It doesn’t come as a surprise, there’s nothing that sparks romance more than an escape to those charming romantic spots with your loved ones. By romantic hotspots, we don’t mean those clichéd visit to Paris or the Taj Mahal, but those spots that are more offbeat and perfect for a getaway far from the madding crowd. It’s more about spending some time together in a distant place you can truly cherish your love and romance.Your beloved is probably secretly yearning for a trip with you to these romantic destinations — you never know!

Here is a list of our readers’ favourite romantic hotspots you may want to visit and spend some quality time with your soulmate.

1) Santorini, Greece

The iconic island of Santorini in Greece stands for the romantics and for those who are looking to relax and unwind, making it one of the absolute choices for creating unforgettable memories with your loved one. Whether you’re set to go on your honeymoon, celebrate your anniversary, or simply planning a romantic escapade, the picturesque towns and rustic villages of Santorini will do the magic for you! Greeks are always known for their legendary hospitality, and the islanders of Santorini are no exception. While there are many ways to explore this wonderful island, motorcycles, quad-bikes and bicycles are some of the best.

There is a lot to explore on this island, but if you choose to simply relax and enjoy the sunsets in the idyllic beaches like Oia, it is never a wrong decision. No one’s going to ask you, ‘did you go to that place or this place,’ as Santorini has evolved to become much more than sightseeing. However, if you choose to spend some time exploring or photographing the landscapes, there isn’t a better place to be. Akrotiri, Imerovigli, Nea Kameni, Fira, Oia, and Pyrgos Kallistis are just a few examples of the visually attractive places here to get a glimpse of the dramatic island coastlines. Swimming in the Aegean Sea, visiting the scenic fishing harbour of Vlychada, and walking along the famous Red Beach are some romantic activities you can indulge in with your partner.

2) The Maldives

Maldives is not known as the Honeymooner’s paradise for no many a  reasons! Apart from the regular island resorts and crowded streets, Maldives has a number of uninhabited islands that allow couples the complete privacy to spend their special week. Book a private island all for yourself and enjoy a whole new level of romance with your partner! A boat will drop you off on the island and the whole island is yours.

Not to worry, everything is prearranged there for you — a gourmet lunch under the umbrella shades overlooking the ocean, snack & refreshments, a candle-lit dinner — you name it, you have it. Walking on the moonlit beaches on an island with your lover, swimming together in the deep blue waters, relaxing on a lonely rock by the beach, and exploring the pristine nature of the island would feel right out of a romantic fever dream. Adding yet another dimension to spark your romance, there are dozens of other activities for couples, like snorkelling in the crystal clear waters, swimming with whale sharks, visiting traditional villages on a motorbike or bicycle, watching dolphins breaching the surface.

3) St. Moritz, Switzerland

If a reassuringly grand, yet resolutely-old school romance is your trump card for your lover, St. Moritz is yours! This amazing Swiss town situated in the foothills of the Alps is as old-fashioned as it is ostentatious. St. Moritz is famed for its ski resorts and its ice-covered slopes, and if a surprise is underway, of course, chocolates. The stay in the Swiss Alpine-styled resorts is more than enough to delight your lover. Yet, there are myriad of other alluring places and activities that you should not miss. If, and only if, skiing is not your thing, then spending some time in the romantic backdrop of the picturesque Alps, eating at a great Swiss restaurant, and sipping a cup of hot tea at the Conditorei Hanselmann are a few other treats for your partner.

4) Savannah, Georgia

Could the whispers of the old Spanish moss whistling to the wind wake that romantic poet in you? Could the reddish yellow leaves, falling from the big oak trees at the foothills of a splendid ice-peaked mountain, make you want to write down the story of your lovely romance? Could the waves splashing at the waterfront while you stroll along idyllic cobblestone paths make you want to hold your sweetheart closer to you? That’s what Savannah is all about!

If you’re planning a romantic getaway for two, February could be the best month as the hotel rates tend to be cheaper and the weather will be at ease after the winter. The cosy inns and the almost deserted towns set the perfect ambience. As for the activities, you can go on a wine tour to the historic Georgian wineries, book a private carriage tour, or simply walk along the rustic little town with your partner to see the immaculate architecture. As you walk with the one who stole your heart, you may come across various top-notch tourist attractions, like Bull Street, Forsyth Park, Riverfront, and many squares, churches, and cathedrals of Savannah.

