Seeking anniversary travel ideas

[trifectarich]

I should probably know better than to ask this group, but I'm forging full-spead ideas and looking for travel destination suggestions.

Mrs. Tri and I will be married 30 years next year and I figure it's not too early to make plans. I have enough frequent flyer miles to go first class, which makes no place off limits if you're worried about flying 12 or 15 hours in coach; that's not gonna happen. We've already been to all the great cities of North America (except Montreal and Vancouver, but we could do either of those in a year not as momentous) and London, Paris, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Vienna, Germany, Honolulu, Maui, Cancun, Cozumel, the Bahamas and Bermuda, so all those can be ruled out.

The three sites high on my list, for no particular reasons, are Rome, Australia and the pyramids. Australia just seems like it's too far away unless you're going for two weeks or more. Don't know how safe we'd feel in that part of the Middle East. I've always wanted to have my passport stamped somewhere in Russia, but I don't think there's a chance in hell the wife will be gung-ho over Kiev.

I'm open to suggestions; fire away. Thanks.

 

[21]

Mediterranean cruise.

 

[Buck]

Palau, it's fantastic.

 

[BTExpress]

I've always wanted to have my passport stamped somewhere in Russia, but I don't think there's a chance in hell the wife will be gung-ho over Kiev.

Go see the White Nights in Saint Petersburg.


And Kiev really is beautiful, too . . . but it's not in Russia. The good news is, you do not need a visa to visit Ukraine. You do need one (at about $195 apiece) to visit Russia.

 

[Buck]

I'm not done yet. I still have armies in the Ukraine.

 

[BTExpress]

"Well, the Ukraine girls really knock me out." --- Paul McCartney

 

[Michael_ Gee]

St. Petersburg is one of the world's most beautiful cities, but travel there by foreign tourists is very strictly regulated by the government as a racket for tourism services. You can't get into the Hermitage on your own, for example.
How about Barcelona? Great city, great food, and considering the country's in a financial crisis, prices should be reasonable.

 

[BTExpress]

You can't get into the Hermitage on your own, for example.

Of course you can. They are just strict about foreigners trying to enter on Russian cut-rate tickets (museum cost is $3 for Russian citizens and $12 for foreigners . . . but students of all nationalities get in free).

Of course they "recommend" using one of the high-priced tour organizations. After all, they are a bunch of greedy capitalists.

 

[waterytart]

The easiest way to see St. Petersburg is on a Scandinavian cruise that stays in port there overnight. Take your time at the Hermitage. If she's interested in ballet, and you're willing to tolerate it, make sure you go when the Kirov is in town.

On the other hand, if she shares your love of the ponies, go see the pyramids and take a side trip to Dubai.

 

[YankeeFan]

My vote would be for Italy -- see if you can add Venice and/or Florence on to your trip.

Prague and St. Petersburg would also be on the list.

Prague is really quaint. St. Petersburg is beautiful. Lots of stuff for a tourist to do. I went in December, but I'd take BTE's advice & go in the summer.

 

[YankeeFan]

The easiest way to see St. Petersburg is on a Scandinavian cruise that stays in port there overnight. Take your time at the Hermitage. If she's interested in ballet, and you're willing to tolerate it, make sure you go when the Kirov is in town.

I went to the ballet at the Kirov. It was spectacular. I just walked up and bought a ticket.

I'm no ballet fan, but to see it there, in that building and environment was perfect.

 

[KJIM]

Rome is absolutely wonderful.

Unless you go to other places in Egypt, skip the pyramids. They were a huge letdown.

When do you plan to travel?

SE Asia is awesome, too and fairly cheap if money might be an issue. Food in Lao and Thailand ... mmm... And the scenery is gorgeous.

I personally would love to go to Croatia, but what are y'all's interests?

 

[ringer]

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.

 

[bigpern23]

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.

 

[Sic semper tyrannis]

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.

 

[bigpern23]

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.

 

[Buck]

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

 

[21]

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

 

[bigpern23]

Oh come on, Seychelles was my idea!

 

[MileHigh]

My friends did a two-week liveaboard to Palau and were blown away, but I don't know how it is if you're not divers.

I've only heard very good things about South Africa as well. How about a safari? Australia is super high on my bucket list. My brother and sister-in-law raved about their time in Italy. In fact, everyone who has been has raved about Italy.