Something special for "big" birthday

[Jank8]

Hi there
I'm looking for somewhere warm but not too beachy for myself, husband and 11 year old son. We've got 2 weeks either Easter or summer holidays and about 8k to spend. Our favourite holiday has been Disneyland, but do not want to go back to the US at the moment.
I would happily spend 2 weeks on a beach but my DH and DS are not beach people at all, so maybe a multistop or somewhere with lots to visit/activates to do? Any thought or ideas would be lovely. Thx

What about Greece? Combining Athens and a Greek island? We’ve just been to Athens with our 11 year old DS as he loves Greek mythology and there’s so much to do there. You could combine it with beach day trips as there’s loads of beach clubs on the coast or do a 4-5 day Athen trip then move to an island for the rest of the time.

Athens wise we did Hop on and off bus tour, Acropolis, Acropolis museum, Olympic stadium, temple of zeus, Greek technology museum, changing of guards, national gardens as well as some shopping. There’s a good mix of high street, independent and tourist shops and it’s really easy to travel into the centre from the airport on the metro.

How about a Disney cruise? You won’t get a two week cruise within budget, but a week’s cruise with a couple of nights tacked on either end at the port city would be doable.

Not wanting to go to the US at the moment, do they sail from anywhere else?

Thailand? I know you said not too beachy- we’re doing 3 days Bangkok, 4 days in a National Park on elephant safari/jungle trekking then off to Koh Samui for a resort. Will have a bit of beach time but also hiking/watersports, snorkelling, boat trips, visiting temples/monuments- we don’t love sitting around! You could add in Chiang Mai for more culture. Paid £5k for 2 adults in lovely 5star resorts/hotels.

Actually if you love Disney, I’d maybe go to Singapore rather than Bangkok- theme parks on Sentosa Island, the zoo is amazing, Gardens by the Bay as well as “the sights”. Then across to either Thailand/Malaysia for jungle/beach/more culture?!

what sort of activities would you enjoy? If you liked Disneyland I'm wondering if you'd enjoy Dubai?

South Africa? Safari winelands and Cape Town.
agree Athens and a Greek island.

Caribbean? There is lots more than beach especially if you like water sport. You could do two islands.

South Africa or Sri Lanka - plenty of beach opportunities without being a beach holiday. I've loved travelling both countries and there is such a variety of scenery to enjoy. 2 weeks isn't enough to see all of either country but you could pick and choose a mix of inland and coastal.

Disney sometimes sail from Southampton and Vancouver, and we also saw a Disney cruise ship in the Norwegian fjords last summer.

Haven't been personally but a friend of mine is in Hong Kong this Easter with their teen dd. Photos are amazing. There seems to be a huge amount to see. Today's pics were a boat trip to Macau which seem to be like Las Vegas. I am very jealous of the food.

Mexico, it is beachy but there are loads of sights to visit and the Xcaret parks are great fun, cenotes to swim in and mayan ruins to visit.

Japan for culture, city, beaches and Disney!

There are Disney Cruises from Southampton in July/August time but they are short 3/4 nights, probably not what you are looking for.

Japan or Hong Kong are good for Easter, not so much in the summer. Neither really offer good beach options though. You can also never go wrong with spending time in Thailand. Maybe some time in Bangkok, some time in Chiang Mai and some time in one of the resorts. The husband and I spent quite a bit of time in Thailand touring the sites pre-kids, but have only visited Phuket with the kids, but that was more because we had my in-laws with us.