In the Hudson Valley, each season calls for a costume change. Summer dresses in green fields and autumn trims itself with fiery forests. Winter wears a coat of white and spring bedazzles with blooms.

The reasons to visit this region are as varied as its four seasons. Big Apple urbanites head here for small-town escapism, while nature lovers visit for the abundance of parks. A thriving art scene attracts discerning sophisticates, and bustling main streets are steps from high-octane hiking trails.

Plan a trip by considering which season best suits your style. With so much to do, you might decide you'd like to follow in the footsteps of NYC’s wealthy denizens and purchase a Hudson Valley home to watch the area change year-round.

High season in the Hudson Valley runs from June through October

Best time for outdoor festivals

Hudson Valley summers buzz with city slickers seeking pastoral retreats. Hiking trails and freshwater lakes entice travelers to explore the natural landscape, while performance festivals and outdoor museums attract urban aesthetes. Be sure to plan ahead – lodging fills up months in advance and goes for top dollar, particularly on holiday weekends.

Autumn entices leaf peepers, who gather to gaze at the colorful forest canopy. Check a fall foliage prediction map and book a visit around the season's peak. Harvest celebrations and Halloween-themed events draw large weekend crowds through October.

Look for deals during shoulder season: April and May, November and December

Best time to stroll through charming towns

Muddy April gives way to balmy May – when pastel buds erupt around the countryside. Seasonal shops reopen for business by Memorial Day and tiny towns spring back to life. The warmer the weather and the larger the crowds make an early spring excursion. You’ll be able to save a little money on lodging, but be prepared to contend with brisk weather.

November and December go from cool to ice-cold, and the occasional snowstorm blows through as winter begins. A few temperate days may still surprise hikers, and holiday displays enchant by the year’s end. Snuggle inside a boutique hotel or amble along main streets to search for locally made gifts.

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Explore the winter landscape from January to March

Best time for snow sports

The Hudson Valley slows down during winter, with seasonal businesses closing or limiting hours. Bone-chilling temperatures enchant snow bunnies who love skiing and snowshoeing; indoor adventurers spend the season appreciating museums and galleries. Winter is a great time to visit without breaking the bank. Hotels offer cheap deals and planning a last-minute trip is possible.

January is a winter wonderland

The Hudson Valley becomes a frosted spectacle during its coldest month. Snowshoe across the blanket of white at Fahnestock Winter Park, race down well-groomed slopes at Catamount Mountain, or don a pair of skates to make figure eights at Bear Mountain Ice Rink.

Key event: Storm King Winter Weekends.

Visit a museum in February

Icy exploits might fend off cabin fever, but visitors don't need to brave the outdoors to enjoy February. Indoor activities provide an equally powerful antidote to the winter doldrums. Check out the Dia:Beacon 's contemporary art exhibits and the Vanderbilt Mansion ’s Gilded Age interiors.

Key event: Black History Month Kingston.

Find a cozy cafe in March

Icy melt-off from winter's end makes muddy hiking conditions. Avoid the mess by getting cozy inside a coffee shop or local brewery in towns like Cold Spring and Hudson.

Key events: Dutchess County St Patrick's Parade, Hudson Valley Restaurant Week.

April means muddy trails and budding trees

Early spring might mean mucky hikes and erratic weather, but it also means blooming daffodils and budding trees. Remember to bring a coat – the snow might be gone, but temperatures remain chilly.

Key events: Hudson Valley Mac and Cheese Fest, Wappinger Creek Water Derby.

May delights with blooms and birds

By mid-May, the Hudson Valley is in full bloom, with migratory birds like scarlet tanagers and rose-breasted grosbeaks making surprise appearances among the flora. Memorial Day marks the return of summer's seasonal residents, but warmer weather is still a few weeks away. Bring a sweater to combat cool evenings.

Key events: Apple Blossom Festival at Barton Orchards, Mayfest Farmers and Makers Market, Albany's Tulip Festival, Kaatsbaan Spring Festival.

Head to a hiking trail in June

Crisp mornings and warm afternoons make early June ideal for outdoor excursions. Take a kayak tour to Bannerman Castle, hike the infamous Breakneck Ridge or stroll across the Rip Van Winkle Bridge to the Olana estate. Big crowds arrive by the month's end.

Key events: Poughkeepsie Pride, The Great Hudson River Revival, Bard Summerscape.

July is filled with outdoor events

The Hudson Valley's hottest month is also the most action-packed. Celebrate July 4 in a historic Revolutionary War town like Kingston, see theater al fresco at the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival or kick back at a drive-in movie theater to catch the latest blockbuster. Expect high prices and fully-booked hotels.

Key events: Queer Summer Nights, Orange County Fair, Walden's Music in the Grove, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Fourth of July.

August is for campfires and farmers markets

Jump in a spring-fed lake to beat summer's swelter. Sit by a campfire to watch the Perseid meteor shower blaze across the night sky. August is the time to feast on fresh-picked blueberries, sweet corn and zucchini – all in-season and sold at local farmers markets.

Key events: Dutchess Fair, Putnam County Wine & Food Fest.

Celebrate summer's bounty in September

Seasonal crowds disperse after Labor Day, and trees begin their autumnal transition by the end of September. Enjoy the end-of-summer harvest at fairs, food festivals and art markets throughout the region.

Key events: Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival, New York Renaissance Faire, Columbia County Fair, Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest.

October is peak leaf-peeping season

Fall foliage turns forest canopies kaleidoscopic by mid-October. Go leaf-peeping at an outdoor sculpture park-like Storm King or Art Omi to compare the handiwork of human hands and nature. Sleepy Hollow, the town made famous by Washington Irving and his fictional Headless Horseman, is a kitschy port of call for Halloween enthusiasts.

Key events: The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, Walktoberfest on the Walkway, Hudson Valley Garlic Festival, New York State Sheep and Wool Festival.

November is best for budget travelers

A few balmy days might surprise in early November – particularly in lower Hudson Valley towns like Nyack. Still, late autumn generally means frigid temperatures and the occasional frost. This month is ideal for budget travelers, who take advantage of cheaper hotels thanks to fewer tourists.

Key events: Hudson Valley Restaurant Week, Basilica Farm & Flea.

Find unique holiday treats in December

Stick to cheerful towns like Millerton, Hudson and Beacon. The many boutiques, art galleries, and antique stores lining their main drags are great for finding one-of-a-kind holiday gifts. Wintry weather occasionally covers the landscape in snow. Come prepared with proper clothing.

Key events: Poughkeepsie's Celebration of Lights, Kevin McCurdy's Holiday Spirit Festival, Sinterklaas Festival Day.

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Best times to explore Hudson Valley for skiing, festivals and leaf pepping 

Situated on the Gulf of Naples, on the western coast of southern Italy, Naples ' history, culture, and cuisine are forever tied to the Mediterranean Sea. Sailors from the Greek island of Rhodes were the first to establish a small commercial port here in the first millennium BCE, founding the city of Parthenope, renamed Neápolis in the sixth century BCE.

Although the city stretches along the Mediterranean Sea, it is not typically considered a resort destination. There are, however, a few spots where you can enjoy a lovely day on the beach, whether you're looking for a great swim or somewhere that's perfect for families with young children to splash about. Here are our picks of the best beaches in Naples, Italy.

Spiaggia della Gaiola is part of a marine park and ideal for snorkeling

Spiaggia Della Gaiola, or Gaiola Beach, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Naples. Popular with locals during the summer months, entry is always free, and you'll want to arrive early to beat the crowds. Located along the Posillipo coast, on the northwestern edge of the Bay of Naples, the beach belongs to the Parco Sommerso Della Gaiola, a protected national marine park.

