$8000 and 15 days, where would you go?

+1 Ireland

Japan.

Ebola is twice as close to Europe than it is to South Africa.
Your $ will get you everywhere and back.
A bread cost less than $1, a beautiful steak at a great restaurant $8-12...

We have summer, beautiful beaches with beautiful women, Table Mountain, one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the world with a cable car to the top and great views, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, nature, forests, great game parks two hours drive away, (some just with buck a lot closer), lakes, rich flower veriety, great sunsets, a semi desert (Karoo) 3 hours drive, and ME.
You do not need a workshop, one on one is still the best teacher.
I am a location scout for the film industry, so I know the nooks and crannies.
Free of charge. (I lied, you buy lunch. )

We just love visitors here. (Specially Photographytalk friends. )
Hassner Pepler

Another top 10 list for Cape Town.
Awful photo though.

travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/top...ca_21758_600x450.jpg

Some good locations getting named here.  I would say:  Japan, China, S. Africa, or Antarctica 

Most assuredly New Zealand, Ireland and the hide away place of Japan.  No workshops just lots of fun with the camera and the hubby

Maine, Alaska, Iceland, and China for me

I forgot Sweden and Norway

JaneK wrote: I forgot Sweden and Norway

The problem with those is that I'd want to be there in both summer and winter.

Anyplace you have never been before as that will allow you images you never were able to get.... How much to spend/how long to stay all depends on where you wind up.

garyrhook wrote:

JaneK wrote: I forgot Sweden and Norway

The problem with those is that I'd want to be there in both summer and winter.

Exactly!  I would love to photograph the castles there both in nice lush green, and again in winter months.

I was stationed in Germany for three years. One thing that always got me was the old ruin's of castle's. The Heidelberg Castle is a tourist trap but what a beautiful Castle! I've always wanted to go back to Germany someday as a civilian rather than service man. Only thing wrong with it is the transportation there and back. Bet that's fairly expensive.

I agree with just about all of the places and destinations previously cited.  In addition, I would suggest doing an around the world trip:  start in San Francisco or Los Angeles and head to French Polynesia (both the islands of Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora).  Next, head to Fiji then New Zealand (spend several days in Queenstown and definitely ride the jet boat), then, on to Australia (Sydney and Melbourne).  From there, head to Bali and then on to either Thailand (Bangkok, Phuket and Chang Mai) and/or Singapore (the best shopping in the world and some of the best food!!!).  Then, I'd stop in Sri Lanka, India and Mauritius on the way to Madagascar (to photograph the lemurs.  No ebola here; although there have been several reports of the bubonic and pneumonic plague.  If this scares you, skip Madagascar and head to Tanzania to photograph the wilderbeast migration, South Africa and then on to Barcelona.  Next is Iceland (spend a minimum of 2-3 days here).  From there, head to Patagonia (both the Chilean and the Argentine sides.  Checkout Torres del Paine and stay at the Explora en Salto Chico ), Brazil (Iguassu Falls and Rio) and the Galapagos Islands.  Then, on to Machu Pichu and, finally, back home (with a short trip to Banff and the Canadian Rockies).  As you start planning your trip, you may have to eliminate some places due to time and your own particular interest.  I have been to several of the places I mentioned except for Africa, India, Sri Lanka, Iceland and the Galapagos.  But, I still have these places on my bucket list!  The good thing is that now you can travel light with a digital SLR.  I remember taking 100 rolls of Velvia and Provia on my trip to Chile.  Quite heavy especially with my film in double lead lined bags.

I think Guy has flown of the radar.

If you are back, please let us know where you've been.

These are a combination of places I have been and just love, also places I haven't been and would love to visit!  


1. Iceland
2. Barcelona
3. Paris 
4. Rio de Janeiro 
5. Edinburgh 
6. Prague

Either way, you are getting some great suggestions here.  Good luck and take plenty of photos!