Last-minute getaways! Head to Laos, Bolivia, Maldives to end your year on a memorable note
ET Bureau|
Updated: Dec 14, 2017, 08.53 AM IST
It’s time we bid goodbye to our beloved 2017. If you think it zoomed by too soon and you haven’t holidayed enough, here’s your last chance. Pack your bags and head to one of these beautiful destinations that offer a Visa on Arrival and a diverse range of experiences to end your year in a memorable way.
CYCLING AND OTHER ADVENTURES
Region: Laos
As one of Southeast Asia’s untouched and beautiful countries, Laos is catching up with the travel scene rapidly. The capital city of Vientiane is best explored on a bicycle. Alone or with a tour, cycling allows you to dissolve in Laos’ picturesque canvas, meet locals and experience remote and less accessible parts. From gentle paths that traverse through rice paddies to riding up the towering peaks and winding through jungles, there is a two-wheeled adventure to for every skill type. Luang Namtha, Udomxai, Luang Prabang and Vientiane are among the many top spots renowned for cycling. Another experience that sets Laos apart is a boating adventure along a seven kilometer limestone cave. The less frequented Tham Kong Lo cave is best explored in a small boat that helps you navigates the vast river passage in darkness. The dramatically lit stalactite forest half-way through the ride is spell binding site that's indeed one of a kind.
DANCE AND FESTIVALS
Region: Bolivia
Bolivia is a country rich in culture and traditions. The Spanish colonial architecture and many interesting museums around the country are another plus. The South American nation houses a fascinating mix of indigenous tribes and descendants from Spain and other European countries. The country is rendered unique with the traditional dances performed by people dressed in elaborate costumes during festivals. For those keen observers of culture, Bolivia's many festivals and street-side parades are a sight to behold. Most Bolivian festivals are a form of religious celebration, expressing a syncretism of paganism and Catholicism. Kallawaya, Tobas, Waca-waca, Waca tokoris and Tinku are some of the popular dance forms. Most of these dances are fused with folklore and music, with each showcasing unique costumes, musical instruments and rhythms. The Caporales - the Dance of the Foremen, The Folkloric Dance La Morenada, La Diablada—the Dance of Devils, Autoctonous Parade during the Urkupiña Festival are some of the popular events which showcase merry making.
WATER SPORTS & FOOD TRAILS
Region: Maldives
White sands, blue skies, crystal clear waters and relaxing sea breeze… Maldives is a tropical paradise, which offers the perfect backdrop to enjoy adrenaline-packed water sports. The island has something for both swimmers and non-swimmers and that’s why it attracts adventure lovers in big numbers. The Maldives is known for its stingrays, whale shark migration and sea turtles. It is also known as one of the premier scuba diving destinations, offering many affordable PADI dive centres, which allow a discovery dive if you are not certified, or sign up for several dive options to one of the many reefs. Apart from these, you can enjoy riding in a glass-bottom boat, kite surfing, snorkelling, kayaking, catamaran rides and sailing expeditions. Do not forget to indulge your taste buds.
HOT AIR BALLOONING
Region: Kenya
A hot air balloon ride over Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve gives the traditional way of observing wildlife a fun spin. The adventure begins before the crack of dawn, taking you over the Mara River, plains and forests of the Masai Mara. Partake in the unfolding of the balloon; watch the flames of the balloon light up the darkness and take to the skies. Not only will you enjoy a different perspective of the wildlife below but also soak up the golden hues of the splendid sunrise as the basket floats above the horizon into the misty morning sky. From the top you can watch a herd of hippopotamus and zebras scurrying to the river and maybe even spot the King of the Jungle. Above all this, it is the lush flora washed in the soft hues of the first rays of the sun. The adventure lasts for an hour or so, drifting wherever the air currents take you, and with ample opportunities for photography and video filming.
CYCLING AND OTHER ADVENTURES
Region: Laos
As one of Southeast Asia’s untouched and beautiful countries, Laos is catching up with the travel scene rapidly. The capital city of Vientiane is best explored on a bicycle. Alone or with a tour, cycling allows you to dissolve in Laos’ picturesque canvas, meet locals and experience remote and less accessible parts. From gentle paths that traverse through rice paddies to riding up the towering peaks and winding through jungles, there is a two-wheeled adventure to for every skill type. Luang Namtha, Udomxai, Luang Prabang and Vientiane are among the many top spots renowned for cycling. Another experience that sets Laos apart is a boating adventure along a seven kilometer limestone cave. The less frequented Tham Kong Lo cave is best explored in a small boat that helps you navigates the vast river passage in darkness. The dramatically lit stalactite forest half-way through the ride is spell binding site that's indeed one of a kind.
DANCE AND FESTIVALS
Region: Bolivia
Bolivia is a country rich in culture and traditions. The Spanish colonial architecture and many interesting museums around the country are another plus. The South American nation houses a fascinating mix of indigenous tribes and descendants from Spain and other European countries. The country is rendered unique with the traditional dances performed by people dressed in elaborate costumes during festivals. For those keen observers of culture, Bolivia's many festivals and street-side parades are a sight to behold. Most Bolivian festivals are a form of religious celebration, expressing a syncretism of paganism and Catholicism. Kallawaya, Tobas, Waca-waca, Waca tokoris and Tinku are some of the popular dance forms. Most of these dances are fused with folklore and music, with each showcasing unique costumes, musical instruments and rhythms. The Caporales - the Dance of the Foremen, The Folkloric Dance La Morenada, La Diablada—the Dance of Devils, Autoctonous Parade during the Urkupiña Festival are some of the popular events which showcase merry making.
WATER SPORTS & FOOD TRAILS
Region: Maldives
White sands, blue skies, crystal clear waters and relaxing sea breeze… Maldives is a tropical paradise, which offers the perfect backdrop to enjoy adrenaline-packed water sports. The island has something for both swimmers and non-swimmers and that’s why it attracts adventure lovers in big numbers. The Maldives is known for its stingrays, whale shark migration and sea turtles. It is also known as one of the premier scuba diving destinations, offering many affordable PADI dive centres, which allow a discovery dive if you are not certified, or sign up for several dive options to one of the many reefs. Apart from these, you can enjoy riding in a glass-bottom boat, kite surfing, snorkelling, kayaking, catamaran rides and sailing expeditions. Do not forget to indulge your taste buds.
HOT AIR BALLOONING
Region: Kenya
A hot air balloon ride over Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve gives the traditional way of observing wildlife a fun spin. The adventure begins before the crack of dawn, taking you over the Mara River, plains and forests of the Masai Mara. Partake in the unfolding of the balloon; watch the flames of the balloon light up the darkness and take to the skies. Not only will you enjoy a different perspective of the wildlife below but also soak up the golden hues of the splendid sunrise as the basket floats above the horizon into the misty morning sky. From the top you can watch a herd of hippopotamus and zebras scurrying to the river and maybe even spot the King of the Jungle. Above all this, it is the lush flora washed in the soft hues of the first rays of the sun. The adventure lasts for an hour or so, drifting wherever the air currents take you, and with ample opportunities for photography and video filming.
