where in the world next...

I've been to none of these places you are thinking about, except Taipei. I'd go africa. I think flying from Dehi is not so expensive to Kenya or South Africa or even Tanzania to get to malawi. I think i'd start in South africa and travel overland from there. But maybe not necessary for you.

Africa because of the animals and while not as cheap as asia, its cheaper than South Korea and Japan. I think it would much much more interesting also.

Malawi seems to be fairly easy to get to going via Tanzania. My sister and her partner went a couple of years ago. Plenty to do in Africa. Although safaris aren't cheap so that you'd have to work out beforehand. Once you get to Africa, YOu could go on for ages, unless you didn't like it and then you could just leave. I've been researching Africa recently and that's where all these thoughts are coming from.

I've also been thinking about china and reading up a bit. I think Africa sounds better than China too.

But if you are craving modernity and you don't like the thought of South Africa then go Japan.
I've been in Taipei - not so very nice but i think the island itself may be nice. And there is good food there.

Getting good food in Africa may be difficult in some places.

Of course, extra vaccinations and health vigilance is greater in Africa. I read an amazing list recently about all the diseases that one must be on a watch for in Africa. Now where was it? In the back of Lonelyplanet Africa guide. Worth reading if you decide to go. You absolutely cannot afford to be casual about Malaria in Africa. You must have nets and repellent and cover up and I personally believe you must take antimalarials also because the risk is much greater there and many places in Asia and its the deadliest strain.

I've been to almost all of the places you've mentioned and my vote goes to Ethiopia. It's safe, it's spectacular, it's dead cheap and you have to the tribes at the Omo Valley because that thing down there is really unique and will be lost in a few years' time. Flying from Delhi is no prob (try emirates via Dubai for example and maybe Ethiopian works, too), just check all the medical preparations you may need (though you are probably covered).

My reasoning for Ethiopia was that South Korea is rather tasteless and too americanish, (North Korea is unique though, but not cheap unfortunately for you), Egypt has been my biggest traveling disappointment so far (archaeology that has been over-disneyed, too much hustling, too hot, bad food and even worse locals, let alone dirtiness), the rest of Africa isn't nearly as original as Ethiopia and parts of it more expensive, although it's a pitty to pass by Africa and not give at least on budget safari a shot (Tanzania is not too far from Ethiopia and offers the creamof the cream).

I am curious to know why you didn't like Indonesia...

Have fun!

You should go to Egypt in January. Its cool then.

All I can say is that if you find Vietnam's nature absolutely beautiful Sout Korea is at least ten times better! I love it there and hope to return for another trip one day

Africa will probably be expensive in some areas. It can be really expensive in some areas to find accommodation that you find acceptable.

Why not go to Turkey, then northern Africa. I think, though, that your timing will be bad for any of the desert countries, as it will be extremely hot.

This is a good season for Southern Africa. It's winter, and dry, and the grasses are low so it is easier to see animals. And all the parks are open (some close in the rainy season). Depending on how much time you have, you could go to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia (with a quick run to the Zimbabwe side at Vic Falls), Malawi, and Tanzania (including a pop over to Zanzibar). There are some relatively inexpensive camping safaris, too. To me this seems to be the best option.

Do some research to see if it appeals to you and if it fits in your budget, and good luck.

You will have to budget for flights in

Thanks for all your replies, has certainly given us food for thought. If we do go for the Africa option then we would start in Egypt because some family are going there on holiday next month, then head down south somewhere, only prob is our 18 month insurance policy runs out soon and travelling around Africa with no insurance doesn't seem too sensible...! So we are probably swaying towards the stay in Asia option, we are loving Nepal and will prob stay here a while yet so have lots of time to read up.