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Travel guides

Practical answers to the questions travellers ask us most.

20 guides

When to go

Best time to visit Kerala: a season-by-season guide

When to visit Kerala for hills, backwaters, beaches and Ayurveda, with what each season is really like and how to plan around the monsoon.

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When to go

Best time to visit Goa: peak season, monsoon and the in-between

When to go to Goa for beaches, parties, quiet stays or the green monsoon, and how prices and crowds change through the year.

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When to go

Best time to visit Kashmir: tulips, meadows, autumn gold or snow

Kashmir looks completely different in each season. Here is what spring, summer, autumn and winter offer and which months suit your trip.

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When to go

Best time to visit Ladakh, and why the season is so short

Ladakh's travel season is set by snow and high passes. Learn which months are open, how weather changes and when road trips are possible.

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When to go

Best time to visit Rajasthan: winter forts, desert nights and festivals

Rajasthan is best in the cool months, but festivals, the monsoon in Udaipur and summer deals change the picture. Here is how to choose.

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When to go

Best time to visit the Andaman Islands for beaches and diving

When to plan an Andaman trip for calm seas, clear water and reliable ferries, and what the monsoon means for your itinerary.

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When to go

Best time to visit Thailand: which coast, which month

Thailand's two coasts have different monsoons. Here is when to visit Bangkok, the north, Phuket and Krabi, and the Gulf islands like Koh Samui.

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When to go

Best time to visit Bali: dry season, wet season and festivals

Bali's dry season runs opposite to India's winter. Learn which months are best for beaches, rice terraces and diving, and when to avoid crowds.

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When to go

Best time to visit the Maldives: dry season, wet season and value

When to visit the Maldives for sunshine, calm seas, manta rays and the best resort prices, with an honest look at the wet season.

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When to go

Best time to visit Dubai: winter, summer and festival months

When to visit Dubai for comfortable weather, the Shopping Festival, Global Village and good summer deals, and what Ramadan means for visitors.

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When to go

Best time to visit Switzerland: summer lakes or winter snow?

Switzerland changes completely between summer and winter. Compare seasons for scenery, snow, mountain excursions and prices.

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When to go

Best time to visit Japan: cherry blossom, autumn leaves and beyond

When to see cherry blossom and autumn colours in Japan, how crowded those seasons get, and what summer and winter offer instead.

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When to go

Best time to visit Sri Lanka: two monsoons, always a dry coast

Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons that hit different coasts. Here is when to visit the south and west, the east coast, the hill country and the cultural triangle.

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When to go

Best time to visit Vietnam, from Hanoi to the Mekong

Vietnam is long and its north, centre and south have different weather. Learn which months work best for a full north-to-south trip.

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When to go

Best time to visit Europe from India: a season-by-season guide

Summer, shoulder season or winter in Europe? Compare weather, crowds, prices and daylight for a first Europe trip from India.

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When to go

Best time to visit Northeast India: Sikkim, Meghalaya, Assam and Arunachal

The Northeast has heavy monsoons and varied altitudes. Here is when to visit each state for views, wildlife, festivals and safe roads.

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When to go

Best time to visit Shimla and Manali: snow, summer and the monsoon

When to visit Shimla and Manali for snow, summer sightseeing or adventure sports, and which months to avoid because of the monsoon.

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When to go

Best time to visit Ooty and Kodaikanal from Chennai

When to plan a trip to Ooty, Coonoor and Kodaikanal for cool weather, flower shows, misty monsoons or quiet winter breaks.

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When to go

Best time to visit Singapore and Malaysia

Singapore and Malaysia are warm all year, but rain patterns, island seasons and festivals affect your plans. Here is how to choose your month.

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When to go

Best time for a safari in Kenya and Tanzania, and where the migration is

When to go on safari in East Africa, how the Great Migration moves through the year, and how to choose between the Masai Mara and the Serengeti.

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20 guides

How many days and what to see

How many days do you need in Kerala? 4, 6 and 9-day plans

Sample Kerala routes for four, six and nine days, with honest advice on drive times, where to sleep and what to leave out.

