Once in a lifetime holiday?

[cjt110]

Where would you go?

We have the opportunity to have a holiday in Feb just me and DH. We have a shortlist of places but nothing final.

Our short list so far is Thailand, Sri Lanka, Mauritius. This gives an idea of what we are looking for - somewhere exotic, with experiences (Elephant trekking etvc).

We have a budget of around £2k and would preferably like to be all inclusive.

Please share with me your once in a lifetime holidays!

Please don't go elephant trekking. They're often badly treated and it's cruel. Google it. My friend worked in an elephant sanctuary in Thailand and has never forgotten the things and injuries she saw there.

Oh and for the holiday, I would go the the Florida Keys and the gulf coast. I'm fairly well travelled and that was the most beautiful and laid back place I have ever been.

Costa Rica is amazing.

I absolutely love Mexico (Rivera maya) so much to do, wonderful people, stunning place.

Sri-Lanka is fabulous, I can also highly recommend Malaysian Borneo.
But yes, avoid elephant treks, sanctuaries and rehabilitation centres if you want to get close to them in a more positive way.

Just realised that doesn't read very clearly, avoid elephant treks, to get close to elephants in a more positive way see if you can find a sanctuary or rehabilitation centre that allows people to see their work.

south africa - the cape is AMAZING at that time of year and the exchange rate means you can have a pretty fab time for not too much money.

Definitely DONT go elephant trekking. Sri Lanka is lovely. Have also maybe considered the Galapagos?

How long do you have?

Mauritius is great for beach resorts but I don't think there is too much to do there other than beach/pool.

Thailand and Sri Lanka would fit the bill, though do check the weather at that time of year - Thailand is good in Feb iirc, not sure about Sri Lanka. Vietnam, India are other options.

Do you want a holiday where you are based in a resort but can do day trips from there? (Your mention of AI suggests this is what you want?) If so then I think somewhere like Krabi in Thailand would work.

Or what about a safari & beach holiday - somewhere like Kenya, or south Tanzania & Mozambique - don't know if your budget would cover it but talk to somewhere like Imagine Africa and they can tell you.

Also avoid all inclusive that is not a way to see the world and its cuisine.

2k would get you at least 2 weeks in Thailand in 5 star hotels. If recommend you travel about seeing Bangkok, Chang mai and then fly down to the beaches near Krabi or go to Koh samui.

Narrow down the country you wish to go to and then get a lonely planet guidebook to help you plan you trip.

A once in a lifetime trip is NOT a package holiday!

Is your budget 2k each or for both of you.

Thanks for the replies.

I'm not sure what we are looking for. It will be our last holiday as me and him as our son is now 2 and will soon realise when we arent there. It is only for a week.

We have looked at Phuket and liked the idea of B&B, eating out and just kicking back and letting go. R&R in the day, party at night. Whilst Mauritius does look gorgeous, we've been to the Maldives and I imagine it to be very similar.

We've been to Mexico twice and America doesn't appeal to us.

Nope, total of 2k gingham

I meant preferably AI or somewhere good to eat/cheap out.**

Please don't go elephant trekking

an old school friend of mine who moved to aus is getting married there soon so I will try and get there and to New Zealand and a Pacific island or 2.

South Africa for sure. Cape Town in particular but also, with cheap internal flights, you can do the Kruger Park or Pilanesberg Game Reserve. The exchange rate is very favourable for us at the moment and I'm going in February. Go!

Sorry to bang on, but I also wanted to say please don't go elephant trekking.

I haven't been but top of my list for an exotic holiday is Oman. I've heard it's amazing.

I've heard Thailand is great but can be quite touristy in parts, but if it's just for a lying on the beach and partying at night type of holiday then I think it might fit the bill for you!

Aus is too far. The most we would do is 16 hours I think (with a stop off)

I'd go to Tokyo. It's a brilliant place.

Also taking about 1 week. So yeah a 2k budget for one week gives you Thailand I guess. I'd go to koh samui over Phuket but avoid chaweng

Check when it's Chinese New Year though as overpriced then and full of mainland Chinese who lets just say behave differently to us!

If going that far I'd see if you could take longer than a week

We went to Malaysia and loved it. Went to an elephant sanctuary there, which was a wonderful experience and the highlight of our trip. Got close up to the elephants to feed them, 'wash' them (in the river) and had a little ride on one too. We also stayed in an amazing hotel (where the Queen has stayed on visits to KL). Not so into partying/ going out drinking so I don't know what that side of things is like.

Another South Africa fan here for many reasons.

Weather, value for money, fantastic scenery, delicious food and wine, very little jet lag, and more.

We went on our honeymoon following the Garden Route and went to the Addo Elephant Park - up close and personal, wonderful memories.

Please consider it.

Tokyo is lovely but ridiculously expensive once you are there. Sri Lanka is stunningly beautiful and you can book amazing hotels quite cheaply out there. I was underwhelmed by Bali tbh. Hong Kong is a fab place to visit too, lots to see and do there.

South Africa. Stay in amazing places and great food. Not so sure about the partying at night though...

I live in Hong Kong so if you want any advice let me know