Wow factor trip suggestions…
Discussion
It’s a couple of years off but for my 40th the plan is to do some out of spectacular trip. 2- 3 years to save for it.
Missus and what will be a 7 year old then.
Up to 3 weeks long but I can do half of it on my own if needs be.
I like the mountains and hot weather, and also love clear night skies with minimal light pollution so you get the best of the night sky.
Current considerations have been Kilimanjaro, one done family would fly out to meet me then go do a safari, camp out with the Masai Mara and then maybe end on the beaches of Tanzania. Downside I’m told is that kilamanjaro isn’t really that picturesque.
Hike Inca trail to Machu pichu, family meet me then split some time between, Brazil and another South American country,
That’s all I’ve considered so far, would love some suggestions and be great to open the thread up to what others would do for their next milestone birthday too
Missus and what will be a 7 year old then.
Up to 3 weeks long but I can do half of it on my own if needs be.
I like the mountains and hot weather, and also love clear night skies with minimal light pollution so you get the best of the night sky.
Current considerations have been Kilimanjaro, one done family would fly out to meet me then go do a safari, camp out with the Masai Mara and then maybe end on the beaches of Tanzania. Downside I’m told is that kilamanjaro isn’t really that picturesque.
Hike Inca trail to Machu pichu, family meet me then split some time between, Brazil and another South American country,
That’s all I’ve considered so far, would love some suggestions and be great to open the thread up to what others would do for their next milestone birthday too
French Polynesia. It’s more than just beaches and scuba diving.
https://www.tahititourisme.uk/experiences/
The best holiday I’ve ever had and would do it again at the drop of a hat, but I’ve only one kidney left.
https://www.tahititourisme.uk/experiences/
The best holiday I’ve ever had and would do it again at the drop of a hat, but I’ve only one kidney left.
We had an awesome trip a few years ago...3-4 days in Rio, head out to Campo Grande and spend a week on a gaucho ranch in the Brazilian Pantonal and then a week on the beach some where on Brazil's (I think its called) green coast.
Rio's definitely worth a few days to see the sights, the week on the cowboy ranch in the wetlands near Paraguay was truly amazing. Spent most days riding around on horses or in small boats watching caymans, piranhas, capybara, giant otters etc, and then a week in the sun drinking caipirinha's and relaxing.
Rio's definitely worth a few days to see the sights, the week on the cowboy ranch in the wetlands near Paraguay was truly amazing. Spent most days riding around on horses or in small boats watching caymans, piranhas, capybara, giant otters etc, and then a week in the sun drinking caipirinha's and relaxing.
Given that it's years away the 7yr old will be a challenge in planning anything as you don't really know what they'll enjoy and will be capable of.
My 40th was a 3 week backpacking trip through the Sierras in California. Highly recommended, but probably unlikely with most 7yr olds.
There are many options if you want one week of adventure and then family time.
- US backpacking (eg. Wonderland Trail)
- Patagonia (eg. O Trek, or Huemul Circuit. Might be too cold)
- Peru (eg. Huayhuash)
- Alaska/Yukon (hiking or canoe trips, can be warmer than you might think in summer, but not very hot)
- Japan (Kumano Kodo)
I appreciate that this kind of adventure might not be what you're after, but perhaps it can at least help rule some things out.
My 40th was a 3 week backpacking trip through the Sierras in California. Highly recommended, but probably unlikely with most 7yr olds.
There are many options if you want one week of adventure and then family time.
- US backpacking (eg. Wonderland Trail)
- Patagonia (eg. O Trek, or Huemul Circuit. Might be too cold)
- Peru (eg. Huayhuash)
- Alaska/Yukon (hiking or canoe trips, can be warmer than you might think in summer, but not very hot)
- Japan (Kumano Kodo)
I appreciate that this kind of adventure might not be what you're after, but perhaps it can at least help rule some things out.
Nepal for a solo trip, Katmandu and hiking at the start of the Himalayas.
Southern India or Thailand for warmth and beach time with the family.
Borneo for wildlife and mount Kinabalu? Flights into Kuala Lumpur are fairly good value.
For me it would be Japan for Tokyo and mount Fuji, but I understand the huge cities might put some people off.
Southern India or Thailand for warmth and beach time with the family.
Borneo for wildlife and mount Kinabalu? Flights into Kuala Lumpur are fairly good value.
For me it would be Japan for Tokyo and mount Fuji, but I understand the huge cities might put some people off.
NuckyThompson said:
It’s a couple of years off but for my 40th the plan is to do some out of spectacular trip. 2- 3 years to save for it.
