Category Romance

Travelling as a couple can make or break a relationship – and the longer or more challenging the trip, the greater the test of your compatibility.

Could you be a match made in Havana? Are you really Seoul mates? Here are 10 ways to know if you’ve found a travel partner for life.

1. They give you the best seat on the plane

Sure, giving up a window seat will get you brownie points, but praise be for the true heroes who take one for the team and switch to the middle seat so you can snooze without fear of dribbling on a stranger’s shoulder.

2. You don’t have to be together 24/7

Joined at the hip? That’s cool, you do you. But being able to spend time apart is often a sign of longevity.

“Will is quite the adrenaline junkie and I am… not. He lets me sit and read while he jumps off cliffs. I love that there’s no pressure for us to do everything together, meaning we both get our dream holiday.” – Becky Gillard, loved up since 2012.

3. You’ve survived traveller’s tummy together

Once you’ve shared a windowless en suite after a dodgy prawn curry, you’ve reached new heights of intimacy. Still fancy each other after that? It has to be true love.

4. They’re kind to you, and to others

“Pete still brings me coffee in bed even when we’re 3000 miles from home.” – Jane Chico Mendes, who recently honeymooned in Bali with her partner of 8½ years.

It’s the little things, right? But pay heed to this classic relationship wisdom: if your guy or gal is polite, respectful and kind to others (not just to you), you know they’re worth holding on to. This is easy to assess while travelling, as you’ll encounter loads of strangers at airports, in hotels and hostels, on public transport and beyond – sometimes in stressful circumstances.

5. It’s what’s inside that counts

A hair wax or make-up free vacation is one thing, but throw in 100 mozzie bites, patchy sunburn, overnight-bus hair and and a pair of dodgy patterned baggy pants, and you’ll both be rocking an entirely different look. If the attraction endures, it could be the real deal.

6. They know when you’re hangry

When your other half can spot and stave off your impending hunger-fuelled tantrum before you even know it’s coming – feeding you snacks, keeping you hydrated and sharing their ice cream – you’ve probably found a keeper.

7. They stick around when things get tough

Arguments happen – especially on the road. The mark of a strong partnership is your ability to compromise as a couple.

“For me the destination is the journey, but my boyfriend wanted to just get straight to places and not dawdle. It sparked a few arguments, but talking about what was important to each of us when we travel was super helpful. That, and taking turns to do what we wanted to do, which balanced things out!” – Adrienne Pitts, recently returned from a New Zealand road trip with her partner of 18 months.

8. They encourage you to try new things

Nervous about that skydive? Not sure about that surf lesson? Ms or Mr Right will coax you into achieving your goals and experiencing something new but support your decision if today’s not the day. Hopefully you’ll do the same for them. Together, you’ll feel like you’re making the most of your time away, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

9. Their skills complement yours

Teamwork makes the dream work – and life can be mighty fine when you both have different strengths to bring to the table.

“My partner is amazing with directions – it’s like he has a built-in satnav. He’ll spend a plane journey looking at maps on his phone and basically memorises a whole city before we arrive. I could get lost in an empty room so he’s handy to travel with!” – Monica Stott, navigating life with her other half for 15 years.

“Due to Megan’s disability to her left hand, Whitney always deals with our heavy luggage; she puts our hand luggage up in the overhead bins and gets it off the conveyor belt at baggage. We understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses and work as a great team!” – Megan and Whitney Bacon-Evans, together for 12 years.

10. Even the boring bits are fun

Flight delays, long train journeys, queuing for that ‘must-see’ museum exhibition – whatever patience-stretching scenario you’re faced with, you know how to see the upside and keep each other entertained. Because really, it doesn’t matter where you are or what you’re doing – you’re simply happy together.

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Paris is beautiful to explore any season. But spring is the time to soak up that special ‘April in Paris’ charm that Sinatra sung about so well: chestnut groves blossom, city parks burst into flower, plane trees sprout foliage over boulevards, and cafe terraces buzz with new-found energy as Parisians head outdoors to enjoy spring’s soft warm days.

Editor’s note: During COVID-19 there are restrictions on travel and opening hours may vary. Check the latest guidance in France before planning a trip, and always follow local health advice.

Here are our top 10 things to do in Paris in spring.

Eiffel Tower

No Parisian landmark embraces springtime blue skies as enthusiastically as the Eiffel Tower – its spire is frequently half-lost in fog in winter. On clear spring days, the 324m-tall tower is striking from any angle. And with glass flooring on the 1st floor – peer down at Paris beneath your feet – views are even sharper.

For a panorama of the city from the tower, lunch at 58 Tour Eiffel or Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne. For ringside views of the icon and its webbed ironwork imprinted on blue sky, consider Les Ombres or the more casual Café Branly.

The Islands

Romance oozes out of every historic nook and cranny of Île St-Louis and Île de la Cité, both perfect for a springtime stroll. These two islands on the Seine have quaint car-free streets full of old-world boutiques. Start on a high with the bestial rooftop of Cathédrale Notre Dame, then relax on a bench beneath pink cherry blossoms in the Seine-side garden of Square Jean XXIII.

The stained glass windows inside Notre Dame and at nearby Sainte-Chapelle are dazzling at this time of year when the sunlight streams in. Cool down afterwards with une glace (an ice cream) from Paris’ most famous ice cream maker, Berthillon.

Jardin du Luxembourg

Lounging on a sage-green deckchair in this mythical city park is a Parisian spring essential. Chasing a vintage wooden sail boat around the park’s octagonal Grand Bassin pond is brilliant fun – kids have done this since the 1920s. Puppet shows entertain at the Théâtre du Luxembourg and art exhibitions take place at the Musée du Luxembourg, both in the park.

Musée Rodin

Spring marries perfectly with the Musée Rodin, one of Paris’ loveliest art museums in the former studio and showroom of sculptor and painter Auguste Rodin. Sculptures inside the 18th-century mansion are world-class (don’t miss Rodin’s L’Eternel Printemps (Eternal Spring) and The Kiss, both sculptures of two lovers embracing) but the museum gardens are most memorable. Roses mingle with The Thinker and other iconic works, while wooden sun lounges offer peaceful contemplation between springtime blossoms.

Other art museums with gorgeous gardens are Musée du Quai Branly; the Musée de l’Orangerie in the fashionable Jardin des Tuileries; and the Musée Marmottan-Monet, home to the world’s largest collection of Monet’s works, overlooking the delightfully local Jardin du Ranelagh.

Nuit des Musées

The annual Nuit des Musées in May is a prime opportunity to revel in Paris’ second-to-none portfolio of museums and monuments: sights stay open late and admission is free.

