Spec me a holiday destination

[vix]

So this year we have decided that we should go abroad as the weather on our last years holiday was so dire.

I'd like some recommendations please. As I'm a bit nervous about new places I'd like somewhere that I'd be able to be understood in, and that I'm not going to die from what I eat or drink. It needs to be warm, and I'd like to go on a plane to get there. Somewhere interesting would be nice, not so much Ibiza-like clubbing but with a bit of history.

I was thinking Malta as I've heard some good things, but I'd also be tempted by a Greek Island. Specially the one the Red Arrows practice on :p

Anyone got any experiences to share?

[Dee]

North coast of Corfu is lovely, quite peaceful and picturesque :)

If you want to shell out, Mauritius is stunning ;)

[BBx]

I'd recommend Split in Croatia... I went there last year and its lovely :) just right for couples too... the beaches aren't that sandy but they exist.

I was told numerous times to go on a boat cruise to the surroundings and also hire a car and drive to Dubrovnik. (sp)

Best thing about it... cheap when you are out there, has history and not hideously touristy...unlike a lot of places these days.

Otherwise I would have suggested Malta ;) but the last time went there I was 5 and I had chicken pox :/ so don't remember much.

BB x

[Stan_Lite]

Last time I was in Malta, I was 11 but I remember it being a nice place. My parents have been back a few times since then and they like it.

Might even consider a jaunt over there myself this year. I've been meaning to go for years now.

[Will]

I used to go to Malta for work, so I didn't really experience it as a holiday destination, but it has a LOT of history and they do speak very good english there. Other alternatives are places in Italy, once again I know more of the west coast rather than the east coast, but they speak a lot of english over there. Greek islands, well I'm biased obviously... Rhodes is fun, lots of history and great food, and of course charming people.

Spain's a bit :/ Though Barcelona's quite fun. A lot of these places have huge amounts of ex-pats and a lot of british people owing to the tourist and yachting industry so that's not likely to be difficult to find. I'd even go so far as to recommend Cyprus - but that's more of a home for me and it's hard to see it as a tourist.

Depending on how good your French is I'd suggest the north coast of Africa, such as Morocco or Tunisia though they do speak english there too (where doesn't ?!).

I gather you're not that adventurous and not really keen on throwing yourself into an adventure? If that's the case I'd stick to the EU.

[vix]

I think for my first time abroad I'd like to go somewhere not very adventurous, then see how it grabs me. I'm just quite nervous about new things :/

Some good suggestions anyway from everyone, thanks - I'd never have thought of some of these places!!

[Will]

Oooh I didn't read it as your first EVER trip abroad!! :o Sorry. An ex British colony would probably be the best bet for feeling more or less comfortable.

[Lopez]

I'm not a fan of Spain at all. Don't like the country, don't like the people, not overly blown away by the food either.

First trip abroad? Mine was to Rhodes, I would also strongly recommend Cyprus. If you find you like Cyprus it's likely you'll enjoy the Greek Isles in general too.

You will have no problems being understood in Greece, but if you can muster an Ef'haristo (thank you) it will be hugely appreciated by older folk in particular.

Malta is a good one as it has been occupied by so many cultures. I've not been myself, not sure why as I expect I would like it given that I love history.

Croatia as suggested by BBX is a lovely country, I went to Porecand had a great time - and Rovinj is a very charming town. You may struggle with the language though - English is generally understood reasonably well but not spoken brilliantly and a bit of German comes in really handy as most seem to speak that quite well.

I'd go to a Greek Island or Cyprus, in May/June/September (I avoid them in the height of summer because they are crowded and effing hot)

Edit

I dunno if flying is an issue for you, but for Cyprus and Greece it can be 4 hours plus, whereas Spain and Italy/Croatia are doable in under 2 hours sometimes.

[vix]

I'm thinking end of June - just after my exams :)

I dunno if flying is an issue for me really, been in helos and light aircraft though and loved it. Are you allowed to walk about on the plane? If so then 4 hours is fine if I can stretch my legs :)

[Darrin]

Mind a little camping? Head out this way. Not a lot in the way of history, but I can guarantee a good time if you like firearms. :p

[vix]

I love camping, that's why I've never been bothered with abroad, but I fancy a change this year!

I think our other criteria has to be 'affordable' but I didn't bother mentioning that one earlier as what's affordable to one is expensive to another. I haven't got a clue how much this is gonna cost, so if people don't mind giving me ideas that would be great (or it might put me off :/)

[Mark]

My parents loved Madeira so much they got a timeshare out there and are now taking me this year. A fair bit of history but like a lot of places in the area tourism is taking over (of course if you can befriend a local then you can experience some of the non-touristy stuff). English doesn't seem to be a problem but like most places learning a few simple phrases will often get results.

Bulgaria was fun and has history by the bucketload but outside the obvious tourist places (and even sometimes in them) you're going to encounter language issues.

[lostkat]

Another vote for Rhodes. A really tourist friendly place with lovely, reasonably priced food, great people and tonnes to see, even without the use of a car. Not sure what the weather's like in June, but considering that it's hottest in August, I wouldn't have thought it would be too hot. Rhodes Town is an ideal resort to go to.

Price of holiday largely depends on your board basis. I presume you'd want to go self catering, aren't bothered about staying in a 4 star hotel and go eat out at night? If so, you're looking at around £250-£300 quid each for a week in a 3 star in Rhodes Town, but prices vary massively depending on when you go.. and when you book!