The park is divided into two zones: Zone A is a protected nature preserve; Zone B is limited to 100 visitors a day. Thanks to a ban on motorboats and fishing, the Mediterranean Sea is wonderfully clear and calm here, making it an ideal beach for snorkeling. Swim out to the two tiny, rocky islands in the near distance or snorkel the submerged ruins of a Roman-era villa. Bring a dive mask or swim goggles: plenty of colorful fish call this crystal blue corner of the Baby of Naples home.

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Bagno Elena is a top beach for families with young children

The private beach Bagno Elena boasts a splendid location in the Bay of Naples, adjacent to the 17th-century palace Palazzo Donn'Anna in Posillipo. Bathers have been catching rays and swimming the deep blue Mediterranean Sea here since it opened in 1840. Legend has it that Oscar Wilde once enjoyed whiling away summer days at the elegant Bagno Elena.

The beach is divided into three main areas: the central pier is dotted with comfortable sunbeds for lounging under the Mezzogiorno sunshine, while the two side beaches are ideal for families thanks to shallow calm waters, plus plentiful umbrellas and sunbeds. Enjoy an espresso at the Beach Bar or a lunch featuring regional seafood specialties at Il Ristorante, located on the pier.

Dine at Bagno Sirena's beachside restaurant

Steps away from Bagno Elena, on the other side of Palazzo Donn'Anna, Bagno Sirena is a smaller beach where you can relax on comfortable sunbeds and swim in the crystal clear sea minus the maddening crowds. Both Bagno Elena and Bagno Sirena boast incredible views of Mt Vesuvius in the distance. The main draw is the beachside restaurant, where you can enjoy top-notch Neapolitan cuisine: try the house speciality, impepate di cozze, fresh mussels prepared with tomatoes and white wine.

Centrally located La Rotonda Diaz is ideal for a quick dip

La Rotonda Diaz, also known as Mappatella Beach, on the city's downtown lungomare (waterfront) is the most centrally located stretch of sand in Naples. Since it's so close to Naples' bustling port, the sand isn't always sparkling, and the sea isn't so clear due to the many passing ships. That said, it's the perfect beach if you are looking to catch a couple of hours of sunshine, take a quick swim to cool off from the summer heat, or enjoy a cold beer while you dip your toes in the sea.

Take a dive from the cliffs into saltwater pools at Rocce Verdi

When the sun shines on the submerged rocks at this stunning beach along the Posillipo coast, on the northwestern edge of the Bay of Naples, they take on a green hue, hence this beloved beach's name, Green Rocks. Though you'll have to pay an entry fee, Rocce Verdi has a lot of perks. Catch some rays on a comfortable sunbed situated on the rocky coast, or head to the top of the beach's anterior cliff, where you can dive into one of the two large saltwater pools overlooking the bay. Enjoy a cocktail or lunch at the restaurant, also located on the upper edge of the rocky beach. In the distance, you can see the island of Capri and the entire Sorrento peninsula. Kayak rentals are available for paddling the tranquil bay, and the beach also hosts wellness activities, including daily yoga and pilates during the summer months.

Scoglione in Marechiaro is perfect for a peaceful swim

The Scaglione di Marechiaro (Marechiaro Cliffs) isn't a full-service beach, but it's one of the best spots to swim in the sea in Naples. The volcanic rock beach, located just off the coast in the Posillipo neighborhood, can only be reached by boat, with boats departing round the clock from the Marechiaro Port. Significantly less crowded than other nearby famous beaches, this is a beach for swimmers that crave crystalline waters. A stand rents sunbeds, which can be set up along the rocky cliff – enchanting views await.

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Bali has long been known as Indonesia's favorite party place, but this tropical island offers layer after layer of rich diversity and unspoiled charm for travelers who want to hunt down unexpected experiences. Best of all, many of Bali's best experiences come free of charge.

If you know where to look, a vacation on the Island of the Gods can be one of Asia's best-value holidays. You can enjoy many of Bali's top activities without spending a single rupiah, and free things to do are often the most authentic experiences on the island.

From watching traditional craftsmanship in action to perusing vibrant local markets, here is our pick of the best free things to do in Bali.

Watch a religious ceremony

The Balinese Pawukon calendar is divided into six months, but it lasts 210 days when measured using the Western calendar. As a result, every Hindu temple in Bali – from the hundreds of major temples to the many thousands of small family temples – celebrates its odalan (birthday) twice a year. Your trip is certain to coincide with several of these temple celebrations – and there's rarely an entry fee to observe, except at Bali's top tier of temples. With Bali's famous hospitality, if you simply ask around and express an interest, an invitation is likely to be forthcoming.

Likewise, the major festivals of Galungan and Kuningan (often described as Balinese Christmas) also fall twice in the same year, and never-ending archways of penjors (decorated bamboo poles) make the world's most beautiful island even more stunning. Then there's Nyepi, the famous "Day of Silence," which brings the entire island to a screeching halt. It's a unique privilege to enjoy the raucous ceremony on the eve of Nyepi, as well as the restful day of quiet that follows.

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Walk Bali’s wildest beach

Walking westwards along Yeh Leh beach in West Bali, you'll be greeted by breathtaking views of five of Java’s spectacular volcanoes. This 10km (6 mile) stretch of wild black sand could be the most unspoiled beach on the entire island, and it can be walked in three or four hours. You’re unlikely to see many people on the stretch between the surf spot known as “Truck Stop” and Pekutatan, though young men race their mopeds on the beach near Pekutatan on Sunday afternoons.

To hike the whole strip, you’ll have to cross two rivers, but they are less than knee-deep at low tide. If the tide is high or the rivers are in flood, just turn inland at Pekutatan and walk the last 3km (1.9 miles) via the Pulukan rice paddies.

Explore Tegallalang's rice terraces

A 20-minute drive north of Ubud, the valley of Tegallalang is home to some of the island’s most picturesque rice terraces. Here you can see Bali’s ancient, Unesco-listed subak irrigation system in action, with small streams and gullies running to the terraces from pretty puras (temples), showcasing the strong connection between religion, community and nature on the island. Take in the spectacular scenery from one of the roadside warungs (small restaurants) or spend an hour or so exploring this unique landscape on foot. Tegallalang's proximity to Ubud ensures large crowds at sunset, and an almost impenetrable barricade of viewpoint cafes and warungs has sprung up along the roadside, effectively blocking the paddies from view.  To trek through more expansive and quieter paddy landscapes, head to Jatiluwih or Soka beach (both near Tabanan).

See island artisans at work

Bali is well known for its skilled craftspeople, who work their magic in studios or small family workshops, producing everything from wooden deity sculptures and masks to batiks. With different villages specializing in a particular craft, it’s just a matter of deciding what art form piques your interest. Head to Celuk to see silversmiths cut and file intricate pieces of jewelry, or visit Mas to be wowed by enormous and ornate wood carvings and colorful stacks of decorative masks.

Visit Bali’s unique terracotta village

Pejatan village lies hidden in the paddy fields, halfway between Canggu and the island’s relatively unexplored “Wild West.” Visitors who pass through will come across an entire community that thrives on producing the red terracotta tiles that crown houses and temples all over the island.

These are family-run businesses, and multiple generations chip in to collect the clay from a nearby riverbed, press it by hand and fire it in venerable old kilns that are heated with mountains of coconut husks. The terracotta village is just 5km (3 miles) from the famous Pura Tanah Lot temple but it's almost unknown to outsiders.

