... so they don't do the tourist stuff so much but it's just so darn beautiful ...

I managed trains and getting around cities, etc. when I was a teen if that helps. I was sent overseas to visit relatives and did it in Europe. So it's manageable. I was too young to think about it - now I'm like you, I would find it daunting. I look back and think what was my mother thinking, but in the day, they didn't as much as they would now.

Then you kept luggage near you. We traveled a bit by train in the last few years and kept it near us. There's spots nearby so you keep an eye on it. It's very do-able. Once you figure it out - piece of cake.

I have traveled a bit for medical appointments, but never to sight sight - but looking forward to being able to some day. I think this is such a fabulous opportunity for you!!!!

My husband would LOVE a fishing trip to Alaska! how wonderful. ENJOY and keep us posted!!!!

yay for your wildly exciting just you vacation!

i will be of no help, because with this wide open choice ahead of me, a city is the very very last place i'd go. i'd be in a cabin on top of a mountain or a little adobe house in the middle of a desert or a cottage in the middle of a forest or a cabana on a beach, far away from other humans.

i hope you have an absolute blast!

:) khairete
S.

Didn't your family come to Boston a few years back? I seem to recall that you enjoy the historical sights. Philly in May is beautiful. There are many historic places (not just the bell) related to the Revolution. There's Independence Hall, the Franklin Institute and more.

The Art Museum is spectacular - think "Rccky" running up the steps. South Philly has some fun areas - cultural district, South St., Italian Market, redone waterfront. There are some amazing mosaics too.

Stopping in DC is a great option too. I recommend Newseum (museum of journalism), the Holocause Museum, Air & Space Museum, and other parts of the Smithsonian depending on your interests. The SW Waterfront area has been renovated and there are tons of shops and free outdoor music festivals and so on. Contact your member of Congress - sometimes you can get an insider's tour, as friends of ours did.

Re the train: call Amtrak or talk to your AAA travel agent if you are a member. My mother went cross country via Amtrak, alone and in her 80s. She did fine including a couple of changes. It's a long trip so you may want a small compartment - that's what she did, and we did it with our son, twice from VA to FL on the Auto Train. The service was amazing, from making up your bed to checking up on you. We even had a tiny shower in ours, and my mother had a shower just a few feet away. I know you can sit up in a seat in the observation car, but seriously, you'll be so tired, you'll lose a day at your destination just catching up on sleep. With a suitcase on wheels, you should be fine.

Taking the train is easy once you take the first trip and feel less stress. Years ago I took the train from Portland, Oregon to Philadelphia. I was a chaperone for high schoolers. I've taken the train from Portland to Seattle a couple of times; from Portland to Eugene. I've taken friends to the railway station.

The schedules are confusing. You can ask for help to figure out lines and times from the train office. I think you can make reservations on line
But again, ask for help. Computers should make this easier now. You may be able to print a ticket or tickets. I love riding on the train.

We also visited historical sites in Philadelphia, saw a couple of battle sites from war of the Revolutionary War. The Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross home. Philadelphia also has many historical sites. I enjoyed Philodelphia. I remember more about DC because I lived there and because it had been several years earlier that I had visited. I would visit either place. Both are important parts of American history.

I lived in Bethesda, outside of D.C. for several months. I love history. Spent several days in the National Mall where the Smithonian is located as well as other historic sites. I made visits to the Capitol, watched Congress in session, visited my congressman's office and the Supreme Court building. I hiked in Rock Creek Park, visited a couple of gardens. I visited so many places that I can no longer remembered. Google Washinton DC tourism to see pages of places to visit. There are tour buses available.

I loved New York. However, it is a large very busy city. I mostly explored major tourist sites because ways to get there are published. The Statue of Liberty is impressive. I enjoyed walking up and down streets even when they were bustling busy. One visit I walked to see cruise ships. There is much to see.

I stayed with a friend just outside Denver. It's quieter and easy to get around if you have a car. I enjoyed a more relaxed time.

I would get help from a travel agency. I used AAA because I have a membership. I would make a list of what you want to see/do to help decide which city in which you'll spend more time.

Train travel is easy when you ask for help.

I think I would be with Suz T. !! but if she won't take me along I think I like your idea of seeing Washington D.C. I have never been there in my entire life. Then again my son lived in Colorado for a couple of years and it is really beautiful, too. OH gosh what to do what to do? When you decide let us all know...Have a great time!

Since it seems your guys like outdoors stuff, why not save the Colorado trip for a time when you can go with them and do the East Coast city trip on your own? Just a thought... There's plenty to do in Philly, as Diane B's answer showed, and if you do a side trip to another city, you'll find you need to be selective about your activities.

Taking the train between those major cities on the Eastern Seaboard is really easy. I've taken it from Boston to NYC often, and I'm sure that the trip from Philly to either NY or DC will be very easy. You will need to get the information online, but it's pretty doable. Do check how long the trip takes--Boston to NYC takes 5 hours, so you might find that you should count on two days of travel (bring books to read or writing to do or enjoy the view out the window). Enjoy your adventure!