50 days and $10,000
Sep 6th, 2002, 11:05 AM
#21
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travellyn-
That sounds like a great idea, but I could NEVER hike for 50 days! I wish I was in good enough shape to do that though
My husband and I don't make much $, but we have been saving money so that we can travel. It has become a priority for us, so I don't mind parting with the hard earned $. We can't spread out the vacation days because we work in schools, so summer is our time off.
xxx-
We have 150,000 FF miles combined, which is more than enough to get us to Europe (100,000 for 2 people). We could also do some open jaws flights in the US or Canada.
Any more ideas for me to look into?
That sounds like a great idea, but I could NEVER hike for 50 days! I wish I was in good enough shape to do that though
My husband and I don't make much $, but we have been saving money so that we can travel. It has become a priority for us, so I don't mind parting with the hard earned $. We can't spread out the vacation days because we work in schools, so summer is our time off.
xxx-
We have 150,000 FF miles combined, which is more than enough to get us to Europe (100,000 for 2 people). We could also do some open jaws flights in the US or Canada.
Any more ideas for me to look into?
Sep 6th, 2002, 11:08 AM
#22
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Okay, so if you are determined to use your FF miles, then I'd do England, Scotland, and Ireland. Do the basic sites, and then stay in family homes, B&B's and sometimes back pack it thru the country sides. Maybe do one of those barge cruises as well. Get to know the land, and most importantly, the people.
Damn I need to win the lottery.
Damn I need to win the lottery.
Sep 6th, 2002, 11:09 AM
#23
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Melissa, you can't do much on $200 a day, especially if you have to eek out your travel/airfare costs from that allowance.
I think you should come down and stay at my beachhouse. Use the money to get a nice first class airfare, and then we can blow the rest together on strawberries and champagne.
I think you should come down and stay at my beachhouse. Use the money to get a nice first class airfare, and then we can blow the rest together on strawberries and champagne.
Sep 6th, 2002, 11:13 AM
#24
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cg-
We must have been posting at the same time...
I have been thinking about Aust/NZ as well. My only concern was that it would be winter there, so I would have to find out more about the weather. I know that winter here can be pretty miserable, and I don't think I'd want to spend my vacation here at that time. However, there may be places in A/NZ that are more like California weather, which would be OK any time. Any suggestions? I know that I need to get a guidebook.
We must have been posting at the same time...
I have been thinking about Aust/NZ as well. My only concern was that it would be winter there, so I would have to find out more about the weather. I know that winter here can be pretty miserable, and I don't think I'd want to spend my vacation here at that time. However, there may be places in A/NZ that are more like California weather, which would be OK any time. Any suggestions? I know that I need to get a guidebook.
Sep 6th, 2002, 12:00 PM
#26
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I guess I'd put this into a "few times in a lifetime" category and go for places that (a) are hard to get to or where return visits are less likely, or (b) require stamina or energy that you might not possess later in life.
In the (a) category I'd eliminate most of Europe, because airfares to Europe, especially in the shoulder seasons (when it's frankly preferable to visit in most people's opinion anyway) are low enough that you can travel fairly inexpensively, rather than fighting for FF seats when they are few and far between and when the cities are chock full of other tourists and priced accordingly. I'd put most urban vacations in N. America in that category, too, as well as national parks and the ilk.
So I would try to go to non-"a" places and if appropriate look for opportunities to do "b" activities - active touring like trekking or safaris, camping or climbing opportunities, "eco-vacations" in tropical or remote settings, things like that. Of course, these things might not appeal to you, so it's just a suggestion.
Here are some of the things that would interest me, maybe not you, that I would consider with 10 grand and two months:
Fly to Genoa and catch the once-a-month French freighter that carries up to 8 passengers south through the Suez Canal, stops at most of the islands in the Indian Ocean (Comoros, Seychelles, Reunion, Madagascar) and ends in Mombassa, Kenya. From there, visit one of the big nature parks in SE Africa, like Kruger or Ngorongoro, before flying back to Italy and home. The boat takes about 3 weeks, is priced around $80 per person per day, and will introduce you to places and people that will be hard to repeat. The June-August period is the dry season on the Indian Ocean and less prone to rains and storms; when you get to Madagascar and Kenya it's winter (but still comfortable.)
