Travel

Newlyweds today increasingly seek luxury honeymoons that feel personal, meaningful, and exclusive. As one of the fastest-growing segments of the honeymoon market through 2030, luxury travel is driven by demand for privacy, bespoke experiences, and refined comfort. With secluded resorts, private pools, world-class spas, and exceptional dining, these escapes offer couples the opportunity to connect in an intimate setting far removed from everyday life. Türkiye stands out as a premier honeymoon destination, combining easy access through global flight connections and VIP services with a rich selection of exclusive experiences. From couples’ hammam rituals and championship golf courses to MICHELIN-recognised dining and luxurious coastal retreats, the country offers unforgettable settings for romance this summer. Exceptional Indulgence in Antalya With its year-round Mediterranean climate, golden beaches, and world-class hospitality, Antalya offers an exceptional setting for a luxury honeymoon. From elegant five-star resorts and exclusive boutique retreats to private villas with bespoke services, the city is designed for couples seeking privacy, comfort, and romance. Along its stunning coastline, exclusive beach clubs—some offering VIP packages with private cabanas and dedicated service—invite newlyweds to unwind in style, while secluded bays, private yacht charters, sunset cruises, and tailored experiences on the turquoise waters of the Turkish Riviera create unforgettable moments. For adventurous couples, exclusive diving excursions in Kaş and private kayaking tours around Kekova add a sense of discovery to the journey. Beyond its coastline, Antalya combines luxury with culture and wellness. Couples can enjoy privately guided visits to remarkable ancient sites, scenic walks along select stretches of the Lycian Way, and championship golf experiences in Belek. Award-winning spas, couples’ hammam rituals, and personalised wellness treatments offer the ultimate relaxation, while evenings can be spent savouring refined Mediterranean cuisine paired with local wines at elegant seaside restaurants. From stargazing experiences to after-dark visits to illuminated archaeological landmarks such as Aspendos, Patara, and Side, Antalya delivers a sophisticated honeymoon defined by exclusivity, romance, and unforgettable experiences. Luxury Aegean Romance in Muğla   Where the Aegean and Mediterranean meet, Muğla offers some of Türkiye’s most coveted luxury honeymoon destinations, from Marmaris and Fethiye to the sophisticated shores of Bodrum. Widely regarded as the country’s premier luxury retreat, Bodrum captivates couples with its elegant blend of natural beauty, exclusivity, and world-class hospitality. The destination is home to an exceptional collection of internationally acclaimed resorts, boutique hideaways, and private villas, many of which feature secluded beaches, infinity pools, personalised concierge services, and award-winning spas. Couples can further immerse themselves in local wellness traditions through hammam rituals and tailored spa experiences designed for two. Bodrum’s glamorous coastline elevates the romance even further. Exclusive beach clubs offer refined seaside experiences with private sun decks, VIP services, and stylish waterfront settings, while luxury yacht and gulet (traditional Turkish wooden schooners) charters invite honeymooners to explore the region’s crystalline bays in complete privacy. On board, dedicated crews and gourmet dining transform every voyage into an unforgettable journey. Beyond the sea, Bodrum indulges every desire with MICHELIN-recognised restaurants, prestigious vineyards, designer boutiques, and a vibrant social scene, creating a honeymoon experience defined by sophistication, exclusivity, and effortless luxury. Urban Opulence in İstanbul Beyond the Turkish coasts, Türkiye’s lively metropolis, İstanbul, also offers luxury honeymoons with a heady mix of sweeping scenery, historical landmarks, and opulent accommodations. From restored Ottoman palaces transformed into luxury hotels to internationally renowned hotel brands, the city presents newlyweds with an impressive range of world-class accommodation. Couples can sail between two continents on a private Bosphorus cruise, enjoy sunset cocktails on panoramic rooftop terraces overlooking the skyline, indulge in traditional Ottoman hammam rituals and savour exceptional dining experiences at MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Private guided tours of the city’s iconic landmarks, such as Hagia Sophia, along with exclusive helicopter flights over the Bosphorus, elevate the experience further, while VIP museum and gallery