Whales And Sea Lions! Exploring Wildlife At Kenai Fjords National Park 

BY  Sibashree May 16, 2025

As fantasy is a driving force in Haruki Murakami’s work, the astonishing Hokkaido Beach in Western Japan is nothing short of a dream! It is the land where snow, sand, and sea meet. It’s surreal when you see snow-covered sand dunes appearing before your eyes against the backdrop of the sea. Also, the blocks of ice or jewelry ice in the Tokachi River mouth attract a lot of visitors in the winter.  And that’s not all! The beach has sandbars, volcanoes, coasts, and valleys.  Further, located inside the San’in Kaigan Geopark (a UNESCO Global Geopark since 2010), Hokkaido beach Japan, sits pretty between the eastern Kyogamisaki Cape in Kyoto, and western Hakuto Kaigan Coast in Tottori.  Do you also want to see Hokkaido beach snow and other unique attractions? You will find all the details in this Tour and Travel Blog.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Hokkaido Beach?  Hokkaido beach weather remains pleasant throughout the year. So, it’s a year-round destination.  However, if you want to witness the golden moments where the sea, sand, and snow meet, you have to plan a trip from December to February.  And let me spill the beans for you, Hokkaido Beach is not located in Hokkaido. Moreover, if you especially want to see the phenomenon of ice, snow, and sand meeting, you have to travel to the main island of Honshu. Why Does Hokkaido Beach Have So Much Snow? Hokkaido Beach has so much snow because strong wind blows and shift ice to the beach from late January to February.  This ice comes from the frozen chunks of freshwater from the Amur River. Further, during January and February, you will find icebergs in the water and on the beach. How To Reach Hokkaido Beach From Tokyo? The distance between Tokyo and San’in Kaigan Geopark, the home of Hokkaido Beach, is around 657 km.  The best way to reach San’in Kaigan Geopark from Tokyo is by taking a bullet train.  Take a bullet train from the Tokaido Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka Station. It will take around 2 hours and 30 minutes.  Then, travel on the Super Hakuto limited express train for 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Tottori Station. Finally, you can take a bus from the Tottori Station to Hokkaido Beach. However, if you want to really enjoy the scene of ice, sand, and sea meeting, you have to take a cruise ride from Monbetsu, Rausu, and Abashiri.  Everything will appear before your eyes as an impossible dream as you see the Hokkaido Beach from the shore or an icebreaker.  Do you want some more adventure while exploring the beautiful Hokkaido Beach? You can go for a guided ice walk from Shiretoko.  And as you walk toward the beach, you will meet the most fascinating wildlife of the area. The sea eagles and white-tailed eagles, especially, will cross your path many a time.  You will see a real-life example of how the food chain in nature works as these birds prey on fish before your eyes.  Having said that, you will have to wear a dry suit and snowshoes for the walk. You will rent snowshoes from the Shiretoko National Park Nature Center.  Shiretoko National Park Nature Center: A UNESCO World Heritage Site On Your Way To Hokkaido Beach Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national park, is a favorite of hikers. You can go for a hike through the Furepe Waterfall Trail.  The trail passes through a forest, and it opens in a meadow looked over by Mount Io, Mount Rausu, and Mount Tenchosan.  Finally, the trail ends with a fascinating cliff-side view of Furepe Waterfall. It looks the most fascinating during the winter season.  Due to extreme cold temperatures, the water of the waterfall gets transformed into blueish ice.  