Inspiration for 50th trip

[CoolShoeshine]

Planning a trip to celebrate my 50th next year. We do have some restrictions though. The trip would be in February half term, and we wouldn’t have a luxury budget. However we can afford to spend around £1k per person. We would also be bringing along a teenager.
i’m a bit stumped for inspiration due to the time of year. We’d like somewhere relatively hot which rules out most of Europe and a bit different to the usual city break or beach destinations. We’ve done canaries so not there. We don’t want to go mega long haul and would ideally prefer short haul due to budget but would consider a flight up to around 8 hours. Preferably somewhere with things go see as well as some activity/relaxation. Any ideas?

With your budget Egypt is an option.

Dubai-lots to do
Oman

A cruise

I also have a Feb birthday and have been to Dominican Republic, LA and then a cruise, Cape Town (twice), Dubai and lots of fabulous European city breaks in lovely hotels with spas for my birthdays. All of these were really good holidays.

Thanks @SpaSpa i like the idea of Oman, we might have to stretch the budget though. Not sure if I fancy Egypt or Dubai.
would love to do Cape Town or LA but too far for a week unfortunately.

We did LA in a week and it was great, flights pretty cheap. O would totally do this.

Not sure Dubai is in your budget, but maybe I was looking at expensive times.

Cape Verde was nice, but more relaxation than activity.

What about Morocco?

I did all my list in 9 days or less as they were all Feb half term holidays.

@LardoBurrows i definitely want to go to Morocco, not sure if it would be particularly warm in February?

We went to Morocco in February once and it was cold, maybe we were just unlucky but we started in Agadir & Essaouira (very windy) then Marrakech (up in the mountains). We still had a fantastic time and it was sunny but not warm at all.

Senegal or somewhere in West Africa?

Senegal that’s a good suggestion, or Gambia.

Is a holiday in Senegal or similar safe? (That’s coming from someone who would love to go to Morocco but my husband won’t entertain it..)

New York in Feb is a great option. Quietest time in terms of business and also cheapest time of year. See plenty of deals under the 1k pp. we were there this year and was was lovely. Cold but sunny. I'd go again thaf time of year in a heart beat

It’s definitely not warm though in Feb. sunshine doesn’t equal heat.

£1000 in winter isn’t enough for warm sunny weather. Cheap cruise might work but the air fares will eat up most of it. So it’s very difficult. I would look at the BA website to check fares and then add hotels or think about possible self catering options.

@Restlessinthenorth Love NY but have done it a few times.
@TizerorFizz We have wriggle room in the budget for the right holiday.

I was going to say Caribbean but budget wise not doable for that I don't think although I have found some bargains on hotels.com more last minute.

Iceland is amazing anytime of year.
Marrakesh definitely a good choice for weather and food.

If you were willing to fly longer and increase your budget you could look at Mauritius (not much jet lag) and lots of great excursions.

Or increase your budget and try the Caribbean with a Saturday flight .

One of my favourite February holidays (my 50th) was a five start hotel in Prague. I went for five nights so it felt more like a holiday and not a busy city break. I planned each evening to be different, posh restaurant, bistro type place, concert, valentines meal, fun medieval night etc. I also booked lots of lovely things to do in the day including an excursion out of Prague itself on the middle day to a medieval village.

I a did similar holiday in Berlin the following year, basically I threw some money at a city break, stayed in one of the best hotels, with a brilliant location and didn’t skimp on activities and lovely meals out.

I always make sure the hotel has a lovely spa and go each afternoon around 3.30 for a couple of hours before going out for the evening. This way I get to really relax and it gives me a ‘holiday’ feel.

For my 50th on the actual day I went to a concert in a palace inside Prague Castle, looked around the castle and had a mulled wine. Went back to the hotel and had an amazing 90 minute treatment. Walked to an incredible restaurant that had lots of glass and clever lighting which was amazing reflecting on the river. That made a fuss of me there and then I walked back over Charles bridge and it lightly snowed just in time to see the astronomical clock do its thing. Honestly it couldn’t have been a better day.
My friends were surprised when I said I was staying in Europe as I usually go long haul for my birthday but with the right planning it turned out to be the perfect choice.

So it could be worth looking at a shorter luxurious trip rather than trying to make the 1k stretch to somewhere further afield.

Maybe somewhere like Cyprus? Canary Islands? Cannot see long haul is possible. Florida if you spend more or cheap cruise.

Iceland will be cold!

What about Funchal in Madeira. Has its own microclimate and a lot of sun throughout the year. I had an amazing holiday there. 1k each would go a long way too. Great mix of city and beach. Loads for do if you want it. Old Town just gorgeous!

I am 50 in February and have just booked 5 days in Marrakech for me, my husband and three children who are 22,19 and 16. I am a bit concerned about the weather but so looking forward to it. We are going to do the hot air balloon at sunrise in the desert. The restaurants and the whole atmosphere looks amazing. It has cost about 2,700 for flights and accommodation for 5 of us staying in a Riad. Any tips from anyone who has been gratefully received!

@nearlyemptynes that sounds amazing! I’ve had a look at marrakech and there are some gorgeous hotels quite reasonably priced. Might have to reconsider, it would certainly be cheaper than Oman or Dubai!!

As someone mentioned I would go to Madeira. Its not too far away. Its green with beautiful scenery, loads to do and see. There are some amazing hotels with spas that won't ruin your budget. The food is quite affordable. In February should be warm, not hot obviously. There's a lovely island next to Madeira, its called Porto Santo you can take a boat there and spend a couple of days on a lovely sandy beach with no crowds.
If you're looking for something warmer I'm afraid your options are limited. If you stretch your budget then Mauritius is great. Mexico is also a great option.