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How many days and what to see

Thailand itinerary for a first trip: 5, 7 and 10-day plans

How to plan a first Thailand trip from India in five, seven or ten days, with routes for families, couples and groups of friends.

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How many days and what to see

Singapore in 4 days: a family-friendly plan

A day-by-day plan for four days in Singapore covering Sentosa, Universal Studios, Gardens by the Bay, the Night Safari and Little India.

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How many days and what to see

Dubai in 4 days: icons, desert and old souks

A practical four-day Dubai itinerary with the Burj Khalifa, a desert safari, old Dubai, a dhow cruise and an optional day in Abu Dhabi.

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How many days and what to see

Bali itinerary for 5 to 7 days: where to stay and what to see

How to split five to seven days in Bali between Ubud and the south coast, with day trips, travel times and honeymoon and family variations.

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How many days and what to see

Golden Triangle in 5 days: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur

How to see Delhi, Agra and Jaipur in five days, with the best order, drive times, sunrise at the Taj Mahal and tips for avoiding crowds.

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How many days and what to see

Rajasthan in 10 days: the royal circuit

A ten-day route through Jaipur, Pushkar, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Udaipur, with drive times, a desert camp night and ways to shorten it.

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How many days and what to see

Kashmir in 6 days: Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg

A six-day Kashmir itinerary with a houseboat night, the Gulmarg gondola, Pahalgam's valleys and a day at Sonamarg, plus local tips.

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How many days and what to see

Ladakh in 7 days: a safe, acclimatised itinerary

A seven-day Ladakh plan that puts acclimatisation first, with Leh's monasteries, Nubra Valley over Khardung La and a night at Pangong Lake.

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How many days and what to see

Sri Lanka in 7 days: culture, tea country and the coast

A one-week Sri Lanka route covering Sigiriya, Kandy, the hill country and the south coast, with travel times and the scenic train.

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How many days and what to see

Vietnam in 10 days: Hanoi to Saigon

A ten-day north-to-south Vietnam itinerary with Hanoi, a Ha Long Bay cruise, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City, plus vegetarian and family tips.

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How many days and what to see

Japan itinerary for 7 to 10 days: the golden route

How to plan seven to ten days in Japan along the Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto and Osaka route, with rail tips and family variations.

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How many days and what to see

Switzerland in 5 to 7 days: Lucerne, Interlaken and Zermatt

A first Switzerland itinerary for five to seven days by train, with the best bases, mountain excursions and tips for bad-weather days.

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How many days and what to see

Your first Europe trip in 10 to 12 days: a realistic route

How to plan a first Europe trip from India in 10 to 12 days, with a realistic Paris, Switzerland and Italy route and common mistakes to avoid.

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How many days and what to see

Andaman Islands in 5 to 6 days: Port Blair, Havelock and Neil

A practical Andaman itinerary with ferry timings in mind, covering Port Blair's history, Havelock's beaches and diving, and Neil Island.

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How many days and what to see

Nepal in 6 days: Kathmandu, Pokhara and the mountains

A six-day Nepal itinerary from Kathmandu's temples to Pokhara's lakes and Himalayan sunrises, with an optional Chitwan safari.

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How many days and what to see

How many nights in the Maldives, and should you split resorts?

Is three nights enough in the Maldives? How to decide between one resort or two, beach villa or water villa, and how transfers affect your plan.

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How many days and what to see

Hampi in 2 days: how to see the ruins of Vijayanagara

A two-day Hampi plan covering the sacred centre, the royal enclosure, sunrise and sunset viewpoints and how to get around the vast site.

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How many days and what to see

Varanasi in 2 days: ghats, aarti and Sarnath

A two-day Varanasi itinerary with a dawn boat ride, the evening Ganga aarti, Kashi Vishwanath, the old city lanes and Sarnath.

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How many days and what to see

Char Dham and Do Dham yatra: how to plan the days

How long the Char Dham and Do Dham yatras take, the usual route from Haridwar, registration, helicopters and planning for elders.

