Big birthday next year!
 

I am thinking ahead to that BIG birthday next year. I usually don't like to make a fuss over myself and don't like to announce that it is my birthday but thought I should make next year special! I have been thinking of what to do- where to go- and have come up with a short list of places. I start with the Europe forum since I live in Europe and there are a couple of countries on my list. I am in the pondering stage but would like some feedback to help narrow the choices. What are the positives for each place?
I will be traveling with my husband and our two kids. Kids will be 10 and 11 next year and are good travelers. I have had some really memorable vacations and those are the ones that weren't so terribly planned out with every detail covered but room left for surprise and exploration. That being said those trips were planned at a low season time so we had options for picking hotels as we drove...based on scenery etc. We enjoy a mix of culture, relax, beach, food certainly, wine and people watching.

Here goes:
Capri and Amalfi coast- Husband said he has always wanted to take me there and I adore views and quaint scenery. We could easily fly there from where we live so the travel part is less expensive.

Canals in France (we would rent and power the boat ourselves)- Sounds like a fun adventure. Again, getting there is easy.

Hawaii- I like the beach, kids like the beach, hubby not so much. The American in me would like to take the family there. I have been to Oahu twice but would head to another island(s). Is a big trip from Europe.

African photo safari- Everyone that has been SWEARS it is life changing. Why? What are your opinions? Does time move slow or fast on this type of adventure and esp. with kids? Entire family is game for this. How is safety in Kenya, Tanzania, SA these days? I think of the tourists staying in tourist areas who have recently been killed or kidnapped. :( But we have two different friends that run safari companies and they travel regularly, seemingly without worry. Many hours away but same timezone.

Japan- That would be something totally different. Not even the language symbols could be recognized! We love Miyazi films and could see the museum and I am enamored by the trendy and fashionable youth of Japan. Would require much planning as I don't know where to start. Anyone been?

Could add more to the list but think this is a good start.

Safari - if you can find a company who caters for kids too. If not save it for when there are just the two of you, since you can spend long hot dusty hours in a vehicle without a sight of an animal. Also only go if you can afford to go again (and again!).
We went to Tanzania and would love to go again, but can't afford it. Very frustrating.
You should also consider malaria zones with the kids - not sure how they will take to anti-malarials.

Failing that Hawaii. So much more than beaches!

Italy and France would both give you the kind of trip you describe, and could be done in a way that would give you a lot of flexibility. We have definitely found that traveling with kids is enhanced when you aren't trying to do or see too much! Plus I really like the "joint endeavor" aspect of renting a boat together. (My next "big birthday" trip will be to France, so I am biased, of course.)

Hawaii...maybe save for when the kids are teenagers? I haven't been there since our honeymoon so I don't have any idea what it would be like to go with a 10- and 11-year-old. (DH is not a "beach" person either and I haven't yet been able to talk him into a more resort-style vacation.)

Japan...we spent a few months there several years ago for work-related reasons but were able to do some traveling while there. My impression is that it is not necessarily conducive to "relaxed exploring." It is certainly possible to travel on your own and not in the hyper-organized tours favored by so many Japanese, but it takes a lot of advanced planning. Still -- we were there with a 6-year-old and had a wonderful time. If it weren't so expensive we would certainly have gone back by now. You would have an amazing trip, possibly at the expense of some flexibility.

And I can't comment on Africa at all.

Happy planning!

What time of year? I have a Europe-bias, it's always my destination of choice, but I vote for the canal boat trip, something I've wanted to do for several years now!

Thank you for the replies. I see they are as varied as my wish list! I have been spending time reading the forum trying to narrow my choices and gather new info which contributes to my travel bug. In terms of when I will travel...that all depends on the destination. Safari or Hawaii in December. Italy or France in May. Japan-? I probably should get out of the Europe forum and post on Africa, US and Asia for more info.

If you want to safari in Tanzania then February would be better - the Wildebeest are there en masse and calving.;)

Just wondering would your mind saying what your favourite trips so far have been, only it helps us get a feel for what type of thing you enjoy :-)