2017 looks like it’s going to be an absolutely sweltering year and the worst part is we aren’t even four months in. If you’re one among hundreds of thousands of people around the country furiously wiping the sweat off your brow while constantly shaking your fist at the sun in anger, then maybe you need to take a load off and head out for a much-needed holiday.
Usually when we think of holidays, we usually tend to imagine the usual tourist spots that are either close by or fairly exotic. Vacation spots like Goa, Gokarna, Kodaikanal, Manali, Mahabalipuram and other similar locations are quite popular among tourists, both local as well as foreign. These places are great for some rest and relaxation, and are also fantastic if you’re looking to swipe your Credit Card or Debit Card and go on a shopping spree.
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But maybe you could try something different this year if you’re hankering to break out of your usual holiday routine. There are a ton of different vacation options available to you, but you’ll rarely find anything more enticing and exciting as travelling to an island to cut yourself off from the summer heat back home.
So, without further ado, here are 7 fantastic island destinations you can head to in 2017 that are sure to turn your holiday into one that will live long in your memory.
- Andaman And Nicobar Islands
Often considered to be one of India’s crown jewels as far as holiday spots are concerned, few locations in the country can boast the supreme beauty and pristine landscapes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
With its clear blue water and stunning beaches, these islands offer the discerning tourist a smorgasbord of sights and sounds that are sure to charm you off your feet.
Getting there is fairly simple. You can book flights from practically anywhere in India, or if you’re looking to save some money and want to spend some time on the open sea, you could take a boat from Chennai, for example, to Port Blair. In fact, you could even book yourself onto a tour package to the islands if you just want someone else to handle everything.
However, travelling by air is certainly a lot faster than by sea. Also, if you book your tickets using an Airline Credit Card you could get great discounts as well as lounge access at airports across the country. After all, you’re on vacation, so there’s no reason you shouldn’t travel in the lap of luxury.
But, before you head there, make sure you purchase a good Health Insurance Policy just to be on the safe side. You certainly don’t want to run into a rogue jellyfish while scuba diving beneath the waves.
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- Lakshadweep Islands
While the Lakshadweep Islands usually tend to be overlooked by travellers in favour of the more popular Andaman and Nicobar Islands, it certainly doesn’t take anything away from the stunning natural beauty that these set of islands have to offer tourists.
If you’re looking for untouched and primal nature, then Laskshadweep can’t be beat. The incredible flora and fauna that surrounds the islands could be just what you need to melt your stress away and make you forget all about the sauna-like concrete jungles that you have to wade through back home to get to work.
Getting there is fairly easy as well since it’s well connected by air and by sea, so once again an Airline Credit Card like the Jet Privilege HDFC Bank World Credit Card should be the prefect travel companion for you if you’re looking to make the most of your holiday.
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- Sri Lanka
Why not head outside the country for a vacation? In fact, if you aren’t too keen on travelling too far away from home, Sri Lanka could be the ideal choice with its ‘familiar’ and homely surroundings.
As you may already know, apart from being famous for producing some of the finest cricketers of all time, the emerald isle is also famous for its vast beaches, intoxicating greenery and sumptuous coastal food.
Couple this with the relatively inexpensive prices of hotels, transportation and other touristy activities, and you’ve got yourself a vacation that you can completely savour without putting a massive strain on your wallet.
And to really take your trip to Sri Lanka to the next level, we recommend getting yourself a Travel Credit Card like the Emirates Standard Chartered World Credit Card, which gives you great offers on hotels, car rentals and much more. In fact, with this card you can even get 5% cash back at duty free stores and a complimentary air accident cover of up to Rs. 1 crore. Pretty impressive!
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- Singapore
If you’re looking to combine a snazzy holiday experience with tons of shopping, then Singapore is hands down your best bet. While Singapore can be a bit heavy on the pocket, this island city-state offers much in the way of tourist attractions for the entire family.
You could book day trips and excursions that take you around the entire island, letting you soak in the incredible union of the city’s high rise buildings and natural foliage. Singapore is chock-full of stunning botanical gardens, zoos and shopping malls that are sure to delight even the fussiest of travellers.
And if you’re looking for adventure, the night and river safaris are sure to get your adrenalin pumping. However, don’t forget that Singapore also has a vibrant night life, with an incredible array of restaurants, clubs and streets bursting at the seams with some of the finest Asian cuisine your taste buds will ever savour.
If you do decide to head to Singapore, make sure you get yourself a Shopping And Cashback Credit Card so you can earn rewards on all your dining and shopping spends. And if you’re unsure about how the visa process works as far as Singapore is concerned, just visit ‘Singapore Visa For Indians‘ to get all the information you need.
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- Iceland
Here’s a holiday location that really is WAY OUT. If you’ve never stepped out of the Indian subcontinent, then now’s your chance to really leave your comfort zone and head into the great unknown.
And it really doesn’t get much more ‘way out’ than the tiny island nation of Iceland. Known for its volcanoes, dazzling topography and stunning scenic beauty, few countries on the face of the planet can hold a candle to Iceland when it comes to natural, untouched, primeval splendour.
To get there, however, you will require a Schengen Visa, which shouldn’t be too difficult as long as you follow all the instructions and provide the necessary documents. Your Travel Credit Card will hold you in good stead, since you will rack up tons of reward points when you use it to book your flights and hotels.
But, make sure you get yourself a good Travel Insurance Policy to protect you from any mishaps that may occur on your journey.
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- Japan
Well, Japan is an island, isn’t it? If you aren’t familiar with the Land Of The Rising Sun, then 2017 is probably the best time to do so even if the only thing you can remotely relate to Japanese culture is Godzilla stomping through downtown Tokyo looking for a Sushi bar.
In any case, Japan pretty much has it all. From the downright beautiful to the downright bizarre, there’s nothing you won’t find in Japan that won’t pique your curiosity or at least intrigue you in some way.
While you could visit the regular tourist spots like Mount Fuji, you could be a little more daring and visit Aokigahara, or more affectionately known as Suicide Forest. But, just make sure you take out a good Life Insurance Policy well in advance. You know, just in case.
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- Australia
No, we aren’t yanking your chain. We did say island destinations, and Australia is the world’s biggest island after all. If you’re really looking to unwind then there can be no better destination than the land down under.
With its coral reefs, miles of incredible coastline and the vast expanse of the infamous outback, Australia is the place to go if you’re really looking to experience nature at its tantalising best.
And if you get bored of being chased by a bunch of kangaroos, you could always head to the thriving suburbs of Sydney, Melbourne or Canberra and soak in some Aussie nightlife. Just make sure you don’t end up breaking your Fixed Deposits to fund your vacation. That should be a strict no-no.
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There you go. 7 of the best local as well as foreign island destinations you can head to in 2017. So, get that passport ready, pack your bags and head out if you want to take a break from the sizzling rays of the sun.
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