Missus and what will be a 7 year old then.
Up to 3 weeks long but I can do half of it on my own if needs be.
I like the mountains and hot weather, and also love clear night skies with minimal light pollution so you get the best of the night sky.
Current considerations have been Kilimanjaro, one done family would fly out to meet me then go do a safari, camp out with the Masai Mara and then maybe end on the beaches of Tanzania. Downside I’m told is that kilamanjaro isn’t really that picturesque.
Hike Inca trail to Machu pichu, family meet me then split some time between, Brazil and another South American country,
That’s all I’ve considered so far, would love some suggestions and be great to open the thread up to what others would do for their next milestone birthday too
What time of year? Missus and what will be a 7 year old then.
Up to 3 weeks long but I can do half of it on my own if needs be.
I like the mountains and hot weather, and also love clear night skies with minimal light pollution so you get the best of the night sky.
Current considerations have been Kilimanjaro, one done family would fly out to meet me then go do a safari, camp out with the Masai Mara and then maybe end on the beaches of Tanzania. Downside I’m told is that kilamanjaro isn’t really that picturesque.
Hike Inca trail to Machu pichu, family meet me then split some time between, Brazil and another South American country,
That’s all I’ve considered so far, would love some suggestions and be great to open the thread up to what others would do for their next milestone birthday too
Went to Cape Town then Stellenbosh in South Africa a few years back, was great.
Did Hong Kong and Singapore on a combined trip.
Torres Del Paine in the Pategonia area of Chile is pretty spectacular. Could combine it with a Antarctica cruise.
The Annapurna trail in the Himalayas is great way to take in one of the .most spectacular landscapes in the world. Everest Base Camp is good for the achievement but isn't as picturesque.
The Annapurna trail in the Himalayas is great way to take in one of the .most spectacular landscapes in the world. Everest Base Camp is good for the achievement but isn't as picturesque.
My thoughts on this:
For an alternative to Kilimanjaro as it is fairly straight forward, try the Rwenzori for a more challenging climb, followed by a safari in Uganda and then a stay on one of the Ssese islands in Lake Victoria. Minimum age for Gorillas is 15, so you can't do this yet.
Or try a safari in Zambia - you are a bit more off the more familiar tourist route there.
How about a drive across Mexico from Pacific to Caribbean. This was our most adventurous holiday by far.
All of these have a wow factor and apart from the climb be suitable for all ages, and shouldn't be crowded.
For an alternative to Kilimanjaro as it is fairly straight forward, try the Rwenzori for a more challenging climb, followed by a safari in Uganda and then a stay on one of the Ssese islands in Lake Victoria. Minimum age for Gorillas is 15, so you can't do this yet.
Or try a safari in Zambia - you are a bit more off the more familiar tourist route there.
How about a drive across Mexico from Pacific to Caribbean. This was our most adventurous holiday by far.
All of these have a wow factor and apart from the climb be suitable for all ages, and shouldn't be crowded.
I am writing this in my Airbnb in Stellenbosch.
We flew out on boxing day, 2 nights at the Water Front in Cape Town, then pick up the hire car and drive out to Stellenbosch for 4 nights.
The Western Cape is what life would be like if you got to design things yourself. Great food, spectacular scenery, wonderful people, wine and art in equal measure, and of course a climate that we can only dream of in the UK. ( best of all the exchange rate is fab )
A few highlights; shooting clays and the Sniper Challenge at Clayads, e-bike tours through the vineyards, horse back tours through more vineyards, fabulous meals at less than 50% of the UK price.
Tomorrow morning back to Cape Town airport to fly to Hoedspruit and on to Sabi Sands for the second half of the trip on Safari.
South Africa is genuine bucket list stuff, this is my 5th trip and still my favourite place in the world. ( same for the the rest of the clan, kids of all ages and of course the currant Mrs Sultana. ) Our youngest was 6 the first time we went to SA. Would heartily recommend for kids.
For the foodies a really great steak in a very good restaurant is £12-15. Good wine £3-4 a glass.
This steak was a good as it looks…
We flew out on boxing day, 2 nights at the Water Front in Cape Town, then pick up the hire car and drive out to Stellenbosch for 4 nights.
The Western Cape is what life would be like if you got to design things yourself. Great food, spectacular scenery, wonderful people, wine and art in equal measure, and of course a climate that we can only dream of in the UK. ( best of all the exchange rate is fab )
A few highlights; shooting clays and the Sniper Challenge at Clayads, e-bike tours through the vineyards, horse back tours through more vineyards, fabulous meals at less than 50% of the UK price.
