Tag: homestays in sindhudurg

Top Indian Destinations for New Year 2026: From Tourist Classics to Offbeat Escapes

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December is when India truly feels like it is in travel mode. The beaches are calmer, the hills are cooler, wildlife activity increases along the coastline and travellers all over the country start planning where they will welcome 2026. It is one of those months where the weather works in your favour no matter which direction you head in. From dolphin sightings along the Konkan coast to soft winter sunlight in the hills and festive energy in cultural hubs, every region has something special to offer.

To help you pick a destination quickly, here is a conversational, easy to browse guide to the best places to travel for New Year 2026, divided into Tourist Favourites and Offbeat Escapes.

Aerial view of a large, beautifully designed villa surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees under a vibrant sunset sky.

SaffronStays The White Whale, Goa

I. Tourist Favourites and All Time Classics

These are India’s most dependable New Year destinations. Great winter weather, plenty of things to do and a holiday atmosphere that pulls travellers back every year.

Goa

Goa in December feels like a postcard. Sunny mornings, cool evenings and beaches that look their best after the monsoon. Markets are lively, shacks are buzzing, sunsets turn pink and the festive vibe is everywhere. From the nightlife of North Goa to the quieter, more picturesque corners of South Goa, it is a classic that never disappoints.

Bhimtal

If you want the beauty of Uttarakhand without the holiday crowds of Nainital, Bhimtal is perfect. The lake is serene, the mornings are crisp and the surrounding hills are ideal for quiet walks. December skies here are incredibly clear, making it a peaceful and scenic New Year retreat.

Mussoorie

Mussoorie brings out that nostalgic hill station charm. The air is cool, cafes are warm and the views from places like Landour make you want to slow down. December often brings misty mornings and glowing sunsets, creating the perfect setting to unwind.

Manali

Manali in winter has a magic of its own. Snow dusts the mountains, pine forests look dreamy and the whole town feels festive. Whether you stay in Old Manali or head toward Solang or Naggar, it is a great place to bring in the new year surrounded by nature.

Shimla

Colonial charm, snowy possibilities and that classic Himachal winter feel. Mall Road lights up beautifully in December, and the scenic drives around Shimla feel extra special when the weather is cold and crisp.

A scenic view of a mountain retreat house nestled among tall green pine trees, showcasing a red-roofed structure that blends harmoniously with the natural surroundings.

SaffronStays Ekam, Shimla

Dharamshala

This is where calm meets culture. Dharamshala and nearby McLeod Ganj offer a mix of mountains, monasteries, Tibetan cafes and peaceful winter landscapes. December is cool, quiet and perfect for travellers who like a slower pace.

Kasauli

Small, quiet and beautifully preserved. Kasauli is the kind of place where you take long walks, enjoy misty mornings and settle into a peaceful New Year holiday. It is simple and refreshing.

Jaipur

December is one of Jaipur’s best months. The days are sunny, evenings are cool and the city looks stunning with all its forts, palaces and festive decor. It is ideal for travellers who want culture, food, shopping and celebration all in one place.

Udaipur

Udaipur in winter feels like a dream. The lakes are calm, the palaces glow golden in the evening and the weather is pleasantly cool. It is a wonderful destination for couples and families who want a romantic or culturally rich New Year.

A modern villa with terraces and a swimming pool, set against a mountainous backdrop and clear blue sky.

SaffronStays Moringa Wishing Tree

Nashik and Igatpuri

Nashik turns into wine country in winter. Vineyards are lush, tasting rooms are buzzing and the sunsets feel cinematic. Igatpuri, on the other hand, offers foggy mornings, cool breezes and sweeping Sahyadri views. Both are perfect for quick drives from Mumbai.

Alibaug

Just a ferry ride away from Mumbai, Alibaug is ideal for beach lovers. December brings clear skies and clean shores, and if you are lucky, you may even spot dolphins early in the morning. Great beaches, good food and private villas make it a strong New Year option.

Mahabaleshwar

Strawberry season, crisp winds and endless valley views. December is one of Mahabaleshwar’s prettiest months, perfect for long drives, family trips and relaxing holidays.

A charming two-story brick cottage situated on a hillside, surrounded by greenery and colorful flowers, featuring a wooden boat on the rocky slope.

