Well, my title says it all. Next year, we will have been together for 25 years, and it will be my 60th birthday. DH feels that we should go anywhere I want to go for a celebration trip.
I have a few ideas. A couple of trips I half planned but we didn't take, for various reasons:
Umbria (I've only seen a portion)
Provence (only been to the Cote d'Azur area)
Dordogne (never been)
Places that I still have on my to-do list
Banff/Jasper/Glacier
Yosemite
Any thoughts? I had originally had a favorite, Big Sur, on the list, but can't quite bring myself to pay Ventana prices, and it seems that Big Sur Lodge, where we stayed in the past, is in disrepair. Anyway, as much as I adore Big Sur, it doesn't really seem like a big trip.
I would go to Australia and NZ, but we don't get enough vacation next year.
You know, I could talk about this forever. I would also consider a wildly romantic spot in England. I've always wanted to stay in a romantic National Trust property. Thatch, fireplace,...
On the other hand, a swimming pool is one of my favorite things in the world.
2010: 25th Anniversary and 60th Birthday Trip: where to go?
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Ireland, especially the West Coast. I've never been there myself but would love to go.
By the way, congratulations! What a lovely event for the both of you!
Thanks Schuler. West of Ireland isn't on my list.
How about something fabulously Caribbean?
I'd choose Botswana and/or S. Africa if you like wildlife. You've been to Europe and Australia isn't that different from here. Africa is a very special destination and will change you forever. We went to Cape Town then Botswana for our 25th and it was magical.
Our 40th anniv. and my 60 bd (Child bride, you know) was spent on the north shore of Kauai. It was paradise. Intense activity vs. doing nothing, all available to you in a beautiful place with friendly laid back people. Rent a condo or house and save some $$.
South Africa is incredible. Quaint wineries, rolling hills/mountains, beaches, seafood, tropical fruit. Of course, timing and season are everything. Caribbean? The British Virgin Islands. Stay at one, such as Tortola, and visit all the others. Take day sails. Use the ferry to other islands. I loved it there. We went June 4 and it was great! I also adored Banff and Jasper. Gorgeous there, just don't go at the height of tourist season. What month are you interested in and what activities do you like?
I would also choose an African safari country but if you don't have enough time for NZ/Au I'm betting you don't have enough time for South or East Africa.
I think if you've spent a lot of time in Tuscany and love it, I'd go for Umbria or another area of Italy you haven't yet explored. I'm keen to go to Puglia. Otherwise, the Dordogne is terrific! Lots to do and many ways of relaxing while you do it. Very easy driving.
What about Turkey?
Congratulations!
Ireland sounds like the perfect spot. What time of year will you be traveling.
What time of year? That would eliminate many places for me.
Sorry, no Ireland. It's not my dream vacation.
What do we like? We especially like art and food. Great scenery and comfort; comfort is important. I have some health problems and something like a safari wouldn't work for me (and I don't relish it, anyway).
Europe, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Banff... but still so many choices.
We can go just about any time, but late spring would great as it would coincide with the anniversary and my birthday.
Paris...and then take the TGV to Avignon, stay in the walled city for a night or two, let get a rental car and drive around for a week or so. End up in Cannes or Nice and then fly out of Nice back home.

Just one idea
Leely2: I have spent a lot of time in Tuscany, and a lot of that was for work reasons. I like it, but there are places in Italy that I like better.
For all: I love to swim, and it is about the only sport I do these days.
Other things we like: gardens, history, architecture. We are both involved in art and writing, and our travels are often to Europe.
I would go to Hawaii - romantic and beautiful, comfortable, with tons of things to do.
Congrats, tuscan -- what a nice coincidence! December 2010 will be our 40th anniversary of unwedded bliss and we hope to be celebrating it in London.
I've never been to Hawaii but I hear it's spectacular. Otherwise, can you go very far afield? Have you considered Japan? We were crazy about Tokyo but we didn't get a chance to explore outside the city. Next time, I'd do some of the smaller towns.
And, of course, Paris...to my mind, the most romantic city in the world.
I've been to the west coast of Ireland and yes, it was quite a lovely vacation but I don't think it's spectacular enough for your occasion.
Prague? Vienna?
humm... first off - congrats - both wonderful things to celebrate!
Have you been to Hawaii?
There is something truly magical about Hawaii - I loved every island I have been to - but Kaui is my favorite. There is simply something special...
How about Greece/Turkey and their islands, getting on one of those older style sailing boats a few days.
For my 50th we spent part of the time in Dordogne seeing cave drawings.
I was 16 when I was in Hawaii on a family trip. DH suggested Hawaii, and DD, who went there on her honeymoon, thinks we would like it. I have no idea what would be a good time of year for Hawaii, but would love to hear this from others.
Greece and Turkey: well, maybe Turkey. My one and only trip to Greece was a disaster based on a tragedy, and I can't see going there for my big bash.
I'm about to go surf Kauai websites!
DH & I are also celebrating our 60th birthdays in 2010. At the moment we're thinking about Amsterdam - but I'm apt to change my mind several times before confirming something. I enjoy the planning process almost as much as the vacation.
If you want to explore options in Hawaii here are some options.
Kauai - north shore, best during the summer months (not as much rain - calmer waters). We stayed here two years ago and really enjoyed it. Great deck - you can watch the turtles feed below.
http://www.kauaivacationrentals.com/static/70.html
Big Island. We're renting this house in the Fall. Looks great and we love the location.
http://www.vrbo.com/193631
Have fun planning!
We've done Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island - all of them were wonderful. In terms of sheer natural beauty, Kauai was our favorite. Our helicopter tour of the Na Pali coast was the most beautiful thing I've seen in my life. Maui had tons of activities and a little more sophisticated dining than what we found on the other islands. The BI had the volcano which was amazing, and we got to hike out at night and see the lava flow when we were there. If you have time, it would be great if you could see a combo of a couple of different islands. They are a great complement to one another and so different.
Tahiti?
If you prefer to stay on one island for this trip, I strongly suggest Big Island Hawaii.
There is MUCH to see on a full circle of this amazing island. And you could 'split' your time between Kona Coast area and Hilo area, which are quite different from one another.