Holidays

[PragueBlue]

I'm a bit torn regarding where to go, Thailand or Goa, went to Goa in 2020 for the first time and loved it, I mean the people, the food and most of all the sun every day, lounging around the shacks and walking the miles of beautiful beach.
Am divorced now, so it's a different trip to last time, part of me thinks it's easier to go somewhere I'm familiar with but I hear so many good things about places like Phuket, Pattaya & Koh Samui and by all accounts if I leave it til late Dec/early Jan then I'll have the similar weather.
As for nightlife, well I'm an FOC now, still like a mooch about in the evenings and if I hit the right sort of place I've no problem staying out til sunrise, or beyond, no reins on these days.
It's a dilemma, I've even considered doing a 2 or 3 weeks at each, if I do Goa first I'm already half way to Thailand.

I prefer Thailand but a few weeks in each might be the best option if undecided. Dec/Jan the weather should be fine in both Samui and Phuket, so it's just personal preference really. Would probably avoid Pattaya. Beaches/sea aren't great and nightlife is wilder and generally caters to a certain type of solo, male traveller looking for company, though I am sure there must be some quieter areas too.

 

[hampshireblue]

I prefer the North West coast myself. Layan, Nai Thon, Nai Yang and Mai Khao beaches are my favourites as they are all very quiet (especially the latter 2). Rawai and Cape Panwa on the East costs are pretty decent too. None of them are good for surf though! Nai Harn on the South of the island was always reckoned to be the best for that.

Kata is nice though, especially Kata Noi, and my favourite of the South Western beaches. I avoid Karon and Patong like the plague as they're not really my kind of thing. Way too busy and touristy. Kamala and Surin are ok but swimming there can be a bit dangerous due to rip tides at certain times of the year.

We are having a pretty long trip next year. We have a couple of weeks in Kamala. We much prefer it there to Kata, as it's a bit more laid back. Kata and Karon have been taken over by the Russians since the war started. We will then go to Khao Lak for 3 weeks and end up in Nai Yang for the last 2 weeks. Quite looking forward to it now I've written it!

 

[nw42]

I prefer Thailand but a few weeks in each might be the best option if undecided. Dec/Jan the weather should be fine in both Samui and Phuket, so it's just personal preference really. Would probably avoid Pattaya. Beaches/sea aren't great and nightlife in wilder and generally caters to a certain type of solo, male traveller looking for company, though I am sure there must be some quieter areas too.

Thanks, point taken re Pattaya, it's off the list based on that.
The most important factor for me is weather, more than happy if it's roasting hot, dip in the sea, cool beers, decent food perfect.

 

[PragueBlue]

We are having a pretty long trip next year. We have a couple of weeks in Kamala. We much prefer it there to Kata, as it's a bit more laid back. Kata and Karon have been taken over by the Russians since the war started. We will then go to Khao Lak for 3 weeks and end up in Nai Yang for the last 2 weeks. Quite looking forward to it now I've written it!

I love Nai Yang. Very quiet beaches and calm, crystal clear sea. Shallow for quite some way out, so very safe swimming, even with kids.

 

[Maccblue]

Sod all this long haul bollox. Can’t do more than 4 hours on a plane go stir crazy !!!
Las Americas next sat for a week of sunshine before Xmas

 

[Phil1]

Sod all this long haul bollox. Can’t do more than 4 hours on a plane go stir crazy !!!
Las Americas next sat for a week of sunshine before Xmas

Ironically I find long haul far more comfortable due to unlimited drinks a tv to watch loads of shite and room to stretch your legs than 4+ hrs on a Ryanair.
3 days left in Mexico before heading home Monday :-(

 

[Lankers]

Currently 2 months into a one year travelling trip. Started in Georgia, Uzbekistan and we're now in India.

Flying to Goa tomorrow, excited to get out of Indians cities and to the beach for some relaxation.

 

[PragueBlue]

Sod all this long haul bollox. Can’t do more than 4 hours on a plane go stir crazy !!!
Las Americas next sat for a week of sunshine before Xmas

1 hour is hell for me, so I don't fly anywhere these days and haven't for nearly 10 years. I just take the train and enjoy the journey. Only really works for mainland Europe though.

In a few years I suspect I will return to Thailand to retire there so won't be able to avoid flying one last time. Not looking forward to it and hope to put it off as long as possible.

 

[bennyboy]

Off to Venice and Rome end of November and begining of December.
Are shorts needed.

 

[denislawsbackheel]

I’m in Venice first week of December.

 

[PragueBlue]

I’m in Venice first week of December.

Lucky man. Great time of the year to go, as I'm sure you already know.

 

[bennyboy]

I’m in Venice first week of December.

I'm there 27th November to 1st December.
Rome 1st to 5th December.

 

[denislawsbackheel]

I'm there 27th November to 1st December.
Rome 1st to 5th December.

The Tales of Hoffman is on at La Fenice while you are there.
A concert/opera there is not an event to be missed.
Unfortunately there is nothing on when I am there this time.

 

[Manchester_lalala]

I can't stand Patong either but easy to avoid it. I lived in Phuket for around 15 years and never set foot in Patong the last 10 of those. I know some people who love it but they must have very different taste to me.

Koh Samet is nice, just found it a bit limited. If someone just wants a relaxing beach holiday, it certainly does the job. I must admit I haven't been there in probably around 8 years though, so it may well have changed.

It is limited, but that’s what I want, no fucker else is in my hotel so I’ve got a beach and pool to myself. Just been to Koh Chang and Koh Kood, my favourite two islands. Koh Lanta runs them close though.

 

[Snape]

Off to Budapest for the fist time with the wife this week. Any recommendations for things to must do/see?

 

[kenbelly]

Off to Budapest for the fist time with the wife this week. Any recommendations for things to must do/see?

Go to the fisherman’s bastion, superb views of the river and parliament building, New York cafe for the beautiful interior. Ruin bars are great too.

 

[denislawsbackheel]

Off to Budapest for the fist time with the wife this week. Any recommendations for things to must do/see?

Tram number 2.
For pence get on at one end go the other end and back.
You pass all the main sights.
If you like classical music the magnificent opera house puts on shows for very little.

 

[diegoalv]

Anyone visited Singapore lately? Any recommendations for places to see?
Do i need to do this arrival card actually https://sgarrivalcard.sg/ or is this in the past now?
How long in advance should i do that?
Thanks

 

[Bill Walker]

Anyone visited Singapore lately?
Any recommendations for places to see?
Thanks

I love Singapore, go to Gardens by the bay, spend an afternoon strolling around Marina bay.

All these things I'd recommend.

23 Best Things to Do in Singapore

The cost of admission is high, but this is one place you'll never be bored.

www.cntraveler.com

 

[Dirty Harry]

Already fed up of getting pissed on and it being cold, wet and windy, so booked 5 nights in Belek early December, 5 star, all inclusive, flight included, £315.