emma
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Post by emma on Jun 13, 2018 15:38:14 GMT -6
And yes, I'm a California wimp, but I can do colder than that if I need to, lol. If you don't mind a bit colder, have you considered a cruise from London to either the Fjords or the Baltic cities? You get to do activities like dog sledding to the northern lights and explore totally different cities
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thatgolfb
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Post by thatgolfb on Jun 13, 2018 15:52:24 GMT -6
GDI, thatgolfb. Now you have me looking at flights to SA 😂 Care to join me in 2022? 😂
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thatgolfb
Unicorn
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Post by thatgolfb on Jun 13, 2018 15:53:20 GMT -6
And yes, I'm a California wimp, but I can do colder than that if I need to, lol. If you don't mind a bit colder, have you considered a cruise from London to either the Fjords or the Baltic cities? You get to do activities like dog sledding to the northern lights and explore totally different cities This sounds awesome! I will look into it.
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thatgolfb
Unicorn
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Post by thatgolfb on Jun 13, 2018 15:54:16 GMT -6
For a trip of a lifetime, I highly recommend the Maldives. I was trying to think of the name of this earlier and couldn't. I dont know much about the Maldives but I have heard great things.
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Post by bunnyfungo on Jun 13, 2018 15:58:08 GMT -6
GDI, thatgolfb. Now you have me looking at flights to SA 😂 Care to join me in 2022? 😂 I’m sure YH will enjoy spending his anniversary vacation with your internet friend.
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soup
Platinum
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Post by soup on Jun 13, 2018 16:13:06 GMT -6
For a trip of a lifetime, I highly recommend the Maldives. I was trying to think of the name of this earlier and couldn't. I dont know much about the Maldives but I have heard great things. It was truly extraordinary. FWIW, we went to the Maldives in 2016 and to Bora Bora and Moorea in 2015. I had a wonderful time in Bora Bora and Moorea, but Maldives just blew me away. I haven't been to South Africa, but it sounds like the perfect combination of relaxation and fine dining and adventure. I went to Kenya and Tanzania in 2001, so it's not the same, but going on a safari is an incredible thing. Another fave destination of mine is the Galapagos Islands. We went once on a budget and a second time when we had more money. Such an epic experience that we repeated it. I really think you can't go wrong with any of the suggestions in this thread. But, seriously, Maldives. It was a dream come true.
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Post by SweetPotato on Jun 13, 2018 16:41:23 GMT -6
I was trying to think of the name of this earlier and couldn't. I dont know much about the Maldives but I have heard great things. It was truly extraordinary. FWIW, we went to the Maldives in 2016 and to Bora Bora and Moorea in 2015. I had a wonderful time in Bora Bora and Moorea, but Maldives just blew me away. I haven't been to South Africa, but it sounds like the perfect combination of relaxation and fine dining and adventure. I went to Kenya and Tanzania in 2001, so it's not the same, but going on a safari is an incredible thing. Another fave destination of mine is the Galapagos Islands. We went once on a budget and a second time when we had more money. Such an epic experience that we repeated it. I really think you can't go wrong with any of the suggestions in this thread. But, seriously, Maldives. It was a dream come true. OMG I tried SO hard to get my H to agree to Galapagos or Easter Island for our honeymoon!
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Post by imapenguin on Jun 13, 2018 16:46:16 GMT -6
Also, what is the best month to go, weather wise? I don't really know the climate there. We went in May which was lovely weather wise, but some friends of ours went in October and saw lots of babies on their safari. Also, regarding excursions, we booked them all once we got there with our hotel concierge. Several people had told us it would be cheaper to do once we were in the country and we found that to be true.
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Post by imapenguin on Jun 13, 2018 16:47:10 GMT -6
We are planning to take our DS to South Africa as soon as he is able to handle the trip there. So...many years from now lol. I vote for that so I can live vicariously through you. Thanks in advance I've promised my oldest that the next time I go back, I will bring him and his brother. It will be... Many years. We also want to take our kids, but not until everyone is at least 12.