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14 guides

Getting there and around

Chennai to Ooty by the Nilgiri toy train: how it works

How to combine the overnight train from Chennai with the UNESCO-listed Nilgiri Mountain Railway to Ooty, plus booking tips and alternatives.

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Getting there and around

How to reach the Andaman Islands from Chennai: flights, ships and ferries

Your options for getting from Chennai to the Andamans by air or sea, and how inter-island ferries to Havelock and Neil work.

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Getting there and around

Getting around Thailand: flights, ferries, trains and taxis

How to travel between Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Krabi and Chiang Mai, and how to get around each city safely and without overpaying.

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Getting there and around

Japan Rail Pass explained: is it worth it for your route?

What the Japan Rail Pass covers, how to decide if it saves money for your itinerary, and alternatives such as regional passes and IC cards.

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Getting there and around

Swiss Travel Pass explained: what it covers and when it pays off

How the Swiss Travel Pass works, what is free and what is only discounted, and how to compare it with individual tickets and the Half Fare Card.

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Getting there and around

Getting around Europe by train: tickets, passes and tips

How European rail travel works for Indian visitors: high-speed trains, rail passes versus advance tickets, seat reservations and luggage tips.

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Getting there and around

Kashmir's local taxi unions explained: Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg

Why you change to local taxis for sightseeing in Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg, what it costs to plan for, and how to avoid surprises.

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Getting there and around

Ladakh Inner Line Permits explained for Indian travellers

Which parts of Ladakh need a permit, how Indian travellers get one, what fees are involved and how to carry it on the road.

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Getting there and around

Permits for Northeast India: Arunachal, Nagaland, Sikkim and more

Which Northeast Indian states and areas need an Inner Line Permit or Protected Area Permit, how to apply and what to carry.

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Getting there and around

Visiting Lakshadweep: entry permits and how trips work

Every visitor to Lakshadweep needs an entry permit. Here is how the process works, how to reach the islands and what to expect from stays.

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Getting there and around

Kerala houseboat guide: how to choose and what to expect

Everything to know before booking a Kerala houseboat: categories, air-conditioning, timings, food on board, private versus shared boats and where to cruise.

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Getting there and around

Booking Indian train tickets for a holiday: classes, timing and tips

How Indian Railways reservations work for holidays: when bookings open, which class to choose, Tatkal, waitlists and when a flight makes more sense.

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Getting there and around

Schengen visa for Indian travellers: how the process works

An overview of the Schengen tourist visa for Indian passport holders: which country to apply to, documents, timelines and common mistakes.

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Getting there and around

Getting around Dubai: Metro, taxis, abras and day trips

How to travel around Dubai on the Metro, taxis, ride-hailing and water taxis, plus how to reach Abu Dhabi and the desert.

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20 guides

Planning and preparation

What to pack for Ladakh and Spiti: a practical checklist

A practical packing list for high-altitude trips to Ladakh and Spiti, covering layers, sun protection, medicines, documents and electronics.

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Planning and preparation

Packing for Europe in winter: staying warm without overpacking

What to pack for a winter trip to Europe, Switzerland or Lapland from India, including layers, footwear, plugs and what you can buy there.

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Planning and preparation

Travel insurance explained: what it covers and why it matters

What travel insurance covers, which countries require it, what to check in the policy and when adventure activities need extra cover.

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Planning and preparation

Money abroad: forex cards, credit cards and cash for Indian travellers

How to carry money on an international trip from India: forex cards, debit and credit cards, cash, currency conversion and avoiding hidden fees.

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Planning and preparation

Staying connected abroad: roaming packs, eSIMs and local SIMs

Compare international roaming, travel eSIMs and local SIM cards for staying connected on a holiday abroad, with tips for maps and WhatsApp.

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Planning and preparation

Your first international trip: a step-by-step checklist

A step-by-step checklist for a first trip abroad from India, from passport and visa to forex, insurance, packing and arriving at your destination.

