Hi Everyone,
I suppose its a bit lazy of me asking for your help, but I'm hoping to draw on people's experience.
October 2009 is our tenth wedding anniversary. We'd like to do a kind of once in a lifetime trip but not quite sure where to go. I'd like to decide quite quickly as the prices are coming out soon. I think we'll have a budget of about 3 to 4 grand.
Our thoughts so far are;
A two week cruise of the Carribean on the Ocean Village, our little boy will be 7 and that ship would suit us.
Two weeks in Australia, with possibly a stop off in Dubai then another in Singapore (as our friend has just moved there). We also considered last year emigrating to the Gold Coast although this has been put on hold.
Thailand, possibly Koh Samui, the friend who moved to Singapore has told us so much about it and it sounds wonderful.
Florida, as my little boy would love it, but do I really want to be trailing around theme parks rather than relaxing? And we could always do Florida as a normal holiday I suppose.
I can't see either of us being able to get any more than say 18 days in total off work. Plus the wee fella has school, so it would need to fall around the middle of October to at least cover some of the school holidays.
I think I'm too greedy, well I want to try and do all of them like now, which is why I can't decide on what to do. I hope those of you with experience of these will give me advice on what is best in October and what I'm likely to be able to do for that money.
Thank you so much for all your help in advance, I'm in such a tizzy I'd be grateful for any advice. Hubby just says, I don't know, its up to you grrr
Catherine xxx
If you haven't been to Florida before then that would probably be top of my list as your little boy is the perfect ages to go. There are height restrictions on all of the big rides and he would need to be 48" tall so that is a consideration.
luci
Personally, I wouldn't do Florida as an anniversary/once in a lifetime holiday. It's the sort of holiday you could do anytime (with a bit of thoughtful saving-up) although obviously your son would love it. It depends on how much you really fancy the theme-parks experience.
The Australia holiday sounds good (I would stop over in Dubai on the way out and Singapore on the way back, or vice versa) but would your son find it as much fun?
Thanks for your replies. You have both posted exactly what I've been thinking. Cameron is exactly 4ft tall just now (at 5 1/2) but the only reason we haven't did Florida is that I'd like him to be old enough to remember it, as I'm a bit of a beach bum and can't see me wanting to go there more than once or twice.
Have also discovered that Koh Samui is rainy season in October, so that kind of rules that out.
Son also LOVES the beach, so either the cruise or Australia would be perfect I suppose. Arrgghh I wish I could decide.
My thoughts on Aus are what you posted with the stopovers Cyber. Thinking maybe Flying into Sydney and spending a few days doing the touristy sights there and then flying up to the Gold Coast for some beach R&R. I think October is the middle of spring in Eastern Aus so weather should be plenty warm enough.
I'm desperate to do a carribean cruise, but they are becoming more affordable aren't they? (I'm hoping the prices are going to come out next week and waiting on the travel agent getting back to us).
I don't know where to begin with pricing the holiday to Aus and whether I'll even be able to get prices at the moment? I've looked on the Emirates site but they aren't available yet for Oct 09. I'm thinking maybe someone like trailfinders may be able to help out best. Any suggestions on where to start?
Thanks again, really really appreciate your help guys.
C xxx
If you are a beach bum, but still fancy Florida, there are some superb beach resorts there. The beaches on the Gulf Coast are akin to the Caribean and there are many 5* hotels with high standards. Unlike many places these tend to be family friendly as the Americans take there kids to plush hotels.
If you get a Virgin Florida brochure (not saying you should book with them, but just to get a feel for what's on offer) they list loads of hotels & locations.
Naples, Sanibel and Captiva are nice. There is also Key Largo, Key West, and South Beach Miami. You could spend your first week on the beach and your second week in Orlando for your little one.
October is a good time to go to Florida as the weather is supposed to be excellent. (I've been 3 times in July, when it's steamy and humid due to school hols) In terms of value for money as well American can often deliver the goods.
You could spend the other week in one of the Disney properties, these are best enjoyed when your kids are young and still into the 'Disney Magic' & are much more affordable for a one week stay than a two week stay. So if you go to one in years to come they may burst you budget.
Look at Disneys Coronado Springs Resort or Disneys Port Orleans Resort.
Swimming with Dolphins at Discovery Cove might be a nice treat for your anniversaire day.
Good Luck whatever you choose. Doe
Thanks for your advice. I think I've made my decision now. We're going to keep Florida for a holiday possibly 2010. We've decided to go to Australia. Our forms for Ed's trade assessment are still sitting all filled out in the cupboard. Although we wouldn't be in a position to move there for another 3 years at least, a holiday out there will let us have an insight anyway as we were prepared to go out there blind.
So here's the plan. Fly out via Dubai for at least one night, to Sydney, up to Brisbane and the gold coast and then back via Singapore to visit my friends who moved out there last week.
Just don't know where to start, so better get my bum on the Aus forum and start researching.
Florida will always be there. It's a great holiday for anyone with kids.
Hi Catherine, sounds like you made the right choice. I love the sound of Australia but would hate the flight I'm afraid. Keep us posted.
You could try the Wanted Down Under tv series, I have not figured out if they pay any or all of the bills, but if you are going anyway it would be a memorable time out recording a TV prog for the anniversary and you get to meet the natives!
Oh thanks for that Steve. Haven't seen that one but I'll go and do some research now.
Ah I found it. They are advertising for people to take part if you are thinking of moving to Australia, which we are doing/have done. However, I don't want my boss to know about that as we've put it off once before and could do again, so probably not a wise idea, lol. Thanks again though.
I've watched quite a few of the shows and can't recall anyone actually moving as a result although I am sure that some do. All you have to do is tell everyone upfront, I'm sure I have seen interview stubs from some employers saying how they would hate to see them go, but wishing them the best etc! The best interview was from one of the "granny"s. On the lines of "you go over there and enjoy yourselves on the other side of the world. Don't worry about me, I'll be all right here on my own, never seeing you or the grandchildren again. I'm sure I'll survive with no one to see, you just go off and make a new life wherever. Goodbye." Funnily enough the Kids started howling and they decided to stay in the UK for a few more years!
Just to say thanks for all your help. We have come full circle now and have actually ended up booking Florida for Oct 09. Staying in one of the Disney Hotels. Australia was just looking to expensive to do at xmas and Ocean Village have pulled the cruise I fancied. So Florida here we come..........
Thanks again xxx
Have you thought of a ranch holiday in America? You can relax around the pool ect and there are lots of activities for your son. You dont have to ride every day or at all if you pick a luxury ranch. Just something else for you to think about.
Thanks Sally, something to consider for another time perhaps as I've already booked.
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