5) Seychelles

If you’re a lover of nature or are averse to the madly crowded, upscale destinations, the peaceful and pristine islands of Seychelles could be the perfect romantic getaway with your sweetheart. Seychelles has everything to spark your romance — white sandy beaches, the groves of coconut palm trees lined up till the farthest end in sight, and most importantly an unspoilt natural beauty. The archipelago is lovingly named as the land of perpetual summer for its

If all these seem to you like an elusive dream, the best part is yet to come. Seychelles requires no visa and is one of the most inexpensive, yet equally great, honeymoon destinations in this entire list. Talk about convenience, and Seychelles tops all the other islands by a big margin, as there are everyday flights to most destinations (or even connecting destinations) in the world. Frequent bus services in Victoria, the capital city of Seychelles and Mahe connect almost all the important destinations in the island. Even if you prefer walking or cycling, the cities are so small that you can cover almost all the major attractions in a couple of days. The major activities for couples, include snorkeling, skydiving, helicopter rides, rock climbing, hiking, ziplining, and rappelling. While in Seychelles, don’t forget to get a tropical massage at a decent spa for the most romantic & relaxing experience.

Expert ‘money-saving’ tips for your romantic trip

Each of these destinations has its own charm and elegance, but it all comes with a price. So, whether you’re on a budget or not, here are our two cents on how you can get the best out of your romantic holiday:

Tip #1: If you’re on a honeymoon trip, don’t forget to ask for a special discount and add-ons for honeymooners. Your travel agent could help you decide which hotels offer better packages for you.

Are you a foodie travelling to Georgia in pursuit of the finer pleasures of your life? Rejoice! You’re visiting a land that considers food and hospitality to be central to their social culture. Don’t be surprised when I say that Georgian delicacies are some of the best-kept secrets in the world. All you might get to know is that walnuts, cheese, and bread are the pillars of Georgian cuisines! There’s obviously a reason why ardent foodies and gastronomic adventurers are drawn to this beautiful country, sandwiched between Europe and Asia — you get to relish the cherry-picked versions of both the eastern and western cuisines while ensuring that the taste remains true to Georgia itself! Gaumarjos qvelas!

In Georgia, time seems to move slower when you’re at the dining table. And, if you’re lucky enough to get invited to a Georgian Supra — the spontaneous traditional feast that lasts for hours on end, you have enough time to try and understand the long and nostalgic welcome toasts for you, while savouring the traditional Georgian dishes and slurping the strong, homemade wine that tastes spectacular.

Even if you’re not at a Supra, Georgia offers a whole gamut of immaculate bites to feed your soul at every restaurant or food joint in the cities and villages. The following dishes and drinks are some of our Georgian favourites of all time:

Georgian Food For Gourmand Vegans

Khinkali

If there is something that you would love eating after a hiking trip to the top of the snow-capped Stepantsminda to visit the small stone-walled church of Gergeti, it would be the Khinkali. It is the Georgian version of dumplings made with twisted knobs of dough with vegetables and spices as fillings. The non-veg version of the Khinkali, which is stuffed with lamb or veal meat is also quite popular in Georgia. Take one of these fist-sized Khinkali by holding on top of the knot, dip it in a bowl of Tkemali (Georgian Plum Sauce), and feel the whole world melt on your taste buds, along with the each bite of these exquisite delicacies!

Khachapuri

Wherever you travel in Georgia, khachapuri or the Georgian cheese bread will be the most commonly available food. Lucky you, this Georgian staple food will be your favourite part of your meal! While there are different versions of khachapuri, the most common ones are Imeruli Khachapuri that is round in shape and filled with cheese, Megruli Khachapuri that has both cheese and butter, the boat-shaped Acharuli Khachapuri filled with melted cheese, a slab or two of butter, and a raw egg inside the boat. Freshly baked from the oven, the khachapuri beats the taste of the Indian Naan by a long shot!

Lobiani

Go to a Supra on the Georgian holiday of Barbaroba (St. Barbara’s day) and the most important dish you’ll find in the table is the lobiani. A typical Georgian bread filled with beans, the lobiani is usually reserved for special occasions and holidays. The word ‘lobiani’ comes from the Georgian word for ‘beans.’ So, don’t be confused when you hear a similar name, such as ‘lobio’ (the dish mentioned below).

