I can go pretty much anywhere in the world for vacation. Where should I go?

[Gaudere]

So, I'm planning to go on vacation for a week with my mom in January or February, and I'm looking for ideas. Anyone been anyplace cool you'd recommend?

Potentially relevant info:
Nothing with much strenuous physical activity required--Mom's 60.
We like to eat new cuisines and looking at museums and architecture and pretty nature.
I'd like to go someplace warm after freezing through three months of Chicago winter.
We both know a bit of Spanish.

I was thinking, I dunno, Argentina? Spain? Puerto Rico? Greece? Costa Rica?

[don't ask]

Miami?

[Dunderman]

Moscow. I was there three years ago, and apparently the place has become rather less pleasant since (the whole burgeoning dictatorship thing seems to put people off), but it's the most beautiful, most impressive city I've seen. The language thing is going to be a bitch, but I think it's worth it.

Architecture? Check. See the one good thing that can be said about totalitarianism: fucking impressive buildings and statues.

Museums? Check. Spend a few days in the Pushkin Museum, but be sure to get there early. Russians like their culture.

New cuisines? Check. Restaurants from every part of the world. Eat Ukrainian, Belarussian, Siberian, Romanian, Hungarian, and that's just the entrées.

Warm? Well... no. Not even close. Really flipping, arsicle-building, breath-solidifying cold, actually.

[sandra_nz]

New Zealand!


Well, you did say anywhere in the world. And it'll be summer.

[FourPaws]

Maine.
So you know where not to go next time.

[An Arky]

Go to a coral atoll in the S. Pacific. They probably won't be around all that much longer.

[cormac262]

Spain.

I can only speak for Barcelona, but you can check off "new cuisines", "museums", and "architecture" with that city alone !

Other high points:
- weather. I was in Barcelona after Christmas, and it wasn't "tropical", but it was very comfortable. Easily high 60's most days. If you go to Madrid or further south, it will likely be warmer
- cheap. Of all the countries in western europe, Spain is one of the cheapest for food, hotels, etc.
- not too strenuous. You will probably do a good bit of walking for sightseeing.
- you said you speak some spanish.


(Maine or Moscow in Jan./Feb. ???? You've got to be kidding !)

[Shamozzle]

Yes, I would say Spain or Italy. The large cities in those countries are brilliant and satisfy all of the points you mentioned.

[Autolycus]

I was going to say Kyoto, Japan, but it doesn't fit with the Spanish nor the weather req. It has everything else though, the cuisine, architecture, musuems, etc and so forth.

[Cunctator]

Australia and New Zealand.

Iceland is interesting, although it would be drawing towards winter.

[MikeG]

Greece would be nice, a day or two in Athens, then off to some islands. My aunt just got back from Turkey and says it is one of the best vacations she has ever been on (she's been all over the world from China to Norway and pretty much every place inbetween).

[Joey P]

Milwaukee.

[Shamozzle]

Greece would be nice, a day or two in Athens, then off to some islands. My aunt just got back from Turkey and says it is one of the best vacations she has ever been on (she's been all over the world from China to Norway and pretty much every place inbetween).
Turkey is amazing.

[Surok]

Moscow. I was there three years ago, and apparently the place has become rather less pleasant since (the whole burgeoning dictatorship thing seems to put people off), but it's the most beautiful, most impressive city I've seen. The language thing is going to be a bitch, but I think it's worth it.

Architecture? Check. See the one good thing that can be said about totalitarianism: fucking impressive buildings and statues.

Museums? Check. Spend a few days in the Pushkin Museum, but be sure to get there early. Russians like their culture.

New cuisines? Check. Restaurants from every part of the world. Eat Ukrainian, Belarussian, Siberian, Romanian, Hungarian, and that's just the entrées.

Warm? Well... no. Not even close. Really flipping, arsicle-building, breath-solidifying cold, actually.

I would say anywhere but Moscow. It's an interesting city and there are some wonderful people there, but it's not going to be a relaxing place for a vacation.