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soup
Platinum
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Post by soup on Jun 13, 2018 17:17:14 GMT -6
It was truly extraordinary. FWIW, we went to the Maldives in 2016 and to Bora Bora and Moorea in 2015. I had a wonderful time in Bora Bora and Moorea, but Maldives just blew me away. I haven't been to South Africa, but it sounds like the perfect combination of relaxation and fine dining and adventure. I went to Kenya and Tanzania in 2001, so it's not the same, but going on a safari is an incredible thing. Another fave destination of mine is the Galapagos Islands. We went once on a budget and a second time when we had more money. Such an epic experience that we repeated it. I really think you can't go wrong with any of the suggestions in this thread. But, seriously, Maldives. It was a dream come true. OMG I tried SO hard to get my H to agree to Galapagos or Easter Island for our honeymoon! Keep lobbying for the Galapagos trip! It's amazing! After we went to Bora Bora, we actually made a detour to Easter Island before coming home, which was pretty cool...but there's not much to do beyond looking at the moai. That being said, still worth it. LOL.
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lizblue
Sapphire
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Post by lizblue on Jun 13, 2018 17:28:08 GMT -6
We went to Bequia (tiny island in the Grenadines)on our Honeymoon and it was magical! I felt like I lived there after a week.
If you like cruises, you should go on the Queen Mary II once in your lifetime. My mom sprung for a fancy trip and it was glorious. And I am not a cruise person.
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thatgolfb
Unicorn
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Post by thatgolfb on Jun 13, 2018 18:25:32 GMT -6
Also, what is the best month to go, weather wise? I don't really know the climate there. We went in May which was lovely weather wise, but some friends of ours went in October and saw lots of babies on their safari. Also, regarding excursions, we booked them all once we got there with our hotel concierge. Several people had told us it would be cheaper to do once we were in the country and we found that to be true. This is a great tip, I hope I can keep my type A in check and not try to plan everything in advance. 😂
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byjove
Ruby
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Post by byjove on Jun 13, 2018 18:43:06 GMT -6
DH and I have already started saving for a trip like this (we were thinking for our 10 year, which is also in 4 years). We haven’t pinned anything down, but we’d both like to spend more time in Europe so we are considering one of the fancy Viking River cruises. I also want to take a ride on the Orient Express, but that is $$$.
Also, have you thought about a fancy cycling trip? We have a family friend that goes all over the world (Thailand, Nepal, Europe) doing cycling trips every year. Not sure if your H would be into that.
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Bluebird
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Post by Bluebird on Jun 13, 2018 19:03:48 GMT -6
Now I feel like I need to add South Africa to my vacation list!
My someday vacation will be a big trip to Argentina. I want to spend part of it in Buenos Aires, and part in the Mendoza wine country.
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thatgolfb
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Post by thatgolfb on Jun 13, 2018 19:04:26 GMT -6
DH and I have already started saving for a trip like this (we were thinking for our 10 year, which is also in 4 years). We haven’t pinned anything down, but we’d both like to spend more time in Europe so we are considering one of the fancy Viking River cruises. I also want to take a ride on the Orient Express, but that is $$$. Also, have you thought about a fancy cycling trip? We have a family friend that goes all over the world (Thailand, Nepal, Europe) doing cycling trips every year. Not sure if your H would be into that. I haven't but it sounds interesting. H and I did a cycling and wine tasgomg trip in Healdsburg one time and it was great. But for a longer trip I'm not sure. It would definitely be something I should look into for a day trip, though!
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Post by imapenguin on Jun 13, 2018 19:06:30 GMT -6
Now I feel like I need to add South Africa to my vacation list! My someday vacation will be a big trip to Argentina. I want to spend part of it in Buenos Aires, and part in the Mendoza wine country. I have Argentina and Chile on my dream vacation list too!
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Post by nymama917 on Jun 13, 2018 22:01:17 GMT -6
Chiming in because we honeymooned in Bora Bora. I have never seen anything more beautiful. The people there were lovely and we had so much fun. We spent 7 nights there and if we went back I would want to split that time with Morea as well just to change things up because we started to get a little bored just at our hotel. It wa amazing and romantic and I would highly recommend it. And absolutely get the over water hut...it’s a must! We used a travel agency that specializes in French Polynesia and they were fantastic so I would definitely go that route for booking.