Lobio

Made with beans, onions, and herbs, lobio is one of the most popular side dishes in Georgia. While some variants of lobio are soupy, there are other variants that are creamy and thick. So, pick your variety, and savour it with bread and cheese. If you’re lucky enough to get it served in traditional clay pots, you can get the best taste and fragrance for your lobio.

Churchkhela

Don’t be surprised if you see many roadside shops in Tbilisi with some colourful sausage-shaped things with pointed ends, hanging down from a string. Those are churchkhela — the addictive candy favourite to Georgians! These candies are actually a string of walnuts or hazelnuts, dipped multiple times in a sugary mixture of grape juice, and then dried. So, don’t forget to pack the super-nutritious churchkhela for your next heli-ski adventure to the slopes of Gudauri.

Savoury Non-Veg Options To Try

Chikhirtma

The favourite soup of Georgia, chikhirtma is a brothy chicken soup with a peculiar flavour that isn’t found elsewhere. What adds to the tangier flavour and rich texture of these amazing chicken soups is the addition of vinegar, eggs, and flour. A heartier, healthier, and tastier chicken soup for the soul!

Mtsvadi

Mtsvadi is the name for the Georgian kebabs. Unlike a normal kebab, the preparation of mtsvadi itself is a whole another ritual, and when you eat this from the base of a snow-capped mountain, the feel becomes so different altogether! Dip it in the Tkemali sauce and you could eat it day in and day out!

Chashushuli

A curry-type dish that tastes exceptionally well, the chashushuli is veal stew based on tomato, red chilli pepper, and coriander. A good loaf of Khachapuri or Nazuki straight from the over eaten with Chashushuli is a must-try meal option for non-vegetarian travellers!

Chakapuli

If you travel to Georgia somewhere around the spring season, Chakapuli is one dishes that will top the menu charts. In simple terms, Chakapuli is a lamb stew made with dry white wine, unripe plums, green onion, garlic, salt, tarragon leaves, green pepper, and green coriander. However, this seasonal food is not available around the year.   

Kharcho

Hard to deny that this mouthwatering Georgian beef/lamb soup, called ‘Kharcho’, is one of the best soups in all of Eurasia! A hearty blend of walnuts, tomato, and saffron, this soup is an intriguing mix of sour, tangy, and salty flavours.

Flavourful Georgian Drinksables & Liquid Refreshments

Borjomi

Borjomi is the national mineral water of Georgia. Visit any restaurant, and you’ll be treated with a bottle of Borjomi. Unlike any other mineral water that you see around, Borjomi has a volcanic origin from the 1500-year-old Borjomi spring — maybe that’s what adds a special taste to it!

Limonati

Limonati is Georgian lemonade and  one of the most popular non-alcoholic drinks in the country. There are even traditions that consider a supra without limonati as a bad omen! Despite the name signifying lemonades in English, the Georgian limonati isn’t actually made from lemons, but a combination of sugar, natural flavour, and carbonated water.

Lagidze Water

Lagidze water is simply ‘flavoured soda’, that has become so much more than just a fresh drink in Georgia. Drinking this sweet soda, you could feel childhood memories rushing to your head. These colourful fizzy drinks come in various natural flavours, including pear, tarragon, cherry, grape, and even chocolate!

Qvevri Wine

Wine Tasters and brewmasters sing praises to the Qvevri wine not just because of the most haunting, brilliant, subtle, and ancient integrity of this rich wine, but also because of the fact that it can only be grown on in these special, tucked away corners of the planet. So much care is given to growing the grapes, which in turn adds to the complexity, texture and flavour of these homemade wines. Georgia is unimaginable without Qvevri. Similarly, a trip to Georgia isn’t complete without taking a wine-tour to one of their vineyards and tasting a sip of Qvevri!

Coffee & Tea

Coffee and tea are an integral part of the common Georgians. Rightly so, Tbilisi is one of the best places for coffee and tea lovers. If you’re not having wine, limonati, or Borjomi in the evening, you can simply sit down for the afternoon tea or coffee in a beautiful tea or coffee house in Tbilisi, while enjoying the view of the Caucasian mountains.

