Very OT: Holiday Destinations

BBK · 09-14-2010, 03:02 AM

Hi all, I'm turning the big 30 soon

and wondering what to do/where to go as my wife and I want to organise it soon. Does anyone have any countries/cities to recommend keeping in mind we went to Dubai/Paris/Italy for our honeymoon.

Probably going to go away for a week somewhere. I would love to go back to Dubai, but thinking it might be better to go somewhere we haven't been to together. I guess the only places we don't want to go to are South America or Africa...

micha3l · 09-14-2010, 03:15 AM

What do you like doing?

If you like an island type holiday, I just got back from Hawaii which was great fun. Enough of the laid back island culture to enjoy the beach etc, but also built up enough to not be locked into a resort, and has great shopping especially with the dollar so good at the moment (ie Calvin Klein jeans for $25...)

Only other place Ive really explored is America, loved Vegas and want to go back asap.

Im not too interested in the usual Europe trip at this stage, next for me will probably be Mexico or the Greek Islands

BigBoss168 · 09-14-2010, 03:31 AM

Somewhere in Asia? Thailand has a great mix of the big city experience (Bangkok) along with the beachy resorts.

QSH17Z · 09-14-2010, 03:53 AM

Richie, if I was you and only going a week I wouldn't be venturing further than Asia. I think the potential jetlag and / or time difference losses would make it unviable to go to Europe or USA etc...As others have said I don't know what type of holiday you're after so I'll just recommend somewhere like Hong Kong / Southern China / Taiwan. All really interesting places in their own right. I've seen all three places in 10 days before but it was rushed and I need to go back to see more sometime. You could do Hong Kong with a day trip into China easily in a week. Got shops, different cultures between both places, Disneyland, beaches (somewhere in Hong Kong I believe?) and what not...

BMW86 · 09-14-2010, 03:54 AM

If you want to do the romantic thing I recommend going to Redang Island if it's just the 2 of you. Great place to go for couples. There's a few islands in Thailand that I can recommend but they are all party unless that's what you're looking for. Koh Phi Phi island is a bit chilled and laid back though.

BBK · 09-14-2010, 04:25 AM

Thanks guys,

As for what we are into? Most things really, except the party/drinking scene as we don't really drink. We have contemplated island paradise (Bora Bora/Maldives) and Japan. My wife is of Vietnamese descent so also thought about that as she can speak the language. She loves shopping....

As QSH17Z mentioned, we probably don't want to go as far as Europe or East America. Thought about Hawaii too! We are going to HongKong/Macau in November for a short trip so that's ticked off the list.

So maybe Thailand, Japan, Hawaii and still considering Dubai. Are there many things to do in Thailand other than beaches/markets? We aren't into backpacking type things or going off the beaten track.

sparoz · 09-14-2010, 04:30 AM

Do you want to see a city, or a place to unwind, or both?

sparoz · 09-14-2010, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBK

Thanks guys,

As for what we are into? Most things really, except the party/drinking scene as we don't really drink. We have comtemplated island paradise (Bora Bora/Maldives) and Japan. My wife is from Veitnamese decent so also thought about that as she can speak the language. She loves shopping....

As QSH17Z mentioned, we probably didn't want to go as far as Europe or East America. Thought about Hawaii too! We are going to HongKong/Macau in November for a short trip so that's ticked off the list.

So maybe Thailand, Japan, Hawaii and still considering Dubai. Are there many things to do in Thailand other than beaches/markets? We aren't into backpacking type things or going off the beaten track.

Lol, looks like you have no idea.

I personally don't like Thailand apart from the food.

Japan would have everything you want. Great food, shopping, scenery and hotsprings, but you would have spent a whole week shopping in toyko/osaka and you won't get to the sceneries in hokaido.

If it was me, I would spend a whole week on Hamilton Island - you save two days traveling but you don't get any shopping.

Taymaishu · 09-14-2010, 04:41 AM

In terms of romance, I'd look at Eastern Europe. I lived in Budapest for 12 months, and it's a beautiful city. Had spent 6 months in Europe in 04 and 05 each before moving in 06.

A few ideas for you:

1. Hungary, Austria, Northern Italy (visit Lake Garda. It's more beautiful than Como and much less commercialised..perfect roads, too

)
2. Copenhagen and Northern Germany
3. South-Central India, around Bangalore - in particular go see the Hampi ruins. Was there in 2007 (then Mumbai in 2008), and it was utterly spectacular.
4. Cape Town & on to Durban via the coast.

