My husband and I will be taking our fist vacation in 4 years, and likely our last extended vacation before retirement as we transition from grad school to the buisness world.
We don't have a lot of cash, but we have a month or two to play with. We are planning to go in late May, early June.
I love the mountains, Nature, hiking & biking. My ideal vacation is roughing it in the wilderness of some place like Alaska. I am looking for a tranquil, nature filled environment.
He wants to hit as many countries as possible, see the sights, take in the opportunity to be in a country where they don't speak English. Walk moonlit cobblestone streets at night and see important monuments in the day. Taking a bike jaunt in the countryside.
Any suggestions?

ARGENTINA.

Alaska is wonderful but expensive.

Argentina has great but will the airfare kill you?

Have you considered British Columbia? The west coast of Vancouver Island has gorgeous beaches with waves breaking off the Pacific Ocean, eagles, cedar trees. The hiking and mountain-biking are world-class. You can make day trips into Victoria, which has a very British atmosphere. Spend a couple of days at the beginning or end of your trip in Vancouver, which has a very Asian atmosphere - in Chinatown or Richmond, you will hear very little English!

You could also look at Quebec City, which is very French and feels European in style. There is a UNESCO World Heritage site next to the historic Chateau Frontenac in central Quebec City. Lovely quaint gourmet restaurants, boutique European-style hotels and darling little shops. After a couple of days in the city, head out to the Quebec countryside to an amazing spa, which is luxurious, pampering, nature-oriented, but very affordable.

Best Regards,
Julia

Julia, what is the name of the spa to which you allude?