Hello Everyone!

A couple of my friends and I have about 23 days in July to vacation. Due to work related reasons, we can only go during that month. So I'm seeking some suggestions on a relatively cheap trip. We really wanted to go to Thailand, but we understand that its monsoon season.

Our budget is about $5000-6000 each. We've travelled Western Europe, North America, and the Middle East extensively. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

A correction to the title of the post : "Travelling in July"

Central America? South America?

What is your starting point? That will determine, to some degree, what would make a cheap vacation. Australia, perhaps?

Try posting on the Asia board for more info on Thailand. I seem to remember that there are two monsoons, and only one coast is affected at a time. Plus there is plenty to see in Thailand away from the coasts. Have you considered other parts of SEA. Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar..... All can be visited cheaply. Well possibly not Myanmar these days, since it is being overwhelmed with tourists, but certainly the others.

As Thursdaysd has suggested post on the Asia forum. The gulf coast of thailand has the better weather in July. It is the hot wet monsoon season in much of Se Asia in July but it rarely rains all day, you will get some sunshine, hotels are cheaper and the major sights will be less crowded. If sunny weather is a priority head further South to indonesia inc. Bali.

South America is another option and would be my choice. A good time to visit Peru - Machu picchu etc. And maybe Bolivia if you are up for a bit of adventure.

Travelling from where with what interests? How do you expect to get any sensible suggestions if you don't say what interests you or give any other criteria?

I agree about doing a bit more research for Southeast Asia if Thailand is where you really want to go.