My family and I (my husband and kids 13, 15) are thinking about where we want to go one vacation next year and we want it to be somewhere really special. We want to know where you think THE BEST PLACE IN THE WORLD is and WHY? Thanks.

All, <BR> <BR>It seems that Jen has posted her message on several of the forums. <BR> <BR>I would suggest some more detail also Jen. If you could be more specific about your desires, then you may possibly not waste a lot of respondents time in providing you with info that you would never consider using.

Jen, I'm assuming since you posted to the Asia board, what you're hoping for is recommendations about places in Asia. <BR> <BR>Here are my two ideas, assuming that you'll have about one week (not including travel time). <BR> <BR>I think China would be a GREAT choice. Not only is it one of the oldest cultures in the world, but it's one that is shrouded in mystery in the West. There is SO much to see and do here that will appeal to all ages. Of course, there is the Great Wall, Forbidden City, etc., but even walking down the street here is a feast for the eyes, with SO much to see and absorb. I'm sure your kids would find it really interesting, and I think it definately counts as "something special." I guarantee it would be a vacation to remember for a lifetime. <BR> <BR>My second recommendation is for a combination Cambodia (Angkor)/Thailand trip. In Angkor, there are the most AMAZING ruins of ancient cities and temples - they are simply breathtaking and unbelieveable in their size and ornateness (is that a word?). The temples and walled cities are huge (one covers the size of the Vatican City and is as tall as Notre Dame), and they are covered in intricate carvings. If your children liked the Indiana Jones movies, they will LOVE Angkor. We felt just like Indiana Jones, and we're in our 30's!! (One of the temples has been basically left in the state in which they found it, so it honestly seems like you have just discovered it - you are even encouraged in this temple to climb around on the rocks). Unlike the Parthenon and the Pyramids, these ruins are literally in the middle of dense, dense jungle. And there are so few tourists that you and your companion(s) are frequently the only living souls in your line of sight. An unforgettable experience. <BR> <BR>You could then combine Angkor with Thailand: elephant treks, bamboo rafting, monkey farms, gilded temples, and heavenly beaches.

Hi Jen--I'm leaving for China next month. Originally this trip was planned for 2003 but after learning about the changes that will take place because of the new dam on the Yangtze we moved the trip up. These changes will impact not only the environment but an entire way of life. Opinions on the dam range from a god send to a disaster waiting to happen. I think if you research China you'll find that it is a fascinating destination. <BR>

Say no more - Singapore is enchanting. <BR>Flowers in profusion. Everywhere so spotlessly clean and the people of Singapore could not be nicer, ging out of their way to please. - All this from a first time visitor to Singapore. <BR> <BR> <BR>

if you and your family are looking for a great adventure than India is the place to go. my family and i ( i have four kids:6,8,13,15)have been to more than 40 countries and all seven conts.( even antartica!!) and we had a great time in india. the culture is so rich and beautiful. we have been back many times, loving it more each time.

<BR>Although this is an Asian site I have to let you know that the best place in the world I have ever been tohas been Belize in Central America. We stayed in the jungles on the mainland and then went to Belizes largest island, Ambergis Caye. The place is very unpretentious and very small but it is paradise. It would be great fun for kids. Prices were very reasonable <BR>too!

Jen, <BR>Go to Asia with your children. Make sure they know some history of the region before they go. They won't forget it. <BR>It is very different. <BR>Also, please ignore Les. Unfortunately, we all have to put up with people like Les. Hopefully he will go back to the Europe forum. <BR>Have a great trip.

I think China would be a wonderful place to take the family.Do a tour that takes in Shanghai, Xian, Beijing and a 4-day Yangtze river cruise. It is so beautiful and it will be gone forever starting in 2003. I did this itinerary in September and am trying to get a group to go again in October 2001. You will be fascinated.

I recommend Central America.....Particularly Belize and Guatemala. Two incredibly different places close to one another and not expensive at all. <BR>Enjoy Nomi

Best place to visit has got to be the Philippines. Forget the pollution, the chaotic traffic, the current peace and order situation (Muslim rebels are far south in another island Mindanao). I'd strongly suggest you give Boracay a visit if you are a beach lover, it's the best beach in the world. The moment your foot sinks into its white powdery sand, you'll forget all the chaos of the city. The people are friendly, the food delicious (and cheap). I'm gonna work real hard so I can retire there!

Hi, Jen. I think your question is perfectly appropriate. This is a forum, which can mean anything. There's no requirement that you have to post a specific question. If Les didn't like your question, he didn't have to respond. <BR> <BR>I agree with the above post about Thailand. We're going there next month and planning to move there next year. I can't say enough good things about it. And it definitely has something to offer everyone as was pointed out - beaches, mountains, cities, beautiful ancient architecture, fun and inexpensive shopping in the markets. You could go over Christmas break when the weather is better - or go in summer when prices are cheaper. We are getting incredible rates at nice hotels - $45 a night for the Inter-Continental, - and then we're staying in some more rustic places in Chiang Mai and on one of the islands. Lots to do. A great learning experience for your kids. <BR> <BR>China would be another good choice. Hong Kong, Xian, Beijing, Guilin, Shanghai all have great things to experience. Cruising the Yangtze would be a once in a lifetime experience since the dam has already started changing things. I guess I still prefer Thailand over China because of costs. China is not a destination I'd want to do on a budget, but since you didn't give a price range, I don't know if that's an issue for you. <BR> <BR>How lucky your kids are to have parents to take them to Asia. Mine took me to Italy when I was a kid and started a passion for travel. They are now exasperated with my constant wanderings around the world, but hey - it's on my dime now and they can't tell me no. <BR> <BR>Please let me know if you need more info.

