Wife and I came up with a plan last night. We're going to go on a trip for 10 days over September or October long weekend this year.

I am to book the flight and not tell her the destination. She'll find out at the airport (hopefully not spoiled). She will book it next year.

Departing from Toronto. We aren't going anywhere in the Americas.

Places I've been: Greece, Italy, SE Asia, Australia, Afghanistan (not going back there)

She's been: Most of Europe, Egypt

Ideally looking for somewhere new, but not required.

Lead candidate right now is Japan. Anyone have other suggestions?

Colombia.


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I was going to say Cartagena too, but if that violates your "Americas" rule, forget it...

What do you guys like to do on vacation?

I didn't write in OP for some reason that we were in Nicaragua for 2 weeks over Christmas. We very nearly chose Colombia, but did Nica instead. So we've had our fill of Spanish (portuguese too) speaking places for the year. I'd love to go to Chile/Argentina next year. Buenos Aires maybe.

Hike, surf, eat good food. Not really a museum visiting type. Cool places like Colosseum or Parthenon or Angkor Wat where you can walk around outdoors are cool. She also loves F1 and just realized it's in Japan on Oct 8 which falls within our schedule, so it may be the perfect time to go.

Japan has the food- also some great hiking, especially in Hokkaido. I think there are some southern coasts/islands with decent surfing (not a surfer so not too sure on that).

Others that come to mind: Australia, NZ, Bali.

Thanks. Ya I've been to oz and Bali. Not nz. Surfing isn't top priority but a nice beach activity.

It sounds cliche but what about Hawaii ?

Both been there as well. Me only Honolulu. She's been to a few islands I think.

A different cultural experience is also nice.

I've been in Albania for the past week and I like it here. I'm planning on staying longer, maybe a few months. In the capital city of Tirana it is a unique and funny place. It's a great city for walking around and people watching. There are a ton of cafes, shops, food with Greek and Italian influence, casinos. The food is great, prices are great, the local culture is extremely unique.

There is mountain hiking in the North, the Lake Koman ferry is great. In the capital there is a cable car to the top of the mountain offering unbelievable views and the restaurants up there are terrific. To the south there are remote beaches, some only accessible by foot. It is a Sea, so no surfing. Also in the south, close to Corfu, there is the "Blue Eye". It is initial water source of the river. Ice cold, bright blue water shoots out of the ground from over 50 meters deep.

I don't think your wife will be expecting Albania. I think you will both love it. September would be the best time to visit.

Mauritius. Beautiful beaches and wildlife while increasingly modern with beautiful warm people as well. The food is an amazing mish mash of French, African, Indian, and Chinese influences (and its cheap!). I spent the majority of my time in Flic en Flac which was a good spot for a home base while there.

You mentioned food was cheap which--with the exception of seafood & locally grown food--I found surprising. Overall is Mauritius a cheap or expensive place to travel? Would appreciate hearing examples of average costs.