£10,000 - 12,000 Where would you go

A private island. Maybe Fijian.

I would go for an extended holiday to India. It is such a country of contrast i love it there.

Tailor made with Audley Travel to Japan and then a tour of Japan by train visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshma, Hakone National Park and the Nakasendo highway. The holiday starts at 5,700 so might just about manage it on the 12k budget. Friends have been and raved about it. Always wanted to go to India, but I am too scared of Delhi belly (and worse).

For our 'big trip' we went to the Galapagos Islands which was the best trip ever! It is a magical place but it is important to book with an ethical and wildlife friendly company. We went with Naturetrek who arranged the trip with a small local company - only 16 of us which was perfect for 2 whole weeks! It was not a luxury cruise ship but who cared when excellent food was on the table, amazing expeditions and wildlife all with a knowledgeable and attentive local guide called - wait for it - Darwin!! I would do it again if I could - so many happy memories.

Marianne1953, it’s an exteme amount for a couple of weeks of a sunbathing holiday. It isn’t extreme if you want travel and enrich the mind, especially if being older long haul in an economy seat is too difficult.

Japan and Norway

Antarctica - for a once in a lifetime, unforgettable tour.

In my eyes that’s an extreme amount for a holiday. I would go on a cheaper one and give the balance to a homeless charity.

Why not Orient Express to Venice and cruise home, magical experience? :-)

I've just booked my next big trip for next Eastertime. Three nights in Tokyo then a cruise around Japan stopping at several different places. At cherry blossom time too.

I like adventure holidays as do a lot of older ladies who have the time, for £12k take 2 holidays,
1) A lodge safari to Botswana, Namibia and Zambia finishing at Victoria falls.
2) A tour Equador, Galapagos and Peru, both take 3 weeks.

Cost had nothing to do with how much you enjoy it, if you are traveling with a like minded group it will be good. Just book as a single you will make lots of new friends.

A safari in Botswana, or somewhere similar

Easter Island

Escorted tour of Japan (on bucket list).

Jalima
First is was Rufus Sewell and now it's Simon Reeves. Your just being plain greedy now

Mabon1
Jealousy isn't a nice traight

Travel the Silk Road, followed by Tucson, and then Japan.

The Holy Land

I’d buy a beach hut on the east coast!

Sri Lanka - Marco Polo said the most beautiful island in the world. They speak English smile all the time love Brits and you can go from practically desert through lush jungles with monkeys, orchids everywhere wild elephants etc to up country where they eat strawberries and have fires very Scottish and like English spring - very days of the last Raj! Head to Mirissa where at anytime of the year you will see Blue Whales, fantastic history, baby elephant orphanage all manner of animals and birds, the hop for some slothful pampering in the Maldives or hour flight to India to see Tigers? (although none came out for us and it was more basic and dirtier than SLanka )- wish I was coming - roome for a small one (oh Ok a small fat one) in your suitcase?.... You'd get a lot of change over from that lavish budget even if you went 5 star all the way....

Oh yes, and I agree with Celeste22. I know many people struggle. British State pensions are the lowest in the developed world e.g. In Sweden it’s £25,000 per year. So the poverty of British Pensions is political! I feel for people who struggle. I give to charity, but I also have savings and prioritise travel over other things. So although
I genuinely empathise with those who struggle financially (having been then in earlier life), I think it’s unreasonable to suggest that the original poster shouldn’t ask for travel suggestions and post details of her budget.

Mabon1 I appreciate your point about sensitivity, indeed , I can’t go on these holidays but am most interested to look up all the wonderful places mentioned by others. That’s the joy of the internet. I don’t think anyone should feel bad if they are able to make some special choices and we don’t know what else they do for charity so shouldn’t judge.Have a wonderful time wherever you chose next time.

India, it’s an amazing country. It has everything, amazing beaches, countryside, cities and history. Many of the building, temples and other landmarks are stunning and it is part of Indian culture to welcome strangers with great warmth. When we were there, even travelling down a street by bus brought waves and smiles from locals in the street (we clearly looked like visitors with our white faces and my camera).

Millbrook. You can't assume that they haven't given to charity or shared with family. We are looking at a big holiday this year but have also just helped our DD & SiL with a substantial sun to buy a new house and give regularly to charity. When folk have worked hard throughout their lives they should have no guilt about how to spend their savings as they please.

Bognor can be very nice.

OOh what a lovely choice to have to make, a task for winter evenings indoors, looking through brochures. I have lots of places I want to visit, India first I think, or maybe Canada....