TRAVEL SPECIAL..ROMANTIC DESTINATIONS WORLD (2)

 ROMANTIC DESTINATIONS WORLD SPECIAL 

Discover traditional and offbeat ways to romance your loved one

Planning a trip with your loved one is exciting from the word Go. When the company is so good, other factors don’t really matter. All you have to do is decide which kind of vacation suits both your palates. If you love the sun and sand, head to some of the best beaches in the world. Enjoy a cocktail at a beach bar and watch spectacular sunsets from ideal locations on islands in the Maldives, Venezuela and Seychelles. The beautiful sight of the sun melting in the horizon will be etched in your memory for a long time. Adventure enthusiasts can go skiing in Japan or go on a wildlife safari in Madagascar. The unique flora and fauna in Madagascar is worth admiring and will truly take you aback. Those who like to soak in natural beauty and relax in nature’s lap will love the feeling of being in a vineyard resort where time stands still. Couples who like to keep their distance from effortless travel can opt for nature walks and see every nook and corner of the destination by hiking around. Trekking for a few days at a stretch and strategising your way ahead with your loved is also an adventure lover’s dream. Take your pick and get packing!
WATER BABIES
REGION: Maldives, Venezuela, Seychelles, Egypt
    There’s a magical quality to crystal clear blue waters that invariably draws couples towards it. There’s no denying that the activity options are also plenty while on a water holiday. Hire a yacht, go sailing, fishing, jet skiing, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling or just take endless walks on the beach. Island and beach getaways rarely disappoint.
You can go island hopping in heavenly islands like Maldives or Seychelles. The North Male Atoll and the Baa Atoll are known to have a selection of some of the best islands in the Maldives. Take your pick. Seychelles has about 115 islands in all and the most visited are Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. Venezuela’s Margarita Island, the largest in the state of Nueva Esparta is also considered as an ideal couple getaway. Those who want to move away from the mushy beaches will find a lot of adventure and excitement, as they dive into the famous Red Sea in Egypt. Hold hands as you snorkel and try to see as much as you can of the unique underwater vegetation and the coral bed. Share notes once you emerge above again.
VINEYARDS AND SAFARIS
REGION: France, Spain, Madagascar
    The vineyards in Champagne, France are every couple’s dream destination. Laced with romance all the way, you’ll find yourselves nestled amidst lush greens, cool weather and scenic views, which look fresh out of a painting. Porrera Vineyards in Spain and Lavaux Vineyards in Switzerland are few of the other dream locations that bring out the romantic in you. The slightly more adventurous can opt for safaris as they go birding or watch game. The sight of watching wild animals in the open is a memory that will stay with you forever. The island of  Madagascar in South Africa has exotic flora and fauna to boast about. Don’t miss it!
ICE, ICE BABY
REGION: France, Canada, California, Japan
    It’s not exactly skiing season right now — is that what you’re thinking? Well, the advantages of late season snow is that the prices will be pocket-friendly and less tourists means it will be quieter and you can enjoy your sport in peace. In June, you can go summer skiing on the glacier in Tigens, France or head to Whistler-Blackcomb in Canada. The glacier on Blackcomb mountain makes it possible for
JUNGLE FUN
REGION: Belize, Laos
    Are you one of those couples who runs away from all things mush and would rather spend some romantic time, sweating it out in the jungle? You’re in luck; some of the best ecofriendly jungle lodges are located in Belize, Borneo, Costa Rica, Bolivia and Laos. After a day of exploring the treasures of the jungle, come back to a cosy setting and unwind as you spend romantic nights on open air terraces of private lodges in these destinations.
TREKKING
REGION: Peru, Africa
    Trek-happy couples will tell you that the reward for such hard work lies in the spectacular views along the way. Embark on the Inca Trail in Peru and you’ll be greeted with panoromic views of the Inca ruins at the end of the trek. Seasoned trekkers can even go on a 10 day long trek to explore the Dogon villages in Africa and come across scenic cliffs and abandoned cliff settlements. Treks can be extremely romantic as you discover each other’s strengths during tiring times. It may not paint a pretty picture but it’s definitely practical.
skiers to enjoy the snow in June as well. Mammoth, California is another destination where skiers and snowboarders can indulge in, all through the coming month. Avid skiers can go to Gassan in Yamagata, Japan which opens its gates for tourists sometime in May till late July. Off season is one of the best periods to spend some exclusive time, cosying up with your partner. Consult the resort you’re heading to about the weather and sports you can indulge in during this time before you head here. Keep yourselves busy with snow fights, making various snow structures outside your resort or tobogganing.

— Compiled by Sujata ReddyETTR13050