Top 5 Off Season Destinations for Christmas

Avoid the crowds and bag massive bargains when you visit these destinations away from the peak seasons. 

Botwswana :-  Botswana is not a cheap safari option, many of the luxury resorts in the region can cost upwards of $800 a night. Whelp. But travelers willing to brave the downpour can grab a cool bargain after the tourist hordes have gone home.  November to April is referred to as the 'green months' – when the frequent rain drapes the region in lush greenery, inviting numerous birds. Malaria is prevalent is certain area of Botswana so make sure you exercise proper caution.  If you are looking to make cheapest flight ticket booking to Botswana, the popular airports are Francistown International Airport, Ghanzi Airport and Kanye Airport. 

Yellowstone National Park, USA :-  During the summers, almost three million tourists pile into the Yellowstone National Park. In contrast, only 14,000 people head to the park durig the winters. Visitors can watch elks, bisons at lower elevations that are grazing for miles out across the snow. Plus, you can enlist a guide to trample through the sparkling landscape and follow the trail of the evasive grey wolf. This one is probably the easiest destination to get through in this list due to the numerous online flight  booking options available to get there.

Lake Baikaal, Siberia :- Most travelers to this stunning expanse of blue prefer the summer. And yet,   Lake Baikal is far more fun during the winters, when the temperature plumets to a freezing -20 degree celcius. The mighty lake freezes over and you can walk over the transclucent turquoise blocks of ice which is almost 2 meters thick, but clear enough for you to see the seaweeds swaying in the bottom. Navigate this icy world on a sledge, snomobile or even a hovercraft.  Finish the day with a steam bath in a traditional banya (sauna).

Curaçao, Carribean :- The Carribean waters, so loved by travellers all over the world can draw in some serious storm from July to November. Usually, the islands receive at least one bad weather alert a year and will be in  the eye of the storm every 5-10 years.  However, not all of the Carribean islands witness the hurricane season and there are numerous islands which sits outside the 'hurricane alley'. Curaçao, Aruba and Bonaire are safe havens which are home to classy colonial architecture, pristine sands and great diving spots. 

Hawaii, USA :-  The isle of Hawaii has two peak seasons, the deep winter when tourists flock in to escape the biting cold elewhere. And the high summer, when the island witnesses the inflow of vacationing  families. Both the seasons sees a price hike in the island but neither is actually the best time to visit. Actually, no time is awful in these volcanic outcrops, but the period from April to June (the start of the dry season) is outside the hurricane prone July to November months.

So there you go, the best places to visit away from the off season where you can make a cool discount on your international flight ticket booking.

Top budget hotels in Kerala

While luxury resorts in India are known for their opulence and majestic architecture,  the budget hotels in the country are often tagged  with less favorable adjectives like “dirty”, “filthy” and the likes. Well, a number of budget hotels in India are trying to change the scene by creating clean, comfortable and affordable lodging spaces.  

Bohemian Masala, Varkala Beach :- This place offers a twisty alternative to somewhat homogenised selection of guesthouses in Varkala Beach.  The  terracotta colored cottages maintained by Susan and Danesh offer  services like yoga, meditation and ayurvedic massage. A new organic restaurant is under construction within the premises. Prices for huts start as low as £12.50. 
 
Fort House, Cochin :- A charming little lodge by the water front that offers panoramic views of the harbour besides being 5 minutes walk from the Chinese fishing nets. The 16 rooms are set in a  rickety, Dutch colonial building with a tranquil garden in the courtyard.  You can indulge in a relaxing massage in the inhouse ayurvedic spa or gorge on some Malabar delicacies by the waterside restaurant.  With  prices starting from £35, it certainly is running for a spot as one of the cheapest budget hotels in India. 

Karikkathi Beach House, Kovalam  :- Run by the affable, informative Mr. Sajjad, these twin beach facing homestays are located south of the touristy Kovalam.  Each house has twin rooms which can also be booked together for family vacations. Home cooked food is served on the terrace. Prices start from £67 per night for 4.

Motty's Homestay, Allepey :-  Motty has a deep passion for the history and culture of Allepey and also loves meeting new people. He managed to bring both of them together by creating setting up Motty's Homestay. Much of the cottage is furnished with antiques and artworks that Motty picked up and refurbished to fit into the décor of the place.  Borrow Motty's cycle and take a trip around this lovely town with charming canals and a dilapidated  pier. Or  you can laze around  and gorge on delicious home cooked food made by Motty's wife, Lalli. If you are looking for economy hotel in India or Kerala, make sure you check out Motty's Homestay.