My second choice would be to fly to China and take the train to London, or vice versa. You can get off in interesting places like Mongolia or Siberia and tour around, or visit China and/or Europe for extended periods at either end.
My last suggestion would be to head north and look for an extended tour of the arctic - northern Canada, Alaska, maybe Greenland. Midnight sun and all that. There are numerous tours that you could join.
Happy planning!
In the (a) category I'd eliminate most of Europe, because airfares to Europe, especially in the shoulder seasons (when it's frankly preferable to visit in most people's opinion anyway) are low enough that you can travel fairly inexpensively, rather than fighting for FF seats when they are few and far between and when the cities are chock full of other tourists and priced accordingly. I'd put most urban vacations in N. America in that category, too, as well as national parks and the ilk.
So I would try to go to non-"a" places and if appropriate look for opportunities to do "b" activities - active touring like trekking or safaris, camping or climbing opportunities, "eco-vacations" in tropical or remote settings, things like that. Of course, these things might not appeal to you, so it's just a suggestion.
Here are some of the things that would interest me, maybe not you, that I would consider with 10 grand and two months:
Fly to Genoa and catch the once-a-month French freighter that carries up to 8 passengers south through the Suez Canal, stops at most of the islands in the Indian Ocean (Comoros, Seychelles, Reunion, Madagascar) and ends in Mombassa, Kenya. From there, visit one of the big nature parks in SE Africa, like Kruger or Ngorongoro, before flying back to Italy and home. The boat takes about 3 weeks, is priced around $80 per person per day, and will introduce you to places and people that will be hard to repeat. The June-August period is the dry season on the Indian Ocean and less prone to rains and storms; when you get to Madagascar and Kenya it's winter (but still comfortable.)
My second choice would be to fly to China and take the train to London, or vice versa. You can get off in interesting places like Mongolia or Siberia and tour around, or visit China and/or Europe for extended periods at either end.
My last suggestion would be to head north and look for an extended tour of the arctic - northern Canada, Alaska, maybe Greenland. Midnight sun and all that. There are numerous tours that you could join.
Happy planning!
Sep 9th, 2002, 09:15 AM
#27
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John~
Wow! Those are EXACTLY the kind of suggestions that I was looking for. I want this trip to be very special , as it will probably be our last one before having kids. I would love to do something out-of-the-ordinary (for me), like you described.
I orginally had my heart set on Europe, but now I am thinking of something else since I have already been there twice (but there's still so much to see. I got guidebooks from the library for Australia and NZ, and I am intrigued.
Keep the ideas coming please
Thanks,
Melissa
Wow! Those are EXACTLY the kind of suggestions that I was looking for. I want this trip to be very special , as it will probably be our last one before having kids. I would love to do something out-of-the-ordinary (for me), like you described.
I orginally had my heart set on Europe, but now I am thinking of something else since I have already been there twice (but there's still so much to see
. I got guidebooks from the library for Australia and NZ, and I am intrigued.Keep the ideas coming please
Thanks,
Melissa
Sep 9th, 2002, 09:17 AM
#28
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When you are done with all of the inputs here why not go to a well known bookstore. Don't they have many books on this subject, for example, Europe for 10 dollars a day, or some other choice of country? It would perhaps give you some ideas as well. Happy travels.
Sep 9th, 2002, 09:47 AM
#29
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Melissa,
I see that you haven't been to the Mediterranean yet - you must go! If I had 50 days to go anywhere, I'd go to back to the Greek Islands. I spent a couple weeks there, and it was the only vacation I ever took where I didn't want to come home!
I see that you haven't been to the Mediterranean yet - you must go! If I had 50 days to go anywhere, I'd go to back to the Greek Islands. I spent a couple weeks there, and it was the only vacation I ever took where I didn't want to come home!
Sep 9th, 2002, 12:21 PM
#31
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Hi Melissa, I like to go to gorp travel online to see what tours are offered around the world. When you see similar outdoor/indoor activities in one area it can give you an idea about the area.
Have you thought about Machu pichu (sp), Argentinia?
