Despite having seen much of Europe, have you been to the country of Georgia? The history is fascinating, beautiful and the food and wine a revelation. They are working hard on developing tourist infrastructure.
If she is interested in culture, as in cultural differences rather than the high culture of music and art, Ecuador is a fascinating place with many different ethnic groups and beautiful scenery and nature, in addition to the Galapagos.
Thailand and Vietnam both do high end accommodation and pampering very well combined with interesting food and scenery. As does Hong Kong. Combine Hong Kong and a bit of SE Asia?
@ArdenNJ - be sure both of your passports are up to date now. They will need to be active for a minimum of 6 months AFTER you get home, so youāre looking at an expiration date of not less than 1+ years from today. Youāre welcome.
Georgia is wonderful and I had thought to suggest it, too, but with the concern that it is a bit politically unstable right now. But it is beautiful with some of the best food and wine in the world, with lovely music and energetic dancing. And the people are so wonderful. It is a great place to visit. Right next door Armenia has some very interesting historical places to visit along with beautiful mountains and Lake Sevan. Also some political issues right now, though. May not best the time to go - but they are both great places.
Iām not trying to be difficult, just confused. If they are going someplace in November, why do their passports have to be good for 2.5 years from now?
I understood the date as Nov 2025. So the passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after the trip ends. Letās assume thatās Dec 2025. The passport would need to be valid at minimum to June 2026 (just shy of 2 years from now). - I added extra time because Iām that person who always wants cushion with timing.
Whoops, I just re-read the post. Itās THIS November - so that would mean at least until June/July 2025. I edited my post - thx! Really.
Morocco is a great place to travel for cultural tourism. Trains are pretty easy between citiesā¦and weather is good in November, especially if you are interested in going out to the Sahara for any length of time.
S2 lives in Ukraine, has been to Georgia and loved it. Would not go there right now. Russia is keeping a pretty close eye on the place, and many Russians who lived in Ukraine have gone there. Itās a shame ā S2 has wanted to take us there for quite a while.
He and DIL have liked the Baltics ā went to Albania, Montenegro and the less-traveled parts of Croatia. They travel very well for very little.
Iām on Team NZ for a 25th anniversary trip. We did North and South Islands in October. Went swimming at the beach AND got snow!
My son works for one of the airlines. So far Argentina has been one of the favorites. They made an excursion to Iguazu Falls. I didnāt make that trip unfortunately. Would love to see Patagonia and the Atacama desert.
Just a small geographical note: Albania, Montenegro and Croatia are the Balkans. The Baltics are Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia - also very lovely places
Where in Ukraine? We are from Kyiv, but live in California now. Georgians have been wonderful friends to Ukraine.
Oops, I meant the Balkans! We did the Baltics in 2019, via inland routes, not a cruise. Had a wonderful time and saw a lot of the country the cruise folks donāt get to see.
Be positive, assume you will do them all eventually, which one makes the most sense in your 40ās?
My vote is for Australia and New Zealand while you can still do all the activities. We went 20 some years ago and the activities were unbelievable and all required a good level of physical exertion.
While I havenāt been to Africa or Australia to compare, I have been to many other countries.
Hands down, I recommend Japan.
We (husband, 10+12yrs old, and I) traveled all through China and Japan for 1 month in April, and we all love Japan: Kyoto and Osaka the most.
I love the zen of it all.
China (Hong Kong, Beijing) was so hustle and bustle.
Except, I do recommend Xian, was really cool and ancient and different laid-back vibes.
I also donāt recommend Vietnam or Thailand: no matter when you go, itās all so hot and humid, and loud and congested.
(I was born in Saigon, Vietnam; did an 8week internship in Bangkok, Thailand).
My SIL (who has traveled practically everywhere) highly recommends Machu Picchu, especially before all permits are stopped. I believe the number of permits are shrinking with each year.
SIL, a foodie, highly raves about the Peruvian food!
Climbing all those steps/elevation now at this age, and
leaving the meandering of Kyoto Golden Temple to your 50ās.