Tomorrow morning back to Cape Town airport to fly to Hoedspruit and on to Sabi Sands for the second half of the trip on Safari.
South Africa is genuine bucket list stuff, this is my 5th trip and still my favourite place in the world. ( same for the the rest of the clan, kids of all ages and of course the currant Mrs Sultana. ) Our youngest was 6 the first time we went to SA. Would heartily recommend for kids.
For the foodies a really great steak in a very good restaurant is £12-15. Good wine £3-4 a glass.
This steak was a good as it looks…
Edited by AlvinSultana on Tuesday 31st December 20:25
I’d agree with South Africa. Another option for a bit more adventure is to combine with Namibia which is SA’s wilder cousin. I’m not long back from 3 weeks down there and it’s sensational. If you can build the Okavango in Botswana into the trip even better, that place is truly magical. I can recommend Mabaruli as a company for Namibia, the chap that runs it is a keen cyclist and all round adventurist so worth getting him to design something for you if it’s tempting.
Matt.. said:
Given that it's years away the 7yr old will be a challenge in planning anything as you don't really know what they'll enjoy and will be capable of.
My 40th was a 3 week backpacking trip through the Sierras in California. Highly recommended, but probably unlikely with most 7yr olds.
There are many options if you want one week of adventure and then family time.
- US backpacking (eg. Wonderland Trail)
- Patagonia (eg. O Trek, or Huemul Circuit. Might be too cold)
- Peru (eg. Huayhuash)
- Alaska/Yukon (hiking or canoe trips, can be warmer than you might think in summer, but not very hot)
- Japan (Kumano Kodo)
I appreciate that this kind of adventure might not be what you're after, but perhaps it can at least help rule some things out.
To be fair to my lad he’s quite outdoorsy, he’s climbed snowdon and pen y fan at 4 years old. So quite like the idea of doing say the huayhuash in Peru for a week solo and then taking him and the missus on a days hike/challenge. My 40th was a 3 week backpacking trip through the Sierras in California. Highly recommended, but probably unlikely with most 7yr olds.
There are many options if you want one week of adventure and then family time.
- US backpacking (eg. Wonderland Trail)
- Patagonia (eg. O Trek, or Huemul Circuit. Might be too cold)
- Peru (eg. Huayhuash)
- Alaska/Yukon (hiking or canoe trips, can be warmer than you might think in summer, but not very hot)
- Japan (Kumano Kodo)
I appreciate that this kind of adventure might not be what you're after, but perhaps it can at least help rule some things out.
I’ve done South Africa years ago so that’s probably off the list, but did do a great white diving trio so would be cool to do something like that with the boy, if there was an equivalent with orca’s or whale sharks that would be something to consider.
RichFN2 said:
Nepal for a solo trip, Katmandu and hiking at the start of the Himalayas.
Southern India or Thailand for warmth and beach time with the family.
Borneo for wildlife and mount Kinabalu? Flights into Kuala Lumpur are fairly good value.
For me it would be Japan for Tokyo and mount Fuji, but I understand the huge cities might put some people off.
Nepal is a good shout, think I’d avoid Everest base camp because it’s not picturesque but maybe the Anna purna circuit or something like that would be possible. Southern India or Thailand for warmth and beach time with the family.
Borneo for wildlife and mount Kinabalu? Flights into Kuala Lumpur are fairly good value.
For me it would be Japan for Tokyo and mount Fuji, but I understand the huge cities might put some people off.
The missus wants to do Japan, so mount fiji would be good.
India is on the list too so perhaps Nepal myself and meeting the family in India would be cool, having a once in a lifetime wildlife experience would be cool too, so the gorillas previously suggested (not possible at 7) would be cool,
South Africa sounds like a really interesting idea...am now adding that to my long-list! 
Japan / Fr. Polynesia would be utterly stunning (and both will have things for all of you to marvel at), but that length of time in a plane will be a lot for your lad to deal with (and so will the jet lag). Also not sure FP will have enough to keep you occupied for 3 weeks.
Safari IS cool, and Kili sounds like an interesting detour. But it's dry and dusty and long days...will your lad be up for that?
West-coast USA sounds like a more civilised (if rather pricey) idea - Yosemite, Death Valley etc. will have the clear skies and the scenery you're looking for, the Sierras will be the exercise, then you've got the coast / Lake Tahoe for relaxing. Whale watching tours, Canepa showroom, the big cities...ton of stuff to do.
Would a 2-centre holiday work? e.g. Safari plus beach on Zanzibar, Maldives + tour around India/Sri Lanka, Singapore + a nice beach etc.? Breaks the travel and jet-lag up in one direction (if going cross-ways) too.