Another idea, friend of mine was laid off and is in Tansania for a month. She did this with her husband. This was not as expensive as touring but they did have a chance to blend the dig with some touring. You can do these digs all over the world. In some instances you might find yourself on a very exciting project.
explore this web link from PBS.opg
http://www.pbs.org/edens/ You can find this and other shows when you select the travel and expedition category option. It will lead you to other world destinations. There is another show on, on Sunday night (east coast) (lonely planet's Ian is on it) it is meant for budget minded traveler perhaps you could get some ideas? Perhaps if you blend budget and moderate spending travel you can stretch your travel.
Have you thought about Machu pichu (sp), Argentinia?
Another idea, friend of mine was laid off and is in Tansania for a month. She did this with her husband. This was not as expensive as touring but they did have a chance to blend the dig with some touring. You can do these digs all over the world. In some instances you might find yourself on a very exciting project.
explore this web link from PBS.opg
http://www.pbs.org/edens/ You can find this and other shows when you select the travel and expedition category option. It will lead you to other world destinations. There is another show on, on Sunday night (east coast) (lonely planet's Ian is on it) it is meant for budget minded traveler perhaps you could get some ideas? Perhaps if you blend budget and moderate spending travel you can stretch your travel.
Sep 9th, 2002, 04:47 PM
#32
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Melissa-
I went to Athens for a couple days, then flew to Santorini for 1 night (I would have loved to stay for weeks) and then took a ferry to Crete, where I stayed for 10 days.
Crete exceeded my expectations. Starting from the lovely town of Chania (Xania) I did a small-group (10 person) hiking tour - meals, lodging, guide, and bus/boat transportation included - for about $1300 for 9 days. We stayed in tiny little towns with only one or two pensions to stay in, and with only one or two restaurants (all excellent). Hiking along the south coast was the best, as there are no roads! You either have to take a boat from town to town or walk (and there are ancient artifacts along the hiking paths - seriously!). I also did some kayaking on my own, and went swimming in caves made of marble, that were lined with weird colorful algae that glowed.
The last beach town we stayed in was called Loutro. It has a population of maybe 100 (and like I said, no roads). I never wanted to leave there. It had a restaurant, bar, ice cream stand, general store, and cheap kayaks for rent. All the houses were painted the same - white with bright blue roofs. Behind the town was a huge mountain/cliff, separating it. It was wonderful to be somewhere so remote, yet have everything I needed.
Oh, and did I mention, two weeks with no rain? The weather was perfect!
Sorry to ramble on. Hope you find the trip you're looking for. BTW, I would not go to Thailand, as someone suggested, at least not for the whole time. Nothing beats Thai food, but you do get sick of it! I spent 18 days there and definitely got homesick toward the end. It was nice to get home and use a real toilet again, and to drink water from a tap, and to not be hounded by shopkeepers ("come in, many size, many color"). Plus the heat - ouch! I was there in November and it was quite hot.
I went to Athens for a couple days, then flew to Santorini for 1 night (I would have loved to stay for weeks) and then took a ferry to Crete, where I stayed for 10 days.
Crete exceeded my expectations. Starting from the lovely town of Chania (Xania) I did a small-group (10 person) hiking tour - meals, lodging, guide, and bus/boat transportation included - for about $1300 for 9 days. We stayed in tiny little towns with only one or two pensions to stay in, and with only one or two restaurants (all excellent). Hiking along the south coast was the best, as there are no roads! You either have to take a boat from town to town or walk (and there are ancient artifacts along the hiking paths - seriously!). I also did some kayaking on my own, and went swimming in caves made of marble, that were lined with weird colorful algae that glowed.
The last beach town we stayed in was called Loutro. It has a population of maybe 100 (and like I said, no roads). I never wanted to leave there. It had a restaurant, bar, ice cream stand, general store, and cheap kayaks for rent. All the houses were painted the same - white with bright blue roofs. Behind the town was a huge mountain/cliff, separating it. It was wonderful to be somewhere so remote, yet have everything I needed.
Oh, and did I mention, two weeks with no rain? The weather was perfect!
