Post by emilyinchile on Dec 31, 2013 8:44:35 GMT -5
I haven't been to Thailand, but from what I know it doesn't really tick the first of your two wants. If you don't want to go to Europe, what about Rio and Buenos Aires? Rio is more expensive while BA's pretty cheap, so budget should be ok, and you'd get basically everything except animals and sealife (and you can see some animals in the Rio botanical gardens, it's just not focused on that).
I absolutely love Spain. It would have the big cities but lots of history and museums to explore. Barcelona would be where I would go, It would be to cold to swim but the city is awesome.
If you hit up Madrid you could see the Prado. I absolutely love that museum. I could spend days there.
You could get all that without leaving Hong Kong. We just went a couple weeks ago, and it was completely amazing. Huge modern city, fantastic food, easy and inexpensive public transportation (but cabs were dirt cheap too), great hiking, beaches, nice day trips (Lantau Island, Macau), tons of people from everywhere because so many companies have offices there, and it's very safe. I'm sure you could find a hotel or apartment in your price range, too.
This is Big Wave Bay (it was rainy when we were there, but there were still surfers out) to give you an idea of the beaches:
We used miles for my ticket on United. For 130,000 I got Global First from SF to HK, and we did business class on Asiana on the way back.
I personally would be wary of traveling alone as a woman in Thailand, but I've only been there once. Tokyo/Japan would definitely fit your requirements, but you'd be pushing it with your budget.
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime. Mark Twain
Or is it enough miles to get to Japan and Seoul? Sweden, Norway, Denmark?
Japan/Seoul yes but Europe is harder. They require a lot of miles because everyone wants to go to Europe!
I might be back in London next summer. Depends on my mom and her stitching friends. We would be staying at hampton court palace if we go. So awesome if it happens.
Post by alleinesein on Dec 31, 2013 14:11:25 GMT -5
Dubai?
India? While it doesnt fall into the modern requirement you could easily spend 2-3 weeks visiting various cities. Goa for the beach, Mumbai for the big city/people watching/starbucks, Golden Triangle (New Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) for adventure/people watching/etc.