Hello Jen, I have just returned from 3 weeks in China, Hong Kong and Bangkok. What an experience I have had. I agree with another posting that it will be a real experience for the kids, the ages they are, it will be great. There is so much history there. And the dam project, scheduled to be complete by the year 2009 is something else to see. It will displace 1.5 million people but will save the lives of many, as well as provide power for so many others. China has come a long way since opening up to the western world. We had two young people on our tour, ages 16 and 17. I thought what a fabulous experience for them. You asked about the best place in the world. There must be as many responses as there are places. It is up to the individual of course. We all have different ideas about what is best. I am so happy I visited China. What an experience I had. The Great Wall, Tienamen Square, Forbidden City, etc. etc. Also took a side trip via motorcycle side car to a farmer's house to see how they live. What a great day that was. Let me know if you have any other questions. I would be happy to try to answer them. Have fun wherever you go. I think the fact that you are going as family is the important thing. You will have many memories to share in the future.

The best place inthe world: The animals in Botswana,the Temples in Egypt, the Food in China, the Canals of Venice, Shopping in New York, the Palace Hotels in India, Scenic (and easy)driving in the US.(Canyonlands).....etc, ect. Did I answer you question????

Hi Jen, <BR> <BR>Good question...my only experience travelling to asia would include singapore, malaysia, bali and Thailand (however I was only there for 3 days, therefore can't qualify to answer this question). <BR> <BR>I went to Bali in March with my husband for the first time and I fell in love with it because of the beauty, the culture, the people, the religion, the environment, everything in general...I am a suck for these things! beautiful statues, yummy food, and it was really educational for me as I learned more about the balinese people. was able to see the bird market where they sell exotic animals, visited a volcano, saw many tempples, and then more temples...but the whole trip left me in a humble state and made me appreciate life more when I came back to Canada. I am sooo lucky to have what i have. <BR> <BR>I liked singapore too but I still prefer Bali. Thailand seems great for many excursions..although most of them would be temple ruins...but lots of history. <BR> <BR>Love Malaysia...more to discover eventhough it is a small country...penang would be a good place...for couples I would definitely have to vote for Bali and for families I would have to vote for Malaysia or Thailand.....more interesting stuff for kids to see. <BR> <BR>Jen, please feel free to post anymore questions and I would be more than happy to always read up and reply if I can. <BR> <BR>good luck with the vacation plans!

Jen,<BR><BR>I spent 5 weeks in Africa last summer with my husband, and have also spent 3 months traveling around India and Asia (although not China - hope to get there this fall)and between the 3, although I loved Asia and India very much, I cannot begin to tell you how much I fell in love with the people, animals and beauty of Africa. We specifically traveled in South Africa and Tanzania (including Zanzibar). I found the people to be the friendliest I've encountered anywhere in my travels, I felt safe, and even with 17 flights, we had not one delay or mishap. The sevice I received was perfect. The food amazing, the people full of hope and loved Americans. Plus there were no Americans in S.Africa, so we were a novelty. I especially think the kids would LOVE being on safari - it is so exciting and breathtakingly gorgeous -- and the beaches/diving and slave trade history Zanzibar has to offer. I can't rave enough and can't wait to get back. Oh, and did I mention CHEAP? While the airtickets can be expensive, once you get to Africa you can practically stay and eat at the best establishments (I'm talking 5 star plus!)for very little, due to the exchange rate. And if you loke wine, S.A's wine country is beyond compare! Good luck!

The best place I have been so far was probably Sri Lanka; it was so exotic. I felt like I was not in a real place, but in a story in a book. China was also a great experience for me, especially the Great Wall.

Best place in the world? Pethang Ringmo in Tibet. The view in front of me was Chomolongma (aka Everest) in all of her glory! There were no cars or radios or tv within miles of where I was! Another of my candidates for "Best place" would be Louang Prabang.

Some suggestions, in no particular order:<BR><BR>Cambodia to see the temples at Angkor<BR><BR>Bali<BR><BR>Egypt, curise the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, visit Abu Simbel<BR><BR>Petra, in Jordan<BR><BR>Borobudor and Prambanan in central Java<BR>

That is so funny, Kathie, that you mentioned Petra because I have a friend who is from a village not too far away and when I said that maybe someday I would visit there she said not to bother because it was sooooo boring. <BR><BR>I almost forgot to mention Sagarmatha or Everest or Chomolonga. When I was in Kathmandu I rented a little plane and flew up to see it. It was very exciting.