When faced with dire situations and unsettling times like now, keeping spirits high becomes more important than ever. At Travel + Leisure India & South Asia, we aim to do just that. Even though we have to stay confined to our houses right now, dreaming can soar well beyond the horizons. With this rainbow in our hearts, and our inner wanderers itching to set sail again, we got in touch with influencers from different walks of life to know about their #DreamEscapes once #CoronaBeGone. By Bayar Jain1. Vicky Ratnani
“Once this travel ban gets lifted, I will go to Paris. I’ll go to the markets and eat, and put up my pop-up dinner like I was supposed to.”
2. Bruised Passports
“The first place we’re going to explore once the ban has been lifted is Cuba! We’re looking forward to renting a car there, driving around the island, exploring its hidden gems, soaking in the culture and history, and laying on white-sand beaches. We feel a road trip in Cuba will be the perfect travel experience after a (hopefully short) break in travelling.”
3. Sonam Kalra
“Since our travel industry has been badly hit, I want to travel within India once the ban is lifted and help boost the economy. Even though I’ve been to Amritsar many times, I’d love to revisit Jallianwala Bagh, the Partition Museum, and the Wagah border, among many others. But most importantly, I want to soak in the peace and serenity of the Golden Temple. Amritsar is also a great place to visit for mouth-watering food. I would love to do some street shopping there as well.”
4. Sorabh Pant
“Once we’re out of the lockdown, whenever that is, the first place I’d like to visit is the US, the second is Dubai, the third – London, and the fourth – Singapore. The reason is very simple: it’s not necessarily because I love these places (which I do!), but it’s mainly because I’ve had shows cancelled in each of these places for April alone. I was supposed to travel to each one of them this month. My advances are in, and I’m looking to get the rest of my money!”
5. Tarun Khiwal
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“I’d like to be realistic; I can’t imagine travelling internationally any time soon. But I hope the situation gets better sooner than we think. Currently, I’ve been dreaming of my recent trip to Iceland. I drove all across Iceland for the eight to 10 days that I was there. Driving through the country is the ideal way to experience it thoroughly. Iceland is not for tourists, it is for travellers — people who are ready to step outside of their comfort zone. Last time I went, it was summers there. Now, I wish to see Iceland in winter.”
6. Rahul Jhangiani
“Once the entire crisis is averted, I’m waiting to go back to Spain! My sister lives in Barcelona and I go to visit her quite often. Last New Years, we went on a road trip to the old villages and Spanish towns. Our last city was Canillo, Andorra – a town which lies on the border between Spain and France. It is a beautiful place. That is where I’d like to go again. This time around, I want to check into a skiing resort and join skiers on hikes and relax in thermal spas. I’ll stay at Hotel Hermitage, and the ski at the Grand Valira.”
7. Namrata Purohit
“Once the travel ban is lifted, I would love to go to the Philippines. I’ve wanted to go dive with the thresher sharks in Malapascua for a long time and would love to do it as soon as possible. I’ll swim in the sea at some secluded beaches, laze and workout on the beach, cliff jump, and enjoy the sunrises and sunsets. I would also love to meet locals, go to nice restaurants and bars, as well as party Filipino style. My itinerary would include some days in Cebu to dive with the whale sharks; visit the Inambakan waterfalls, Dao Falls, Aguinid Falls etc; and a hike to Osmeña peak at sunrise. I would also like to visit Bohol. Here, I would spend time at Alona Beach, go to the chocolate hills, spend some time at the Tarsier conservation area and go to the Hinagdanan cave. I’ll also try visiting Siargao Island and Palawan Islands to explore their beauty. I’d love to include surfing on the itinerary as well.”
8. Gaurav Taneja
“I am always attracted towards oceans, exploring interconnected islands through small boats, and the beach life, basically. My recent – and one of my best trips till date – was to the Maldives. So, my first travel destination once the travel ban would be to Seychelles – home to numerous beaches, coral reefs, nature reserves, and rare animals such as giant Aldabra tortoises. When I go there, I want to indulge in activities like scuba diving, snorkelling, seeing live corals, and stay at a beautiful resort and just unwind. I want to see the place outside of what I’ve seen in magazines and on social media.”
9. Arpita Mehta
“The first place I would like to travel to after the ban is lifted would be to Goa. It is my happy place. Every time I visit Goa, all I would like to do is get a tan and be outdoors. The whole idea is to relax and utilise the beautiful properties there. I’d love to lay around in the pool or jet ski at the beach, explore the Saturday night flea markets, and have lots of food!”
Related: Bollywood Celebs Spill The Bean On What Will Be Their Dream Escape Once #CoronaBeGone
Bayar Jain
Senior Content Manager
Equipped with a degree in Sociology (Honours) from the University of Delhi, and a post graduate diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai, Bayar enjoys sharing stories of people, places, and different cultures. When not typing her travel tales, you can catch the hobbyist photographer capturing the next frame, dabbling in arts and crafts, or gushing over puppers and kittens.
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