Waves Beach Resort, Adikadalayi, Thottada :- Traveling on a budget but can't shake off that urge to relax on a private beach? Waves Beach Resort might just be the place for you. The brainchild  of Seema, this pleasant and unassuming resort is set on a hilltop with a cliff path that leads to a private beach.  Guests can opt for one for the four octagonal shaped cottage or the large bungalow. The home cooked meals and a sea breeze wafting in through the windows render this a perfect vacation spot.

Kannan Beach Resort, Nileshwar :- Venture north of Kannur, and you will soon encounter secluded beaches, quiet rivers and glorious estuaries that seem a world far away from the touristy spots down south.  Kanan beach resort is located amidst a complex of white cottages with wood tiled roofs that looks out to a massive stretch of golden sands that ends at the beach. The criss cross pathways that connects the beach is riddled with coconut palms and is the perfect spot to relax on a hammock. The resort's 10 rooms open into wide decks from where you can walk to the pool or take an ayurvedic massage at the spa.

Most Underated Cities in The World

You won't find these cities on glossy travel magazine covers, but if you love exploring little known places with great character, these are right up your alley. Most of them are in a transition stage in terms of cultural  which renders it the perfect time to visit them. 

Taipei :- Back in the early 90s, Taipei was  covered in a perpetual blanket of  smog and pollution. Today, it is a pleasant Asian city with acres of greenery and an excellent public transport system.  The city is particularly attractive for outdoor enthusiasts – a hot spring in Beitou, Yangminshan National Park, and an excellent trekking trail in the nearby mountains. Another major tourist puller is the amazing cuisine Taipei offers -  the city serves some of the best Chinese food in the world, from hole in the walls to Michellin starred restaurants. Don't worry if you don't speak the language, the locals are extremely friendly towards visitors and will help you get around.  There exists numerous online air ticket booking sites that offer hotel and flight ticket booking to Taipei.

Nara, Japan :- Nara has long been the neglected step-child to the more touristy nearby Kyoto, however this stunning imperial capital boasts of an equally rich culture. The city is peppered with serene Buddhist temples, gardens and shrines, but without the camera slung crowd. If serenity is what the doctor ordered, visit the 8th century Tōdai-Ji temple and its stunning lsui-en garden. Nara is home to numerous machiya, charming traditional wooden houses, some of which are converted to cafes. The famed sake was born in Nara and there exists numerous breweries where you can take a guided tour. Online flight booking allows you to make cool discounts for your flight to Nara, so make sure you do a research before your book.

Bratislava, Slovakia  :- A mediveal castle looming over the city, a charming square and quaint buildings describe this stunning city. Ever since Bratislava joined the EU, the once sleepy little town has metamorphized into a bustling hot spot with slick cafes, restaurants and bars. Of late, the city is witnessing a slew old school beer halls that has been warmly embraced by Brastislava's hispter crowd.Sightseeing options include the Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum located on the Austrian, Hungary border. 

Valparaíso, Chile :-  This fine port city is a 2 hr drive from Santiago and is known for its brilliantly coloured houses on steep hills. Of late, Valparaíso has been undergoing a steady change where residents are converting historic buildings into unique restaurants, museums and galleries. Head to Cerro Alegre through a funicular elevators to witness  this distinct amalgam of tradition and modernity. The Zero Hotel, a 19th century mansion with panaromic views is the perfect spot to call it a night.

Top 5 Affordable Island Hotels

Despite all the comforts and opulence that they offer, most island hotels are notoriously expensive that they end up in 'to-do when I win the lottery' lists.  However, there exists a few, relatively unknown affordable or budget hotels where you can relax without breaking the bank.

Lefkes Village Hotel, Paros, Greece :- Part of the Cyclades Islands, Paros offers all of the signature Greek island charms – whitewashed churches, bougainville ornated houses and stunning views of the ocean- sans the sky rocketing prices of Mykonos and Santorini. One night at the Lefkes Village Hotel - located in the mountain village of Lefkes, featuring a tavern, museum and a swimming pool is a mere $70.  If you do an online hotel reservation, the Lefkes Village Hotel is one of those rare cheap hotel booking that you can do.

La Veranda Resort, Phu Quoc, Vietnam :- Phu Quoc is the largest island in Vietnam, and despite recent surge in popularity, it still retains a secluded, small town vibe.  The La Veranda Resort is an  2 storey propery that excudes an elegant French colonial charm – airy rooms with stunning views of the ocean, a restaurant that serves pan pacific cuisine on a relaxed verandah below sluggish ceiling fans, the icing on the cake is the classy lounge bar with scarlet walls. Prices per night starts from $140. You can even get a 5-10% discount if you make your hotel booking online. 

Fishers’ Loft, Newfoundland, Canada :- Fisher's Loft is located in an island that is fascinating, peculiar and charming all at once. This idyllic inn  is designed in the clapboard-and-shingles style of the late 1800s and overlooks the Trinity Bay and harbour of Ship Cove. As you relax in the cozy inn, peek out of the mullioned windows to catch the glimse of a whale surfacing or an iceberg floating past.

