Where should I take my husband for his 50th birthday?
 

My husband turns 50 on December 25 (I know). I'd like to take him on a great trip. He's a teacher, so his vacation is Dec 22 - Jan 1 (11 days). We enjoy trips that are 1/2 hiking, 1/2 cities. Have seen a lot of Europe, US, Canada. Enjoyed Guatemala and we're going to Argentina in Feb. Thinking about Morocco, Brazil, Chile. Wouldn't rule out anywhere. Would like to keep it in the $5000 range for everything.

what about Costa Rice?

Panama.

I've heard South Africa is GREAT.

bjechort - not sure where they are traveling from - but just getting to South Africa will cost them close to her budget..

Sydney, Australia would be a great trip and then you can either stop first in Tahiti or Fiji for a couple of days and watch the best fireworks from the Sydney Bridge for New Year's.
I like the Four Seasons in Sydney and the Hotel Inter-continental is lovely too!
Tetsuya's restaurant, rated #5 in the world and so good..about $130pp..15 course meal.
I like Air New Zealand airlines..not a fan of Qantas..super busy time so booking should be very soon.
Second choice would be Moorea & Bora Bora..great deals to be had on Air Tahiti Nui.

tetsuyas.com
airtahitinui.com

Traveling from NJ - Newark airport.

That would be a lot of flying from Newark to Sydney..
LAX (Los Angeles) to Tahiti is a little over 7 hours..
Have you thought about Hawaii?

Tahiti Tams,

I just realized I should be asking you a question! dh and I have 1,500.00 credit each on AirFrance. Neither of us wants to return to France (no offense to those who love it - we are glad we went but do not desire to return).

I believe AF flies direct to Tahiti from LAX - so I was thinking of going to Tahiti for my 40th birthday - we would not likely be able to travel for my 40th in December but next summer.

I am LOST when it comes to that area ... any suggestions would be welcomed. I think you have a general idea from my posting of the kind of travelers we are - nothing too over the top but we like to stay in nice places et. :-)

We love Costa Rica...everything from 4 seasons resort to white water rafting and staying in bungalows (our favorite), then there the zip lines up around the arneal volcano...A W E S O M E

50th birthday - 50th state.

You can't beat Hawaii.

tnmickey - Costa Rica is DEFINATELY on my list of where I want to go - the short one :-)

dusty56438: I like your idea 50th birthday, 50th state. Can we fly there and do 10 days for $5000? Where's our best bet for hiking (not camping) and sightseeing?

Lauren Cat -

I think you can do it for 10 days depending on where you stay. If you rent a house/condo then yes - you sure can. I have been to Kaui, Maui and Oahu - I like Kaui best but it is slow for some people -- I enjoy that - we did horseback riding, kyaking, hiking, snorkling - it is wonderful.

I know of a a condo right on the water - a friend of dh's owns it - it is not too pricey but looked very nice. I will try to find it.

I think Maui or Kauai would be perfect for you and your husband.
I like Dusty's 50 state for a 50th Birthday..
Renting a condo will fit more in your budget..we rented many times in Napili..I think we payed around $250 a night for a 1 bedroom..I'm sure you can get some cheaper deals.
It's busy during Christmas so you need to start getting things booked.
I'm so excited for you LaurenCat!

onenapiliway.com

Thanks dawnnoelm! Tahiti Tams: Where is Napili?

Tahiti Tams: Sorry, didn't the link. Checking it out now. Thanks!

Napili is in Maui, north of Kaanapali.
great location..also, check out

vrbo.com

Lauren - I think it will be great - you will love any of the islands imo - I haved loved Maui, Kaui and Oahu (I stayed up on the north shore - we rented a home and it was very resonable considering it was Ocean front - 3 bedrooms for about 300.00 a night).

Lots of Hawaii info including sites for free brochures:

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34812564