1. Cartegena. Columbia
A port city dotted with cobblestone streets and pastel colonial buildings lined with flowers? Yes, please. But first, hit the beach with your girls.
It can’t get more Instagram-worthy than this
Take a trip to the picturesque Islas del Rosario, 100 kms off Cartagena
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Casa De Alba Hotel Boutique
Located in Old City, this renovated Spanish, colonial mansion boasts seven charming rooms, a gorgeous courtyard with a pool, and a rooftop dining experience. Pro-tip: book the entire hotel for an intimate experience.
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A Mud Bath at El Tomuto
A dip in a naturally heated mud volcano is just what you need after a day of drinking and partying on the beach. While there, you can opt for a quick massage to relax and unwind.
How much seafood is too much seafood? Asking for a friend
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Cazuela de Mariscos
A seafood stew usually comprising of shrimps, calamari and clams, this is a local favourite. Enjoy it with a glass of white wine.
2.Berlin, Germany
Sure, it’s one of the most popular cities of the world, but Berlin’s underground party scene is just getting started. Whether you like techno or house, there’s something for every kinda music lover here.
One Wall by artists Telmo Miel and James Bullough
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Hüttenpalast
Berlin has a plethora of hotels and Airbnbs to choose from, but bunk here for a one-of-a-kind experience. With vintage caravans and factory-loft-style rooms, this one gives you an outdoorsy experience within the comfort of a hotel.
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Club Hopping
While Berghain continues to be the ‘It’ club, there are several others like Creamcake, Trade, and Boo Hoo, which promote diversity. During the day, you could check out Urban Nation, Berlin’s first street art museum, to understand the city’s many murals and their histories.
There’s no such thing as too many fries, ladies...
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Currywurst
Sausages, curry, and fries? Yum! Have it from one of the many street-side shops along with a pint (or two) of German beer.
3. Baku, Azerbaijan
This city has options: breathtaking views of the sea, 19th century and modern architectural marvels, and a thriving nightlife. What’s not to love?
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Four Seasons
Overlooking the Caspian Sea and located close to Icheri Sheher (Inner City), this beaux arts-style hotel is perfect for a luxurious stay in the city. End your day with a Turkish bath or a Jaleh massage at their spa.
This looks like it’s straight outta 1001 Arabian Nights, doesn’t it?
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A History Tour
Take a trip to Icheri Sheher, a World Heritage Site, to soak in its rich history and culture. To know more about the city, visit the Museum of History of Azerbaijan, which is home to more than 3,00,000 artefacts. Drop by the Carpet Museum (the world’s first) to see a gorgeous collection of almost 14,000 carpets. You could also unwind at one of the many pubs and karaoke places in the city centre by the Maiden Palace.
Dolma
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Dolma
A traditional dish of minced meat, rice and herbs wrapped in vine leaves, dolma makes for a wholesome snack after a day of sightseeing.
4. Nashik, Maharashtra
It’s always Wine O’Clock at Nashik, which is home to beautiful vineyards like Sula, Tiger Hills, York, and more. We can’t think of a better way to get drunk before embarking on your bridesmaids duties.
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Sula Vineyards
If you’re looking for a resort, The Source At Sula offers a complete vineyard and winery experience. But if you want a touch of luxe, Beyond By Sula—think lakeview rooms, open air decks, and infinity pool—is a better option.
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Vineyard Tours
A guided wine tour at one of the many vineyards will help you understand the A to Z of wine-making. For example, at Sula Vineyards, you can opt for both a farm and a factory tour to understand how your favourite wine is bottled from start to finish. The best part: with the many wine-tasting sessions, you’ll be just the right kinda tipsy.
This is the good kind of green! Who’s with us?
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Maharashtrian Food
Before settling in with a bottle (or more) of wine with your girls, get your fill of local delicacies at one of the in-house restaurants, or make a quick trip to the city.
4. Havelock Islands, Andaman Islands
Clean, pristine beaches, luxurious resorts, and a number of water sports activities are some of the reasons why Havelock Islands is a great spot for letting your hair down with your BFFs.
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Barefoot at Havelock
No TV, limited Internet, and no intercoms—this hotel ensures you get a digital detox before the wedding madness ensues. Bonus: the cottages are surrounded by lush mangrove forests and Radhanagar Beach (white sand) is just a stone throw’s away from the property.
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Scuba Diving
Colourful schools of fishes, pretty coral reefs, and absolute silence...need we say more? Depending on whether you’re an amateur or a pro, choose a scuba diving centre that can help you get the best diving experience. Oh, and while you’re at it, don’t forget to look for Nemo (clownfish) and his friends at the beautiful Nemo Reef.
If there are no photographs, did you even do it?
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Seafood
Freshly caught mussels, lobsters, shrimps, and red snappers...you’ll be spoilt for choice here. Just ask for the catch of the day.
5. Seoul, South Korea
From traveller-friendly clubs and shopping hubs to niche eateries and quaint districts, Seoul has something for every kind of bride-to-be.
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Hotel The Designers Jongno
Located in Hongdae (the culture and entertainment hotbed of Seoul), no two rooms at this hotel are the same as each one of them has been designed by local artists and architects. From urban and elegant to retro-chic and quirky, the hotel will not just appeal to the artist in you but will also make your Instagram look lit.
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Go Wild At The Love Museum
Prepare to be shocked, entertained, and highly amused at this adult-only, interactive *sex* museum with six very erotic galleries. Keep aside a day (or ten!) to shop for the best K-beauty products—sheet masks, make-up, serums—at Myeongdong. Pro-tip: wrap up your day at a Jimjilbang, Korean bathouses with hot and cold soaking pools, massage areas, saunas, and more.
Don’t come back without trying the Jeju Green Tea Swiss Roll at Passion 5, Itaewon
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Street Food
Get your full of bibimbap, kimchi, bulgogi, and more at Seoul’s street-side shops. If you want to explore
cafes and patisseries, hop over to Itaewon to discover a wide range of cuisines.
6.
Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Camp site at Ziro Music Festival
Tucked away in a serene corner of the North East, Ziro Valley offers the perfect getaway from the busy buzz of urban life. We’d recommend taking a road trip from Itanagar, the state’s capital, to truly soak in the vistas.
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Camps
While the valley has
several hotels and resorts to offer, camping under the stars is a better (read: memorable) way of enjoying the experience and meeting like-minded travellers, backpackers, and music enthusiasts. Bonus: drinking games around a bonfire.
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Ziro Music Festival 2019
Held from September 27th to 30th, Ziro is one of the biggest music festivals in the country. Not only will it give you a chance to watch your favourite Indie artists perform live, it will also help you discover several local artists and bands from the valley. Stay at the on-site camps for the best experience.
Chugged way more beer than you planned to? Pop an aspirin and eat two toasts
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Rice Beer
A local favourite, rice beer is usually served in bamboo glasses. If you’re feeling adventuruous, pair it with a serving of cooked silkworms. No, we’re not joking!