Depending on the region that you’ll be visiting, there are also various other delectable specialities, which are only available in those regions. For example, Nazuki (Georgian spice bread) is specific to Surami region, while Chvishtari (Georgian Cornbread) is mostly available in the province of Svaneti. So, don’t hesitate to ask the local people about the famous dishes from their specific regions — they’re so friendly, they’ll not only be happy to tell you about their special dishes but also guide you to the best restaurants and eateries where you get them!

Travelling around the globe on a plane is fun in most cases. However, it can be a completely different story if you’re flying across multiple time zones due to a condition called ‘jet lag’. The most popular reactions we get from people who have been on long-haul flights between multiple time zones ranges from, ‘pretty tiresome’ to ‘it was horribly nauseating’. Why?

Because, even if you can turn the dial of your watch from 6 to 9, your body doesn’t adjust so easily with the new clock. Our body wasn’t primarily designed to travel a long distance in such a short duration, so it needs time to get out of the state of ‘confusion’ and ‘havoc’. Your body may tell you to sleep when you should be awake and to be awake when you should be sleeping. The entire rhythm of the body seems to be out of place, and that’s exactly what jet lag is!

So, if you’re traversing multiple time zones, even though you can’t avoid having a jet lag, here are some easy steps to work your way around it and reset your body clock!

• Get enough rest the night/day before you travel

Most people end up not sleeping enough before their travel, and the reasons could either be their pre-trip excitement or trying to wear themselves out to help them sleep through the flight. Either way, it tends to work against you, as you’ll face an even bigger problem adjusting to the new time zone. Instead, have a good rest before taking off, so that you can avoid being completely exhausted once you reach your destination.

• Adjust your schedules to the new time zone even before you board the flight

It’s always better to start adjusting to the new time schedule at least two or three days before your flight, rather than trying to adjust once you reach your destination. Relax your schedule at home and at work for the last two days before the flight, pack your bag a couple of days in advance, and avoid any last minute jitters; this goes a long way in preventing any post-flight fatigue.

• Alter your food routine to the new clock a couple of days before your journey

If you have a strict food routine, the biggest problem you’re going to face is, your body behaving in a rather perplexed way when it comes to the eating schedules. In order to avoid this, try bridging the gap between your eating time and the food timings in the place you’re travelling to. This should be done at least two or three days before the flight so that your body gets acclimatized to the new timings. Follow the same step when you return back home if you need to hit the ground running.

• Have an important meeting/conference? Start a day early

More often than not, experienced business travellers, who need to attend important meetings or conferences in a different time zone, arrive a day early to avoid being sick or exhausted on the day of their important meeting. It also gives ample time to adapt your body to the new time zone.

• Choose your arrival time wisely

Experts say that it is best to schedule a flight that arrives in the daytime. This way, you can get enough of the daylight to keep you awake even if you feel sleepy and then guarantee yourself a sound sleep at night. On the other hand, if you arrive at night, chances are that you’ll either be up all night or sleep very late, rendering your next day worthless or tiring.

• Make a big trip into two small chunks with a stopover

If you’re making a big trip, try converting your journey into two small trips by booking a multi-stop flight. The obvious advantage is that you will get cheaper deals. But there’s another advantage to it — you can book a stopover en route to your final destination. This allows you to hop off the flight, visit the new place where you’ve landed, and get some rest during the permitted time before your next flight.

• Avoid sleeping pills

Sleeping pills may get you a much-needed sleep if you’re suffering from insomnia. However, if you don’t have any problems with your sleep, avoid sleeping pills. It doesn’t prevent jet lags, and leaves you quite dizzy and lightheaded after the sleep, making your condition much worse. Try some natural ways to shut your eyes through the flight, such as scoring a window seat and leaning against it or bringing some sleeping aid with you.

• Say ‘no’ to alcohol & coffee the day before your flight

If you booze regularly, try not to do so before your flight. While the soporific effects of alcohol are well known, it is not a good idea on a flight journey due to the risk of dehydration and tiredness. Jet lag is inevitable, but boozing just makes things even more unpleasant. The same applies to all caffeinated drinks too, including coffee, cola, or other beverages.