BBK · 09-14-2010, 05:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparoz

Lol, looks like you have no idea.

Got that right! That's why I'm asking for ideas...

BBK · 09-14-2010, 05:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taymaishu

In terms of romance, I'd look at Eastern Europe. I lived in Budapest for 12 months, and it's a beautiful city. Had spent 6 months in Europe in 04 and 05 each before moving in 06.

A few ideas for you:

1. Hungary, Austria, Northern Italy (visit Lake Garda. It's more beautiful than Como and much less commercialised..perfect roads, too

)
2. Copenhagen and Northern Germany
3. South-Central India, around Bangalore - in particular go see the Hampi ruins. Was there in 2007 (then Mumbai in 2008), and it was utterly spectacular.
4. Cape Town & on to Durban via the coast.

Errr... I guess you didn't read my post properly?

1. Europe probably a bit too far
2. As above
3. Not interested in India at all, stopped over at an airport on the way to Europe once and don't want to return! Plus I hate the fact that so much of the country lives in poverty while the rest are wealthy.
4. As I mentioned, not interested in Africa...

We'd like to go somewhere safe too.

Taymaishu · 09-14-2010, 05:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBK

Errr... I guess you didn't read my post properly?

1. Europe probably a bit too far
2. As above
3. Not interested in India at all, stopped over at an airport on the way to Europe once and don't want to return! Plus I hate the fact that so much of the country lives in poverty while the rest are wealthy.
4. As I mentioned, not interested in Africa...

We'd like to go somewhere safe too.

Fair call - thought i'd just mention some great places I know of in case you change your mind to consider Europe.

Have you done NZ extensively? Milford Sound is absolutely wonderful.

sparoz · 09-14-2010, 05:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taymaishu

Fair call - thought i'd just mention some great places I know of in case you change your mind to consider Europe.

Have you done NZ extensively? Milford Sound is absolutely wonderful.

NZ is great. We spent a week there on the South Island around October a couple of years ago for our 1st anniversary. The only issue would be connections right now as Christchurch's currently disabled. Stunning scenery, and we managed to buy something in the LV shop at Queenstown lol. Milford Sound as Tay said is a must seen, been there twice now, and it was absolutely stunning. We did a overnight cruise, definitely worth it. the Mt Cook glacier lake is a must too. Lots of great lodges in NZ, unfortunately one of the best in Christchurch's damaged in the quake and won't reopen till November.

BBK · 09-14-2010, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparoz

NZ is great. We spent a week there on the South Island around October a couple of years ago for our 1st anniversary. The only issue would be connections right now as Christchurch's currently disabled. Stunning scenery, and we managed to buy something in the LV shop at Queenstown lol. Milford Sound as Tay said is a must seen, been there twice now, and it was absolutely stunning. We did a overnight cruise, definitely worth it. the Mt Cook glacier lake is a must too. Lots of great lodges in NZ, unfortunately one of the best in Christchurch's damaged in the quake and won't reopen till November.

Yes Tay and Steve, considered NZ too! I have been there a couple times (Milford Sound twice...) and agree about it all! My wife has never been though, and knowing there is an LV store in Queenstown she won't complain

She actually wants to go to Wanaka which is great. We won't be going for a while so the quakes wouldn't affect us.

Hmmm... this isn't making the decision any easier!

MrBlonde · 09-14-2010, 05:28 AM

We love Queenstown, highly recommended

Taymaishu · 09-14-2010, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBK

Yes Tay and Steve, considered NZ too! I have been there a couple times (Milford Sound twice...) and agree about it all! My wife has never been though, and knowing there is an LV store in Queenstown she won't complain

She actually wants to go to Wanaka which is great. We won't be going for a while so the quakes wouldn't affect us.

Hmmm... this isn't making the decision any easier!

