Getting married is a big decision, which involves not just the two people who are promising to be with each other for the rest of their lives but also for the two families involved. Tying the knot is a  decision that changes the definition of forever. And something that special must be planned in great detail so that you can cherish those memories for the rest of your lives. Couples are increasingly opting for unique ways to make their D-day memorable, not just for them but for everyone involved as well; and one of the more common ways to ensure that is by planning a destination wedding.

Destination weddings are not just about choosing a great location to get married. It’s all about ensuring that both the bride and groom and their respective families, can let their hair down and have a great time both at the event and also before and after. Here we give you a few destination ideas that might help you plan your own wedding!

Paris

What better place to say your wedding vows than in the most romantic place on earth, the “city of love” – Paris! However, before you set out planning your wedding let us warn you that you cannot have a legal wedding here (unless you are a French citizen or have lived for more than 40 days in Paris – with bills to prove it!) So, make sure that you legalize your marriage with a civil ceremony in the city where you live. And to fulfil your dream of a destination wedding, head to Paris and conjure up a religious ceremony headed by clergyman on a yacht over the Seine or a symbolic ceremony with a view of the Eiffel Tower behind you!

Las Vegas

So, if you’re an adventurer and have got the perfect partner-in-crime to have crazy adventures for the rest of your lives then why not start your journey with one? Getting married in Las Vegas is a brilliant idea – you could opt for the picturesque Venus Garden at Caesar’s Palace with its classic Roman architecture and brilliant foliage giving you a royal feel or you could jump into the Big Apple Roller Coaster at the New York New York after a 15-minute ceremony that is topped up by a crazy roller-coaster ride! Las Vegas has options for people with all budgets and all sorts of ideas, right from the last-minute 24-hour chapel ceremony to grand ballrooms at the huge hotels on the Strip!

Italy

Italy is a true beauty that offers visitors with a breathtaking variety of locations! Right from medieval castles to green countrysides in Tuscany on to the rocky coastline of the Amalfi Coast, Italy offers you numerous wedding destinations to choose from. You could opt for a quick trip to the laidback island of Capri to say your vows or opt for a pier wedding in one of the many fishing villages on the Amalfi Coast. Alternatively, you could get married in a stunning castle in the Tuscan town where you could be transported to the fairytale world of love and romance!

India

The oriental land of mysticism and exotic offerings, India is often on the list of many travelers. What about making a dream trip to India come true by combining it with your big day? You could have a hippie wedding on the beaches of Goa or opt for the royal heritage offered by the palaces in Rajasthan! You could go up to the hill stations on the foothills of the Himalayas and have an adventure of a wedding or travel down south to tie your knot at one of the many ancient but interesting temples of South India. North to South, East to West India has a multitude of options for you to choose from if you’re looking for an exotic destination wedding.

New Zealand

One of the most beautiful countries in the world, New Zealand is known for its stunning scenery and its amazing variety ranging from snowy peaks to fjordlands to southern lakes and coastlines. With such a brilliant diversity to choose from, organizing a destination wedding in the wonderful land of New Zealand is a brilliant option! Book a luxury resort in Queensland and have a private wedding overlooking the lakeside with the mountains on the backdrop; or what about flying out to the snow-capped Tasman Glacier to say your vows in the pristine white beauty

Any destination can make your wedding beautiful, if you are with the one you love. So, what about exploring options ranging from your own backyard with friends and family to an exotic wedding at a far-off destination? The choice is yours and the options are innumerable – so get started!

Traveling solo is one of those things that people love doing, especially when they want to get away from the busy world and introspect on life and its meaning. Well, not necessarily always. Sometimes you want to go solo because it’s just easier planning a solo vacation and you can do exactly what you want without having to compromise with anyone! But traveling solo also means that your sense of accountability and responsibility needs to be at an all-time high. We bring you some practical tips that can help you have a safe and fun solo vacation!

Thoroughly research your destination

It is very important for a solo woman traveller to be completely aware of the place you are visiting. Make sure to check out various website to get a feel of the place and try to source information from other women travellers who have been there before you. First hand accounts by bloggers often give you a real feel of the land and you can be prepared for any eventuality that may occur.

