I'm not trying to get you all to read my blog, honest

I wrote a post yesterday (british airways is having a sale) about whether I should go to DC in the autumn this year, or save my money and go to Egypt next year instead. I haven't been on a 'proper holiday' this year yet.

I'd like to know what the good people on the forum think. Should I spend all my vacation money on flights to DC, or save it all and go to Egypt for a week next year?

Is there any reason in particular you want to go to DC? Perhaps I just look down on DC it because my memories are shuffling about trying to find the junior aide to the vice-undersecretary to the bureau of printing and engraving, leading clueless constituents on tours, or drowning my sorrows at Hawk 'n' Dove. So I'd choose Egypt.

That said, if you're going to DC, go in the spring. The cherry blossoms in the tidal basin are worth the flight alone.

I'd choose Egypt b/c I haven't been exposed to Egyptian culture and it would be something new and exciting for me.

What are your goals for the trip? DC is not a relaxation destination.

The best thing about DC is all the free museums, but apart from that I can't see much attraction unless you're really interested in US history, politics, etc.

I do like the "open" feel of the city with the wide streets; it's very different in feel from a European city or even many other American cities.

I've heard mixed reviews of Egypt as well, but it really depends on your interests. Neither place would be high on my list of "must see" destinations, to be honest.

Having been to both and lived in one, I'd choose Egypt.

DC is a great city. There are tons of things to do outside of shuffling around museums, you just have to venture outside of the Mall area. There are world class restaurants, great theater, shopping and many outdoor activities (sailing, rock climbing, camping, rafting, hiking, Mountain Biking, etc.) within an easy drive. It's a great vacation destination. I agree though, if you're going to go, unless you plan on mostly getting out of town into the hills around the area to enjoy the leaves, I'd do it in the spring. Spring is by far the most beautiful time to visit DC. If you decide to head DC way, I'm sure both Jericho and I can give you some pointers on things to do/see.

That all said, I'd personally choose Egypt. When I went I stayed at a resort in Safaga on the Red Sea and it was great. The resort itself wasn't all that, mostly because I'm used to western style resorts, but diving in the Red Sea was phenomenal. We also spent time exploring the small towns nearby which was excellent. And I took a day trip to see Karnak, the Nile and the Valley of the Kings. When I go back, I'd like to do a 2-3 day Nile cruise and visit Cairo and the Pyramids. The history there is just amazing.

I will admit though that one of the reasons I'd choose Egypt is that it's more exotic. To me, traveling to most places within the US isn't really traveling so for large trips I choose to get out of the country.

having lived, worked, and traveled in and to both on several occasions, i guess the real question should be what you want out of your vacation? both are different places, so choosing between the two will depend on what you want to get out of the trip. what's your budget and what kind of travel do you do? Egypt can be done for cheap or expensive. Egypt could also be done probably at the same cost of D.C., too.

I generally do budget travel to city/cultural destinations.

I estimate that I'd spend £150 plus £250 in flights in DC for a long weekend. The flights would spend the last of the 2007 vacation budget and the rest of the money would be pulled out of my regular budget categories.

If I went to Egypt I'd go on a small group tour (imaginative traveller) that would cost £240, flights would be £380 and I estimate I'd need £200-£220 in spending money. This would cover my entire remaining vacation budget for both this year and next year.

Egypt is an exotic destination to me, but I've been to Morocco before (with the same tour company) so its not that exotic. DC has been recommended to me by several people, there is a better hostel than in Philadelphia and Baltimore, I've been to Boston and New York and flights anywhere else are more expensive.