Holiday Plan

[EcclesCake]

I'm struggling to come up with a holiday destination, for either May or September.

Want good sunny weather with temps in the 30s and good diving. I am tempted by a week in Thailand and then a further week or so exploring Vietnam and Cambodia. I suspect we are not looking atthebest weather for our timelines though.

Any thoughts or alternative suggestions for our preferred dates of travel? Diving and exploring are a key requirement.

[Tilly2]

September....The Galapagos Islands. Terrific!

[237SJ]

I think September is a bad time in SE Asia for rain (September) - it is in Malaysia anyway. I have driven in Japan - May might be nice

[237SJ]

South Africa will be nice in September and driving is easy and cheap (as long as you are careful)

[237SJ]

If I had leave in September I would fly to Cape Town and get a car. I would stay in Stellenbosch (somewhere like the Spier Wine Estate) and travel around that area. I would would dine in fantastic restaurants such as Stephanies, Willowbrook, Henrys etc. I might also stay in Fransschoek which is a pretty little town and great for wine tasting (Mont Rochelle - you can stay there as well)

[Buenchico]

I tried researching an answer to your question but I've decided that I'm out of my depth. (Er, is there some sort of horrid unintended pun there?).

However, while seeing what the web has to offer, I found a couple of links that might give you a few pointers anyway, so here they are:
http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2008/dec/13/diving-safari-adventure-holidays-best

http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/21-best-diving-holidays-in-search-of-adventure-beneath-the-waves-1122360.html

[Jennykenny]

How about the Maldives?
Fascinating area. We went quite a few years ago and loved it. Not divers but we we did some snorkelling which was amazing. They were a lot of 'proper' drivers on the island too.

[EcclesCake]

I really want to go to Japan but am not sure what it offers with regard to diving. May would be good for the cherry blossom but I doubt it would be warm enough.

South Africa is a good idea, I haven't done the garden route or wine country and the diving is excellent.

The Galapagos is worth considering but I have mixed feelings from an environmental standpoint.

Have been to the Maldives three times and while it is good for diving there is little else to do, which is OK sometimes but I'd like a bit more culture and exploring opportunities.

[Tilly2]

Eccles, you can't go gallumping around the Galapagos Island stroking the penguins, turtles and Blue Footed Boobies. You have to have a guide, stay on the marked trailways and are not allowed to smoke. The conservation aspect is of primary importance. They are very aware of the impact of tourism.

[stuey]

The Cayman Islands, especially Grand Cayman, are great for diving. Very picturesque; friendly people; and beautiful weather. Mind you, it's not "cheap": when I was there, the Caymanian dollar was worth more that the American dollar..I imagine it still is, but I'm not sure.

[jno]

a week in Sydney, a week diving off Great Barrier Reef perhaps? Not too hot in Sydney (probably around 60); May is drier. The distance may be a bit much.

[EcclesCake]

I only want to be away for 2-3 weeks, cannot be doing with a trip to Oz for such a shot period.

Cayman Islands is a definite possibility, definitely good for diving not sure if it will offer much on the cultural, exploring axis. Will look into it though.

It is the necessary restrictions which put me off the Galapagos, I don't want to add an unnecessary foot print to such a fragile destination.

[Tilly2]

I understand that, Eccles. Go somewhere else.

[losgigs]

Don't know if you've considered the Canary Islands - 4hr flight, no jet-lag as time is same as GMT. Good diving in Tenerife and Gran Canaria and possibly other islands too. Temps are around 30s in September.

[237SJ]

Sorry - have only just seen this - thought you said "driving" DOH

[237SJ]

Maybe Oman then?

[stuey]

EcclesCake, Grand Cayman is only one of the group. Look Up Cayman Brac...Some interesting activities to engage in there.

[237SJ]

What about Costa Rica (Cocos Island) direct flights coming to an airport near you soon (well, Gatwick anyway)