There is no charge for visiting, and there are no official guides in the village, but hospitable villagers – the “terracotta warriors” who produce up to 1000 handmade tiles in a morning’s work – are often happy to show visitors the production line for a cottage industry that goes back generations.

Visit Pura Taman Saraswati Temple

Many of Bali's top temples charge an entry fee, but Pura Taman Saraswati, fronted by a stunning lotus-filled pond, is free to explore. Located behind Café Lotus in central Ubud, this picturesque water temple, built in traditional Balinese style in 1952, can be accessed via a stone walkway decorated with Hindu sculptures. Once inside the inner sanctum, look out for sandstone bas reliefs of Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of learning, literature and art, the temple's patron deity. Inquire locally about evening dance performances, which are staged here regularly.

Admire a colorful traditional fishing fleet

Travelers to off-the-beaten-track West Bali are often stunned to come across a sight that, were it located in a more heavily touristed part of the island, would be considered one of Indonesia’s greatest treasures. The inlet known as Perancak, just south of Negara town, acts as a mooring point for some 150 lavishly decorated traditional Balinese fishing boats.

Every single one of these vessels is a floating work of art – brightly painted, ornately carved and vibrantly decorated. These boats, called selerek, are some of the world’s most spectacular traditional fishing craft, transforming the inlet into a floating art gallery. This unique tradition of boatmaking originally came to Bali with Madurese immigrants (from an island off the north of Java), but these boats are now rarely seen outside of this stretch of coast.

Wayang kulit shadow puppets are just one of the attractions at the puppet museum in Mas © Getty Images / Corbis Unreleased / Frans Lemmens" data-embed-button="images" data-entity-embed-display="media_image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"","image_link":""}" data-entity-type="media" data-entity-uuid="6ea2b82a-7fc5-42cd-b208-a9105a36b48f" data-langcode="en" title="Wayang kulit shadow puppets are just one of the attractions at the puppet museum in Mas">

Meet Barack Obama (the puppet version)

Housed in a series of pretty Balinese and Javanese wooden buildings in Mas, on the outskirts of Ubud, the Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets showcases around 7000 masks and puppets from Indonesia, China, Latin America, Europe and Africa. There's no entry fee, but a donation is welcomed. Highlights of the collection include a number of beautiful wayang kulit Indonesian shadow puppets and some intricately detailed Sicilian stick puppets that date back to the 16th century. Don’t leave without checking out the impressively lifelike puppet of Barack Obama.

Not far from Setia Darma, you'll find the Astina Mask Gallery and Workshop (ask anyone in Mas for directions). This is the renowned workshop of Ida Bagus Anom Suryawan, the youngest member of a mask-making dynasty spanning several generations. The master craftsman enjoys explaining the intricacies of his art, so try and speak to him when you visit (you can also sign up for mask-making classes).

Walk the Campuhan Ridge

Just a five-minute drive from the center of Ubud, Campuhan Ridge stands a world apart from the restaurants and boutiques of nearby Monkey Forest Road. Running for around 6km (3.7 miles), this walking track starts as a narrow trail by the Pura Gunung Lebah temple before widening to reveal a breathtaking valley.

After around 30 minutes of walking along the ridge, you'll reach the village of Bangkiang Sidem, which serves up bucolic scenes of rural Balinese life. It's best to attempt the walk early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when it’s not so hot.

Drive the Ogoh-ogoh Monster Highway

Every year, usually in March, Bali closes down for Nyepi, the famous "day of silence" when all transportation and most activities on the island cease for 24 hours. But the night before Nyepi is one of Bali's greatest free spectacles. Wire, bamboo and paper models of monsters known as ogoh-ogoh are paraded around the island to summon demons, who will afterward be thwarted by the silence of an island that appears to be uninhabited.

Before midnight, most of these paper monsters are burned or otherwise destroyed, but the people who live along Jalan Raya Tampaksiring northeast of Ubud have broken with this tradition and leave the best of their ogoh-ogoh on display. Often known as Bali’s “Monster Highway”, the route makes for a startling drive and a wonderful photo opportunity.

Chill out on Bali's spectacular beaches

One of the best free experiences in Bali is basking in the sun on one of Bali’s dreamy beaches. The powdery white sands of Kuta and Seminyak are the heart of the island’s tourist scene, complete with luxury resorts, restaurants and beach clubs mere feet from the shore.

Meanwhile, Echo Beach in Canggu is one of Bali’s trendiest surf hangouts. Grab a sun lounger and watch surfers take on the island’s legendary breakers, or grab your board and join them. Those looking for an off-the-beaten-path slice of seaside should check out palm-fringed White Sand Beach in Padangbai or Bingin Beach on the Bukit Peninsula.

The 12 most beautiful beaches in Bali

Watch egrets filling the sunset at Petulu

The village of Petulu lies less than 3km (1.8 miles) north of Ubud as the crow flies, but it's not crows you’re likely to see here, but the phenomenal spectacle of up to 20,000 brilliant white egrets, flying in startling V-formations as they head back to their roosts in trees around the village.

Often erroneously described as herons, these cattle egrets are often spotted riding on the backs of cows and buffalo all over the island. You can reach Petulu via a pleasant walk through the paddies from Ubud, but you'll probably want to stay until darkness falls, so arrange for transport to get back to your accommodations.

Get a taste of Bali's local markets

Another fun and free Bali experience is immersing yourself in the sights, smells and sounds of one of Bali’s ubiquitous markets. Strolling from stall to stall, you can check out exotic produce, colorful arts and crafts, and all sorts of delectable dishes from across the Indonesian archipelago – you might even get a free sample. Pasar Sindhu Night Market and Kuta Night Market are both popular options for an evening of sensory delights.

Ubud's Central Market sees large numbers of tourists, but walk directly past the little temple at the eastern edge of the market (where stallholders make offerings) and under the archway to find steps leading down to a more authentic fruit, vegetable and spice market. Few tour groups come here, and you can find religious offerings amongst the eatables. For something messy, noisy and fascinating, head to Jimbaran's early morning fish market.

Appreciate the miniature art of I Wayan Gama Painting School

The Keliki Painting School was started in the 1970s by a Balinese farmer to preserve what must surely be one of the most intricate painting styles in the world. Works are produced in extreme miniature and it can take several months for an artist to complete a piece of art that is no bigger than a saucer. This traditional artform was almost abandoned, but in 2005, local painter I Wayan Gama set up a painting school for children at his home in Keliki village. There is no charge to visit, and Wayan Gama will happily show you around the art school and the orchard at the back of the compound.

Time your visit either for weekends or weekday afternoons when the students are out of school and free to practice an artform that certainly needs young, clear eyes. According to the school's founder, few people over 40 have good enough eyesight to produce such intricate work. Your donations (or a purchase) will be gratefully received – funds go to maintaining the school and supporting local families.

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Often overlooked by the crowds who flock to Delhi and Mumbai, fascinating, foodie Chennai is the gateway to India ’s steamy south. Within easy striking distance of the Tamil Nadu capital are timeless temple towns, coastal nature reserves, old colonial outposts and beach resorts that are as popular for monsoon watching as sitting on the sand.

Like other big Indian hubs, Chennai is fast-paced and frenetic, as you might expect from a city of eight million people. And the city can swelter like a tandoori oven in the tropical heat, particularly in the run-up to the June–September monsoon. For optimum conditions for exploring, come between November and March during the mild Indian winter.

Most visitors are happy to devote a few days to Chennai's food, markets and towering temples, but when the crowds overwhelm, it's easy to escape to quieter spots along the coast and inland by bus or train. Here's a guide to the top day trips from Chennai.