• Drink more water

One of the best freebies that you get in a flight is unlimited water, both hot and cold. The more water you drink, the better your shape will be after the flight. Not only does water keep you hydrated but also helps you recover from jet lag faster.

• Fly business class

While this particular step is disputable, the idea is to make your flights as easy and comfortable as it can. As opposed to the seats in the economy class, the seats are much wider and have deeper reclines in the business class, which dramatically improves your sleep.

That said, oftentimes we may be left with no choice, but to travel in the economy class. However, practice all these other steps and you will suffer less. Remember to take it slow and give your body enough time to adjust to your new routine. This way, you can guarantee an enjoyable vacation starting from day one!

Given the number of times I have stopped in Singapore on my way to many other mind-boggling destinations, it’s a shame I hadn’t thought of exploring Singapore until a couple of weeks ago. Maybe it was because I have always been drawn to wildlife and nature that I believed cityscapes were too monotonous. As it turns out, a visit to Singapore was all it took to pin pop the balloons of prejudice that I had for the Lion City. The trip, solely focusing on delving deeper into the mind and soul of Singapore, had me thinking, “how in the world did Singapore escape my list of places to visit?”

The charm of this small Asian country lies in its unique blend of an ultra-modern cityscape that is starkly juxtaposed with its inspiring natural appeal. Not to mention, Singapore does its best to capitalize on its melting pot of cultures and traditions, making it one of the hottest tourist destinations in Asia.

During my week-long visit to Singapore, here are some of the best places I visited and amazing experiences I had, just to give you a glance of how amazing this country is!

1) Taking A Stroll Down to Singapore’s Famous Cultural Spots

Singapore’s biggest attraction is the melding of various cultures and their harmonious coexistence. Step back in time and admire the glory of the incredible cultural spots here, including the Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam.

With low-rise pagodas, bright red & yellow toned streets, and a mixed fragrance of the incense sticks & the Chinese cuisine, I felt that the streets of Chinatown do have a striking contrast to the rest of Singapore.

Similar to Chinatown, Little India is an ethnic territory where you can see nothing but the best of Singapore’s Indian settlements — architecturally beautiful temples, vibrant colours and amazing shopping centres. Buy your favourite Indian sarees or kurtas on a bargain price or indulge, without guilt, in the spicy street food on your gastronomic adventure!

Yet another culturally significant region is the hotspot of the Malay community, called Kampong Glam. As I started exploring this region, the flamboyant streets, magnificent mosques, and tasty street food took me directly into the rich history and traditional living of the Malay people in Singapore.

Places to visit:

• Chinatown Street Market
• Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Chinatown
• Thian Hock Keng Temple, Chinatown
• Sri Mariamman Temple, Little India
• Sultan Mosque, Kampong Glam
• Haji Lane, Kampong Glam

2) Island Hopping For A Whole Day

No Singapore trip is ever complete without exploring its offshore islands. While the Island of Sentosa seems to be the popular one among tourists, the other neighbouring islands like St. John’s Island, Lazarus Island & Pulau Seringat, and Kusu Island are as beautiful and exotic as Sentosa itself. Each of these islands has a whole lot of history and myths behind them. For example, legend has it that Kusu Island was originally a giant turtle that turned itself into an island to save two drowning sailors. So, don’t forget to ask your guide about the historical and cultural significance of these amazing islands. Also, remember to take your hat, shades, and sunscreen lotion with you on your island hopping trip to these amazing islands.

Places to visit:

• Sentosa Island
• St. John’s Island
• Lazarus Island & Pulau Seringat
• Kusu Island

3) Heading Out For A Unique Singapore Night Safari

Heard of something like a ‘nocturnal wildlife park’? No? Don’t worry, Singapore has one. It is the first nocturnal wildlife park in the world where you get to mingle with the animals at night. The idea itself gave me chills down the spine. Still, instead of spending the evening at a pub or a bar, I simply headed out to this special zoo to witness the nightlife of the wild animals there! There are 2500 animals from over 130 different species in the zoo, which includes the endangered species of Asian elephants, Malayan Tigers, and Malayan Tapirs. If you’re adventurous enough, you can even take a nighttime jungle trek to get some adrenaline rush at night. Be sure that a hike along the Fishing Cat trail or the Leopard trail will give you a lifetime worth of memories!