Exploring San’in Kaigan Geopark: Home To The Hokkaido Beach San’in Kaigan Geopark is a celebration of the Earth's heritage. Stretching over 245,844 hectares, this Geopark is also home to the Genbudo Cave, “known as the place where the term of Quaternary geomagnetic reversal polarity was first proposed with basalt.” **“The San’in Kaigan UNESCO Global Geopark is home to a diversity of geological sites related to the formation of the Sea of Japan, including granite outcrops formed when Japan was part of the Asian continent (70 million years ago), as well as sedimentary and volcanic rocks accumulated when Japan rifted away from Asia (25 to 15 million years ago) to form the Sea of Japan, a geological process still on-going today.”**- UNESCO Further, due to the unique geological features, the park is also home to diverse flora and fauna. You will find rare plant species such as Ciconia boyciana, Pseudolysimachion ornatum, and Ranunculus nipponicus here.  Moreover, you will be able to see many marine animals and avian creatures in the park. During the winter season, especially, you will spot marine animals such as: Steller sea lions Sea eagles Seals The Steller sea lions come here from the Kuril Islands in the south as the ice starts drifting toward the Hokkaido Beach.  Again, irrespective of the season of your visit, you will meet Blakiston’s fish owl in San’in Kaigan Geopark. It is an endangered species.  In addition, the nearby mountains here have some of the biggest mammals in Japan. You will find here “Ezo red foxes,” “Ussuri brown bears,” and “Ezo silka deer.” Hokkaido Beach Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and their answers about Hokkaido Beach.  Does Hokkaido Have A Beach? Yes, Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, has many beaches. The beaches and coastlines along the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean, and the Sea of Okhotsk show diversity in their characters.Nevertheless, some popular beaches in Hokkaido are Shimamui Beach, Shiretoko Beach, Otsu Beach, and Otaru Dream Beach.  Why Is Hokkaido So Famous? Hokkaido is famous in the world for its milk and dairy products. It is also the land of inspiration behind many of Haruki Murakami’s work. Further, Hokkaido has a vibrant food scene with specialties such as Sapporo ramen and crab and scallop delicacies. Also, it has geological wonders such as Mount Asah volcano in the Daisetsuzan National Park and geothermal spots such as Noboribetsu Onsen.  Where Is The Beach Where Snow, Sand, And Sea Meet? Hokkaido Beach is the place where snow, sand, and sea meet. It is located in western Japan and it stretches between the eastern Kyogamisaki Cape in Kyoto, and the western Hakuto Kaigan Coast in Tottori. 

BY  Sibashree Jan 5, 2026

For me, the Jaffna food tour was like walking into the locals' way of life. If the Jaffna temples show how the city is sincere about its culture, the food, and the art of having it, they show how rooted the entire Tamil community in Jaffna is.  How they mix the rice and curry with their right hands and consume the food is an art you will love, and it is the way to truly appreciate the flavor profile.  Furthermore, Jaffna has maintained its spicy soul in food despite years of colonization by European forces and civil wars. The Tamil cuisine here is not similar to the coconut-milk-rich curries you find in South India. Also, they use roasted spice powder instead of raw ones.  From the first bite, my taste buds knew it, and the no-frills service at restaurants made me feel comfortable and concentrate only on the steaming hot food.  So, do you want to try these authentic Jaffna dishes and experience how this Northern Sri Lankan city preserves an authentic Tamil culture? Read my complete Jaffna Sri Lanka Travel Guide, where I talk about an inclusive and hospitable city.  Jaffna Food Tour For Breakfast: What To Eat And Where To Eat?  