40th Birthday Vacation Ideas

[cmbarton]

I’m a year away from my 40th birthday and planning a big getaway to celebrate.  The problem I’m having is coming up with ideas.

I’m open to any and all suggestions ... cost is not a factor.  Well, put it this way, cost is not the top consideration!  The only requirement is the destination has to be warm in March. A destination with least a little history or culture would be a nice bonus.

So, fellow FOHs, any ideas?

[mprach024]

Wow, open ended.  By warm you want tropical?  Beach setting? City? You want to chill and relax?  Be busy and on the go?  Are you with friends or spouse?  Any activities you’d like to do?  Golf, shop, spa, eat at fancy restaurants, party....etc etc.  I haven’t been as many places as Ken or Rob but I’ve been all throughout most of the US and Mexico, much of Europe, Carribean, Pacific islands, and we could take this in 20 different directions.  

[El Presidente]

I would consider Vietnam and you have them all (Golf, shop, spa, eat at fancy restaurants, party, historical) covered. 

One of my favourite places in the world. 

Warm to hot. Superb beaches/resorts + villages and nooks to explore. Culturally brilliant, and gastronomically superb. The people a delight and it is very safe. 

 

 

[Fuzz]

Marrakesh? Though it may still be a bit cold in March.You would have missed Carnivale in Rio, as that is late Feb. What about Cartagena? Or how about Sth East Asia? Laos or Vietnam are nice countries to visit.

[cmbarton]

17 minutes ago, mprach024 said:

Wow, open ended.  By warm you want tropical?  Beach setting? City? You want to chill and relax?  Be busy and on the go?  Are you with friends or spouse?  Any activities you’d like to do?  Golf, shop, spa, eat at fancy restaurants, party....etc etc.  I haven’t been as many places as Ken or Rob but I’ve been all throughout most of the US and Mexico, much of Europe, Carribean, Pacific islands, and we could take this in 20 different directions.  

I probably did leave it a little too open-ended! I wanted to emphasize how open we are to traveling anywhere!  But, to your point, we do have interests however my wife and I couldn’t be more different.  She’s in her happy place wherever there’s a warm, tropical climate with a beach.  She loves a quiet spot on the beach where she can read her customary three books over the course of a week.  As for me, I like an active vacation in or near a city.  I like hiking, exploring, visiting museums and art exhibits.  The one thing we we have in common is we like to dine out wherever the locals eat and try different foods.

Like many married couples, if there’s a tie between an active, urban vacation and a relaxed, beach vacation, she wins since I can always smoke a dozen CCs staring off at the ocean while she reads her books under the shade of a palapa.

[El Presidente]

Spend some time with the Mrs looking up Danang and Hội An in Vietnam.  The region is a French colonial port with excellent beaches (Danang) and little towns to explore (Hoi An). 

[cmbarton]

Wow! This is exactly what I was looking for ... I hadn’t considered places like Colombia, Morocco, Vietnam, Laos.  Lots of new destinations to research!  

[Euripidespants]

We’re doing key west in the summer. Looking forward to it and sounds like it matches what you’re looking for. 17 yo son and I will be tarpon fishing. If it’s good enough for Hemingway it’s good enough for me.

Spain might be a good option if you’re wanting to travel further. Like you said, your question was pretty open ended and what folks want to do on vacation varies a lot. Vietnam as the boss suggested sounds cool but that’s a long haul from where we’re from.

[mprach024]

2 hours ago, Euripidespants said:

We’re doing key west in the summer. Looking forward to it and sounds like it matches what you’re looking for. 17 yo son and I will be tarpon fishing. If it’s good enough for Hemingway it’s good enough for me.

Spain might be a good option if you’re wanting to travel further. Like you said, your question was pretty open ended and what folks want to do on vacation varies a lot. Vietnam as the boss suggested sounds cool but that’s a long haul from where we’re from.