Cafe culture

Watch the world go by over un café (a coffee) or early evening apéro (pre-meal drink) on one of the city’s zillions of cafe pavement terraces – there is no finer time of year to indulge in Parisian cafe culture than spring as outdoor heaters are put away and tables multiply.

Traditional neighbourhood cafes with sunny terraces and bistro chairs meticulously arranged in tight rows include Le Petit Fer à Cheval and Café Charlot in Le Marais neighbourhood; Le Progrès, loaded with ambience in Montmartre; Café Saint Régis, footsteps from Notre Dame; and Café La Palette where art dealers and fashionistas congregate on the Left Bank. At dusk place du Marché Ste-Catherine is a pretty cafe-laced square to sit beneath fairy lights and sip an apéro.

Chez Prune is the cafe-bar that put Canal St-Martin on the map. Café Marly overlooks the Louvre’s inner courtyard, while homemade ginger lemonade and hibiscus flower cordial make L’Ebouillanté, footsteps from the Seine, an artsy favourite.

Canal St-Martin

The tranquil, 4.5km-long Canal St-Martin in northeastern Paris was surely created with sunny spring days in mind – reflections on the water are superbly photogenic and a stroll or cycle along the canal’s leafy towpaths or between trendy boutiques is like a scene straight out of a film. Watch canal boats pass through locks and beneath vintage swing bridges that pivot 90 degrees when boats approach.

Al fresco dining

Spring in Paris is about sitting outside and feasting on the city’s extraordinarily varied cuisine. Gastronomic restaurants rarely have outdoor seating, but budget and midrange places do.

Hot spots near the Eiffel Tower – popular among the local office crowd for a brasserie lunch in the midday sun – are La Mascotte and Upper Crèmerie. In Le Marais, a trendsetting crowd lunches in the hidden courtyard of Derrière, while the terrace at Mini Palais is magnifique for soaking up the old-world atmosphere of art nouveau Paris. Beloved Left Bank addresses include casual Le Square and Yves Camdeborde’s raved-about gourmet bistro Le Comptoir du Relais. Chez Nathalie is a sweet spot in the 13th arrondissement to dine on modern French cuisine.

Paris’ open-air street markets, such as Marché Bastille, burst with fresh seasonal produce at this time of year and are a treat to explore and to pick up goods for a park picnic.

Château de Versailles

Late spring ushers in the start of Les Grandes Eaux Musicales (Musical Fountain Show) in the magnificent gardens of Château de Versailles, France’s most colossal palace is very much in a class of its own when it comes to over-the-top opulence. Its seasonal ‘dancing water’ fountain displays – set to music composed by baroque- and classical-era composers – are unique, magical and a highlight of any day trip from central Paris to Versailles.

Street entertainment

Spring raises the curtain on Paris’ fantastic gaggle of clowns, mime artists, living statues, acrobats, inline skaters, musicians and other street entertainers. Best spots to catch a fun, free show outside include Pont St-Louis near Cathédrale Notre Dame, place du Tertre in Montmartre, place Georges Pompidou in front of the Centre Pompidou, and place Joachim du Bellay by the Fontaine des Innocents in the 1st arrondissement.

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This article was first published in June 2015 and updated February 2021

No matter how much time or effort you put into researching your dream honeymoon destinations, planning your newly-wed adventures or packing the perfect shared suitcase, don’t be fooled: honeymoons, just like any other trip, can go wrong.

Our staffers thought their post-wedding plans represented the epitome of romance – but hadn’t anticipated baboon invasions, being mistaken for OAPs or dodgy duck casseroles…

Searching (in vain) for sunshine in Italy

We set off on the train south with smiles, swimwear and our base tans set to biscuit brown. What could be more old-school romantic than a sunny honeymoon on the Italian Riviera? We would slurp spaghetti alle vongole in our own version of Lady and the Tramp and frolic in the Bay of Poets yelling Shelley and Byron to each other over that famously crystalline water.

Sadly, it being April, we were met by dense mist, closed restaurants, grey beaches and a mounting suspicion we’d made a very stupid mistake. As we shivered on loungers the price of the groom’s suit – wrapped in our coats and using our books as windshields – we slowly, dejectedly, gave up on our vision. The sun was not coming out.

Dora Ball – Commissioning Editor. Follow her tweets @DoraWhit.

Australia: honeymoon heaven or hell?

During the Oz leg of our honeymoon, we joined a tour from Darwin to the Red Centre, which reached a climax at Uluru. Camping near ‘the Rock’ sounded great in principle, but sleeping under the stars in a swag bag got old quickly thanks to the ravenous mosquitoes, which took turns to feast on the only exposed part of our bodies: our faces.

We opted for the alternative accommodation, a sort of shed containing primitive bunks (essentially, metal shelves without mattresses). But the shed had retained, and perhaps raised, the daytime temperature of 36°C, and the mozzies found their way in. Cue a night of sliding around in a slick of sweat, clawing an ever-growing number of bites, to a chorus of howling dingoes. Oh, the romance.

James Kay – Editor, lonelyplanet.com. Follow his tweets @JamesKay123.

Going solo in South Africa

My honeymoon didn’t even get off the ground: with two months to go, my fiancé backed out of our wedding. Understandably, I was devastated, but I figured the best thing I could do would be to take myself on a ‘solomoon’, doing something I’d always dreamed of doing, but had never had the courage to.

I booked flights to South Africa and signed up to volunteer on a conservation project tracking lions in the wild. Conditions were basic and the hours long, but being surrounded by nature in this way helped to put everything in perspective. Prior to this, I hadn’t been further than the Canary Islands, but the trip gave me the travel bug, which ultimately led to me working for Lonely Planet. Mishap? What mishap?

Gemma Graham – Destination Editor, Northern Europe. Follow her tweets @oh_gg.

Making memories (good and bad) in Madagascar

With both of us working in travel we really wanted to push the boat out when it came to our honeymoon, so we jumped at the chance to take an organised canoe trip down the Tsiribihina River in Madagascar. For three days we floated along, camping on the banks at night and watching lemurs swing through the trees by day. It was idyllic. Until the last night.

We were used to dinner being a leisurely affair, so we marvelled at how quickly our duck casserole appeared, only for me to have it appear again and again and again for another three days. I eventually surfaced – several pounds lighter – to make it to the incredible baobabs; I still cherish the memory of the canoe trip, just not its spectacularly unromantic end.

Imogen Hall – Lonely Planet’s family travel expert. Follow her tweets @ImogenMaryHall.