SaffronStays Crescent Bay, Palshet

Coorg

Coorg is at its prime in winter. Coffee plantations are lush, mornings are misty and the forests feel alive. It is a beautiful, slow and deeply refreshing New Year escape.

Ooty

Cool weather, tea gardens, lakes and cosy fireplaces. Ooty has a classic charm that makes it a perfect hill station getaway for New Year celebrations.

II. Less Crowd, More Vibes

These are the destinations for travellers who want quiet views, untouched nature and a celebration away from the noise. Ideal if you want space, privacy and a slower, calmer start to 2026.

Mukteshwar

A peaceful Kumaon town with apple orchards, panoramic views and cool December temperatures. Perfect for travellers who want silence, scenery and slow mornings.

Dapoli

This coastal stretch is known for dolphin spotting, clean beaches and seasonal turtle nesting. December is one of the best times to visit, especially for nature lovers who prefer quieter shores.

A modern villa surrounded by lush green hills under a colorful sky at dusk.

SaffronStays Nautica

Sindhudurg

One of India’s richest marine belts. Expect clear waters, untouched beaches, coral patches and frequent dolphin sightings. A serene, wildlife rich destination for those who love the ocean.

Udupi

Calm beaches, island explorations, great food and a relaxed coastal mood. Udupi is ideal if you want the ocean without Goa’s crowds.

Khopoli

Close to Mumbai and Pune but surprisingly peaceful. Surrounded by greenery, rivers and quiet pockets, Khopoli is perfect for private villa stays.

Chikmagalur

A hill station wrapped in coffee plantations. The air is cool, the views are green and December mornings feel fresh and crisp.

Hosur

A quiet countryside near Bangalore known for open landscapes and slow paced living. Great for travellers who want a short, restful escape.

A cozy brick villa situated on a green lawn, surrounded by trees and under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

SaffronStays Amodhini Farmstay, Hosur

Hejamady

A small coastal village near Udupi with golden shorelines, quiet beaches and postcard worthy sunsets.

Kannur

A beautiful blend of culture and coast. Kannur’s beaches are clean, the crowds are minimal and December brings the vibrant Theyyam season to life.

Kodaikanal

Lakes, forests, waterfalls and cool weather. Kodaikanal is peaceful in December, perfect for travellers who want a gentle New Year getaway.

Pawna

A serene lakeside retreat popular for its sunsets, quiet surroundings and open skies. Perfect for groups looking for a relaxing start to 2026.

Mulshi

Close to Pune yet incredibly tranquil. Mulshi is known for its misty hills, lakes and nature heavy villas that make for a soothing New Year holiday.

A group of friends enjoying a sunset by a poolside at a scenic villa in a mountainous region, with lush greenery and hills in the background.

SaffronStays Blue Infinitum, Pawna

Choosing the Right Destination for Your New Year 2026 Mood

If you prefer activity, sightseeing, good food and a holiday buzz, the Tourist Favourites are where you should be. They offer comfort, atmosphere and reliable winter weather.

If you want quiet views, wildlife moments, long walks, slow mornings and privacy, the Less Crowd, More Vibes list will feel like a breath of fresh air.

Either way, December is one of the best months to explore India. Every region has something unique to offer, and private villas across these destinations make celebrations even more special.

Malvani Cuisine Near Goa: A Flavour Trail for Foodies at Araqila

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If you are planning a trip to Goa, you don’t have to limit yourself to beaches and shacks. Just 45 minutes from Goa’s Mopa Airport, the Sindhudurg coast offers a quieter, more authentic side of the Konkan region. It is here that you can experience Malvani cuisine in its most traditional form.

At the heart of this food journey is Araqila, a modern-day fortress overlooking the Arabian Sea. More than a place to stay, it is a destination for food lovers who want to taste and learn the flavours of Malvani food near Goa.

From Goa’s Mopa Airport to Araqila in Sindhudurg

Reaching Araqila is simple. From Mopa Airport, it’s a 33 km drive through scenic coastal roads. You will pass small villages, coconut groves, and glimpses of the Arabian Sea. The closer you get, the more you leave Goa’s busy tourist areas behind.