access and signature cultural events—from live performances by world-famous artists to curated private exhibitions—add a refined cultural dimension. Bespoke shopping experiences also form an essential part of an İstanbul honeymoon, from the luxury boutiques of Nişantaşı to iconic shopping avenues like Bağdat Avenue and the historic Grand Bazaar, where master artisans offer tailor-made pieces that blend heritage with contemporary elegance. Timeless Luxury Romance in Cappadocia Few destinations in the world rival the romance and exclusivity of Cappadocia, making it one of Türkiye’s most extraordinary settings for a luxury honeymoon. Defined by its otherworldly landscapes, the region offers couples a truly distinctive escape, where sunrise hot-air balloon flights drift over centuries-old valleys, and luxurious cave suites blend contemporary comfort with timeless heritage. From private horseback rides through the fairy chimneys and bespoke guided explorations of ancient underground cities to exclusive sunset experiences overlooking the region’s iconic scenery, every moment in Cappadocia feels deeply personal and unforgettable. The destination’s refined hospitality further elevates the experience. Couples can unwind with indulgent spa rituals and wellness treatments designed for two, savour exceptional Anatolian cuisine at MICHELIN-recognised restaurants paired with acclaimed local wines and enjoy private tastings among the region’s celebrated vineyards. Whether dining beneath the stars, retreating to a secluded cave hotel, or discovering Cappadocia’s cultural treasures through curated experiences, honeymooners are immersed in a journey defined by intimacy, authenticity, and understated luxury.

Partners with AVIAREPS India to drive trade and PR activities across the market  Baden-Württemberg, Germany’s dynamic state in the southwest, has launched dedicated tourism initiatives in India as part of its efforts to engage one of the world’s fastest-growing outbound travel markets. Through a series of targeted trade and public relations activities in partnership with AVIAREPS India, the destination aims to build awareness among Indian travellers and the travel trade, while showcasing its rich diversity of experiences spanning culture, nature, wellness, gastronomy, shopping, innovation and luxury. Positioning itself as a premium destination for culturally curious and high-net-worth travellers, Baden-Württemberg offers a unique blend of world-renowned attractions, picturesque landscapes and authentic experiences. From fairytale castles and historic cities to automotive excellence, Michelin-starred dining and wellness escapes, the destination invites Indian travellers to discover a more vibrant side of Germany. India has been identified as a strategic growth market for Baden-Württemberg. In 2025, the destination welcomed 42,615 Indian visitors, generating 163,900 overnight stays. With over 5.47 million international guest arrivals recorded last year, Baden-Württemberg continues to strengthen its position as one of Germany’s leading tourism destinations, while India emerges as a market with significant long-term potential. Commenting on Baden-Württemberg’s growing focus on India, Christine Schönhuber, Managing Director, Tourism Marketing GmbH Baden-Württemberg, said: “With its growing middle class and strong desire to travel, India is a market with enormous potential for Baden-Württemberg, and one in which we will be stepping up our efforts in the future. I’ve already had the opportunity this year to learn firsthand about the interests of Indian travelers and was impressed by their enthusiasm for our destinations and offerings. Baden-Württemberg stands out for vacation travel with its world-famous natural landscapes and cultural heritage, but it is also a major MICE destination.” Adding to this,  Ellona Pereira, General Manager, AVIAREPS India, said: “Indian travellers today are looking beyond traditional European itineraries and are increasingly seeking destinations that offer authenticity, immersive experiences and a strong sense of place. Baden-Württemberg answers this demand through its unique blend of offerings. From iconic attractions and scenic landscapes to world-class shopping and enriching local experiences, the destination offers something for every kind of traveller. This partnership with Baden-Württemberg marks an exciting new chapter for AVIAREPS as we work to place this diverse and experience-rich region of Germany firmly on the Indian traveller’s map.” As part of its India outreach, Baden-Württemberg will spotlight the extraordinary variety of experiences that define the destination. In 2026, Baden-Württemberg invites