Auberge Seraphine, St. Lucia  :-  The slew of luxury resorts that line the island of St. Lucia can leave huge dent in your bank account . Probably the sole exception is this endering family run inn  near the northwest coast. While theres no beach, you can relax by the poolside with views of the sailboats on the nearby Vielle Bay. And when you are hungry, pull up a chair at the in house restaurant for some sumptious seafood risotto. Prices start from $125.

Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa, Puerto Rico :-  Copamarina is an oceanfront resort located on the less explored southern coast of Puerto Rico. The resort features  palm fringed beaches,  20 acres of lush gardens, an in-house spa, several pools and two seafood restaurants. If you manage to drag yourself away from this place,  the historic town of  Guánica is within walking distance.  Prices start from $145.

These hotels can by no means tagged  as cheap, but they are more accessible compared to other family hotels.

Top 5 Scuba Diving Locations Across the World

Scuba diving is truly one of a kind adventure sport and an exhilarating experience. The location is a vital point in the activity and decides whether if you are going to have fun or not.  Here are the top 5 diving spots where you are guaranteed to have a good time.  There are only handful of diving spots which has an airport, but even if you are searching for the nearest airport, it makes sense to check for cheap flight tickets booking  to ensure maximum savings.

Palau :- A tiny island located in south Pacific, Palau is  the famed wreck diving site of Japan's Pacific fleet. The wreckage is home to numerous corals, sting rays, fishes and turtles. More importantly, Palau is home to some 130 threatened species of sharks and its waters have been declared a 'shark sanctuary'. Divers are likely encounter grey reef, whitetips and other species of shark in these waters.

The Great Barrier Reef :- Running almost 1,500 miles across the eastern coast of Australia, these reef attract hordes of diving enthusiasts every year.  The reef is massive and is home to a large collection of eels, clams, sea snakes and wrasses.  The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most road trip friendly diving sites in the world and visitors usually prefer to head to Hamilton reef in the north or Townsville in the south. Further south, Gladstone supposedly have the best diving spots and serves as the connection for boats heading to Heron Island. The GBR is probably the easiest spot in the list to get to as you is is fairly easy to do a  online flight booking to Australia.

Galapagos Island :- The Galapagos Island are famed for their part in inspiring Darwin's theory of evolution. These islands have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to one of the largest population of endemic wildlife. Due to minimal human intrusion, the sea life is extremely friendly and will often approach divers. The waters around the island are home to sea cucumbers, crabs, turtles, manta ray and sea lions. The diving spots are fairly deep and is exposed to ocean currents and thus it is recommended only for intermediate and advanced divers.

Cocos Island, Costa Rica :- A rainforest enveloped strip of land located around 340 miles off Costa Rica's shore.  The area is accessible only by a liveboard and is one of the largest non populated regions outside the Artic. Visitors can moor during the day for trekking and other activities but will have to be off the island by evening.  The diving sites are a bit deep and the area is frequented by strong currents rendering it risky for beginners. The oceanic nature of the island renders it home to an eclectic mix of animals like hawksbill turtles, octopuses, whitetips and even couple of whale sharks.

The Red Sea : - The 1,200 mile long stretch of water has been a popular diving spot for Europeans for decades but its not only of  late that the rest of the world has been joining them. The area has an impressive variety of dive spots, including deep walls, coral reefs and wrecks. The city of Sharm-El-Sheik is the anchor point for Red Sea diving and visitors can hire a live aboard or take day trips to surrounding cities.  Apart from the usual saline water inhabitants like sponges, sharks, anthias and clownfish, the Red Sea is home endemic species like the blue cheek butterflyfish.

Beautiful Abandoned Places around the World

Abandoned places have a mysterious aura about them that combines creepy, desolate, surreal and enchanting all at once.  It's almost like they have a story to tell and they are searching for the ears that are willing to listen.

Kolmanskop, Namib Desert :- Once a flourishing diamond mining town, Kolmanskop  today is a decrepit but deeply enchanting ghost town. After World War I, the diamond prices crashed and people slowly started trickling away from the settlement to blinger pastures near the Orange River. With the difficulties of getting water and supplies in and fewer diamonds being mined, the town was completely abandoned in 1954.  If you are planning for Cheap Air Ticket Booking to Kolmanskop, the nearest airport, Luderitz is 7 miles away.

El Hotel del Salto, Colombia : - Located about 30 km from Bogota, the del Salto is an abandoned hotel overlooking the majestic Tequendama Falls. The hotel opened doors in 1928 to welcome wealthy travelers who are visiting the falls and needed a place to spend the night. As the river became more polluted, the tourist numbers dropped  and the hotel eventually closed down. Over time, there were number of suicides from the fall which led to the belief that the hotel is haunted. Those intending to visit to the hotel can do a flight ticket booking to Colombia  Airport which is 20 km away.
 

