spouse of scouse

Have had holidays that didn't meet my (often naive) pre-conceived ideas, but have never been disappointed. Different countries, different cultures, different ways of living - so much to see and learn.

And even if you come away from a place thinking 'thank god I don't live there', you've still gained something. You're going home, to a place you are (hopefully!) happy and grateful to have the opportunity to live in.

Catchafire

Yes! Boracay is a over hyped over priced cesspool of hawkers and scam artists. At least their crazy president is doing the right thing by shutting it down for a while. Alona beach at Bohol comes a closes second.

Thairetired2016

Thailand has nicer places than K.Samui/Chaweng. Agree with your comparison.

Phuket/Patong falls into the same category. 20 years ago it was a dump. Never want to go back.

scrubbedexpat141

Budapest at night by the river is very pretty, but agree with you. Got fleeced in a strip club for a few hundred quid and even if the night life elsewhere was fun it's put me off saying nice things.

Down the road in Lamai on K.Samui was totally different and really cool, very enjoyable.
K.Phagnan was brilliant too (didn't do any moon parties mind).

Pom_Chch

Dominican Republic.

Spent 2.5 weeks there last year and most of that was pretty meh. Palm fringed beaches, white sand, azure sea but step outside of the over-touristic hotels and resorts and my god. I've never seen a nation of people who give that little f**'s for their country and environment. Rubbish everywhere and the coral reef has been decimated by anchors, not that the local fishermen or dive shops give a toss. I stopped off on a bus ride to stretch the legs and saw a family throw a bin bag out of their window and down the hill, where it split open and joined the other steaming pile of rubbish that was already there along with, what seemed, the rest of the neighborhoods steaming piles of rubbish.

So conclusion - if you want a nice beach in a nice resort and will not leave this resort for the time you are there then go for it but as for a country to get out and about to explore, hell no. And don't even get me started on the Lonely Planet guide book to Dom Rep, the filthy lying bar stewards!

Pom_Chch

Second that! I'll add that to my list. Over priced Costa Del Sol of Egypt. Pretty good diving though, which was it's saving grace when we were there.

ExpatAl

Out of all the European destinations I've been to, Budapest was my least favourite. When I went (around Valentines break), it was absolutely dead and was definitely more rough than other European cities (homeless living in the train station, pickpockets sizing you up etc.)

Did love the spas and history though. Tried a mixture of the spas including Sczhenyi (sp?) which was fantastic in this giant yellow palace where you could play chess in an outdoor heated pool

jam25mack

Was there on a stag last week. Cannot remember too much and don't recall it being particularly rough or crime ridden but the Spa was awesome. We spent all afternoon there.

DXBtoDOH

There are a number of baths in Budapest. My favourite was the Rudas bath, the old Ottoman one. You could sense the history in there.

The massive Széchenyi thermal bath is also impressive. In the summer months they have a big party there at least once a week.

ExpatAl

Yeah they were hosting 'spartys' when I went although I underestimated the turnout and didn't book tickets in advance

I went to Gallert, Szechenyi and Rudas. All very different, I especially remember the stained glass ceiling window in Rudas.

jam25mack

Dunno which one I went to. Was a huge set up with several gothic (??) style buildings and a massive outdoor section.

DXBtoDOH

Szechenyi probably, but it's not gothic. Beaux Arts baroque.

scrubbedexpat141

full of Hungarian sweat and piss. Lovely.

reddiva

I trump you all. Try Rhyl with your inlaws

jam25mack

I'll take your word for it.....

And mine now too probably!