travel guide Asia Archives - the Luxury Travel Expert/tag/travel-guide-asia/travel your dreams in styleFri, 15 Nov 2024 14:14:57 +0000en-UShourly1https://i0.wp.com/turkeyalwan.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/image.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1travel guide Asia Archives - the Luxury Travel Expert/tag/travel-guide-asia/3232 62211166A travel guide to the Maldives/travel-guide-to-the-maldives//travel-guide-to-the-maldives/#commentsFri, 23 Jun 2023 14:07:57 +0000/?p=283495Friday newsletters always feature luxury travel contests, tips, or news. [...]

The post A travel guide to the Maldives appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

]]>Friday newsletters always feature luxury travel contests, tips, or news.

Today: A travel guide to the Maldives

My travel blog features a section that comprises a selection of destination & travel guides. You can find these travel guides under ‘destinations‘ in the blog’s header menu (indicated by the blue arrow in the screenshot below).

I hope these online travel guides – based on my own travel experiences – may help you to get the most out of your (luxury) trips. So far, I have published travel guides on the following destinations:

Today, I am publishing an updated travel guide to my blog about the Maldives.

Glamorous overwater resorts, pristine white-sand beaches, and a spectacular underwater world make the Maldives the ultimate travel destination for the discerning traveler. The sovereign archipelagic nation – positioned in the Indian Ocean southwest of India – consists of 26 breathtaking atolls boasting rich cultural traditions and natural treasures. All 1192 coral islands and sandbanks (200 inhabited islands, plus 100 islands with tourist resorts) are the visible coral tips of an oceanic volcanic mountain range whose outer edge at some points plunge to depths of over 3 km (10,000 ft). The tiny islands are encircled by magnificent beaches and incredibly beautiful lagoons, blessed with crystal clear waters and protected by reef structures. Every resort in the Maldives is built on its own private, picture-perfect palm island, with the world’s most exclusive hotel brands competing with each other to offer their guests unprecedented levels of mind-blowing luxury. A holiday in the Maldives can be easily combined with a stay in Sri Lanka as there are numerous direct flights – most of them operated by SriLankan Airlines – between Sri Lanka and the Maldives (with a flight time of around one hour).

Get the most out of your (luxury) trip to the Maldives with my travel guide. Find out more about:

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The Maldives enjoys a tropical climate, hot all year round, with a weather pattern that is mainly determined by two monsoon seasons in which the trade winds blow from opposite directions.

  • The best weather in the Maldives is between January and mid-April, when the dry northeast monsoon prevails. You can expect blue skies and low humidity, although occasional, short showers can still occur (especially in the southern atolls). The dry season also coincides with the northern hemisphere’s cold winter season, which means this is high season in the Maldives, with low availability (although it never gets crowded) and often insanely expensive room rates at the resorts.
  • The wet southwest monsoon runs from May to October, peaking in June. Although the temperatures remain as warm as in the dry season, rainy days and thunderstorms are far more likely. There may be days, or periods of a few days, when the sky is cloudy. However, even during this period, there are usually long periods of bright sunshine, and more affordable room rates mean this is still a good time to visit.
  • The transition periods between the dry northeast and the wet southwest monsoon usually occurs sometime in late November or December and the end of April or May. These transition periods are often accompanied by a longer period of unsettled weather and overcast, rainy days.

It has to be noted that the tropical climate in the Maldives and the exact timing of the transition periods have become very much unpredictable in recent years, with the wet season becoming drier and the dry season seeing more showers. Also, there a subtle differences in the weather patterns from atoll to atoll, since the Maldives is a very large country, stretching out over 800 km (500 mi) in the equatorial area. The northern atolls – which are home to the archipelago’s most luxurious resorts – enjoy more sunshine and have lesser annual rainfall than the central atolls (where the capital Male is located) and the atolls located south of the Equator. This geographic difference is mainly due to the fact that the dry season is more pronounced in the northernmost atolls.

Some travelers visit the Maldives, not so much for the beaches and resorts, but for the world-class diving and the opportunity of swimming with manta rays and whale sharks. Diving conditions are superb throughout the year, but the areas frequented by the larger marine animals vary with the seasons. During the dry northeast monsoon season, manta ray and whale shark diving in the Maldives is best on the western side of the atolls, whereas during the Southeast Monsoon season, manta rays and whale sharks will typically be encountered near the eastern edge of the atolls.

IMHO, it is worth paying higher prices and sticking to the dry season in the Maldives (January to mid-April) as there is not much to do on a rainy day, except drink, eat, work out, or scuba dive.

HOW TO GET THERE

The majority of the Maldives’ secluded resorts on far-flung private islands are within a one hour boat or floatplane ride from the Maldives’ main airport, Male International Airport (MLE; also known as Velana International Airport), which is located in the North Male Atoll near the capital of Male. The airport is served by a wide array of international Asian and European airlines, both charters and mainstream carriers. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Male International Airport.

Before you buy a plane ticket, consider reading my tips & tricks for buying the cheapest plane ticket.

GETTING AROUND

Transfers from Male airport to the hotels are taken care of by the resorts:

  • Hotels located in the North and South Male Atoll are reached by speedboat from the airport, with a transfer time between 15 minutes and one hour. Due to their proximity to the airport, these resorts experience more boat traffic and noise levels as compared the more remotely located resorts in other atolls. Boat transfers run 24 hours a day.
  • Hotels located in all other central atolls (except the Laamu Atoll) as well as the northernmost atolls can be reached by seaplane from the airport, with a flight time between 20 minutes and one hour. Admiring the picture-perfect archipelago from a bird’s eye perspective is one of the ultimate experiences that the destination has to offer. However, keep in mind that seaplanes operate during daylight hours only, so you may have to stay overnight near the airport when you arrive in the Maldives after 4 pm. In addition, getting to a resort in a remote atoll by seaplane does take more time as compared to reaching one of the hotels closer to the airport, because of additional waiting time at the airport. On a positive note, most five-star hotels offer a private lounge near the airport to ease the waiting process which seldom exceeds two hours.
  • Hotels located in the Laamu Atoll and all southern atolls are reached by a domestic flight, operated by a turboprop plane, followed by a speedboat transfer. Getting to these resort requires an often lengthy and tiring trip, something you may not be looking forward to after your long-haul flight arrives in the Maldives. Besides the 30 to 60 minute domestic flight, you also have to take into account waiting time – varying from one to maximum five hours – at Male airport, both at the start and the end of your journey. All in all, it means that getting to these resorts may take a large chunk of your holiday time on the day of your arrival and departure, making the southern atolls not ideal for a short trip. I suggest you stay at least 5 nights here to make the most of the long journey getting there. The good news is that once there, you will completely relax in otherworldly tropical scenery.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for entry into the Maldives differ from country to country, and are subject to change. Prior to departure, always check with your government and your nearest Maldivian embassy or consulate what documents you need for travel to the Maldives.

