Why India is the ideal honeymoon destination

Love and marriage may be the ultimate gift, but just beyond those cherished vows and celebratory toasts comes the unforgettable honeymoon. Unlike the nuptials themselves, the honeymoon is intimate; a private dessert for two. It’s chapter one of a love story. Better still, it’s the newlyweds’ first chance to voyage together in wedded harmony. For LGBTQ+ couples, planning a romantic honeymoon comes with familiar choices—beach or city, resort or B&B, adventure or light recreation—plus considerations about feeling welcome as well as safe.

Enter the Liberty Richter “Kitchens of India” sweepstakes by June 15, 2016, for a chance to win the grand prize: a six-day trip for two to New Delhi, India, including air, transfers, and hotel.

Editor’s Note: For the latest version of this story, see The World’s Most and Least Expensive Cities, Ranked.

Though I pride myself on being an independent traveler—I was in the United States Peace Corps in Paraguay for two years, have been to six continents, and spent multiple years reviewing hotels across the U.S. and around the world, by myself— India is one country that I’ve never considered visiting as a solo traveler.

Ah, college spring break. The noblest rite of passage for our nation’s future leaders. With March around the corner, college students across the country are preparing for a week of fun and relaxation (much of which their parents will hopefully never hear about). From traditional party destinations to destinations you may not think of as typical spring break locals, here are the best spring break destinations.

As travelers across the US and beyond realize the importance of sustainability, more people are choosing to vacation closer to home.

When it comes to accommodations, Bali offers a wealth of options that cater to every traveler’s desires. From luxurious beachfront resorts to cozy boutique villas nestled amidst rice paddies, Bali’s lodging choices are as diverse as its landscapes. Immerse yourself in opulence and indulge in world-class amenities, or embrace the island’s bohemian charm by staying in guesthouses surrounded by lush gardens. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, Bali’s best accommodations provide the perfect sanctuary to unwind and create unforgettable memories in this tropical paradise.

The rugged landscapes of the Outer Hebrides, off Scotland’s west coast, may be sparsely populated, but there’s a deep human history here, from ancient stone circles to traditional Gaelic culture. These interconnected islands have shaped a distinct way of life, not just in the Harris Tweed and whisky distilleries that travellers encounter, but also in the daily routines of remote fishing communities. Spanning over 150 miles, this island chain is stitched together by causeway, bridge, road and boat, meaning visitors can pick their own method — car, bike, bus or ferry — to make the most of this extraordinary destination.

Last year, my mom suggested we take a river cruise called the Viking Skaga. Its eight-day "Paris & the Heart of Normandy" itinerary along the Seine starts and ends in Paris and includes small towns in Normandy — such as La Roche-Guyon, Vernon, and Rouen.

From the historic chateaux of the Loire valley to the sunshine glamour of the French Riviera, and the quaint villages of Brittany, a holiday to France never fails to delight, offering something there for everyone.

Despite India’s vastness, foreign travellers tend to clump together in a relatively small number of well-known regions or cities, leaving plenty of destinations to the more intrepid few who are willing to take the challenge of escaping the tourist trail. Here’s a selection of our favourites:

A year out was once the preserve of 18-year-olds seeking direction in life but today things have changed. Forget spending 12 months in a haze of alcohol, harem trousers and sunburn. Travel in your late 20s and early 30s is now an acceptable, and often far more rewarding, time to explore the world.