Japan / Fr. Polynesia would be utterly stunning (and both will have things for all of you to marvel at), but that length of time in a plane will be a lot for your lad to deal with (and so will the jet lag). Also not sure FP will have enough to keep you occupied for 3 weeks.
Safari IS cool, and Kili sounds like an interesting detour. But it's dry and dusty and long days...will your lad be up for that?
West-coast USA sounds like a more civilised (if rather pricey) idea - Yosemite, Death Valley etc. will have the clear skies and the scenery you're looking for, the Sierras will be the exercise, then you've got the coast / Lake Tahoe for relaxing. Whale watching tours, Canepa showroom, the big cities...ton of stuff to do.
Would a 2-centre holiday work? e.g. Safari plus beach on Zanzibar, Maldives + tour around India/Sri Lanka, Singapore + a nice beach etc.? Breaks the travel and jet-lag up in one direction (if going cross-ways) too.
Wife and I did 3 weeks in Peru (didn’t hike to Machu Picchu, instead took the posh train and stayed in the hotel at the entrance) amazing experience.
Plenty to do in Peru…come across lots of other couples/ friends on similar multi week organised tours.
We did…
Lima,
Amazon (3 night stay, boat trips and night walks)
Cusco,
Sacred Valley,
Machu Picchu,
Altiplano (8 hour drive across the plateau reaching 4,000+ meters in altitude)
Lake Titcaca (Uros Islands)
Arequipa (See condors in the wild)
Plenty to do in Peru…come across lots of other couples/ friends on similar multi week organised tours.
We did…
Lima,
Amazon (3 night stay, boat trips and night walks)
Cusco,
Sacred Valley,
Machu Picchu,
Altiplano (8 hour drive across the plateau reaching 4,000+ meters in altitude)
Lake Titcaca (Uros Islands)
Arequipa (See condors in the wild)
NuckyThompson said:
It’s a couple of years off but for my 40th the plan is to do some out of spectacular trip. 2- 3 years to save for it.
Missus and what will be a 7 year old then.
Up to 3 weeks long but I can do half of it on my own if needs be.
I like the mountains and hot weather, and also love clear night skies with minimal light pollution so you get the best of the night sky.
Current considerations have been Kilimanjaro, one done family would fly out to meet me then go do a safari, camp out with the Masai Mara and then maybe end on the beaches of Tanzania. Downside I’m told is that kilamanjaro isn’t really that picturesque.
Hike Inca trail to Machu pichu, family meet me then split some time between, Brazil and another South American country,
That’s all I’ve considered so far, would love some suggestions and be great to open the thread up to what others would do for their next milestone birthday too
I was just getting through your first "setting the scene" piece and Kilimanjaro came into my mind.Missus and what will be a 7 year old then.
Up to 3 weeks long but I can do half of it on my own if needs be.
I like the mountains and hot weather, and also love clear night skies with minimal light pollution so you get the best of the night sky.
Current considerations have been Kilimanjaro, one done family would fly out to meet me then go do a safari, camp out with the Masai Mara and then maybe end on the beaches of Tanzania. Downside I’m told is that kilamanjaro isn’t really that picturesque.
Hike Inca trail to Machu pichu, family meet me then split some time between, Brazil and another South American country,
That’s all I’ve considered so far, would love some suggestions and be great to open the thread up to what others would do for their next milestone birthday too
Anyway, my suggestion is Mount Kenya for yourself.
I looked into it some time ago but didn't follow through.
Visually, from photos it looks superior to Kili' and is that bit different.
The peak looks to be much more interesting.
Family wise, I would suggest a lodge in the Mara North Conservancy, "joined" to the Mara but privately owned - less crowed, less "rules", much better than our Mara experiences.
Plus, options to stay on the Mombasa beach area, plenty of choice.
Just my thoughts.
Second option briefly, DIY safari in the Kruger. Hire SUV 4X4, drive in, choose quality accommodations.
Your young one should love it.
DIY safari is so much better than being driven around at the whim of the driver, just my choice now.
RGG said:
Second option briefly, DIY safari in the Kruger. Hire SUV 4X4, drive in, choose quality accommodations.
Your young one should love it.
DIY safari is so much better than being driven around at the whim of the driver, just my choice now.
Didn't know a diy safari was a thing - always thought nah, can't be doing with braying animals surrounding me whilst watching wildlife. Shall investigate, thanks.Your young one should love it.
DIY safari is so much better than being driven around at the whim of the driver, just my choice now.
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