It's become increasingly polluted. In Jan/ Feb - unless you get lucky and have a real cold snap - it's going to be covered in dirty slush over an unvenly packed layer of slick ice. The air quality on some days in some districts is enough to make you vomit.

The restaurants vary from pretty good (and over-priced, often with indifferent service) to pretty gross (with actively hostile service). No consistency - you may go to a place, have near perfect shishkebab, go back the same day and find its transmogrified into a place serving half cooked, gristly lumps of mystery meat.

Hotel accommodation anywhere vaguely central suffers from ridiculously high prices, thanks to the Mayor's delusions of grandeur and his practice of pulling down anywhere affordable in order to replace in with a five star hotel.

Some of the architecture is still pretty impressive, and there are some lovely parks but if it's freezing cold/ the city has turned into a huge slush-pit, you're not going to want to spend that much time outside.

Getting around - if you're with someone who's not physically active or has mobility problems, that's going to mean you're pretty much confined to taxis. Which means ordering them from the hotel front desk, where they'll charge you an arm and a leg.

In short, don't even think about it. I've spent six winters in Moscow. I know (more or less) whereof I speak.

Go to Spain instead. You'll have a much better time.

[StGermain]

My sister lived in Turkey for several years and loves it. See Instanbul, spend some time along the beautiful coastline. Great food.

StG

[T_SQUARE]

Argentina is fantastic and dirt cheap as well. When I was there in 2005, a top shelf hotel in BA was about $70 a night. If you like meat, you will love the food. As I recall, a steak dinner with wine and all the fixings was about 10 bucks. A buddy of mine just got back and bought about 5 cows worth of custom leather goods for a silly low price. A cab ride will be about 5 bucks anyplace in BA.

The architecture in BA is really neat; it felt a lot like Paris, which I think was the idea. BA used to be one of the fanciest cities in the world.

I didn't do any museums, as I was there last for dove hunting, but I'm sure they have that kind of thing.

I spent a little time in Moscow a couple years back. It was interesting, but I wouldn't go on vacation there, considering the Marriott was about $400 a night. The night clubs are full of hookers and very few people speak English, except said hookers. Also, the subway would be a nightmare for someone with mobility issues.

[Clothahump]

Sydney, Australia. It'll be summertime.

Take a drive out into the Blue Mountains and go see Hill End. Some walking required, but your mom can pretty much pick how much she wants to do.

[anamnesis]

One of the tropical locales near the top of my list has always been French Polynesia. The lagoons of Bora Bora (http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/9439.jpg) look like heaven on earth to me. It looks like something out of a fairy tale. Those little Y-shaped piers are bungalows suspended over the brilliant cyan water, which is only three or four feet deep before it turns a rich azure blue as it drops off into the lagoon further out. The island is far-removed from civilization and about as majestic as your wildest dreams of a Pacific paradise could ever be. There are colors in the flora and fauna that you don't see produced by nature in any other part of the world. You'd be hard-pressed to find a place with more natural beauty, IMO. Only thing holding me back from going is a lack of funds (it's on the expensive side) and the fact that I don't have a girl willing to tag along. They all seem to want to take a charter to Cancun or Aruba anyway. :rolleyes:

It may not be the place to go if you want to experience endless cultural options, as it is quite a small and remote place, but winter is the slow season there and you could probably get a decent deal (and fewer "fellow" vacationers) if you try to go in February or March.

[Lynne_kilii]

I'll go with you! But I won't put out.

[squeegee]

Turkey is amazing.
You're just saying that because you have leftovers. :)

More seriously: I've always want to see Hagia Sophia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hagia_Sophia). That would be awesome.

[Mr. Excellent]

Washington, DC :D. The winter should be very mild this year, the museums are all (well, almost all) free, and there is some truly fantastic architecture - drop by the National Cathedral on a Sunday, and stay for the weekly organ recital. Check out the Kogod Courtyard, and the Library of Congress - all of these things are free, of course. And there's the Smithsonian (free). For new food - how does Ethiopian strike you? Russian? Creole? Cuban? We've got it all in Our Fair City. And as for music - opera, rock, string quartets - you can find anything here, and a surprisingly large amount of it is free or really cheap.

