If you could go ANYWHERE?

[preiffer]

Right, so here's the dilemma:

I have (over the past few years) accumulated enough miles with Star Alliance to go anywhere in the world, multiplied by a few people, in First/Business Class.

The problem I have is, while I'm entirely secure in my "normal places" and the areas I know, I'm now thinking "what if?". So - quick (and VERY brief) ideas:

If you could go ANYWHERE in the world for a week (regardless of airline), where would you go?

[Pete]

Can only speak from personal experience, but the most surprising (in a good way) place I've been to is Jordan - particularly if you do Amman down to Aqabah, taking in Petra & Wadi Rum on the way.

Pete

China - before the Terracotta Army is completely destroyed by our crap environment.

St Petersburg - best collection of Faberge Eggs in the world

Cuba- before Starbucks takes hold

Mongolia - to see the culture of Genghis and, depending on which historical perspective you believe, Attilla as well.

Australia - The Reef , the Rain forest- done it once,would love to go again.

Peru - historical sites as well as natural beauty

New Zealand - friends who have taken the trip by train from the North to the South say it's awesome

... isn't there an island SRB owns

BTW these are all for Decker to note

[mcmbenjamin]

Rio de Janeiro for Carnival. Hear it is a hell of a party. Still time to book...

[preiffer]

When's that?

Also thinking Mongolia - hmm. Do they have "real" Mongolian BBQ's there?

[mcmbenjamin]

Carnival is Feb. 13 to 20, 2007 with the big bash being Feb. 16 to 20, 2007.

Would book LH as their seats in First are nicer. Otherwise it is UA and they offer craddle First seats on the 763 that normally does the route.

Also thinking Mongolia - hmm. Do they have "real" Mongolian BBQ's there?

How would sir like his steak?

Don't waste this. Don't do the normal "tourist" thing. You have the chance to go where the rest of us can't. You're young - do the "tourist" thing later.

I'm not sure this might just be a personal dream of mine, but I'm thinking either Iceland or Switzerland-anyone been there?

I would also suggest China somewhere I thought was fantastic, or the arctic circle for the Aurora Borealis something i would like to see.

Alternatively how about the tried and tested blindfold a world map and a pin?

where ever have fun

[honey lamb]

Originally posted by nikustheficus
I'm not sure this might just be a personal dream of mine, but I'm thinking either Iceland or Switzerland-anyone been there?

I don't think it's a good idea to suggest Switzerland to preiffer [:w]

Clues as to what you and your travel companions would like might help - are you looking for relaxation, other cultures, natural world, adventure and activity?

Some personal choices:

- South Island New Zealand for skiing and sailing
- Buenos Aires then inland to Patagonia
- Papua New Guinea - the diving is great
- what about a *A circle Pacfic ticket starting in LA or SF?

What a great choice you have!

Originally posted by Mrs Decker


Cuba- before Starbucks takes hold

....and your point is????[:I]

How about Madagascar, a guy did a fantastic trip report on flyertalk a while back,always wanted to see an Aye-aye in the wild.

I would agree with Jagaurpig, I have been to Madagascar once, it's the most amazing and beautiful place I've ever seen.

[HighFlyer]

Hmm ... *A ... You not trying to go down the SQ F route?

If i could go anywhere it would be either Panama or Rio in South America, or Kenya/Tanzania in Africa. Something a little different but full of adventure. Definately off the VS network.

Oooh you lucky thing you!

Thanks,
Sarah

[Neil]

hmmm good question....

I have 2 choices, Reykjavik is a top place for a young-ish guy like you Paul, but it aint that far or exotic, brilliant non the less.

I would however have to say South Africa, Cape Town is amazing and if you could link it in with a Safari or something It would be probably my top holiday. Cape Town is in my top 3 places in the world.

Cancun I hear is also fun too....

Neil:)

[preiffer]

Hmm. All good suggestions. I guess I need to choose somewhere without the "tourist stuff" or business centres of the places I usually go to. [:?]

Anyone else up for a random fly-along?

Totally agree with Madagascar... utterly amazing place.... perhaps tie in with a few days RnR in Mauritius (or better Seychelles) afterwards. Could be done on Star with SAA.

New Caledonia is on my still to do list.
Cuba, going next month and was always on the list.

I have a friend who went on an antarctic expedition last year with her dad, and as an utterly out of the way place I think its more remote than most.

Hmm.....

Walking in the Andes and a trip to Machu Pichu.

Easter Island (via Chile).

The Galapagos Islands.

North Korea (few people get to go there, I did a similar trip to Albania when the Iron Curtain was still a reality, its like being on another planet).

And then there are lots of fun places in Africa that are off the beaten track. Libya, Mozambique, Swaziland.....

If I was in your position it would be somewhere you REALLY have to make an effort to get to, Mongolia maybe or deepest Russia (the Kumchuck peninsula maybe).

Originally posted by adam777
The Galapagos Islands.

Ahh, how could I have fogotten... this must be the top of my to do list now.

[preiffer]

Originally posted by V-Ben

Originally posted by adam777
The Galapagos Islands.

Ahh, how could I have fogotten... this must be the top of my to do list now.

Wow. Having just used Google Earth to find out where the hell they are, I now know of somewhere I didn't realise existed off the coast of South America! [y]

Fantastic place. Remember you will need to pay the park fee (Only $100 IIRC) and it best to hire a private guide - they will go at your pace, and a fit guy like you will not want to be held back by people not so able.

If you are too late to book for the Rio carnival try the one in Port of Spain, Trinidad.In my opinion it is much more fun and less of a "rip-off".
As for New Caeledonia - beautiful place but very expensive. I shan't go into detail about my opinions on France and her colonies[:(!]

Finally did my "must do trip" last year. Drove from Alice Springs to Darwin via Kakadu National Park.
My next one is a trip with Norwegian Coastal Lines from Bergen to the Russian border and back. Its an 11 day passage stopping at about 20 ports enroute onboard a cargo/passenger vessel.

Top five would be:

- South Island, NZ- get off the beaten tourist track and explore some real secret beauties. (north canterbury for fishing, queen charlotte track in the marlborough sounds, doubtful sound for a kayak trip (much better than millford and less people)...need any detailed suggestions PM as lived in Christchurch for a while.

- Iceland- fantastic place, is unbelivable

- Galapagos- difficult to get to on star at the moment though....last time I looked LAN where the only carrier with a flight from Santiago.

- Moroco, again tough on star- but good to get in and have a look before it becomes an ezy/fr hub.

- China- Xi'an for the warriers and for something different venture north of beijing to Chengde not chengdu- jsut interesting to see how china really is.

IF ANZ go to Papeete, then I'd go there and then break the rules a bit and take a little sea plane to one of the smaller surrounding islands.

VS.