The streets of Jaffna smell of freshly made Indiappa, steamed rice noodle nests, and Puttu, a steamed cylinder of rice flour and coconut. The acidic and mildly sweet taste of these dishes goes well with spicy black chickpea curries, Pol Sambol, and Onion Sambol.  You can also definitely have Pol Roti or coconut Roti and Dosas for breakfast. Here are the places that you can visit for breakfast in Jaffna. 1. Malayan Café: The Old World Charm View this post on Instagram A post shared by りかරිකා (@rk_itooo) The Malayan Cafe at C Ponnampalam Road is the best place to have Indiappa in Jaffna. It tastes great with Pol Sambol and Sothi or coconut milk gravy. This eatery has marble tables and old photos on display. So, it almost feels like time travel. It remains open from 7:30 AM to 9 PM, and on Saturdays, it opens at 8:30 AM.  They served me food on banana leaves and in steel utensils. Also, remember that they only accept cash. You must make a visit to the Malayan Cafe a part of your Jaffna travel itinerary.  2. The Red Rice Puttu Experience I tried the red rice puttu at a small local eatery. These eateries are called Saapadu Kades in the local language. I was blown away by the earthy and subtly sweet taste of the puttu.  The spicy chickpea curry perfectly complemented it. I also tried some Babat (Tripe) curry and fish kool.  The Lunch Stops And Specials  The food of Jaffna and Northern Sri Lanka has become so popular that Peter Kuruvita now conducts a food tour of the region. A tour of the Jaffna Market and attending the local cultural dance here is a prominent part of his food tour itinerary.  However, this tour offered by the Australian Chef is expensive, and you will have to spend between AUD 1885 and 6720 to be a part of the tour.  As a budget traveler, you can see much more and experience the food scene here better by walking around the city and talking to the locals.  There is so much authenticity in these DIY tours. Also, one great thing about the lunch staples in Jaffna is the variety. While the crab curry gets all the glory, there is something very comforting about the Sattvik food served here, including rice, different types of curries, and dal.  Let’s find out what to eat and where to eat.  1. Jaffna Crab Curry Jaffna crab curry is just the way I want to have the crab. It needs to be spicy and hot without adulterating the authentic taste of a crab. I had the crab curry at Cosy Hotel & Restaurant on Stanley Road.  However, let me tell you that Cosy Hotel is expensive, and I did not mind because we were a group of 5, travelers bonded over food, and our local guide. If you are traveling solo, the pocket-pinch will be around USD 20.  You can even try the crab curry at the small eateries in the streets of Jaffna. They don’t “look” impressive, and you may raise eyebrows about the hygiene. Still, they serve piping hot food, and the locals have it. So, they are safe. 2. Vegetarian Thali On A Banana Leaf At Nallur Bhavan During my temple visit in Jaffna, I found the Nallur Bhavan very close to the Nallur Kovil. They serve Sattvik food on banana leaves and in steel plates.  Most people were having Dosa here. However, I had some Chilli Kothu Parotta, and it was yum.  For a more comforting and filling experience, you can try rice with rasam and different types of sabzi here. The restaurant opens from 7 AM to 10 PM, and you can contact them at +94-212225556.  Evening Snacks And Cool Downs In Jaffna  The evenings in Jaffna are suitable for ice creams and snacks like Vadai. Check out where to find them.  1. Rio Ice Cream View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rio Ice Cream (@official.rioicecream) Rio Ice Cream at Point Pedro Road is an iconic institution if you want to try the signature Jaffna-style dessert. The Special Rio Sundae with neon jelly, nuts, and ultra-sweet syrup is out of this world.  It’s great for me or anyone with a sweet tooth, but if you are up for something milder, it may be too sweet to appease your cravings.  