East Africa v.s Vietnam

Old Sep 24th, 2006, 06:02 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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
fifofun is offline  
Old Sep 24th, 2006, 06:09 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Can you go any time of year to either destination? That might make a difference.


Jenn
jenn24 is offline  
Old Sep 24th, 2006, 06:17 AM
  #3  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I can choose any time of the year to go.
fifofun is offline  
Old Sep 24th, 2006, 06:39 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,916
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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
thit_cho is offline  
Old Sep 24th, 2006, 08:04 AM
  #5  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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
fifofun is offline  
Old Sep 24th, 2006, 08:12 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,916
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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.
thit_cho is offline  
Old Sep 24th, 2006, 08:43 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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.
africaanxious is offline  
Old Sep 24th, 2006, 01:37 PM
  #8  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you thit cho and africaanxious

You have helped us make our decision. Africa it is. I truly appreciate it.
What do you think of the first 2 weeks in November to visit?

fifofun
fifofun is offline  
Old Sep 24th, 2006, 05:21 PM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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
betharwein is offline  
Old Sep 24th, 2006, 06:05 PM
  #10  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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
fifofun is offline  
Old Sep 24th, 2006, 06:05 PM
  #11  
santharamhari
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
We are all Africa obsessed here....so i say East Africa.....

Hari
 
Old Sep 24th, 2006, 06:51 PM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,222
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
East Africa, if only because it is a MUCH more costly destination (if you're going on safari).

Also because I love it.

Have an incredible trip. Post photos and/or a report after you return.
Leely is offline  
Old Sep 25th, 2006, 05:09 AM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,766
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
17-14 in overtime
napamatt is offline  
Old Sep 25th, 2006, 06:13 AM
  #14  
santharamhari
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Napamatt,

Just hoping you are neither a 49er or raider hopeful!!!

Hari
 
Old Sep 25th, 2006, 08:14 AM
  #15  
 
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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.
waynehazle is offline  
Old Sep 25th, 2006, 01:20 PM
  #16  
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,766
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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.
napamatt is offline  
Old Sep 25th, 2006, 05:02 PM
  #17  
santharamhari
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
I agree, the aussies will go for the throats in revenge for last summer.

Hari
 
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mctran
Africa & the Middle East
12
Nov 14th, 2010 08:58 AM
ScarlettO
Africa & the Middle East
45
Dec 18th, 2007 07:49 PM
fifofun
Asia
10
Sep 29th, 2006 04:04 AM
jessituarte
Africa & the Middle East
6
Jan 7th, 2006 06:40 AM
travelbunnies
Africa & the Middle East
12
Mar 3rd, 2005 11:54 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -