Howdy. Been a minute.
Piquing some brains here to add some data points that may further help me populate my brain dump. This is something that I started thinking about in November and have put off until now... was an end-of-January goal to get the ball rolling, so here I am on WSO after work soliciting feedback.
OK - wife and I need a vacation. Over the past couple of years, we've had our fair share of travel, but there was always an attachment - work trip, family gathering, pre-planned destination, etc. I've always been a proponent of combining mini-vacations into work or other required trips to help you vacation on the cheap, but seems like we've really just had 10-20 half-ass-vacations in the past 3-4 years, rather than a dedicated one.
Towards the end of last year, we realized that - 2025 is the year we're gonna change it up. Work has ramped up for both of us and we've put zero effort in. I've spent a couple of days compiling options online and talking to some friends, but the fact is that the internet will only tell you so much: to get a glimpse, you gotta find someone who went there.
So, I'm out here phishing - WSO, where have you been that was cool? Like, really fucking cool? Maybe someplace that you planned for hard, or an unexpected spot that you fondly remember? It's not that I don't know where to travel, I've got plenty of ideas in mind - hopping around Korea or Japan could be monumental, hiking in the Himalayas could be beautiful, all of that. Just want to hear some cool testimonials from people.
Parameters don't really matter - if it helps, I'm thinking 7-10 days end-to-end, budget is as variable as can be. Maybe $6-8K for two adults? Targeting a mid/late 2025 journey, so weather is also a factor there, but really I just want to hear some cool stories.
Let me know what comes to mind. Always nice hearing from you fellas!
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some standout travel spots and experiences shared by users that might inspire your 2025 vacation plans:
Caribbean Island Getaway: Renting a house or villa on a Caribbean island has been highlighted as a memorable and cost-effective option. For example, a 10-day trip for 7-8 adults, including a luxurious house rental, food, drinks, and activities like SCUBA/snorkeling, came in at around $5K. This could be a great option for a relaxing yet adventurous escape.
Ibiza & Oktoberfest Combo: A user shared their top two trips—eight nights in Ibiza (staying at Ushuaïa on the beach) and a Prague-Munich combo for Oktoberfest. Both offer unique cultural and party experiences, depending on your vibe.
Disney World for Families: While not everyone's style, a week-long trip to Disney World for four was noted as a $10K experience, but it was described as worth it for the joy it brought to kids. If you're looking for something nostalgic or family-oriented, this could be an option.
Jersey Shore or Cape Cod: Renting a modest house for a couple of weeks at the Jersey Shore, Cape Cod, or Martha's Vineyard was another suggestion. These spots offer a mix of relaxation and family-friendly activities, with rentals costing around $10K for a larger group.
Hiking in the Himalayas: While not directly mentioned in the WSO threads, your idea of hiking in the Himalayas aligns with the adventurous spirit of some users. This could be a transformative experience, especially if you're looking for something off the beaten path.
Japan or Korea: Hopping around Japan or Korea is a monumental idea, as you mentioned. Japan offers a mix of bustling cities, serene temples, and natural beauty, while Korea is known for its vibrant culture, food, and history.
For your budget of $6-8K, many of these options are feasible, especially with some strategic planning. If you're looking for a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion, the Caribbean or a Japan/Korea trip might be your best bet. Let me know if you'd like more details on any of these!
Sources: Life in General Will Cost More Than You Think, Life in General Will Cost More Than You Think, I cant save money, Favorite Company Swag Received?, Best Vacation?
I’ve done a few trips around that budget per person over the years. They were cool, but I wouldn’t call them really fucking cool. Hopefully this gives you some inspiration:
15-day trip in Peru Bolivia and Chile: Started in Lima, then flew to Cusco for a 5-day hike to Machu Picchu. Took a bus to La Paz, Bolivia, followed by 3 days in a SUV driving through the Salar de Uyuni. Then arrived in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. Wrapped up with a flight to Santiago.
10-day trip in Cuba: 3 days in Havana, then 2 days in Vinales. After that, took a shared taxi to visit Cienfuegos and Trinidad. Ended in Santiago de Cuba before flying back to Havana.