The Rathinam Industrial Organisation (RIO) opened its doors in 1970. So, tasting the ice cream here is like cherishing the 55-year-old heritage of a city.  So, what Rio offers is nostalgia and not a gourmet experience.  Don't go to Rio Ice Cream expecting Italian Gelato. It is sugary, gelatinous, and nostalgic. Go for an authentic Jaffna cultural experience of seeing 500 locals enjoying it on a Friday night. 2. Point Pedro Vadai View this post on Instagram A post shared by JNS Kitchen 🔵 (@jns.kitchen) This is a deep-fried savory snack that comes in a disc shape. It is a crispier, crunchier, and thinner version of the South Indian Vada you have been eating so far. Also, with each bite of the vadai, you will get a taste of chillies, whole cumin, and curry leaves.  The street carts near the Nallur Temple are the best places to buy these Point Pedro Vadai. Point Pedro has some of the most beautiful beaches in Jaffna. Relish the snack with the pleasant sea breeze.  Dinner In Jaffna  Are you looking for something comforting and hearty for dinner in Jaffna? Let’s gorge on Odiyal Kool and Dosa. 1. Odiyal Kool Or The Seafood Soup View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kandy Bites by Chef Ceylon (@kandy_bites_) This is the dish that makes you understand the power of slow cooking in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. It is Jaffna’s take on seafood soup with palmyra root flour, crab, cuttlefish, and prawns as the main ingredients.  Odiyal Kool is not fast food. It is a slow-cooked seafood bisque thickened with Palmyra flour. It takes around 3-4 hours to cook Odiyal Kool. So, if you want to have it for dinner, you must pre-order.  2. Dosa Jaffna serves many other variations of Dosa, along with the typical Plain Dosa and Masala Dosa we are familiar with. For a richer culinary experience, you can try the Ghee roast Dosa.  Also, you can choose a healthier version with Siri Dhaniya, made with multiple millets. Adai Dosa is a protein-rich variation of Dosa with ingredients such as Urad Dal, Channa Dal, and Toor Daal. It has dried cumin and chillies.  Kondakadalai Dosa is a different take on the Adai Dosa, and here, kondakadalai or white chickpeas are the main ingredients. Vegan Food Options In Jaffna  Some authentic vegetarian dishes in Jaffna are also vegan. So, if you are a vegan and you want to try the authentic local food, Jaffna will be your paradise.  You can have steamed rice and curry made with long beans, drumsticks, spinach, and dhai. These coconut-milk-based curries are simple and flavorful.  Dosa and Idli are, of course, the Tamil staple any vegan can eat. These are made using rice and lentils. Ponggal, a savory rice dish, and pumpkin and tapioca dishes are the other variations you can try in Jaffna. Nallur Bhavan and Malayan Cafe are the two reliable places to have vegan food in Jaffna.  Essential Jaffna Food Vocabulary  Want to know about the local names of Jaffna food and their spice levels? Have a look at the table below. Tamil Name (தமிழ்)English DescriptionSpicy Levelசோறு (Sōru)Steamed RiceNoneகறி (Kari)Spicy Curry with Vegetables/Fish/Chicken/Meat/Crabs and Other SeafoodMild to Hotமீன் குழம்பு (Mīn Kuzhambu)A Fish Curry with Spices and TamarindHotநண்டு குழம்பு (Naṇḍu Kuzhambu)Jaffna Crab CurryVery Hotஇறால் கறி (Iṟāl Kari)Prawn CurryMedium to Hotகோழி கறி (Kōḻi Kari)Chicken CurryMedium to Hotஆட்டு கறி (Āṭṭu Kari)Mutton/Goat CurryMedium to Hotஒடியல் கூழ் (Odiyal Kūḻ)Palmyrah Root Flour Rich Seafood SoupMildஒடியல் பிட்டு (Odiyal Pittu)Steamed Palmyrah Flour & Coconut DishNoneபிட்டு (Pittu)Steamed Rice Flour and Coconut DishNoneதோசை (Dōsai)A Crispy Pancake Made with Fermented Rice PasteNone (Can be Customized)இடியாப்பம் (Idiyāppam)String Hoppers or Rice NoodlesNoneசாம்பார் (Sāmbār)A Lentil and Vegetable Curry with Tamarid Pulp. Ideal for