Araqila is ideally located for travellers who want to combine a Goa holiday with a Konkan food trail. Its setting in Aravali, Sindhudurg makes it a perfect base for exploring both Malvani cuisine and the region’s historic landmarks.

What is Malvani Cuisine?

Malvani cuisine comes from the Sindhudurg district and nearby parts of Goa and Karnataka. Known for its rich coconut-based gravies, tangy kokum, and a unique blend of spices called Malvani masala, it is one of India’s most distinctive coastal cuisines.

Popular Malvani dishes you can try include:

  • Kombdi Vade – spiced chicken curry with fluffy fried bread
  • Bombil Fry – Bombay duck fish coated with spices and semolina
  • Mutton Sukka – slow-cooked mutton with roasted spices
  • Fish Curry – fresh catch simmered in coconut and spices
  • Solkadhi – cooling kokum and coconut milk drink

Vegetarian favourites include Dhondas (sweet cucumber cake), Ghavan (rice pancakes), and Phanasachi Bhaji (jackfruit curry).

Dining on Malvani Food at Araqila

A beautifully presented dish featuring grilled Malvani-style fish, garnished with a slice of lime, green chutney, and fresh vegetables.

At Araqila, meals are made with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes daily based on the morning’s catch and what is fresh from local farms. Many dishes are prepared in earthen pots, and the Malvani masala is ground fresh each day.

Guests can enjoy:

  • Fresh seafood in authentic Malvani style
  • Bhakris made from rice or nachni flour
  • Local vegetables cooked with traditional techniques
  • Freshly prepared Solkadhi

Every meal reflects the flavours of the Sindhudurg coast and the slow, careful way of cooking that defines Malvani cuisine.

Learn Malvani Cooking in Sindhudurg

One of Araqila’s most popular experiences is its Malvani cooking class. Here, guests can learn how to prepare traditional dishes with guidance from a local chef.

A chef cooking in a modern kitchen, stirring a pan with flames rising from it.

The class covers:

  • Toasting and grinding Malvani masala
  • Cooking seafood and vegetarian dishes
  • Understanding traditional Konkan cooking techniques

It’s a hands-on way to connect with the region’s culture and take a piece of the Konkan home with you.

Things to Do Near Araqila in Sindhudurg

A visit to Araqila is about more than food. Nearby attractions include:

  • Sindhudurg Fort built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
  • Vijaydurg Fort, one of the oldest forts in Konkan
  • Sawantwadi Palace for royal history and local crafts
  • Tarkarli Beach and Bhogwe Beach for peaceful coastal views
  • Malvan Marine Sanctuary for snorkeling and diving

Why Add Araqila to Your Goa Itinerary

If you are flying into Mopa Airport for a Goa trip, a short drive to Araqila gives you:

  • Authentic Malvani food near Goa
  • A chance to learn regional cooking
  • Access to quiet beaches and nature trails
  • Cultural and historical sightseeing in Sindhudurg

It is an easy addition to your Goa holiday that offers something different and memorable.

Malvani Cuisine Near Goa: A Flavour Trail for Foodies at Araqila

If you are planning a trip to Goa, you don’t have to limit yourself to beaches and shacks. Just 45 minutes from Goa’s Mopa Airport, the Sindhudurg coast offers a quieter, more authentic side of the Konkan region. It is here that you can experience Malvani cuisine in its most traditional form.

At the heart of this food journey is Araqila, a modern-day fortress overlooking the Arabian Sea. More than a place to stay, it is a destination for food lovers who want to taste and learn the flavours of Malvani food near Goa.

A beautiful outdoor dining setup at sunset, featuring a table with various dishes and drinks, overlooking the Arabian Sea.

From Goa’s Mopa Airport to Araqila in Sindhudurg

Reaching Araqila is simple. From Mopa Airport, it’s a 33 km drive through scenic coastal roads. You will pass small villages, coconut groves, and glimpses of the Arabian Sea. The closer you get, the more you leave Goa’s busy tourist areas behind.

Araqila is ideally located for travellers who want to combine a Goa holiday with a Konkan food trail. Its setting in Aravali, Sindhudurg makes it a perfect base for exploring both Malvani cuisine and the region’s historic landmarks.

What is Malvani Cuisine?

