Where to go for 2 week Easter break

[viktoria]

We are a family of 4. 2 teenage DS, 17 and 19.
17 year old interested in biking, skate boarding etc; 19 year old interested in history.
Thoughts at the moment are possibly Jordan and/or the Lebanon;
Has anybody been and can share itineraries or suggestions
Not 100% sure about current safety consideration (even though when I checked the FO website, those two countries had the same terrorism threat as Spain).
Also open to other suggestions.

You could look at California where your DS who skate boards would fit right in! Santa Monica would be a good start.

At this time of year, the Grand Canyon, Zion NP and Bryce Canyon are open I think. Then look at Mesa Verde.

I would also consider Washington and then go to Amish country and then to the battlefields such as Gettysburg. Plenty of history there.

I would also look at Namibia. Everywhere has a history. You just have to look for it. South Africa would be good too!

Lebanon has just seen large scale political protests. On top of that, Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel and the Israeli army attacked targets in the South of the Country in the last 2 months. Up to you obviously but I’m a wuss and risk adverse and would avoid! In contrast, Jordan seems a safer bet. A friend of mine came back 2 weeks ago - they hired a car (which was a bit hairy at points apparently!) and toured around and had a great time. I saw her at the weekend and her impression was that a lot of the cities were very ramshackle and there was more poverty and unemployment than she was expecting ( they were approached on numerous occasions by children). She also felt more conspicuous in Western dress in the non Christian areas (but not overly so). Petra apparently was absolutely rammed with tourists which you felt as you are funnelled through the valley. Having said that, she really enjoyed it and was glad they’d gone. Her pictures looked great. I’m not sure you’ll find many biking/skateboarding places but no nothing about that scene in Jordan!! I think Bubbles suggestion above of California is a great one if that’s on the ‘desirable’ list.

We went to Sri Lanka this Easter. While I think you’d be right to have a ? over it given this years events, security according to various Mumsnetters who have been since has really been stepped up. It was a beautiful country with exceptionally kind people. We hired a driver and travelled around, ending up on wonderful beach in Tangalle. Ticks your culture, history and wildlife (they have numerous National Parks) boxes. Didn’t cost a fortune either!

Thank you both!
Our sons would love to return to the US (we have done a California road trip and another time the east coast including Washington and Amish towns in Pennsylvania), but I don't want to travel there as long as Trump is in power. (I know, a totally futile form of protest, but it means something to me).
We have also visited South Africa and Sri Lanka and loved both, but wanted to go somewhere new.
Namibia is a great suggestion - I will do some research.
Yes, am slightly worried about potentially dangerous developments in the Lebanon. Interesting to read what your friend said about Jordan.
Thank you!

We have travelled to the USA several times recently and are happy to console Americans regarding the misdemeanours of their President. They often want to see what our opinion is! I always think talking is better than avoiding.

DD went to Jordan in Sept 18. Just a fairly simple Exodus holiday with a friend. They had two full days at Petra and enjoyed the overall itinerary. She would have gone for longer than 8 days but her friend couldn’t. She expected a certain amount of poverty but felt it wasn’t bad. They also camped in the desert for one night.

We have also been to Ecuador in April and Peru might suit you. Check if it’s rainy season! There are fantastic Amazon basin lodges that could suit you. Not sure about skateboarding opportunities though!

Costa Rica?

Thanks everybody. Just to update, we have booked flights to Jordan and are currently working out an itinerary.
Were very tempted by Namibia too, and might go there in a year or two - probably then without the teenagers/young adults...

Wouldn’t the DC like the giant sand dunes in Namibia? My DD did trekking in Petra. Quite a few hours of it with a guide. No crowds at all. Most people go to the easy sites but don’t walk far. If you do the walks, you see more and get away from other folk.

Jordan has a much worse record on women’s rights than America. I mean, have a lovely time, but let’s not kid ourselves that the Jordanian government is more progressive than Trump.

We went to Jordan last year. Absolutely amazing holiday! Feel free to ask anything about it.

Off the beaten track Currently in Ghana and it’s pretty awesome. Lots to do and cheap. Reasonable range of hotels. Lots of history.

Thanks everybody.
Hashtag1, did you visit the Dead Sea? If yes, where did you stay? Also, what about Aqaba? We're planning to have 1 night there. Any recommendations?

Lovelyupnorth, that's really interesting.
We have been to Nigeria and Benin, but I haven't thought of Ghana. Will definitely look into this in the future. Thanks

I stayed at the Movenpick in the centre of Aqaba, not the resort one about 10km outside of town. It was good, the staff were generally very friendly. The pools are lovely and it was easy enough to walk to the restaurants nearby.

Namibia was one our favourite destinations. A beautiful and varied country. Lots to see, lots to do, we added on Zambia and CIC falls too.