I am a year away from my wife's 40th, and we want to do a big trip. It would be March-May timeframe of 2024. Flying in and out of Houston. It will be like a Friday-Friday trip so 7/8 days total. $10,000 budget.

Where would you go and why? We love seeing amazing sites, eating great food, and just making memories doing things we've never done before and can't do in the US. Did Italy for my 40th and had a blast. Things in advance for any help.

germany/austria/belgium?

could also probably do it up pretty big in Thailand.

Greek Islands?

Greece definitely on the list!

Thailand feels a bit far for 7/8 days. Just super long flights.

Greece

I think Banff would be a great trip. Split the stay between the Fairmont Banff Springs and Fairmont Lake Louise. Direct flights from IAH that are only about 3 hrs.

Only downside is even in late May the lakes might still be frozen. I'd schedule it as late into that window as possible.

Other suggestion would be Italy, but you've already been there.

Scotland left quite an impression on me when I was in college. That might be a good one, too.

sights are great in Banff, but food wise it leaves a ton desired. Very underwhelming in that regard

AustinCountyAg said:

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sights are great in Banff, but food wise it leaves a ton desired. Very underwhelming in that regard

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Yeah, not a lot of diversity, but if you like cheese fondue, it's the place to be!

Would love to hear any more ideas from folks before we start narrowing things down.

Croatia for a week.... hmm

Ireland. Plenty of things to see/do no matter whether you want city or countryside. Dublin has lots to offer for the city vibe then ease to the countryside for the more secluded getaway.

Is France on the list? Few days in Paris, two days out to the Normandy beaches, couple of days in Bordeaux or Loire Valley.

We did a week in Bordeaux several years ago, but we do have a possible Paris/London trip on the short list.

aggiefan2002 said:

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We did a week in Bordeaux several years ago, but we do have a possible Paris/London trip on the short list.

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Headed to Bordeaux for two weeks in early June. Any recs?

aggiefan2002 said:

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I am a year away from my wife's 40th, and we want to do a big trip. It would be March-May timeframe of 2024. Flying in and out of Houston. It will be like a Friday-Friday trip so 7/8 days total. $10,000 budget.

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Well, what did you book?

What about South Korea for your wife's big 40th trip? Seoul would be awesome - so much to see and do. You can check out palaces, temples, pop culture attractions. The food is unreal too - definitely can't get Korean BBQ and bibimbap like that in the US. Plus you'd have time to take a few days to explore other parts like Busan or Jeju Island. Flights aren't too bad from Houston either.

If you're not too familiar with SK, no worries - the tourism board has really upped their English game in recent years. Also, check out https://gowithguide.com/korea they offer personalized trip planning from local experts. Tell them your interests and I'm sure they'll craft an itinerary with places you've never been.

Think it could make for an amazing memorable trip you guys will never forget!

aggiefan2002 said:

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I am a year away from my wife's 40th, and we want to do a big trip. It would be March-May timeframe of 2024. Flying in and out of Houston. It will be like a Friday-Friday trip so 7/8 days total. $10,000 budget.

Where would you go and why? We love seeing amazing sites, eating great food, and just making memories doing things we've never done before and can't do in the US. Did Italy for my 40th and had a blast. Things in advance for any help.

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Spain. Fallas in Valencia in March. Barcelona and Madrid are both 1:45 via high-speed train from there.