travellers to discover the state through its annual theme, “Desirable Destinations – Where Baden-Württemberg Captures the Heart.” Celebrating places that inspire connection, emotion and unforgettable memories, the campaign highlights the many landscapes, cities and experiences that allow every traveller to discover their own special place within Baden-Württemberg. Reflecting this theme, Baden-Württemberg offers an extraordinary diversity of experiences for every traveller. From the historic cities of Heidelberg, Freiburg, Stuttgart, Karlsruhe and Tübingen, and iconic landmarks such as Heidelberg Castle, Hohenzollern Castle and Ludwigsburg Residential Palace, to the automotive heritage of the Mercedes-Benz Museum and Porsche Museum, the destination seamlessly blends culture, innovation and history. Nature and wellness seekers can explore the legendary Black Forest, Germany’s highest waterfalls in Triberg, the spa town of Baden-Baden, the lakes of Titisee and Schluchsee, and the scenic beauty of Lake Constance, home to the famous flower island of Mainau and UNESCO-recognised heritage attractions. Visitors can also discover the region’s rich traditions through authentic Black Forest cuckoo clocks, a celebrated symbol of local craftsmanship. The destination is equally renowned for its culinary excellence, boasting the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in Germany, with 73 Michelin stars, alongside celebrated wine regions and authentic regional specialities. Families and leisure travellers can further enjoy Europa-Park, Germany’s largest theme park, adding another dimension to Baden-Württemberg’s diverse visitor offering. As part of its India market initiatives, Baden-Württemberg will also spotlight key tourism partners that contribute to the destination’s diverse visitor offering. Baden-Baden – Europe’s Capital of the Art of Living Baden-Baden unites everything that makes life truly good: 2,000 years of spa tradition, world-class culture and events, the beauty of the Black Forest, gastronomy at its finest, and elegant grand hotels. Here, the good-good life is not just promised. It is lived.

India’s leading intercity mobility platform, zingbus, has launched Chyll, a packaged travel offering that combines intercity bus travel, last-mile connectivity, curated stays, and local guides into a single booking experience. The launch comes amid rising demand for experiential and offbeat travel across India, with bookings to such destinations on the zingbus platform growing by over 90 per cent year-on-year. The momentum is further supported by the government’s continued focus on tourism infrastructure, regional connectivity, and intercity transport expansion under the Union Budget 2026–27. Designed to simplify leisure travel beyond just ticket booking, Chyll offers integrated intercity travel with end-to-end services including intercity bus travel & last-mile connectivity, handpicked stays, guided experiences, and on-ground assistance. Travellers heading to destinations such as Jibhi or Shangarh often need to separately arrange local transport, accommodation, and discovery experiences after reaching a transit point. The platform brings all these elements together into one seamless checkout flow. Commenting on the launch, Mr. Prashant Kumar, Co-founder of zingbus  said, “The bus ticket was never the full journey. For travellers heading to offbeat destinations, the real challenge begins after the booking. Chyll has been designed to simplify that entire journey through one integrated booking experience, from seamless last-mile connectivity to reliable stays and meaningful local experiences.”  The offering builds on zingbus’s existing last-mile connectivity service, Offbeat, which currently operates across 80+ locations spanning six states and two union territories. Chyll has launched initially in Jibhi and Shangarh, with plans to expand to additional destinations across North and South India in the coming months. Unlike traditional ticketing platforms focused only on transportation, zingbus is expanding its role across the entire travel journey through an asset-light, franchise-led model that includes mobility, stays, and local experiences. The platform also offers Rentals, enabling families and groups to book entire buses for community and leisure travel. zingbus has facilitated over 10 million journeys across 300+ cities in 20+ states through partnerships with more than 60 operators and continues to expand its electric bus network across high-demand corridors. With Chyll, zingbus aims to move beyond ticketing and build a more connected, end-to-end intercity travel experience for India’s growing base of leisure traveller.