Malvani cuisine comes from the Sindhudurg district and nearby parts of Goa and Karnataka. Known for its rich coconut-based gravies, tangy kokum, and a unique blend of spices called Malvani masala, it is one of India’s most distinctive coastal cuisines.

Popular Malvani dishes you can try include:

  • Kombdi Vade – spiced chicken curry with fluffy fried bread
  • Bombil Fry – Bombay duck fish coated with spices and semolina
  • Mutton Sukka – slow-cooked mutton with roasted spices
  • Fish Curry – fresh catch simmered in coconut and spices
  • Solkadhi – cooling kokum and coconut milk drink

Vegetarian favourites include Dhondas (sweet cucumber cake), Ghavan (rice pancakes), and Phanasachi Bhaji (jackfruit curry).

A selection of beautifully arranged Malvani dishes displayed outdoors near the sea, featuring fresh seafood and traditional local ingredients, with vibrant colors and garnishes.

Dining on Malvani Food at Araqila

At Araqila, meals are made with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes daily based on the morning’s catch and what is fresh from local farms. Many dishes are prepared in earthen pots, and the Malvani masala is ground fresh each day.

Guests can enjoy:

  • Fresh seafood in authentic Malvani style
  • Bhakris made from rice or nachni flour
  • Local vegetables cooked with traditional techniques
  • Freshly prepared Solkadhi

Every meal reflects the flavours of the Sindhudurg coast and the slow, careful way of cooking that defines Malvani cuisine.

Learn Malvani Cooking in Sindhudurg

One of Araqila’s most popular experiences is its Malvani cooking class. Here, guests can learn how to prepare traditional dishes with guidance from a local chef.

The class covers:

  • Toasting and grinding Malvani masala
  • Cooking seafood and vegetarian dishes
  • Understanding traditional Konkan cooking techniques

It’s a hands-on way to connect with the region’s culture and take a piece of the Konkan home with you.

Things to Do Near Araqila in Sindhudurg

A visit to Araqila is about more than food. Nearby attractions include:

  • Sindhudurg Fort built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
  • Vijaydurg Fort, one of the oldest forts in Konkan
  • Sawantwadi Palace for royal history and local crafts
  • Tarkarli Beach and Bhogwe Beach for peaceful coastal views
  • Malvan Marine Sanctuary for snorkeling and diving

Why Add Araqila to Your Goa Itinerary

If you are flying into Mopa Airport for a Goa trip, a short drive to Araqila gives you:

  • Authentic Malvani food near Goa
  • A chance to learn regional cooking
  • Access to quiet beaches and nature trails
  • Cultural and historical sightseeing in Sindhudurg

It is an easy addition to your Goa holiday that offers something different and memorable.

Planning a Beach Wedding? Choose Araqila as Your Private Coastal Venue

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If you are dreaming of a beach wedding near Goa, the Konkan coast offers the perfect blend of scenic beauty, privacy, and cultural charm. Just 45 minutes from Goa’s Mopa Airport, Araqila in Sindhudurg brings all of this together in one exclusive coastal wedding venue.

From its private beach to its fort-inspired design, Araqila offers couples a space that feels both modern and timeless, perfect for celebrations that flow across multiple days and moods. Here, you can begin your new chapter with the seas as your witness and the horizon as your backdrop.

Why Araqila is the Best Coastal Wedding Venue Near Goa

Location advantage: Araqila is close enough to Goa for easy guest access, yet tucked away in the peaceful setting of Aravali, Sindhudurg. Guests can reach the venue in under an hour from Mopa Airport, making it ideal for destination weddings.

Private beach access: Host your wedding ceremony with the Arabian Sea as your witness. The beach is part of the property and reserved only for you and your guests, ensuring privacy and uninterrupted views for the most important vows of your life.

Fort-inspired architecture: Araqila’s design takes inspiration from Konkan’s sea forts, with graceful curves, open spaces, and hidden entrances, creating endless possibilities for wedding photography and event layouts.

All-in-one convenience: Multiple event spaces, on-site accommodation, curated menus, and wellness activities mean you can host your entire wedding in one place.

Modern architectural design of a circular pool area with a retractable roof, surrounded by lounge seating and large windows.

