Hey there! Morning ☕️
Some places make you want to pack your bags immediately. A beach in Goa has just earned a place among the world’s best, Himachal’s quieter valleys are making a case for a winter holiday away from the Manali rush, and eight landscapes across the globe look so surreal they could easily be mistaken for another planet. Whether you’re dreaming of a beach break, a mountain escape or somewhere completely out of the ordinary, there’s plenty of inspiration in this week’s edition.
We’re also heading to Vietnam’s flower-filled highlands, where there’s much more to discover beyond the famous Da Lat Flower Festival. And for those who prefer a little more adventure, Sikkim’s Green Lake Trek has reopened after four years, bringing one of the region’s most challenging Himalayan routes back into focus.
Closer home, Delhi’s Yamuna has a new river safari, while we look at the special permits foreign tourists need to visit parts of India. With the year-end holiday season approaching, we’ve also got some tips to help you navigate bank and card offers when booking flights and hotels, so that the discount you see is actually the saving you make.
There’s a little something beyond travel, too. Indian craft chocolates are winning international medals with flavours ranging from masala chai and mango lassi to salted capers. And if you’ve been turning to ChatGPT for meal plans or nutrition advice, we take a closer look at what AI can get right, where it can go wrong and why a chatbot can’t replace a qualified dietitian.
Grab your coffee, get comfy, and let’s jump in!
An Indian beach makes the world’s top 10 in 2026
From the Caribbean and the Mediterranean to the coast of Portugal, the world’s 10 best beaches in 2026 include some familiar holiday favourites. Goa’s Palolem Beach has secured the sixth spot, putting India among the highest-ranked beach destinations in the list. Take a look at all 10 beaches and find out what makes each one stand out.
Palolem’s crescent-shaped shoreline, calm waters and laid-back atmosphere offer a quieter alternative to Goa’s busier coastal stretches, without compromising on cafés, beach huts and water activities. From kayaking and dolphin-spotting trips to nearby secluded beaches, here’s what makes Palolem worth a visit.
8 places on Earth that look like they belong on another planet
From Ladakh’s steaming geothermal valleys and Bolivia’s endless salt flats to Jordan’s red deserts and Iceland’s glowing blue ice caves, these landscapes look straight out of a science-fiction film. Shaped by unusual geological formations, extreme weather and centuries of natural change, each offers a glimpse of just how otherworldly our planet can be. Here are eight surreal destinations to add to your travel bucket list.
Skip the Manali traffic: These quieter Himachal valleys are worth exploring this winter
December crowds and traffic jams can take the shine off a winter holiday in Kullu–Manali. But just before the Aut tunnel, two quieter routes lead to the Sainj and Tirthan valleys, where travellers can find riverside villages, traditional Kathkuni architecture, scenic meadows and access to the Great Himalayan National Park. With relatively moderate winter temperatures and roads that generally remain accessible through December, here’s why these valleys make an appealing alternative to the usual mountain getaway.
Beyond the flowers: What to see, eat and explore in Vietnam’s Da Lat highlands
Planning a trip to Vietnam for the Da Lat Flower Festival? The mountain city has plenty to offer beyond its floral displays, from French colonial villas and heritage railway journeys to high-altitude Arabica coffee estates. Explore its lakeside gardens, sample local street food and warm up with a traditional chicken hotpot as temperatures dip in the evenings. Here’s what else to see, eat and experience in the highlands.
Sikkim’s Green Lake Trek is back after four years. What trekkers need to know
One of Sikkim’s most remote and challenging Himalayan trails has reopened after a four-year suspension. Located inside Khangchendzonga National Park at around 5,000 metres, the Green Lake Trek offers views of Kangchenjunga and neighbouring peaks, but requires careful acclimatisation, prior high-altitude trekking experience and mandatory permits. From the route and best time to visit to entry rules and preparation, here’s what trekkers should know before planning the expedition.
A river cruise on the Yamuna? Delhi’s new safari costs ₹500 per ride
Delhi has launched its first recreational river cruise service, the Namo Yamuna River Safari, offering 40-minute electric-powered rides along a six-kilometre stretch between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur. Tickets cost ₹500 per person, while visitors can access the riverfront without taking the cruise for ₹50. With an air-conditioned lower deck, open-air seating, a musical fountain, food outlets and adventure activities planned at the site, here’s a look at the route, timings, ticket prices and facilities.
Booking flights and hotels this festive season? How to make the most of bank and card offers
From instant discounts and cashback to bank-linked deals, travel booking platforms are rolling out offers ahead of the year-end holiday season. But the biggest advertised discount may not always translate into the lowest bill. Here’s how to compare prices across platforms, check credit and debit card eligibility, and factor in cancellation charges and hidden costs before booking your next trip.
These are the permits foreign tourists need to know about when visiting Northeast India
From Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh to parts of Ladakh and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, foreign visitors need special permits to enter several protected and restricted areas in India. The rules are designed to regulate movement in sensitive border regions and address security concerns, but can also create hurdles for tourism businesses and travellers. With Nagaland seeking a longer permit exemption for visitors during the Hornbill Festival, here’s why these restrictions exist, which areas they cover and how they affect travel plans.
Masala chai, mango lassi and salted capers: 8 Indian chocolates that won global medals
Indian craft chocolatiers have taken home eight medals at the International Chocolate Awards 2026 World Final, including one Gold, three Silver and four Bronze. The winning entries feature some unexpected flavour combinations, from milk chocolate-coated salted capers and mango lassi to masala chai bonbons and Idukki cardamom chocolate. Here’s a look at all eight Indian creations that made it to the winners’ list.
Can ChatGPT really be your dietitian? The risks of relying on AI for nutrition advice
From calculating calories and protein requirements to generating personalised seven-day meal plans, AI chatbots are increasingly being used to make everyday food choices. But research has raised questions about their accuracy, particularly when it comes to people with complex health conditions or specific nutritional needs. While AI can simplify meal planning and offer useful food suggestions, here’s why it cannot replace the expertise of a qualified dietitian.
11:11 Weekend | The beach putting India on the map, a Manali alternative & otherworldly escapes
