£10,000 - 12,000 Where would you go

Japan and Norway

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.

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.

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).

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

A private island. Maybe Fijian.

On second thoughts, at £4000 per night, maybe not.

Rosie I am going to be a bit less adventurous and agree with you that I love pottering about in France. I love going to the markets, the safe sandy beaches and lunches and dinners out every day and as a bonus I feel virtuous practicing my French. You could hire a couple of villas in different areas and stay for three or four weeks in two different locations for £12,000

India and Sri Lanka are very close to my heart and I have spent a lot of time there in the past.

Mr friend regularly travels with Wild Frontiers which she highly recommends. Recently she has been on their Silk Route tour which was amazing, also Jordan. Next year she is going to Uzbekistan, the Krakoran highway to Kashmir.

Whatever you choose have a great time
, you've earned it. Ignore the mealy mouthed comments about charity and the less fortunate, their turn will come and I am sure you have done your bit for society, especially through paying taxes.

Go indulge, indulge, indulge.

New Zealand would be my choice, but I don't think I'll ever get to see it due to DH health issues.
Enjoy wherever you go. Bon Voyage!

Isabella island is my favourite, walk along the beach to our hostel, the Main Street is sand, nice eating places, could spend a couple of weeks just there.

Why oh why do people have to be miserable and upset others.
Due to my personal circumstances I have not had a holiday of any sort for five years.
I do not begrudge anyone a holiday they have saved up for.
We wouldn't do anything if we took it to extremes and would give it all away to someone who probably WOULD spend it on what they wanted.
Love and let live but do no harm.

I too dream of India, but if you want references to places I have actually been, Spain, either Castile or Andalucía, Portugal, near Lisbon, or the Rhine or Moselle valleys of Germany, and please, do visit Cologne if you are in that part of Germany .

The Netherlands or Belgium, especially the Flemish speaking part are nice places too, although Belgium is quite expensive.

Food has become very expensive in France, both if you are self-catering or eating out.

When, not if, my H goes in to full time care, most of our savings and our income will go for care home fees.
Oh how I wish we had spent some of it on holidays, I advise you all to do this if you can.

Train through the Rockies and cruise to Alaska.
Alternatively, Antarctica.

Slight diversion (forgive me). Jane 10 where/how are you?

Well said Annsixty. Our dream trip to Australia when we retired lived up to all expectations as did the follow up just to Western Aus. We spent a lot of money but saw amazing sights and spent some real time together, six weeks each time. Six months after the second visit DH was diagnosed with terminal cancer and died 12 months later at the age of 64.
New Zealand and Canada were to be our next holidays. Perhaps I shall go one day.
Just do it Rosiebee lots of great suggestions here.

Kim ,Jane is in hospital having had a knee replacement yesterday.

6 weeks in NZ is just the best. Almost any bit of geography you can think of.

My 5yr old GS wants to go to Easter Island to see the statues and as it is not near China where he lives he says it must be near Granny's house. He has looked on a map and says it's not too far so please can I take him. With a £10- 12000 budget I just might !!

Thank you annsixty, got totally confused here because I now see some contributions to this thread are on the 21st. I saw Jane 10's contribution on Thursday at 1758 and idiot me didn't look any further than that and assumed some postponement had taken place. Must investigate the date discrepancy here as I think today is the first time I've seen this post. Silly me. Sorry. I really appreciate your helpful response, though. Thanks.

Has anyone mentioned China? I haven’t been yet but I know someone who has and they had a wonderful, if hectic, time.

And what about Alaska? I did it in conjunction with the Canadian Rockies and the Rocky Mountaineer train and I’d do it again in an instant.

Tartlet
I've done China. Your friend was right, it's hectic!!
You have to love a temple because you'll see a lot of them
The tour guides don't like you going 'off piste' They have to know where everyone is all the time. It's all very regimented.
It's one of the few times that I've eaten a McDonalds. We were desperate to eat something that wasn't Chinese
The 4? Day cruise down the Yangtze River is absolutely spectacular.

Yes, it sounds wonderful. I’ve just read her blog and I so want to go but I don’t think I could manage the schedule. I have problems keeping to a regimented timetable these days because if I get tired or breathless, I have to stop and recover. I’m looking for a way of doing less of the country at a more leisurely pace but haven’t found it yet.

Actually, the idea of just being able to meander through France or Italy is very attractive and I don’t think the fact that they’re not ‘big’ destinations should put anyone off.

GrandmasueUK train across Canada is fabulous, getting off and staying in family B&b's on the way. Everyone welcoming and meeting you off the train. This is where I would live if I was younger.