ADVICE FOR HUBBY'S 40TH NEXT YEAR

[TCoys28]

Hi All,

My hubby turns 40 next month. I had been so sure that I wanted to hold him a small surprise party, but now I'm not too sure.
Hubby doesn't like to be reminded on how old he is (very sensitive when it comes down to his age) and he doesn't like to be the center of attention.
I am now thinking of taking him somewhere for a weekend break (which I think he may appreciate more). I was thinking New York, Dublin, Rome or Las Vegas, or maybe somewhere else, but it has to be at a reasonable cost.
Have you guys got any suggestions?
Where would guys like to go?

Thanks for your help in advance

[rockyracoon]

How much is reasonable? You've suggested NY and LV along with Dublin which are poles apart in terms of cost. I took my OH to Boston for his 40th, we had a fantastic time, my 40th was in NY, equally as good. Florence is beautiful, went there for my 30th.

[rockyracoon]

What time of the year is he 40? Title says next year but the post says next month.

[TCoys28]

Sorry, his birthday is towards the end of August next year.
I don't really want to spend more than a £1000, for the both of us. I was thinking Vegas, because I thought that is the kind of thing guys like (I'm not so keen).
I'm happy to look into All Inclusive places anywhere in Europe, but I wouldn't know where to begin, as I normally do longhaul holidays

[rockyracoon]

I think you'll struggle to get to LV and NY for a grand that time of year, maybe with a low star hotel. With that budget I think I'd be inclined to do a luxury European break rather than a budget long haul, trouble is, August is sill peak season as the kids are still off, if you can I'd wait a couple of weeks and go mid Sept as prices will drop. My OH is off to LV for a stag weekend (ye Gods) this thursday, it's cost an arm and a leg.

Does your OH have any interests that can be incorporated into a break?

[rockyracoon]

How about Marrakesh, stay in a beautiful riad.

[237SJ]

Depends if you want city or beach. Prague`s a lovely city. So`s Budapest. Or you could do a waterways holiday somewhere.

[TCoys28]

Yea, I think Vegas and NY will be too expensive then. I was hoping to be away for his birthday, but others have also advised me because of school holidays, it will be expensive.
He is a BIG football fan. When I say BIG, I mean huge. We work our social life around footy, when not working.
I don' mind beach or city.
I've heard both Marrakesh and Prague are meant to be nice.
Maybe an all inclusive trip away in September might be better value?

[237SJ]

Barcelona? You can look at the football stadium :-)

[rockyracoon]

Took the words out if my mouth 237SJ, Barcelona would be perfect, along with a tour round Camp Nou.

[theshedman]

Some nice places on Mallorca and for the money you want to spend you should be able to do it. Only a two to two and a half hour flight from UK and some lovely places to see. Plenty of beaches and if the footy is on he should have no problem finding somewhere to watch it. If you are only going for a weekend you don't want to spend most of it traveling.

[Buenchico]

I'll go along with Barcelona. Great beaches, superb restaurants (with excellent Catalan paella), bars for every taste, history & culture everywhere, a cheap fully integrated public transport system and loads of cheap flights (either direct into Barcelona's El Prat Airport or via Reus and Girona, which both have direct bus services into Barcelona):
www.barcelonaturisme.com/English/

And, as has been suggested, for a footy fan . . .
http://www.fcbarcelon...u/camp-nou-experience

Chris

[Infomaniac]

I agree with Barcelona - fabulous city, not too long a flight, and so much to do and see. Very buzzy place.

[Duncer]

TCoys28, I thought I had posted an answer to this earlier. Through organising footie trips I've become quite proficient at using cheap airlines. What airports are near you and where would you prefer to fly from?

With £1,000 you could do loads, although America is probably stretching it. If you are looking at a 4/5 day city break in Europe the choice is vast. I would recommend Madrid, a truly beautiful city and easily accessible with Chessyjet. It is a much nicer city than Barcelona and you have three major museums all within easy reach of each other. Add in beautiful parks, the magnificent town of Toledo close by and the most amazing stadium in Europe, (Windsor Park excepted), and you could have a very happy hubby indeed.

Rome is great too, but Dublin is a tad expensive when you get there. Also Milan, Pisa, Paris, Munich, Riga, Krakow and Frankfurt. Book your own hotels through Expedia. When the Icelandic volcano went off I had my money back from them in full in three days. If you give me ideas and dates I would be happy to see what I can come up with.

The boss lady is taking me to Vienna for my 50th in November and we have spent about £450 so far. Just beer and food money now.