Where to go for my 50th

[Ohjustboreoff]

So I am 50 at the end of next year and want to go on holiday for 2 weeks to somewhere amazing that I’ve never been before!
The only trouble is I will have 2 x 11 year old DD’s and DH plus I used to fly for Etihad Airlines. So I have lived in the Middle East and have flown to some fantastic locations. I’ve travelled around Australia, New Zealand, India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, a few African countries and most of The US, Mexico and Europe.
Sorry I know I sound like a massive AH but help! Where can I go for 2 week that will wow me?
We all love the beach but also history and sightseeing. We can do either all inclusive or backpacking I’m up for anything! Budget around £6000.

Vietnam? Adventure, beaches, nice food and cheap!

@Fivemoreminutes1 yes I've been thinking of Iceland or Finland. I've seen the Northern Lights from the sky but never from the ground. But the DD's aren't sold on the ice and snow but I might have to persuade them.

Costa Rica or the Norwegian fjords

@Villagetoraiseachild well I've never been to Blackpool. There is a first time for everything! I've heard the illumination are magical!

I suspect the budget wouldn’t cover much beyond flights as I’m very out of touch on prices but I’d look at Argentina for long haul. Finland or Iceland would be amazing. Or wait till spring and go somewhere like Turkey, exploring.

£6k is a tight budget for 4 to anywhere decent long haul.

What about whale watching/ island hopping in Scotland?

I prefer the sun but a friend went recently and the photos looks incredible.

@TurnipsMyArse I have thought of Cuba. It would be amazing to see but I think outside the resorts there is abject poverty. I don't know if that would be much fun.

@LooPissCapaldi ooh Uzbekistan interesting. Have you ever been?

6k is tight. What about traveling around Argentina, specifically Patagonia?

@Ilikewinter I've been to Vancouver and Vancouver Island. DH and I have just watch Race Across the World and it's definitely on the list for him. Maybe his 50th! In a few years.

I’d be looking at a celebrity cruise

Cruises are out. The only ones I fancy are the fiords or Alaskas inside passage.

Jamaica or Cuba there is so much to see and do. I'm sure you know this already but in both places, Cuba esp,
Choose 5*++ for your hotel. Even if AI you can still go out and see places, which for me, is the best part of the holiday.

I suppose that is true of many places in Asia and Central / South America. Though in Cuba the locals told us nobody goes hungry and they have one of the best (free) healthcare systems in the world. The one thing they did struggle
to get hold of when I went about 5 years ago was soap.

I would highly recommend a trip to Cuba. Havana is wonderful. We also had a trip to a tobacco plantation. Look at the Audley Travel website for inspiration!

Ah ok, sorry didn't realise you had already been. Then I would second Canada, although your budget might not stretch that far.

What about a Greek Island, or Rome? Or a South African safari?

The geographical area that's missing off your list is South America. What about Argentina and Brazil?

Ah yes, 6k isn't really a big enough budget for Japan for 4. My first trip years ago was about 5k for 2 and we didn't have tons of cash for spending. I've heard amazing things about Costa Rica and it's on my list but I also don't think it's that cheap, but I could be wrong.

On that budget I'd say either AI so food/drinks are covered. Or go somewhere where your spending money will really stretch. Somewhere like Finland for example is so expensive for food and drinks. It's the main reason I haven't seen a lot of Scandinavia!

Malaysià and Borneo - one of my best hols ever.

I didn't stay in any resorts in Cuba, and loved it. There were a few queues for food in Havana old town, but I'm sure you'd see these anyway even if you stayed in a resort.

Indonesia is lovely too - Lombok? Also Camdodia?

I have been to Uzbekistan and loved it, but not sure my dc would have enjoyed it so much.

I'm taking my dc to Guatemala and Belize this year which looks lovely.

Sorry just seen you've been to Cambodia. What about Vietnam?

@SybilWrites Vietnam is on my list but I would want to backpack around so we are waiting till DD's are a bit bigger and can help lighten our load!
I've spend 1 month travelling around Cambodia, I would definitely recommend but it's not on my list of return countries.

@SybilWrites Indonesia has been visited too. Told you I'm a PITA about destinations.
I love Morocco and would go back all day long but want something special for next year.

I've been looking at Artic Circle / Iceland. I think we might be on to a winner considering the time of year!
Just have to convince family that a cold holiday can be as exciting as a hot one!

Costa Rica if you can add to budget

road trip from Barcelona to Lake Como?

Marrakech?

Chucking ideas out there:
Sri Lanka - loads of variety in a small area, v friendly, beaches, history, yea plantations
Georgia - slightly off the beaten track, fab city, amazing mountains
Colombia - everything from city to mountains, rainforest to Caribbean beaches
Laos - my favourite of all the SE Asia regions
Madagascar - animals, beaches, can feel wonderfully remote