Keep all documents safe

Keeping your documents on you is very important at all times, especially when you are in a foreign land. However, make sure to have copies of all documents stored in accessible places in each bag you’re carrying. More importantly, make soft copies of the documents and store them on your phone, laptops, and especially in a secure location like a cloud server that only you can access with a password. That way, even if you lose the physical documents, you can access them online.

Stay in touch with folks back home

Yes, the whole idea of a vacation is to get away from the everyday boring life and you really do not want to contact people. But it is very important to have regular contact so that there is someone who will be able to account for you and/or have your back.  In fact, a fixed time for a Skype call or a video call makes sense for women traveling solo, because then not only is your family reassured, you can also show off your perfect vacation in real time!

Low-key is the key!

Be it your outfits or you luggage, make sure to keep it low-key. Heavy luggage not only weighs you down it also makes you more vulnerable to thieves and robbers. It is the same with your clothes and accessories. Make sure to dress according to the location you are traveling it – no, you need not give up your unique dressing sense, but just make sure to dress such that you do not stand out in a crowd and attract the wrong kind of attention. Being able to mingle in with the locals is an important aspect of staying safe when you are traveling alone.

Make local friends

That’s a corollary from the previous point, but has been repeated since it is very important for your safety. Mix with the local crowds, chat up the cab driver that is going to drive you around, speak with the hotel people and get friendly with them, and if possible try to figure out if you have a friend that you could connect with. Of course the old saying about not speaking with strangers that our mothers used to tell us about as kids still stands true – when making friend with locals use  your intuition and good sense to decipher good from bad, and stay away from the latter.

Most importantly, always go with your gut feeling. Remember that when you travel alone your senses are already heightened and you are hyper-aware of your surroundings; and hence the chances of you getting into trouble can be considerably lower if you only keep your eyes and ears open. Travel alone, be safe, and discover a new side to you that you probably didn’t know existed!

Thailand welcomes her visitors with a friendly smile. Adorned by serene beaches and shimmering temples, Thailand is a multi-faceted country with something for everyone visiting the place. From vibrant shopping streets and indulging nightlife to close encounters with some of the most exotic wildlife on the planet and gorgeous beaches, Thailand has a lot to offer. Thailand is an intriguing yet harmonious blend of thriving urban cities and the surprisingly serene villages, tropical forests, captivating mountains, and waterfalls that form the rural face of this country. Here are our top picks for having an authentic and indulging Thailand experience:

