The big 50.....

[fredkins]

It's my birthday in august,yes the big 50,what should I do? Big party,or a weekend away with OH, romantic like. We have not been away on our own since our son was born 19 years ago, Nice posh hotel,champagne,the works or do you recommend something else any suggestions would be appreciated.

[MarkRae]

Posh hotel, definitely. Which region are you in...?

[fredkins]

I'm in the north east.

[MarkRae]

http://www.gibside-hotel.co.uk/

[Buenchico]

Book a weekend for two in Barcelona. It's a city which can be whatever you want . (A beach resort, a place with romantic restaurants, a city with lively nightlife, a heaven for shopaholics or a Mecca for culture vultures).

There are loads of cheap flights to Barcelona from all over the UK, either directly into Barcelona (El Prat) airport (with easyJet, Ryanair, BA, Monarch and Jet2) or linked by an hour's bus ride from Reus or Girona (with Ryanair).

http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/English/

[fredkins]

Thanks for that Markrae looks absolutely fab.Could do this also Buenchico,have been to Barcelona before, fantastic place.Never been to Paris or Amsterdam are these Romantic places?

[MarkRae]

http://www.hotel-britannique.fr/

[owdhamer]

Double sky dive.

[fredkins]

Sorry owdhamer would love to but soooooooooooooo scared of heights,bad enough flying.

[Buenchico]

I've not been to Amsterdam, Fredkins (although I'm thinking of going later this year) but, from looking at guide books, it's certainly got plenty to offer. It's even got beach life (just down the road, in Zandvoort).

I love Paris. There's plenty to do and see, with some great (and often surprisingly cheap) food as well. Air France and easyJet both fly to CDG Airport from Newcastle but it might still be worth considering First Class on Eurostar (which I really love!)

[fredkins]

Markrae so romantic, you, this is fab,well worth considering where did you get these from,I think i will go for the romantic weekend away.Thankyou.

[MarkRae]

> where did you get these from

I've been to them both several times...

[fredkins]

Buenchico 1st class has to be the way,never done this I feel my 50th got to do this,I always put everyone first and never think of myself but my Oh says I deserve much more and would give me the world if he won the lottery.Thankyou.

[baza]

first class on eurostar and I think you get food and drink thrown in.

[MarkRae]

Sure, but the OP is in the North-East, so would end up spending half the weekend travelling...

[Buenchico]

I've just taken a look at Eurostar's prices. (I've had to use the last weekend in July as August tickets aren't yet on sale).

Out on Friday at 0703 from Newcastle gets you into Paris at 1417. (i.e. 6 hours 13 minutes of very leisurely travel) for £185.40 for two people in Standard Class or £343.00 in First Class. There are lots of other options available.

Back on Sunday at 1843 gives you a 7 hour journey, getting into Newcastle at £185.40 (Standard) or £313 (First). There are plenty of other trains available, some of which are cheaper (in Standard Class).

So (in Standard Class) that's £370.80 in total for both of you. (Unlike budget airlines, you don't have to start adding lots of extras onto those prices!). Even Standard Class, Eurostar is superb (but the Champagne and food which you get in First Class makes it even better!)

[fredkins]

First hand is brilliaint Markrae.I thought you had just looked these up but if you have stayed at these places then that is even better.thankyou.

[fredkins]

Thankyou Buenchico,brilliant information.

[MarkRae]

> So (in Standard Class) that's £370.80 in total for both of you.

That's excellent value, Chris, if the OP fancies spending nearly 14 hours of her romantic weekend travelling... :-)

[robert551069]

Buenchico. You are right, Zandvoort is fun, especially if you like motor racing.
Scheveningen is superb with it's pier, sandy beach (with nudist area) cafes and bars.
The Hague is well worth a visit.
The VVV Tourist office will provide all the information you need to make the most of your weekend

[fredkins]

No Markrae,you are right,I do not think I want to have my travelling time of 14 hours,4 hours or so on the fligt to lanzarote was bad enough.Just short enough for a weekend really is what I want.