Hubby and I are off to Brisbane in August/Sept. Not booked the flights yet as we are still researching the best way to go. We want to stop off on the way for about a week to ten days for a relaxing, quiet, peacful break! We want sunshine, beaches and a lovely hotel. Anyone any suggestions? We don't mind what airline we fly with. We were looking at Malaysian airlines, and visiting one of the islands in Thailand. Anyone been to the islands and can give advice on which is the best, also recommend any hotel's? We really don't want a city break. Any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks x

If you are thinking about visiting one of the islands in Thailand why not fly with Thai? You may get a cheap deal or even free internal flights. If going with Malaysian you could try Penang, Langkawi or Pankor Lau (sp). Personally I don't like KL but I am going again this year and then Langkawi with a girlfriend on my way back from the UK.

Before you book any hotels look on www.tripadvisor.com However, I only use it as a guide as one mans meat is another mans poison!

Alternatively you could try Dubai - don't know anything about it as no interest in going there but others on here have and love it.

For flights it is worth trying trailfinders before you book. I have used them alot and always find them very competitively priced.

Hi Carol,
If you want a relaxing break you have a few choices, In order of my prefrance would be Dubai, Malaysia including Pennang, Maybe even Hawai ifyou want to go via USA. It's all about choice and cost. I know Malaysian airlines sometimes gives free short breaks. Just need to shop around. Good luck with your search.
Gary and Vikky

Thanks Guy's,

You've certainly given me something to think about, and an excuse to do more research!!! We did think of Dubai as it has always been somewhere we fancied, but recently I have heard people say it is like a building site at the moment. Can anyone confirm or dispute that? Also can anyone who has stayed in Dubai recommend good hotel's etc.

Are you reccieing or emigrating? Bear in mind if you fly via the US you get more than double the baggage allowance. We are flying via Florida, Mexico, California and Hawaii.



Buzzy

Carol I have stopped in Dubai 3 times now, Yes some places are like building sites but I've never had any problem with noise, I've stopped in 3 different hotels and all of them where amazing to stop at. One has now closed which is the old World Trade Centre Hotel, Now the next time I stopped at Emirates Towers. and all I can say is WOW! Got to the hotel and at first felt a bit over welming as staff just wanted to help you, But when you read about it you are not ment to tip them so they are just helpfull. The hotel has lots of bars and resturants and it also has a nice outdoor pool where you can sit and get served at your lounger. Even got fans above the loungers to keep you cool . I would definetly rate it but price seems a bit dear now.
The other hotel I have stopped in is the JW Marriot Dubai, And this again was lovely staff really helpfull a rooftop swimming pool. Well worth stopping at.
We have booked to go back to Dubai on our way to Australia in November and we have booked two different hotels which will make it feel a bit like a twin stay holiday. First night we are stopping at Al Maha Desert Resort. It looks amazing only way we got in here was by using my skywards miles got quotes for extra nights from around about £600. So the next two nights we are stopping at The Arabian Park Hotel(Got reccomended this by someone on the Middle East Forum on here) http://arabianparkhoteldubai.com/arabianpark/index.php
One of the things I'm looking forward to in Dubai is Skiing in the morning then in the afternoon doing the water park!!!!
Also we are going to watch the horse racing this is a fantastic night out and not ultra dear. Get a all inclusive package drinks food and racing for around £40.
Hope this helps Carol.
Gary and Vikky

We stopped over in Singapore last time (just because they were the best priced flights). We stayed on Sentosa Island which was so fantastic we are doing it again this time!
However, we are only stopping for 5 days, not sure if there is enought to dor for 10 days - unless you like shopping!!

As a good stopover if you want beaches you really can't beat Langkawi IMO.

As a bonus Malaysia airlines often throw in free hotels and flights.

Penang is nice but much bigger and busier.

Was not impressed with Sentosa at all.

G

Hello,

You mention relaxing, quiet and beaches, which would certainly exclude Dubai. The Emirates Towers is a nice hotel, but it is a business hotel and not close to a beach. Traffic is also chaotic at the moment especially more so with the road works. Ten days would be too long in any event.

For me it would be a relaxing Spa in Thailand and if you book the whole thing with Thai Airways it can be relatively cheap at certain times of the year, even business class. Again however, one week may be enough. You could stop off in Bangkok for a couple of days before travelling on to one of the other areas such as Phuket (Laguna) or Koh Samui.

Malaysia has changed a lot over the years, but there are still some nice areas (Langkawi etc) that have not become a throbbing Metropolis.

Have you thought of Bali; Nusa Dua? It's a few years since my last visit, but it certainly had all of your requirements.

Hope that you find Utopia!

Wow! Thanks for all your reply's. You have all given me food for thought! I think we have ruled Dubai out. Like the look of Langwaki or Koh Samui, just trying to figure out if Thai or Malaysian Airlines are best? Now you have thrown Bali into the equation Looks like I'll be doing more research! Where would we fly to for Bali?

Singapore................

We have the same idea and have thought about singapore, Thailand etc only heard good things about them.

My dream has always been to go the Maldives, hopefully we are going to change in Dubai and fly on, not sure of the best island friends recommend Thudafushi, alternatively flying later in the year via new York to see christmas lights.

Decisions decisions

Its almost as hard as choosing somewhere to live in Oz.

Good luck making your decision.

Kaye

I know what you mean about decisions! Although these are nice dilemma's to have I have always fancied the Maldives too! So, would you fly emirates to Dubai and then onto Maldives, then back to Dubai and on to Aus?

Hi Buzzy. Do you mind me asking who you are flying with?

Thats exactly what I would do its just 4 hours from Dubai and its not that long from UK to Dubai spent a lot of time in Bahrain and its just over the water about 6-7 hours depending on flight. Emirates are starting a new flight from Newcastle so it would mean not having to change in Amsterdam so not entirely sure of flight times.

I think it would be my last opportunity to go to Maldives if we go to Aus money may be tight once there, its been my dream for the past 22 years.

good luck deciding you are right though they are nice decisions to make

Kaye