East Africa v.s Vietnam
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East Africa v.s Vietnam
My wife and I have a choice to make and we are truly struggling with this decision. We have won an all expense paid 10 day trip to either East Africa or Vietnam. The flight to Africa from the U.S is coach class, but the lodges and guided safari and excursions are all 5 star. The flight to Vietnam is business class and all the accommadations are 5 star. I have traveled many times to Europe and lived in the middle east. My Wife has not traveled at all. She is anxious on airplanes and worries tremendously about the unknown. I am very excited, because this will be the first time we will both experience overseas travel together. Howvever , I want it to be a positive experience for my wife so that we can have many more travel adventures in the future. I need help in deciding which trip to choose. I was hoping seasoned travelers could help me. Thank you
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I have been to both places, and I would be happy to answer any specific questions. In the meanwhile, I would suggest that you flip through the Lonely Planet guides to both destinations (there are guides to Vietnam and to East Africa), and decide which, upon initial review, holds the most interest.
If your wife is anxious on planes, perhaps she'd be less anxious in business class (maybe she can take a pill and sleep the whole way).
If the plane wasn't an issue, I would opt for East Africa since its likely the more expensive destination. Vietnam can be visited independently, and there are a lot of local, non-5 star hotels that have a lot more character and sense-of-place than the Hiltons and the Hyatts (where I would not stay if I visited Vietnam).
Michael
If your wife is anxious on planes, perhaps she'd be less anxious in business class (maybe she can take a pill and sleep the whole way).
If the plane wasn't an issue, I would opt for East Africa since its likely the more expensive destination. Vietnam can be visited independently, and there are a lot of local, non-5 star hotels that have a lot more character and sense-of-place than the Hiltons and the Hyatts (where I would not stay if I visited Vietnam).
Michael
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Thank you Michael. We have reviewed the Lonely Plant guides and both places seem to satisfy our interests. You are correct with the expense of the Africa trip. It is the most costly and that is why they offered business class to Vietnam and not to Africa. My big concern is Safety and Health issues. The following is our African Itenary if we choose to take it.
Day 1 Arrive Arusha, Tanzania
accommodation: Arusha Hotel
Day 2-3 Lake Manyara-Ngorongoro crater
accommodation:Ngorongoro Crater
Lodge
Day 4-5 Lake Manyara-Serengeti National
Park
accommodation:Grumeti River
Lodge
Day 6-7 Kilimanjaro-Nairobi,Kenya-Masai
Mara
accommodation: Olonana
Day 8-9 Masai Mara National Reserve
accommodation: Olonana
Day 10 Depart
Any input would be helpful. Thanks alot
Day 1 Arrive Arusha, Tanzania
accommodation: Arusha Hotel
Day 2-3 Lake Manyara-Ngorongoro crater
accommodation:Ngorongoro Crater
Lodge
Day 4-5 Lake Manyara-Serengeti National
Park
accommodation:Grumeti River
Lodge
Day 6-7 Kilimanjaro-Nairobi,Kenya-Masai
Mara
accommodation: Olonana
Day 8-9 Masai Mara National Reserve
accommodation: Olonana
Day 10 Depart
Any input would be helpful. Thanks alot
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If that's the itinerary, I would take the East Africa trip -- that is a lot more expensive than the ground itinerary in Vietnam, and to me, at least, business class wouldn't tip the balance (each section of the plane arrives at the same time). That's a very nice East African trip, at some very costly lodges.
But only you and your wife know how well, or poorly, she will tolerate long flights in coach.
But only you and your wife know how well, or poorly, she will tolerate long flights in coach.
#7
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Africa for sure because of the cost. We went to Vietnam last year and with a customized private tour (private guide and driver) and 5 star accommodations it cost less than $250 per day for the both of us. I'm planning Africa right now for next Feb, and the cost is at least 4 times that.
In terms of flights, see if you can pay to get upgraded to business class.
That said, Vietnam is AMAZING, but only if you can experience it "like a local" (e.g. eating on the street, biking in the countryside, etc.) But if your wife is anxious and not an experienced traveler, it may be too much of a culture shock and Africa, with its luxury lodges and safaris, may be better bet.
In terms of flights, see if you can pay to get upgraded to business class.
That said, Vietnam is AMAZING, but only if you can experience it "like a local" (e.g. eating on the street, biking in the countryside, etc.) But if your wife is anxious and not an experienced traveler, it may be too much of a culture shock and Africa, with its luxury lodges and safaris, may be better bet.
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We just came back from a safara of two weeks in Kenya. We took our family of 8. Ages 4-1/2 to 70 and had the trip of a lifetime. Today our family was together and we were laughing at ourselves for listening to anyone who said anything negative about Africa. We were on a private safari so I speak from that experience. Our safety was our guides prime concern for us. We never got sick, had no bad experiences, didn't have any creepy, crawly or roaring lions in our tents; food was always great. Go for it and tell your wife not to listen to non-travelers. She'll have a great time. Betty
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Very encouraging Beth. I am an optimist and it sounds like you are also. I am happy you had a grand time and I am looking forward to the same, even if we miss the migration in November
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Fifofun,
I am late to the party, but I am glad the right decision has already been made
I've been to East Africa and to Cambodia, next door to Vietnam. I LOVED both trips. South East Asia is just incredible. One day you will go on your own and find it quite inexpensive.
The only thing that I have seen addressed here is... what does your wife like? Your Africa itinerary is great, but does going on safari and seeing animals even interest her?
Is she more interested in seeing an ancient culture, it lands and great temples and beautiful landscapes?
Someone else said that walking and bike riding through the streets of Vietnam may be culture shocks for her first travel. Africa wold probably be easier in that case.
I am late to the party, but I am glad the right decision has already been made
I've been to East Africa and to Cambodia, next door to Vietnam. I LOVED both trips. South East Asia is just incredible. One day you will go on your own and find it quite inexpensive.
The only thing that I have seen addressed here is... what does your wife like? Your Africa itinerary is great, but does going on safari and seeing animals even interest her?
Is she more interested in seeing an ancient culture, it lands and great temples and beautiful landscapes?
Someone else said that walking and bike riding through the streets of Vietnam may be culture shocks for her first travel. Africa wold probably be easier in that case.
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Hari
Sad to say I'm most interested in whatever team I've picked in our survivor pool. This weekend I saw very little football, concentrating my time on the TIVO'd Ryder Cup, though why the US show up is beyond me.
Next stop the Ashes in November, about which I don't have a good feeling.
Sad to say I'm most interested in whatever team I've picked in our survivor pool. This weekend I saw very little football, concentrating my time on the TIVO'd Ryder Cup, though why the US show up is beyond me.
Next stop the Ashes in November, about which I don't have a good feeling.
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