Anniversary trip - destination ideas

twopenny

I became a huge fan of the Maldives and it was a surprise to me.

I went on a small boat, old but spotless with a different deserted island every day so a different beach. Simple fresh food. Picnic on the island one day, evening bbq one day, local island. I thought I might be bored the first time but the chill out factor is amazingly good.

They do a week in Sri Lanka and a week on the boat or you could mix and match. This is the smaller UK agent that gives good prices https://www.rtctraveluk.com/holidays/asia/maldives/yasawa-princess-cruise-the-maldives/

https://www.rtctraveluk.com/holidays/asia/maldives/yasawa-princess-cruise-the-maldives/

There's a top Question on the Maldives forum about which island. No news, no shoes or the full works.

Another option could be Borneo which is Malaysian.

I went to Sabat and stayed at the Shangri La, marble bathrooms, massive beds, excellent service. Beach, trips to the islands from the resort and tours to see Orangutangs etc. The pearl market is good. Some jewellery dealers there - you may get a commemorative ring Loved seeing the cultural heritage at the museum with whole local houses as exhibits.https://www.shangri-la.com/en/kotakinabalu/tanjungaruresort/

There are deals to be had on the price.

Ballard

I’ve never been to Madagascar but it does look very interesting. I happened to catch a times Ranganathan program about it over the weekend, though, and it seems that it’s not for the feint hearted. Lots of poverty and some pockets of danger.

Tanzanian safari followed by Zanzibar was a very memorable trip for me almost 20 years ago. Safaris are quite tiring and very expensive.

As has been mentioned, Sri Lanka is a good option. They did have huge fuel problems a short while back but I think that that’s sorted now. 

Voyager2002

Ballard said:

I’ve never been to Madagascar but it does look very interesting. I happened to catch a times Ranganathan program about it over the weekend, though, and it seems that it’s not for the feint hearted. Lots of poverty and some pockets of danger.

Tanzanian safari followed by Zanzibar was a very memorable trip for me almost 20 years ago. Safaris are quite tiring and very expensive.

As has been mentioned, Sri Lanka is a good option. They did have huge fuel problems a short while back but I think that that’s sorted now. 

Madagascar was my first developing country and indeed it is not for the faint-hearted!

Nossi Be is an island that belongs to Madagascar and is well set-up for tourism, so it should have the interest of the country without the challenges.

Incidentally, there are ways of doing safaris on a modest budget, but obviously without the comfort so that they become even more tiring. Decades ago, I was in Kenya and arranged a safari with a local company that involved camping just outside the game park and was both good and affordable. More recently, my time in Sri Lanka included a day-trip to a game park near the beach where I was staying, and we saw many elephants and other spectacular animals.

strawb_shortcake

Thanks for all the suggestions, definitely some food for thought. 

I think due to the south west monsoon, and one part of Sri lanka I'd like to see we've ruled thar our for now. 

This thread has got me out of the mindset of it has to be the Maldives. But I do want white sands, turquoise water and palm trees, the real tropical island experience.

We are leaning towards Mauritius now, partly due to having friends there, and possibly have a week inland and a week or so on the coast. 

We may possibly look into Thailand followed by the Maldives, and the wildcard would be Safari followed by Zanzibar. 

More importantly, I've set up a specific regular saver, which I'd expect to get me to around £8k in three years, we can then add as need be with other savings. 

47 months and counting...

misterjords

Have you thought about Zanzibar? It's an amazing destination, and July is a dry season there, so the weather is supposed to be good
The nature is pretty, the water is great, and I really loved it there. I've been only there and in Maldives, but for sure Zanzibar I liked more

clarkyson

If you are thinking about something in the Indian Ocean, then Lakshadeep can be a good option too. It's kind of an alternative to the Maldives and also way cheaper. You can even consider going to Goa. I went there last March. You two should definitely visit Agatti Island, Kavaratti Island, and Bangaram Island. It won't cost anywhere near £10k. Give this article a read https://gowithguide.com/blog/tourism-in-india-statistics-2024-the-ultimate-guide-5493 you will get general idea about tourism in India.

daveyjp

clarkyson said:

If you are thinking about something in the Indian Ocean, then Lakshadeep can be a good option too. It's kind of an alternative to the Maldives and also way cheaper. You can even consider going to Goa. I went there last March. You two should definitely visit Agatti Island, Kavaratti Island, and Bangaram Island. It won't cost anywhere near £10k. Give this article a read https://gowithguide.com/blog/tourism-in-india-statistics-2024-the-ultimate-guide-5493 you will get general idea about tourism in India.

Not really an option in July as its monsoon season.

Kartalweb

I’d recommend considering a combo of the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

I've been to both, and they offer a perfect mix. The Maldives has those pinch-yourself beautiful beaches, while Sri Lanka offers plenty of sightseeing, hikes, and cultural experiences. The weather in July is generally good in both places, with the Maldives being more beach-focused and Sri Lanka adding that adventure element your husband would enjoy.

It’s a great balance and fits well within your budget.

Hope that helps!

strawb_shortcake

Kartalweb said:

I’d recommend considering a combo of the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

I've been to both, and they offer a perfect mix. The Maldives has those pinch-yourself beautiful beaches, while Sri Lanka offers plenty of sightseeing, hikes, and cultural experiences. The weather in July is generally good in both places, with the Maldives being more beach-focused and Sri Lanka adding that adventure element your husband would enjoy.

It’s a great balance and fits well within your budget.

Hope that helps!

Thank you, that is an option. I'd love to do the Ella to Kandy rail trip, but I suspect this is likely to be affected by the south west monsoon in July. 

I guess our options are, not travel in July We'll have waited 25 years for this trip so another 2-3 months isn't too bad in the grand scheme of things. 

Seychelles is warmer in July as I'd Zanzibar, and it's also the dry season, I am somewhat put off by the recommended vaccinations for Zanzibar, my OH can react terribly to mosquitoes in this country, tropical ones may even more fun and games. 

Alternatively we look elsewhere, and try to find the driest, warmest tropical island in July with around a 10 hour flight time.