Hmmm...good point about not repeating areas, except we only scratched the surface as far as Alaska goes.

New Zealand, I was just wondering if travelling that far is worth it, if it really is similar to AK fjords or Norwegian ones?
(as we've seen both) Hubby is Norwegian. And Australia I'm SURE I would love & maybe even like to live there...but again, I wonder aside from its cool animals if its scenery might not be awfully similar to that we have in the western/red rock country of the U.S. and then the coastal areas a bit like Calif?

So I'm now hesitating a bit before travelling super far...just wanting to make sure it's different 'enough'...
whatever *that* means! ;-)

I lived in Dunedin, NZ for four years. The last time that I was there was four years ago. It is the most beautiful country! For such a small country, it has just about anything--from Milford Sound, to Mt. Cook, and the Southern Alps, to Rotorua (hot springs, Maori culture and history), black sand beaches on the west coast of the South Island, to golden sand beaches in the North Island. The four main cities have a lot to see and do, also. The people are very friendly. The North Island is more tropical, while the South Island can be chilly. We did an "eco" penguin tour on the Otago Peninsula (that in itself is gorgeous scenery)
The Otago Peninsula is by Dunedin.
Moeraki has huge boulders on the beach (north of Dunedin). We took the train from Christchurch to Westport, through the Southern Alps. Beautiful scenery. Nelson is a cool small city on the northwest coast of the South Island, which also boasts the most sunny days in NZ. I could go on and on--I just love the place!

DayDreamer,
We just got back from South Africa and safari in Kruger area. On our return, it took a full 3 weeks to stop wishing I were still there.
We also did a month trip to NZ/Aus a few years back. I so loved the trip I actually cried when we had to board the plane to come home.
We are world travelers and I have to say those two trips were my very favorites. If I had to recommend to you right now, I say go to Africa. It is quickly changing and you want to grab opportunities while they are still available. NZ and Aus are fabulous, but could wait.

That said, I am on this forum researching Alaska because we have never been and are finally ready to go, so I can't compare it to the other two venues.
If you decide to investigate Africa, the Fodors forum is fabulous and will help with any questions you have. We did S. Africa in March and the weather was gorgeous.
Happy traveling,
Lexia.

Cool! Thanks for the add'l comments & comparisons! Truly, truly helps.

Hubby seems to still be thinking about Alaska, etc. (just considering it) But I haven't yet gotten to share this info w/him, so will print it out today, to do that!

Will see but I'm worried trying to plan something for Sept. this close to it...to either Africa or New Zealand/Aust might be too late, anyway?? Even AK, too.

I've just been preoccupied w/some other important things. But soon will have some time to daydream, I suppose...no matter what spot hubby decides calls to him most.

Since it's his sabbatical, I do want to go w/where his heart leads him. I wonder...for those who love NZ/Aust so much...how many others have perhaps also seen the fjords in Norway and/or AK?

I just keep wondering, if in the end, they all are essentially really similar, and therefore, one wouldn't have to travel quite so very far? Just curious.

On the other hand, I would LOVE to see some of the different animals over there, that's for sure! But not sure what odds are for doing that in the wild, anyway?
Gosh! I've got some major reading to do.

Would most suggest only NZ or is the trip way more 'complete' to take some time for Australia, too? Thanks again!

And Africa? That still appeals to me, just in case we still decide to have kids. I feel it would be impossible to go, if we would do that. But may I ask...if anyone sees this thread again.

Could only take only a 2 week trip there (which we can manage some other year too)...and do okay?

Or is it far better to have 3-4 weeks & 'powerhouse' through it?

OR do you prefer shorter more 'manageable' trips to such areas so not overwhelmed?? Thanks!
:-{