'Special' holiday this year - suggestions welcome please?

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Jimbo
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'Special' holiday this year - suggestions welcome please?

Post by Jimbo »

This year is my wife Diana's ** birthday (censored!) and we're looking to have a special holiday to mark the occasion. We've both been lucky enough to have worked in many interesting locations, but there's a whole world out there that's unexplored (by us). North Africa appeals, as does Cambodia/Laos/Vietnam. And some of South America. But we're not really stuck on anywhere in particular.

So, two questions please?

1: Has anybody had a memorable holiday recently, off the mainstream tourist track, that they could heartily recommend?

2: Does anybody own a gite in a fascinating location that we could use as a base for local exploration (website links would be most helpful)?

Any help and suggestions from other members would be most appreciated. Thank you.
Jim
kg1
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Post by kg1 »

If you are looking at S. America try Argentina, fascinating and friendly (despite popular opinions), very affordable, fabulous hotels and dining. Also a good base for exploring other S.American areas, and most importantly absolutely fabulous shopping.

Have a great time where ever you go.
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Post by annedab »

There was an amazing food programme on last year which had an episode about Argentina. John Torode presented it - looked fabulous. Please post me a doggy bag if you go to the steak place he featured (with apologies to any veggie LMHers!)
Regards

Anne

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Post by Sam V »

One of the most beautiful places I've ever stayed, we had four nights, and can highly recommend, ticks all the boxes and would love to return again (some guests we met were on second and third visits). I've stayed in 5* and in more exotic locations and eaten in top restaurants that weren't as good as this place. Stunning locations n, beautiful rooms, amazing food, lovely service.

http://www.villacampestri.com/en/resort/
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Post by Ecosse »

One of the weirdest and most wonderful holidays I went on was the Trans Siberian Railway. I met a friend who's been teaching in Japan in Beijing, and with the help of a travel company that specialised in the Trans Siberian, we travelled to Moscow, stopping off at Ulan Bataar (Mongolia) to stay in a traditional 'ger', Lake Baikal and Ekaterinburg to find out what really happened to the Russian royal family. The train ride itself was stunning and quite surreal at times, with a whole array of interesting characters. We chose a 4 berth cabin, but they also have 2 berth. We also chose a company who organised all the important stuff (pick ups, visa regulations etc.) but otherwise left us to our own devices. We preferred that, but there are also several companies that send you off in a group with a tour guide.
Essar
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Post by Essar »

I've had several interesting holidays; I also like different.

Toronto to Vancouver on the train - 3-days - plus stays in Totonto, visit Nigara Falls, Jasper (Ice fields) & Vancouver Island by seaplane.

China- Bejing (Gt Wall), Xiang (Terracota Warriors), Shanghai & Hong Kong. Try a River cruise down the Yangste.

Driving through Southern States - start in Nashville, Memphis, Salt Springs (Arkansas), down through Texas visit Houston (NASA), Galveston (Beach), down to Brownsville & San Padre Island. Then up to San Antonio (Alamo), across through Loiusiana and finish off in New Orleans - you'll need 3-weeks. Just book a car and your first & last hotels; stay anywhere on the route.

Another US route to drive is the road from Miami down to Key West in the Florida keys - brilliant - take it slow and stop often.
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kg1
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Post by kg1 »

Essar wrote:I've had several interesting holidays; I also like different.

Toronto to Vancouver on the train - 3-days - plus stays in Totonto, visit Nigara Falls, Jasper (Ice fields) & Vancouver Island by seaplane.

China- Bejing (Gt Wall), Xiang (Terracota Warriors), Shanghai & Hong Kong. Try a River cruise down the Yangste.

Driving through Southern States - start in Nashville, Memphis, Salt Springs (Arkansas), down through Texas visit Houston (NASA), Galveston (Beach), down to Brownsville & San Padre Island. Then up to San Antonio (Alamo), across through Loiusiana and finish off in New Orleans - you'll need 3-weeks. Just book a car and your first & last hotels; stay anywhere on the route.

Another US route to drive is the road from Miami down to Key West in the Florida keys - brilliant - take it slow and stop often.
Would definitely second Texas. We stayed on a Dude Ranch. Cowboy horse riding, hay wagon picnic trips. Loved it. Also the fascinating history, Alamo etc. San Antonio is lovely.
Marks
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Post by Marks »

Margate. Dreamland, miles of beach, donkey rides, amusement arcades, kiss me quick hats, candy floss drunks and druggies.
I'm sure Diana would go for it :wink:

In all seriousness though - Australia. All of it. Cannot wait to go back.
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kg1
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Post by kg1 »

Marks wrote:Margate. Dreamland, miles of beach, donkey rides, amusement arcades, kiss me quick hats, candy floss drunks and druggies.
I'm sure Diana would go for it :wink:

In all seriousness though - Australia. All of it. Cannot wait to go back.
Thread creep. Sorry. Used to go to Dreamland each year. We always holidayed in Margate and Dreamland was the final night treat. Happy memories.
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PW in Polemi
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Post by PW in Polemi »

Sri Lanka. You could stay at the Lighthouse Hotel in Galle for some serious pampering (south west), explore that area, (there's also Shar, a LMH member with a gorgeous property in Unawatuna which is relatively close to Galle). Drive up to Kandy, and across to Trincomalee, staying somewhere overnight en route. Alternatively, if you don't like being driven, take a local plane - unless you're nervous fliers!

The welcome, the hospitality, the scenery and the friendliness of the people is amazing. On the down side - the driving is appalling, as is the state of the roads. Poverty is endemic, as are mosquitoes so take plenty of Jungle Formula and wear it unless you fancy a dose of dengue fever. Changing money at the bank is a very different scenario to UK banks. No labelled exchange till, so we prepared for a long wait as the bank was packed to the rafters. Suddenly, one of the armed guards pointed to us (gulp!) and waved us through the throng to a pretty sari-clad Sri Lankan lady, by-passing the entire queue. And nobody grumbled or looked in any way put out that we had queue jumped. They seemed to expect it, it's presumably part of their hospitality that guests don't have to wait. :D

We loved our holidays there - and we have friends who go so frequently they almost live there! :lol:

Edited to add (tongue in cheek!) that of course, there's always our neck of the woods, the not-so-touristy area of Paphos with miles of forest walks, scenic villages, friendly locals - and us! :lol: :lol: :lol:
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Jimbo
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Post by Jimbo »

Thanks to all who've contributed suggestions to this thread, some of which we've been following up with considerable interest.

In the end, it's Diana's birthday, so it's her choice of location - but I've been trying to give the odd nudge here and there. When your only wish is not to go somewhere you've been before and, hopefully, to come back in one piece, the world is still remarkably big and seductive. Thanks for the help - much appreciated!

Dreamland - err, no. Been there, still got that funny hat :oops:
Jim
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