Getting the OAP treatment in Australia

We accidentally honeymooned in an old people’s home. Sort of. We’d flown home internationally to wed on the north coast of New South Wales, Australia, and only had a few days for a minimoon, so we headed into the mountains for a rainforest retreat. When we arrived we were surprised that the receptionists were so anxious for us to understand the ‘complicated’ keycard system and for us to join ‘everyone’ for tea and cheese at 4pm. We later realised that the retreat mainly catered to elderly clientele and that there would be betting on the horses in the dining room over dinner.

Giving up on the retreat, we went hiking, only for me to be bitten by a snake (I was fine) and for us to get lost in the mountain mist, surrounded by ghostly wallabies. It was a weird but memorable three days.

Heather Champion – Product Editor. Follow her on Instagram @heathesaurus.

A bump in the road to Costa Rica

We got married in June but held off until October for our honeymoon in Costa Rica. It was to be a two-part vacation – half high adventure and half complete relaxation. We would start with ziplining, 4WDs, hot springs and more in La Fortuna, then head to an all-inclusive resort on the coast, where we would drink bottomless cocktails on the beach.

But in the four months between the wedding and honeymoon all our plans came unravelled – we got pregnant. Or rather, my wife did. No more zip lines, hot springs or alcohol. We still had an amazing time, including an inflatable kayak river trip and all the rainforest hiking we could ask for. We’ll just have to go back for the zip lines.

Ben Buckner – Destination Editor, USA (West) & Canada. Follow his tweets @BuckPacking.

A terrifying encounter in Tanzania

The day I was chased out of the Malaysian jungle by monkeys was the day I realised that they’re mean little creatures. On safari in the Serengeti many years later, my husband snapped photos of monkeys while I stayed on my guard. I wasn’t fooled by their playful nature or their silly noises; I was primed, ready for imminent monkey attack.

That evening on the balcony at our lodge, I’d finally started to relax when a massive baboon jumped down from the roof and sat at our table. I screamed, ran inside and hid behind the bar. My poor husband had to explain both the screaming and his missing wife to the staff, whilst calmly dealing with the primate stealing our nuts.

Claire Naylor – Senior Editor. Follow her tweets @RoadTripJones.

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For lovers of the Big Little Lies TV series it is not just the incredible relationships forged by Madeline, Renata, Bonnie, Celeste and Jane that keep viewers coming back for more. It is also the epic setting and sweeping shots of Monterey, Big Sur and Carmel-by-the-Sea that feature nearly as prominently as the amazing Monterey 5 and make us drool with travel lust.

So where can fans go to see these amazing places? Read on to find out.

Old Fisherman’s Wharf

In the first season of Big Little Lies Jane, Madeline and Celeste often bonded at the fictional Blues Blues cafe. While Blues Blues may not exist, Paluca Trattoria does. Located on the atmospheric Old Fisherman’s Wharf which houses shops and local seafood markets, Paluca was the inspiration for the Blues Blues set in the show.

But there are other amazing cafe’s and restaurants to try in the area too, we like the Alvarado Street Brewery for excellent craft beer and superior bar food.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

In the second season Big Little Lies be sure to keep a look out for the Monterey Bay Aquarium (it also made a cameo in the first season). Considered one of the best aquariums in the world, a visit here is one of Monterey’s most mesmerizing experiences. The three-story kelp forest tank holds 2000 gallons of water and is a meticulous reproduction of the natural conditions just outside.

Plan to spend a good part of the day appreciating all the amazing creatures that fill our oceans. The jellyfish are nothing short of amazing.

Del Monte Beach

No one knows if Jane is still going to need to run out her feels in the second season (all signs point to yes), but in the first season she spent a lot of time on Del Monte Beach. This picturesque beach is part of Monterey State beach and is a popular surfing spot.

There are even fire pits available for sunset s’more making (and if you don’t know what you’re missing with s’mores – check it out).

Colton Hall

One huge plot point from Season 1 of Big Little Lies was Madeline’s dedication to the production of Avenue Q. When Madeline’s neighbors got together to debate the controversial show, it was done at Colton Hall. A longtime landmark in the city of Monterey, this is where California’s first constitutional convention took place in 1849.

If California history is your thing you might check out the Custom House, where the US flag first flew formally declaring that California was annexed from Mexico.

Lover’s Point Park in Pacific Grove

Admittedly, romantic relationships in Big Little Lies are problematic and maybe its ironic, but Lover’s Point made appearances in a few episodes during the first season and we’ll keep an eye out for more in season 2. The charming village of Pacific Grove is just a little outside Monterey and Lover’s Point Park is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic and a view. We suggest grabbing a Thai lunch box from Zab Zab in Monterey before heading north just a few minutes.

After your picnic head to the Monarch Grove Sanctuary where thousands of migratory butterflies gather between November and February.

Garrapata State Park

This writer spends a lot of time, while watching Big Little Lies, trying to figure out where the Monterey 5 actually live. They are constantly driving on Bixby Bridge into and out of Big Sur and hanging out at Garrapata State Park. Trust me, I would too if I lived anywhere close to these epic landmarks. If you’re looking for the views of steep cliffs, crashing waves and misty shorelines that Big Little Lies is riddled with you’ll find them here.

Fancy a weekend in Big Sur? Find out how here.

What couple can resist the Caribbean, with its promise of screensaver-worthy beaches and romantic resorts that go above and beyond to make every holiday feel like a honeymoon?

Whether you want to lounge in a private cabana, swing in a hammock, dine at a moonlit table for two, hike through lush rainforest or snorkel among primary-colored fish, you can do what pleases both of you on any of the islands that make up this coveted destination. All of which makes it even harder to narrow down the best places for couples in the Caribbean.

And that’s why we want to inspire you with these eight particularly romantic Caribbean destinations.

1. Little Cayman, Cayman Islands

Best for getting off the grid

Little Cayman is the smallest of the Cayman Islands and home to more iguanas than people – making it ideal for couples looking to spend quality time together. This dazzling island is just one mile wide and 10 miles long, its desert-island vibe offering up quiet beaches, crystal-clear waters, a tropical nature reserve and world-class diving sites. When you tire of swinging in a beachfront hammock, you can cycle to Booby Pond Nature Reserve to observe the resident colony of 4000 red-footed boobies (their name notwithstanding, you can identify them by their blue beaks).

Alternatively, take a dip in the multi-hued blue waters of South Hole Sound Lagoon (you may well be the only couple there). For a more strenuous workout, kayak over to Owen Island, where you’ll feel like the only people on the planet, or dive Bloody Bay Wall – a dramatic 6000ft drop-off that’s part of an underwater mountain range. You’ll have a handful of small hotels to choose from, including the colorful beach cottages at the Southern Cross Club and the all-inclusive Pirates Point Resort.