There's a great place on Huka River as well - near Lake Taupo and Huka Falls. It's a hub of activity and a lovely area as well.

http://www.hukalodge.co.nz/

BMW86 · 09-14-2010, 05:43 AM

Also Langkawi is great for couples. Thailand is more party unless you know exactly where to go. Trust me, google search Redang Island for images. Nice and cheap too

BMW86 · 09-14-2010, 05:48 AM

I'd also throw Vegas in there... Probably one of my favorite places in the world. Maybe you could also look at doing a couple weeks on the slopes in NZ or Canada when it's in season?

alik01 · 09-14-2010, 05:50 AM

If you want to chill, go to the Seychelles. Possibly best beaches on the planet.

sparoz · 09-14-2010, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBK

Yes Tay and Steve, considered NZ too! I have been there a couple times (Milford Sound twice...) and agree about it all! My wife has never been though, and knowing there is an LV store in Queenstown she won't complain

She actually wants to go to Wanaka which is great. We won't be going for a while so the quakes wouldn't affect us.

Hmmm... this isn't making the decision any easier!

Mind you connections to NZ from brisbane is insane, so you still lose two days like going anywhere else pretty much especially to Queenstown.

zenderm3 · 09-14-2010, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBK

Errr... I guess you didn't read my post properly?

1. Europe probably a bit too far
2. As above
3. Not interested in India at all, stopped over at an airport on the way to Europe once and don't want to return! Plus I hate the fact that so much of the country lives in poverty while the rest are wealthy.
4. As I mentioned, not interested in Africa...

We'd like to go somewhere safe too.

Rich,

I'm not a big fan of Dubai - unless you want to see lots of brand named shops, otherwise resorts etc aren't any better than the pacific islands and places like Hawaii.

As to your comments about India - I'm thinking you're being a little narrow minded about India as a country. As my parents are ex-pats, and I've been there several times... I get where you're coming from, but there is a lot more to see and do than you realise.... I will conclude my point by saying, its your life - and there are a lot more Indians then there are Australians (and soon to be anybody else).

Muahahhahhaa

Zuzu · 09-14-2010, 07:06 AM

Mate, I turn 50

in October and my wife and I are spending 6 days at Denarau Island Fiji at the Sofitel Resort and Spa..

Its only a 4 hour flight max, so virtually no jet lag..Just relax in the sun and eat and drink.

...We have booked Island cruises and Jet ski day trips..

Vegas is awesome as I have just returned 3 months back, but its 14 hours to LA then a connecting flight Vegas..

