Dream Destinations

In the era of a pandemic, we take you through selected few destinations that you may want to try this season

The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted our lives in more ways than one can imagine. Travelling has become a risky affair and everything around us is coming to a grinding halt. With people around the world locked up in their homes, the obsessive travellers are finding it hard to come to terms with the new reality. While some countries are struggling to contain the COVID-19 numbers, the good news is many have been able to control the virus and restore some degree of normalcy, and are allowing tourists to visit with a few conditions.

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The pandemic has changed the way we travel. Being locked up in their homes for many months, the travellers are feeling the urge to travel now more than ever. It’s hard to control one’s impulse to explore and long to be as free as a bird. Don’t be spooked, the world’s not coming to an end. We take you through some popular destinations you might want to explore this season, which are both safe and guaranteed to offer you an unforgettable experience. You may also get to enjoy crowd-free environment with most people still reluctant to step out of their homes, something you have wanted for long.

Seychelles

An archipelago of around 115 islands, Seychelles is an isolated nation, situated at least a thousand kilometres off the coast of East Africa in the vastness of the Indian Ocean. The place boasts of stunning beaches, washed up with pristine waters of the ocean, and a thriving underwater life. Among the most gorgeous beaches, Anse Source D'Argent, situated on the island of La Digue, is the most popular with its sparkling pink sand. Seychelles offers has a welcoming society and consists of intermix of cultures, specially the English, French and Creole. The place has the perfect ambience and houses exquisite hotels and resorts. What’s more? Seychelles has had negligible cases of COVID-19 infection, and has started allowing tourists into the country. So, you have all the more reasons to hop on a flight and head to this dream destination.

Talking about budget, Seychelles is certainly expensive considering the long-haul flights a traveller has to take to there. But once there, a tourist has a range of options which include budget hotels and inexpensive food outlets which for sure won’t burn a hole in your pocket.

Santorini

This captivating Greek island is at the top of every travelling enthusiast’s bucket list. It’s not surprising that the volcanic island hosts close to a whopping 2 million tourists every year, looking at the dazzling panoramas, breathtaking sand beaches and romantic sunsets. The sea-drowned caldera hosts a cluster of whitewashed buildings facing the sea, presenting a dreamy bird’s eye view of the island. The dizzying cliffs overlook the azure waters of the ocean, offering stunning views of the neighbourhood. The black volcanic Perissa and Kamari beaches are very popular among visitors. Santorini offers incredible views from sky-high towns, and you can relish the mouth-watering cuisine, scenic galleries, and excellent wines amid a thriving nightlife. The resplendent capital city Fira has a lot to offer to the visitors, and so do the towns of Oia, Imerovigli and Kamari. This is the perfect time to explore this marvel of an island as Greece has relaxed restrictions for the tourists, and there are no pandemic fears.

Santorini can be expensive for an average traveller out of all the Greek islands, but like everywhere else your budget depends on what kind of accommodation and food you choose to have. If you are low on budget, you may have to choose the hotels and places accordingly.

Maldives

If you are looking at a relatively cheaper option, then consider the idea of a tropical paradise, ensconced deep into the Indian Ocean. This alluring island offers everything for a nature lover – white beaches, blue lagoons, thriving coral reefs, underwater activities and a lot more. And did we mention that Maldives offers the tastiest seafood, mainly tuna, along with Arabian, Indian and oriental cuisines? Or the colourful reefs that you can dive in, such as the Banana reef where you can explore the exotic undersea ecosystem of plant and animal life. The monsoon season peaks in the month of June and weakens as October approaches, but you can enjoy the pristine beaches and indulge in water sports. This destination scores on all counts and is safe as far as COVID-19 cases are concerned, as the country has already controlled the infections and the flights are operational as we speak.

Maldives can be one of the cheapest destinations for Indian travellers, with hotels costing as low as ₹2500 a night. The food is equally inexpensive. If you are short on budget, this is the place to be.

Lahaul and Spiti

This cold desert district in Himachal Pradesh is the perfect getaway to escape the cesspool of city humdrum. The scenic winding roads lead to this picturesque district cutting through snow-filled mountains. Spiti is synonymous with calm and tranquillity. Isolated from the world by mammoth Himalayan mountain ranges, this place enchants every tourist seeking solace in the lap of nature. The heavenly streams carrying snow-cold water are a treat to the eyes. The ubiquitous Buddhist monasteries can be found at many places indicating the culture of the land. The Key monastery, located on the edge of a hill, is a beautiful landmark in Kaza region. Head to this marvel of a place before the winter sets in and all the roads are closed.

Spiti Valley has a range of accommodations to offer for tourists. Zostels are an inexpensive way to spend your time in Kaza where you can get an average rate of ₹1000 a night. Our advice – look for a home stay, which will give you a sneak peek into the lives of the people and culture of Spiti Valley.

From the August 2020 issue of FHM India.