I've been staring at a map of the world for the last two hours and figured I'd pop in here.
Departing on or around November 9th and returning November 26th or so (which will cover Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving, which are two paid days off of work, which means I won't have to take my accrued leave for those days 
Two adults, gay female couple, we have travelled all over Western Europe and I've travelled around Easter Europe as well, though she has not.
Budget in the $4000-$5000 range, including airfare...with air prices right now, that's going to be a bit tricky, I know. We like cities, but like beaches as well. We're into food more than anything really, and historical sights.
Pretty much anywhere in the world is an option. My other half is more of a slow traveller and isn't big on 3 days here, 2 days here, etc. So, 2-3 destinations max is what I'm thinking.
Was thinking--Turkey. I've never been...but, my other half has never been to Greece, and I think Turkey and Greece might make a nice trip, but I wouldn't want to go to Greece in November, so...might have to put that on the back burner.
Or, perhaps Istanbul and another city in the region...?
Was also thinking Berlin/Krakow/Prague, because my partner is eastern european and, as I said, has never been. But, it's also been a while since we've been on vacation together (over a year...I went to Paris with my mother last year, but that was it), and I sort of want to go somewhere that I've never been.
South America? The weather will be warm that time of year, of course the flights are more expensive, but do you think two weeks in, say, Brazil and Argentina would work in our budget?
Asia? Though any flight in excess of 15+ hours is going to freak my partner out for only a two weeks trip (though it doesn't bother me, but then, I've flown to London and have only stayed 1-2 nights, so what do I know...)
Oh, we'd be departing from NYC. Thanks, Fodorites.
two weeks in November...any ideas?
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Any thoughts on Istanbul/Beirut?
Southeast Asia. Laos and Cambodia, or Vietnam. Can be very cheap, loads of history and great food. Plenty of help available on the Asia board.
Istanbul would be way too cold for me in November, but probably not for you if you're also considering Germany/Poland.
I agree with Thursdaysd in that it would be the perfect time of year for SouthEast Asia. Our trip to Vietnam was at the exact time of year that you describe.
Is the $4-5,000 per person or for both of you? If it's for two people, I'd consider somewhere closer to home than Argentina. What about Guatemala? Lovely colonial cities and Mayan ruins (for history). Food is good- not sure I could say great- but local specialties should be interesting to foodies. There are beaches, but I don't think they are the main attraction. I really liked this place: http://www.casapalopo.com/
Let us know where you eventually decide to go!
Istanbul is magical, but it can be quite chilly in late November; even snow is not out of the question.
How about Israel? Two weeks is a great time, all the history you could want, lots of good food, easy to get around with a rental car... Head down to Eilat for sun/beach/warm, maybe a day visit to Petra. Or up to the Galilee or Golan Heights for great wine tasting. Beaches and nightlife in Tel Aviv, the stunning beauty of Jerusalem...
You could even stop for a day in Istanbul en route - there are plenty of flights between Istanbul and Tel Aviv; fly on Turkish Airlines JFK-IST-TLV-IST-JFK for under $940 per person.
Love Turkey, but yet it's pretty cold in November as well as Italy, if you are consider Italy as option.
I would agree to visit Asia,especially South East Asia. It's war m place to visit although the weather would be wet and rainy in November.
I was thinking Thailand which would be lovely in November, although like you said the flight is long. We traveled Peru/Bolivia in November and weather was fantastic, but might be too rustic and the foodie aspect isn't covered a bit. Sri Lanka also might fit the bill for you guys. For me personally, Europe is too chilly in November especially if you want the beaches.
You've got such a long length of travel, I would take advantage of that and put up with a longer flight. It's really not so bad when all is said and done. After a few meals, a few movies, and a few naps, you're there!
Peru? Lima and Peru in general is a great food destination and there is also Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Cusco, and Trujillo and the Moche Kingdom.
It is a bit off season for travel there so you may find a good ticket depending on what day you travel.
Italy! Wonderful harvest festivals going on, weather is fabulous at that time of year. You could do 1/2 the time in Florence or Rome - culture, museums, sights; and the other half in Tuscany or Umbria either wine tasting, cooking course, cycling, hiking the mountains, visiting 500 year old villages or???
Check out this site:
http://www.casaldeifichi.
Two guys from Britain who opened a B&B.
I'm going the last 2 weeks of Oct to Abruzzo - wine tasting, cooking classes, olive grove visit, Pescara fish market... then renting a car and taking several days to drive back to Rome - my favorite city!