Key West is a blast I’ve been many times, but it’s definitely a party atmosphere compared to other places.

 

3 hours ago, El Presidente said:

I would consider Vietnam and you have them all (Golf, shop, spa, eat at fancy restaurants, party, historical) covered. 

One of my favourite places in the world. 

Warm to hot. Superb beaches/resorts + villages and nooks to explore. Culturally brilliant, and gastronomically superb. The people a delight and it is very safe. 

 

 

This is a bucket list place for me, have heard nothing but amazing things about it.  

 

3 hours ago, El Presidente said:

I would consider Vietnam and you have them all (Golf, shop, spa, eat at fancy restaurants, party, historical) covered. 

One of my favourite places in the world. 

Warm to hot. Superb beaches/resorts + villages and nooks to explore. Culturally brilliant, and gastronomically superb. The people a delight and it is very safe. 

 

 

If you from the states, closest we have to tick all these boxes is Maui.  Maui no ka oi

[Fosgate]

Oh man. I'm not one to just go plop down on some Resort somewhere and get pushed from one big tourist spot to the next. Why limit yourself to one destination. Wife an I had a blast in the Philippines. I think it was Rob that once mentioned stay close to town and no lower than 4 out of 5 stars. Had great service for what little time we stayed in our rooms in Coron, 2 Seasons on the Bay was decent in town. Dinner was good but in town the second night was also good. Breakfast ok. Panaramic room overlooking the bay, we could just grab our stuff in the morning, hop in the van and go to our reef/beach tour or have a speed boat pick us up at our dock. We intend to go to either Coron or El Nido again only stay away at a resort a little further out. El Nido has a bit more night life and beaches to it. Both have had more newer higher end resorts popping up the last few years. If you want. Not a whole lot of beaches in Coron but a few isolated ones that you can stop at. This is probably why there are not as many tourists as other places we went. We only had one person trying to push goods on us and that was an old man in a canoe selling coconut water that was well received as we were getting hot and thirsty by then. Northern Palawan where these two areas are located have many yet untouched pristine white beaches with turquois water. 

Second Place we went to in the Philippines was Bohol. We stayed on Alona Beach at Henann Resort in a Villa with our own pool and was great to unwind in as we spent one stormy day indoors. We intented to go swim with Whale Sharks over in Oslob which would have been cool but we met this young couple from San Diego that changed our minds and we were not disappointed. The area is much more touristy and a bit of a hustle goes on for those tourist dollars. Oslob is no different as they try to herd people into the water get paid to swim with Whale Sharks if your ready or not and move on. We fell into the tourist mode for a day and went on a power push through Balicasag Island in the morning and a van ride up to the Chocolate Hills of Bohol in the afternoon. That night we decided we have to break out of the tours here as they were not as laid back and relaxed as they were in Coron. So we took the couples advice from San Diego and headed to a ferry and went to Cebu City. From there went down to Moalboal. Got in the water there and everything that couple said was true. Moalboal expereinces their Sardine run furing the dry season (Nov-June). We found a huge run of sardines and it was heartstopping. Millions of fish swimming around you keeping distance but you can feel the water shaking as they shimmer all around you its almost like a concert and standing invhes from a moving train. We had  two bohemith whale sharks lumber near us that we swam around for a little while. Let me tell you, photos do those things no justice. That is one big "F@$'in Fish". Also saw a rreclusive thresher shark a little later. I just saw shark on that and almost walked on water like JC back to the boat. Found out later they're pretty shy and harmless for the most part but many divers come to the PH just to see them. If I were to go here again I'd probably stay someplace near Cebu as it's closer to alot of variety of things to do, famous for their Lechon (Roasted pork) and find a boodle fight or make your own (Look up that last term)

I'n all I had two weeks off, took me 2 days to get to Coron and Two days to get back from Bohol. I didn't feel rushed in Coron or Cebu but I also feel I did not spend enough time there. I wish I would have had a month or more. There are so many cool places to see in the Philippines if your willing to look. Filipinos are friendly and actually like Americans wiith the exception of areas of Mindanao and southern island chain off of Palawan. I'd just stay away from Mindanao due to Abu Sayif and other groups down there. 