Planning tip: On Little Cayman, bikes are the transportation of choice. But since the island is too small to support a bike shop, most hotels and guesthouses will lend you a bike to get around or rent you one for a small fee.

2. Grenada

Best for underwater explorations

Grenada is home to the world’s first underwater sculpture park and the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean, making it a good choice for couples looking for once-in-a-lifetime dive experiences. The underwater gallery of sculptures can be found in the Molinère Beauséjour Marine Protected Area, with the artworks acting as artificial reefs attracting a wide variety of tropical fish.

The 18,000-ton, 65ft-long Italian cruise liner, Bianca C – known as the Titanic of the Caribbean – sits upright on the seabed at a depth of 165ft, just a mile off Grand Anse beach, and is a memorable dive for those with experience. If swimming’s your thing, check into Silversands, which boasts the Caribbean’s longest swimming pool, at nearly 330ft long.

3. Soufrière, St Lucia

Best for a room with a view

If you were to see no other part of St Lucia on your romantic vacation, the district of Soufrière on the west coast would provide you with memories aplenty. Think hiking the imposing Gros Piton, mountain biking through overgrown former plantations, slathering each other in mud in the name of beauty at Sulfur Springs or taking a bracing freshwater shower at Diamond Falls. Most of these activities are an added bonus for couples drawn primarily to the romantic hotels that have made the area famous. Jade Mountain and Ladera are both in this area, both luxury properties that have done away with the fourth wall to allow its rooms to frame equally dramatic yet differing views of the Pitons.

Planning tip: Visit between February and May for the lowest chance of rain. High season ends after the Easter holiday, so May can also be a very affordable time to book your romantic break.

4. Antigua

Best for all-inclusive resorts

If you’re looking for the best all-inclusive resorts for couples in the Caribbean, you’ll find a glut of them on West Indian island Antigua. For suites with private plunge pools, try Hammock Cove, Galley Bay or Hermitage Bay. Older couples favor the quiet sophistication of Curtain Bluff, where they can mingle at the manager’s cocktail party hosted in the owner’s living room, while younger couples enjoy the activity program at Pineapple Beach Club. If you fancy romance, Maldives-style, try one of the overwater bungalows at the Royalton. Feeling flush? Then head to one of the most exclusive private islands in the Caribbean and book a stay at Jumby Bay, where Oprah Winfrey, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana own villas.

5. Dominica

Best for adventurous couples

With pristine rainforest, a river for every day of the year, waterfalls, national parks, volcanoes, white and black sand beaches, one of only two boiling lakes in the world (the other is in New Zealand), and a vast array of soul-restoring excursions and authentic experiences, Dominica helps couples reconnect and create enduring memories.

On this nature-heavy island, you can river-canyon, hike volcanoes, swim in rainforest waterfalls, soak in natural hot springs or get close to the resident pod of sperm whales. Dominica is less touristy than other Caribbean islands and will appeal to couples who enjoy getting off the beaten track. For a private rainforest retreat, try six-star Secret Bay, 10 villas on a verdant hillside in the northwest.

Planning tip: Dominica is in the hurricane belt, so avoid hurricane season, which lasts from June 1 to November 30.

6. CocoCay, Bahamas

Best romantic cruise stop

When searching for the most romantic Caribbean cruise, it’s worth checking itineraries to see if they stop at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean International’s private island in the Bahamas. Whether your idea of romance is daring each other to go down Daredevil’s Tower, the tallest waterslide in the world, or paddling your partner out in a kayak made for two before sipping refreshing Coco Locos from the privacy of a daybed or cabana in Breezy Bay, you’ll find a way to relish romance at CocoCay. When Royal Caribbean’s new ship Icon of the Seas launches in 2024, the cruise line will debut the island’s adults-only oasis, Hideaway Beach, with an expansive pool, private cabanas with pools and the ultimate ocean views.

7. Jamaica

Best for couples-only resorts

Jamaica is known as the birthplace of reggae music, but did you know it was also the birthplace of couples-only all-inclusive luxury Sandals Resorts? This Jamaican company has cornered the honeymoon market in the Caribbean, and now operates nearly 20 resorts in beachfront properties in Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, St Lucia, the Bahamas and Curaçao (open since June 2022). Seven of them are in Jamaica, including the brand-new Sandals Dunn’s River (opened in May 2023).

Each Sandals offers two people in love a romantic, all-inclusive Caribbean experience that includes dining at up to 16 specialty restaurants, unlimited premium drinks, complimentary land and water sports (including up to two scuba dives per day for certified divers) and top-notch amenities. Romantic things to do in Jamaica include bamboo river-rafting on the Martha Brae, daring jumps into the Ocho Rios Blue Hole and horseback rides in the waves.

8. Andros, Bahamas

Best for eco-conscious couples

With a marine territory of 100,000 square miles, 700 islands and 2400 cays, the Bahamas is one of the most eco-friendly destinations in the Caribbean. The sea around the islands absorbs carbon (the islands now sell blue carbon credits), and the air contains less pollution than almost any other place in the world. Eco-conscious travelers will be enamored not only with the islands’ green credentials, but its focus on nurturing nature, wildlife and community.

Couples looking to keep busy should look to the island of Andros, the largest island in the archipelago. Andros has the highest concentration of blue holes, or pools opening to underground cave systems, in the world (180). In an effort to protect these natural wonders, a 40,000-acre national park has been formed, creating a safe haven for 22 blue holes and the surrounding pine forests. Captain Bill’s Blue Hole is the most accessible, with a platform to leap into the water. Opt for an eco villa at Tiamo, a luxury resort only accessible by boat after flying into South Andros on Mangrove Cay.

Chocolates, petal-strewn suites, sandy beaches – yawn. Your love is unique, so dodge the cliches with a Valentine’s Day break that caters to the quirks of your coupledom.

From obvious romantic destinations littered with proposals to those spots that you might not have considered for spending time with your beloved, be inspired by these top places to visit on Valentine’s Day.

1. Adrenaline seekers will love Krabi, Thailand

If the thought of a candlelit meal or spa treatment has you tapping your feet with boredom, bond over a shared challenge this Valentine’s Day. Krabi on southern Thailand’s west coast has adventure rippling through its every limestone cliff. In the space of a few days, you can scale caves, zip line through forests, go canoeing, trek jungles and try quad biking. Start with a climb up the karst with views of Railay beach (for those who dare to look down) or explore the forest trail towards Tiger Cave Temple. After all that activity, you can always flop onto a beach at the end of the day, and Krabi’s Hat Tham Phra Nang is the perfect place to do just that.

