Help me pick? Or suggest something else?

[Peacock]

I have a week of continuing education time from work and a budget of 2-3k. I can basically go anywhere, but the places I really really want to go are not possible right now. My first choice would be Tunisia (too much terrorist activity lately) or Ethiopia (too remote/expensive for this year). Right now I'm considering 1) Egypt and 2) Jerusalem.

if Egypt, I will spend time in Cairo and Alexandria, plus a couple of historic sites that are day trips/overnights. I have visited Egypt before, a number of times, but have not been in 7 years and a couple of the sites are new to me and really interesting. I don't really know anyone in Cairo, and the city is a bit chaotic. I like to walk around when I'm traveling but Cairo can get pretty crowded/loud.

if Jerusalem, I used to live there and return for work every year or so. However, I almost never get large blocks of free time in the city and there are plenty of places I would love to visit. I can take books and relax because Jerusalem is easy for me, and I have friends I would be able to visit, as well as some work connections I could probably strengthen while I'm there.

I can do both trips easily within my price range. I am not uncomfortable traveling alone, and both would be enjoyable in their own way. Airfare is around the same price as travel to Europe, but the land costs are cheaper so these destinations are less expensive than, say, a week in Rome. 

Which place would you suggest? Is there anything that might make one a better destination than the other? And can you suggest anywhere else that I might want to consider? 7-9 days isn't a lot of time, but it's enough to do something interesting.

[mrsGreeko]

Jordan? I've never been but DH has a few times and really likes it there and says it's really safe.

[Peacock]

Jul 24, 2015 13:58:09 GMT -5 mrsGreeko said:

Jordan? I've never been but DH has a few times and really likes it there and says it's really safe.

Jordan is one of the most expensive countries in the Middle East. It's lovely and very safe, but not within my budget. Good idea, though. Thanks!

[mrsGreeko]

Jul 24, 2015 14:54:02 GMT -5 Peacock said:

Jul 24, 2015 13:58:09 GMT -5 mrsGreeko said:

Jordan? I've never been but DH has a few times and really likes it there and says it's really safe.

Jordan is one of the most expensive countries in the Middle East. It's lovely and very safe, but not within my budget. Good idea, though. Thanks!

Bummer. It sounds pretty awesome! I've been insanely jealous about DHs trips there.

[alleinesein]

Do you have to stay within a certain geographical region? Or can you go anywhere? Where are you traveling from? Does your budget include airfare and hotel?

If you want to stay in the Africa and Middle East geographic region what about Morocco?

[Peacock]

Thanks, everyone. I'm traveling from NC, have a week or so (not more than 10 days away), and will probably go mid-October.

I can use the time for almost anything and go almost anywhere. I like historical stuff, especially roman late antiquity and I'm fascinated by pilgrimage sites, from any religion. We were in Italy last year and I've spent a lot of time in both England and France. I know the Middle East fairly well, and have visited India and Sri Lanka. Dh really wants to visit China, so that's a region we'll explore together at another time. Oh, and I have spent a lot of time in west Africa and will probably be in Liberia next year at some point.

Ethiopia is currently showing airfares of 1500+ and travel times of 24-48 hours each way. I think it would give me a max of 6-7 days in country and I'm not sure I would make it to Lalibela and the Afar basin in that time. I would love to go, but unless prices and fight schedules change significantly, I don't think this is my year for Ethiopia.

Any suggestions?

ETA: budget is 2-3k, for everything -flights, hotels, meals etc.

[alleinesein]

Jul 25, 2015 9:57:12 GMT -5 Peacock said:

Thanks, everyone. I'm traveling from NC, have a week or so (not more than 10 days away), and will probably go mid-October.

I can use the time for almost anything and go almost anywhere. I like historical stuff, especially roman late antiquity and I'm fascinated by pilgrimage sites, from any religion. 
Any suggestions?

ETA: budget is 2-3k, for everything -flights, hotels, meals etc.

Croatia.  It was part of the Roman empire and there are ruins scattered about the country.  

Pula has the amphitheater and its one of the the largest surviving Roman amphitheatres in the world.  They still use the amphitheater for events in the summer.

Diocletian's Palace in Split.

Salona in Salin.

In addition to those sites in Croatia there are some ruins scattered all over Ljubljana, Slovenia and it can be reached via train from Zagreb in 2 hours.  

[gardengal]

Oaxaca, MX

Not sure if it ticks all your boxes but I had a great time & we stayed at a b&b with a lot of older students (not 20yos, more like 40+) doing a language program.

[scout8]

Jul 24, 2015 14:54:02 GMT -5 Peacock said:

Jul 24, 2015 13:58:09 GMT -5 mrsGreeko said:

Jordan? I've never been but DH has a few times and really likes it there and says it's really safe.

Jordan is one of the most expensive countries in the Middle East. It's lovely and very safe, but not within my budget. Good idea, though. Thanks!

I am currently planning a trip to both Israel & Jordan and Jordan is much cheaper than Israel. If it interests you, you might want to do a little research into prices before you rule it out. 

[GilliC]

Have you been to Turkey? I love the blend of religious histories and found it fairly affordable if you aren't looking for 4-star luxury.