 

 

[Chucko8]

44 minutes ago, El Presidente said:

Spend some time with the Mrs looking up Danang and Hội An in Vietnam.  The region is a French colonial port with excellent beaches (Danang) and little towns to explore (Hoi An). 

Agreed. Have been fortunate enough to have visited this area a few times now and concur that you can find all of the pre-requisites listed above and at reasonable expenditure. Actually spent a friends 40th in Danang which was a family style holiday, that everyone commented on how great a time it was had by all.

[Kaptain Karl]

Easy access: Punta de Mita 20 minutes northwest of Puerto Vallarta. It’s heaven in earth there. Super quiet fishing town with amazing restaurants on the water, condos to rent on the beach or the Four Seasons or St Regis right on the point. Sayulita, which is a bit north, is up there too. Tons of activities, including the best time of the year for inshore fishing. Punta de Mita has stunning views overlooking Bahia de Banderas and the tall mountains on the southern side of the bay. 
 

Harder access (but not nearly as much so as the Far East): Mamanuca Islands in Fiji. Stunning area with tons of small, boutique resorts, some of the best coral reefs in the world and lots of activities to keep busy. I’m going there for my honeymoon in October so that’s high on my mind haha. Just saw you like more urban activities...that may drop Fiji out for you LOL. Maybe the Greek islands?

[PuroDan]

Costa Rica.

[Habana Mike]

Was planning my 50th to Kathmandu in Nepal. In August so not a terrible time up there until I discovered it was monsoon season down below. Had been looking forward to visiting Chitwan National Park for the wild tigers, elephants, rhinos and birds among others. Seems like it is tough going in the mud that time of year.

Ended up doing that one in Vegas with fine dining at Prime in the Bellagio smoking cigars behind the water show after, helicopter trip for lunch in the Grand Canyon, a few shows.

 A little gambling and general debauchery. Plenty of cigars as quite friendly at the time. But that's just me...

 

1 hour ago, Kaptain Karl said:

Easy access: Punta de Mita 20 minutes northwest of Puerto Vallarta. It’s heaven in earth there. Super quiet fishing town with amazing restaurants on the water, condos to rent on the beach or the Four Seasons or St Regis right on the point. Sayulita, which is a bit north, is up there too. Tons of activities, including the best time of the year for inshore fishing. Punta de Mita has stunning views overlooking Bahia de Banderas and the tall mountains on the southern side of the bay. 
 

Harder access (but not nearly as much so as the Far East): Mamanuca Islands in Fiji. Stunning area with tons of small, boutique resorts, some of the best coral reefs in the world and lots of activities to keep busy. I’m going there for my honeymoon in October so that’s high on my mind haha. Just saw you like more urban activities...that may drop Fiji out for you LOL. Maybe the Greek islands?

Punta de Mita was an amazing place! Spent a week at the 4S down there.

Luxury at the resorts, culture in the towns. Great fishing!

Had quite the experience getting home one night though that's a story for another day...

[rcarlson]

Bali.  

[BTWheezy]

[mprach024]

21 minutes ago, Habana Mike said:

Punta de Mita was an amazing place! Spent a week at the 4S down there.

Luxury at the resorts, culture in the towns. Great fishing!

Had quite the experience getting home one night though that's a story for another day...

Been there, it’s lovely!

[Fuzz]

1 hour ago, rcarlson said:

Bali.  

Oh, no, no, no. Overly commercialised tourist trap... and it is full of Aussies. ?

[Meklown]

I second (or third) Vietnam. Have not personally been to Da Nang but I have only heard good things about it. The only "negative" comment that I have heard is that it is slightly dominated by international hotel chains which may not be to everyone's liking. A short stop by the major cities (Hanoi / HCM / Bangkok even) may satisfy what you are looking for! 