A Venue Designed for Every Wedding Moment

Beach Ceremonies with Arabian Sea Views

Imagine walking down the aisle on soft sand, the sea breeze in your hair, and waves keeping time with your steps. The natural setting is breathtaking on its own, needing only your personal touches to make it uniquely yours.

Open-Air Spacious Lawns for Unforgettable Evenings

Your celebrations don’t have to end with the ceremony. Enjoy a relaxed cocktail party by the pool, host lively performances in the amphitheatre, or dance the night away under a blanket of stars on the lawn. These spaces are perfect for turning moments into memories your guests will never forget.

Modern Fort-Style Courtyards for Stylish Receptions

Araqila’s courtyards are part of its striking modern-day fortress design, blending contemporary elegance with fort-inspired curves. Whether softly lit for a romantic dinner or alive with music and dancing, these courtyards offer the perfect stage for your first evening as a married couple.

Accessible Luxury: Just 45 Minutes from Mopa Airport

For guests flying in from across India or abroad, Araqila’s location is a major advantage. Mopa Airport in North Goa has direct flights from several major cities, and the drive to the venue takes less than an hour. Your guests can arrive, settle in, and start celebrating almost as soon as they land.

Culinary Experiences That Elevate Your Wedding

At Araqila, the food is as memorable as the vows you take. Couples can design menus that tell their story through flavour. Options include:

  • Authentic Malvani wedding menus with fresh seafood and vegetarian specialties
  • Continental or fusion dishes for variety
  • Seasonal menus built around locally sourced ingredients

Whether served in traditional thalis for a cultural touch or plated for a modern feel, every dish reflects the care and thought you put into your day.

Exterior view of Araqila wedding venue at night, showcasing modern architecture with glass walls and illuminated dining area near a pool.

Why Couples Choose Araqila for Their Destination Wedding

  • Private and exclusive, the venue is yours alone for the duration of your celebrations
  • Multiple event spaces including beach, amphitheatre, courtyards, lawns, and poolside areas
  • On-site accommodation to keep your guests together and comfortable
  • Wellness and cultural experiences from yoga sessions to local art and cooking classes, adding depth to your wedding itinerary
  • Fort-inspired design for striking photography and unforgettable settings

Your Coastal Wedding Story Starts Here

Choosing Araqila means choosing a private beach wedding venue where the seas are your witness, the skies are your canopy, and the landscape becomes part of your love story. Whether you dream of an intimate seaside ceremony or a multi-day celebration, Araqila gives you the setting, the service, and the atmosphere to make it yours. Just 45 minutes from Goa, it is where the beauty of the Konkan coast frames the beginning of your forever.

7 Unexplored places around Tarkarli-Malvan

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Malvan

Coastal Maharashtra is an untouched heaven which is easily accessible by the major cities around it. Away from the chaos of urban life, this heaven proves to be a worthwhile getaway this season. Sindhudurg, the southernmost district of the Maharashtrian coastline, offers many such getaways to rejuvenate your senses. May we add, this is the region that produces the much-revered juicy Alphonso – the king of mangoes. Here are 7 places you can visit in Sindhudurg this vacation.

#1. Bhogwe

Bhogwe is one of the most pristine beaches in the district. Safe to swim, and rich in fauna, Bhogwe is arguably one of the best kept secrets of the Sindhudurg. The best way to enjoy this place is to stay in this family run property, that offers traditional Konkani style bamboo-cottages.  Perched atop the Bhogwe hill and surrounded by 20 acres of mango plantations, this property offers an unparalleled, magnificent view of Karli river meeting the Arabian sea, also known as the ‘Sangam’ at Devbag right across. This spot is perfect to relax and admire the view of the sheer open ocean or cuddle up with a coffee mug and a book for company. One could take quick trek down the hill to reach the lovely Bhogwe beach, where you could enjoy long walks and explore nearby Nivati fort. If you are lucky, you may also spot peacocks and black hornbills.