Abandoned city of Keelung, Taiwan : - Most abandoned places in the world have some sort of history attached to them, well not in the case of Keelung. Nothing much is known about this abandoned  plot except for the fact that the company that was building them went bankrupt and construction was halted. The dense vegetation consuming the concrete and slowly taking over the concrete is a looks straight out of a  post apocalyptic movie.   
 

The Maunsell Sea Forts, England :- These are a  series of interconnected bunkers on the Thames which were used during the World War II to take down enemy aircraft. The structure consists of seven 300 ton silted structures that have a central operation center with the rest of the towers carrying anti aircraft guns.
 

Pripyat, Ukraine :- Pripyat was the ground zero in arguably the worst ever nuclear disaster in human history. The town was once home to 49,000 people until the horrific explosion in the nuclear plant on April 26, 1986 .  The radiation levels are still too high for permanent residence but it is deemed safe for a tourist visit. The ghoulish ambiance of the town includes an abandoned playground that features a decrepit Ferris wheel and empty bumper cars.  The best way to reach Pripyat is to book an online flight ticket to Kiev and catch a bus or train to Pripyat.

Tips to Book Cheapest Domestic Flight Tickets

Traversing the online travel portal realm can be a tricky experience, especially if you are not a frequent traveler.   With a slew of online travel portal that are active in the country, it is not hard to find a cheap online flight ticket these days, however many of the deals come with a catch in the form of additional charges in the form of baggage charges, over booking and multiple stop overs. Here are few tips that will help you make an online flight booking easier, faster and simpler.

Here is a lesser know fact about  airline booking.  There exists something called a window of opportunity in flight tickets booking. The window of opportunity is between 18 to 28 days from the day of your travel.  Most people assume that the cheapest flight tickets are available 2-3 months from the date of travel which is not the case. In reality, the airfare bargain prices start appearing 18-28 days from the the date of travel, or more precisely around 23 days. This is for domestic flight tickets, for international flights, you usually get a little more time. Also, keep an eye out for last minute deals that most airlines give away to fill up a flight. These tends to be extremely cheap so gets sold up in minutes. The best way to ensure you grab a last minute deals is to signup for newsletters with at least 3-4 popular airlines and online travel portals. While many of the deals are spammy, there is always an occasional diamond to be found amidst the pile of stones.

Next step is finding a good online travel portal as it makes a huge difference in your ticket pricing. The best ones display an all inclusive price including the taxes right at the search page. This prevents any confusion arising from addition of credit card or baggage charges being added during  checkout.  These  tips might come across not big of a deal but it can end up helping you save quite a lot on your next online flight booking.

Some Best Holiday Packages in India

Here are a few tour packages that are a refreshing twist from the usual, run-of-the-mill tours. The following are little known locations within India that can be classified as 'middle of nowhere'.  These places are ideal for those who want to enjoy winter holidays in India in a place where you are far away as possible from civilizations. Spend your time with a local family in their hut, stroll around in dense jungles and visit hidden beaches which only the fishermen frequent.  The best holiday packages in India for those who want to explore the wilderness is a tour that covers the north eastern part of India. The popular destinations are Dzongu,  Parvati Valley, Kurseong and Mirik.


 
Dzongu, Sikkim :- Shadowed off from the rest of the world by the mighty Khangchendzong, Sikkim feels like a world lost in time. Explore the Buddhist monasteries in Gangtok and head to Dzonghu, the land of the Lepchas. Take a stroll in the  Khangchendzonga National Park and breathe in the crisp mountain air. Spend two days in a homestay with the Lepchas to experience their culture and revel in the stunning surroundings. 


 
Parvati Valley, Himachal Pradesh :- Located in the heart of Parvati Valley, Kasol is a quaint little hamlet where you can enjoy some peace and quiet. Lounge by the riverside and experience sheer tranquility -  the only sound you will hear is that of the breeze rushing past the trees.  A little further into the valley is the Manikaran settlement where you can relax in one of the numerous hot springs and baths.


 
Kurseong, Darjeeling :-  A quaint hill station that is locally known as Kharsang (translates to 'Land of the White Orchids'). The town offers a relaxing concoction of terraced tea gardens, white orchid nurseries, the Teesta River and the soothing green valley of Darjeeling.


 
Turik , Meghalaya :- Turik is just what you need if you are trying to get away from the robotic urban grind. This town is washed year around by torrential rains and is a step away from all that is modern. Located in the West Garo of Himalayas, here you can spend the day at Pelga Falls, enjoy a picnic lunch at the confluence of Rongram and Ganol rivers and trek the stunning Tura Peak.