Help me choose a holiday, long haul if cheap once there???

[dancingholidays]

Trying to make a holiday decision for family of 4 (teens). We have more flexibility this year and can travel in July, last two weeks of October or December. and fancy going out of Europe

Any suggestions where? Wondering if we can find a long haul where the cheaper accommodation and expenses makes up for the more expensive flights. Don't want remote, Dubai doesn't appeal. Prefer warmer climates but open to locations. Any ideas? Basic accommodation as long as private bathroom and clean, we like doing things independently or the odd excursion/boat trip, nothing too fancy. Mix of beach and culture always good. Interested to know what kind of budget others have managed for this type of travel?

Vietnam would fit the bill!

Or Thailand or Sri Lanka - both great and can be done on a budget

Are you adventurous? Outdoirsy? Maybe a trip to Argentina would tick your boxes?
It offers an absolutely stunning landscape and Boneos Aires is well worth a visit.

Vietnam. Definitely family friendly as well as budget friendly and so much amazing stuff to see

Malaysia (you could do KL, Georgetown, maybe even a short budget flight to Kuching for a couple of days of orangutan rehab centre, the new Borneo Museum and eating)

Even though SE Asia has come a long way from the backpackers' era, there are still brilliant budget options for accommodation and sights in most countries, and eating amazing local food is cheap.

South east asian destinations- Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia esp East Malaysia (mountains, rainforest and beach) are greatbut if you going towards the year end, it may be raining a lot as the NE monsoon hits. Sri lanka is a better bet if year end.

Sri Lanka fits the bill and can be reasonable if you eat where locals eat and stay in basic hotels

Malaysia has great hotels at low prices. KL is a great place to visit and then you can go to Penang , Lankawi or the islands on the East for more relaxation. The food is amazing and very cheap

Egypt?

Vietnam is amazing. I'd fly into Hanoi and spend 3-4 days there. Food is super cheap - £2 for a bowl of pho. You could head up in the Sapa mountains or take a coach to Halong Bay and do a few nights on a boat.
I'd then go back Hanoi and catch the train south taking in Hue, Hoi An and finish with a beach resort to flop on.

Definitely SE Asia.

Kenya or Ethiopia

I priced up flights to Koh Samui London to Bangkok and then change with Thai airways and it was around £4K. Acc started at around £1k for a beach bungalow with ac and pool.

TUI doing a pretty great package to bali, 19th oct for 12 nights from London.

Thanks, which month would be best for these please? Do they count as central Vietnam? I find Vietnam weather confusing!

Sounds great, which month would be good weather wise?

ooh lots to think about, love sri Lanka and Egypt but did pre kids and fancy somewhere new for me. Vietnam sounds promising... also like the idea of Phillipines

South East Asia. Just not Singapore.

Sorry, getting confused, I mean Malaysia, which month best for this itinerary?!

Broadly - Malaysia East coast is good in our summer. Malaysia West coast is good in our winter. Same (ish) for Thailand

Vietnam is a total mish mash weather wise. Spring is best to see the whole country. Our summer is only good in the middle of the country. Not sure about Oct and Dec - iirc the south is very wet in Oct.

Travelfish website has good info on SE asia including weather patterns.

Personally I would choose Thailand in December. You could also consider Peru or Indonesia (both good in July)

We went out of Europe for the first time last summer with our 2 teens - to Thailand. We all loved it. Yes the flights are expensive, but it’s so reasonable when you get there. I priced up a bog standard AI European holiday and Thailand was well worth the extra £1000 or so

This would be my suggestion too

Phu Quoc as beach resort

Northern and Mid Vietnam are still in Summer in July. Avoid the South though as things get seriously wet. The north and mid will be 28-30 degrees. Can feel hotter as its humid and very occasional rain but it helps break the humidity.

Central Vietnam.

Hoi Ann and Hue. Loads to see and do, stay in a Homestay (they are actually guest houses, not rooms in people’s homes), fabulous food in cheap cafes.

We went in July and while we were in C Vietnam there were serious floods in Ha Noi

South Africa is great value at the moment. Although July is winter, there’s enough to see and do. December is high season there but still not too expensive. The Garden route has lots to see and do. Mexico is worth a look too. Argentina is a lot further! However it’s an amazing country but winter in July if going south.