Come to DC!

[straykat23]

I'd say Argentina because it's fabulous and because you have the Spanish speaking thing going on; otherwise, it's definitely Australia and New Zealand because they're equally awesome. Weather-wise it should all be good.

Sydney is incredible; Buenos Aires is fabulous. New Zealand is more provincial but, as with Canadians, Kiwis are the nicest people on the face of the earth and the terrain is spectacular. So we've got fabulous (BA), incredible (Sydney) and spectacular (New Zealand). You gotta' see all at some time or other. Take your pick. Forget the whole Europe thing - sticker shock.

With the dollar at an all time low, I'd say that Argentina is your best bet if money is an issue.

Sixty ain't that old....

[Lok]

Lots of good places have been named, but if you are only going to go for a week, Sydney and NZ are pretty much out of it. Which is too bad, because Sydney rocks. There is always New Orleans. I don't think it gets cold at all, the food is fantastic, there are all kinds of historical and cultural things to do, and if you feel like partying, Bourbon Street is always open.

A little more exotic but still close is Maui. Not as varied in the food department, although an authentic luau is a fun experience, but there are all kinds of things to do and see there.

[Gaudere]

Lots of great suggestions!

1) Moscow--that does sound very cold. My grandmother went and loved it, but I think I want to be warm this trip!
2) New Zealand--it does look awesome! That's a loooong plane ride though.
3) Coral Atoll: but do you do anything besides look at it and feel sad?
4) Spain: definitely a contender. It won't be really warm there though--but I love spanish food.
5) Italy: I was there two years ago, so probably someplace else. LOVED it though.
6) Kyoto: that sounds interesting. I wonder if mom would go for it. MY bro went there and had awesome pix.
7) Greece: Another strong contender. Anyone been there with advice and stories?
8) Turkey: never thought of it! What's there to do there?
9) Argentina: ooh, it'll be hot there when we're shivering in January, and good steaks. Any beachy + cultural places there?
10) Australia: again long flight, but sounds cool!
11) French Polynesia: Wow, that is gorgeous. What did you do when you were there?

I don't know if I want to do the 'states...I'd kind of like to do a more exotic trip, and I have been roaming all over here pretty well already. Mother has been to DC a ton of times (she used to approve grants there) and Maine's too cold, I've been to Florida lots! Plus I should have a free domestic flight for my miles in a few more months, I can use that to travel here.

PS: Keep the ideas coming! You guys are way better than travel guides!

[Shamozzle]

You're just saying that because you have leftovers. :)

More seriously: I've always want to see Hagia Sophia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hagia_Sophia). That would be awesome.
Yea, but since I'm Canadian, they've been in the fridge for quite a while now. The stuffing just developed gunpowder last week.

The Hagia Sophia, yea, absolutely stellar. When I saw it there was a section of scaffolding from the floor to the interior of the dome that had something like 17 or 20 stories. Amazing. Apparently, it was the tallest building in the world for approx. 1000 years...

[Ice Wolf]

New Zealand (of course!) -- and I'd suggest Christchurch and the central South Island for cool scenery, history and lots and lots of warmth this summer. An alternative is Auckland and Northland, on the North Island. Good luck with your break!

[Shamozzle]

7) Greece: Another strong contender. Anyone been there with advice and stories?
8) Turkey: never thought of it! What's there to do there?
I have been to both countries and they are both really fantastic.

Don't get me wrong, I loved Greece, but if I had to pick between the two I would pick Turkey.

First, it is a much larger country and so it follows in some sense that it has more to offer, and offer it does. Also, Turkey is where it starts to get exotic when you are traveling from Europe into the Middle East, and that sense really adds to the experience. But it's not so exotic that it's a difficult place to travel or arrange plans, etc, like in, say, Syria where half the time you are wondering what the hell is going on... Turkey is in the sweet spot.

So, what's so great about Turkey?

