If you could go anywhere….

[Twodogsonthecouch]

I’m turning 60 next year. I love travelling but due to finances/work/kids have only travelled with in Europe, other than the USA.
I want to seriously broaden my horizons over the next few years. Will be travelling with my husband. Still working so 3 weeks max. Last few years and done quite a lot of walking/hiking. Camino Frances in total, Through hiking in German/Austrian/Italian alps. Camper van holidays though Portugal and Spain. Love these trips. Love nature, walking, exploring new places and cultures. No real interest in 5* hotels and pools.
Would love ideas. So where in the world would you go?

Japan. Amazing country. The national parks are stunning. Really varied landscapes, beautiful mountains. Lots of excellent walking trails. The cities are exciting, the Japanese are so kind and friendly.

If the budget was unlimited, I’d love to go to Patagonia. Otherwise, the USA National Parks from Yosemite to Bryce/Zion/Arches/Monument Valley/Grand Canyon is still one of my favourite trips ever.

Sorry, just seen you said no USA. Canadian Rockies or New Zealand would be my next choices.

I’d never been to Asia and wanted to broaden my horizons but was nervous of what I would like or might find overwhelming!

Last year we flew to Dubai, hopped on a cruise ship, sailed to India to visit Mumbai and Cochin, the on to Thailand, Malaysia and eventually Singapore over 3 weeks. The aim was to get a taste of what we fancied seeing more of.

This year we had time of year and budget constraints so the best option for us was Thailand. We are doing 3 days in Bangkok, 4 days out in a National Park doing an elephant safari and then heading to Koh Samui for a week for an incredibly reasonable price via Trailfinders.

Forgot to mention we adored India but realised that the way to avoid the overwhelm was to pay for 5* hotels so it wasn’t possible this year but is now firmly on our wish list!

I know you don't like groups, but generally to trek in Sagamatha national park (Everest) or to walk the Inca trail you need to go with a guide, and you probably have to join a group. Totally worth it though. An Argentina/Chile trip might really suit you, I'm thinking working South from Barriloche, so starting in the Argentinian lake district, El Chalten for Perito Merino and Fitzroy and Torres del Paine, they all have great walking and stunningly beautiful. I have really enjoyed my time travelling independently in Asia; Vietnam, Borneo, Indonesia and Japan are all particularly fabulous. Although can't go wrong with anywhere in Asia. All my Africa trips have been group travel, a lot of Africa is quite tricky to travel independently, but you could have a look at self driving in Namibia, haven't been yet but it's super close to the top of my wishlist. I also really want to go to Madagascar, such unique wildlife, if that's your bag.

Borneo (including Kinabatangan River / Sepilok) and Costa Rica are both amazing. Loved the wildlife in Australia as well and so much of it and seeing Great Barrier Reef. 3 weeks is tight but just possible though are seasons for different places.

Sounds amazing, tell me more please?!

Sri Lanka. Do a three centre tour. Sigaria for the amaocinh hikes and safari, candy for the temples and culture and somewhere else for a beachy experience. It's utterly incredible

Peru, with Galapagos ? Ecuador seems to be dubious, but Galapagos is wonderful.

I would go on an eco Safari to the Serengetti.

@researchers3 It's a very beautiful and interesting country. It was very easy to plan our own itinerary. You get a real sense of Soviet occupation but more ancient silk road history too. There is tons of stuff on You Tube that helped us plan what to do.

Go to Mexico, cheapish (for a long haul) easy flight into Cancun - don't stay there though! Amazing ruins, seeing Chichen Itza for the first time is breathtaking! Amazing cenotes, beautiful towns - Vallodolid is beautiful. Holbox island is amazing, swimming with whale sharks, bioluminescence. Spider monkeys at Punta Laguna with a local guide. Amazing food. Buses so easy to get around, a new tourist train, taxis with set prices. You'll love it! Just watch out for sargassum on some of the beaches, not a problem on Holbox though.

But if you stay in 5* hotels you end up not wanting to leave them for the chaos outside! That's how I felt in Kathmandu anyway, I was glad not to stay somewhere really posh because it might have seemed to overwhelming to leave!

I absolutely love all these suggestions. And you’re right @TeamGeriatric, I may need to get over my aversion to groups for some of the hiking trails/safaris.
I don’t think I could stretch to a cruise though @user1471548941 … it’s my worst nightmare even though everyone says they’re such an efficient way to see places.
mind you one of the most rewarding things in my life was the most inefficient way possible to see a country which was walking 800kms across it 😂😂😂

I’m going to suggest Colombia and Peru. You can book a short organised tour to take you to Machu Picchu from Cusco for a bit more interest - hiking, biking, staying in village homes and arrive at MP for sunrise.

South Africa - you can easily organise your own trip from Cape Town out to Addo NP. Add on a flight up to Vic Falls for a few days.

Nova Scotia - we have this planned for later this year, can’t wait!

Also, the Camino from Porto to Santiago is a great way to see northern Portugal (I know you said not Europe).