The Creator made this world and in this world, he gave life to us. Had he wished us to stay in one place, our world would lack the diversity it has today where deserts, oceans, forests and mountains all exist in various corners around the world. The Earth was made for us to “WANDER”, fill us with “WONDER” and leave us craving for more so that we may embark to “REPEAT” this journey all over again!! This new year, here are our top four less-travelled places that we highly recommended if you find immense joy and happiness in travelling.
So, plan your itineraries and pack your bags right away!
SHARM EL SHEIKH
Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharm_El_Sheikh
Where: Located in Egypt between the desert of the Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea.
Image Source: https://travel.padi.com/d/sharm-el-sheikh/
Why: While Egypt is primarily famous for its ancient history and popularised by movies like the “mummy” for its pyramids and sphinx one must divert their attention to this beautiful resort town of Egypt which is extremely serene and peaceful. Popular amongst locals is the Naama Bay which along with a beautifully lined promenade of palm trees also has good restaurants and bars to enjoy a lovely relaxing day. Nabq Bay also offers snorkelling and scuba to the tourists although the major diving destination remains to be Muhammad National Park. Safari in the sands may be done on camel or horseback and dune trucks are also available to ride over the sea of sand that presents itself. The cool blue sea, the palm trees and the sandy shores all call out to those who prefer a low budget yet a luxurious visit to the beach.
Cost: A three-star resort would cost approximately INR 2-3k while a five-star would start from INR 6 k.
When: Best time to visit Sharm El-sheikh is between May and October, as one can enjoy cool walks by the beaches and also indulge in water sports of their liking.
AZORES
Picture Credit: Dr Ninad M Padhye
Where: Identified as an autonomous part of Portugal, the Azores are a group of islands in the mid-Atlantic.
Why: A group of nine volcanic islands is what welcomes one to the Azores islands. Sailor town of Horta is a must-see for all who wander here. A hike around Flores island leads us to amazing trails and breathtaking waterfalls. Pico island harbours the best conditions for wine brewing and on a trip here, one can taste, enjoy and also buy wine that suits their palate.
Visit Fajas on Sao Jorje island which has a history of volcanic landslides while the small villages around are beautiful and scenic. However, the most iconic and unique experience is the hot springs in S Miguel Island where a famous “furnace stew “ is prepared by cooking meat and vegetables underground for hours. Also, a walk inside the volcano Algar Do Carvo is worthwhile.
Cost: An Air BnB accommodation costs around 50 -80 euros per day, while food may cost over 8-12 euros each day.
When: Best months to visit the Azores is between May and October
PHILIPPINES
Image Source: https://mediaindia.eu/focus/why-its-more-fun-in-the-philippines/
Where: It is an archipelago in Southeast Asia
Why: This country is surrounded by crystal clear waters and ridden with white sand beaches. While these are enough to attract any traveller, the various islands have their magnetic charm. Popular amongst tourists, however, is Borocay island which has many lovely resorts and fun activities for all ages. It is also known as the party hub of South East Asia where people from all over the world come to dance their days and nights away on the clubs and shacks on the beach. Oslob island, on the other hand, is for the brave-hearted who wish to swim alongside the whale sharks which can grow up to 40 feet in length. The Tumalog waterfalls are also breathtakingly beautiful and extremely visit-worthy.
Image source: https://www.journeyera.com/cresta-de-gallo-island-romblon/
Another island that is a must-visit when in the Philippines is the Cresta de Gallo Island. Though it is very difficult to get to it, once you reach there it is bound to engulf you in its peaceful serenity. Since the island gets very few visitors, one can call it an untouched and calm place to unwind. El Nido is an island on Palawan island that is adorned by jutting limestone mountains that make them a rare sight to visit. Island tours in search of various lagoons can be done by hiring a boat. Another island to visit here is the Island of Bohol, which is divided into a northern vacant part and a southern part known for nightlife and homely accommodations. Dumaguete is famous for sea turtles, voodoo, witchcraft and popularly known as the Maldives of the Philippines. Port Barton, Tablas Romblon, Bantayan will leave you with moments which your heart will treasure for the rest of your life and can also prove to be a relaxing romantic retreat. Badian for cliff jumps, Coron for giant octopuses and Siargao for surfing also make them worth travelling to.
Cost: Lodging, boarding and transportation together would cost around 25-30 USD per day.
When: Best to travel in the cooler climate, from December to February
PERU
Where: Located near the Western and Central parts of South America
Why: Peru is one of the most densely populated countries which hold remnants of the previous era and is a constant reminder of events that occurred in the past and would be one of the prime destinations to visit for history and archaeology lovers. A tour through Lima city would cover all pre historic, colonial and modern buildings along with a guided visit to Yo San Francis Convent, museum and underground vault known as catacombs
San Isidro and Miraflores have splendid views of the pacific ocean during the day. While in Cusco, the Main Square, Cathedral and Temple of Sunor Koricancha are must inclusions in the itinerary. Pre-booking tickets, dressing in layers and being healthy are pre-requisites for the famous trek leading to the famous Machu Pichu. Moray also holds the lovely terrace farming land where one can spectate their complicated irrigation canals and Salineras is home to almost 3000 salt pans. Noteworthy while in Peru is also the colourful rainbow mountain which also needs one to trek for a long distance to view this bejewelled spectacle.
Cost: Daily budget of 30-40 USD would be ideal.
When: April is a good time to visit right in between dry and wet season