Having with Dosa, Idli, or Rice.Mild to Mediumரசம் (Rasam)Tamarind and Pepper Soup to be Had with Rice or Idlis. Mildசம்பல் (Sambal)A Relish Made of Chillies and Fresh CoconutHotதேங்காய் சம்பல் (Thēṅgāy Sambal)Coconut SambalMedium to Hotபால்சம்பல் (Pāl Sambal)Sambal with Coconut MilkMediumவறுவல் (Varuval)Dry-fried Seafood or MeatHotபொரியல் (Poriyal)Stir-fried Vegetables Mildஅப்பம் (Appam)Fermented Rice HoppersNoneவடை (Vadai)Deep-fried Lentil FrittersMild to Medium  A DIY Jaffna Food Tour: Listen To What The Experts Are Saying  Are you planning to have Indiappa or string hopper for lunch or dinner? You may not find them unless you have pre-ordered somewhere. It is a breakfast staple.  So, when you are new to Jaffna, you need to be familiar with the local customs about food and eating. 1. You Cannot Fear The Ghee In Jaffna Jaffna Dosas, in many restaurants, are served drenched in ghee. The use of ghee or clarified butter makes the dish more flavorful and richer. It also makes the Dosas more filling.  2. The “Bone” Warning When you are having chicken or mutton curry in Jaffna, you will get pieces chopped with bones in them. The bones release the flavor into the curry, and sucking the marrow out of the bone (for mutton) is the ultimate pleasure the locals relish.  So, you must be mindful while chewing your food.  3. Wash Your Hands Before You Sit Jaffna can be yout guide for “Eating with Hands 101.” Every hotel or restaurant has a wash basin so that you can wash your hands thoroughly before or after eating your food.  If you are confused about how to eat the mix of rice and daal, follow how the locals are doing it.  4. Jaffna Foods Are Really Spicy Jaffna foods are hot and spicy. So, if you have a poor stomach, a buttermilk drink (Chanch) or lassi (sweet buttermilk) is going to be your savior. Also, always choose the “mild” option.  In fact, the dishes in Jaffna are way spicier than the ones in Colombo. Foods that are red hot in Colombo are labelled as “medium spicy” in Jaffna.  5. Point Pedro Vadai Lasts Weeks Point Pedro Vadai are harder and crispier. So, unlike the soft vadai, which becomes inedible in a day, the Point Pedro Vadai lasts more than a week.  So, these are even great for carrying when you are traveling. You can also take these snacks back home as souvenirs.  6. Look For The "Hotel" Sign Small restaurants in Jaffna or Sri Lanka are often labelled as hotels. These are humble places for having tea, snacks, lunch, or dinner.  Do not expect any lodging facility there unless separately mentioned.  7. Sunday Closure Jaffna is fairly conservative. Many authentic local spots may close or have limited menus on Sundays or Poya days. Authority Voices On Jaffna Food: People Who Know It The Best  “Jaffna cuisine is the untamed sibling of Sri Lankan food. The Crab Curry here isn't just a dish; it's a ceremony of spice and sweat.” - Peter Kuruvita (Chef & Author). “The flavor of the roasted curry powder in Jaffna is unlike anything else in the world. It hits you with an aroma that is deep, smoky, and incredible.” - Mark Wiens (Food Vlogger). Jaffna Food Tour: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Jaffna food tour. 1. What Is The Most Famous Dish In Jaffna? Jaffna crab curry is the most famous dish in Jaffna. It is cooked using murunga or drumstick leaves. Also, the curry is fiery with roasted spices. However, for a more comforting experience, Odiyal Kool or the slow-cooked seafood is a close second for me. While this soup is also quite spicy, the spiciness is balanced with the use of tamarind pulp and jackfruit seeds, tapioca, and long beans, which add flavors and texture to the dish. 2. Is Jaffna Food Suitable For Vegetarians? Yes, due to the strong presence of Hindu Culture, Jaffna has suitable vegetarian and vegan options. You will find Rasam, different types of daal, curries, or Sabzies made with pumpkin, drumsticks, beans, chickpeas, tapioca, and more. Even the basic Idlis and Dosas are vegetarian and vegan-friendly food options. Nallur Bhavan, Mangos Indian, and Vishnu Bhavan are some of the best options for having vegetarian food in Jaffna.  