I debated starting a new topic for this, but figured I'd just put it here and see what replies I get initially.

I have a major birthday next year (30!) and am thinking about what I want to do so we can factor into work plans and some other commitments we have. We would only have two weeks.

Can I please get some ideas around these trips and also suitability for a 30 and 31 year old gay (not that it matters or we're a stereotype or in your face) couple? Of course pricing can change - feel like India less so than Egypt as the Oberoi cruise is based on a great special that they can't confirm yet if they will run next year. Oberoi seems to run their package rates every year.

My preference is probably slightly leaning towards Egypt, but I feel like India is more bang for buck, would be just as amazing once we're there, and overall a more luxury experience.

OPTION 1 – EGYPT – AU$14,000 (based on current rates and special offers for flights and accommodation)

Two nights Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah (Luxury Room Club Sofitel)
One night Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor (Luxury Room)
Seven nights Oberoi Zahra (Luxury Cabin)
Two nights Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah (Luxury Room Club Sofitel)
One night The Address Downtown Dubai (Deluxe Room)

Attraction is Egypt is a lifelong dream for me. Worried we wouldn’t fit in on a small luxury cruise though (older crowd). Gay factor in Egypt slightly concerning. Extra nights in Aswan and Luxor because I want to see some sights not included on the cruise itinerary. Dubai night and hotel specifically chosen for shopping (and the pool at The Address is pretty cool). Pricing will be pushed up by good private guides in Cairo (thinking two half day, two full day), Luxor (full day to Abydos) and Aswan (Abu Simbel). Didn’t include Four Seasons in Cairo because can’t see point in doubling Cairo costs when Sofitel gets pretty good reviews here and elsewhere.

OPTION 2 – INDIA – AU$11,000 (based on current rates and special offers)

One night Oberoi New Delhi (Premium Room)
One night Oberoi Amarvilas Agra (Premium Room)
Two nights Amanbagh (Courtyard Haveli Suite)
Two nights Oberoi Rajvilas Jaipur (Premium Room)
Two nights Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur (Historical Suite)
Three nights Oberoi Udaivailas Udaipur (Premium Room)
One night Oberoi Gurgaon (Premium Room)
Three nights Trisara (Ocean View Pool Room)

Attraction is India is sitting on both my and my partner’s bucket list, albeit down a few ranks. Oberoi low season special means rates are really good for their properties which I’ve been lusting over for years. Would mean including Aman. I feel like we would need to have a recovery after India so we could take advantage of low season offers at Trisara. Pricing will go up because of car transfers between properties (I’ve factored in Aman though as they have published transfer rates from Agra and to Jaipur). Sightseeing too, but imagine guides cheap in India. Less concerned with private guides here. Gay factor in India may be less of an issue.