Try surfing, Indian-style, at Kovalam (Covelong)

Just 30km (18.6 miles) south of Chennai, the slumbering fishing village of Kovalam (Covelong) – not to be confused with the Keralan beach town of the same name – has found its mojo as Tamil Nadu ’s favorite surf spot, helped by powerful beach and reef breaks that perform best from June to September. In winter, it's worth coming just for the calm mood and the beach.

The agreeably informal surf scene at Kovalam owes its existence to Indian surfing pioneer Murthy Megavan, who discovered the waves as a child and learned to surf on old wooden planks before borrowing his first board from ‘surfing swami’ Jack Hebner.

Today, he runs the Covelong Point surf school, close to the village’s best right-hand break. As well as surf classes, you can learn to paddleboard, kayak and windsurf, and tune in, flex up, and rock out at the school's Surf.Yoga.Music Festival in August or September (check to see if it has resumed following the pandemic).

How to get to Kovalam: Kovalam is accessible via the hourly 599 city bus from Chennai’s T Nagar Bus Depot (one hour), which runs on to Mamallapuram. Routes 109 and 119 also pass this way.

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Discover a riot of carvings in temple-tastic Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)

Just a short bus ride south from the center of Chennai, Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) was once the principal seaport of the powerful Pallava kingdom, whose rulers filled the shoreline with some of India’s most eye-catching temples and shrines. The town is still a lively hub for stone-carving today.

Thanks to its fine collection of temples and shrines, this one-time fishing village has grown into a lively pilgrim center, traveler hub and beach retreat. Right on the water, you’ll find the twin-spired Shore Temple, a glorious stack of carved tiers which once opened directly onto the sand, and Arjuna’s Penance, a house-sized boulder carved with scenes from the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata.

Just inland, the rocky outcrop of Mamallapuram Hill is crowned by a riot of temples, carvings and balancing boulders, linked by well-worn walking paths. After exploring, cool down with a surf class at Mumu Surf School, or a backpacker bite at Le Yogi, before jumping on the bus back to Chennai.

Getting there: Bus 599 runs hourly throughout the day from Chennai’s T Nagar Bus Depot, taking up to two hours, depending on the traffic. In the opposite direction, the bus runs till 8:40pm, giving you plenty of time to explore.

Get in a flap over flamingos at Pulicat Lake

From December to January, the brackish lagoon at Pulicat attracts legions of long-legged, shrimp-loving visitors, and a dedicated crowd of bird-watchers intent on spotting them. At the height of the winter season, the colony of greater flamingos in the Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary can swell to 15,000 birds, painting the waters pink.

The lagoon is also a migratory stop for spot-billed pelicans, herons, egrets, spoonbills and storks. Flamingos can be spotted from many points along the banks, including the road between Sullurupeta and Sriharikota.

Birds aren’t the only reason to come to Pulicat – the village is home to several impressive temples, a lighthouse that can sometimes be climbed, an atmospheric Dutch-colonial cemetery (complete with carved skeletons guarding the gates) and the ruins of Fort Geldria, the first Dutch outpost in India.

How to get to Pulicat: Pulicat is 60km (37 miles) north of Chennai. The best way to get here is to hire a taxi for the day in Chennai, so you can roam around easily once you arrive; allow 1½ hours each way for the journey. To come by public transport, take city bus 595 from Chennai’s Toll Gate Bus Depot or bus 558B from Moolakadal (two to three hours).

Temple-hop through the centuries in Kanchipuram

If you’ve seen the artistry the Pallava kings put into their seaport at Mamallapuram, you’ll be perfectly primed for a trip to their capital, Kanchipuram. This inland temple town, 80km (50 miles) southwest of Chennai, overflows with extravagant, hand-carved temples, whose stones were slotted together by a succession of Hindu dynasties from the 4th to the 11th centuries.

On the outskirts of town, the Kailasanantha Temple features the same angular tiers and wall-topping Nandi (bull) statues as Mamallapuram’s Shore Temple, but on an even grander scale. Back in the center, the Kamakshi Amman Temple and Ekambareshwara Temple are classic examples of the Dravidian temple style, crowned by soaring gopurams (temple towers) covered in a writhing panoply of deities. However, only Hindus can enter the inner sanctums.

Pause for a fiery south Indian thali (plate meal) or dosa (rice and lentil pancake) at Hotel Saravana Bhavan before you hightail it back to Chennai.

How to get to Kanchipuram: Suburban trains rumble out from Chennai’s Egmore station every hour or so (two hours) until the early evening. Alternatively, squeeze onto one of the frequent but crowded public buses from Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus.

Find fancy fortifications in Vellore

To consolidate their control over the region, European colonial powers built great forts all over southern India, and in some cases simply took over existing fortifications built by local rulers. Ringed by 2km (1.2 miles) of moat-flanked walls, the imposing fort at Vellore was at various times Hindu, Muslim and Christian, as wave after wave of conquerors passed through its battlements.

Wandering around the calm, dusty interior today, you’ll find Muslim mosques and pavilions, a tidy little Christian church and the sky-piercing Jalakantesvara Temple, with its gleaming white gopuram (temple tower) dominating the skyline. Appropriately, in 1806, this was the setting for the first rebellion by Indian troops against their British commanders.

Otherwise, Vellore lies off the mainstream circuit, which provides another reason to visit: to sample life in an Indian town that doesn’t rely on tourism for its existence. The local branch of Hotel Saravana Bhavan serves up a vegetarian feast of idlis (steamed rice cakes), dosas and thalis.

How to get to Vellore: Buses zip regularly between Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus and Vellore (up to three hours). Air-con Volvo buses are more comfortable than the crowded public buses. Alternatively, take the fast train from Chennai Central (2½ hours).

Relish the French flair of colonial Puducherry (Pondicherry)

Alongside the British and Portuguese, the French established their own colonial outpost on the coast of India at Puducherry – formerly Pondicherry – and the streets of this curious outpost of la belle France are still dotted with European-style villas, coffee shops and cathedrals. The government of France ruled this tiny corner of Tamil Nadu until 1954, when locals voted overwhelmingly to become part of India following a vote of independence.

Today, the main appeal is wandering the unmistakably European-influenced streets, chilling out in cafes and peeking into pastel-colored French-era churches. Almost everyone takes a side-trip to the Auroville Ashram, 12km (7.5 miles) northwest of town, which attracted a veritable army of spiritual travelers in the 1960s. Auroville still hosts more than 1500 foreign devotees, who follow a pantheist doctrine of peace, universality and divine consciousness.

With the long journey time, you might want to stop overnight. Mango-yellow Les Hibiscus combines pocket-friendly rates with a classic Puducherry setting in a  handsome old colonial villa in the French Quarter, or try nearby Villa Shanti for a top-end version of the same idea, executed with real panache by two French architects. Whether you stay or come for the day, grab a croissant at Baker Street, or a European-flavoured salad ‘thali’ at Domus, set behind a hip design store on Suffren St.

How to get to Puducherry: Despite its fame, Puducherry is served by just two daily trains from Chennai’s Egmore station (four hours); very regular buses complete the same journey in a similar time from Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus.

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Chennai, the steamy capital of Tamil Nadu, is huge, sometimes hectic, and a perfect introduction to the wonderful, frenetic energy of South India. The city sprawls for miles along one of the world’s largest urban beaches, dotted with temples, museums, Raj relics, and restaurants serving what could well be the world’s finest vegetarian cuisine.

South India’s largest city is all about atmosphere rather than paying to see big-name sights, meaning visits are rich in color but gentle on the pocket – perfect for travelers on even the smallest budgets. It won't cost you a rupee to wander Chennai at leisure, soaking up the sensations, sounds and scents of the Indian south (and if the urban sprawl starts to close in, easy day trips take in fascinating sights along the Tamil Nadu coast).

