Mid-October on a budget - where to go?
Sep 8th, 2011 | 10:18 AM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,802
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Mid-October on a budget - where to go?
Hello,
Posting to get trip ideas for my parents. They are a pretty active couple in their 60s who enjoy sightseeing, road-tripping through interesting scenery, snacking along the way and walking. Looking for suggestions for a 2-week itinerary and hoping to stay below $8000 for the two of them (including airfare from NYC). The snags being that Mom has Florida blood and needs a warmish destination, and also gets the willies easily, so accomadations would need to be very clean and comfortable.
(Also, some side questions)...They were originally thinking of going to Turkey with a tour. Does anyone know if it is really necessary to use a tour there, or is it easy to do independently? Also, is Turkey significantly cheaper than other destinations in Europe?
Suggestions welcome! Thanks!
Posting to get trip ideas for my parents. They are a pretty active couple in their 60s who enjoy sightseeing, road-tripping through interesting scenery, snacking along the way and walking. Looking for suggestions for a 2-week itinerary and hoping to stay below $8000 for the two of them (including airfare from NYC). The snags being that Mom has Florida blood and needs a warmish destination, and also gets the willies easily, so accomadations would need to be very clean and comfortable.
(Also, some side questions)...They were originally thinking of going to Turkey with a tour. Does anyone know if it is really necessary to use a tour there, or is it easy to do independently? Also, is Turkey significantly cheaper than other destinations in Europe?
Suggestions welcome! Thanks!
Sep 8th, 2011 | 10:23 AM
#2
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Hello steviegene,
That's nice your parents are active in their 60's. I guess, they have planned for Turkey that's fine.
In Turkey, you have several things to check out. You can go independent but it's my personnel advice to have an agency to let them know the exact beauty of Turkey. It's really beautiful.
That's nice your parents are active in their 60's. I guess, they have planned for Turkey that's fine.
In Turkey, you have several things to check out. You can go independent but it's my personnel advice to have an agency to let them know the exact beauty of Turkey. It's really beautiful.
Sep 8th, 2011 | 10:39 AM
#4
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,212
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For warmer climates with a budget I would recommend Turkey, Portugal, Southern Spain.
I used http://www.pachatours.com/ for a 2 week tour of Turkey and added a couple of extra days in Istanbul at the end of the tour. However it was less expensive to do my own airfare rather than have the tour company book the air portion.
Portugal I did on my own - it was quite easy and hot! About 85 F in the beginning of October (too hot for me!). Sintra was my favorite town. Here are some photos from my trip:
http://modigliani.shutterfly.com/portugal2009
I used http://www.pachatours.com/ for a 2 week tour of Turkey and added a couple of extra days in Istanbul at the end of the tour. However it was less expensive to do my own airfare rather than have the tour company book the air portion.
Portugal I did on my own - it was quite easy and hot! About 85 F in the beginning of October (too hot for me!). Sintra was my favorite town. Here are some photos from my trip:
http://modigliani.shutterfly.com/portugal2009
Sep 8th, 2011 | 11:04 AM
#5
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,523
Likes: 0
I like the idea of Turkey also. Loads to see, can combine city, sea, and ruins.
My trip was ~2 weeks in August: about 5 days in Istanbul with rental car (staying in suburbs), then drove to Ankara, Cappadocia (Goreme), Antalya, then back along Turquoise Coast (Kas, Marmaris, Ephesus) and back to Istanbul. Coudl easily have spend more time in most areas.
Tour or not will depend on their comfort with independant travel. I was with someone who spoke Turkish. In most areas could arrange local tours. Driving outside of city was good and the way to go. Driving in Istanbul...interesting
We booked hotels as we travelled, using guidebooks and phone with local SIM.
My trip was ~2 weeks in August: about 5 days in Istanbul with rental car (staying in suburbs), then drove to Ankara, Cappadocia (Goreme), Antalya, then back along Turquoise Coast (Kas, Marmaris, Ephesus) and back to Istanbul. Coudl easily have spend more time in most areas.
Tour or not will depend on their comfort with independant travel. I was with someone who spoke Turkish. In most areas could arrange local tours. Driving outside of city was good and the way to go. Driving in Istanbul...interesting
We booked hotels as we travelled, using guidebooks and phone with local SIM.
