Spec me a holiday destination

vix · 07-01-2008, 18:31

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

Anyone got any experiences to share?

Dee · 07-01-2008, 18:35

North coast of Corfu is lovely, quite peaceful and picturesque

If you want to shell out, Mauritius is stunning

BBx · 07-01-2008, 18:37

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 · 07-01-2008, 18:41

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 · 07-01-2008, 18:53

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 · 07-01-2008, 18:56

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 · 07-01-2008, 20:03

Oooh I didn't read it as your first EVER trip abroad!!

Sorry. An ex British colony would probably be the best bet for feeling more or less comfortable.

Lopez · 07-01-2008, 20:22

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 · 07-01-2008, 20:31

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 · 08-01-2008, 01:51

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.

07-01-2008, 18:31	#1
vix Penelope Pitstop Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 4,426	Spec me a holiday destination 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 Anyone got any experiences to share? __________________

07-01-2008, 18:41	#4
Stan_Lite Stan, Stan the FLASHER MAN! Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: In bed with your sister Posts: 5,483	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. __________________ Just because I have a short attention span doesn't mean I...

07-01-2008, 18:53	#5
Will BBx woz 'ere :P Join Date: Jan 1970 Posts: 2,147,487,208	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. __________________ *No No!*

07-01-2008, 18:56	#6
vix Penelope Pitstop Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 4,426	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!! __________________

07-01-2008, 20:03	#7
Will BBx woz 'ere :P Join Date: Jan 1970 Posts: 2,147,487,208	Oooh I didn't read it as your first EVER trip abroad!! Sorry. An ex British colony would probably be the best bet for feeling more or less comfortable. __________________ *No No!*

07-01-2008, 18:35	#2
Dee Combat Spanker Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 5,292	North coast of Corfu is lovely, quite peaceful and picturesque If you want to shell out, Mauritius is stunning

07-01-2008, 18:37	#3
BBx Reverse SuBo Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: London Posts: 8,673	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

07-01-2008, 20:22	#8
Lopez Bad Cat Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Leicestershire Posts: 808	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. __________________ NO

07-01-2008, 20:31	#9
vix Penelope Pitstop Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 4,426	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 __________________

08-01-2008, 01:51	#10
Darrin Dirteh Kitteh Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hiding out in Mormon Country Posts: 1,629	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. __________________ A bullet may have your name on it, but shrapnel is addressed "to whom it may concern".