Come during the mild, dry winter months to enjoy Chennai at its best. Here's our guide to the top free things to do in Chennai.

Catch a breath of fresh air on Marina Beach

There’s no charge to wander the broad sweep of sand that marks the eastern limits of Chennai. Marina Beach is one of the longest city beaches in the world, sprawling for 13km (8 miles), and the sands are crowded with promenading locals, fortune tellers, kite flyers, fish hawkers, corn roasters and teenagers giving it their all in beachside cricket matches. It’s a fascinating place to wander early in the morning or late in the afternoon to catch the city at play.

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Take a snap from the top of Madras Lighthouse

There’s a very modest 20 rupee (US$0.27) entry fee to take the lift to the top of Madras Lighthouse for panoramic views up and down the shoreline (without the rather garish red and white lighthouse marring the view). From here, you’ll get a sense of just how long and broad Marina Beach really is, while enjoying the cooling, salt-scented breezes that blow in from the Bay of Bengal. Come late in the afternoon for the best photo opportunities (there’s a small camera charge).

Soak up Chennai history in Fort St George

It’s often forgotten that Chennai – then Madras – was the first formal British outpost in India. Through negotiations with the Hindu rulers of Vijayanagar, the English East India Company purchased the rights to a small strip of land on the Coromandel Coast in 1639, and promptly constructed Fort St George to protect their investment.

Few mourned the end of British rule in 1947, and the institutions of the colonial government were quickly taken over by the new Indian administration. If you wander around inside the fort walls today, you can view the gleaming white colonial buildings housing Tamil Nadu’s state government, the engaging Fort Museum and St Mary’s Church.

Hone your haggling skills at Pondy Bazaar

The rainbow-colored bazaars around the affluent neighborhood of T Nagar are thronged by shoppers bargaining for silk saris, slippers, glass bangles, gold wedding jewelry and other sartorial essentials. The whole district is crammed with stores and stalls, and the crush of people can be unbelievable at times, but the streets are a carnival of color.

Pondy Bazaar is the center of the action for clothes and accessories, while the area around Panagal Park is famous across India for its silks – one of the industries that put Chennai on the map. Come to people-watch and pick up a sari, kurta (long shirt) or salwar kameez (shirt and trouser combination).

Visit a guru at home at Vivekananda House

Built as an extravagant storage room for ice imported by sea from America, this marshmallow-pink pavilion was used as a meditation space by Swami Vivekananda, India’s famous ‘wandering monk’. It's still a popular spot for devotees of the guru today.

Born in 1863, Vivekananda played a pivotal role in raising awareness of Hinduism and yoga in the Western world, traveling by ship to appear at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago in 1893. For a minimal 20 rupee (US$0.27) fee, you can see the Swami’s chambers and exhibits on his life, including photos from his two tours of America.

Take a mindful moment at Sri Ramakrishna Math

Orange-robed monks wander the flower-scented precincts of this famous Mylapore spiritual center, dedicated to the teachings of the 19th-century guru, Sri Ramakrishna. Despite his austere lifestyle, the Bengali saint was hugely influential amongst India’s elite, and the Ramakrishna Math organization was founded by his disciple, Swami Vivekananda, to spread word of his teachings across India.

Visitors of all faiths are welcome to explore the campus and pray and meditate at the salmon-pink Universal Temple, which incorporates design elements from all of India’s major religions.

Follow in the footsteps of an apostle at San Thome Cathedral

According to Chennai legend, the Apostle Thomas – of Bible fame – ended his days on St Thomas Mount in Mylapore in CE 72, after being fatally speared by villagers who objected to his attempts to convert the local population.

Marking the site of Thomas’s tomb, and enshrining a relic from the saint, the ice-white cathedral is a British creation, built over an earlier Portuguese basilica founded in 1523. Visit the cathedral museum to view the head of the lance that reportedly killed the unfortunate apostle.

Look out over Chennai from the top of St Thomas Mount

Rising inland from San Thome Cathedral, St Thomas Mount is more a hill than a mountain, but this green vantage point is said to be the spot where the Apostle Thomas was martyred in CE 72. From the hilltop, there are sweeping views over the city and Chennai airport, and you can see a fragment of the saint’s bone in the squat, Portuguese-style Church of Our Lady of Expectation, built in 1523. The walk up here will also lift you high above the city’s noise and smog.

Explore new spiritual avenues at the Theosophical Society

The calm, tree-covered grounds of the free-to-visit Theosophical Society are a green oasis away from the rumble of traffic and the screech of car horns. The society was founded to promote the principle of universal brotherhood and uncover the shared truth in all religions, and dotted around the campus are a church, mosque, Hindu temple, Buddhist shrine and Zoroastrian fire altar, plus the Adyar Library, with reams of scriptures and philosophical texts.

Be blown away by the peacock colours of Kapaleeshwarar Temple

The temple that gave Mylapore its name – literally, town of peacocks – soars above the city streets like a wave. The temple’s rainbow-colored gopurams (towers) are adorned with vividly painted carvings of thousands of Hindu deities, and a shrine within the complex marks the spot where Shiva turned his wife, Parvati, into a peacock as a test of her devotion. It's free to visit, but you'll be encouraged to make a donation.

The 40m-high eastern gopuram is still one of the tallest buildings on the Mylapore skyline and behind the temple is a vast ceremonial tank ringed by ghats. It's worth coming at any time of year, but if you visit in March or April, you may catch the flamboyant Brahmotsavam Festival, when the temple deities are paraded through the streets by rapt devotees.

Pay your respects at the Parthasarathy Temple

Triplicane’s towering Parthasarathy Temple was founded in the 8th century, and some of its ornately carved masonry inside dates back to the original temple raised by the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram. Inside, shrines celebrate five different incarnations of Vishnu, including his manifestation as the charioteer Parthasarathy, recorded in the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata.

Temple priests offer blessings in the mandapa (pillared hall) and devotees feast on the temple’s famous prasadam (ritual food), which includes a host of sweet rice treats. The towering gopurams were added in the 16th century by the rulers of the Vijayanagar empire, centred on Hampi in Karnataka.

Admire the hybrid architecture of Madras High Court

The cherry-red spires of Tamil Nadu’s high court were raised by the British architect, Henry Irwin, who was also responsible for Mysuru Palace and the Viceregal Lodge in Shimla, which may explain the kleptomaniac architectural style.

You can only admire this extravagant monument from the outside, but the court is a glorious confection of Islamic onion domes, minaret-like towers, arched windows and doorways, Hindu balconies and Gothic flourishes. Completed in 1892, it’s one of the biggest judicial buildings in the world.

Honour a vegetarian poet at Valluvar Kottam

The curious Valluvar Kottam was built to honour the ancient Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar and his masterpiece, Thirukural, a 2000-year-old treatise on morality, ethics, non-violence and vegetarianism that has become a favorite reference text for advocates of a meat-free life.

Sitting calmly in a public park, the monument is dominated by 31m-high statue of a temple chariot pulled by stone elephants, and the full text of the poem is inscribed on granite tablets in the surrounding pavilion. Entry is just three rupees (US$0.04).

Discover vanished Chennai at the Armenian Church

Under colonial rule, only Europeans were allowed to live in the area around Fort St George, while other residents were relegated to the dubiously named ‘Black Town’ (later rebranded as George Town) including the city’s small Armenian trading community, who first came to India on foot across the Hindu Kush.