Let's start with Istanbul (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Istanbul), a city that ruled three empires over a period of about 1500 years. Istanbul (http://www.kaliteliresimler.com/data/media/12/sultanahmet.jpg) is as important as Rome, Paris, or London, in my opinion. There's so much to do and see there, it's amazing.

Beyond Istanbul there are all kinds of things to see. Ephesus (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephesus) is awesome, as is Pamukkale (http://k53.pbase.com/u45/fheon/upload/29124814.Pamukkale.jpg), and here (http://www.bigglook.com/biggtraveleng/travelcards/travelcards/pamukkale.jpg).

In the centre of Turkey is an extraordinary region known as Cappadocia (http://www.turkeyinphotos.com/Gallery/Cappadocia/cappadocia%20views10.jpg). Where they built entire cities within the rock (http://www.tatilsepeti.com/Files/TurResim/02954/cappadocia_17.jpg) and underground (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cappadoccia).

Turkey also has fantastic beaches (http://www.mtcowgirl.us/images/Pix/Kas_Patara.jpg). The water is sublime (http://www.bluecruise.co.uk/beach_1.jpg).

Let's see what else. Fethiye (http://www.hat.net/album/middle_east/001_turkey/day_08_fethiye/fethiye.jpg) is pretty nice (http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.turkeypropertyforsale.com/fethiye_property/fethiye/fethiye_view.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.turkeypropertyforsale.com/fethiye_property/fethiye/fethiye.htm&h=319&w=480&sz=47&hl=en&start=43&tbnid=DwYyv8_C274oxM:&tbnh=86&tbnw=129&prev=/images%3Fq%3DFethiye%26start%3D42%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D21%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN).

The Saklikent Gorge (http://www.calis-beach-apartment.com/photos/excursion_highlights/saklikent_gorge2.JPG) is great if you have some adventure in you.

If you like to party you can head to Kushadasi (http://www.aksityayincilik.com/images3/turkiye-resimleri/kusadasi-01.jpg)or Bodrum. (http://www.wayfaring.info/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/bodrum.jpg)

If you are into monolithic government architecture, you'll like Ankara (http://www.e-myturkey.org/images/photo_gallery_turkey/Ankara_Antikabir2.jpg)

And of course, I can't really link any pictures of how awesome the food was, how kind and friendly the people where, or how cheap everything was. I'd go back in a second.

So there you go. Hey, I should wirte travel guides!

[Desert Nomad]

Iran. Culture, Museums, Cuisine. And if the visa proves too difficult, Turkey. Like the above posters, Turkey is wonderful.

[Noone Special]

If you're at all interested in "Pilgrimage" (AKA "Christian Tourism"), you should consider Israel.

Actually, you should consider it even if you're not interested in the Christian angle -- lovely, mild winter (if you're not too much of a warm-weather person you can hit the beach even in February), all the Western amenities, some terrific scenery, history and archeology out of your ears....

Believe me, the security concerns, while they exist, are blown way out of proportion!

[Atrael]

My first response would have been Italy. Just because I'm totally biased towards it. But seeing as how you've already been, and are looking for a bit better weather I'm going to have to agree that you should pick someplace else.

That being said my second suggestion even before I saw it was Turkey. There is a lot to do there. I was in Turkey in Februrary a long time ago and while it was the middle of the rainy season, I don't recall it being very cold. Windbreaker weather if I remember correctly.

Along with some of the excellent links provided above, let me add a few of my own from places I visited there.

The Maiden's Castle, Cennet and Cehennem are all close together and very cool to see, read here (http://www.rolva.com.tr/kiz_kalesi_ing.htm) for more information. Although I'm not sure how accessable to limited mobility people. There are some interesting sites in Alanya (http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/go/med/Alanya/index.html) but I'm not sure how it's going to be in January or February. Are your months flexible at all? A month or two slide to the right would make all the difference.

I haven't been myself, but from what I've read, Kekova (http://www.turkeyinphotos.com/kekova-simena.htm) is interesting.

There's a great book, Scotch and Holy Water ("http://www.amazon.com/Scotch-Holy-Water-John-Tumpane/dp/0960738207) that gives both an interesting peek into the culture, and some ideas for out of the way archeological sites to visit. The book was written in the 70's I believe, so it's probably a bit easier to get to some of the locations that he writes about.