3. Is The Food Spicier Than In The South? Yes, the food in Jaffna and the northern part of Sri Lanka is spicier than the food in the south. So, despite the use of coconut milk or tamarind pulp, your taste buds can have the heat of black pepper and dried chillies. So, what you say is fiery hot in Colombo is actually medium spicy in Jaffna. Also, the heat of the spice and the flavors are so prominent because the spices are first roasted and then turned into a paste before being used in curries. In this context, you must know that Jaffna Market is the ideal place for buying roasted spices and everything that makes Jaffna food stand out. Bring home essentials such as roasted curry powder, dried chillies, and palmyra jaggery. You can even enrich your kitchen by bringing home things like palmyra root flour and some tubar snacks home.  4. Where Can I Drink Alcohol With My Meal? Jaffna has a conservative society, and they are true to their culture. So, you will not find alcohol in the local eating houses. You have to visit hotels like the Valampuri Hotel or specific bars such as Machang Jaffna at Station Road if you want to have alcohol. Remember, alcohol in Jaffna is more expensive than in other parts of Sri Lanka. However, you can talk to the locals and try Arrack or local beer.  5. What Is Odiyal Kool? Odiyal Kool is a seafood soup and a dinner staple in Jaffna. This soup has vegetables, prawns, crabs, and a generous amount of roasted spices. The flavor balance in the soup comes from the use of coconut milk in the gravy. Also, the gravy is made thicker by adding palmyra root flour.Furthermore, this dish is made using a slow cooking method, and at least 3-4 hours are needed to make this dish.  6. Can I Drink The Tap Water? No, you cannot drink the tap water in Jaffna. There are chances of bacterial contamination. Furthermore, groundwater contamination is very common in the Jaffna Peninsula. There can be a massive presence of chemicals due to agricultural and other human activities. In addition, the groundwater of Jaffna has high limestone content. So, when you are in Jaffna, you must only drink packaged or bottled drinking water.  7. What Is The Best Time To Visit Malayan Café? The best time to visit Malayan Café is between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. It is the time for the freshest breakfast buzz.Also, having a glass of filter coffee here early in the morning can lead to a great start to your day.  8. How Much Does A Meal Cost In Jaffna? The cost of your meal in Jaffna will depend on the place you are having the food from. For example, if you are having Dosa or Vada from a street food vendor, it will cost around $1-2. Furthermore, if you are having a full crab curry meal at a decent budget-friendly restaurant, the cost will be around $10.  9. What Is "Jaffna Curry Powder"? You can identify Jaffna curry powder from its rich red color and strong aroma. The heat in this spice blend comes from the copious use of roasted red chillies, cloves, and black pepper. The earthy flavors these spice mixes bring come from the following roasted spices. • Turmeric• Black Pepper• Cumin• Coriander• Cardamom• Cinammon• Fennel• Fenugreek• ClovesYou can also add roasted mustard powder and roasted curry leaves paste to make the flavor profile even richer. This spice mix gives the food in Jaffna the signature heat and earthy taste.  10. Do I Need To Tip In Jaffna? If you are having food at small Kades or local street stalls, you can just round up the bill to show your appreciation. DosaHowever, if you are having food at Mangos or any other big restaurant here, a 10% tip is appreciated.   

