Here are some travel goals for 2022

2022 may not have started on a great note, but there is still a lot to look forward to, especially if the travel bug has hit you again! Planning a holiday once every quarter - whether it’s to explore new places, to take some time off for some rest and relaxation, to visit friends, or to just get away from daily routine - a holiday is always a great idea! Given how challenging it is to travel abroad in these unprecedented times, exploring our diverse and extensive country is definitely the best bet for travel buffs in 2022. So here’s a guide to the various destinations you should plan to travel to every quarter of this calendar year:

January to March
As you shake off the new year blues and look to escape the winter chill, it’s time to head somewhere warm and sunny and start your first vacation of 2022 right! This is the perfect season to hit up some beach resorts in Goa or the backwaters and sandy spots of Kerala.

Here’s what we recommend:
South Goa - Avoid the crowds of North Goa, and spend a week relaxing on some of the stunning beaches in South Goa such as Agonda or Betalbatim, which are less popular with the regular tourist crowd. You can also enjoy some great local seafood and Feni at the local beach shacks, and visit some of the gorgeous churches scattered around the state. South Goa is a great place to take it easy and get some much-needed downtime.

Alappuzha Backwaters - Take a break from your hectic everyday life and explore the Kerala Backwaters, the ideal vacation spot to calm your mind. Hop on a quick flight to Cochin; from there it’s only a two-hour drive to the serene backwaters. Most visitors enjoy staying at some of the wonderful resorts overlooking the canals and taking leisurely day trips on houseboats. Visiting a local toddy shop for some spicy seafood delicacies and “kallu” or toddy is a must-do.

April – June
As the summer approaches and many metropolitan cities get unbearably hot, it makes sense to escape to somewhere a bit cooler. This is the perfect time to leave behind the heat waves that wash over most of the country and visit a few scenic hill stations in the Himalayas.

Mussoorie - One of my favourite places to visit during the summer vacations as a child, Mussoorie is still a popular hill station for locals and tourists alike. The weather during these months is always pleasantly cool with a hint of sunshine, and there’s always plenty to do! This quaint town is also close to Delhi and Dehradun airports, which makes it relatively easy to access. Go on long walks or short hikes with your family, eat delicious Mughlai food from one of the many restaurants on Mall road and take a trip to Lal Tibba to enjoy the scenic view. You can also take a quick detour to Rishikesh for some white water rafting and cliff diving - to bring out your inner adrenaline junkie!

July – September
While the monsoons sweep through the country, many places are tough to visit during these months - so you might think a holiday is off the table. However, there are definitely a few places you can still enjoy during this time of the year.

Jaipur - Visit the pink city post the summer months to enjoy a few days of sightseeing, shopping and fabulous food. Visit the Hawa Mahal and Nahargarh fort and marvel at the rich architecture and history surrounding these historic places (while also taking a few Instagram-able pictures ofcourse).The Amber Palace is also a stunning tourist attraction and a must visit! Shop for souvenirs, clothes and funky jewellery at Johari Bazaar or Chandpole Bazaar and partake in some delicious street-style kachoris and banta soda. For a fancier meal, check out Bar Palladio - it has a great ambience and amazing food!

October – December
As the end of the year approaches, so does festive season! While it might be tough to plan a vacation around all the weddings and family events that take place during this time of the year, here is a place you should try to squeeze into your packed schedule.

Kolkata - This city comes alive during the time of Durga Puja in the month of October, and so if you truly want to visit and experience Kolkata in all its glory then this is the ideal time to do it. The entire city is lit up and everyone is in a state of celebration and joy. Visit the pandals and the art installations across the city, eat some rasgulla and macher jhol and on the last day of the festival, watch the procession of idols being taken to be immersed in the river. This is definitely an experience to add to your travel bucket list!

While it has become difficult to travel in the last few years, it is important to jump at every chance and plan a vacation whenever you can. I hope this article tempts you into exploring a few of these amazing places every few months in 2022!