With Mother’s Day approaching, gifting is shifting from things to thoughtful escapes—giving mothers what they rarely take for themselves: time off and Travel. Story Idea: Gift Her a Pause This Mother’s Day 1. No-Agenda Getaways Sometimes the best gift is nothing planned. Slow, easy trips where moms can rest, recharge, and just be. 2. Retreats that Rejuvenate From music retreats and writing retreats to wellness-led stays, these experiences offer creative and emotional reset alongside relaxation. Places like Woods at Sasan (nature-led calm) and Chandelao Garh (heritage + community experiences) bring this alive. 3. Memories Over Material Gifts Experiential gifting is on the rise—because shared moments and meaningful breaks last far longer than any physical present. Woods At Sasan, Gir Nestled amidst the natural beauty of Gir, Woods At Sasan is a thoughtfully designed luxury retreat that blends sustainability, comfort, and mindful living. Co-designed with architect Maria Portella and built using organic materials by local artisans, the property offers an immersive stay experience rooted in the ethos of the Kathiawar Somnath bio-region. From serene nature walks and farm-to-table dining to wellness-focused experiences, Woods At Sasan is ideal for families seeking a calm and restorative escape in nature. Chandelao Garh, Jodhpur Located near Jodhpur, Chandelao Garh is a heritage boutique property that offers an authentic cultural experience while preserving the charm of Rajasthan’s royal legacy. Beyond hospitality, the property is deeply committed to community development through initiatives focused on women’s empowerment, traditional craft revival, education, and environmental sustainability. Guests can enjoy a blend of heritage luxury, local cuisine, village experiences, and purposeful travel, making it a meaningful destination for families looking to celebrate Mother’s Day in a unique and enriching way. This Mother’s Day, experiential gifting is emerging as a preferred choice, with families opting for restorative getaways and quality time over conventional presents.

Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled its ranking of what Asian travelers prioritize most when searching for accommodation in 2026. Looking at the most-used search filters on its website this year, Agoda reports that Indian travelers consistently prioritize accommodation type, included breakfasts and strong review scores when seeking holiday stays. At 26% of all filter activity, choice of accommodation type ranked first for Indian traveler searches in 2026, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right stay over all other factors. This places India among the top markets, compared with the Asia-wide average of 19%. ‘Review scores of 7 and above’ rank among the top search criteria for Indian travelers in 2026 constituting 13% of all filter activity reflecting a strong preference for highly rated stays. Dining and creature comforts drive Indian travel choices The filter for breakfast-included stays is India’s second-most searched at 14%, reflecting a preference for convenience and value at the start of the day. Dinner-included stays also feature among India’s top 10 search filters, pointing to food as a consideration across the entire day, not just breakfast. Indian travelers also seek specific creature comforts when choosing stays. Swimming pools and bathtubs both rank among the top 10 search filters for Indian travelers in 2026, reflecting a clear preference for amenities that support relaxation and enhance the overall stay experience. Indian travelers want flexibility before, during and after the stay Flexibility across booking, payment and stay options is a clear priority for Indian travelers in 2026. Free cancellation and pay-at-hotel options are featured among the top 10 search filters, highlighting the interest in refundable and on-site payment choices that reduce booking friction. Other search options that offer flexibility, choice and convenience also feature among the top 10 searches for Indian travelers, including location score (of 9 and above) and car parking facilities. These indicate that travelers are increasingly keen on accommodation that can cater to their diverse preferences, whether this is traveling as a group, driving to their destination, or wanting to be close to public transport and other attractions. Gaurav Malik, Country Director, Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda, said, “In 2026, Indian travelers are becoming more intentional in how they choose their stays. Searches show a clear focus on accommodation type, breakfast-included options and highly rated properties, alongside flexible booking features such as pay-at-hotel and free cancellation. It is not just about availability, but about finding the right fit. Agoda’s easy-to-use search filters and wide range of accommodation choices, amenities, locations and more enable travelers to find the perfect stay based on individual needs and wants.” With over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, Agoda enables travelers to plan and combine every part of their journey in one place. Running from 7 May to 21 May, Agoda’s 21st Birthday Sale will offer up to 60% off on hotel bookings, with a special flash sale of up to 70% on 19 May and exclusive deals on flights and activities. Agoda VIP members will receive early access to deals from 3 May to 6 May. Discover more on Agoda’s mobile app or at Agoda.com.