1. Bangkok – The city break

Attractions: Shopping, nightlife, museums, massages

It’s always fun to have some upbeat city action on your vacation and Bangkok does it the best. This capital city is studded with jaw-dropping skyscrapers, busy public transits and the buzzing streets, affirming the fact that this city is indeed the heart of Thailand. Bangkok has awesome transport facilities making it easy for you to fall in love with the city. The Siam square is the bustling heart of Bangkok with modern buildings, billboards, and overhead railways. Shopaholics are guaranteed to get more bounce for the ounce in this vibrant city. And Terminal 21 is your haven. Each floor here serves as different shopping destinations. You could be shopping in Paris and Caribbean on the same day. If you dream to put together a wardrobe for the international fashionista in you, then Terminal 21 is your one stop shop. If you want to explore street life, Chinatown and Little India can be your go-to spot! Chinatown is the part of Bangkok where street life is at its best! Tasty treats and street shopping are two things that you cannot miss out on when in Chinatown. Markets, shrines, and food stalls here take you to China virtually. Little India is the place where you get to purchase Indian textiles and gems. There is a Hindu temple in the area. You can also spot Bollywood movie posters being sold. Dining at Indian restaurants, purchasing Indian goods, and listening to Indian songs at Little India is a great way to experience the diversity of Bangkok. The Chatuchak weekend market is where you can shop without burning a hole in your wallet. This market is the best place to purchase gifts and souvenirs. If you want to explore the traditional side of Thailand, Thaling Chan, a rural oasis where you can get on a boat and glide past the floating markets, pass through orchid farms, and enjoy the sights of traditional Thailand. The Grand Palace is 150 years old and was once home to the king, court and the entire Thailand government. Make sure you follow the dress code while visiting the Palace. Men must wear shirts with sleeves and long pants. Women must dress modestly. In case you end up at the palace with inappropriate clothing, there is a booth at the entrance that provides clothes to cover yourself up appropriately. The Palace at night is illuminated making it a romantic experience. Don’t miss the Emerald Buddha and Thailand’s largest reclining Buddha at Wat Pho. If you want to get information on the culture and tradition, Bangkok Art and Culture Museum, located near the National Stadium is the best place to go. This air conditioned museum has 9 floors of exhibits that are quite informative. The nightlife in Bangkok can be well experienced at the Skybar at Lebua. This open bar is situated in the 64th floor with stunning views of the city. The drinks here are expensive, but worth it. The Rolling bar in Banglamphu is a great pick too. Friendly service and great music make this a great place to unwind yourself! Baan Khanitha on Sathorn and Sukhumvit is a great place to try local food. Ban Kamnan, which is close to the airport, is a family friendly restaurant with some awesome delicacies to relish on. Four hours away from Bangkok is the Mahawangchang Elephant Camp where you can ride on elephants and swim in the water with them. The Khao Yai National Park is one of the largest national parks in Thailand. The park comprises of rainforests and grasslands and is home to elephants, deer, bears, gibbons and macaques. It is a few hours drive from Bangkok. Don’t miss out on the relaxing Thai massages that will refuel and energise you!

2. Chiang Mai – Calm and clear

Attractions: Nature, night safari, rural side, umbrella village, bazaar, hot springs

Rejoice under the clear skies of Chiang Mai. This place is a paradise for nature lovers and for those rooting for a calm and relaxed holiday. Get a little adventurous by going on the Chiang Mai Night Safari. You can encounter some nocturnal wildlife including white porcupines, giraffes, hogs, and raccoons closely, and can even feed them under supervision. The Tiger Kingdom is another awesome experience where you can interact with and even feed the adolescent tigers and baby cubs. In Thailand, where elephants are the symbol, there is yet another place that wildlife lovers should not miss. The elephant sanctuary is the place where you can get a closer look at the life of elephants in a responsible way, unlike a few places where elephants are abused for tourist’s amusement. The experience of walking with the elephants and playing with them is far more fulfilling than riding on them. This is an experience which you must not miss, when in Chiang Mai. The village of Pai, located on the north of Chiang Mai is a great place to visit too. Surrounded by jungles and awesome views, this place lets you get close to nature. Pai Canyon promises great views. Don’t miss the yoga classes and hot springs that are great options for relaxation. The nightlife in Chiang Mai is also spirited. There is a night bazaar where you can show your bargaining skills. Delicious street food, clothes, silk, jewellery, and shoes make visiting the Sunday night walking street a must-visit place. Another place that should not be missed is the Bo Sang village. This is fondly called the umbrella village where umbrellas are handmade. You can get impressed by seeing the entire process of making an umbrella and also purchase the ones you like!

3. Phuket – The party scene

Attractions: calm Sea, clubs, beaches, party, water sports

For the beach bums out there, Phuket is where you can party hard and relax in the beach. For party scenes, visit the Bangla road. As soon as the sun sets, you can see the flashing neon lights and hear loud music from the clubs around. Booze is the staple drink here and nightlife here is at its best. Dance the night away and drink to your heart’s content. Get amazed at the talent of the pole dancers and party like there is no tomorrow! The next morning, you can probably relax in the Patong beach and enjoy the views of the ocean. Ko Phi Phi is for the nature lovers. This is a beach destination too! While the clear water is complemented by colourful fish and sea plants, the beach sand is studded with star fish. Get that adrenaline pumping by indulging in some water sports like jet skiing and banana boating or simply have a relaxed time sunbathing and appreciate the luxury of the place. Phuket in a nutshell, is the ideal location for those looking to have a relaxed holiday filled with parties to get your spirits high. Phang Nga Bay is filled with caves, lagoons, and mangroves. This is a quiet place where the sea is calm and so is your mind.