  • You need a valid passport. The passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into the Maldives.
  • The Maldives have a remarkably easy visa policy: everybody gets a free 30-day visa on arrival, provided that you have a valid travel document, a ticket out and proof of sufficient funds, defined as a confirmed reservation in a hotel.

Make sure you read my 10 tips to plan a worry-free trip.

INSPIRATION, HIGHLIGHTS, & TRAVEL TIPS

There are several good reasons why you should put the Maldives on your bucket list:

  • Magnificent white-sand beaches, that rank among the best beaches in the world.
  • Incredible marine wildlife viewing opportunities (the Maldives is the world’s best snorkeling and diving destination).
  • Ultra-luxury overwater resorts, unmatched in the world.

The following articles may also inspire you and help you plan your holiday to the Maldives:

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES 

Most people who travel to the Maldives stay at one resort for one week. I don’t recommend to travel around too much within the Maldives, since getting from one resort to another is an expensive and often time-consuming affair (since you mostly have to backtrack via Male airport).

However, if the prospect of staying an entire week at one resort on a little island sounds too much for you, there are a few resorts that can be easily combined in one and the same itinerary, because they are either located in the same atoll or connected via a direct and private (and often pricey) speedboat transfer. A few examples:

In addition, a select group of ultra-luxe hotel companies operates more than one resort in the archipelago, offering an enhanced and more convenient transfer experience between their properties. A few examples:

RECOMMENDED LUXURY HOTELS (+ REVIEWS)

I recommend to visit my top 10 travel lists if you are eager to know how I rank the Maldives’ top hotels, based on my own experience:

Below, you find my reviews of hotels in the Maldives (with pros, cons, and tips to save money per hotel).

*** Follow me on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter or Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

 

The post A travel guide to the Maldives appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

]]>/travel-guide-to-the-maldives/feed/1283495A travel guide to Cambodia/a-travel-guide-to-cambodia//a-travel-guide-to-cambodia/#respondFri, 12 Jun 2020 13:12:50 +0000/?p=245579Friday newsletters always feature luxury travel contests, tips, series, or news [...]

The post A travel guide to Cambodia appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

]]>Friday newsletters always feature luxury travel contests, tips, series, or news.

Today (12 June, 2020): Travel series: a travel guide to Zambia.

My travel blog features a section that comprises a selection of destination & travel guides. You can find these travel guides under ‘destinations‘ in the blog’s header menu (indicated by the blue arrow in the screenshot below).

I hope these online travel guides – based on my own travel experiences – may help you to get the most out of your (luxury) trips. So far, I have published travel guides on the following destinations:

Today, I am adding a new travel guide to my blog about Cambodia, the former Khmer Empire which impresses visitors with its timeless architectural treasures, rich cultural offerings, and breathtaking natural landscape. Of course, the main reason for traveling to Cambodia is Southeast Asia’s most magnificent archaeological treasure, Angkor Wat. But the Kingdom is an undiscovered gem of a country, and there’s much more to it than just the Angkor temples. A blend of rice paddies, remote jungles, and white sand beaches, as well as a fascinating history combined with delightful culture and welcoming people make Cambodia a must-visit travel destination.

Get the most out of your (luxury) trip to Cambodia with my travel guide. Find out more about:

CAMBODIA TRAVEL GUIDE; BEST TIME TO VISIT

Cambodia experiences four annual seasons:

  • The cool and dry season – which lasts from November to February – is considered the best time to visit Cambodia, with plenty of sunshine and day temperatures in the high 70s°F to low 80s°F (26°C-29°C). Sporadic showers may occur in the cool season but are infrequent events.
  • The hot and dry season lasts from March to May, with humidity reaching uncomfortable levels and temperatures averaging in the upper 90s Fahrenheit (mid-30s Celsius). Although this period usually remains dry, rains may gather force in the month of May, which is more of a transition period towards the wet season.
  • The hot and wet season, which lasts from June to August, is marked by daily heavy downpours, which bring relief for the sticky, humid weather. The days often start sunny, with showers mostly occurring in the (late) afternoon or evening, lasting for 3 to 4 hours.
  • The cool and wet season occurs in September and October and sees the return of more comfortable temperatures, although it’s probably the worst time to visit Cambodia because the torrential rains are coming to a peak, often bringing floods and making roads impassable. Most days are cloudy and beach conditions are poor. It’s not all bad news since low visitor numbers means great hotel deals.

The best time to visit the Kingdom coincides with the northern hemisphere’s winter period, November through February. However, it has the be noted that the weather in Thailand has become less predictable over the past few years as a result of global warming, with the rainy season often starting in April and lasting through all of November. For a month to month weather report in Cambodia, check this excellent website.

CAMBODIA TRAVEL GUIDE: HOW TO GET THERE

Most tourists will arrive in Cambodia via one of the following three international airports:

  • Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) is Cambodia’s main international airport and is located near the capital. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Phnom Penh.
  • Siem Reap International Airport (REP) serves the city of Siem Reap, a popular tourist destination due to nearby Angkor Wat. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Siem Reap
  • Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS) is Cambodia’s third largest international airport, and serves the area around Sihanoukville, alos known as the Cambodian Riviera. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Sihanoukville.

