Help me decide where to go (April/May 2011)

[kris]

I'm looking for somewhere to go on a quickish holiday (about 5D4N) in April or May of next year.

The main purpose will be to get away from work

I'm looking for somewhere that fits the following criteria:

1. Not more than 1 stopover away
2. Flight and accommodation should be less than S$3000, preferably less
3. Cooler weather than Singapore! (<30 deg celsius)
4. Urban (beaches aside)

I was originally looking at Tokyo or Melbourne but the strength of the Yen and Aussie dollar has made them both a bit less attractive.

This has directed my eye further southwards, towards Africa Cape Town (off Zuji.com at least) seems prohibitively expensive while I'm not too sure about Seychelles

What do you guys suggest?

Cheers.

[Kyo]

KTM? Lots of folks going there these days... and it's plenty cooler...

How about South Korea or Taiwan?

[kris]

KTM? Lots of folks going there these days... and it's plenty cooler...

How about South Korea or Taiwan?

Thanks for quick reply.

Hm yes, will look into KTM. Not particularly interested in Taiwan and SK tbh.

Any experience with BEY?

[Kyo]

No experience with BEY unfortunately

There are quite a few places in China that you can look into also if you're willing to go off the beaten path and not averse to Sino-centric destinations.

[jhm]

If BEY fits your requirements above and assuming the security situation does not change, then go for it!

Beirut has become a trendy hotspot, e.g.

Beirut was named the top place to visit in 2009 by The New York Times. It was also listed as one of the ten liveliest cities in the world by Lonely Planet in 2009.

It used to be called the Paris of the East and having visited there myself in 2007, I could see why. Mediterranean weather, warm and friendly people, great food (better than Greek, Turkish and Cypriot in my experience, e.g. Lebanese baklava is much better than the stuff you get in Istanbul or Athens), a pumping nightlife and mixed cultures.

With the past civil war etc, there were also lots of army checkpoints (and one of those countries where your passport is checked at the airport and ten metres away, there's another check in case - I was told by a local - that the first check has been bribed!) and I could see the bullet holes still left in the buildings. I also happened to go a few days after a couple of bombings so my hotel was desserted (I arrived in a taxi and they knew who I was because I was the only guest who was due to check in) and Beirut itself was quiet. Luckily, I was looked after by a couple of locals from FT so I had no worries.

However, that was 2007 and I believe it's much better now. It's one of those cities which is definitely on my love it and must return for longer list. If you get the opportunity, then do check it out and go!

[lingua101]

I was told by my friend who went for Middle East trip last Aug, Teheran is quite cheap and nice place to be.

Although people does not speak much English, they are quite friendly and you will find students trying to help to translate.

I googled on Teheran and surprisingly, it looks like a very modern metropolis. Also the weather in Apr/May in general should be less than 30.

AirAsia X flies there from KUL. You can fly Premium class for less than MYR3,000 (~<$1,500) and I believe another $1,000 should be sufficient for 4-5 days in Teheran.

[kris]

I was told by my friend who went for Middle East trip last Aug, Teheran is quite cheap and nice place to be.

Although people does not speak much English, they are quite friendly and you will find students trying to help to translate.

I googled on Teheran and surprisingly, it looks like a very modern metropolis. Also the weather in Apr/May in general should be less than 30.

AirAsia X flies there from KUL. You can fly Premium class for less than MYR3,000 (~<$1,500) and I believe another $1,000 should be sufficient for 4-5 days in Teheran.

That's definitely an interesting thought, but I make regular trips to LHR and I'm worried I might be given trouble at immigration if they see a Tehran stamp?

Really leaning towards BEY now. Just hoping there's no violence in the coming months.

[Pinkfloyd]

That's definitely an interesting thought, but I make regular trips to LHR and I'm worried I might be given trouble at immigration if they see a Tehran stamp?

Really leaning towards BEY now. Just hoping there's no violence in the coming months.

Nah, the UK does not care that much. I have sent quite number of people from the UK to IKA for work in the past 2 years and they don't seem to have a problem.