Most of all, have fun!

[Caffeine.addict]

I have been to both countries and they are both really fantastic.

Don't get me wrong, I loved Greece, but if I had to pick between the two I would pick Turkey.

First, it is a much larger country and so it follows in some sense that it has more to offer, and offer it does. Also, Turkey is where it starts to get exotic when you are traveling from Europe into the Middle East, and that sense really adds to the experience. But it's not so exotic that it's a difficult place to travel or arrange plans, etc, like in, say, Syria where half the time you are wondering what the hell is going on... Turkey is in the sweet spot.

So, what's so great about Turkey?

Let's start with Istanbul (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Istanbul), a city that ruled three empires over a period of about 1500 years. Istanbul (http://www.kaliteliresimler.com/data/media/12/sultanahmet.jpg) is as important as Rome, Paris, or London, in my opinion. There's so much to do and see there, it's amazing.
[/URL].



I was just in Istanbul and I liked the city. The one concern I would have is that the city is very hilly and depending on how much walking Mom can do this may be an issue.

That being said if you are interested in architecture and history, Istanbul is the place to go. We spent about 7 days there and we just barely got a feel for the city and saw mostly only the major sites.

The people are generally pretty friendly and the food was good. The one thing I would caution you on is that a great deal of people smoke and there really aren't no smoking sections in bars or restaurants. The weather is pretty mild as well.

[JKellyMap]

Turkey is amazing.

RIGHT ON!!

[Darryl Lict]

If you are only going for a week, I'd try to stay in this hemisphere, i.e. the Americas. Jet lag is a real bitch for me, and it takes 4 days on both ends for me to recover. I've only been to Amazonian Brazil and not the coast, but I'd say coastal Brazil, Central America, Mexico, Fiji, French Polynesia, the Caribbean, or Argentina would all be great choices, and warm, too! For the record, I find Portuguese to be indecipherable and am much more comfortable in Spanish speaking countries.

[JKellyMap]

If you are only going for a week, I'd try to stay in this hemisphere, i.e. the Americas. Jet lag is a real bitch for me, and it takes 4 days on both ends for me to recover.

Good point. In fact, that's EXACTLY why I decided, years ago, NOT to make Turkey the focus of my professional life.

Go with Costa Rica. If you do Mexico, consider Oaxaca -- it's got it all.

[Ukulele Ike]

The Indiana Dunes.

You can drive there in about an hour and a half, and pick up some chocolate pecans on the Interstate on the way.

[Ukulele Ike]

Sheboygan is pretty nice this time of year, too. You like bratwurst?

[myskepticsight]

I went to Greece on a high school trip. Did Athens/surrounding areas for a few days and a cruise around the islands. Don't remember much in particular, it was a school trip so we went from like 6am-11pm everyday, nonstop. Athens was neat but huge and....huge. We spent a decent amount of time on buses so lord knows where we actually went - tons of temples and historic sites, a clothing-optional beach. The islands cruise was fantastic though. We did tons of walking, because we had a guide, and I remember lots of steps. But it was incredibly beautiful and amazing to see stuff that was so....old, ya know? I also rode a donkey on one island - don't recommend it, that donkey beat me up, literally. Take the tram up instead. But I would definitely say look into Greece, I would go back, especially for a cruise, in a heartbeat.

[Shagnasty]

Go with Costa Rica. If you do Mexico, consider Oaxaca -- it's got it all.

Costa Rica is great. It is basically a whole country set up as an eco-toursim theme park. The people are great and very American friendly. You can explore both the Caribbean and Pacific sides with just a three hour ride and even personal cab rides are cheap if you don't want a shuttle bus. One of my favorite places in the world is a resort at the base of the Arenal volcano. They have hot streams to swim through, trails to hike up the mountain, and monkeys and parrots in the rain-forest right beside it. Massages in beautiful open air huts are also great and cheap. Costa Rica has lots of climates ranging from the tropical to cloud forests. If you like nature, that is your place. Spanish is appreciated but not required. The Tikos aim to please and are almost completely of Spanish origin and a peaceful people.