When traveling to Cambodia, consider flying in and out from different airports (for example flying in via Siem Reap and flying out via Sihanoukville) to avoid long transfers and backtracks during your holiday. Also, defore you buy a plane ticket, make sure to read my tips & tricks for buying the cheapest plane ticket.

CAMBODIA TRAVEL GUIDE: TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for entry into Cambodia differ from country to country, and are subject to change. Prior to departure, always check with your government and your nearest Cambodian embassy or consulate what documents you need for travel to Cambodia.

  • Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Cambodia. Entry is normally refused if you have a damaged passport or pages missing.
  • Currently you need to get a visa before arrival. You can get a tourist visa online, or you can purchase one at a Royal Cambodian Embassy abroad.

Before you travel, make sure you read my 10 tips to plan a worry-free trip.

CAMBODIA TRAVEL GUIDE: GETTING AROUND

Getting around Cambodia is comfortable but time-consuming (roads are narrow and there’s a lot of traffic). Significant improvements to the national highway network in the past few years have made traveling around the country much easier than it once was, with many formerly dirt roads now surfaced and new highways built.

  • Travel by bus is the cheapest and most convenient way of getting around Cambodia, especially to the farthest and most remote destinations in the country. Longer bus trips usually depart in the evenings to arrive at their destination early in the morning. All buses are privately run, operated by a growing number of companies. Phnom Penh Sorya is the biggest; others include Rith Mony, GST, Paramount Angkor and Capitol Tours.
  • There are also a few deluxe minibus services on the main intercity and international routes. Mekong Express is the main operator and tickets can be booked online. Fares are relatively high compared to regular bus service, although they tend to be slightly faster and passengers are guaranteed a reasonably comfortable seat and onboard service (such as WiFi and A/C).
  • A domestic flight within Cambodia can save you a full day of traveling: a flight from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville takes only 45 minutes compared to 12 hours over land by car. There are several domestic airlines that offer flights within Cambodia and fares are cheap, especially if you book in advance. Tickets can be booked online via the airlines’ websites:
  • Trishaws (tuktuks) are ideal for short journeys within towns and cities, and for short excursions, the country’s many trishaws would be happy to offer you a ride. Most tuktuks are not metered. Always agree on a fare beforehand.
CAMBODIA TRAVEL GUIDE: INSPIRATION, HIGHLIGHTS, & TRAVEL TIPS

There are several good reasons why you should put Cambodia on your bucket list:

  • Explore Angkor Wat, one of the world’s most fascinating ruins
  • Visit the killing fields, a reminder of Cambodia’s atrocious recent past
  • Relax on world-class beaches in the Koh Rong Archipelago
  • Sail along the mighty Mekong River
  • Enjoy world-class hospitality at Cambodia’s fabulous resorts
  • Explore the capital Phnom Penh

The following, in-depth articles may also inspire you and help you plan your holiday to Cambodia:

CAMBODIA TRAVEL GUIDE: SUGGESTED ITINERARIES 

Cambodia is a small country and it’s easy to explore all of its highlight within a short time frame. I suggest the following 10-day itinerary in Cambodia:

If you have more time, I highly recommend to end your holiday in Cambodia with some additional nights at Soneva Kiri in Thailand, my favorite resort in the world.

CAMBODIA TRAVEL GUIDE: RECOMMENDED LUXURY HOTELS (+ REVIEWS)

Visit my top 10 list of the most fabulous hotels in Cambodia if you are eager to know how I rank the Kingdom’s top hotels, based my own experience.

Below, you find my reviews of hotels in Cambodia (with pros, cons, & tips to save money per hotel).

*** Follow me on Instagram, Youtube, Twitter or Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

 

The post A travel guide to Cambodia appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

]]>/a-travel-guide-to-cambodia/feed/0245579A travel guide to Bhutan/travel-guide-to-bhutan//travel-guide-to-bhutan/#respondFri, 18 Oct 2019 13:04:21 +0000/?p=234102Friday newsletters always feature luxury travel contests, tips, series, or news. [...]

The post A travel guide to Bhutan appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

]]>Friday newsletters always feature luxury travel contests, tips, series, or news.

Today (October 18, 2019): Travel series: a travel guide to Bhutan.

My travel blog features a section that comprises a selection of destination & travel guides. You can find these travel guides under ‘destinations‘ in the blog’s header menu (indicated by the blue arrow in the screenshot below).

I hope these online travel guides – based on my own travel experiences – may help you to get the most out of your (luxury) trips. So far, I have published travel guides on the following destinations:

Today, I am adding a new travel guide to my blog about Bhutan. The fairytale, mystical Kingdom of Bhutan is world-famous for measuring Gross National Happiness, an index which is used to measure the collective happiness and well-being of a population. TBhutan is a spectacular, unspoilt country steeped in ancient traditions and with a history that is as tall as its Himalayan mountain peaks. It’s a country where mystical Buddhism thrives, archery is the national sport, almost everyone wears national dress, and traffic lights are absent. The Kingdom is on top of many travelers’ bucket lists (and for good reason), yet is tricky to visit (more on that below).

Get the most out of your (luxury) trip to Bhutan with my travel guide. Find out more about:

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The climate in Bhutan is extremely varied, which can be attributed to two main factors: the vast differences in altitude present in the country and the influence of North Indian monsoons.

Regional differences

Southern Bhutan has a hot and humid subtropical climate that is fairly unchanging throughout the year. Temperatures can vary between 15-30 degrees C° (59- 86 degrees F°). In the central parts of the country – which consists of temperate and deciduous forests – the climate is more seasonal with warm summers and cool and dry winters. In the far northern reaches of the Kingdom, the weather is much colder: mountain peaks are perpetually covered in snow and lower parts are still cool in summer owing to the high altitude terrain.

