...partner and i are in mid 30's, we like good food, nice wine, relaxed atmosphere with the option to find a bit of action nearby but only if we're up for it. pretty scenery, warm weather, friendly locals and on as low a budget as you can be, without backpacking.
I have just got back from Italy, and it ticked all of the boxes which you wanted, apart from the being cheap.
Argentina is also a good bet. Food is good (if you like steak), Malbec wine is good. Weather is good. Locals nice. Plenty to see and do. Best value for money country I have been to.
By the time that you have paid long haul flights to Thailand / Argentina, you're not looking at a particularly cheap holiday!!
Nothing wrong with (real) Thai wine, half way through a bottle at the moment. however, wine is not cheap in Thailand (everyday plonk 6-8 quid, high end, scary)
Thailand, Argentina and Italy all work, as do Aus and NZ. California shouldn't be discounted (although budgets are streched), also parts of Canada.
Erm, on a budget, try East Sussex. Award winning vineyards and both Brighton and Eastbourne are hotbeds of action!!
Ryanair provide really cheap flights to Genoa. The bus into the city is cheap and so are the trains along the coast. There are some really beautiful towns and villages along the coast (and inland as well). If you want 'a bit of action' then just head back into Genoa. There are some beautiful parts of the old city but it's also got all ofthe life and energy that you'd expect from a major city.
You should be able to find a flight to Thailand for about �480 look at www.queenvicpattaya.com for nice rooms near the beach from �6 per night for a double room and they will pick you up from airport. Beer is 60p Bottle whisky cheaper. Local Bus/taxi 15p each. Warm,plenty to do and see and friendy locals.
thank you everyone! I have enough ideas here to last me for the next several years. Argentina eh? now theres a place id never considered and i will look into it. excellent!
Malta - lovely food, good wine. Plenty to see and do if you feel like sightseeing - lots of history, lots of churches. Or just relax at a cafe and watch the world go by. Warm weather, very friendly locals and clubbing too if you like that sort of thing. Cost - try Air Malta, they are offering cheap flights at the moment if you can find them.