15-day trip in Kenya & Tanzania: A classic Serengeti safari & Kilimanjaro camping itinerary, offered by many tour operators at various price points depending on how luxury you want it to be.
cuba is an absolute shithole of a country, how did you possibly enjoy that? i went for 5 days and hit most of the same spots for you it was tied for the worst place i've ever been and was itching to get out (other was macau and thankfully was only there for 2 days)
that bolivia trip is fuego though, done that - the salar de uyuni is next level
Cuba was a mixed bag. Havana felt overrated, but I really enjoyed the mountains in Vinales and the colonial feel of Trinidad. I chose to not buy a SIM or eSIM. Coupled with the lack of wifi, it forced me to be disconnected from western civilisation. It was refreshing. I also had the best asado cerdo at a dirt-cheap, government-run roadside restaurant. Would I return to Cuba? Probably not, but I'm glad I have seen the country.
Sayulita, Mexico
https://www.travelandleisure.com/sayulita-mexico-travel-guide-8557213
Mmmmm sewer water
Source?
Went around Europe and then India in 2023. Would definitely recommend Prague + Vienna, plus India was awesome. If you can find your way to a guided safari-type excursion around India it's amazing (so I've been told, tons of wildlife and cool things to see). Was in India for a wedding, and it was the most fun wedding I've been to and best food. Among friends that have been Japan, they've all highly recommended it.
I went to India too.
It was the most unsanitary place I've ever been too. 5th world vibe. I will never go back.
Just keeping it real.
Definitely felt that way at times. The drive from the Mumbai airport to where we stayed was truly eye-opening. The poverty is striking. However, my friends and I stayed in the cleaner areas, great food and people. And the ones who did the safari-type thing had a memorable experience.
Also I’ve heard New Zealand is sick, seems to be popular among my friends recently.
A friend of mine is getting married there next year, I'm really looking forward to it.
Nice. Probably the only time I’ll ever be able to get away with wearing a turban. The wedding I went to had great family/friends that were explaining certain parts of the ceremony. They love scotch and a rum called Old Monk over there.
I've traveled a ton and the Azores are pretty darn cool. Sete Cidades is easily the coolest naturally occurring scenery I've ever seen in my life. Transportation and accommodation are also quite affordable as well. I'd recommend:
The island is less developed than places like Hawaii or the Canary Islands but is impressively well-maintained. Roads and infrastructure are excellent, it feels incredibly safe, and the food and drinks are as cheap as they are good. I think you could totally make a trip out of this going through the chain of islands that make up the Azores. Even if it doesn't end up being your big trip spending 3-4 days is something you should put on your bucket list.
My Dad was stationed in the Azores with the Navy.
Welcome back Stonks.
Depends on what your goals are. For a couple, I'd think Korea or especially Japan would be amazing. Several reasons for Japan below, I was supposed to go to Korea but the airline kept screwing me:
Personally, I'm planning to go to Rome and maybe some other spots in Italy for the Jubilee, and maybe Poland again (also a beautiful country that's well worth a visit, they've really upped their infrastructure). Let's grab a beer if you're ever back in town.
Thanks for the shout - up in DC for a couple action items in May so we may find a time then. Japan has been a goal for a good while, you know I'm a transit nerd so that definitely piques the brain a bit. Leaning towards Tokyo/Kyoto and/or a Seoul for this run. Number crunching currently, but it's in the lead. Appreciate the comment!
Don't get lost in Tokyo Station like I did on my way back! Japanese train stations have a pretty weird concourse system with ticketing. Just something to be aware of. Separately, I was there like 5-6 years ago, but tbh I was surprised how well-priced things generally were. It wasn't cheap per se and you can definitely splurge there (like on a really nice ryokan), but I never felt like I was getting ripped off for the quality of stuff I was paying for as a tourist like in the US or most other places. Carrying a bunch of coins was interesting at first since I collect them, but then was a bit of a pain, but digital payment services may have improved since then.
I'll be out Mother's Day weekend, but the rest is wide open!
Go hike the O Circuit and then visit Ushuaia, El Chalten, and Bariloche in Patagonia.
Do not do that
Croatia is paradise. Historic European city vibes, coastal mediterranean vibes, forests and nature reserve vibes.
High on my list, thanks for the reminder
Ko Phi Phi - Thailand
https://www.google.com/search?q=ko+phi+phi
I've been to some rather exotic places and typically go for 2 weeks at clip to really soak it in. Iceland is hands down my favorite - the sights you'll see are absolutely breathtaking. Parts of it felt like I was on another planet. Rent a car and drive around the entire country. If you only do 1 thing or have limited time, make sure you do a multi-day hike through the highlands.
Pros: Out of this world scenic views, good weather during summer, friendly people, safe, good chance of being able to walk right up an active volcano spewing lava, not too crowded, everyone speaks english.
Cons: food is ass, expensive, lackluster drinking/drugs/party culture.
Let me know if you want me to send my itinerary for ideas.
