Hi

First of all I know this thread should probably be somewhere else but I was not sure where to post it so here it is.

I value all of your opinions more then you know. My hubby has chosen these as his next vacation spot. I am kinda leary about any of these. Except for Europe and Mexico we have not gone farther then that. He wants a adventure and I want safe, clean yet exotic trip. I guess with the world the way it is should I be worried? All of these places seem unique and full fo adventure and beauty and not just in the landscape but the people to.

Thanks again for your candid advice.

Hi Mom
I would suggest posting this on the Middle East and Asia forums for more answers, here is the link for the Egypt question:

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4

Good luck~

I haven't been to South Africa, but I have been to Thailand and Egypt and, of these two, I vote for Egypt. It is amazing what remains of the antiquities in Egypt after thousands of years of plundering. While you're in the area, check out Turkey--especiallly Istanbul. And, if you have any interest in the Holy Land, Israel is a great place to visit.

When I retired, my goal was to visit Turkey, Portugal, and India--a goal I achieved. In the process, I visited Thailand, Nepal, Israel, Turkey, and a lot of other places. It is upon these experiences that I base my recommendations.

Guatamala and Peru are other fascinating places.

I understand your apprehension; I don't have the tolerance for "exotic" countries that I used to have. I was sick most of the time I was in Thailand, and I don't wish that on you.

How about renting a car and touring Tuscany and Umbria--that should be an enchanting experience for the both of you, and an experience out of the ordinary.

Hi Momof5, If you and your husband are interested in Egypt but don't want to go there (there was just a terrible problem today with something like 26 people killed at a resort) going along with happytrailstoyou thought, Turin (Torino in Italian) has the largest Egyptian Museum outside of Egypt I believe. Just food for thought.

The King Tut stuff is in LA, I believe. It is quite wonderful.

If you are apprehensive about your husband's travel preferences, I suggest you compromise and go to Italy where the sights and food are wonderful and where you are less likely to become ill, get blown up by a bomb, or be swept away by a tsunami.

But of course I just received a message from an Italian friend in Milan that there is lots of rumors that the subways in Italy will be the next target as Italy has troops in Iraq and have been tracking down terrorist etc, plus we have military basis in Italy. And Milan is the financial center of Italy while Rome, Florence and Venice are the historical cities. And evidently Italy has just ordered more security for their airports, rail lines, ports and subways etc. My friend has to take the subway in Milan twice a day to commute back and forth to work. He did not sound afraid for himself, but did sound concern for his country and all the people there of course, residents and tourist alike.

So where can one go to not feel "threatened". Here in the SF Bay Area we have more security for our ferry systems; checking passengers carryons and asking for ID's on a random basis, Coast Guard Boats escorting the ferries, police with guard dogs at the Vallejo ferry station, checking the ferry piers and not allowing passengers on the ferry to the last minute etc.

We all know NYC is now checking passengers bags etc. on their subway system. Our SF BART system now has more "eyes", employees, PD, dogs etc.

I personally think that there is no where in the world that one can go to without a bit of hesitation regarding security and safety. But staying home is not going to be the answer, especially when being home has it own worries.

But some places seem more dangerous than others of course. Personally I would not travel to Egypt.

Have you two thought of New Zealand or Australia? I would suggest you go to their Board and read some of the posts.

I hope you two can work out a comprise where you both will be happy with your travel destination without undue concern about safety etc. Best wishes to you.

Wow, momof5, you are so lucky. South Africa and Egypt are two of the places I would love to go before senility sets in. Australia is my third pick. Whatever you choose, I'm sure you'll have a great time. Let us know what you decide.

I would love to go to Thailand and shop and eat and go to Chang Mai.
My son has been 4 times now and says that he would still like to go again and again.
I think it would be a great adventure with touches of luxury and definitely exotic.
What a fun decision to make!

One of the things you may want to consider are time of travel and weather.

Are you limited as to what time of year you want to go?

Do you have strong preferences on weather? (WIll incredibly hot and humid ruin your vacation? Will you prefer someplace with more moderate temps?)

These are things that are fairly fixed - and may help you decide.

(I would love to go to Egypt - but not now. I think I would be much more comfotable doing Turkey instead - if you haven't done that.

My second choice would be SA - as having fewer potential political problems - although significant crime issues in some places.)

If you just want somewhere different - but not too adventurous - I vote ot Oz/NZ.