09-14-2010, 03:02 AM	#1
BBK Banned 89 Rep 3,070 Posts Drives: A boring one... Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 135i [5.76]	Very OT: Holiday Destinations Hi all, I'm turning the big 30 soon and wondering what to do/where to go as my wife and I want to organise it soon. Does anyone have any countries/cities to recommend keeping in mind we went to Dubai/Paris/Italy for our honeymoon. Probably going to go away for a week somewhere. I would love to go back to Dubai, but thinking it might be better to go somewhere we haven't been to together. I guess the only places we don't want to go to are South America or Africa... Last edited by BBK; 09-14-2010 at 07:16 AM..
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09-14-2010, 03:15 AM	#2
micha3l Lieutenant 26 Rep 513 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW M3 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia iTrader: (0)	What do you like doing? If you like an island type holiday, I just got back from Hawaii which was great fun. Enough of the laid back island culture to enjoy the beach etc, but also built up enough to not be locked into a resort, and has great shopping especially with the dollar so good at the moment (ie Calvin Klein jeans for $25...) Only other place Ive really explored is America, loved Vegas and want to go back asap. Im not too interested in the usual Europe trip at this stage, next for me will probably be Mexico or the Greek Islands
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09-14-2010, 03:31 AM	#3
BigBoss168 Private First Class 15 Rep 193 Posts Drives: 135i coupe manual Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Sydney iTrader: (0)	Somewhere in Asia? Thailand has a great mix of the big city experience (Bangkok) along with the beachy resorts.
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09-14-2010, 03:53 AM	#4
QSH17Z Private First Class 9 Rep 157 Posts Drives: F06 640d Gran Coupe Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane iTrader: (0)	Richie, if I was you and only going a week I wouldn't be venturing further than Asia. I think the potential jetlag and / or time difference losses would make it unviable to go to Europe or USA etc...As others have said I don't know what type of holiday you're after so I'll just recommend somewhere like Hong Kong / Southern China / Taiwan. All really interesting places in their own right. I've seen all three places in 10 days before but it was rushed and I need to go back to see more sometime. You could do Hong Kong with a day trip into China easily in a week. Got shops, different cultures between both places, Disneyland, beaches (somewhere in Hong Kong I believe?) and what not... __________________ Imola Red II / M Sport / Alcantara / Gloss Black Grilles
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09-14-2010, 03:54 AM	#5
BMW86 Major General 398 Rep 9,156 Posts Drives: RS3 Sedan / Macan S Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	If you want to do the romantic thing I recommend going to Redang Island if it's just the 2 of you. Great place to go for couples. There's a few islands in Thailand that I can recommend but they are all party unless that's what you're looking for. Koh Phi Phi island is a bit chilled and laid back though.
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09-14-2010, 04:25 AM	#6
BBK Banned 89 Rep 3,070 Posts Drives: A boring one... Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 135i [5.76]	Thanks guys, As for what we are into? Most things really, except the party/drinking scene as we don't really drink. We have contemplated island paradise (Bora Bora/Maldives) and Japan. My wife is of Vietnamese descent so also thought about that as she can speak the language. She loves shopping.... As QSH17Z mentioned, we probably don't want to go as far as Europe or East America. Thought about Hawaii too! We are going to HongKong/Macau in November for a short trip so that's ticked off the list. So maybe Thailand, Japan, Hawaii and still considering Dubai. Are there many things to do in Thailand other than beaches/markets? We aren't into backpacking type things or going off the beaten track. Last edited by BBK; 09-14-2010 at 07:19 AM..
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09-14-2010, 04:30 AM	#7
sparoz Brigadier General 191 Rep 4,848 Posts Drives: VO 1///M; Macan Turbo Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Sunshine Coast iTrader: (0)	Do you want to see a city, or a place to unwind, or both? __________________ Macan S Diesel - Carrera White Macan Turbo - White 1///M - Valencia Orange
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09-14-2010, 04:41 AM	#9
Taymaishu Banned 145 Rep 3,016 Posts Drives: I love massive black cocks Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: in my ass and around my mouth iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 125i [5.50]	In terms of romance, I'd look at Eastern Europe. I lived in Budapest for 12 months, and it's a beautiful city. Had spent 6 months in Europe in 04 and 05 each before moving in 06. A few ideas for you: 1. Hungary, Austria, Northern Italy (visit Lake Garda. It's more beautiful than Como and much less commercialised..perfect roads, too ) 2. Copenhagen and Northern Germany 3. South-Central India, around Bangalore - in particular go see the Hampi ruins. Was there in 2007 (then Mumbai in 2008), and it was utterly spectacular. 4. Cape Town & on to Durban via the coast.
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09-14-2010, 05:28 AM	#15
MrBlonde Colonel 122 Rep 2,695 Posts Drives: Audi TTRS, M Coupe, 1299 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Merewether iTrader: (0)	We love Queenstown, highly recommended __________________ .-=[ Kenny ]=-. 1999 BMW M Coupe 10.775 @ 134.35 mph w/1.600 60' (Best 136.07 mph) 25th August 2004. +2010 X5 35D+ Check out the 1Addicts Drag Racing Standings and Drag Racing 101.
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09-14-2010, 05:43 AM	#17
BMW86 Major General 398 Rep 9,156 Posts Drives: RS3 Sedan / Macan S Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	Also Langkawi is great for couples. Thailand is more party unless you know exactly where to go. Trust me, google search Redang Island for images. Nice and cheap too
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09-14-2010, 05:48 AM	#18
BMW86 Major General 398 Rep 9,156 Posts Drives: RS3 Sedan / Macan S Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	I'd also throw Vegas in there... Probably one of my favorite places in the world. Maybe you could also look at doing a couple weeks on the slopes in NZ or Canada when it's in season?
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09-14-2010, 05:50 AM	#19
alik01 Lieutenant Colonel 51 Rep 1,792 Posts Drives: Slowly & Responsibly Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Darwin, Australia iTrader: (0)	If you want to chill, go to the Seychelles. Possibly best beaches on the planet.
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09-14-2010, 07:06 AM	#22
Zuzu Major General 2816 Rep 7,637 Posts Drives: M2C HS 6MT Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sydney Australia iTrader: (0)	Mate, I turn 50 in October and my wife and I are spending 6 days at Denarau Island Fiji at the Sofitel Resort and Spa.. Its only a 4 hour flight max, so virtually no jet lag..Just relax in the sun and eat and drink....We have booked Island cruises and Jet ski day trips.. Vegas is awesome as I have just returned 3 months back, but its 14 hours to LA then a connecting flight Vegas..
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