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Planning and preparation

Indian passport basics: applying, renewing and travelling with children

An overview of how Indian passport applications and renewals work, documents to prepare, timelines and tips for children's passports.

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Planning and preparation

TCS on foreign tour packages explained in plain words

What Tax Collected at Source (TCS) means when you book an overseas tour package from India, how it appears in your quote and how to claim credit.

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Planning and preparation

Altitude sickness: what travellers to Ladakh and the Himalaya should know

What causes altitude sickness, how to recognise the symptoms, how itineraries reduce the risk and when to seek help on Himalayan trips.

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Planning and preparation

Travelling with infants and toddlers: a practical guide

How to plan holidays with babies and toddlers, from passports and flights to choosing destinations, hotels, food and daily pacing.

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Planning and preparation

Travelling with elderly parents: planning a comfortable trip

How to plan a holiday or pilgrimage with elderly parents: choosing destinations, pacing, hotel rooms, medical preparation and airport assistance.

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Planning and preparation

Travelling in India during the monsoon: where it works and where to avoid

Which Indian destinations are beautiful in the monsoon, which are best avoided, and how to plan safely around rain, landslides and closures.

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Planning and preparation

Vegetarian food abroad: a destination-by-destination guide

How easy it is to eat vegetarian, Jain or eggless food in popular destinations for Indian travellers, and how to plan meals on tour.

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Planning and preparation

Responsible travel: simple ways to travel better

Practical ways to reduce your impact and support local communities on holiday, from wildlife experiences and plastic to dress and photography.

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Planning and preparation

How to read a travel quote and compare packages fairly

What to check in a holiday quote: inclusions, hotel names and room types, transfers, meals, taxes and the small print, so you compare like with like.

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Planning and preparation

How to plan a group trip with friends or family without the stress

Practical steps for organising a group holiday: choosing dates and a destination, budgets, rooming, payments, decision-making and keeping everyone happy.

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Planning and preparation

Safety tips for travelling abroad: scams, documents and emergencies

Practical safety advice for Indian travellers abroad: protecting documents and money, common tourist scams, transport, emergencies and staying in touch.

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Planning and preparation

How to budget a holiday: the costs people forget

A simple framework for budgeting a holiday in India or abroad, including the costs people often forget, and where to save without spoiling the trip.

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Planning and preparation

Packing list for a beach or island holiday

What to pack for a beach or island holiday in Goa, the Andamans, Thailand, Bali or the Maldives, including sun protection, reef-safe gear and documents.

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Planning and preparation

Travelling during Diwali, Pongal and Christmas holidays: how to plan

How to plan holidays around Indian festival breaks and school vacations, when prices peak, where to go and how early to book.

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12 guides

Food, culture and etiquette

Temple etiquette in South India: dress, rules and customs

What to wear, what to expect and how to behave when visiting Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

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Food, culture and etiquette

Thai etiquette for visitors: temples, the monarchy and everyday manners

Simple customs to know before visiting Thailand: temple dress codes, respecting the monarchy and monks, the wai greeting and everyday courtesy.

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Food, culture and etiquette

Japanese etiquette for first-time visitors

The everyday customs that make a trip to Japan smoother: shoes, trains, onsen hot springs, queues, tipping, rubbish and dining manners.

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Food, culture and etiquette

Kerala sadhya explained: the banana-leaf feast

What a Kerala sadhya is, the dishes you will see on the banana leaf, the order of eating and where travellers can try one.

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Food, culture and etiquette

A food lover's guide to Hyderabad

What to eat in Hyderabad, from biryani and haleem to Irani chai and Osmania biscuits, and how to plan a food trail through the Old City.

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Food, culture and etiquette

A food lover's guide to Lucknow's Awadhi cuisine

What to eat in Lucknow: galouti and kakori kebabs, Awadhi biryani, nihari, sheermal, makhan malai and street chaat, with tips for a food walk.