[Colibri]

Costa Rica's nice, but Panama's better. More rainforest, more coral reefs, much greater ethnic and cultural diversity in a smaller population, at this point fewer tourists, and in general more bang for your buck. Not much in the way of museums, but the old part of Panama City is interesting, and there is also the ruins of Old Panama, burned by Morgan the pirate in 1671. And of course the Panama Canal is one of the engineering wonders of the world. Also, Panama uses the US dollar as its national currency so there is no need to change money.

[jellyblue]

I don't think anyone's mentioned Prague. That's where I'd go in your circumstance and just consider the Spanish a loss. But I love Art Nouveau and would love to see all those fabulous buildings and bridges....If you don't like cold, you could plan to go when it's warm.

[Sapo]

Another vote for Argentina. Add to its pluses that it won't be too many timezones away from you (I am assuming you are in the US), so no jet lag to worry about. The flight is wicked long, but so is the case for most other detinations suggested.

And if you are going down there, it would be a shame if you didn't include Santiago (Chile) in your itinerary. Maybe some Peru thrown in for good measure?

[Moirai]

Have you thought about Aruba? We go down there every year, and it's wonderful! The people are the friendliest we have ever met, and most are extremely well-educated (3 official languages learned in school- English, Dutch and Spanish, plus papiemento and usually German).

The food is fantastic (must love seafood), the beaches are lovely, and the windward side of the island is barren but beautiful. It is always warm and usually sunny, but with a near-constant breeze. No humidity, no bugs. It's not a place for people looking for lots to do, but it's a wonderful place to relax.

I highly recommend it.

I also love Barcelona, Hawai'i and Mexico.

[Trunk]

Now, I want to go to Turkey. That's on my short list of places to go in the next 5 years anyway.

I recently visited South Africa. But, if you're only going for a week, that's a long-ass ways away.

Still, it's pretty sweet. It will be warm. Easy to get around. You can take a dip in the Indian Ocean. Cape Town is pretty damn cool.

[BetsQ]

I'll throw in a vote for SE Asia, although it's a long flight for a week. It will certainly be warm there, and there is much to see in the way museum and very different architecture. Plus, lots of good eating, especially if you're adventurous! As to specific countries, I'd recommend:

Thailand - lots of people aren't particularly enthusiastic about Bangkok, but I think it's a great city. Chiang Mai is widely agreed to be lovely, and there are many nice beaches in Thailand for a little R&R. Lots of great architecture (the Royal Palace, all the wats (temples), Jim Thompson's house).

Vietnam - Such good food! And so inexpensive! Lots of Vietnamese food, as you would expect, but also really great French food. Yum. The French colonial cities are beautifully designed architecture-wise, if a bit run down. Shopping is fabulous there. Halong Bay is supposed to be gorgeous. The Cu Chi tunnels and the musuem on the Vietnam War are both very interesting.

Cambodia - I was there in 1999, and from what I understand it's a bit less scary and more touristy now. Angkor Wat and the other temples in Siem Reap are the most spectacular thing I've ever seen.

Make it a ten day trip and spend a day or two on a beach in Thailand recovering from jet lag, go explore the temples in Cambodia for three days, and then spend a few days in Bangkok or Chaing Mai buying souvenirs.

I have such travel envy! Enjoy your travel planning!

PS. I'll second or third votes for New Zealand, too. Such a beautiful country!

[Atrael]

Good point. In fact, that's EXACTLY why I decided, years ago, NOT to make Turkey the focus of my professional life.

Go with Costa Rica. If you do Mexico, consider Oaxaca -- it's got it all.


Last I heard, there was a lot of civil unrest in Oaxaca. True that was a few months ago, but it's off my list to revist for a few years. We went through San Cristobal de las Casas and it was just creepy with all the rebals there in the town square. Only time on the whole trip I was worried about safety.

