Looking to go on a trip around Aug. 18th for 1-2 weeks. I like cultural things and natural beauty. Can anyone tell me their favourite trip and give me some tips? There are so many places to go in this world!

So, outdoorsy stuff? Not like Paris with city culture?
Thailand was nice in the rural areas, the uk has some great stuff to, and they speak English.

I like city culture, too. I'm going with my daughter and she loves Japan but has been there twice so I suggested we find another country.

My husband and I fell in love with Austria when we were there. Lots of history, culture (especially since I'm a music teacher!), and it's incredibly beautiful. We spent a week in Vienna, took in a Mozart concert, took a day cruise on the Danube to Melk Abbey, and then headed to the Salzburg area for a week as well. You can't go wrong with Austria!

Thanks for the ideas, both of you!

In terms of natural beauty, I'd put Iceland and New Zealand right up there.

I would agree with Chris on New Zealand. Beautiful country with beautiful people. Lots to see and do within short distances.

I've heard it's amazingly beautiful. I'm also looking into Slovenia, which is also beautiful and full of culture. It's possible to do a few (or more) countries in a couple of weeks. Anyone been there?

I definitely remember the skocjan caves being very impressive in Slovenia...
http://www.slovenia.info/?naravni_parki=3899
Slovenia combined with Croatia would be a pretty great trip. Lots of great natural sites in Croatia as well, like Plitvice park...
http://www.visit-croatia.co.uk/plitvicelakes/
Waterfalls everywhere.
And then head down the Croatian coast to Dubrovnik, a really cool walled city. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dubrovnik

Thanks Chris, I'll definitely look into it further!

So far our favorite trip was the Disney cruise. I would even go without the kids I enjoyed it so much lol!

Taking an eco tour of Costa Rica. We did this many years ago and it was a two week tour called two oceans. I see they do it in one week now, but if you can find one for two weeks its better. We did some hiking in the rainforests, and boating up a river to Tortuguera where our cabins along the river close to the Atlantic ocean in the rain forest only had screens on the windows. Visited coffee, banana plantations. Stayed at a resort that was along side a natural hot pool with hot water flowing down a hill side. Botanical gardens and so much more. We ended with a couple nights at the beach. The natural beauty of this country cannot be explained. I cringe when I hear of people going to an all inclusive resort for a week in Costa Rica because that is not what its about. Take one of these eco tours. You will never be disappointed. Mind you, I would check out what weather is like there in August first, It is a hot a humid country.

Thanks, Vicki. We have spent 2 weeks in Costa Rica and it really is amazing. We rented a vehicle and toured on our own, getting advice along the way and finding some incredible spots not on the tourist trail. It's a trip I could do many times!

If you hit Croatia and don't want the crazy touristy spots (Dubrovnik is a beauty but can be CRAZY in peak times) instead go to Hvar, it's beyond words. The history is amazing, and the scenery and people are wonderful. There is a really great tour company called Secret Hvar, they have an off road tour, that has nice hiking too. I recommend Plitvice Lakes too...it's very busy, but well worth the crowds. If you get there early in the day you will be able to see the whole park.

Thanks! These are great tips! That's why I love this site!

I just got back from a month in Ecuador. The Galapagos Islands are so worth it!

Chelsea, ya i bet it is beautiful there

That's somewhere I've always wanted to go. Is it really expensive?