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adelbert
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Post by adelbert on Jun 14, 2018 1:50:42 GMT -6
Personally I think I would do the Seychelles over the Maldives as the political climate is more stable and most of our friends have preferred the Seychelles.
However I think SA makes the most sense for you in terms of time change and offering all the things you want and not just laying on a beach. SA is a common German holiday destination because there isn't a time change and the flight isn't too long and I know all of my friends have enjoyed themselves there.
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Taitai
Opal
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Post by Taitai on Jun 14, 2018 7:44:36 GMT -6
Coming in late, but your Southeast Asia resident coming in over here. The Maldives are amazing. Stunning scenery, very relaxing, so romantic. It’s only a 4 hour direct flight from where we live, and I’d say it’s one of the top honeymoon locations (if not THE top one) in this region - it earns that spot for a reason. Just gorgeous.
However, if you want some adventure, I would go with Cape Town. I have unfortunately only been to Joburg (bleh) - but I desperately want to go to Cape Town to do the wineries, Cape of Good Hope, and go on a Safari at one of the natural reserves.
I think they are totally different vacations. One will definitely keep you more on the go and busy. The other is more chill and romantic (imo). Both will be a pain for you to get to travel wise. Depends on what you want to get out of the trip. I am more of an adventure type person, so I’d probably pick SA if given the choice. That said, I also live in the land of eternal summer with beautiful beaches all over the place. So that might be influencing my advice. However, the Maldives have the most amazing beaches and waters I’ve ever seen. Ahhhh....tough choice. Whatever you decide will be amazing though.
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thatgolfb
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Post by thatgolfb on Jun 14, 2018 7:50:00 GMT -6
Coming in late, but your Southeast Asia resident coming in over here. The Maldives are amazing. Stunning scenery, very relaxing, so romantic. It’s only a 4 hour direct flight from where we live, and I’d say it’s one of the top honeymoon locations (if not THE top one) in this region - it earns that spot for a reason. Just gorgeous. However, if you want some adventure, I would go with Cape Town. I have unfortunately only been to Joburg (bleh) - but I desperately want to go to Cape Town to do the wineries, Cape of Good Hope, and go on a Safari at one of the natural reserves. I think they are totally different vacations. One will definitely keep you more on the go and busy. The other is more chill and romantic (imo). Both will be a pain for you to get to travel wise. Depends on what you want to get out of the trip. I am more of an adventure type person, so I’d probably pick SA if given the choice. That said, I also live in the land of eternal summer with beautiful beaches all over the place. So that might be influencing my advice. However, the Maldives have the most amazing beaches and waters I’ve ever seen. Ahhhh....tough choice. Whatever you decide will be amazing though. Thank you! I feel similarly. I live in an area where I can be on the beach pretty much any day of the year, so I think that is why a beach vacation doesn't appeal *as much* to me. I love sight seeing and exploring. It sounds like SA is the right vacation for us. But, I am keeping the Maldives and Bora Bora on deck for other future vacations for sure.
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Taitai
Opal
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Post by Taitai on Jun 14, 2018 7:51:49 GMT -6
Coming in late, but your Southeast Asia resident coming in over here. The Maldives are amazing. Stunning scenery, very relaxing, so romantic. It’s only a 4 hour direct flight from where we live, and I’d say it’s one of the top honeymoon locations (if not THE top one) in this region - it earns that spot for a reason. Just gorgeous. However, if you want some adventure, I would go with Cape Town. I have unfortunately only been to Joburg (bleh) - but I desperately want to go to Cape Town to do the wineries, Cape of Good Hope, and go on a Safari at one of the natural reserves. I think they are totally different vacations. One will definitely keep you more on the go and busy. The other is more chill and romantic (imo). Both will be a pain for you to get to travel wise. Depends on what you want to get out of the trip. I am more of an adventure type person, so I’d probably pick SA if given the choice. That said, I also live in the land of eternal summer with beautiful beaches all over the place. So that might be influencing my advice. However, the Maldives have the most amazing beaches and waters I’ve ever seen. Ahhhh....tough choice. Whatever you decide will be amazing though. Thank you! I feel similarly. I live in an area where I can be on the beach pretty much any day of the year, so I think that is why a beach vacation doesn't appeal *as much* to me. I love sight seeing and exploring. It sounds like SA is the right vacation for us. But, I am keeping the Maldives and Bora Bora on deck for other future vacations for sure. I think that makes a lot of sense. I would say if you are keeping the Maldives on deck, keep it as a future adults only vaycay. We went pre-kids and I’m really glad we did the trip without any littles to worry about. It’s more of an adult place.