Have you tried hakarl, that fermented shark whatever
When in Rome.... Yeah, it's as bad as they say.
My most memorable trip was going to a good friend’s destination wedding in Penang, Malaysia and visiting Bangkok, Ko Phi Phi (Thai beach resort area), and Angkor Wat (Cambodian ancient ruins) during the spring time, and Hong Kong. This was a time when I still had friends living in HK and we partied there as well as Penang and in Bangkok. My wife and I had quiet time with ourselves in Angkor Wat and Ko Phi Phi. I called the trip the Tom Yum Soup Challenge Trip as those SE Asian countries have their varieties of this sour savory soup that I tried in each place. I can provide more details if anyone is interested.
I travelled to South Korea last year. It’s a really good time to see Korea transition and there are still some old time traditions (ie seafood markets, Korean War history) mixed in with the new age stuff.
Japan - going there this year. Been there several times.
China - I’m planning to visit China every year for the next several years mainly because of extended family being there and getting older. I’m a contrarian at times (less Westerners going there makes me want to go there more). In some ways a reverse (repeat of) Jim Rogers discovery of China, as the place becomes more exotic/inaccessible to the West. High speed trains between big cities is a good way to see the countryside. If you’re going to do this, now is better than later I think.
Italy - you and your wife would love getting slightly lost in Venice drinking spritz, taking a train to Florence and spend a few days there including taking bus tours to ancient hilltop towns. Go to Rome. And if you have time, Amafi Coast. I went during a January and it was quiet and I crowded. I like the shoulder season and weather in Italy is mild year around. My favorite Italian art period is that rare transition period between pagan and Christian art (ie naked people, Cupid, Venus, and Christian God worship all in one picture).
Spain - Barcelona combined with Granada or Seville, and Lisbon (Portugal). I love Spanish food.
I’m running out of places I really want to go. I’m intrigued by Goa, India. Argentina is on my list. When I’m retired maybe a Galapagos, Peru, Equador trip. I’m intrigued by an Israel, Jordan, Egypt (and Morocco) adventure. Oktoberfest in Germany and then go to Prague and Budapest. Turkey is on my list. Reunion Island (Africa/Indian sphere) is a weird one that I’m intrigued about. Tanzania (Serengeti, Mt Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar). Mexico City.
Not the most unique one as many other folks have gone since, but went to Portugal ~2 years ago and it was the most relaxing vacation I've had and I'm typically not very good at going offline. Could send you my itinerary with the general costs per item if helpful and don't want to spend a ton of time planning it out.
What did you like seeing there?
I split the trip up into Lisbon, Santa Cruz, Porto and Comporta. Most fun was surfing lessons out in Santa Cruz and beach horseback riding in Comporta (with Tom Brady lol). Duoro Valley river cruise / wine tasting was also a highlight. Managing to see essentially all the hot sports and both major cities left me coming out of the trip feeling like I really saw and took advantage of everything the whole country offers. I know a lot of people skip out on Porto and only do Lisbon and I highly recommend visiting both if you can.
I've heard great things about North Macedonia. Lake Ohrid is absolutely beautiful. Haven't been, but would love too.
Two really cool options for you:
Going for a different perspective, if you want something more outdoorsy and less civilization-y... check out Alaska/British Columbia/Yukon.
You're not going to see ancient buildings or historical sites or enjoy fine dining; but it is unique, spectacular, and fading (between climate change and increased tourism, a la Montana in 2000 vs Montana in 2024).
Depending on the timing; you can find some really cool events (Dust to Dawson rally in Dawson City, YT) and see some incredible things natural sights and a way of life that you just can't imagine in the lower 48. If you have the budget for it; you don't have to spend a ton of time in the car and can take air taxi's between the "cities" to avoid long drives through the outback.
Certainly not as glamourous as other destinations (and not exactly warm even in the summer) but you'll never forget it.
In no particular order of my favorite countries / cities I've been to (~40-50 countries and counting)
Countries:
-New Zealand
-Iceland
-Greece
-Southern and Northern Spain
-Japan
-Croatia
Non-Countries
-Bali
-Hawaii
-Vienna
-Melbourne
-Great Barrier Reef
On my List
-Azores
-Maldives
-Antarctica
OP - the best trips are ones where you let the place come to you and there are a handful of moments you'll always remember, rather than the place. also, take everyone's advice with a grain of salt, because the same places keep getting repeated over and over again.
just typed out a whole bunch of stuff then deleted but the point is this - skip the amalfi coast
I heard Kensington, Pennsylvania is nice this time of year
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