Seasonal differences 

Apart from the regional differences, Bhutan has four distinct seasons in a year:

  • Bhutan’s generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April. Summer weather commences in mid-April with occasional showers and continues to late June.
  • The monsoon begins from late-June through July to late-September and brings between 60 and 90 percent of the country’s rainfall. Annual precipitation ranges widely in various parts of the country, with most of the precipitation falling in the humid, subtropical southern part of the country.
  • Autumn, from late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season. It is characterized by bright, sunny days and some early snowfall at higher elevations.
  • From late November until March, winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds at the highest altitudes through high mountain passes, giving Bhutan its name – Drukyul, which means Land of the Thunder Dragon in Dzongkha (the native language).

The best season to visit Bhutan is autumn, because of the dry weather and crispy clear days. Spring is also a good season, although there is more chance of overcast days. For a month-to-month overview of the weather in Bhutan, check this website.

HOW TO GET THERE 

The only international airport in Bhutan is located at Paro, about a one hour drive from Bhutan’s capital city Thimphu. Currently, there are only two Bhutanese airlines allowed to operate flights to and from Bhutan – Drukair and Bhutan Airlines – and tickets can be booked online. Departure points include Bangkok (Thailand), Kathmandu (Nepal), New Delhi and Kolkata (India), Dhaka (Bangladesh), Yangoon (Myanmar), and Singapore. Weather can delay flights for days at a time, so it’s important to have your itinerary designed with a few days in your stopover city and (if possible) to fly on an unrestricted ticket.

It’s also possible to travel to Bhutan from India overland by road. The main border crossing is Jaigon-Phuentsholing. There are two others, at Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar.

Before you buy a plane ticket, consider reading my tips & tricks for buying the cheapest plane ticket.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

To protect its natural resources and authentic culture, and to ensure that travelers don’t overwhelm the country, the Bhutanese governmen controls (and restricts) the number of visitors into the country. Only travelers on packages booked through tour operators are allowed visas, so independent tourists and backpackers can’t get in, plus there’s the infamously expensive tourist tax (minimum daily tariff), which puts off a lot of potential visitors.

Passport & visa

  • Everyone traveling to Bhutan must obtain a visa in advance, except for passport holders from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives. The visas must be applied and paid for in advance ($40 USD per person) and are only issued to tourists booked with a local licensed tour operator, either directly or through a foreign travel agent. You should try and make your travel arrangements at least 90 days prior to travel to allow time for all the formalities to be completed.
  • Your international passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months after the date you intend to leave Bhutan.

Tourist tax (minimum daily tariff)

The Tourism Council of Bhutan also sets a non-negotiable minimum daily tariff for all visitors to Bhutan, though in fact most of that goes towards accommodation, transfers, guiding, and is included in package prices. These are the current tariffs:

  • High Season: March, April, May, September, October, and November
    • $250 per person per day, for a group of three or more people
    • $280 per person per day, for a group of two people
    • $290 per day for single individuals
  • Low Season: January, February, June, July, August, and December
    • $200 per person per day, for a group of three or more people
    • $230 per person per day, for a group of two people
    • $240 per day for single individuals

In almost all cases, your tour or hotel operator (e.g. Six Senses, Aman, etc …) will take care of all the administration (visa & tourist tax), so in the end, it’s a very simple and straightforward process.

Make sure you read my 10 tips to plan a worry-free trip.

GETTING AROUND

In Bhutan it’s only possible to travel by private car and driver (the cost of all transport is included in the minimal daily tariff). Most tourists travel in a 4 wheel drive (or minibus) with a driver and English speaking guide, arranged via their tour or hotel operator. There is only one main road – the National Highway – which crosses the country and winds twists and turns from west to east along the main cities. The roads are pretty well maintained and go via mountain passes with sweeping views and prayer flags fluttering in the wind to remote villages with cobbled streets and traditional houses.

It’s also possible to make us of limited domestic air service, which is restricted to Paro, Bumthang and Gelephu. Bhutan’s only domestic carriers are Drukair and Bhutan Airlines.

INSPIRATION, HIGHLIGHTS, & TRAVEL TIPS

There are several reasons why you should put Bhutan on your bucket list:

  • Hike the sacred path to Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most iconic temple
  • Visit the ancient fortress of Punakha Dzong
  • Explore the outdoors (hiking, white water rafting, cycling, etc …)
  • Explore Thimphu, the world’s only capital without traffic lights
  • Observe wildlife, including the rare black necked cranes
  • Drive along majestic mountain passes
  • Attend a colorful Bhutanese festival

The following, comprehensive articles may also inspire you and help you plan a holiday to Bhutan:

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES 

Bhutan is a relatively small country, so it’s possible to see a lot of the country in a short time span. I hereby share with you a one week itinerary:

  • Day 1 & 2: explore the capital Thimphu & surroundings
  • Day 3, 4 & 5: drive via Dochula Pass to Punakha (3 hours) & explore Punakha Valley (outdoor activities, visit to the Dzong, etc …)
  • Day 6 & 7: backtrack to Paro via Thimpu (4 hours) & explore Paro Valley (including full day tour to Tiger’s Nest)

If you have more time (2 weeks), I suggest to explore the farthest reaches of Bhutan’s inhabited regions and add Gangtey & Bumthang to jour itinerary.

I highly recommend to book your stay in Bhutan with either Six Senses or Aman. Both companies operate multiple lodges in Bhutan and have detailed itineraries on their website, which give you a excellent idea of what to expect from day to day:

  • Click here to explore 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10 nights Bhutan itineraries offered by Six Senses
  • Click here to explore 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11 and 12 nights Bhutan itineraries offered by Aman
RECOMMENDED LUXURY HOTELS (+ REVIEWS)

Below, you find my reviews of hotels in Bhutan (with pros, cons, & tips to save money per hotel).

*** Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

 

The post A travel guide to Bhutan appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

]]>/travel-guide-to-bhutan/feed/0234102A travel guide to India/travel-series-a-travel-guide-to-india//travel-series-a-travel-guide-to-india/#respondFri, 20 Sep 2019 13:52:52 +0000/?p=232536Friday newsletters always feature luxury travel contests, tips, series, or news [...]

The post A travel guide to India appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

]]>Friday newsletters always feature luxury travel contests, tips, series, or news.

Today (September 20, 2019): Travel series: a travel guide to India.

