Seeking anniversary travel ideas

Egypt is outstanding...assuming you and your wife aren't high-maintenance travelers.

Don't limit the trip to the Giza pyramids though (also because Cairo is filthy and you probably don't want to spend more than two days there, max). The Valley of the Kings is a must, as is an overnight felucca on the Nile. Abu Simbel and a little beach hotel on the Sinai aren't bad either.

You probably want to find a small tour with a local guide (who can explain the local culture, customs, and get you inside a Mosque).

If you love ancient history -- and if Rome is on your short list then I'm guessing that's the case -- then Egypt will blow you away.

Another idea: Cinque Terre in Italy. Fly to Milan, take the train, and stay in one of the five villages on the jagged cliffs and hike between them. It's incredibly gorgeous and romantic.

 

Sounds like you only have a week, but I highly recommend Thailand. Beautiful beaches, few problems with the language barrier very inexpensive once you're there.

 

South Africa or Kenya are high on my list -- they say Cape Town is one of the most beautiful places on earth - its less history, more wildlife and natural beauty, though

Rome is great, but more than three days / nights there might be over-doing it. Definitely add another part of Italy to any itinerary there. Depending on when you are going, Amalfi Coast is pretty spectacular when weather is decent.

 

I've always wanted to do a week in Kenya and a week in the Seychelles (off the east coast of the continent). That's my next major vacation, I think.

 

Seychelles is a great destination for swimming with/watching whale sharks.

 

If we ever set up an SJ travel bureau, I want Buck in charge.

 

Oh come on, Seychelles was my idea!

 

Are you looking for hiking/outdoor adventure type stuff? I only ask because you mentioned it's your 30th anniversary and you may be looking for more low-key stuff (I'm NOT calling you old).

I've had two friends take their R&R from Afghanistan in New Zealand and both were ecstatic about it. Lots of opportunities to hike, dive, snorkel, ride horses on the beach, etc.

If you're into a more traditional vacation, my favorite so far has been to fly into Rome, spend two to three days there and then rent a car and just drive. Some friends and I put a ton of miles on a car, just riding backroads, staying in small hotels and b&b type places. I was way too young to really enjoy it, but I will definitely go back someday, and take Mrs. t_b_f (my trip was while I was in Europe working for Uncle Sam).

We're doing that with Ireland when I return from Afghanistan. Flying into Dublin, with two days there, three in Belfast with an old college buddy, and four to drive the island before leaving.

 

In no order: Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Rome, Rio, Patagonia, Istanbul.

 

Qatar -- especially if you can go in the summer.

I hear it's lovely.

 

Spain is wonderful.

I didn't get enough time in Barceloa -- hours only.

But San Sebastion is beautiful, on the water, and the tapas is the most glorious thing I've ever seen.