ChicagoDallasGirl

We (me and hubby) usually travel for my birthday. Last year, went to Paris, before that Chicago, NYC, Italy (Venice, Florence & Rome), etc.

Since this is kind of a biggie, here's what I'm thinking so far:

1) Visit family in South Africa (if they're still on assignment there) - This would be great 'cause we'd get to see family, visit the African continent and we'd have a place to stay so we'd just need to cover airfare.

2) European cruise - I like this idea because I found a trip that would allow us to visit Rome again and then Sicilly, Turkey and parts of Greece. I've ALWAYS wanted to visit the latter.

3) Capitol Tour - We aspire to visit all 50 capitol buildings and have yet to do the Northeast. Thought it'd be cool to road trip through Maine (LOVE ME), NH and Vermont.

4) Beach Vacay - Thinking a week in a villa in Spain (Palma), France (Marseille) or somewhere in the Caribbean. Maybe invite another couple or two.

I dunno. I'm open to other suggestions. What do you think? Where would you go?

dfrostnh

I can only comment on the idea for a Northeast tour in May. This year, May is starting off very beautiful but we are having an early spring if you don't count last week's snowfall in northern areas. Early May is a beautiful time of year but you can nix most hiking activities due to our ravenous black fly population. Some historic areas might still be closed early in the month. Canterbury Shaker Village opens May 15 this year. Portsmouth Harbor Cruises(NH) are weekends only June 12. Still, it's my favorite time of year and I'm sure you can put together an interesting trip. (The Mt Washington Auto Road is only partially open since there's still snow at the top.)

williamscb13

I went to South Africa in May a number of years ago. It was beautiful and we went on safari. It was cold in the morning and evening but glorious during the day. Don't forget they are going into fall as we are going into spring. This would be my choice for your big trip. Africa is just magical.

and a few years ago I went to Greece in early May and we were cold on a few days. One day we went to the beach and it was just on the edge of cold/warm. I think I would skip the Mediterranean cruise unless you go late May. Also are you a cruise person? I think that could greatly affect how you enjoy the trip. And while Rome is lovely, maybe you want to go big on this big birthday.

Spain - no clue but if it is warm there, this may be your best bet for a warm/beach birthday celebration.

Barblab

Hands down South Africa. Take advantage of your family being there. Going on safari and seeing the animals in the wild is just indescribable.

When is your birthday? Everyone is commenting on May, so if it is this month and you decide on Spain I would reccomend southern Portugal instead. Warmer weather, less crowded and less expensive.

If you are looking for another suggestion then go to South American. We are just back from Brazil and Argentina and it was AWESOME.

Giovanna

Greece was my personal "dream trip" years ago and when we finally went I wasn't disappointed! However, rather than a med cruise, we flew to Athens, stayed for a couple of days, visited the Acropolis, roamed around the Plaka, etc. and then took a cruise from there on a Greek cruiseline. We visited Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, Crete, Patmos and Kusadasi, Turkey. Stayed another couple days in Athens and then flew home. One of our favorite trips, however, we went in October and the weather was great.

Never been to South Africa but would love to go, and having family there is such a wonderful advantage. Certainly wouldn't pass up that opportunity either.

Happy Birthday! Have a wonderful trip wherever you go.

mclaurie

With the Greek economy in a mess, the price of Greece is likely to be great. A mediterranean cruise sounds good to me.

ChicagoDallasGirl

dfrostnh - thanks for the head's up on the weather and roads that time of year.

williamscb13 - my hubby is looking forward to a safari, for sure. i've been on one cruise and he has not experienced that mode of vacay yet. i liked it alright, but 10 days is a long time. i also am not crazy about having just a few hours in certain destinations. haven't ruled it out though.

barblab - it's may, but i'm not turning 40 until next year, 2011. Ohh, Portugal sounds nice! Where did you stay in Brazil and Argentina?

giovanna - def will be SA, if my sis and BIL are still there. i'm thinking of a back-up/second locale just in case they've moved on.

mclaurie - about the economy, good point!