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Food, culture and etiquette

Kolkata's sweets and street food: what to try

A guide to Kolkata's famous sweets and street food: rosogolla, sandesh, mishti doi, phuchka, kathi rolls, jhalmuri and Bengali home-style dishes.

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Food, culture and etiquette

How to enjoy street food safely at home and abroad

Simple rules for enjoying street food safely in India and Southeast Asia: choosing stalls, water and ice, fruit, spice levels and what to carry.

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Food, culture and etiquette

Tipping customs around the world: a guide for Indian travellers

How much to tip, and when, in the USA, Europe, the UK, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Japan, plus tipping guides and drivers on tours.

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Food, culture and etiquette

India's festival calendar for travellers: when to plan which trip

A month-by-month guide to India's biggest festivals for travellers, from Pongal and Holi to Durga Puja, Pushkar and Hornbill.

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Food, culture and etiquette

Bali's ceremonies and Nyepi: what visitors should know

Understanding Balinese Hindu ceremonies, temple etiquette, offerings, Galungan and Nyepi, the island's day of silence, before you visit.

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Food, culture and etiquette

Visiting Dubai and the Middle East during Ramadan

What to expect if your trip to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman or Qatar falls during Ramadan, how to be respectful and what changes for visitors.

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13 guides

Honeymoon, family and special trips

Choosing a Maldives resort for your honeymoon: what really matters

How to choose a Maldives resort: transfer type, house reef, villa type, meal plans, atmosphere and budget, explained for honeymooners.

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Honeymoon, family and special trips

Planning a Kashmir honeymoon: seasons, stays and romantic touches

How to plan a Kashmir honeymoon: the best season for you, houseboat versus hotel, pacing, romantic experiences and practical tips.

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Honeymoon, family and special trips

Planning a school or college educational tour: a guide for teachers

A step-by-step guide for teachers planning an educational tour: learning goals, destinations, safety, supervision, permissions and logistics.

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Honeymoon, family and special trips

Vaishno Devi yatra guide: registration, routes and options

How the Vaishno Devi yatra works from Katra: registration, the trek route, helicopters, battery cars, ropeways, timings and tips for families.

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Honeymoon, family and special trips

Tirupati darshan guide: booking, routes and what to expect

How to plan a visit to Tirumala's Sri Venkateswara Temple: darshan types, online booking, the footpaths, dress code and nearby temples.

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Honeymoon, family and special trips

The Buddhist circuit in India and Nepal: a planning guide

How to plan a Buddhist pilgrimage to Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, Sarnath and Kushinagar, plus Rajgir, Nalanda and other sites linked to the Buddha's life.

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Honeymoon, family and special trips

Your first tiger safari in India: how to improve your chances

Practical tips for a first tiger safari: choosing the park and season, booking zones, jeep or canter, what to wear and safari etiquette.

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Honeymoon, family and special trips

Scuba diving for first-timers in the Andamans

Try-dives and beginner courses on Havelock: who can dive, what to expect, medical checks, seasons, flying after diving and choosing a dive centre.

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Honeymoon, family and special trips

Planning a northern lights trip: where, when and how many nights

How to plan a trip to see the aurora: the best season and places, how many nights to allow, clothing, photography and realistic expectations.

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Honeymoon, family and special trips

Lapland with kids: planning a Santa and snow holiday

How to plan a family trip to Finnish Lapland: when to go, Santa Claus Village, husky and reindeer rides, keeping children warm and booking early.

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Honeymoon, family and special trips

Kerala Ayurveda retreats: what to expect and how to choose

How to plan an Ayurveda stay in Kerala: the difference between massages and treatment programmes, how long to stay, when to go and choosing a centre.

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Honeymoon, family and special trips

Planning a babymoon: safe, relaxing trips before the baby arrives

How to plan a babymoon: the best time in pregnancy to travel, choosing destinations with short journeys and good healthcare, and what to avoid.

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Honeymoon, family and special trips

Planning a proposal or anniversary trip: ideas and practical tips

How to plan a trip for a proposal or a milestone anniversary: choosing the setting, timing, surprises, photography and keeping it secret.

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