Destination holiday for 50th

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I want to go somewhere special for a big birthday in April with my DH and two kids (8 and a teenager). Any suggestions for an (up to) 2 week holiday. Quite happy to lie on a beach for some of the time, but would also like to see some culture and/or something different and/or memorable. Happy to travel a bit but wouldn’t want more than 2-3 destinations.

How far are you willing to travel?

For a mix of culture and beach and a few destinations I was going to suggest Greece, but not sure it will be warm enough in April.

Willing to travel long haul, so anything goes really. Would prefer not to travel to Europe, as that is where we normally holiday and want something a bit more special.

Mexico? Caribbean beach, Mexico City, and Chichen Itza?

My recommendation would be Taiwan. There’s beach resorts in the south and some breathtaking scenery (Taroko Gorge is a must-visit) and then Taipei is a really fascinating city with tonnes of culture and sights to see. I’d love to go back again some day. It’s one of my favourite destinations ever and I can never understand why it’s not more popular with western tourists.

The island is also pretty compact so no too much travel. We did Taroko Gorge on a day trip from Taipei.

I’ve been to Mexico so would prefer somewhere new. Plus my impression of the tourist areas of Mexico was it was very resort based and we would prefer to be able to wonder round etc.

Now that’s a curve ball! Had never thought of Taiwan! Will check it out. Thanks

Maldives
Mauritius
Thailand
Cancun
South Africa safari

Thanks for your suggestions. Have done Maldives, Cancun and Thailand. I love Thailand and would go back if it were not for the sex trade that is just so prevalent. It seems impossible to escape. Am considering Mauritius but not sure if enough to do apart from lazing on a beach.

We recently got back from Koh Samui and was beautiful! I haven't been elsewhere in Thailand but I was told it was the least "sleazy". Areas like Lamai are lovely and I'm told Four Seasons Koh Samui is the best place to stay (defo one for such a milestone bday)
RE Mauritius, make sure you don't go in July/Aug, temp was just about 20/21 some days and chilly in evenings

Nile Cruise? We loved it.
Safari - we did beach in Mombasa and flew by small
plane into the Masai Mara and stayed in a game lodge.

Bali and Singapore
Hong Kong and Langkawi

There's a fair bit to do in Mauritius.

How about Malaysia?
You could do KL, Penang, Langawi. 3 different cities with totally different vibes.

Yes - I’m going to look into Mauritius a bit more. I do fancy Malaysia. I thought Borneo looked as though there was quite a lot to see (from wildlife point of view). DH bit resistant to Malaysia as we went on honeymoon so memories etc.

I’ll look again at Thailand. If I could find somewhere that has the beautiful beaches and scenery, the wonderful food, the bustling street markets but without the sex industry, that would be perfect!

But thanks for all the suggestions. I wonder if I need to go old school and actually speak to a travel agent!

Costa Rica
Belize
Vietnam

What about touring BC, along with the US west coast for some sun?

A safari in Kenya? That was one of the best trips I've ever been on. I'd love to visit Sun City resort in South Africa - there was a Drew Barrymore film there called Blended and it looked incredible.

Or maybe one of these ideas www.thetimes.co.uk/travel/destinations/best-family-holidays

USA - New York, Washington DC, Philadelphia for history then onto a beach or theme parks

Abu Dhabi & Dubai - history, desert, beaches/islands, theme parks

Japan - Tokyo & Kyoto, Fuji Hakone, beaches & Disney

Vietnam

Costa Rica is fabulous! Lots to do and see for everyone.

South Africa- Cape Town, safari, stellenbosch. So much to do!

Vietnam

What about Egypt. Plenty to see and plenty of relaxation time. Fab people, fab food and a relatively short flight from the UK.

Another for Costa Rica.

Or Savannah and Charleston in Georgia and S Carolina.

New Orleans

We just got back from my 50th trip to Costa Rica. It was amazing!