Long-haul holiday this summer – where to go?

[Glamgwen]

We've got an amazing opportunity to go on holiday for 2 weeks this summer, but cannot decide where to go (this would be a one-in-a-lifetime type holiday). We want to go long-haul somewhere with a bit of culture (so probably a city) followed by somewhere we can relax. We like quite a bit of activity (none of us are die-hard sunbathers) and it would be me, DH and DS (age 9). We've considered Thailand (rainy in July/Aug) and Japan (possibly one for when DS is older). We don't want to go to the US as have already been a fair bit for work. But other than that we're up for travelling pretty much anywhere. Anyone have any suggestions?

@HolidayHappy123 how easy is it to get around Vancouver Island / how big ? It's on my list but not fully started research yet.

I was just back from Japan and it was incredible. My youngest boy is also 9 and he absolutely loved it - however Japan in summer is supposed to be hell on earth, but definitely keep it for another time!

What's your budget? On a more modest budget Sri Lanka is a great option. On a larger budget I'd look at Botswana

Peru is amazing, Aug a great time to travel there.

Indonesia, so Borneo, Komodo, Bali and more Diving is great there too.

Iceland too is fantastic in August

Namibia - but 2 weeks a bit short as you can’t go direct. Can add Victoria falls quite easily.

Tanzania is great to combine with Zanzibar for beach and diving.

The Artic also great in summer, you can go Canada or Norwegian sides.

Brazil is on my Summer wish list.

Loads of places are great in our summer!

I fancy this too: https://www.stubbornmuletravel.com/locations/madagascar-family-holidays/

Canada

or East Africa safari. Our safari in Kenya was absolutely incredible and we combined it with Zanzibar.

do not go to Japan in August. Almost no sun and unbearable humidity.

When someone says once in a lifetime holiday, I always think safari, Tanzania and Zanzibar would be my choice, or Kenya, although the min age for kids maybe 11, I am not 100% sure

Vancouver Island is massive so you definitely need a car to get around. If I remember correctly it took us about 4 hours to drive from the ferry terminal in Victoria to Tolfino on the other side of the island. It’s a very scenic drive and the roads are good.

@TedWilson I think Vancouver Island is 400 miles long. Of course many visitors don’t do the whole length but the North of VI is less developed and worth going to. So whizzing around in one week is scratching the surface.

Anyone saying Kenya in our summer holidays should be aware prices will be top $ in the Masai Mara and I doubt the camps in the park will have availability. It’s peak season snd gets very booked up. South Africa would be a better alternative.

the only thing that worries me about long haul is the injections!!

They really aren’t that bad. Small discomfort for a second. … unless you’re needle phobic, then well, not so good.

I second Canada. I did a trip for two weeks there. Flew to Calgary and did Banff and Jasper National Parks then got an internal flight to Vancouver for the city and then ferry to Vancouver island. Flew home from there. Or you could get the scenic train across. I did this before marriage and want to go back with my family.

I am keen on Japan and safari having done this again while single (Tananzia and Zanzibar) but am waiting into DD a bit older (like 14).

If it doesn't have to be long haul then there are some amazing road trips you could do in Europe. Croatia is absolutely stunning - or Italy/Switzerland.

The cost of flights to Canada this summer might be pretty high by now. Again just rushing over to VI is a bit tick box. So much missed. There might be late availability but so many experiences, like the trains, get booked up.

A belated thank you to everyone for your excellent suggestions. We’ve gone for Vietnam & can’t bloody wait!

Kerala, south India

@Splendidsunbird2 This summer? Hot , humid and heavy rain in India in the summer.

excellent choice! I love Vietnam.

@HolidayHappy123 thank you so much for your tips . My son is living in Vancouver so we are going to have a car for Vancouver Island. My other son is coming as well…am so excited.
He is running in the Vancouver marathon this coming weekend and has been training around Stanley Park .

@Glamgwen please report back after your holiday!

@Glamgwen I’m having the exact same dilemma for this summer and keen on Vietnam too, what flights have you gone for? There seems very little available and pricey

@Sotiredmjmmy We're flying with with Qatar Airways and stopping over in Qatar. It's not ideal but the best we could find.

@Glamgwen Thanks, will have another look at that, hope you have a great time!

Late bookings mean less choice. Always best to plan 11 months in advance for spaces and choice.

@TizerorFizz completely agree - we’ve already done one big far east trip this year that we booked a year ahead, now after a sneaky extra trip this summer and summer options are few and far between anyway