Reader-recommended destinations for your next summer holiday
India Outbound
January-February 2019
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
“Prague is one of the best cities in the world to spend summer. It has great water-fronts where you can go boating, kayaking or zorbing. Join a boat party along Vltava, from where great views of the Charles Bridge and the Prague Castle can be enjoyed. The city also offers a lot of free walking tours and as you stroll around do enjoy the trdelníks (tubes of sweet bread topped with sugar and cinnamon). Stroll along the Old Town, where the old clock has been ticking for six centuries. My tip: Instead of using washrooms that cost EUR 1-2, walk into any BK store, buy one of their amazing shakes for the same price and use the washroom for free.”
Sahil Varma, Banking Professional, New Delhi
ST PETERSBURG, RUSSIA
“I spent three days in St Petersburg and enjoyed some wonderfully well-informed guided tours of the place. Russia is indeed a treasure for history aficionados. And if you are not interested in the lessons, just marvel at the beauty of the city—it will leave you in awe. Visit the Peterhof Palace and you will know what I mean. Built by Peter the Great, it is truly unique. Peter was the first monarch to get navy to the country and that’s why he changed the capital from Moscow to St Petersburg as Moscow had no access to waterways. The waterfalls in the palace are run on hydraulics and not electricity, which is similar to another palace in Austria. Fascinating!”
Aayushi Grover, Fashion Marketer, New Delhi
PATTAYA, THAILAND
“It is a great summer destination, but there’s more to it beyond the beach. Have your fill of water sports at Coral Island. Watching the Alcazar Cabaret show is another great experience. At the Underwater World, you’ll discover the incredible marine life of the region.”
Priyanka Sankhla, Student, New Delhi
DALIAN, CHINA
“With high-rise buildings, bullet trains and high-end technology all around, even in amusement parks, Dalian offers city like experiences on a holiday. Alongside all the modernity there are also some traditional buildings, so the charm of visiting a foreign destination is not lost. It also has some great natural landscapes, swimming beaches and beautiful views, which complete the travel experience. And yes, it is also a great place to shop.”
Tarun Kapila, Businessman, New Delhi
CANCUN, MEXICO
“During my week-long trip to the Mexican city, I split my time between staying in my hotel and exploring the destination. While the outdoors were fun, staying in had its own perks. Our hotel had some interesting Mexican offerings such folk dance performances. Of course, there was local food and a pool as well, where I enjoyed fruit infused cocktails. For exploring around, I took a city tour, which took us to the popular sites like the Isla Contoy, Isla Mujeres, an old church around and even a local market and food festival.”
Reema Mal, Businesswoman, USA