February

VENICE

In February, one of the most romantic cities of the world comes alive with the Carnival, a festival of celebration with vibrant parades of masked partygoers. The touristy season hasn’t yet creeped in, so the Piazza San Marco isn’t piling with crowds and visits to St. Marks Basilica, Doges palace and Santa Maria della Salute will be devoid of long lines. Visit the awe-inspiring glass factory at Murano, cruise along the Grand Canal and spend your evenings gliding under bridges on a Gondola. Get lost in the maze of narrow streets and alleys and rejoice on finding your way without a map. Do not forget to hop on a short ferryboat ride to Burano, the brightest and most colourful island you’ve possibly ever seen. Venice is a culturally rich city that has a lot to offer, from walking tour of the cobblestone streets to art museums and more.

CAPE TOWN

Cape Town has been among the most sought-after destinations over the past few years for good reason. Beaches, mountains, gardens, history, great food, it has everything. Hit the beach and enjoy the beautiful secluded shores near the city where you can snorkel in the warm waters. Adventure lovers can dive with the sharks at Gansbaai, the white shark capital of the world and nature lovers can take a cable car for a surreal view from the top of the Table Mountain. A full day tour of the breathtaking Cape Peninsula is a must! February is also the month of music and theatre in Cape Town. For gastronomes there is impeccable sea food including the famed tuna and a scenic tour to the Cape wine lands which boasts of premier wine estates, scenic mountains and tempting wine tasting sessions.

SRI LANKA

This Asian gem still retains the offbeat tag. The country offers exciting Buddhist trails, fascinating cave temples, monasteries and fortresses that take you back in time. Wildlife lovers adore Sri Lanka, it is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. You could befriend an elephant or see some wildlife at the Yala National Park. Bicycle your way around a tea plantation and set foot on the famous Lions rock. Sri Lanka celebrates its Independence Day this month and this is when the streets have parades, dances and a host of national games. The beach lovers can pretty much sun-bath all year round here. Sri Lankans are an incredibly kind, smiling and welcoming lot. Knowing all this, is it surprising that the country regularly features among top vacation destinations in almost all travel lists?

VIETNAM

One day you will be floating on water with market vendors selling their wares, the other day you will be a cave explorer at Hang Son Doong, the world’s largest cave. Vietnam offers a variety like no other. Chaotic cities, sleepy rural villages, mountains and beaches, caves and forests, they are all here. It even has offbeat tropical islands where you can dive in the pristine waters or laze on the many beaches. The most romantic way of discovering the famous Halong Bay is an overnight cruise which sails through the spectacular cluster of islands scattered in the emerald waters with grottos and limestone pillars. Trek to waterfalls and rice terrace farms, climb into the underground tunnels at Cu Chi to get personal history lesson on guerilla warfare or take a food tour through the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City.

HAWAII

Drive your blues away with the endless blues of the Hawaiian isles. The fresh air boosts your mood, the calm and warm waters rejuvenate you, and the majestic views inspire you. Discover the bliss of postcard perfect beaches at Poipu, Wailea or Hapuna. Spot the Humpback whales in Maui, drive the breathtakingly scenic Road to Hana, participate in the surfing competitions held in Oahu’s north, visit the scenic Wailua Falls or snorkel in the sparkling blue waters near the crescent shaped Molokini crater. For the honeymooners, there is no better way to explore Hawaii than on a cruise. Sail through islands, indulge in various water sports and take helicopter tours over erupting volcanoes and inaccessible coastlines. These beautiful islands belonging to the US also boast of some of the best 5-star resorts in the world. Luxury vacationers will feel at home here.