The following may not fall into the "warm" category in March, depending on your threshold. Japan, specifically the Kyushu island (as it is warmer) would be a really scenic trip; there should be a good mix of countryside vs cities, and possibly sakura season if you are lucky. Renting a car or travelling by train would both be very convenient. Otherwise, Taiwan would be really nice too, Taipei, Jiufen, Hualien are beautiful areas. Temperature should be low-mid 20s (C) so would be comfortable without any jackets but may be a bit chilly at night.

[Fuzz]

Sakura season starts at the end of March and goes on through to the end of April/beginning of May, depending on where you are in Japan. You can see it progress up from the south to the north, as the weeks go by.

[Chas.Alpha]

I don’t suppose you’d consider a free week in Florida helping me clean my garage?... ?

[KavalanWhisky]

Oh wow, sudden realisation, I'm turning 40 next year as well! Crap I've been so fixated on work and getting through this damn covid completely forgot, at least I have until Oct 2022 to plan and fingers crossed most of these places are back in full tourism mode.  

Personally I love Bali but reading local accounts a lot of the current shops and things are struggling badly and so Bali will be a lot different to what it was.

Will definitely tick Danang as that is 2 people that highly recommend it and I love Vietnamese food.

 

[gojira]

11 hours ago, cmbarton said:

Wow! This is exactly what I was looking for ... I hadn’t considered places like Colombia, Morocco, Vietnam, Laos.  Lots of new destinations to research!  

As Prez said, Vietnam is an amazing destination although it has gotten a little too touristy for my tastes. But it's worth a visit. I favor the north to the south. Hanoi is amazing and a trip to the center of Vietnam is a must. Hội An is lovely even though it changed quite a bit over the last 15 years.  Huế is worth a visit as well and it's in the same region. The food there is amazing and one can visit the huge imperial tombs close to it.

Cambodia is also very nice and Angkor is simply breathtaking even if some parts of Siem Reap (which is the town where you're hotel will be) can be a little scary at night. The same goes for the capital  Phnom Penh but it's a lovely city. One just has to avoid the section of town where the nightlife (the bars) is located. There are some very nice places along the coast as well. I really loved it there. The country has a sad history and when I visited over half of the population was younger than 25. Very nice people, very curious as well, people will come to you to chat.

I wouldn't go to Laos with the wife. Laos is my favorite country in that part of the world but once you have visited Luang Prabang there isn't much else to visit if you want to stay in a nice hotel. Steer clear of Vientiane (the capital), it sucks there. The rest of Laos is nice if you are into backpacking. I did a 4 week tour on a small motorbike and absolutely loved it. The north is hard to access but it's visually stunning. The country is extremely poor so it will be hard to find nice hotels outside the two big cities there. The Bolaven Plateau is stunning as well. You can rent a motorbike and do a quick tour in a few days.

If you visit Laos or Cambodia and make into the nature stay on the paths there. A lot of landmines and old explosives haven't been cleared out yet. The US dropped more bombs on Laos during the Vietnam war than all bombs dropped during world war 2.

[CaptainQuintero]

  I was going to say Egypt but I'd be a little hesitant in terms of striking out on your own looking for where the locals eat

  Morocco could tick all the boxes, you can forge your own path and mingle away and do as the locals do. Probably  one those places to visit that won't be the same in a few more years too

[Kaptain Karl]

On 2/21/2021 at 6:13 PM, Habana Mike said:

Punta de Mita was an amazing place! Spent a week at the 4S down there.

Luxury at the resorts, culture in the towns. Great fishing!

Had quite the experience getting home one night though that's a story for another day...

I feel like if you don’t have a good late night Mexico story you truly havnt lived yet ?

Here’s a few goldfish and a Rooster I got out of Punta de Mita!