25th wedding anniversary trip

[Waffles21]

Hi
its our 25th wedding anniversary in September ( how did that happen!). We’re in our early 50s and travel is our passion. We won’t go away in September as have a couple of long haul trips planned with the family this year, so it will probably be either March next year or October next year when ds has gone to uni. We are looking either for a long weekend or possibly a week and like to go off the beaten track a bit so don’t want a European city break. We’d also rather spend money on getting somewhere amazing than staying in a really fancy hotel. Places I’ve thought about are Armenia, one of the stans or the golden triangle in India. We love good food, great scenery, exploring. Places we’ve been to and loved are Iceland, Peru, Japan, South Africa, Georgia, Borneo, amongst others. We aren’t interested in the Middle East. Had anyone got any ideas for places I might not have considered? Thanks

For that short trip I would go to Slovenia. It is beautiful. Public transport is fine or you can hire a car and be in the mountains with magnificent scenery, hikes, swimming, rafting within an hour or so from the airport. I can’t wait to go back again.

Cappadocia in Turkey. Stay in one of the cave hotels and have a hot air balloon flight.

Thanks, we’ve been to Slovenia and loved it so would prefer to go somewhere new but thank you!

The only stan I have been to is Uzbekistan, we did about 10 days Tashkent - Kivah - Bukhara - Samarkand - Tashkent and really enjoyed our visit, it was mid October time and t-shirt weather still. It's a bit of a trek though for a weeks holiday. We flew in from Seoul, rather than the UK, but I don't imagine it's easy to get to. Other nearer options (these are not personal recommendations, just trips that I have considered at various times) are: 1. Romania, Bucharest, Brasov, Sighisoara and Sibiu between the two. This was my plan for May half-term, but would probably only work with a car not on public transport which with infrequent train schedule takes longer. 2. Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia maybe combined with some time in Albania. 3. Georgia, I would have Tbilisi higher on my list than Yerevan I think. 4. Lithuanaia, I want to see Vilnius, Kaunas, hill of crosses near Siauliai and Curonian Spit. Not sure any of these closer options fit perfectly with March or November timings though.

Thanks, but Turkey not a favourite and my husband hates heights as much as I would love a hot air balloon ride 😬

Yes I think I’m thinking we may do 2 weeks on the Silk Road at some point to make the most of it.
we had looked at north Macedonia, even bought a guide book so that’s a definite maybe. I’ve been to Tbilisi ( it was amazing!) hence Yerevan as a similar place. I also considered Sibiu and Vilnius for my girls trip this year and could be options for us, thank you!!

• Azerbaijan

I think the biggest challenge is the time you have as it doesn't lend itself to lots of more exotic locations that can take 2 flights to reach. At that time S.Korea is a good bet, if you can bear going that far for a week, that would get my vote. I have been to Japan for just 8 days once, so it's doable if a little fleeting.

If you can squeeze more time, that would open up lots more options.

We went to India, similar age, was amazing. I booked through coop travel and we had a a driver, you can also book directly with the Indian fixer for more flexibility - le passage to India they are called. You are booked into the hotels on a b&b basis so you can explore eating spots in each city

Thanks, we’re off to South Korea in October. We’re happy to do up to a week so conscious this will rule out some longer haul destinations but that’s ok. India still v much an option as I think that’s doable

Thanks, yes India is a definite maybe!!

Just in case it factors into decision-making, Lithuania will hold the rotating Presidency of the EU from January to July next year. So there will be a lot more tourists than normal with Ministerial meetings and meetings of officials held in the country (as not everything happens in Brussels). Could be exactly what you want with lots of bustle - or your worst nightmare with too many people when you want to see things and coach loads of business people get preferential access or security is massively increased.

Im noting lots of the ideas for myself though, for 2028….(no, I’m not Lithuanian).

India def doable for the triangle in 7 days. I'm not sure it'll fill your off the beaten track but it's a must do part of the world IMO.

Kerala is also doable for a week too, but again 2 flights.

Have you been to much of Africa? The time zone is very easy, but not sure about weather at that time but worth a look. The roman history is fantastic in the north. I assume you've been to Egypt already?