We have made four consecutive summer family trips to Europe & we're starting to wonder if it might be best to break the habit and try someplace different before trying any other European destinations. Sort of a cleanse-your-pallet travel experience.
For all you Europe-lovers out there; what's your favorite non-European, but international travel destination?
Hawaii,, or a nice Caribbean cruise.. love them.
Carroll,
Thanks so much! I'm inclined to agree about Australia and New Zealand, but since we have to travel in mid-June to mid-August, the opposite seasons is a problem. We could be warm in Queensland and the Barrier reef area, but that's about it. And New Zealand doesn't really have anywhere warm in their "winter".
Maybe an African safari? Great for a family and definitely nothing like Europe or N. America.
Peru (Cuzco and the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Arequipa, Puno and Lake Titicaca, and the Amazon Basin)
Easy to get to, no jet lag, decent tourist infrastructure, and can be done cheaply.
On the other side of the ocean, Japan if still interested in culture, Laos for unspoiled and laid back basic travel, and the Philippines for beaches and snorkeling.
When my kids are a bit older, I want to do an east coast US history trip. Hit Washington, Philly, and Boston, try to do it by train.
There's tons to see here in the US. Sometimes I wish my kids would stay kids longer so we could go to more places. My list is longer than the number of summers we have to go to them.
Austraila was wonderful. We only got to see a bit around Sydney, but that was great. Hong Kong was also very, very interesting. I want to return to both places some day, when we can travel again.
If you want to stay in the US- Tahoe is nice, as are the NC moutains. And Vegas is always a welcome change from anything else.
PS_ Why don't you change the title of this post to NON-Europen trip (rather than Anit-European)? It would be a bit less provacative.
I would vote for Turkey. Technically, half of Istanbul is in Europe, but most is in Asia. I was there for 2 weeks several years ago and had the most incredible time. I picked it because I wanted to go someplace that was a little more ethnic/diverse than western Europe, but still easy and not too far.
The country is incredibly friendly - so many Turks went out of their way to be helpful - and the scenery is breathtaking, ranging from beautiful beaches and clear turquoise waters on the Turkish Riviera to the unique rock formations in Cappadocia. The history is certainly worth going for - and Istanbul is one of the most beautiful, historical and vibrant cities I have ever been in.
It's one of the cheaper countries around - and the food is some of the tastiest I've had in my travels. In short, it has everything!
If you want, you can look at my blog about my trip there - http://mardeeinturkey.wordpress.com
The first thing that pops in my head when I see "anti-Europe", is a modern 21st century mega-city in Asia. Places like Hong Kong, Tokyo, or Singapore. I've been to Hong Kong three times now and love it! Also had a blast in Tokyo. Might be worth considering....definite change of pace compared to Europe.
Our favorite NON-European trip was Japan---a fantastic cultural experience, and definitely more challenging than Europe because of the language barrier.
We've also enjoyed Australia---very friendly, interesting, and fun.
We plan to visit New Zealand, Peru (I would put that in the adventure travel category, for the hiking near Machu Picchu), and Argentina.
Randy, I recommend Nova Scotia. I've been there twice in the last 10 years and loved it each time. For a small place there is a diversity of geography and people. If you like small villages and staying in B & B's, it is a great place to go.
Egypt, hands down. The one place I have always dreamed of seeing.
After that, Australia and New Zealand
Banff and Jasper National Parks, Alberta, Canada. This location ties with the Norwegian fjords for the most beautiful place we have ever been.
Costa Rica
Galapagos Islands/Ecuador. Not only was it my favorite non-European trip, it was my favorite trip of all time so far.
I haven't got to travel yet outside of North American and Europe. I'm still in my early 20's so (hopefully) lots of time. I want to go everywhere.
Favourite North American trip so far...hmm in April I got to go with me best friend to visit his mom in Sonoma. We visited San Francisco, Sonoma, Napa, Mendoicno etc. Very relaxing, got to do lots of wine tours, eat some amazing French food and update my wardrobe. Fantastic!
On our non-European travels, we have enjoyed going to Mexico and the Caribbean islands. Next week we will be in Hawaii! It is such a different vacation though. I kind of miss the wonderful history in Europe, but need some R&R on an island this time.
Mexico is a beautiful country, and we have had the privilege of living there for a year and getting to travel all over. We have gone back many times since, but haven't since 2007. I think we may try to go back next year for a Mexico fix!
As my husband & I live in the deep South we try to escape our horrendous heat & humidity sometime during July or August & Canada is the ticket for us. Problem is we have to return to our heat.
Israel, Montreal, Hawaii.
I'm with Frank on this one - Costa Rica. It's in the central time zone, just two short flights from Chicago. It's inexpensive, and most places there is no need to use Costa Rican colones - most places I encountered took US dollars. And where else can you go from hiking up a volcano to wandering in a rainforest with monkeys swinging overhead within a day?
Randy, I want you to go back to Europe. I loved your blog and found it very helpful in thinking about future trips to Europe. Right now my plan (God willing) is to go to Europe for the next 8-10 years.
But if you are going to disregard my feelings, then I would suggest New Zealand or Australia. I haven't been there but they are at the top of my non-Europe list. They will have to wait until retirement so I can go for more than two weeks.
