Asia Travel Guide

Colourful and captivating, confusing and chaotic, India is, quite literally, an assault on the senses and, understandably, a destination that’s on many a ‘places to see before I die’ list. Thanks to a doubling in the number of flights from the UK, it’s now easier – and cheaper – to get there than ever before. But with so much to choose from in this diverse sub-continent – ancient temples and regal palaces of the British Raj, sweeping deserts, secluded waterways and tropical palm-fringed beaches among the options - where do you start?

The ideal way in – especially for first timers – is to take a tour organized by genuine India experts, and Somak Holidays has responded to this need with an expansion of its programme. There are five classic India tours to choose from – taking in an exotic mix of sights and sounds in the country’s north and south. New options are the 11-night Grandeur of Rajasthan and 8-night South India tours.

India’s 5,000 year old civilization can’t be beaten in the Golden Triangle, combining the Raj capital – New Delhi, with its grand colonial heritage, Agra for man’s greatest monument to love, the Taj Mahal, and the pink city of Jaipur. Along the way there are forts and the deserted fairy tale city of Fatehpur Sikri, with its delicately-carved pavilions, to marvel over. Extend this into a full-blown tour of Rajasthan and there are vast desert and dunes to explore, together with visits to two of India’s most romantic cities - Udaipur and Jodhpur.

Southern Kerala is a complete contrast to the grandeur of the north: lush and laid-back, India in slow motion. Palm-fringed beaches characterise this unsung tropical paradise as do the network of canals and lagoons known as ‘backwaters’ that run from Kollam to Kochi, best explored by houseboat.

The south is also famous for its wildlife sanctuaries – like the one at Periyar, where you can see elephants and monkeys. Or you can go in search of tigers in the Ranthambore National Park, a past hunting ground of the Maharajahs, now a wildlife park-cum-heritage site – with lake palaces, old fortifications and 1,000-year old fort.

Are you and your partner interested in taking a romantic getaway? Whether you are already married or if you have yet to make it official, did you know that Maui vacations come highly rated and recommended, especially if you are looking for a romantic vacation destination? For that reason, you may want to examine what you and your partner can do, while on a romantic Maui getaway.

Even if you are relatively unfamiliar with Maui, you likely already know about its beautiful beaches. In fact, it is often said that the beaches are one of the reasons why so many vacationers make the decision to head to Maui. In addition to basking on the shoreline, you can enjoy a number of other exciting, yet romantic excursions along the beach or even in the water. You and your partner may enjoy boarding a guided boat tour, as well as snorkeling or scuba diving along the coast. Whether you are in the water, above it, or along the shoreline, you will find that the ocean waves create a romantic environment, one that you will likely remember till the end of time.

Although it is more than possible to spend your whole vacation, whether it be four days or four weeks, along the shoreline, you may wish for something more. If that is the case, you and your partner may enjoy Maui from the sky. Each day, depending on the weather, numerous Maui helicopter tours take off. For a relatively affordable price, you and your partner may be able to see and enjoy Maui from a whole new perspective. What you will see is often hard to explain; it is so beautiful that words cannot explain. However, one thing is for sure, Maui helicopter tours are the best way to make the most out of your next romantic Maui vacation. As with the above mentioned shoreline and ocean activities, it is an experience that you will likely never forget.

While it is important to examine the activities and attractions that you can see, while on a romantic Maui vacation, it is also important to examine where you can stay. In fact, where you choose to stay may present a whole other set of fun, but romantic activities for you and your partner to participate in. When on a romantic Maui vacation, many vacationers choose to stay at luxury hotels or resorts. What is nice about most Maui luxury resorts is that they have everything that you need, right onsite. Most Maui luxury resorts come equipped with swimming pools, fitness centers, saunas, hot tubs, beauty salons, restaurants, as well as golf courses. In fact, if you choose to stay at a Maui luxury resort, there is a good chance that you may never want to leave the premises.

In addition to staying at a luxury resort, you may also enjoy spending your romantic Maui vacation at a Maui luxury villa. Maui luxury villas have been known to create the ultimate romantic environment. Although you might not have access to as many onsite services and facilities, as you would if you were staying at a luxury resort, you will find that many Maui luxury villas are still absolutely amazing. In fact, depending on which villa you choose to rent, you may have access to a swimming pool, sauna, or a hot tub. If you would prefer to have a swimming pool, be sure to search for Maui luxury villas that have one. You can easily tailor your search to ensure that you get what you want.

Once you have officially decided that a Maui vacation is right for you and your partner, you are advised to get started. The sooner you book your reservations, the sooner the romance will come to you.

Try a hawaii beach condo for your next vacation. Or relax in one of our condo home maui the next time you are in the Hawaiian islands.