4. Hua Hin – The fishing paradise

Attractions: Beaches, elephant rides, water sports, temples, markets

Hua Hin is a beach town that shines brightly with colourful markets, tasty street food, and a cosmopolitan ambience, on the Gulf of Thailand. Hua Hin is a perfect blend of city and sea. This former fishing village is a 125 miles away from Bangkok. White water beaches and clear blue skies stretch across this place. The night markets, Buddhist temples, elephant rides, golf, and scuba diving are a few things that can make your vacation a memorable one.

5. Phetchaburi – Caving spot!

Attractions: Architecture, ancient buildings, caves

Phetchaburi is an ancient city very close to Bangkok and a great place to explore. The Royal palace and the numerous temples fill the skyline of the city and for those who love ancient architecture, visiting this city is a dream come true. There is an archaic Buddhist shrine in the Than Khao Luang Cave, which is also a must visit place.

6. Krabi – Cliffs and pristine beaches

Attractions: beach, sunset, cliffs, family vacation

Krabi is a beach town that you might not want to miss if you want to pervade your vacation with cliffs, clear waters, and sun-kissed beaches . If you have the mood to indulge in watersports like kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, and boating or rock climbing, Krabi is a great destination! Railay beach is the best place to enjoy sunset in Thailand. Krabi has a 150 km long coastline filled with a number of islands. The white sand beaches, jungles, cliffs, caves, wildlife and waterfalls make Krabi optimum for a luxurious family vacation.

7. Sukhothai – Historical tour

Attractions: Ruins, bicycle tours, statues, historical place

The term Sukhothai translates to “Rising if happiness”. The Sukhothai Kingdom is said to be the golden era of Thai civilization. The art and architecture of the era are classic and the remains of this Kingdom, which are partially rebuilt are preserved in the the Sukhothai Historical Park. This park can be enjoyed on a bicycle or on walking tours. The Buddha statues here look the best at sunrise. This city in the Northern Thailand is a great way to peek into history.

8. Kanchanaburi – the river city

Attractions: Death railway, backpacking, waterfalls

In the western part of Thailand, at the mountain edge is the beautiful Kanchanaburi, the river city of Thailand. There is a bit of history in this place too! Way back during the World War II, in the death railway to Burma, a number of war prisoners and labourers died. This historical incident is connected to the bridge over River Kwaithat. Apart from this, this place is filled with lush green forests and is ideal for backpackers. You can also visit the Srinakarind National Park to enjoy sights of waterfalls and caves. The place also has elephant camps.

9. Chiang Rai – temples and golden triangle

Attractions: Temples, street stalls, Golden Triangle, Museum

Chiang Rai is filled with temples and street fairs. The White Temple is a Buddhist temple that is an art by itself and does not look like traditional Buddhist temples. The white colour of the temple shows Buddha’s pure nature. Another attraction here is the Golden triangle which is 45 Kms north of the city. This is the place where the Mekong River separates Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand. You can also visit the Opium museum. It is an elaborate museum with a number of exhibits.

10. Ayutthaya – Historical encounter

Attractions: Statues and shrines

The city of Ayutthaya was founded in 1350. The city was destroyed in 1767, but the ruins still remain in the Ayutthaya National Park, letting you to explore the history of the city. The statues and shrines here are fascinating. This National Park is just an hour away from Bangkok.

Thailand is a great place with a lot of options to choose from. It is a country that satisfies all types of tourists. Looking to visit Thailand to explore her treasures? Contact us.

Movies are some of the greatest inspirations to think and act. You watch a superman movie and you want to soar into the sky. You watch a sci-fi movie and picture yourself inventing some crazy weapon against the evil. Right when you think these inspirations aren’t practical in real life, you come across a really good travel movie. Guess what? The next thing you know is, you’re already packing your luggage and plan your great escapade into the world unknown!

