I would appreciate some suggestions on where to go on vacation in November, 2001. I have finally managed to build up enough American Airlines miles to fly first class anywhere in the world and enough Starwood points to stay at any of their hotels(any class) anywhere in the world. Where would you go for at the most one week (it's really all I can get off) next November? We have been to New Zealand (which we loved), Australia (which was good), Hawaii (don't want to go back there for awhile), Singapore (ok for a couple of days, but we were there for a week and could not stand the heat and humidity). I would feel more comfortable in a place where the language would not be a problem (when I was in Germany in the Air Force in the late 60's, many times the locals would not speak English even if they knew how, not that I blame them). We have always rented a car overseas so as long as the street signs were in English and traffic wasn't too bad that wouldn't be a problem. To tell you the truth, we hate and won't go on excursions the hotel might arrange where you are crammed into a minivan with too many other people, or on a tour bus where you are stuck all day whether you want to be or not. I would rather be able to pay (and feel safe) a driver to take us sightseeing for a day.

We don't mind (and would enjoy) just sitting in a hotel room (if it's really nice) for some of the time. An indoor pool would be nice also. I don't want to be somewhere where I have to spend a hundred dollars for every meal. Walking to a bakery for some rolls for breakfast and McDonalds for takeout for dinner would be fine for most days. My wife loves to shop so stores within walking distance would be nice.

The first-class flight itself would be a big part of the fun also (obviously not a flight within the states where first class is not much better than economy on some routes and planes).

Sightseeing is fine for awhile, but an old building is still an old building in any country you happen to be in.

If the place you suggest is cold in November that would not be a problem.

We aren't big on nightlife and usually are done for the day by suppertime.

I've searched this site and seen many people's suggestions but I really need to be specific on the airline and the Starwood hotels.

Thanks in advance for any help anyone can offer.

[This message has been edited by scrog (edited 12-22-2000).]