Sorry to ramble on. Hope you find the trip you're looking for. BTW, I would not go to Thailand, as someone suggested, at least not for the whole time. Nothing beats Thai food, but you do get sick of it! I spent 18 days there and definitely got homesick toward the end. It was nice to get home and use a real toilet again, and to drink water from a tap, and to not be hounded by shopkeepers ("come in, many size, many color"). Plus the heat - ouch! I was there in November and it was quite hot.
Sep 10th, 2002, 06:52 AM
#33
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Hi Melissa
I was in Crete also but long ago (85)less developed than other islands. On another trip I was in Lindos (92) also great fun here are some pictures of the area http://www.lindos-direct.gr/ .In Greece it is important to seek out the small village experience too many popular spots come with crowded beaches, tacky tourist establishments and eye sore hotels from a 70’s building boom. Still some times it is worth it to swim through this stuff to see the sites, moped Rhodes, eat baklava in some shop with a 100 varieties.
I much prefer Turkey for many reasons but perhaps this is a difficult time to travel there?
Always something to consider when you feel the time is right.
The beauty in Turkey is as dramatic as Hawaii's beauty, different but very dramatic, and unspoiled. Cappadoccio, Fetia, and a mountain monastery in the Catchcar mountains (all spelled wrong) are favorites of mine. Istanbul is a tremendous shopping experience. I don’t think I have ever been to such a diverse country given its land mass. I would check out threads by people who visited recently to get a feel for the tourism climate. Frequently, things sound worse over here than they actually are. I visited during 92 when Sadam Hussein was touring Kuwait. We were actually on the eve of a bus ride to Baghdad when we heard. Never had a sense of threat for the remainder of the trip. Maybe it is different now but I am inclined to think that it is still safe, very blended with European cultures and compared to Egypt or even Israel I felt very safe. Felt safe in Egypt but a bit more despised for being from the west. Also the female experience there is just so exhausing.
Fun thread Melissa a good reminder to us all to keep getting out there and explore!
I was in Crete also but long ago (85)less developed than other islands. On another trip I was in Lindos (92) also great fun here are some pictures of the area http://www.lindos-direct.gr/ .In Greece it is important to seek out the small village experience too many popular spots come with crowded beaches, tacky tourist establishments and eye sore hotels from a 70’s building boom. Still some times it is worth it to swim through this stuff to see the sites, moped Rhodes, eat baklava in some shop with a 100 varieties.
I much prefer Turkey for many reasons but perhaps this is a difficult time to travel there?
Always something to consider when you feel the time is right.
The beauty in Turkey is as dramatic as Hawaii's beauty, different but very dramatic, and unspoiled. Cappadoccio, Fetia, and a mountain monastery in the Catchcar mountains (all spelled wrong) are favorites of mine. Istanbul is a tremendous shopping experience. I don’t think I have ever been to such a diverse country given its land mass. I would check out threads by people who visited recently to get a feel for the tourism climate. Frequently, things sound worse over here than they actually are. I visited during 92 when Sadam Hussein was touring Kuwait. We were actually on the eve of a bus ride to Baghdad when we heard. Never had a sense of threat for the remainder of the trip. Maybe it is different now but I am inclined to think that it is still safe, very blended with European cultures and compared to Egypt or even Israel I felt very safe. Felt safe in Egypt but a bit more despised for being from the west. Also the female experience there is just so exhausing.
Fun thread Melissa a good reminder to us all to keep getting out there and explore!
Sep 10th, 2002, 07:56 AM
#34
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I would spend the entire time in California. I'd rent a car and just explore the entire state. It is such a huge state that 50 days wouldn't seem like that long. I'd probably throw a side trip to Las Vegas in as well since it's a short drive. With moderate lodging and cheap food I think you could pull it off. Lucky You!
Sep 10th, 2002, 10:17 AM
#35
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I join the vote for Australia and NZ! I had a wonderful opportunity to work there for two months several years ago, then took a month off to travel. Unbelieveably beautiful! I was there July - Sept, so it was winter going into spring, and very much like the weather here in New Orleans (i.e., not too cold!) Went skiing in NZ...wow!!! Scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef... white water rafting on the Tully River ... it's a trip I'd love to do again someday (now if I could just find another company to pay me to go there again!).