My travel blog features a section that comprises a selection of destination & travel guides. You can find these travel guides under ‘destinations‘ in the blog’s header menu (indicated by the blue arrow in the screenshot below).

I hope these online travel guides – based on my own travel experiences – may help you to get the most out of your (luxury) trips. So far, I have published travel guides on the following destinations:

Today, I am adding a new travel guide to my blog about India.

Stretching from the mighty peaks of the Himalayas in the north to the tropical beaches in the south, India’s expansive borders encompass an incredible range of contrasts, landscapes, cultures, and religions. The country is home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites, from the 7th wonder of the world Taj Mahal to majestic palaces and forts that were built hundreds of years ago, still standing upright to narrate the testimony of time of India’s rich culture and history. The nation also features vast wilderness areas, national parks and nature sanctuaries that are home to exciting wildlife, such as elephants, lions, and tigers.

Get the most out of your (luxury) trip to India with my travel guide. Find out more about:

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit India is between October and March, when the weather is more likely to be warm, sunny, and dry. During this time, the north (which is the part of India that most travelers visit) offers clear blue skies, although December and January can be very cold and sometimes foggy. Increasing temperatures in April and May can result in excellent value trips, but you can expect high humidity and thunderstorms.

  • Winter in India sets in around mid-December and lasts through the end of March. This is the coldest and driest season in the country, and considered the best period to visit India. Temperatures during the day are pleasant and comfortable, although often quite chilly at night in the north. Freezing temperatures can be experienced in India’s far north around the Himalaya region, although the mountain views are at their best because of crispy clear skies. In the south, it never gets cold.
  • Summer, also called the pre-monsoon season, starts in April and goes on through mid-June. This is the hottest season in India, especially during the last weeks of the season. Many places experience daily temperatures exceeding 40° C (105° F). It stays cooler in the southern parts of the country, with temperatures reaching around 35° C (95° F), although it’s a lot more humid. In late May, signs of the approaching monsoon start appearing, with squally winds, high humidity, occasional thunderstorms, and dust storms.
  • The monsoon rainy season lasts from mid-June to mid-October. The rains come in from the sea and start making their way up India’s west coast in early June. By mid-July, most of the country is covered in rain. India during the monsoon doesn’t receive rain all the time, although it usually rains for a heavy period every day, followed by pleasant sunshine. The weather gradually starts clearing again from most places in northwest India by October. Travel in India during the monsoon can be a real challenge and is best avoided.
  • The post monsoon season – also referred to as the autumn season – is from mid-October to mid-December. This season comes with a lot of cloudlessness particularly for the northwest side. During this period, the temperature rises again and the weather can be a little unbearable due to the humidity in the air.
HOW TO GET THERE 

India receives numerous international daily flights via its many international airports. Most travelers will enter India at one of its two biggest gateways for international visitors, New Delhi and Mumbai, though Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Chennai receive their fair share of international arrivals as well.

  • Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is the country’s largest airport and the main getaway to New Delhi and India. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to New Delhi.
  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) serves Mumbai, the financial and entertainment center of India. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Mumbai.
  • Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) is located Bangalore, the third most populous city in India. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Bangalore.
  • Chennai International Airport (MAA) is located on India’s southeast coast, near the metropolitan area of Chennai. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Chennai.
  • Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) serves the Kolkata metropolitan area and is the main getaway to northeast India. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Kolkota.

Before you buy a plane ticket, consider reading my tips & tricks for buying the cheapest plane ticket.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for entry into India differ from country to country, and are subject to change. Prior to departure, always check with your government and your nearest Indian embassy or consulate what documents you need for travel to Indian.

  • You need a passport with at least six months validity to enter India.
  • Generally, a visa is required to enter, exit or transit through India. India issues various types of visas, including e-visas. Make sure you get the right visa for your travel and that it’s valid for the purpose and duration of your stay. If you enter India on the wrong visa, you could be detained on arrival and you may be deported and blacklisted, meaning that you can’t enter India again. You can find out more about this on India’s e-visa website. Beware of fake websites offering this service.

Make sure you read my 10 tips to plan a worry-free trip.

GETTING AROUND

It’s quite easy to get around in India, and several modes of transportation are available:

  • Domestic flights are probably the best way to move around the country if you don’t have a lot of time. India’s major cities are connected daily via multiple flights and the cost of a domestic ticket is often quite cheap. Tickets can be booked online on the website of the four carriers that offer flights within India:
  • Hiring a car and driver sounds fancy, but it’s a popular and affordable option in India, especially since driving yourself is strongly discouraged due to lack of respect for traffic laws, frequent accidents (India’s roads are statistically the most dangerous in the world) and absolute chaos on the roads by Western standards. Private transfers with a chauffeur-driven car can be arranged via most hotels at often reasonable prices.
  • A great way to travel in India is by train. The country has the second largest rail network in the world, and you can pretty much get anywhere by train. That said, train journeys between major destinations can consume massive amounts of time (often more than car travel); and the network, tiers (one of the A/C, or air-conditioned classes may, for instance, be better than non-A/C first class), and connections can be confusing. For extensive railway information, you can log on to www.indianrail.gov.in, which shows routes, availability, and prices for all Indian trains, but you cannot book online from overseas. You purchase tickets for train journeys in India using www.cleartrip.com website which charges a Rs 100 booking fee per ticket, but allows you to buy your ticket using a credit card.
    • The most popular class of travel for most visitors is Sleeper Class (open-plan carriages with three-tier bunks and no air conditioning), which gives a reasonable amount of comfort and a whole lot of atmosphere for a pittance.
    • Those seeking more comfort and cooler carriages should opt for one of the three air-conditioned classes: Air-Conditioned 3-Tier (3AC; three-tier berths in groups of six), Air-Conditioned 2-Tier (2AC; two-tier berths in groups of four with curtains for privacy) or Air-Conditioned 1-Tier (1AC; two- or four-berth compartments with locking doors and meals).
    • On Shatabdi Express trains, AC Executive Chair Class is always a quick, comfortable and cool way to go.
    • Unreserved Second Class (wooden or plastic benches and a cavalcade of people) should be avoided.
  • Unless you are on a serious budget and traveling in India for months, I recommend you avoid all forms of bus travel. Major routes often have comfortable, air-conditioned buses, often referred to as Volvo AC, which are on par in comfort and safety with their international counterparts. However, most of the time, Indian buses are ragged and recycled U.S. school buses from decades prior, where people and luggage are piled in with little regard for comfort or safety.
INSPIRATION, HIGHLIGHTS, & TRAVEL TIPS

