From the Expert’s Desk
American Writer Susan Sontag once said, “I haven’t been everywhere, but it is on my list.” Here’s our effort to make it easier for you to tick destinations off that list. From traversing through the rice fields in Vietnam to the Cherry Blossom streets of Japan, gothic architecture of Granada in Spain to the wilderness in South Africa, it’s time to plan the next short/ long getaway now. Keep enjoying and keep exploring this beautiful World.
South Korea is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, characterized by a diverse range of flavors, textures, and ingredients. Exploring food trails in South Korea can be a delightful experience, offering a mix of traditional and modern dishes. Here’s a guide to some of the must-try foods and food destinations in South Korea.
Enjoy street Food in Myeongdong, and Gwangjang Market in Seoul. Jeonju, is known as the birthplace of Bibimbap (Rice with veggies and meat). Andong (steamed chicken) or Chimaek (Korean fried chicken).
Busan is famous for its fish market – Jagalchi and Jeju Island for its local flavors. Traditional Tea Houses in Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul is highly recommended.
Remember, Korean dining often involves sharing, so it’s a great opportunity to try a variety of dishes with friends or fellow travellers. Enjoy your food trails in South Korea!
Short Haul
Vietnam is rich in culture and heritage, its essence often lies in simplicity, humility, and a strong connection to nature.
An ideal place for introducing yourself to slow travel, look forward to exploring traditional houses built on stilts in the city outskirts, pagodas and temples, rice terraces, water puppetry, and craft villages. Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its architecture, and Halong Bay for its natural beauty are the favourites of our travellers.
Whether exploring ancient towns, enjoying local cuisine, or connecting with communities, the beauty lies in the unpretentious charm of everyday life.
Short Haul
Japan during Cherry Blossom or Autumn – Choose your preferred month to travel.
Witnessing Cherry Blossom in full bloom is one of Japan’s most iconic and picturesque scenes. Join the locals in celebrating the Hanami festival in perfect spring weather. Places we recommend you visit are -Tokyo (Ueno Park, Chidorigafuchi), Kyoto (Maruyama Park, Kiyomizu-dera), and Hiroshima (Miyajima Island).
Experience the stunning autumn foliage, known as “koyo,” with vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues with beautiful crisp weather and milder crowds, is a great pick with our evolved travellers. For stunning views visit Kyoto (Tofuku-ji, Arashiyama), Nikko, Nara, Hakone, and the Japanese Alps
In summary, both seasons offer incredible beauty and cultural experiences, have their unique charm, and you can’t go wrong with either choice.
Long Haul
Costa Rica has incredible biodiversity, lush rainforests, and diverse ecosystems. You’ll encounter an array of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, colorful birds, and diverse plant life, must visit this paradise that is a leader in eco-tourism and sustainability practices.
The ideal duration for a trip to Costa Rica can vary based on your interests, the regions you plan to visit, and the activities you want to engage in. However, a common recommendation is to spend at least 7 to 10 days to fully appreciate the country’s diverse offerings.
Costa Rica has a wet season (May to November) and a dry season (December to April). The wet season brings lush landscapes, while the dry season is popular for beach activities.
Consider a mix of adventure activities, relaxation, and cultural exploration to make the most of your time in Costa Rica. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a combination of both, Costa Rica’s diverse offerings make it a fantastic destination for a memorable vacation.
Long Haul
In Spain, walk through the mystical historical sites of Alhambra in Granada, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and the historic neighbourhood of Toledo. A world-class, year round destination, Spain boasts a diverse cultural heritage with influences from the Moors and Romans. Each city and region has its unique charm and tradition. Beautiful beaches of Costa del Sol, Costa Brava, and the Balearic Islands (e.g., Ibiza, Mallorca) are added while traveling during summer from May to August.
Indulge in tapas, paella, chorizo, and a variety of regional specialties and pair with Spanish wines. Enjoy late-night dinners, and flamenco shows, and dance the night away at vibrant clubs and bars. Engage in outdoor activities such as hiking in the Sierra Nevada, skiing in the Pyrenees, or water sports along the coasts.
Do not forget to check the calendar of cultural festivals while planning your Spain holiday.
Long Haul
South Africa is renowned for its wildlife, and it offers some of the best safari experiences in the world. Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands, and Addo Elephant National Park are just a few places to witness the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros).
Our favourites while shortlisting the places are Table Mountain in Cape Town, the Drakensberg Mountains, the Garden Route, and the iconic Blyde River Canyon and for an adrenaline rush try shark cage diving, bungee jumping, hiking, and paragliding.
Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, are renowned for their vineyards and wine estates, explore these as a day trip from Cape Town or spend a couple of nights. The beaches of the Camps are simply stunning and offer various activities during the summertime.
South Africa’s seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. Consider the weather patterns for your preferred activities, such as safaris (dry season) or coastal visits (summer) during your planning stage. We highly recommend the guided experiences considering the safety guidelines and enchanting local experiences.
We will help you tailor your itinerary whether it’s wildlife, culture, adventure, or relaxation.
Long Haul
Leave the stress of holiday planning to us; we specialize in pairing people with the perfect destinations. Let us go the extra mile to plan your next holiday meticulously, ensuring it exceeds your expectations. Cheers to a vibrant and fulfilling 2024
Manu Kashyap,
Her journey of Windmill Holidays started with the desire to curate a world of holidays for travelers. A thrill-seeker and an avid reader, she began her career in the media industry after her graduation in English from Delhi University.
She has realized her calling is in traveling, exploring the world with a keen eye, and enabling every curious traveler to plan their journeys in comfort and style.
With this vision, she started her boutique travel enterprise, Windmill Holidays, in 2008, the fruit of her labor that is as old as her son.
She is a proud mother and a conscientious entrepreneur. She and her team of travel experts are passionate about their work and believe in curating the best and choicest of experiences with superlative services to her clients.
Manu Kashyap
Manu Kashyap,
Her journey of Windmill Holidays started with the desire to curate a world of holidays for travelers. A thrill-seeker and an avid reader, she began her career in the media industry after her graduation in English from Delhi University.
She has realized her calling is in traveling, exploring the world with a keen eye, and enabling every curious traveler to plan their journeys in comfort and style.
With this vision, she started her boutique travel enterprise, Windmill Holidays, in 2008, the fruit of her labor that is as old as her son.
She is a proud mother and a conscientious entrepreneur. She and her team of travel experts are passionate about their work and believe in curating the best and choicest of experiences with superlative services to her clients.
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