Where to go if not New York?

[LancreWowhawk]

I have a special birthday coming up next year. For many months now, the plan has been for me, DH and DD (who'll then be 11) to visit New York for a city break.

For various reasons, I'm not sure the US is now the right choice, but I'm stumped for what to do instead, and I'm really interested on opinions on what we could consider.

The parameters:

Easter 2027
Not Europe - I want to go further afield
Not a beach holiday - this is our standard and I'd like something different
7 nights max
Max time zone difference of 6 hours, less is preferable
Weather doesn't have to be brilliant, but I don't want non-stop rain either!
It's a celebration, so I'd prefer luxury to roughing it.

Budget is healthy - let's say up to $10k (though we'd of course like less!), not including flights, as we'll be using airmiles.

If you were me - what would you do?

Rio de Janiero?

@LancreWowhawk Airmiles will almost certainly restrict the destinations. Some long haul gets really booked up at Easter! I’d probably try Cape Town. 2 hours time difference, plenty to see and do and overnight flights. Rent a car and see the Cape and the Winelands. Amazing guest houses are really luxurious!

I know the time difference is more, but Washington is a great city break. Yes, it’s the USA but it’s got so much to see and do and you don’t talk politics on holiday!

I have been to Halifax in Nova Scotia and this is a relaxed city and you can hire a car and travel out to fantastic seaside towns that a laid back and historic. Boston is also great if you are ok with USA.

It’s early, but if you delayed to May, there’s Iceland. 6 days gives you time to see quite a lot.

Most other areas long haul are 6 hours plus time difference so your choices are really East or South Africa or East coast USA/Canada. 6 days is too short in my view!

Thanks, @OhDear111 - we're extremely experienced at booking Avios flights, I'm not too worried about that. I'm very nervous about driving in SA, I've heard so many horror stories about safety. Am I being daft?

Interesting that you suggest delaying Iceland to May - why is that? Just the temperatures?

Still under several feet of snow based on my experience - love both cities though!

Stick with New York- we just got back last weekend and had a great holiday

I know you said not Europe but a long-haul flight for 7 days is a bit of a wild choice, in my opinion.

I'd go for Norway or Iceland. Feels like another world.

My best friend had a week in Belize. Largest coral reef after the Great Barrier Reef, and jungle too. She was snorkeling with sea turtles, saw amazing wildlife and said it was the unlikeliest dream holiday she'd ever had.

Mexico City? The food, archaeology and architecture are fantastic, though the atmosphere can be challenging (high altitude, high pollution).

Nike Cruise if you're interested in ancient Egypt?

@LancreWowhawk So am I and popular destinations in school hols can be problematic.

Yes, you are being very daft about driving in SA. What’s the issue? Holiday tourists rarely have problems. You stick to the driving rules, and absolutely stick to your route and the sensible safety precautions in SA, but the driving is easy. Driving around the Cape and Winelands is wonderful. I can assure Brazil is a lot more challenging! SA is definitely easier than many places - if you don’t drive, you are limited in what you see.

We have been to Iceland in Sept and July, and both had unpredictable weather but Easter is definitely unpredictable! End of May gives you a far better chance of good weather.

We went in the second week of April and like that it was still mid thaw but if you want warmer definitely wait.

I’d fly to Calgary for 2 nights then get to Banff for 2 nights. I would then join the Rocky Mountaineer train and go gold class to Vancouver and then enjoy Vancouver for a couple of nights before coming home.

@stolenpromises All that way with a big time difference and just 2 nights in each place? What a waste.

Why not. The OP is clear. 7 day trip and she doesn’t want Europe. I did Melbourne for a week.

My family lives in SA and I wouldn’t be going on holidays there anymore. The crime is just too awful. Colleague of mine went over Xmas and had a terrible time and has vowed never to go back! Just said things were a lot worse, more run down than before, had to be v cautious all the time and never felt safe.

This would be my suggestion too / fascinating city exploring the Eastern and Western sides of this very vibrant city that never sleeps. One of the best city breaks we’ve had.

@Mumsknot Yes, but not against tourists. It’s a very security aware nation with razor wire and cut glass on walls, electric gates and high fencing. Not to mention dog patrols and guarded parking lots. Most crime is about property. It’s always been like this but crime is directed at South Africans.

My DD and boyfriend are going shortly and it’s definitely a place where you do not wear expensive jewelry or take expensive bags. Plus, the major topic of conversation in SA is crime. It’s been that way for decades. It’s a national obsession and everyone gives you safety tips. However we have always felt safe and take precautions to stay safe. Most tourists understand that and ensure they don’t wander off or attract attention.

I just wouldn’t go there personally now. I lived there for over a decade and I just don’t think it’s worth the risk. You can get murdered for what is £1. The police are corrupt too so if you get into trouble, there’s not going to be a lot of help. Unemployment is super high which doesn’t help.

My son LOVED Chile.
or Argentina ?

Or Galapagos? He did a cruise

Canada. Montreal.

A bit of a bigger time difference than you’re wanting but we spent about a week in Vancouver in the summer and absolutely loved it.

The OP ha 7 nights, I don’t think anyone could manage that in 7 nights.

Toronto - a lot like NY but not USA - fab city and great food scene or Montreal

The weather in SA at Easter won’t necessarily be good as it’s Autumn. And Cape Town gets some vicious winds making the beaches horrendous.