There are several reasons why you should put India on your bucket list:

  • Visit the Taj Mahal in Agra
  • Explore the palaces and lakes of Udaipur
  • Spot wildlife (including tigers) in one of India’s National Parks
  • Hike in the Himalayas
  • Visit the citadel of Jaisalmer
  • Relax on the beaches of Goa
  • Experience holy rituals in Varanasi
  • Explore the pink city of Jaipur
  • Visit the mega cities of New Delhi and Mumbai

The following, comprehensive articles may also inspire you and help you plan a holiday to Switzerland:

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES 

It’s impossible to suggest one itinerary for India, but I hereby share with you the schedule of my own recent holiday in India, which is great if you want to see country in a time frame of 2 weeks:

  • Day 1-2: arrival in New Delhi & visit the city (recommended hotel: The Oberoi New Delhi).
  • Day 3-4: car transfer to Agra (4 hours) & visit the Taj Mahal (recommended hotel: The Oberoi Amarvilas).
  • Day 5-8: car transfer (4 hours) to Jaipur & explore Rajasthan (recommended hotel: Amanbagh).
  • Day 9-11: car transfer (3 hours) to Ranthambore National Park & tiger safari (recommended hotel: Aman-i-Khas).
  • Day 12-14: car transfer (6 hours) to Udaipur & explore lakes and palaces (recommended hotels: Taj Lake Palace or The Oberoi Udaivilas).
  • Day 15-16: domestic flight to Mumbai & visit the city (recommended hotel: The Taj Mahal Palace).

For more ideas, I suggest the excellent India itineraries as described by The Rough Guides, The Lonely Planet, and Frommers.

RECOMMENDED LUXURY HOTELS (+ REVIEWS)

I recommend to visit my top 10 list of the most fabulous hotels in India if you are eager to know how I rank India’s top hotels, based my own experience.

Below, you find my reviews of hotels in India (with pros, cons, & tips to save money per hotel).

*** Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

The post A travel guide to India appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

]]>/travel-series-a-travel-guide-to-india/feed/0232536A travel guide to Indonesia/indonesia-travel-guide//indonesia-travel-guide/#commentsFri, 18 Jan 2019 14:04:35 +0000/?p=217958Friday newsletters always feature luxury travel contests, tips, series, or news [...]

The post A travel guide to Indonesia appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

]]>Friday newsletters always feature luxury travel contests, tips, series, or news.

Today (January 18, 2019): Travel series: a travel guide to Indonesia.

My travel blog features a section that comprises a selection of destination & travel guides. You can find these travel guides in a menu under my blog’s header menu (indicated by the arrow in the screenshot below).

I hope these online travel guides – based on my own travel experiences – may help you to get the most out of your (luxury) trips. So far, I have published travel guides on the following destinations:

Today, I am adding a new travel guide to my blog about Indonesia. From beach and wildlife-focused escapes to journeys into the spiritual, cultural and adventure-fueled unknown, Indonesia never fails to inspire. This magnificent Southeast Asian country comprises more than 17,000 islands scattered in the Pacific Ocean, with a landscape dominated by lush rainforests, steaming volcanoes and idyllic beaches. The sheer range of experiences that you can have in Indonesia is spellbinding and will live on as sweet memories long after your holiday in the island country.

Get the most out of your (luxury) trip to Indonesia with my travel guide. Find out more about:

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Weather in Indonesia can be split into two seasons – wet and dry – with warm tropical temperatures averaging 28°C (82°F) during the day, throughout the year. In most regions, the dry season spans from May to September, with the rains falling between October and April.

  • The dry season – which lasts from May to September – is considered the best time to visit Indonesia, with plenty of sunshine and day temperatures in the high 70s°F to low 80s°F (26°C-29°C). Sporadic showers may occur in the dry season but are infrequent events. These months are the ideal time to travel if you are planning on sunbathing, diving, exploring cultural sites, or climbing one of Indonesia’s famous volcanoes.
  • The wet season occurs between October and April with frequent rainfall that comes in the form of intense tropical downpours that tend to last for a couple of hours. November, December and January see the most rainfall. The eastern parts of Indonesia (Lombok, Flores and the islands beyond) are more affected by the rainy season than the western parts (Java, Sumatra and Bali). During the peak of the wet season, muddy back roads can be a problem if you intend to explore more off the beaten track locations and rough seas can render some islands inaccessible to smaller boats.

There are some regional exceptions. For example, north Sulawesi experiences some rain in June & July. For a detailed month to month weather report of the different regions in Indonesia, check this excellent website.

HOW TO GET THERE

Most tourists will arrive in Indonesia via Soekarno–Hatta International Airport near Jakarta or one of the airfields that serve the areas of Bali, Lombok, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya.

  • Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK) is the primary airport serving the capital Jakarta in West Java. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Jakarta.
  • Adisutjipto International Airport (YOG) is the principal airport serving the Yogyakarta area in Central Java. Yogyakarta is the cultural heart of Indonesia and home to two of the countries most famous visited sites, the UNESCO protected temple compounds of Borobodur and Prambanan. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Yogyakarta.
  • Juanda International Airport (JIA) serves the metropolitan area of Surabaya plus extended urban area in East Java. It’s the closest airport to one of Indonesia’s most famous attractions, Mount Bromo. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Surabaya.
  • Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) – officially known as I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport – is the main airport in Bali and the second busiest airport in Indonesia after Soekarno–Hatta International Airport. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Bali.
  • Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport (LOP) is the only airport on the island of Lombok. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Lombok.