Stroll along Armenian St and you’ll find the last relic from this vanished community, the distinctive Armenian church, with its six church bells, plaster cherubs, Doric columns and whitewashed, pepperpot steeple. The church holds just one service a year, but the caretakers open up to visitors most mornings.

Escape to the air-conditioning of a Chennai mall

Chennai’s tropical temperatures can wither even the most dedicated sightseer, so beat the heat in one of the city’s air-conditioned malls. Express Avenue in Royapettah offers the full international shopping experience, complete with global luxe brands, courtyard music and dance performances and fashion shows.

You’ll get a similar mall package at the ritzy Phoenix Market City – a great place to window shop for the latest fashions from big-name Indian designers such as Ritu Kumar and Manish Malhotra.

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Prague has long held a reputation as a prime budget city getaway – and although the days of gasp-inducing low prices are gone, the Czech capital won’t punish your wallet the way many other European destinations can.

Its good value is partly down to the affordability of some key ingredients to a good holiday – namely public transport, food and beer. It also doesn’t hurt that the city’s medieval center is akin to a free-wheeling open-air gallery, where Gothic grandeur, surprising street art and ancient bloom-filled gardens can all be admired for free.

Still, it’s useful to have a few money-saving tips to hand if you want to stick to a budget. Here are some ways to cut your costs when visiting Prague.

Flying is often the cheapest way to reach Prague

Most major European airports, and some smaller regional ones, have regular low-cost flights to Prague. Book well ahead for the best deals, and be aware some routes don’t operate in winter. Should you be connecting through a European capital, do some research before booking an onward low-frills flight from an airport on the other side of the city, as the transfer costs could negate any savings on airfare.

Flying generally works out to be cheaper than rail. That said, if you want to gorge on panoramic views and take in a couple of different cities en route, it’s worth investigating train tickets; a single seat from Brussels to Prague can be had for as little as €35 ($40).

Travel from the airport to central Prague for less than $2

Prague’s public transport system is safe, reliable and an excellent value. Using the network to travel from the airport to central Prague takes around 50 minutes, and although there’s a bus-metro transfer required, the trip costs only 40Kč ($1.80). You can buy tickets at the visitor-information office or from machines at the terminals. (Be sure to check your bank’s charges before using your debit or credit card abroad.)

Visit during winter for half-price accommodation

Other than festive December, winter in Prague is a cold, quiet season. This tranquility not only means fewer people drifting into your photos but also substantial savings on accommodations, with some hotel rates dropping to half of their August peaks. Of course, these winter deals come with a trade-off: the shorter days and freezing temperatures make it harder to savor the city’s free yet primarily outdoor diversions. A possible solution is to invest in a hardy winter wardrobe and budget for the odd stop at a warming beer cellar or cafe.

Stay outside the center

Whatever the season, you’ll find tempting accommodation prices by booking at least a few months ahead and by looking beyond Prague’s cobblestone center. The districts of Karlín and Holešovice are well served by trams and the metro, and their colorful mansion blocks house a choice of unfussy holiday apartments and sociable hostels. Staying in either neighborhood means being close to some vibrant nightlife without the risk of stumbling into a tourist trap.

Backing on to Nové Město (New Town), leafy Vinohrady might be one of the most desirable (and expensive) addresses for locals and expats, though it also has its fair share of spick-and-span, budget-friendly holiday stays. Hostel One Míru offers its guests free city tours and serves up complimentary family-style dinners.

Figure out which transport ticket works for you

Public-transport tickets last 30 or 90 minutes, with one- and three-day passes available as well. Once validated, all allow you to switch between metros, trams, buses and ferries within the allotted timeframe. One- and three-day passes also include the Petřín funicular railway, which otherwise costs 60Kč ($2.70)

It’s worth checking the different prices and making some rough itinerary-based calculations to maximize value for money; whichever ticket you choose, you’re guaranteed a good deal. Bear in mind that the knotted lanes of Staré Město (Old Town) and Malá Strana (Little Quarter) are compact and are fun to explore on foot.

Take a walk

Pack a pair of your most practical shoes and get to know Prague at the ground level – for free. If you need a little help getting your bearings, it’s possible to book walking tours that run on a tips-only basis. Prague Extravaganza will lead you past the elegant art nouveau facades and fairy-tale Gothic towers of Prague’s Old Town and Jewish Quarter. Their knowledgeable guides also host regular strolls over Charles Bridge and up to the free-to-enter complex of courtyards and gardens within Prague Castle.

Hunt down lunch specials

The trend for weekday lunch specials sprung up in response to many of Prague’s office workers receiving food vouchers an employee benefit. Thankfully, you don’t need to be wearing business attire to take advantage of the discounted meals. Instead, keep an eye out for the short denní menu (daily menu) offered by many restaurants between 11:30–14:00, on which a soup is about 50Kč ($2.30) and a small main is 110–140Kč ($5–6.50).

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Eat Vietnamese

Prague’s sizable Vietnamese community means you’re never too far from an authentic and good-value bowl of pho. Head to Phở Bar on Národní or squeeze into the standing-room-only Pho Vietnam Tuan & Lan in Vinohrady to try some of the city’s best noodle-laced soups. In addition to comforting broths, Bao Bao serves affordable bao buns and generous mains. Deli Viet, off Wenceslas Square, has fast service and filling portions.

Drink local beer

The Czechs produce some of the world’s best beer, served up at equally world-beating prices. Pilsner Urquell, Budvar, Gambrinus and Kozel are popular brews, and a hefty 500ml tanker of these local lagers well set you back around 50Kč ($2.30) in a city center pub. For even more reasonable prices, head to the outlying districts: student-filled Žižkov has a well-earned reputation for delivering a cheap and raucous night out.

Bring a picnic blanket

Despite many Czech restaurants’ generally excellent value, you can still save a few korunas by packing a picnic. Keep an eye out for branches of Albert, Billa or Tesco supermarkets for reasonably priced provisions. Alternatively, treat your senses with a trip to a farmers market. On Saturday mornings, there’s seasonal fruit, hunks of fresh bread, jams, honey, and all manner of pastries at Naplavka; it’s also worth browsing Jiřího z Poděbrad Farmers Market on Wednesdays to Saturdays. Take your spoils to the grassy slope at Riegrovy sady and dine while surveying the spire-filled skyline.

If cobbling together your own feast sounds like a hassle, pick up a chlebíček. These traditional open-faced sandwiches are the ultimate inexpensive Czech fast food. The versions sold by Sisters Bistro and Ovocný Světozor are worth the lunchtime queues. Alternatively, the popular butcher’s shop Naše Maso sells meatloaf sandwiches and cooked sausages with homemade mustard for less than 100Kč ($4.50).

Pick your attractions wisely

Prague City Pass and Prague CoolPass both promise free and discounted admission to some key museums as well as sightseeing tours. While you can argue about which offers the best value, neither provides great returns unless you work hard to cram most of the included attractions into your itinerary.

Free museums in Prague are rare (with the notable exceptions of the National Memorial to the Heroes of the Heydrich Terror and most visiting exhibitions at Galerie Rudolfinum). Many offer excellent value, though, especially the large-scale national institutions. So, where a ticket to a small, private museum can cost around 300Kč ($14), entry to the vast collections at the National Museum is 200Kč ($9), and children under 15 are free. If you’re under 26, you can enter any of the dazzling permanent exhibitions at the National Gallery of Prague without charge (just have your ID to show).

