Travel Destinations That Took 2013 By Surprise

2013 was a year of ups and downs in the travel sector. Despite upheavals like natural calamities, airlines shutting shop and rising ticket prices, many travellers stuck to their travel instinct and went on exploring the world. Off the well-trodden path, literally exploring new horizons and finding clever ways to save money, travellers have made their choices. Here’s presenting, the new kids on the (travel) block that rocked 2013.

Thimphu, Bhutan

They say great things come in small packages. Tourists to Bhutan will vouch for that for this tiny little country in the Himalayan region is a packet of great fun! Bhutan’s rich Buddhist heritage, eco-friendly practices and plush natural beauty make it the ideal hide-out from the madding world!

Thimphu is beautiful and hospitable all year round. However, if trekking is on your mind, August to October is the best time to visit the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Also, try to plan your trip to Bhutan around local festivals, which opens a whole new window to the vibrant Bhutanese culture.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague has become more attractive to the Indian traveller ever since Heer and Jordan aka Nargis Fakri and Ranbir Kapoor from Rockstar did rounds of the city on their bike. Prague is a beautiful city with centuries of rich culture. The spires of the cathedrals and the cobblestoned alleys; the humble houses and the thriving nightlife, the Prague Castle and the Astronomical Clock... there are surprises galore in Prague. Like most of Europe, Prague too offers services like hostel accommodation and an excellent train network, which not just help you travel like a local but are also easy on your pocket.

Finally, Indians are exploring Europe beyond London and Paris.

Cape Town, South Africa

The Southern tip of Africa, Cape Town has been a favourite holiday jaunt for celebs for some years now. However, recently more and more Indians are flying to Cape Town for a rejuvenating holiday packed with adventure. Golf, trekking, driving, fishing, surfing, snorkelling and several other sports can be enjoyed with the best facilities in the most stunning landscapes in Cape Town. Be it a tour of wine farms, drive to the massive Table Mountain or just relaxing at the beach, Cape Town leaves people in awe of its beauty and magnanimity. Now an international city, Cape Town is geographically similar to Australia, only a tad cheaper.

Being awarded the third best city in the world for 2014 by Lonely Planet, now is the time to visit this gem of a city!

Manila, Philippines

Overshadowed by Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, Philippines is one of the most underestimated South Asian Country and it is after decades of low tourist attraction that this cluster of several thousand islands is becoming popular with tourists once again. Philippines offers authentic island life where you can spend days on your hammock or in the tent, soaking up the lifestyle and culture of the natives. At the same time there is no dearth of adventure sports like windsurfing, diving, snorkelling, trekking and mountain climbing.

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul, Byzantium, Constantinople; the glorious middle-eastern city has held and important place in ancient literature and history. Fast emerging as a metropolitan city, Istanbul still breathes in its rich heritage and that is where the charm of the city lies. Grand architecture, ruins of the Ottoman Empire, spice and carpet markets, sumptuous breakfast, a luxurious Turkish spa... Istanbul is quite a hypnotising world!

If these travel destinations took your fancy in movies and books, now is the best time to explore them.