OverTheHill

Have been trying to figure out where to go for my 50th. Spent my 40th in Paris. Would like to go somewhere somewhat EXOTIC. My first choice would be the Galapogas Islands, but its just not possible - I need to be able to get back to Chicago in one day (parent in a nursing home) just in case, so it can't be somewhere too far from a major city or airport. I am single, female, and will be travelling alone; my birthday is in April (RIGHT before Easter). Have been to London, Paris, Edinburgh, Barcelona & Madrid this year. Previously have been to: Venice, Florence, Rome, Amsterdam, Geneva, Zurich, Lyon, Munich, and Nice. Ideas???

Kate

Congratulations...I would suggest doing something that you have not done before. Go to South America. Brazil - Rio de Janeiro or go see the Amazon (amazing and unbeliveably beautiful). Right now the Brazilian Real is depressed so your dollars will go far. <BR>Right now there are some incredible deals for airfare. I wish you the best on whatever you decide. God Bless.

NFW

When I turned 50 a few years ago I wanted to do something different to celebrate half a century on this planet so I went to Switzerland to hike up little mountains. I have never hiked, I usually just stroll so this was a change for me and it was really fun. I wanted to reflect and commune with nature and what better place to commune with nature than Switzerland. Each day I walked higher up different places, the most fun was hiking near the Matterhorn while staying in Zermatt.

Wayne

My recommendation is Corsica. You can get back from there to most U.S. cities in a day if you leave there early in the morning by air. You would normally go there by flying into Nice, then connecting to one of the local French airlines serving Corsica. Plan to fly into the city of Ajaccio. Go get a travel book and read about Corsica--it's exotic enough, civilized yet on the edge, and just plain full of character, both the people and the scenery.

beach life

Hawaii<BR>Jamaica<BR>Belize<BR>Mexico<BR>

xxx

<BR><BR>Do you really need to ask? <BR><BR>Oh, wait a minute, you said the big FIVE-oh. Never mind.

xxx

Hong Kong is exotic, but still all the advantages of a metropolitan city. Nice, easy airport. Europe for your 40th - Asia for your 50th.

Chet

Hi OTH:<BR><BR>You seem to have been to most of the desireable places. Why not go to Vegas? You can make believe you are in europe by staying at the Bellagio, Venetian or Paris, and you can make it as expensive as you wish if your luck doesn't hold out. Seriously, either of those hotels have a great ambience, with very fine dining and great entertainment even if you don't gamble. If you do feel you need to travel out of the U.S., consider western Turkey (Istanbul, Izmir &amp; Antalya). Friendly people, outstanding Greco-Roman ruins, and your dollar goes far. You can get to Chicago in one day from any of those cities.<BR>Happy travelling, Chet

Danna

My best friend and I are planning our big &quot;50&quot; trip to the Champagne district. We initially thought of Denmark, as we are Dansk and both have been there and loved that. BUT the love of champagne sounds like alot of fun. We aren't into exotic for our half century trip, but good food, good beds and GREAT champagne.