Things to do:

• Wildlife safari in the night
• Trekking along the Fishing Cat Trail or Leopard Trail
• A 35-minutes tram ride with live commentary to take a good look at the seven geographical zones in the world

4) Going For An MRT Ride Around Singapore’s Famous Landmarks

Being a modern-day metropolis, you get to see a lot of spectacular buildings and iconic landmarks in Singapore — the Merlion Park, Esplanade Theatres, National Gallery, Botanic Gardens, Helix Bridge, and Universal Studio, just to name a few. However, with the list of attractions in this amazing country, you could get so confused that there are chances you would miss out on a bunch of must-visit places itself. How embarrassing it would be to tell your friends, you didn’t visit the Merlion Park on your week-long trip to Singapore, right?

The best way to cover these places is to simply take an MRT ride around the city. Well, that’s what I did. Even though you can get a cab quite easily, the travel in Singapore’s amazing MRT is exceptionally convenient — it takes you anywhere in the city in the blink of an eye! Get down at the stations near these famous landmarks, spend some time there exploring, and take stunning photos of these iconic buildings.

Things to do:

• Catch a glimpse of the mythical Merlion at the Merlion Park
• Get inspired by the local arts and culture at the 60,000-square-meter performing arts centre near Esplanade as well as the National Gallery
• Take a walk along the longest pedestrian bridge in Singapore and discover the amazing hidden secrets in the double-helix DNA structure of the bridge.
• Spoiling Yourself In The Magical World Of Hollywood Movies at the Universal Studio, Singapore
• Understand why Singapore truly lives its reputation as the ‘City in a Garden’ by visiting the Botanic Gardens

5) Enjoying The Dazzling Light & Sound Shows In The Evenings

What better way there is to end a day than watching a splendid light and sound display in the evenings! There are three major shows that won my heart — the Light Shows at Marina Bay, OCBC Garden Rhapsody, and Crane Dance at Resort World Sentosa. Not only do these light shows restrict to the brilliant display of laser lights, but also give you a taste of how brilliant the backdrops and music for these shows are. The huge man-made trees with the multicolour display at the Marina Bay Sands is sure to blow your mind!

Places to visit:

• Marina Bay Sands
• OCBC Garden Rhapsody
• Resorts World Sentosa

6) Visiting The Surreal Jungles Thriving On Concrete Buildings!

If you thought cities are just some concrete mess created by man to destroy nature, Singapore will definitely blur the lines of cynicism in you. Just take a walk from the Marina Bay Sands to the Gardens By The Bay to explore the truly living, breathing jungle in the middle of the city. Plants and trees here not just thrive in the soil but also on the bridges, on the giant man-made trees, and everywhere imaginable!

Places to visit:

• Gardens By The Bay
• Flower Dome
• OCBC Skywalk

7) Trying Some Delectable Street Food At The Hawker Centers

The word ‘cheap’ is not something that you would relate to Singapore, quite often. An exception to this would be the famous Hawker Centers (food courts) there. There are a number of Hawker Centers in Singapore that serves the best food at a bargain price. Just the thought of the delicious “Hokkien mee” at the Chinatown Complex Food Court and the tasty chicken rice from the famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice stall at Maxwell Road Hawker Center leaves me craving for more!

Places to eat:

• Chinatown Complex Food Center
• Old Airport Road Food Center
• Maxwell Road Hawker Center
• Tiong Bahru Market Hawker Center
• Chomp Chomp Food Center

8) Going Crazy At The Weirdest Theme Park Ever

If you’re like me, who is interested in the weird and quirky things around, then Haw Par Villa in Singapore takes your notions to the next level. At first, I thought, visiting 1000 Chinese statues at a place so remotely related to a theme park is quite boring. But, starting from the entrance, the creepiness factor intrigued me. From ‘that’s gross’ to ‘what the heck am I seeing,’ be prepared to go through a range of expressions on your face when you visit the Haw Par Villa.

Singapore is intimate and welcoming, and it still retains a mystical appeal to it that keeps me longing for another dose of this amazing country’s unique elements. Is it the diversity of the people here? Is it the delectable food? Or, is it the cheap hawker fare and the lines of neatly arranged heritage shophouses? Wait, I’m confused!