Nothing captures the festive spirit like a snow-covered Christmas market, mulled wine in the air, and streets lit up like a movie scene. London’s Winter Wonderland, France’s and Czechia’s markets, Denmark’s themed hotels, and Arctic adventures — from icebreaker cruises to aurora trails — are topping winter wish lists. Beyond Europe, families are heading to Australia and New Zealand for nature and wildlife, while Japan and South Korea attract younger travellers seeking a mix of culture and pop experiences.
For Rashmika, food is always the first priority. “All my friends are foodies. We plan our next meal while eating the current one, it’s half the fun of travelling,” she laughs.
Closer to home, short-haul destinations like Vietnam, Oman, Maldives, and Bali remain popular, with Cambodia gaining traction. Visa-free or quick-visa options such as Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, UAE, Indonesia, and the Philippines make travel even easier.
Some traditions stay constant for Rashmika. “I set aside December 23 to January 6 every year for travel, no matter what,” she says, adding, “I also love capturing memories on my Instax camera. Unlike digital photos, they’re raw and authentic.”