2. Find medieval romance in Carcassonne, France

Would you and your lover have been better born in another era, when corsets were tight, armor was polished and the likelihood of death by bubonic plague was… never mind. Step over a drawbridge and back in time to fairy-tale Carcassonne in southern France. In summer armies of tourists storm this fortified city; but mid-February is well out of high season so free your imagination as you and your beloved roam its medieval turrets. Carcassonne sprawls well beyond the old town, so choose your hotel location carefully – luxurious Hôtel du Château is just at the entrance of the medieval city, and sure to meet the expectations of Valentine’s lovers.

3. Craft-beer lovers will be satisfied in Portland, Oregon

If roses and red wine leave you cold, head to Portland, the heartland of amber nectar. Proudly eccentric Portland has been a craft-brew capital for decades, and with the highest concentration of breweries in the world you won’t be short of choice. Take a brewery tour if you want to sip a whole bunch. But if boozy bus rides take the fizz out of your couple’s getaway, Portland’s haunts are easily discovered on foot.

4. Gaze at the stars from Mauna Kea, Hawaii

The universe is vast, but somehow you found each other. Hawaii’s clear skies are ideal for gazing upwards at a sky blanketed in stars and contemplating your place in the cosmos, whether you’re dreamers or devoted astronomers. Head to the sacred hill of Mauna Kea where the summit is so high, dry and dark that it’s possible to gaze deep into the universe and enjoy some of the world’s most inspired starry skies.

5. Keep conversations lively in Cambridge, England

If your love bloomed over torrid prose and pub philosophy, then you need a vacation with intellectual clout. Where better, then, than one of England’s most historic university cities? Cambridge nurtured intellectuals and major talents, including Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking, Emma Thompson and Naomie Harris, over its 800-year history and scholarly debates continue to echo off the walls of every pub. Snuggle up in a punt for a guided boat tour past university icons like King’s College chapel and under the Bridge of Sighs, with a commentary by one of Cambridge’s modern brainiacs (many of the guides are current students).

6. Escape to Cradle Mountain, Tasmania

Many of us would gladly lace up our hiking boots to escape the Valentine’s frou-frou. Isolationists should seek out the rugged wilderness of Cradle Mountain National Park in Australia’s island state. Even a half-day hike allows a glimpse of Tasmania’s remote beauty; but if you’re experienced hikers, take on the challenging Overland Track. Against Cradle Mountain’s forbidding silhouette, with nothing around you but miles of brushland and mirror lakes, you’ll feel like the only two people on Earth.

7. Add some mystery at a masked ball in Venice, Italy

For lovers who like to mix things up, nothing can match the frisson of a masked ball. The world’s most decadent carnival takes place every February among the gilded domes, palaces and canal-lined piazzas of Venice. Don a Venetian mask, dress to the nines and submit to the hedonistic atmosphere: you’ll see gondola processions, elegant period costumes and outdoor theater, including the traditional Flight of the Angel – a zip wire performance above Piazza San Marco – all in the lead up to the unmissable Grand Masked Ball (Gran Ballo delle Maschere).

The allure of Zanzibar is timeless. White sands and turquoise waters ring the island, and African, Indian, Arabic and Persian influences intertwine in Stone Town to form a rich cultural backdrop. If it is your first time visiting Tanzania’s most famous island, here are some tips to get started.

1. Beaches

Zanzibar’s beaches are justifiably famous. Fine white sands edge clear turquoise waters, traditional Arabic dhows sail into the dawn, silhouetted against pastel-tinted skies. Coconut palms wave gently in the breeze. Whether as post-safari relaxation or as a stand-alone destination, the beaches on Zanzibar’s east coast and around its northern tip offer a quintessential tropical island paradise. Each beach has its own personality. Paje is known for its kitesurfing. Matemwe has a more chilled vibe, and entices with its powdery sands and glimpses of village life. Nungwi, in northern Zanzibar, sees tradition mix with contemporary life. Fishing boats launch from the beach and dhow builders ply their ancient craft against a backdrop of western-style hotels and partying. Nearby Kendwa shares some of Nungwi’s buzz, but everything is more spread out, and the beach here has the advantage of being swimmable around the clock. Quiet Pongwe is more isolated, and good for getting away from the crowds. Jambiani, with its impossibly turquoise waters and sun-bleached coral-rag houses, is an ideal spot to gain insights into local life.

All the beaches are within a one to two hour drive of Stone Town. Transport in private minivans or public dalla-dallas is frequent and affordable, and it is quite feasible to base yourself at the beaches and explore Stone Town on a series of day trips.

2. Stone Town

Zanzibar Town is the island’s main settlement, and the historical old Stone Town is its heart and soul. It’s also a wonderful spot to get immersed in island rhythms. Start exploring at Forodhani Gardens, a lively stretch of seafront where Zanzibaris of all ages gather in the early evening to watch the sun go down and enjoy the passing scene. Young men jump from the thick stone seawall into the harbour waters below, children play and women in bui-bui (black shawls) gather to chat. Food vendors hawk sizzling skewers of grilled pweza (octopus), steaming bowls of urojo (a tasty coastal soup) and hot mkate wa kumimina (a filling rice-flour bread).

Just opposite the gardens is the massive Old Fort, built by Omani Arabs when they seized Zanzibar from the Portuguese in 1698. Also here is the imposing House of Wonders, which boasts what are said to be the largest carved doors in East Africa. From the House of Wonders, wind your way through Stone Town’s maze of narrow alleyways, stopping en route at the Palace Museum, with its displays on the Omani sultanate in the 19th century. Other worthwhile stops include the beautiful Aga Khan and Ijumaa mosques, Hamamni Persian Baths – Zanzibar’s first public baths – and the Anglican Cathedral, with its moving Slave Memorial and the East Africa Slave Trade Exhibit. Finish up at lively, crowded Darajani Market, where sellers offer a colourful assortment of textiles, fruit, plastic ware and more. Along the way are plenty of small shops for browsing, packed with curios and fragrant with cloves, cinnamon and other spices.

3. Jozani-Chwaka National Park

Jozani is the largest area of indigenous forest on Zanzibar, and offers a glimpse of the vegetation that once covered much of the island. It is famous for its Zanzibar red colobus monkeys, an endangered species found only here. The forest is also home to other monkey species, plus duikers, bushbabies and over 40 species of birds. Jozani can easily be visited as a day trip from Zanzibar Town, or as a stop en route from town to the beaches. Allow a couple of hours to walk the forest trail and enjoy the nature.

4. Spice tours

In bygone days, spices dominated the economy of the Zanzibar Archipelago. Today, the trade has faded, but going on a spice tour to the plantations that dot the island makes for an enjoyable and informative half-day excursion. On these tours, you will get to see, taste and smell many of the spices, herbs and fruits that grow on Zanzibar, including cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, jackfruit and lemongrass. Tours can be arranged through hotels and local tour companies, and usually include lunch. Some also offer visits to local schools or village cooperatives.