While $200/day isn't enough for a luxury vacation, it is certainly enough to have a great trip! That's my budget for my upcoming Europe trip (not including transportation) and we'll be fine!
Have a great trip, whatever you decide to do!
Anne
While $200/day isn't enough for a luxury vacation, it is certainly enough to have a great trip! That's my budget for my upcoming Europe trip (not including transportation) and we'll be fine!
Have a great trip, whatever you decide to do!
Anne
Sep 11th, 2002, 10:27 AM
#36
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Hi everyone,
Thank you for all of the wonderful responses...very thought-provoking. There are SO many places that I would love to explore.
So far, our top choice is Australia and New Zealand. We will only have to purchase a small number of FF miles, so it should work out fine with the airfare. We having been reading guidebooks, and it seems like it would be a great vacation. If $10,000 isn't enough, we might cut back on the # of days or try to add more money.
Thanks again for the ideas. If you have any more, please post them because we haven't decided for sure yet. And I will add them to my list of places that I *have* to experience someday
Thanks,
Melissa
Thank you for all of the wonderful responses...very thought-provoking. There are SO many places that I would love to explore.
So far, our top choice is Australia and New Zealand. We will only have to purchase a small number of FF miles, so it should work out fine with the airfare. We having been reading guidebooks, and it seems like it would be a great vacation. If $10,000 isn't enough, we might cut back on the # of days or try to add more money.
Thanks again for the ideas. If you have any more, please post them because we haven't decided for sure yet. And I will add them to my list of places that I *have* to experience someday
Thanks,
Melissa
Sep 11th, 2002, 10:44 AM
#37
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From a fellow Philadelphian... I think NZ or Austalia sounds wonderful, but how can you fly over all the other beautiful islands w/o stopping? You've never been to Hawaii!!?? I have been around the world, and few places come close in beauty! ...my dream vacation is fly to Hawaii, then a flight to either Tahiti, Marshall Islands (official language is English), or Fiji. These are all on the WAY to NZ/Aust... so why not stop if you have the time? Spend a week (or less) on one of these islands, then head to NZ or Australia. I have priced all this already, for myself, and found it all very reasonable, except Tahiti.
Sep 11th, 2002, 02:37 PM
#39
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Michelle,
Thanks for the suggestion. I was actually trying to figure out a way to go to one of the islands (maybe Fiji?), but I don't think Qantas stops there for layovers. It looks like their flights go from LA to Auckland to Sydney. We have to use Qantas because of FF miles. Do you have any information that might help? I looked up RT flights from Australia to Nadi (Fiji) and they were very expensive.
I would love to do this. Any ideas?
Thanks for the suggestion. I was actually trying to figure out a way to go to one of the islands (maybe Fiji?), but I don't think Qantas stops there for layovers. It looks like their flights go from LA to Auckland to Sydney. We have to use Qantas because of FF miles. Do you have any information that might help? I looked up RT flights from Australia to Nadi (Fiji) and they were very expensive.
I would love to do this. Any ideas?
Sep 11th, 2002, 03:26 PM
#40
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K, go to http://cruisemaris.com/ and click on the "Africa/Islands" link. Looks like CGA has altered their schedule a little, but basically the same idea.
Melissa, I believe Qantas flies LAX-Fiji and Fiji-Auckland, probably using Air Pacific on some segments as their code-share operator. Fiji is a wonderful stopover, provided you can get past Nadi and out to one of the other islands, such as Taveuni.
You can also do the freighter cruise thing in the Pacific - see http://www.freighterworld.com for listings (competitor of Maris.) We freightered from NZ to SF via Fiji a few years ago and would do it again tomorrow.
Melissa, I believe Qantas flies LAX-Fiji and Fiji-Auckland, probably using Air Pacific on some segments as their code-share operator. Fiji is a wonderful stopover, provided you can get past Nadi and out to one of the other islands, such as Taveuni.
You can also do the freighter cruise thing in the Pacific - see http://www.freighterworld.com for listings (competitor of Maris.) We freightered from NZ to SF via Fiji a few years ago and would do it again tomorrow.