BY  Abdul Aziz Apr 17, 2019

The honeymoon is the first vacation you two are going on as a couple. So it will always hold a special place in your memories. Lone time with your partner and a lot of romance will surely spice things up and strengthen the bond between the two. You can, however, make it even more special and a truly memorable affair with a smart honeymoon travel guide. Whether you have decided to take charge of bookings and sightseeing or are looking for Kerala honeymoon packages, here are a few tips to consider in your plan to have the perfect honeymoon. “That honeymoon phase is so much fun in real life when you meet and discover somebody new and fall in love and chase them. The pursuit. And that climactic final moment of ultimate togetherness.” Honeymoon Travel Guide: 15+ Things You Must Not Miss  Honeymooners! Check out the things to do on the most romantic trips from our honeymoon travel guide. 1. Do Activities Together: The trend of doing something different with your partner is really popular. It takes place more among couples who book Andaman, Goa, and Kerala honeymoon tours. Adventure activities top the list of things to do on your honeymoon. You can do skydiving, paragliding, and scuba diving with your partner, and we are certain that memories will be cherished forever.  2. Dance the Night Away: Dancing with your partner can be the most romantic thing to do on the honeymoon. It brings hearts closer, and you will love spending intimate and quality time with each other. In for some Bridgerton moments?  Check out the most happening clubs in your honeymoon destination. Spare some time to spend with your partner on the dance floors. 3. Plan in Advance: Do you have a thorough idea of the honeymoon destination, places to visit, things to do, and how to spend each day? It is one of the things to make your vacation more fun and relaxing. It saves a lot of time to book or plan something while you are at the destination.  You can get help from Kerala honeymoon packages to learn more about the destination. Make sure that you leave some downtime during the honeymoon. 4. Plan a Surprise: It is true that a honeymoon is one of the rare times in life when you will be really free to spend all the time with your partner. Use this opportunity to follow this honeymoon travel guide to be extra romantic. You can book a table for a romantic candlelight dinner with your partner. You can also get chocolates or flowers delivered to your partner in the hotel room. Just look for a unique or new thing that will add life to your honeymoon. It can be more interesting if you understand what interests your partner the most and stick to his or her desires. 5. Choose a Bed and Breakfast This tip is for those planning a honeymoon on their own. Instead of staying in a traditional hotel, book a bed and breakfast. You will feel more pampered as these places are small and intimate.  The host will take care of even the minutest need and make the two of you feel more special. 6. Plan Some Treats at the Airport You could be flying economy, but you can pre-book an airport lounge that will allow you to escape the crowded terminal.  It can help you to get free snacks and drinks, comfy armchairs, and newspapers. The choice you make depends on the airline that you are flying. 7. Check In Early You need to avoid a last-minute rush by leaving plenty of time to check in. Gone are the days when you would find airlines upgrading honeymooners. You may find yourself sitting in a different location with your spouse because of delays in booking your flight. Therefore, do your due diligence because little can be done late, even if you are a honeymooner. You can check for the latest shopping and dining opportunities once you are done checking in. 8. Prepare a Honeymoon List Study for the best ideas on the available wedding gift lists. Instead of getting crockery and cutlery, you can request your guests to treat you to romantic add-ons and help you pay for your honeymoon.  Therefore, you can request your friends and relatives to contribute toward your honeymoon package. There are several places that can help you to learn more about wedding gift ideas. 9. Upgrade Your Transfers Upgrading your transfers will be my honeymoon travel guide for you. Instead of getting a regular minibus or taxi from the airport to the hotel, you can either upgrade to a speedboat or limousine. I have also seen some people book a helicopter transfer.  It is a fast and efficient way to move to your preferred honeymoon location. The cost will vary depending on the service provider that you choose and the distance. 10. Book a Special Room Most hotels have various categories of rooms. For instance, you may upgrade to a suite if you want rooms that are worth and truly special for your honeymoon.  You can use people who have been to these destinations previously to give you some of the best ideas for special rooms. You will need a place that will give you an uninterrupted experience. 11. Do Not Stay in One Place When you have a two-centered honeymoon, you will get the best from the destination. You will also have so many memories to carry home. You can try a beach-plus safari combination or island hopping. It is good to see the various sides of your honeymoon destination. Most experiences are two worlds apart, even if they are just a few minutes’ drive away. You can also get married on one Island and spend your honeymoon on another. 