If you could live anywhere in the world for a month, where would you live and why?

[Nika]

Next year (or maybe late this year) I want to take our toddler (he is 2 now) and rent a beautiful house some place very different from NYC for a month. Just me, DH and our little one spending every day relaxing together.

I just can't settle on a location.
Hawaii? Japan? Maybe the Netherlands or Switzerland? Iceland? Argentina?

I have no trouble choosing vacation for myself, but going with baby I have a very different requirements. I traveled all over the world and enjoy visiting places like Vietnam or China or Ecuador, and do but with a small child I will stick with a very developed country for our first trip.

What I am looking for:
1) Safety and great ecological conditions (fresh air, clean water, low pollution levels)
2) Advanced medical care (just in case)
3) Strict food safety laws and access to high quality food (most likely Europe)
4) Calm, peaceful, child-friendly environment.

I would love to stay a month in Japan (not in Tokyo) but after Fukushima that became a less clear choice. Plus, northern Europe will have almost no language barrier. Iceland will have lots of nature and space. Any other places I should take a look at?

[snafu]

What you described sounds like Montreal, Toronto, Hua Hin, Thailand all are child friendly, beautiful, unexpected activities and both Montreal and Toronto can be as European as you desire. Can you speak even a few words in French?

[snafu]

What you described sounds like Montreal, Toronto, Hua Hin, Thailand all are child friendly, beautiful, unexpected activities and both Montreal and Toronto can be as European as you desire. Can you speak even a few words in French?

[Mjenn]

Hmm, I think a month trip to Japan would be great, even after Fukishima. It is a very kid friendly place and you can choose all kinds of different environments. Freak accidents can happen anywhere, I don't think Japan is any more susceptible than, say, California.

That said, if you are looking at Northern Europe, I think Norway is beautiful. You can enjoy the fjords, the glaciers and Oslo is a wonderful city as well. It is expensive, but depending on your budget, can be enjoyable even if you don't choose first class everything. We usually rent camping cottages when we travel in Norway, you have a kitchenette and bathroom, but it is much cheaper than a hotel.

Also Copenhagen is a fun city for families, and if you stay a bit outside of Copenhagen, you can also enjoy some wonderful sailing. Slightly cheaper than Norway but not much. Lots of really cute B&B's about 40 min - 1 hour by train from the city center and close to the beach. There is Legoland and a lot of waterworlds for kids. Also great art museums and a wonderful opera house.

But if it were me, since I live in Northern Europe, and have travelled a lot in Japan, I would myself probably choose New Zealand. Mostly because I have never been and would love to explore. I think it is a pretty modern place to visit.

The only problem would be the long plane ride. But I think it is doable. Maybe a stop over in Dubai. I never get tired of daydreaming about travel! Right now we mostly do trips to the States.

[Like2Plan]

I'd love to give Hawaii a go for a month (I'd pick Jan or Feb )
(just off the top of my head) because:
1. The weather.
2. The ocean.
3. The flowers.
4. I love pineapple. I would like to tour a Pineapple field.
5. I love coconut.
6. piña coladas.
7. I want to visit the National Parks/Monuments/Trails in Hawaii:
Ala Kahakai NHT the Island of Hawaii, HI
Haleakalā Kula, Maui, HI
Hawai'i Volcanoes Hilo, HI
Kalaupapa Kalaupapa, HI
Kaloko-Honokōhau Kailua-Kona, HI
Pu`uhonua O Hōnaunau Honaunau, HI
Pu`ukoholā Heiau Kawaihae, HI
World War II Valor in the Pacific Honolulu, HI
8. Hike Diamond Head.
9 Visit Hawaii’s Polynesian Cultural Center.
10. Drive around Oahu--just look around.
11. Get Matsumoto Shave Ice

[Petunia 100]

My first thoughts were Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.

[neatdesign]

New Zealand. It meets everything on your list, and then some.

[kork13]

My first two thoughts have already been mentioned -- Norway and New Zealand would both be fantastic options for you. Absolutely beautiful in both locations, and the people are wonderful.

[syracusa]

South of France (as in Monaco).

[feh]

Southern France? Italy?

[LuckyRobin]

Barcelona, Spain.

[scfr]

Nova Scotia, maybe one of the islands.

Doing a "farm stay" would be a great change from the uber-urban experience. Hard physical labor followed by deep sleeps.

[Harlem]

If I be fortunate enough to live another country of the world, then I'll choose Japan. I feel Japan is not a country, it's a picture. I just love their houses, streets, dresses and everything of them.

[The_Wiz]

Is there a place that is in the mid 70's without humidity? If so, I want to go to that beach.