Cost is not really an issue: mostly I just don't want to have a trip cost 50% more than it should (the euro). However, I am willing to go to countries where it is not soooo expensive (as I said earlier, I didn't find Spain that expensive, at least when compared to France).

Thanks

South America would be a good choice. The weather is good and the plane ride is not that long. Probably the best of all, there is little jet lag. Buenos Aires is nice and has some really great hotels. Chile is also very good as well.

That's where I will be in March. No exchange worries, they allow the U.S. to print their money for them. :-)

I can't believe nobody has mentioned New Zealand yet. It is one of the most beautiful, varied, fascinating countries on the planet. No visa hassles, English speaking, and some of the friendliest natives anywhere. Weather in Auckland and most of the North Island will be quite nice in March, temps in the 70s most likely. Lots of history and sights in and around Auckland. Make sure to head to Rotorua as well and see the hot springs, geysers and such plus all the native Maori displays and demonstrations. Christchurch is the most European city in the Southern Hemisphere, with a great tram ride up the mountain. And Queenstown is striking with its natural beauty and extreme sports. Don't forget Dunedin down toward Invercargill with its maritime influence and Scottish feel. NZ is absolutely incredible; you definitely won't be disappointed. The currency won't make things dirt cheap (but there aren't very many places where that's the case for US Dollar holders right now). But the NZD/USD rate is about where it was 12 months ago and sits at about NZD1.40/$.

If you really want Affordability along with Different and Intellectually Interesting, go for China. I'd start out in Hong Kong and see the sights. Go ahead and do the tourist thing there - Man Mo temple, Victoria Peak, Tsim Tsa Shui, etc. Take a half-day tour bus and just try not to roll your eyes when they take you to the "jewelry factory" to spend money. The exchange rate is still fixed at HK7.8/$ so Hong Kong is only as expensive as it ever is. While you're there, take the ferry to Lantau Island and see the giant Buddha. Then take a day and see Macau - really fascinating place with the Portugese influence. The Macanese currency is fixed at a rate very close to HK's and the currencies are easily exchangable. Stroll over to Largo do Senado and take in the architecture. Go see the old fort and ride up the sky tower, then down to the Lotus Flower temple. Have a bite and some pints at one of the pubs along the water before heading back to HK on the jet ferry. Then take the train or the ferry up to Guangzhou. The Chinese currency is fixed at R8.28/$, and you'll find prices much more reasonable than in HK. See the Sun Yat Sen memorial and the city museum. Take a tour of the city as well. Then fly up to Beijing (CAN-PEK) and see everything. You could spend a week in PEK alone. Make sure to get out to the Great Wall too. Then end up your visit in Shanghai (PVG) and soak in all the energy of the most dynamic city in Asia. You'll need a visa to visit mainland China, but not for Hong Kong or Macau.

I also agree with the others on Brazil, but safety must be a concern there if you're to spend any time in Rio or Sao Paulo. It's definitely affordable and the weather should be decent, but some caution should be observed in your planning.

Let us know what you decide! Good luck!

I'll add my vote for SA with a recommendation for Argentina if you've never been there. It's a 9 hour flight from ATL, it's inexpensive, and you'll be going at the end of their summer which would be perfect.

Great problem to have in any case.

frosting on the cake is to find a little cruiseship/yacht which will take you from BA to Rio or reverse. Great cities on either end and great little islands between the two. ^

I'm thinking S.America or Mexico are most likely now. Also, I think Africa could be a good choice - does anybody have a "safari" or a resort there that he/she can recommend? Although I think that N.Zealand would be a lot of fun, I find that it is too far for just two weeks (same with China). I'm considering it for next time that I have more time available.

Thanks for all the help,
aa4ever

Singita in the Kruger National Park area is the best resort in South Africa. If you are looking for the perfect resort, this is it. You will not find anything else like it in the area. With only 51 rooms in all you are assured unparalleled service. It doubles from $2,223. Keep in mind that that price per night includes all you meals and drinks.

Is this the price per night or for a number of nights?

Hey aa4ever,

don't know if you thought of it, but just one word of warning for Mexico in March:

The time you want to travel is Springbreak time at Colleges and I don't think you want to be in the "typical" student centers (i.e. Cancun, Acapulco etc).

Hope this of any help
haubd

Cuba. You said cultural/intellectual/warm/inexpensive/nearby. Unless you fly out of Canada you will have to have an educational/cultural backing.

I called actually this afternoon, and that price of $2,223 was incorrect. That is the price came from a travel magazine. It is actually $1,200 per person per night. All your meals and drinks are included.

Hi,

First of all, I'm envious of the OP.

I've been to Eastern and Southern Africa, and it's amazing. The only reason I WON'T recommand it is you only have 2 weeks. For most of Africa you need to get immunization (yellow fever, typhoid, etc), pills for malaria, and visa (depending on countries). In my opinion, 2 weeks just isn't long enough to warrant all those troubles.

I would recommand Central America, or the Galapagos Islands.

Cheers

Most likely, you'd have to fly through Europe which probably means arriving in Africa the morning of the 2nd day. Even with the daylight flights from Europe to Africa, it's still a very long journey. So if you aren't considering Asia because of distance, I don't think Africa is much more viable.

Go to Hawaii the kids will like it . You can drink the water,it feels like another country. Vacation should be quality time and relaxing and wihtout a long flight. Two weeks is just right in Hawaii. Why go to Affrica when it's a long flight etc? Wait until you have a month to go to Affrica. You won't enjoy it if your rushing. In Hawaii you take your time and plan yoru days as they come. Good luck.