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Ultimate holiday destination? Help please!!!

13 replies

Andoutcomethewolves · 07/04/2025 18:00

Hi all,

Due to an unexpected bit of money coming in DH and I now have approx 10k to spend on a 'big birthday' holiday this year (I should say 'up to' - obviously lower would be better! But we were originally planning to spend 1.5-2k max so this gives a few more options 🙂).

Criteria - long haul, good weather (not excessively hot/humid but definitely warm), can only really do around 2 weeks due to work, ideally between Mid September to early December to avoid school holiday prices. Have previously been to and loved Thailand, the Philippines, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Nepal, India, Mexico, Canada, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Morocco, Egypt and lots of European countries. Want something a bit 'special' and different (have previously really enjoyed trips involving a safari, mountain biking trips, trekking, a scuba diving course, general back packing - both solo and as part of a group, cultural/historical/places of interest and a 'wellness' yoga retreat type thing). Open to anything really but not just a single beach/resort destination (though have also done these and enjoyed and wouldn't be averse to a few days being beach focused, but not the whole holiday!). Ideally not too horrific in terms of flights/connections from the UK and not too much in-country travel due to time restrictions... would love to have a month but it's a no-go due to work unfortunately. Happy to do things relatively cheap so not necessarily looking for luxury.

Considering Cuba, Peru, Colombia (or any other South American country really), Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, Malaysia/Borneo and Madagascar but am really very open.

There are too many options! Yes I know, total first world problems haha. Where have you been that has blown your mind? Also does anyone have any really good travel agents they'd recommend? I've generally done all the planning etc myself before but would actually quite like to have the legwork taken care of to some extent this time...

OP posts:
iamme21 · 07/04/2025 18:02

Costa Rica?

Mirrorxxx · 07/04/2025 18:04

Sri Lanka or Botswana

KittyPup · 07/04/2025 18:05

Sri Lanka and Malaysia combined.

Bumblebee413 · 07/04/2025 18:06

Peru. Best place we’ve ever been. We did the Salkantay Inca trail and stayed in a jungle lodge- would recommend both! X

ginasevern · 07/04/2025 18:07

St Lucia?

MarkWithaC · 07/04/2025 18:16

I came on to say Costa Rica, but in parts it is definitely hot/humid.
Although if you go to the Central Valley and cloud forest areas) which are gorgeous and lots of things to do), the weather is a bit more temperate.
It fits the bill in terms of being special and different and having lots of activities and adventures on offer. There are some glorious beaches for that part of your holiday too.

Andoutcomethewolves · 07/04/2025 18:44

Costa Rica looks amazing! The humidity is more of an issue with DH tbh as he's a bit overweight/sweaty 🤣 but he's on a fitness mission so maybe it'd be ok by then. Botswana and Sri Lanka also going on the list. Aargh I'm meant to be narrowing options here haha! Thanks all

OP posts:
theresnolimits · 07/04/2025 18:54

Costa Rica’s rainy season is when you’re thinking of going so I’d research carefully - it can be wet on the Caribbean side. There are issues around Cuba now and US immigration ( I think you can’t get an ESTA if you travel there, you have to apply for a full US visa).

We loved Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia but if you’ve been to Vietnam and Cambodia, I’m not sure how new that would be. What about Argentina and Brazil via Iguazu Falls? And Peru is amazing too.

Moretomato · 10/06/2025 14:09

Very similar to my criteria and budget Op!

where did you decide?

MarkWithaC · 10/06/2025 14:21

theresnolimits · 07/04/2025 18:54

Costa Rica’s rainy season is when you’re thinking of going so I’d research carefully - it can be wet on the Caribbean side. There are issues around Cuba now and US immigration ( I think you can’t get an ESTA if you travel there, you have to apply for a full US visa).

We loved Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia but if you’ve been to Vietnam and Cambodia, I’m not sure how new that would be. What about Argentina and Brazil via Iguazu Falls? And Peru is amazing too.

We flew direct from London with BA. Had initially looked at flights transiting through the US, but they changed them and mucked us about so much, we just got a refund. So much simpler and more pleasant to go direct and not have to go through the US!

flawless234 · 10/06/2025 14:22

I’d say Japan in October for its stunning temples and Fuji trek or Peru for Machu Picchu, both fit your vibe and budget

ExistentialThreat · 10/06/2025 14:39

Madagascar, Sri Lanka both great. Colombia has SO much variety - you could do diving, mountains, cities, Amazon etc all in one place. Or you could do something amazing involving diving - https://www.rascalvoyages.com/

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An off-the-grid adventure around Southeast Asia with no compromise on luxury. Explore Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand like never before.

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SteelyEyed · 10/06/2025 14:49

Further votes for Peru (Lake Titicaca especially) and St Lucia (a resort called Ti Kaye especially), both are amazing!

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