[RTFirefly]

Much as I love the D.C. area, I would urge you to eschew Mr. Excellent's advice. If you're gonna come here, do so in May or September, when the weather's temperate but the kids are in school. D.C. in January and February can be just awful if you're here on a bad week, weather-wise.

Lok mentioned Maui, and I'll second that. South Maui especially has a wide variety of great beaches within a very short distance of one another - big beaches, pocket beaches, beaches with regular sand, or with red or black sand, beaches where you wear a bathing suit, and beaches where you don't.

Weather's great anytime of year. If your mom's up to snorkeling or scuba-diving, it's a good place for that, too.

You wouldn't go to Maui for the food, but once you're there, it's pretty good actually. Mama's Fish House on the north coast is one of the best restaurants my wife and I have ever been to. (Not a luau, just a very very good restaurant.) But unless you've got an unlimited budget, you'll only eat there once during your stay. Quite a variety of ethnic restaurants which hold their own. I've had very good Thai and Tex-Mex there, among other cuisines.

Maui Revealed (http://www.bigislandrevealed.com/maui/maui.html) is the essential guidebook to the island.

[Illuminatiprimus]

Why has no-one suggested London??? One of the largest, oldest and most individual cities in the world!


You can't walk for two minute without stumbling across a site of historical interest or museum.
Every cuisine in the entire world is here.
It has a very good transport system, including buses for people with limited mobility (stay away from the cabs as you'll get ripped off).
Some of the best theatre productions in the world - Shaftesbury Avenue is the European equivalent of Broadway.

I admit it's not very warm, your Spanish won't get particularly well utilised and you'll get fairly screwed on the exchange rate.

Failing that I'd second people who suggest Spain, particularly Barcelona which is one of the most cultural sites in all of Europe.

[Lok]

I second the Maui Revealed book. They consistently were right on the money about food, sights, and things to do and see when I was there. I kept running into other people there also using the book while seeing different things than I was and they reported the same experience. Any trip I make to Hawai'i will be made using their books for any island I am visiting. Old Lahaina Luau (http://www.oldlahainaluau.com/index_main.html) had great food, a good show, and an open bar. The bar was mostly wasted on me since I don't drink, but the others at my table seemed to enjoy it. :D

[Gaudere]

So far I’m leaning towards Greece, Spain, Argentina and Turkey. I’d LOVE to go to Costa Rica, but what I really want to do there is snorkeling and hiking, and mom might not be up for much of that. Panana I hadn’t thought of. Anyone know anything about Puerto Rico?

EJsGirl, I have been to Aruba and it was great, like you said. I think there’s plenty to do there for a week; I went horseback riding, rode dune buggies, toured the island, and snorkeled. Maui I’ve been to a couple times…I do love it, but maybe someplace new this trip. My mom’s company has an office in London that she goes to all the time, so she’d probably like to go someplace different for a vacation.

Thanks all for the advice!

[Sapo]

We had a recent thread about vacationing in PR.

http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=443204&highlight=vacation+puerto+rico

It would depend on what type of activities would your mom enjoy. It sounds like you would be more into sightseeing, museums and fine dining. I am not sure PR is the place for this (not for a long vacation, anyways). PR is more of an adventure destination. If you are going to South America, many airlines will make a stop in San Juan, though. You might want to schedule it as a 2-3 days stop and enjoy Old San Juan, and maybe a couple of days in a nice beach hotel, if your destination is more of a mountain/city place.

[DeadlyAccurate]

Now, I want to go to Turkey.

Me, too, and it's a country that I've never considered before.


For the OP, if not Turkey, then I concur with Costa Rica. I'll even plug the travel agency we used: Adventure Life (http://www.adventure-life.com/). They handled everything except the plane, and they make sure that the majority of the places they deal with have someone who speaks English. We spent four days at a ranch in the jungle called Selva Bananito Lodge (http://www.selvabananito.com/) (website has sound), which I cannot recommend highly enough, and then a place in Port Limon called Cariblue (http://www.cariblue.com/) (also with sound), which I didn't care for (but I'm not a beach person.) The food at Cariblue was great, though.