How many times has this sudden uncontrollable urge to travel overcome you after watching a travel flick? How many times have you actually set out on a travel inspired by that movie? Not many? Bad!

The folks at houseoftours.com say, “the magic ought to happen when it ought to happen.” While that’s totally true, I bet you, watch these 10 movies that will outright blow your mind, crack open that shell around you, and set you on an unending quest to explore places that you’ve never been to! So, read on.

1) Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

You’ve probably watched this movie at least ten times now. Right? How can we forget how Kabir, Imran, and Arjun set out on a trip to Spain? Admit it, those enviable adventures they had has made us all search all over Google for ‘how to travel to Spain on a two-week trip’!

For those who are yet to watch, the movie is about how those three friends decide to enjoy a ‘bachelor party’ vacation in Spain and how they come face-to-face with the innermost fear hidden inside them. The movie takes us on a road trip from Barcelona along the incredibly beautiful coastlines and beaches of Costa Brava.

On reaching Valencia, the three friends join the famous ‘La Tomatina’ festival. Throughout the movie, various stunning locations and activities just don’t give us a break from the temptations to travel — the Pamplona Bull Run during the San Fermin Festival, the enlightening deep-sea diving at Lloret de Mar Beach, the liberating skydiving at Skydive Empuriabrava in Costa Brava, and the Flamenco dancing in Seville. The movie accounted for a whopping 32 percent increase in the tourism to Spain from India.

2) Queen

Who said solo travels aren’t possible? Or, is there anyone who still argues that women cannot travel alone? Well, ‘Rani’, exceptionally portrayed by Kangana Ranaut in the movie ‘Queen’, teaches you how it’s done. The movie left an everlasting impression on travellers — women travellers in particular.

Dumped at her wedding. Devastated. Rani decides to flee and set herself free from the relationships and places that deeply wounded her. What happens next is nothing but the magic of travel. Paris and Amsterdam had the magic formula that she was waiting for — freedom, happiness, self-discovery, friendship with strangers, and life in a place far, far away from her home. Sometimes, all it takes for a broken heart to heal is travel!

Once Rani boards the flight from India, she travels across the beautiful, inspiring cities — Paris and Amsterdam, where she makes new friends, let’s herself loose at the foreign nightclubs, and feels the magic of travel. I can’t let go of the feeling when I watched her look up at the Eiffel Tower with her friend. Regardless of whether you love solo travels or you’ve never experienced travelling alone, this movie is a must-watch!

3) Dil Chahta Hein

Don’t want to leave your boring city life behind? Take this free advice and don’t watch ‘Dil Chahta Hein’! Because, if you do, you’ll end up shattering your dreams of living your monotonous life doing the same things you do now. If that doesn’t bother you, read on and then watch the movie.

The name says it all — “Dil Chahta Hein”. This movie just redefined the words ‘travel’, ‘coolness,’ and ‘friendship’ and made the ‘Goa trip’ an inevitable one among real friends. The film, not only captures the natural beauty of Goa, but also the fancy discotheques and the ultimate night life there. The iconic scene in Fort Vagator just kills it, literally — you know if you’ve watched the movie! So, who is up for a road trip to Goa?

4) Tamasha

Have you heard of a beautiful city called Corsica? If ‘no’ is the answer, simply watch this movie and thank me later! After watching the movie, the most probable outcomes are:

You’re in Corsica by the time the movie ends.
You’re searching for Corsica on the internet.
You’re crossing out the first place in your bucket list of travel destinations, replacing it with Corsica.

No, seriously! The French Island of Corsica has everything it takes to fall in love with a place — fascinating beaches, rustic French landscapes, hiking trails, mountains, valleys, and the list goes on! The movie perfectly intertwines the story with the location and sets your heart longing to escape into an exotic place like Corsica.

5) Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge

For millennials, this is where the craze for travel started. The journey of Raj and Simran on their Euro Trip didn’t just inspire me to travel to Europe, but also left me with a need and purpose to grow up faster! The beauty of Punjab, where the second half of the film takes place, is second to none. Who can forget those trendy ‘mustard fields’ of the mid-90s Punjab!

