15th Year Anniversary - Need some advice :)

Parent Cafe
1

Hi All

This November, my wife and I will celebrate our 15th year anniversary. She likes traveling and my gift to her will be a trip to a nice destination. Thinking of flying her business and make it a truly dream vacation. Since we are from Europe, I will not look at any locations in Europe. I am seeking help for 2 things and I appreciate any input.

  1. Besides Europe, what are some memorable locations in November? We are from NJ and we will travel between November 9 and November 14. Not sure if jet lag will kill us but my wife has always wanted to see New Zealand. Is it crazy to go to New Zealand in that short amount of time? If not New Zealand, what are some other suggestions?

  2. When is a good time to look for business class tickets to get the best possible deal?Early November is dead season and since I don’t usually buy any business class tickets, I don’t know what is a good time to look for tickets. Any advice on business class ticket hunting?

Thanks in advance for all the help.

2

If you have never been to Kyoto, HKG, Shanghai, I would look into it. You can just do Japan, or Japan and HKG. Kyoto was one of my more memorable trips. I like Japan and HKG because they are very clean, no water or food issues.

If you want business class, I would look into Emirates. I just flew their business class recently. It was the best I have experienced - a separate bar lounge, shower, flat bed, best alcohol onboard. A business class ticket probably would run you $4k+/ticket. Business tickets usually don’t go on sale, but I recently did get an email from Emirates for their business class sales.

3

I would second oldfort’s suggestion of Kyoto in November. We were there in November a couple of years ago, and the Fall foliage was spectacular. All those gorgeous Japanese Maples…wow!

4

I have no advice, but just wanted to say, your wife sounds like a lucky woman! Congrats on your anniversary!

5

Do I understand you correctly: that you only have 5 days? In that case, I’d go somewhere close, to spend less time flying and more time enjoying your destination. How about the Yucatan? Fly into Cancun, then head south, to Playa del Carmen, Akumal or Tulum. Sit on the beach a couple of days, check out the Maya pyramids at Chichenitza.

If Mexico isn’t to your liking – how about… ta da… Cuba? You can see it now, before the BYI (big yankee invasion) and before Havana turns into a south-of-the-border Vegas.

6

I was thinking Iceland, for a brief trip.

7

Rio de Janeiro. Truly memorable destination and almost the same timezone. Convenient United flight from EWR through Houston.
Some Caribbean island would be a trivial solution but beware of hurricanes in November.

8

5 days - from NJ? Not NZ or the far east, I second Iceland Son and DIL loved it!

9

I was going to recommend South Africa over NZ, but five days total wouldn’t be enough time.

10

Thanks again for all the suggestions. I decided to do either Argentina or Brazil. At least there won’t be a jet lag even though we will fly long distance. Any suggestions for business class ticket hunting?

11

I was going to suggest Argentina (you could take in some tango, or even take lessons), although it is a bit of a long haul flight wise for that amount of time. Another idea, if you are not 100% set yet, is Cartagena, Columbia. Beautiful city on the coast, UNESCO World Heritage site, much shorter flights than going to Buenos Aires or Rio. Non-stop flights between Newark and Colombia will be about 5 hours vs. 10-11 hours for Rio and BA.