Before you buy a plane ticket, consider reading my tips & tricks for buying the cheapest plane ticket.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for entry into Indonesia differ from country to country, and are subject to change. Prior to departure, always check with your government and your nearest Indonesia embassy or consulate what documents you need for travel to Indonesia.

  • Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your entry into Indonesia.
  • Citizens of 140 countries (including the EU, UK, USA, Canada and Australia) do not need a visa for stays up to 30 days. All other nationalities must obtain a visa from one of the Indonesian diplomatic missions.
GETTING AROUND

Despite its larger size, it’s easy to travel around Indonesia since the country is well covered by public transport. However, it can be frustrating at the same time, due to frequent delays caused by weather and mechanical issues, so my advise is to keep your schedule as flexible as possible. Be aware that safety standards can vary widely when making use of public transport in Indonesia.

  • Air travel is the quickest and most convenient way of getting around Indonesia, and sometimes the only way to reach certain parts of the archipelago. Most routes are flown several times a day, although plane schedules – particularly on smaller airlines and to less-visited destinations – can be unreliable and infrequent. There are several domestic airlines in Indonesia, and the competition between carriers means that tickets are usually cheap, especially if you book in advance. Tickets can be booked online via the airlines’ websites:
  • In Java, trains are considered one of the most comfortable, fastest and easiest ways to travel. In the east, the railway service connects with the ferry to Bali, and in the west with the ferry to Sumatra. Some of the most popular train journeys run between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, and Yogyakarta and Surabaya. Most trains can be booked online and offer three classes:
    • Executive (eksecutif) – air-con with mandatory reservations.
    • Business (bisnis) – no air-con but mandatory seat reservations.
    • Economy (ekonomi) – no air-con, crowded and unreserved.
  • While there are ferries between Indonesia’s main islands, flying is almost always the faster and more reliable way to cover distances of any note. Public ferries run regularly on the shorter crossings between neighboring islands, such as between Sumatra and Java, Java and Bali, and Bali and Lombok. Ferries from Java to Bali are particularly popular among tourists: the ferry departs Ketapang in east Java many times a day, 24 hours a day, to make the 30-minute crossing to Gilimanuk in western Bali and there’s no need to book in advance (you can just arrive at the ferry port and buy a ticket for the next crossing). Check with shipping companies, the harbor office, travel agents or hotels for current schedules and fares.
  • Coach and bus travel is an option when you are traveling in Indonesia on a budget. There are several categories of bus travel, such as long-distance buses, and short-distance minibuses (widely known by their Balinese tag, bemo). Long-distance coaches generally have air conditioning, reading lights, reclining seats, in-bus entertainment showing Indonesian films. It is, however, the most time-consuming means of getting around.
  • One of the best ways of getting around in Indonesia is by hiring a car and a driver. It gives you the freedom to explore the scenic beauty of the country. Having a driver takes away the stress of having to navigate the small roads or worrying about getting lost, and they can also help with any translations. Private transfers can be booked via most hotels.
INSPIRATION, HIGHLIGHTS, & TRAVEL TIPS

There are several good reasons why you should put Indonesia on your bucket list:

  • Visit Borobodur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple
  • Visit Prembanan, Indonesia’s most beautiful Hindu temple
  • Explore Borneo by river
  • Climb Mount Rinjani in Lombok
  • Track orang utans in Sumatra
  • Relax on the beaches of Bali
  • Stay at ultra-luxe resorts
  • Face the dragons in Komodo National Park
  • Watch the sunrise at Mount Bromo

The following, in-depth articles may also inspire you and help you plan your holiday to Indonesia:

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES 

It’s impossible to suggest one itinerary for Indonesia, but I hereby share with you a two-week schedule In Java and Bali based on my own travel experiences in Indonesia. Three weeks are recommended though if you have more time and want to travel at a more leisurely pace or add some other islands to your itinerary (e.g. Lombok, Sulawese, Sumatra or Borneo).

  • Days 1-4: make Yogyakarta your port of entry in Indonesia and explore the temple compounds of Borobodur and Prembanan (recommended hotel: Amanjiwo)
  • Days 5: take train to Surabaya (6 hours) followed by a 3 hour private car transfer to the Mount Bromo area, for a visit to the volcano the next morning (recommended hotel: Jiwa Jawa Bromo)
  • Dag 6: watch the sunrise over Mount Bromo and visit the caldera, followed by a 7 hour private car transfer to the Ijen area (recommended hotel: Jiwa Jawa Ijen).
  • Day 7-10: midnight visit to the Mount Jien to watch the Blue Fire, followed by a boat trip to Bali (30 min) and a private car transfer to the Ubud area (recommended hotel: Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve).
  • Days 11-15: transfer to the Uluwatu area in the south of Bali for a couple of days of relaxation in Bali’s most spectacular coastal area (recommended hotel: Six Senses Uluwatu).

For more ideas, I suggest the excellent Indonesia itineraries as provided by The Lonely Planet and Frommers.

RECOMMENDED LUXURY HOTELS (+ REVIEWS)

Consider visiting my top 10 lists if you are eager to know how I rank Indonesia’s top hotels, based on my own experience:

Below, you find my reviews of luxury hotels in Indonesia (with pros, cons, & tips to save money per hotel).

*** Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

 

The post A travel guide to Indonesia appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

]]>/indonesia-travel-guide/feed/4217958A travel guide to Sri Lanka/sri-lanka-travel-guide//sri-lanka-travel-guide/#respondFri, 15 Jun 2018 13:02:12 +0000/?p=202529Friday newsletters always feature luxury travel contests, tips, series, or news [...]

The post A travel guide to Sri Lanka appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

]]>Friday newsletters always feature luxury travel contests, tips, series, or news.

Today (June 15, 2018): Travel series: a travel guide to Sri Lanka.

Last year, I have added a section to my travel blog with a focus on destination & travel guides. You can find my travel guides in a menu under my blog’s header menu (indicated by the arrow in the screenshot below).