5. Diving and snorkelling

The waters off northeastern Zanzibar offer excellent diving, with rich coral reefs, wall and drift dives and a wonderful array of fish. There is also rewarding diving off-shore from Stone Town, with soft and hard corals and wreck dives. There are many dive companies to choose from in all of the major beach destinations, inluding Nungwi, Kendwa, Matemwe and Paje, as well as in Stone Town. Expect good visibility and water temperatures averaging about 27°C.

Make it happen

Flights to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam are frequent and fast, taking about 30 minutes and costing between US$45 and US$80 one-way. There are also daily ferry connections to and from the mainland, taking about two hours and costing US$35 one-way. Once on the island, you’ll need to go through (usually brief) immigration formalities. Whether arriving by air or by sea, it’s a good idea to take advantage of the advance-arrangement pick-up services offered by most hotels, so that a taxi will already be waiting for you.

Zanzibar offers a wide selection of accommodation. In Stone Town, budget travellers can try Jambo Guest house or Lost & Found. Mid-range options include Beyt al-Salaam and Tembo House Hotel, while top-end travellers can try Kisiwa House or Emerson Spice.

On the beaches, try Demani Lodge in Paje or Seles Bungalows in Matemwe for budget accommodation; Mnarani Beach Cottages in east Nungwi or Bellevue Guesthouse, just north of Paje in Bwejuu, for mid-range; and Pongwe Beach Hotel in Pongwe or Matemwe Lodge in Matemwe for top end.

Organising a bachelor or bachelorette party might seem like a breeze compared to wedding planning, but there’s plenty to keep best men and maids of honor busy when it comes to logistics, particularly if you’re taking the celebrations – and a gaggle of expectant guests – to a foreign country.

Ensure the bride or groom has an unforgettable trip and avoid common pitfalls with these tips for planning a bachelor or bachelorette party abroad.

1. To surprise, or not to surprise?

Some brides and grooms want oversight of every element, while others relish the idea of relinquishing all responsibility. If you’re arranging a trip abroad without the bachelor or bachelorette’s knowledge, you’ll need to conspire with their partner or family to ensure their passport is valid, insurance is up to date, and appropriate bags are packed for the big reveal. Keeping plans under wraps can be an extra burden – there’s always a chance someone could let slip – but if the man or woman of the moment loves surprises (and travel!) you’ll earn mega friendship points.

2. Consider the guest list

The smaller the group, the easier trip planning will be – but unless you’re arranging your own party, that’s out of your hands. Whether invites extend to an entourage of BFFs or a motley crew of distant cousins, family friends, and colleagues, it’s your job to confirm numbers, create a suitable itinerary and wrangle attendees from A to B. If you don’t already know the guests, consult with the bride or groom to better understand the personalities you’ll be dealing with. Age is just a number, but if elders (particularly soon-to-be in-laws) are involved, they might want to opt out of certain shenanigans – and ideally the trip would allow for that.

3. Plan in advance

Coordinating calendars as a group can be a nightmare – especially if you’re going to be travelling during spring/summer, aka ‘wedding season’ – so it pays to find a date as far in advance as possible. Find the sweet spot using scheduling apps such as Doodle or WhenAvailable, then urge everyone to keep note of the dates so they don’t get double booked. This way you’ll also be able to take advantage of early-bird deals, and are likely to have a better choice of accommodation.

4. Get finances in order

It’s essential to be up front about money as soon as possible. The cost of traveling abroad for a bachelor or bachelorette party is the biggest barrier to entry for most people, and chances are you’ll get some dropouts. Scour the web or work with a travel agent to find the best group discounts, and factor in a combination of free activities and optional extras.

To avoid last-minute cancellations, provide all guests with a realistic outline of estimated costs from the outset – it’s better to overestimate than to surprise them with additional costs later on. Asking guests to cough up an extra $250 once they’ve paid for a hotel and flights is a recipe for severe tension.

‘The boys had arranged a party bus to transfer us from the airport to our hotel in Budapest – but had failed to bring enough cash to pay the – ahem – entertainment. We had to pull over at an ATM, which wasn’t ideal for anyone involved.’ – Tom, regular bachelor party attendee and newly-wed.

5. Communicate like a pro

How you share information with the group can make or break a trip. Drip feeding unconfirmed details or bombarding people with choices can result in lengthy WhatsApp debates (which no one has time for) and frustration. If you need help, ask another member of the group who has experience of these types of trips to help you make decisions and only message everyone with clear info and key updates. Remind people of the basics – departure date, flight times, itinerary – periodically too, so no one forgets!

6. Choose the right accommodation

If you’re going to be out from dawn until dusk (or 4am…) then accommodation might not be your top priority – but don’t book the cheapest hostel you can find without considering other options. House or villa rentals can be vastly superior and surprisingly budget friendly, and even the most chilled guests will appreciate a clean bathroom and a comfy bed. If your plans are more low-key, decent digs can double as a spot to host a movie night, pampering session or butler in the buff…

‘My maid of honor had planned a morning of standup paddleboarding in Mallorca, but when it rained, I was so glad we were staying in a villa, where we could execute Plan B: afternoon tea and massages.’ – Jess, whose Balearic Island wedding was sunny after all.

7. Agenda

Crafting an itinerary that suits a diverse group is tricky, and overpacking the schedule is an easy mistake to make. A good rule of thumb is to plan one significant activity per day (eg a bike tour or spa treatment), one main meal and the evening’s entertainment. Allow plenty of time around each of the scheduled activities (for resting, sprucing up and other necessities), and have extra ideas up your sleeve for impromptu excursions. If you’re going somewhere renowned for sunshine, don’t be a fairweather friend: a backup plan in case of bad weather is always a wise move.

‘Bachelorette parties can be too much. The last one I went on in Amsterdam involved a long day sightseeing followed by a dance class before dinner and a club. We only had half an hour for 10 girls to get ready and out of the door in between. It was never going to happen’ – Beth, stressed-out bachelorette.

8. Get cultural

You can have a debaucherous night out almost anywhere – so be sure to incorporate a little local culture into the trip. We’re not talking about a sobering morning at the museum (unless that’s your thing) – but how about a guided tasting of local tipples, a cooking class or private walking tour to see the key sights? These activities can also help bond the group and help you get your bearings before the evening antics commence.