Daily Costs

Hostel dorm room: 450–900Kč ($18–40)
Basic room for two: 1100–2200Kč ($50–100)
Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): from 1,400Kč ($60)
Public transport ticket: 30Kč for 30 minutes ($1.4), 330Kč for a 3-day pass ($15)
Coffee: 60Kč ($2.70)
Traditional open-faced sandwich ( chlebíček): 40Kč ($1.80)
Dinner for two at a traditional Czech restaurant: 400–1200Kč ($18–$55)
500ml glass of Pilsner Urquell beer at a pub: 40–60Kč ($1.80–2.70)

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The grey gloom of the winter may have you plotting a sunny escape to get some Vitamin D in the Balearics or the Canaries in Spain

But as countries worldwide continue to grapple with the surge of Omicron-fueled cases, your trip to Mallorca, Ibiza or Tenerife may be a bit different than years past.

Both the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands have seen a spike in COVID-19 cases lately and, depending on your destination, you could see reduced hours and capacity at businesses in the area.

Here are some of the things to consider if you’re headed to one of these popular winter-sun destinations.

Travel requirements to enter Spain

To enter Spain, you’ll need to fill out the digital Health Control Form. You’ll also need to present a certificate proving full vaccination if traveling from a non-European Union country. Unvaccinated travelers from outside the European Union and Schengen Zone are not allowed to travel to Spain for non-essential reasons. This includes Americans and British tourists.

In addition, if you’re arriving from a country of high risk, you have to have a COVID-19 test before arriving. Antigen tests must be done 48 hours prior to arrival and PCR tests no more than 72 hours prior to arrival.

Starting February 1, Spain also requires your last dose of your primary regime of the vaccine be within the past 270 days. If it is outside that window, you’ll need to present proof of a booster shot taken no less than 14-days prior.

Read more: Which of the Canary Islands is best for you?

COVID-19 restrictions to consider

Spain assigns levels of risk to areas of the country based on the spread of COVID-19 with Level-1 indicating low level spread to Level-4 indicating a high level. With each level come different mitigation measures including those addressing capacity and hours of operation.

No matter where you go, expect to need to wear a mask indoors unless you are actively eating or drinking. You may need to show proof of vaccination to enter some establishments.

As far as individual locations, in the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria, La Palma and Tenerife are currently in Level 4 status. This means that restaurants and bars close at midnight and groups are limited to six people per table. Public transportation is limited to 75% of capacity. COVID passports (vaccination, recovery cert or antigen/PCR test taken within 48 hours prior) are required for access to bars, restaurants and nightlife venues in Level 4 islands.

Beaches are limited to 50% capacity and swimming pools 33% capacity. You may need a reservation.

Meanwhile, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, El Hierro, and La Graciosa are at Level 3 status. Restaurants and bars close at 1 a.m. Beaches are limited to 50% capacity and pools at 33% capacity.

The Balearic Islands, which include Ibiza, Menorca, Mallorca and Formentera, are all currently under Level 3 status.

The restrictions on opening hours and capacity limits in restaurants and bars vary according to the situation in each region but most are operating at normal business hours. Groups are limited to two people per table.

La Palma recovering from the volcano

Along with the COVID-19 pandemic, the island of La Palma is recovering from a natural disaster. The volcanic eruption that started September 19 ended on December 25. The tourism website estimates 10% of the island was impacted by the volcano and is currently trying to reconstruct.

While the island is open and welcoming visitors, it asks that you respect safety instructions as it rebuilds from the damage done by the volcano.

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Balmy evenings in sea-salted air and colorful cocktails at sunset are cornerstones of a romantic getaway or honeymoon, but who’s to say a holiday must be all about relaxing?

When lounging loses its luster and your paperback starts to wilt, try hiking, diving or climbing to create your own romantic adventures in these classic couples’ destinations.

Cocktails and kayaks in the Maldives

When your personal butler ships in a mango after you casually remark that you crave one, you can be certain you’re living in luxury. The high-end resorts of Maldives are not merely indulgent, they’re downright Epicurean. With private lap pools, in-room massages and even pillow menus, they cater for desires you never knew you had.

It’s little wonder then that this archipelago in the Indian Ocean is so popular with couples. A week of laze and languor is perfectly acceptable, but there’s plenty here for those seeking more. Explore the atolls by kayak on a mini-adventure. Setting out alone in a small watercraft has a romance of its own and offers the perfect antidote to a sun-baked stupor. Pack snorkels and fins to explore the islands’ world-class coral.

How to do it

Most Maldives hotels offer kayaking and water sports. Baros is particularly excellent for couples.

How to choose the best Maldives island for your travel style

Drive from sand to snow in tropical Hawaiʻi

Hawaiʻi's Mauna Kea has its lower reaches beneath sea level, so while it’s not higher than Everest, it is taller. At 4207m (13,802ft) above sea level, this long-dormant volcano on Big Island is often capped with snow – yes, snow in Hawaiʻi. Visitors will also find a number of observatories dotting the slopes of this sacred mountain. The summit of Mauna Kea is so high, dry, dark and clean that it allows scientists to investigate the furthest reaches of the observable universe – a sure inspiration to venture from the beach.

How to do it

Drive to the visitor center to check conditions at the summit and pause for a while to adjust to the altitude. If you wish to drive further, a 4WD is recommended. Alternatively, book a tour with one of the officially permitted companies.

How to choose the best Hawaiian island for your trip

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One step beyond on a South African safari

A safari in South Africa is a great choice for those in search of adventure. The thrilling promise of the big five – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo – draws more than a million annual visitors to Kruger National Park. With vast swathes of open savannah, a rich array of luxury accommodation and a supporting cast of giraffe, hippo, zebra and cheetah, Kruger is popular with honeymooning couples.

Those seeking an extra dash of adventure can opt for a rhino walking safari in Kruger. Combining game drives and bush walks, this allows guests to experience the natural rhythm of the national park, guided by an experienced ranger.

How to do it

Learn more about South Africa’s walking safaris and book a Rhino Walking Safari.

South Africa safaris for first-timers: 8 things to know before you book

From skyscrapers to stargazing in the deserts of Dubai

It’s clear that Dubai is a place to see and be seen. Its promise of sun, sea and shopping is rarely unfulfilled, but there is more to this gleaming metropolis. Couples searching for romantic adventures can choose to camp in the desert after a day of dune bashing.

Bedouin camps with Arabian tents offer comfortable overnight lodgings while entertainment comes in a range of guises: a feast of Emirati cuisine, lively local music, cookery demonstrations and even a spot of falconry. Above it all lies a glorious expanse of stars gleaming in their desert splendor.

How to do it

Choose from a selection of tours in Dubai.

Top 10 things to know before visiting Dubai

Mauritian beach to mountain peaks

A beach paradise, Mauritius is popular with couples seeking luxury along with romantic adventures. Formed by volcanic activity eight million years ago, Mauritius is encircled by a broken ring of mountains. Ranging from 300 to 800m (1000-2600ft) above sea level, they’re not quite Alpine, but the views are nonetheless dramatic.

Hike Le Pouce for superb views of the Moka Range. At 812m (2664ft), Le Pouce is the third-highest mountain on the island and can be hiked in a three-hour round trip: gentle at first with some scrambling at the top. Le Morne on the southwest tip of the island is also worth a hike.

How to do it

Drive to Petit Verger near the village of Saint Pierre in the Moka region. Follow the small paved road that leads off the corner of the B47 road to the small car park by the trailhead. From there, follow the Le Pouce hiking route.

Escape into nature and isolate yourself in a luxurious pod

Venetian feast to mountain retreat

Few cities compete with Venice in terms of romance and splendor. Its motifs are unmistakable – the elegant curve of a gondola, the stone reliefs of Rialto Bridge, ornate basilicas  – while canalside bistros serve cicheti (Venetian tapas) and prosecco.