I hope these online travel guides – based on my own travel experiences – may help you to get the most out of your (luxury) trips. So far, I have published travel guides on the following destinations:

Today, I am adding a new travel guide to my blog about Sri Lanka,  the tropical island in the Indian Ocean off the south-east tip of India. It`s a country that you need to put on your bucket list since it has a lot to offer, from magnificent beaches and jungle-clad mountains to historical cities and wildlife reserves.

In this Sri Lanka travel guide:

  • Best time to visit
  • How to get there
  • Travel requirements
  • Getting around
  • Inspiration, highlights & travel tips
  • Suggested itineraries
  • Recommended luxury hotels (+ reviews)

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Its equatorial position means that temperatures in Sri Lanka are fairly constant year round, with coastal regions enjoying average temperatures of 25-30°C (77 -86°F) and the highlands around 15-18°C (59-65°F). The tropical climate in Sri Lanka is complex as it is dictated by two monsoon seasons:

  • The south-western monsoon brings rain to the Sri Lanka southern and western regions between May and September, while the dry season in this region runs from December to March. These regions are Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist areas (e.g. Colombo, resort towns, and Yala National Park).
  • The north-eastern monsoon brings wind and rain to Sri Lanka’s north and eastern coastal regions between mid-November and January, and drier weather between May and September.
  • There’s also an inter-monsoonal season in October and the first half of November, which sees fine weather for most of the island interspersed with sudden thunderstorms.

All in all, the drier transition months of April and September are the best to see the whole country. As with many South-East Asian destinations, the period from December to mid-April is considered the peak season for overall weather and therefore overall visitor numbers.

HOW TO GET THERE

Sri Lanka receives numerous international flights via its main airport, Bandaranaike International Airport. It is named after former Prime Minister SWRD Bandaranaike and is located in a suburb of Negombo, 20 miles (32.5 km) north of the commercial capital Colombo. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Colombo.

Before you buy a plane ticket, consider reading my tips & tricks for buying the cheapest plane ticket.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for entry into Sri Lanka differ from country to country, and are subject to change. Prior to departure, always check with your government and your nearest Sri Lankan embassy or consulate what documents you need for travel to Sri Lanka.

  • You need an international passport with at least six months validity to enter Sri Lanka.
  • Most nationalities need a tourist or business visa to enter Sri Lanka. You can apply for one online here. Tourist visas are normally issued for a maximum period of 30 days.
  • You need a yellow fever certificate. Although there is no risk of yellow fever in Sri Lanka, immigration officials may ask to see yellow fever vaccination certificates or exemption certificates when you are arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Make sure you read my 10 tips to plan a worry-free trip.

GETTING AROUND

Although Sri Lanka is relatively small in size, traveling around the island can be frustrating and time-consuming. With the exception of the highway between Colombo and Galle, the country’s narrow roads and dangerous traffic, congested with pedestrians, cyclists and tuktuks make traveling difficult.

  • Chauffeur-driven cars are the recommended way to get around Sri Lanka and these can be arranged via most hotels & tour operators.
  • Car hire is available from several international agencies. Motorised rickshaws are also readily available for hire in towns and villages. Most roads are tarred, with a 56 kph (35 mph) speed limit in built-up areas and 75 kph (45 mph) outside towns. The minimum age for driving a car is 18.
  • Charter flights can be arranged to any destination in Sri Lanka. One company offering this service is Deccan Aviation Lanka, which is authorized to operate both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft across the country.
  • Trains connect Colombo with all tourist towns, but first-class carriages, air conditioning and dining cars are only available on a few. New fast services operate on the principal routes, including an intercity express service between Colombo and Kandy, otherwise journeys are fairly leisurely. The Viceroy Express is the only passenger steam train still in operation in Sri Lanka, hauled by a vintage British locomotive at least 50 years old.
  • An extensive bus network exists throughout the island. Most buses are not very comfortable though and make many stops along the way. Private bus drivers are paid according to the number of passengers and can often drive rather dangerously. Two long haul distance bus services operate from Colombo, one managed by the Sri Lanka Transport Board and the other managed by private bus companies. The bus station is located close to the Central Depot.
  • Taxis have yellow tops and red and white plates. In Colombo, taxis are metered but it is advisable to agree a rate before setting off. Drivers expect a 10% tip.
  • Trishaws (tuktuks) are ideal for short journeys within towns and cities, and for short excursions, the country’s many trishaws would be happy to offer you a ride. The vehicles are mainly Indian-made Bajaj rickshaws. Most trishaws are not metered. Always agree on a fare beforehand.
INSPIRATION, HIGHLIGHTS & TRAVEL TIPS

There are several good reasons why you should put Sri Lanka on your bucket list:

  • Exploring historic towns, such as Fort Galle
  • Whale watching
  • Going on a safari (e.g. observing elephants and leopards in the wild)
  • Relaxing on the island’s magnificent beaches
  • Tea tourism
  • Indulging in Ayurveda

The following, in-depth articles may also inspire you and help you plan your holiday to Sri Lanka:

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES 

It’s impossible to suggest one itinerary for Sri Lanka, but I hereby share with you a schedule based on my own holidays in Sri Lanka, which is great if you want to see archipelago in a compact time frame of just one week:

  • Day 1: arrival & explore Colombo (suggested hotel: Shangri-La Colombo)
  • Day 2: visit Fort Galle (recommended hotel: Amangalla)
  • Day 4 & 5: go on safari In Yala National Park (suggested hotel: Wild Coast Tented Lodge)
  • Day 6, 7 and 8: relax on one of the country’s amazing beaches (suggested hotel: Amanwella)

If you have more time, I suggest you also explore the country’s Central Highlands.

For the planning of your own travel itinerary in Sri Lanka, I highly recommend the excellent itineraries as provided by The Lonely Planet and Rough Guides.

RECOMMENDED LUXURY HOTELS (+ REVIEWS)

Please visit my top 10 lists of the best hotels in Sri Lanka if you are eager to know how I rank the country’s top properties, according to my own experience at each one of them.

Below, you find my reviews of luxury hotels in Sri Lanka (with pros, cons, and tips to save money):

*** Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

 

The post A travel guide to Sri Lanka appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

]]>/sri-lanka-travel-guide/feed/0202529