9. Fun and games

Most classic bachelor or bachelorette party games are doable anywhere, but why not try something different? Have a go at destination bingo, where you come up with a list of location-specific tasks that attendees compete to finish first. For example, in Paris the list might include: drinking absinthe, spotting the Eiffel Tower, and taking a selfie with a moustachioed Frenchman… let light-hearted cultural references be your guide. Bachelor or bachelorette party package providers often run GPS-based treasure hunts for city breaks if you’d prefer a tried and tested team-building session.

Want to give the bride or groom a souvenir of their send-off? No, we’re not talking matching tattoos… Ask all guests to take photos during the trip and add them to a shared drive. Everyone can then look back with smiles – or shudders of regret – and you can create a memento book to present to your soon-to-be-wed BFF.

You might also like these

An expert’s guide to planning a destination wedding
8 iconic celebrity destination weddings
Why couples who travel together stay together

Need inspiration for your next romantic getaway? Look no further than your wine glass.

More than just tastings in a vineyard and purchases of a few cases of that sauvignon blanc you loved, wine touring lets you discover the landscapes in which the grapes are grown, deepening the experience of enjoying a nice white or red, and building a personal connection to each varietal.

We’ve looked to Lonely Planet’s new edition of Wine Trails to adapt these ideas for a wine-touring weekend to remember. For these seven regions in the USA create not only standout wines, but lasting memories, too.

1. Finger Lakes, New York State

Best for rieslings, pinot noirs and gorgeous lakeside views

With its harsh winters, the Finger Lakes of New York State represent one of the furthest limits of winemaking in North America. Winemakers here successfully introduced European vinifera grapes in the ’60s, and today a variety of vines grows along the shores of four of the region’s 11 very long, very deep lakes: Seneca, Cayuga, Keuka and Skaneateles.

A number of winemakers believe that riesling and pinot noir are the finest vehicles to discover and convey the Finger Lakes’ terroirs. Others embrace a host of grapes, and consider questions of method most important: native or laboratory yeast, machine or hand-harvesting, oak or steel. Base yourself at one of the region’s two city hubs, Watkins Glen or Ithaca, and set out to taste for yourself.

2. Walla Walla, Washington

Best for spectacular scenery, outstanding dining and world-class syrahs

Beneath the Blue Mountains in eastern Washington State, the Walla Walla Valley has become a remarkable story of rural regeneration, its longtime agricultural economy transformed and elevated by the arrival of grape wines. One of Washington’s most celebrated wine regions, Walla Walla is also the state’s best equipped for wine-country travel, with an enticing mix of tasting rooms, charming local restaurants, comfortable B&Bs and luxury hotels.

If you’re in the market for world-class syrah, the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater American Viticultural Area (AVA) has become one of the new hot spots of the region. While tasting through the region, be sure to allow some time to enjoy a walk around and a meal in the town of Walla Walla itself, where some of the state’s best chefs can be found.

3. The Atlantic Upland, Pennsylvania

Best for a sense of history, weekend festivals and premium dry wines

History is everywhere you turn in Pennsylvania, home to centuries-old farms, Independence Hall, the weathered cabins at Valley Forge and the battlefield of Gettysburg. Winemaking, by contrast, is a newer tradition, legal in the state only since 1968; today, around 300 wineries operate statewide. Many benefit from the rolling terrain spilling off the Allegheny and Pocono Mountains that provides elevation and a drying breeze. Pennsylvania’s diverse topography also produces a variety of climates.

While you’ll find vinifera such as chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc, you’ll also come across samples of hybrids such as chambourcin and traminette, both made in a variety of styles and improving in quality by the year. Meanwhile, Native American grapes such as Niagara and Concord satisfy a local sweet tooth. That said, the greatest gains are being made in the production of premium dry wines, from red and white blends to experimentation with newcomers such as grüner veltliner, albariño, zweigelt and blaufränkisch.

4. Willamette Valley, Oregon

Best for Burgundian expats, Portland hipsters and sublime pinot noirs

Oregon’s foremost wine region, the Willamette Valley is renowned as one of the best places in the world to grow pinot noir. The numerous Burgundian expats who have enthusiastically established wineries here can attest to this: the delicate, elegant reds they produce bear more than a passing resemblance to the wines of their homeland. White-wine lovers can rest assured too, since pinot gris and chardonnay also perform well here, with aromatic whites from riesling and gewürztraminer getting better with every vintage.

The valley’s 930 wineries are just south of appealing Portland, an ideal staging post for visits to the region. Eccentricity abounds here, yes – but so does a dazzling array of great restaurants and places to drink. An abundance of organic produce, artisanal coffee, craft beer and street food are evidence of a foodie culture in which wine plays a leading role.

5. Grand Valley, Colorado

Best for mountain vistas, unique terroirs and eager hospitality

With some of the highest-elevation vineyards in the world, Colorado wineries offer soul-stirring vistas of mountains and the Colorado River, plus a refreshing twist on traditional wine styles. The state is home to an eclectic community of grape-growers and winemakers – a passionate, curious bunch who produce iconoclastic wine styles brimming with personality that comes from alkaline soils and thin mountain air.

This unique terroir rewards patience and perseverance, and Colorado’s winemakers have both in spades. On a visit, you’ll be greeted with generous hospitality and an infectious enthusiasm for what’s possible in a place that remains a well-kept secret in the wine world. The Grand Valley AVA is home to vineyards that sit at 4500ft, soaking up the sunshine that radiates off the valley’s chalky Book Cliffs, and providing surprisingly successful conditions for the Bordeaux, Rhône and Italian varieties that thrive here.

6. Sonoma Valley, California

Best for a variety of microclimates, outstanding restaurants and bold, exciting blends

With its diverse patchwork of microclimates and terroirs, the Sonoma Valley is where many of California’s most skilled and forward-thinking winemakers turn out star pinot noirs and chardonnays. While today’s Sonoma is certainly at the cutting edge of the state’s wine scene – thankfully, its wineries largely escaped the ravages of the 2020 Glass Fire – it’s also where California’s first commercial winery was established back in the 1850s. This long history is evidenced in many gnarled old vineyards, some of which are over a century old.

In this part of Northern California – where the climate ranges from baking hot inland to downright cold out on the wet and windy coast – wine and food are embedded in the culture, something evident in the first-rate tasting rooms and restaurants in Healdsburg, the ideal place to base yourself here.

7. Santa Ynez Valley, California

Best for gorgeous road trips, endless sunshine and (naturally) pinot noirs.

This beautiful trail, stretching west of glamorous Santa Barbara, is the west coast’s only well-established winegrowing region fully exposed to the fogs and cool weather of the Pacific. Sunny days with relatively low temperatures make for the longest growing season in California – and produce some of the state’s best pinot noirs (gulped memorably by Miles and Jack in the 2004 film Sideways).