12. Get the Right Combination If you are going for a two-center honeymoon, make sure you know the best way to combine it. It is a mistake to book a relaxation or adventure combo but leave out the relaxation slice until the end. It’s advisable to start by organizing for a relaxation time to help you combat the post-wedding exhaustion.  It is a magical thing to head off for a safari. However, we don’t recommend newlyweds expose themselves to frighteningly early starts and alarm calls. You can do some tropical beach to get alerts and charge for the days that you will be in the bush. 13. Inform the Hotel If the staff at the hotel are aware that you are on honeymoon, they may request that you be upgraded to a better room. Most five-star hotels will put chocolates, a bottle of champagne, and flowers in the room upon your arrival.  You may also get some extras like the complimentary private candlelit dinner as long as you make them aware. Even the low-grade hotels try to add some extra touch, especially if you have some imagination or care. Ask them what they can do as you plan your booking and gauge their reaction. 14. No Need to Over-do it You may find yourself planning so much for a trip that happens once in a lifetime. Make sure you take your time while planning for your honeymoon. Most honeymooners find themselves moving so fast because they want to get the best from their destination. Remember, the buildup of your wedding will make you exhausted. You will also experience jet lags, and hence, you need to leave some time for leisure. You need to take time to soak up all that took place in the past few weeks or months and recover fully. 15. Book for a First-Night Restaurant If you are on a first night away, book a romantic dinner table together. It may sound simple, but it is an essential element for the perfect honeymoon. In most hotels, people book these services in advance. Therefore, it is good to go for early reservations so as to prepare your table in advance. 16. Book a Spa Treatment for Couples Even if you are not a fanatic of spas, it is good to venture into the hotel spa if there is one. These spas have come on bounds and leaps over the past few years. It is an indulging journey where you can begin with the side-by-side treatment before going for a pedal-strewn bath for the two of you. Some of the hotels offer private suites for couples to help them enjoy champagne. These suites also give couples enough space and time to relax around treatments. Do some research, and you will find something that will meet your needs with a high level of precision. Summing up our honeymoon travel guide, I must say that you should look for a tour operator who can plan a customized vacation for you. This way, you will be saved from the hassle of arranging everything independently and can focus more on wedding planning.  Honeymoon Travel Guide | Best Places To Visit With Your Spouse (Instagram Favorites) With millions (billions?) of Instagram hashtags of “Honeymoon,” the social media platform shapes the romantic interludes of Gen Z and Millennial couples. Let’s be honest! Many of our Honeymoon bucket lists are inspired by what we see on Instagram. As I pen down this article, I see that there are exactly 16,420,948  hashtags for “Honeymoon” on Instagram. Further, #honeymoondestination is a distance second with a count of 602878 posts.  Here, I have curated the coolest destinations for you (in random orders). 1. #Bali Instagram Posts: 73855347  Bali, Indonesia, is the biggest draw for honeymooners around the world. The sunset view at Seminyak is ethereal, and soaking in the red light here is the best thing you can do to ignite passion.  Further, Pura Lempuyang and the Hanging Gardens of Ubud are some other gorgeous destinations in Bali. Take selfies or snaps of the most scenic landscape to have the best captures for your socials.  2. #Maldives Instagram Posts:11714083 Visiting the Maldives for a honeymoon is a dream-come-true moment true for many young couples. The pristine beaches and beautiful lagoons here set the perfect backdrop for romance. Further, you cannot miss the sunset views for the most romantic experience.  3. #Thailand Instagram Posts: 80490105 Thailand offers the most eclectic experience based on the number of days you spend here and the kind of experience you want. The Phi Phi Islands are the biggest attractions for honeymooners and couples.  However, for couples who enjoy a whiff of history, the ancient ruins and royal places are the bigger draws.  4. #Santorini Instagram Posts: 8226044 Who does not want to visit Santorini in the Aegean Sea? This volcanic Greek Island and its white houses with blue roofs are sensations of all social media platforms.  The sunrise and sunset views at Santorini are amazing, and every house on the island is painted in the warmest shade of red.  5. #Mexico  Instagram Posts:103924218 Mexico is a wonderful fusion of the old and new worlds. It has ancient places like Chichen Itza from the Mayan Civilization and a more playful experience at the white sandy beaches. 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