Pair Venice with a trip to the Dolomites a few hours north. This region is home to some of the world’s most dramatic mountains: rugged crags, soaring pillars, breathtaking pinnacles and colossal rock walls. Visit from December to March for world-class skiing and May to September for sublime hiking.

How to do it

Join a trekking in the Dolomites tour or book a Dolomites hotel and go it alone.

Lagoon life and shark dives in Fiji

From the overwater bures (bungalows) of Malolo Island to the lush greenery of Taveuni, Fiji may well be the most beautiful place you have ever seen. Its landscapes are literally out of a movie scene: Brooke Shields’ infamous Blue Lagoon was filmed in part on Turtle Island while Tom Hanks’ Castaway was shot on Monuriki. Throw in rich, flavorsome food from its Indo-Fijian community and you have all the ingredients for an amazing trip.

Those in search of romantic adventures should pause at Pacific Harbour on Viti Levu. Here audacious divers can observe reef sharks, lemon sharks, bull sharks and even the occasional tiger shark.

How to do it

Book a dive with a reputable outfitter such as Aqua-Trek Beqa.

Don’t leave Fiji without visiting these national parks and marine sanctuaries

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Thailand has a deserved reputation as one of the easiest places to travel in Asia. There’s an amazing amount to see, hassles are limited, English-language signs and menus are commonplace and you can get around easily, at almost any time of day or night.

However, there are a few things every traveler should know. Here are our top tips for making the most of your trip.

Get your jabs before you go

You’ve probably already been jabbed for COVID-19, but most doctors also recommend vaccination against tetanus and hepatitis A. Also consider a rabies shot – dogs, cats and monkeys can all carry the viral disease. Malaria is present along the borders with Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Malaysia. If you visit these regions, use anti-malarial prophylaxis such as atovaquone/proguanil or doxycycline.

Check the weather or get soggy

The June to October rainy season brings heavy showers and regular storms to northern, central and southwestern Thailand, creating dangerous conditions for travel by sea. The southeast coast and the Gulf of Thailand get soaked slightly later, from October to December.

Rainy-season travel means lower prices and smaller crowds, but some accommodations close and many island ferries stop running, including services to the Tarutao archipelago.

Sensible travelers to Thailand book ahead

If you have your heart set on a particular boat journey, train trip, trek, tour or boutique stay, book ahead for the busy tourist season from November to March, or during any religious holiday. During the rainy season, call or email ahead to check places are open.

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Etiquette in Thailand

The Thais are famously welcoming to outsiders, but there are some social rules to know.

Meeting Thai people for socializing or business

When meeting locals in Thailand, the standard greeting is the wai – a respectful dip of the head with the hands held palms together in front of the chest. Don’t shake hands unless the other person initiates the handshake. If you get invited into a Thai home, remove your shoes before you enter and avoid pointing the soles of your feet towards another person.

Understanding Buddhist manners in Thailand

Some 95% of Thais are Buddhist, and the national religion weaves through every aspect of life. To show proper respect, remove footwear before entering any Buddhist structure, and wear clothing that covers the shoulders and upper arms and upper legs.

Never point the soles of your feet towards any Buddhist image (or monk), and don’t touch Buddha statues on the head. Give way to monks when walking on footpaths, and don’t sit next to them on public transport. It is also taboo for a woman to touch a monk or their belongings.

Thai modesty

Thai women and men usually avoid revealing outfits that show off a lot of skin. Swimsuits are fine for the beach, but away from the sand, throw on a sarong or fishermen's pants, plus something that covers the shoulders if you visit religious sites. Topless or nude sunbathing is frowned upon and can attract unwanted attention.

Respect the king of Thailand or else!

The Thais take respect for the monarchy extremely seriously, and lèse-majesté (maligning the royal family) is a criminal offense. Never show disrespect towards the monarch or depictions of the royal family (including on money).

Know what to expect at the dining table

When dining out in Thailand, everything tends to arrive on the table at the same time, usually placed in the middle of the table for everyone to share. Thailand abandoned chopsticks in the 19th century. You’ll get a spoon and fork but no knife, but most dishes come as bite-sized morsels, so you won’t need one. Sticky rice is usually bundled up into balls and eaten with the fingers.

Vegetarian is a relative term in Thailand

Fish sauce, oyster sauce and egg are widely used as cooking ingredients in Thailand. The safest bet for fish and meat avoiders is to seek out Indian-owned vegetarian restaurants, or restaurants serving kin jay Buddhist cuisine. If in doubt, ask the person making the food if it is jay – the term ​​ mang sa wirat just means food that doesn’t contain pieces of meat or fish.

Health and safety in Thailand

Avoid stomach bugs and bring mosquito repellent

The most common trouble travelers face in Thailand is trip-spoiling stomach bugs. Never drink tap water, wash your hands before eating, stick to busy eating establishments and be cautious of ice, unwashed or unpeeled fruit and uncooked vegetables. If you become unwell, seek out private hospitals in larger cities rather than public hospitals.

Mosquito bites can easily become infected in Thailand’s tropical climate. Bring mosquito repellent, and use mosquito nets (or bring your own). Rabies is another risk – always seek medical attention if you are bitten by a dog, cat or monkey.

Be aware of prices

In general, Thailand is hassle-free, but tourists are often charged inflated prices for tuk-tuks and unmetered taxi rides – ask a local how much journeys should cost and use that as a yardstick for a fair fare.

Major tourist sites are popular stalking grounds for dodgy cab drivers and touts who will try to steer you towards dubious souvenir shops, fake ‘tourist offices’ and second-rate places to stay, where you’ll inevitably pay more to cover their commission. Book transport directly with the operators to avoid dodgy deals from unscrupulous travel agents.

Smart travelers steer clear of drugs in Thailand

Smuggling drugs across Thailand’s borders carries the death penalty, and even the possession of small quantities of marijuana can bring a hefty prison sentence – it’s really not worth the risk. Also note that smoking in public can attract heavy fines. If you take any prescription medicines, check that these are allowed into Thailand before you travel.

What you should know about Thailand’s sex industry

Thailand’s sex industry may find you whether you want it to or not. Single male travelers (and even couples) can expect to be approached by sex workers or touts drumming up business, so be ready with a firm refusal.

Be aware that some bars, restaurants and karaoke venues are fronts for sex work – warning signs include red or pink strip lights, large numbers of skimpily dressed female staff and lots of foreign male customers.

Staying on the right side of Thai politics

Thailand can have a lot of protests. When tensions flare up between the government and opposition groups, it can lead to blockades, flight cancellations and sometimes violence. Monitor local news sites such as the Nation for information on simmering political troubles, and avoid protests and other potential flash points.

Understanding Thailand’s south

The far south of Thailand, along the Malaysian border, has been wracked by a separatist insurgency since the 1940s. Most foreign governments advise against travel to the districts of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and parts of Songkhla.

Staying safe on two wheels

Thousands of travelers rent a scooter or motorcycle in Thailand, but make sure your home driving license covers you for any vehicle you hire, and carry your passport (or a copy of the ID pages) in case the police ask for it.

Wear a helmet, ride cautiously and make sure the rental comes with liability insurance – every year, hundreds of tourists are injured in motorcycle and scooter accidents in Thailand. Always give way to larger vehicles, and watch out for livestock, potholes and other hazards on the road.

Know what to do in the event of a natural disaster

Thailand is vulnerable to earthquakes and tsunamis, as well as flooding, landslides and cyclones during the rainy season. Heed official advice in the event of a natural disaster, and contact your embassy for up-to-the-minute information on evacuation procedures.

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