Nevertheless, if you haven’t watched this film or never thought about a ‘Euro trip’, this film will spark the desire to travel across the European continent. Starting from the Trafalgar Square in London, Raj and Simran visit some of the most inspiring destinations in Europe, such as St. Mauritius Church, the green pastoral meadows and the quaint villages of Switzerland, and the Alps.

6) Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani

Thanks to this film, Manali and Gulmarg have become some of the most visited and most loved tourist destinations in India over the past five years. Once you watch the film, you’ll be like that ‘Naina who receives the invitation for the Manali trip’. In your mind, you’ll be brainstorming ideas on how to convince your parents for that Manali trip along with your friend.

Most of the beautiful snow-clad mountain scenes were taken in Gulmarg. Did you get the reason why many backpackers and travellers are including Gulmarg in their Manali trip itinerary?

7) Dil Dhadakne Do

Are you always taking a flight because you’re afraid of travelling by ship? Watch this movie and you’ll be ready to make an itinerary for a 10-day cruise adventure. In spite of the high family melodrama, the movie definitely inspires travel. Specifically speaking, travelling on a ship.

It isn’t called a landmark Bollywood Travel movie for no reason! While cruising across the Mediterranean sea, the city of Istanbul, the capital of Turkey, is one amazing destination that we come across in the movie. This film brings the country of Turkey to life in front of the Indian audience. Turkey would never have been such an important travel destination for many Indian travellers if it wasn’t for the movie.

‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ certainly underlines the fact that the world is filled with exciting places, historical monuments, and amazing landscapes, which should be explored and experienced at least once in your lifetime.

8) Jab We Met

When you’re planning a trip across the beautiful North Indian states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, watch ‘Jab We Met’ for inspiration. The 2007 movie is a trendsetter when it comes to presenting the simplicity of travel. The movie gives one of the greatest messages to travellers — sometimes the travel experience is not just about the destination you choose, but also how you travel off the beaten path to explore the villages and interact with the people of the place.

The movie shows the journey of Geet and Aditya to Manali. On their journey, they pass through many splendid destinations, including Shimla, Rohtang Pass, Naggar Castle, Patiala, & Chandigarh.

9) Piku

Lovely, cute, inspirational, and exciting, Piku is an unconventional Bollywood movie that narrates the story of a father-daughter duo and a taxi company owner who undertake an adventurous journey from Delhi to Kolkata.

The road trip along the Yamuna Expressway, stopping over at Varanasi, and finally entering the vibrant streets of Kolkata is something that redefines the common notions of travelling with a family member. If you’re someone who is reluctant to travel with your family, Piku is guaranteed to be an eye-opener into the adventures, thrill, and the feeling of closeness that no other trip could ever give.

Remember, Piku is not a movie that gives you an instant urge to travel, but a film that subtly induces an inspiration to undertake such a trip. As days pass by, the need to travel slowly grows inside you, and you won’t be able to toss the idea out, either.

10) Anjaana Anjaani

When you decide there is no way out of a challenge, take a long trip. That’s what the story of Anjaana Anjaani tells us. The characters, who are pretty adamant on committing suicide, undertake a journey to Las Vegas as their last trip. The journey enjoying the breathtaking landscapes on their way to Las Vegas, and the adventures together make them feel rejuvenated and alive. The movie truly inspires us to pack our bags and start out on a road trip. Not to mention, the beautiful plains of Nevada, as shown in the movie, is one of the best catalysts to trigger that inner feeling in us. In all honesty, this films shows that travel is the best medicine to cure all wounds and to bring a purpose to one’s life.

Now, if you’ve watched these incredible travel flicks from Bollywood, the last remaining million-dollar question would be ‘to travel or not to travel’. Well, you know the answer. So, while you’re here, just check out the irresistible travel packages that we have on our website. Once you’ve digested the fact that you are inherently a travel-junkie, give us a call or send us a message using this contact page. We’ll be right here to take your travel dreams to the next level!