Goan-portuguese inspired cottages atop the Bhogwe hill
Goan-portuguese inspired cottages atop the Bhogwe hill

Click to know more and book this stay in Bhogwe

#2. Vengurla

Vengurla is the south-most beach in Maharashtra, and is home to some of the most quiet and beautiful beaches in coastal Maharashtra. Sagareshwar, Shiroda, Redi, Mochemad are some of the beaches that surround Vengurla and add to its beauty. The lighthouse and Dutch wakhaar are nearby places for sightseeing. Vengurla is also known for its cashew production and the local market sells various items that the region specializes in. A trip to Vengurla is must if you are fond of quiet beaches sparred with some history. When in Vengurla, stay at this beach-side property, just 50 meters from the beach. It offers luxurious huts with sit-outs that are perfect to spend evenings with your partner watching the sun set in the azure waters.

Vengurla beachstay
Enjoy quality time with your partner at this romantic beachside property

Click here to know more or book this beachstay

#3. Devbag

If you are a nature lover, Devbag is the place to head to. It is a piece of land that juts out from the mainland of Malvan into the sea. As you drive right to the tip of Devbag, you can see the Karli river flowing on one side to meet the sea and the vast Arabian sea on the other side. One of the must-do’s is taking a boat ride that starts from the Karli river leading up to the point where it meets the sea, known as the ‘Sangam’ and then into the open sea to spot dolphins, with a stop-over on the ‘Tsunami island’, a small stretch of sand that is visible only during low tides. Enjoy your stay at this homestay, located on the Devbag shore, with sea-side hammocks and cosy sit-outs for the guests to chill by the beach. Surrounded by coconut plantations, this place is a paradise for beach lovers.

Homestay on Devbag beach
Homestay right next to Devbag beach

Click here to know more or to book this homestay

#4. Chivle

Located close to Malvan, Chivle beach is a place where you can relax away from the busy crowds that throng Malvan. The serene beach allows you to have peace and yet be close to an important tourist destination, the old sea fort of Sindhudurg.  Foodies can pamper their tastebuds as Chivle rustles up some of the famous Malvani dishes. One can experience the simple rustic Konkani life in this homestay, merely 50 meters away from Chivle, complete with brown Mangalore-tiled roof and picket fence. Enjoy scrumptious Malvani home-cooked meals and strolls on the empty stretch of beach.

Homestay in Chivle, Malvan
Enjoy the rustic life in this charming homestay in Chivle

Click here to know more and book this rustic homestay in Chivle

#5. Parule

If you thought Sindhudurg was just about beaches, think again. This little quaint village stay amidst thick, dense plantation, is a perfect break from your beach conquests. The lush greenery and water stream that runs through this homestay throughout the year ensures there is no need for an a/c even during summers. Beach lovers can also visit numerous beaches as this home stay is located at around 15-30 minutes drive from number of pristine beaches.

Plantation stay in Parule
Enjoy simple village life in this plantation stay in Parule

Click here to know more or book this homestay

#6. Kolamb beach

Another hidden gem in this stretch, Kolamb beach still remains empty and untapped , even as Tarkarli sees significant increase in the crowds. The only sound you will hear is the waves hitting the shore. A secluded beach in Malvan, Kolamb beach with the a creek at one end, is the ideal place to stay if you are looking for some alone time. There are a couple of simple homestays almost hidden by the coconut plantations that surround them. Perfect hide-away, eh?

Kolamb beach
Kolamb beach access from the homestay

Click here to know more or to book this homestay

#7. Tarkarli beach

Tarkarli, named so because the village can be reached after crossing the Karli river, is a must-visit place if you are travelling to Sindhudurg.  The beautiful, white beaches and clear, blue waters appeal to every person coming here. Tarkarli is a favourite haunt of water sports enthusiasts. There is a wide range of water sports like scuba-diving, snorkeling, dolphin watch rides etc. to tempt visitors in this place. Whether it is a vacation for two or an outing with a family, Tarkarli pleases the traveler and nature lover inside you easily. This homestay is one the oldest homestays in this region and is famed for its hospitality, located within a walking distance of the beach on one side & a hillside on the other, for trekking.

tarkarli homestay
Enjoy the famed hospitality of this homestay in Tarkarli

Click here to know more and book this homestay

Click to view all homestays in Sindhudurg

 

About the author: Rucha Devarchetti has had only two obsessions in life- food and travel- and is always in the quest of finding one or the other. Armed with books which are her window to the world, she aims to see the beautiful sights of the world, one destination at a time. She is the classic example of the saying’don’t judge a book by its cover’.