If you decide to head west, consider stopping in Hawaii. I'm not a beach person, but I really loved it. The Big Island in particular offers a lot of variety.
While not international, I recommend Alaska. Breathtakingly beautiful!!
Tahiti! Stay in a little straw hut (actually a very nice room, but it looks like a hut) over the water. Amazing, from your patio the water is so blue and so clear, the fish so beautiful! Have a Hinano and that is the life!
Glad to see a couple of people recommending Hawaii - we need the tourists - but do not spend all your time in Waikiki - it is truly the Disney Land of the Pacific - get out and see some of real Hawaii while you are there. Aloha
Randy- we went to Austrialia in July. It was a bit cool in Sydney (lows in low 40s, highs in the 50s -60s.) and a small bit of rain one day. It was actually a nice change after Hong Kong- talk about hot and humid! Don't fret the seasons. If you can only travel in "our" summer/"their" winter DO IT! If it is where you want to go. I am dying to go back, and wish that I could spend a large amount of time there. Oh well.... maybe sometime...
PS- thanks for the name change on the post.
My wife says Alaska--beautiful scenery, hopefully wildlife.
My favorites are Macchu Pichu, Peru, and several places in Brazil--Iguazu Falls, Salvador, Amazon region.
Egypt! What a great travel destination. I don't know what compelled me to go, I was pretty sure I wasn't going to like it much. But once I arrived and got the hang of it, I loved it. So much for preconceived ideas and stereotypes, it was a wonderful adventure that I highly recommend.
Grier,
We have nothing against southern Europe. Italy has always been #1 on our list and we are simply waiting until the children are a little older to ensure that they will fully appreciate and remember it. Spain/Portugal/Morocco is also on the list, but the threat of intense heat is a drawback. Croatia and points eastward are probably about 5-6 years in the future.
We're trying to balance our interests with what is finacially feasible and also where the children will be welcome, safe, and have interesting things to see and do.
Clearly, the question of where to go next would be answered differently if we were not bringing three school-age children along. But we like doing things as a family.
Also, since we already endure very long, cold winters, we hesitiate to pick places where temps will be cool-cold in the southern hemisphere. I know that the barrier reef in Australia is tropical, so that is a distinct possibility. And I'm sure we could handle the temps in the 50s and 60s for a few days in Sydney. But to be cooler than that or for longer than that would not bode well for our mental health.
China, by far the most varied and interesting country I've ever had the privilege to visit. I've been five times already and there's still so much to see and do!
Morocco, without a doubt. Different culture, great tastes, wonderful people, and awesome colors.
As JER says, China is fabulous! It is the most "different" place I have ever been. It would, however, have been way TOO different when my kids were school-age.
I agree with Carroll and would like to see you go to Europe again. Are you avoiding southern Europe for a reason? My vote is for Australia and New Zealand if you are determined to take a break from Europe.
Hawaii, Mexico (prefer west coast)....
Singapore! Thanks Michael ;)
Scuba diving in Belize, followed by touring Australia and doing a live-aboard dive trip to the Coral Sea to dive on the Great Barrier.
Alaska has been our favorite un-european destination.
Bali.
Go soon, before Julia Roberts wrecks it....
I lived near San Francisco for 8 years. I loved auto trips through the west, including Canada. Spectacular natural scenery, lots of history, art, hiking, wild animals, and plenty to interest the kids.
It takes a lot less planning - mostly a trip to AAA for a book and some maps. Except for the high-demand national parks, there are always motel rooms to be found when you are ready to stop for the day, just open the AAA book and take out your cell phone.
Japan or the West coast of the US. Take the Pacific Highway the whole way to California and then hit San Diego and Disneyland. I know it sounds crazy, but my 70 year old Grandparents still love to go to Disneyland. We do the 3 day hopper pass and stay out in Anaheim somewhere cheaper than the park hotels. There are great shuttle and bus services.
Japan is so fun, especially Nara which has a million deer. They do tend to mob you though.
Carolyn,
Europe IS tame compared to those places you mentioned. Did you do those trips with children between 7 and 14?
I would love to be more adventurous, too. But my concerns with children are;
1) Is it entirely safe? If I make a wrong turn in a rural area am I going to run into drug runners or something?
2) Will it hold enough interest for our children to stay engaged? They are not big into hiking or anything. 3-4 miles and they are done for the day. I need to expose them to more natural wonders. But even so, we've never had much luck thinking of things to do with natural wonders except stare at it and walk around a while. After a couple of hours, they are going to wonder what's next on the itinerary. I'm not proud of that, it's just reality.
A friend and I drove from St. Louis to San Francisco, most of the way on I-40, through Norman, OK; Albuquerque; Flagstaff; and Las Vegas. It was an absolutely gorgeous drive through a landscape that is in some ways much more raw and ancient than what I've seen in Europe, and it gave me a real appreciation for the depth and breadth of this country.
Hawaii is a great family destination. A car, a condo and family will have a great time. Weather is never an issue, an oh the beaches, aquariums, vistas, parks, casual, gorgeous sunsets. worth considering.
Tasmania. Hobart and Launceston are the largest cities but there's so much history and awesome scenery - and plenty of small towns to see too. About the size of Ireland, definitely worth at least a week and you really can't cover the island in less than two weeks minimum.
