I just finished my master's dissertation and it's time to travel. Where would you go for a vacation?

Where are you Tbag? What do you like to do? Are you energetic? Do you like culture and history? Tell us what you love to do.

I am currently in Dubai. I absolutely love anything to do with beaches. I’m not into history or culture that much but I do like exploring every bit of any place I visit. I’m a beach lover and I get along with the sun very well. I just want a place where I can just relax and chill, preferably a tropical island. Suggestions?

Australia! I have to say I’m biased, because I live here, but we have the most stunning beaches and landscape. Plus, you have good food, sunshine (even in winter), theatres, clubs and nightlife – there is nothing you can’t do here. You’d be coming in our winter, but if you come to Qld, it’s still warm. Go and dive on the Great Barrier reef. Go and visit some of our tropical islands. Go up to Darwin and see crocodiles and visit Kakadu (don’t go swimming!). There are endless ideas for things to do.

You should note that by Dubai standards, it will not be hot for you. There are some beautiful islands or cities to explore though.

I would stay right at home.
Stay inside and sleep 60% of the time.

How about Hawaii?

I would agree with @Earthbound_Misfit. I have heard that Australia has the most beautiful beaches in the world.

I want to go to Australia, too!!!

New Zealand is also loads of fun particularly if you like adventure sports like bungee jumping, zorbing (look it up), caving, etc. The people are really chill and the scenery is great.

And I’ve heard great things about BAli and Thailand. Thailand has beaches and islands around Phuket that are supposed to be beautiful.

‘Grats on the dissertation finishing too!

Australia and New Zealand sound cool, There’s also Thailand which is known for having amazing beaches, and Fiji is supposed to be incredible.

Congratulations on finishing the dissertation!

The Greek Islands is another option to consider.

New Zealand would be my choice. And don’t forget to see Ball’s Pyramid!

If you’re in Dubai some Asian countries like Thailand, Singapore (Part of China now), India aren’t too far. They have many beaches which are famous for tourist attractions. You can visit them on the way to Australia / NZ if you have enough time and money. Many congratulations on finishing dissertation!!!

You choice of activity makes some difference.
For surfing, Australia, California, and Hawaii have some wicked curls.
The Fifi Islands have some beautiful beaches, snorkeling there is quite rewarding, and the sailing is good. Florida has beaches where parties are always going on nearby, day and night. For nude beaches, there are a few, but I hear the best are in France and Italy.

For beaches, I would go to Fiji or maybe Thailand.

For culture (and lovely water and some beaches) I would go to Greece.

(Singapore is not part of China.)

I recommend Thailand. Koh Samui in particular. Bali is great fun, too. Queensland in Australia has fantastic beaches.

Hawaii is gorgeous but far from you.

Visit Teluk Chempedak near Kuantan in Malaysia. I was there over 15 years ago so it might have changed a bit. At the time it was so peaceful and the beach was spotless – and empty. Magic.
While in Malaysia you can spend a couple of days in the Genting Highlands. The area is isolated, in the mountains, with crystal clear skies. Sooo quiet.
I was at a restaurant and knew that an Iridium satellite flare was going to occur shortly. I told the server and he told another who told another…. in about 2 minutes ¼ of the restaurant went outside to see it. They all cheered when it flashed at us.right on schedule. Nice.

Bora Bora

I would love to stay on a hut over the water. This looks so relaxing.

It totally depends on what your masters degree thesis was on. Tell me that and I can give you an idea of where to go.

Grand Canyon or Yellowstone, if you’re the outdoors type. Get away from it all for awhile.

@Hawaii_Jake – You’re right. I got it confused with Hong Kong which is now governed by China.

Madagascar

Andaman

@imrainmaker, the link you posted says Andaman doesn’t really look like that.
Where is Andaman?

Here’s wiki link for Andaman and Nicobar islands which are Union Territories of India.

Oh my cheers for all the suggestions!
@Rarebear My masters degree is in Maritime commercial management!

@Tbag Hm. That’s a toughie. I was thinking of a vacation that would either complement your Masters or do something completely opposite.

You’re in Dubai, which is a big city. I like the Madagascar idea. It’s super exotic and it’s wintertime so it won’t be too hot.

Maritime commercial management – take a world cruise, visit a myriad of places to give yourself an idea on where you would like to spend an extended vacation at a later date.

On a personal note I have always wanted, and will some day, to spend several weeks traveling around the Yucatan visiting the Mayan cities therein.