Other varietals thrive here, too. Vineyards planted closest to the ocean tend to offer lighter-bodied wines, while the warmer temperatures found inland create bolder, more full-bodied reds and whites. Planning tip: given the range of temperatures and elevations, bring a few layers when you set out.

Botswana’s mighty Okavango Delta, which expands annually up to a size of almost 20,000 sq km, is one of Africa’s greatest and most pristine wildernesses. To take in its beauty, and all the iconic wildlife that call it home, there are six enthralling activities available, but none so entrancing as a trip in a traditional mokoro (narrow dugout canoe).

The ultimate Okovango activity: the mokoro

There is no experience more connected to Botswana’s Okavango Delta than a journey through its reed-lined channels in a mokoro. Propelled with poles by expert locals, these traditionally-styled craft (now fashioned from fibreglass instead of wood for environmental purposes) glide you through the wilds with your eyes just above water level. From this reclined vantage point, the scale of everything becomes more grand – trees tower upwards into the blue African sky, reeds arch overhead and animal encounters feel all the more dramatic. The polers, who stand at the back behind the two passengers, use their wider view to watch for animals large and small. While you can get up close and personal with the likes of Africa’s smallest frog, your guide will ensure that a safe distance is kept between you and larger species such as hippos. That said, being told that an elephant is about to cross your path 100m ahead is still transfixing. With no engine noise, and just the occasional birdsong, the sound of each watery footstep radiates to you as if it was just a few feet away. And then, when you think it can’t get any more exciting, the wet, glistening body appears before you, tusks, trunk and all. Even with large animal sightings, the biggest joy of a mokoro trip is simply taking in the delta’s surreal surroundings in the most peaceful way possible.

Making a mokoro trip (and five other remarkable safari activities) happen

Most lodges in the delta organise mokoro trips, though some land-based camps on larger islands do not. The lodge-based trips tend to be late afternoon affairs, ending with sundowner drinks at a suitably scenic location, either in the mokoro itself or on one of the islands. These trips are almost always included in the accommodation fee.

It’s also possible to organise independent mokoro trips – without the huge lodge bill – from the safari hub town of Maun. There, the Okavango Kopano Mokoro Community Trust act as an umbrella association for all polers, with whom you can organise mokoro trips into the Eastern Okavango. These can be as short as a day (including a two to three-hour return drive in a 4WD to the point of embarkation), or last as long as several days with camping done on the islands (you’ll need to organise your own tent, cooking equipment and other kit). Most trips also involve some nature walks in the delta, where wildlife can also be seen. Overnight trips can be catered or self-catered, depending on your budget.

The best time to venture out in a mokoro is July to October, when water levels are high and the skies are almost permanently blue. Yes, in a quirk of the natural world, the delta is at its wettest during the height of its dry weather season. This is due to the floodwaters originating not from Botswana, but rather from the highlands in Angola more than a thousand kilometres away (the water then takes several months to arrive).

Boat safaris: speed and distance equals unrivaled wildlife

Although a little less serene than mekoro (plural for mokoro), power boats offer you the chance to cover more distance, thus enabling you to delve further into the Okavango. This also increases the chances of viewing more wildlife, both in the water and on the islands themselves. Much like on mokoro trips, these power boat adventures tend to include the option for short walking safaris along the way.

Most water-based lodges in the delta include this activity on their menu of all-inclusive options, with some camps even using these boats to ferry you between their airstrip (your arrival and departure point) and camp. At the heart of the delta, within the Moremi Game Reserve, there are a few boat stations with jetties from where standalone boat safaris depart. Prices start at P650 (US$70) per hour for an eight-seat boat.

Wildlife drives: the classic safari dream

Climbing up into an open-sided 4WD and trundling across grassy plains in pursuit of iconic African wildlife is a safari dream for many. And drives in the Okavango do not disappoint. With the recent re-introduction of rhino, it’s now possible to view all of the Big Five (leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino). No less interesting are packs of hunting wild dogs (Moremi Game Reserve is home to almost a third of the world’s population), pods of hippos bobbing and yawing, and cackles of whooping hyenas. Antelope numbers are healthy, including the water-adapted red lechwe. Last but not least, there is a phenomenal variety of birdlife that fills the air. And in this watery world, you’ll also have the exciting novelty of fording stream after stream in true adventurous style.

Land-based lodges on larger islands, such as Chief’s Island, include extensive wildlife drives year round in their packages, while water based camps only do so in the off season (November to May) when water levels have dropped significantly. If you are self-driving with a 4WD, you can explore areas of the Moremi Game Reserve on your own wildlife drive during dry season (July to October). The reserve’s campsites must be booked months in advance.

Walking safaris: to follow in the footsteps of greatness

Standing on the same earth as the very creatures you are observing is as enlightening as it is exciting, and in the delta there is much to observe. Following your guide in single file, you will get the chance to learn about the intricacies of the environment, and about many of the smaller creatures that are often overlooked when on wildlife drives. Although not as much ground as covered on foot as is done in 4WDs, you still stand a chance of seeing elephants, antelopes and other wildlife.

Guided walking safaris are not permitted in national parks and reserves, but they are offered by lodges within the private conservancies that make up the majority of the Okavango Delta’s footprint. Short walks tend to be included with mokoro trips organised out of Maun.

Horseback safaris: become one of the herd

If you’re no stranger to riding horses, then you have the option of booking your safari with an operator that focuses on horseback safaris. This old-school form of transport allows closer interaction with various wildlife in general, as you are viewed as just another harmless animal on the scene – as opposed to a more obtrusive attendee in a powered vehicle.

Most of the horseback operators run trips year round, with four to six hours per day spent in the saddle.

Scenic flights: take to the skies for a bird’s eye view

From ground level the Okavango Delta is astoundingly beautiful and totally immersive, but from the air you start to understand the greater picture. And what a picture it is: reed channels weave patterns between temporary and permanent islands, illustrating the flow of floodwaters; bleached pans reveal former waterholes, with animal trails migrating outward like rays from the sun; and the relationships between various species and their preferred habitats are laid bare. Looking down to elephants bathing in streams to beat the heat of the day, or seeing red lechwe seeking safety from big cats in the shallows is remarkable. At times you feel like you’re actually in a wildlife documentary.

Scenic flights by plane are offered by several operators such as Wilderness Air, Mack Air and Major Blue Air, while helicopter flights are run by Helicopter Horizons – both alternatives are possible to book from Maun, though some camps can also arrange them for you. If you’ve chosen a fly-in lodge, you will get a taste of this activity en route to camp. Some camps, such as Vumbura Plains Camp also offer hot-air balloon flights over the delta.

Matt Phillips travelled to Botswana with support from Botswana Tourism. Lonely Planet contributors do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.