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thatgolfb
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Post by thatgolfb on Jun 14, 2018 8:15:40 GMT -6
Thank you! I feel similarly. I live in an area where I can be on the beach pretty much any day of the year, so I think that is why a beach vacation doesn't appeal *as much* to me. I love sight seeing and exploring. It sounds like SA is the right vacation for us. But, I am keeping the Maldives and Bora Bora on deck for other future vacations for sure. I think that makes a lot of sense. I would say if you are keeping the Maldives on deck, keep it as a future adults only vaycay. We went pre-kids and I’m really glad we did the trip without any littles to worry about. It’s more of an adult place. Good to know, thank you!
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jmski
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Post by jmski on Jun 14, 2018 12:40:06 GMT -6
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Cher
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Post by Cher on Jun 14, 2018 12:46:15 GMT -6
Personally I think I would do the Seychelles over the Maldives as the political climate is more stable and most of our friends have preferred the Seychelles. However I think SA makes the most sense for you in terms of time change and offering all the things you want and not just laying on a beach. SA is a common German holiday destination because there isn't a time change and the flight isn't too long and I know all of my friends have enjoyed themselves there. Yes, I really want to do the Maldives but I looked into it recently and I think I want to wait a bit. And your post reminded me, I need to PM you about Seychelles!
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thatgolfb
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Post by thatgolfb on Jun 14, 2018 13:08:42 GMT -6
I do recall reading about this, now that you mention it. That is not good. We are having similar water related issues here in CA, with talk of restrictions (which isn't new to us, because drought).
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Post by mintyblueair on Jun 14, 2018 16:32:50 GMT -6
I was just talking about this with my husband yesterday! Our 10 year anniversary is in 3 years and we want to do a kid free trip. My top choices are Argentina (a few days in Buenos Aires and then down to Patagonia for some hiking) or making a few stops throughout Greece.
My husband's idea is to go to Vietnam (he did an internship there for 3 months when he was 18 and always wanted to go back).
We're still debating but I've loved reading through all the ideas in this thread!
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soup
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Post by soup on Jun 14, 2018 16:56:23 GMT -6
Personally I think I would do the Seychelles over the Maldives as the political climate is more stable and most of our friends have preferred the Seychelles. However I think SA makes the most sense for you in terms of time change and offering all the things you want and not just laying on a beach. SA is a common German holiday destination because there isn't a time change and the flight isn't too long and I know all of my friends have enjoyed themselves there. Yes, I really want to do the Maldives but I looked into it recently and I think I want to wait a bit. And your post reminded me, I need to PM you about Seychelles! But don't wait too long. It is sinking into the sea!
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Cher
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Post by Cher on Jun 14, 2018 17:32:34 GMT -6
Yes, I really want to do the Maldives but I looked into it recently and I think I want to wait a bit. And your post reminded me, I need to PM you about Seychelles! But don't wait too long. It is sinking into the sea! I knowwww!
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thatgolfb
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Post by thatgolfb on Jun 14, 2018 19:38:04 GMT -6
But don't wait too long. It is sinking into the sea! I knowwww! This is why it was on my initial list, even though I couldn't remember the name. 😂
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adelbert
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Post by adelbert on Jun 15, 2018 0:35:16 GMT -6
thatgolfb This is one of my favorite websites for planning theoretical trips. www.scottdunn.com/ I know they have a ton of good suggestions for South Africa. Starting in about 2-3 years I want to do a safari with the boys and a Southeast Asia trip and I'm pretty sure I'll book through Scott Dunn.
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