By Katy A seasoned budget traveller, Editor Katy has already been to every country in the EU, and is gradually ticking off the rest of the world - when she can bear to leave her cats.

By March, we’ve usually all got an idea of where we’re going this year. Big trips, at least—I find there’s always room for an extra weekend getaway if there are any pennies left in the piggy bank come October. But it’s in these early months that the year’s true destination trends come to light. And apparently, 2024 is the year that everyone wants to go to India.

TheJFC Travel Communityover on Facebook has been abuzz with questions about visiting the Taj Mahal, must-see destinations outside the Golden Triangle, whether to join a group tour, and more. It’s a huge country, so understandably there are a lot of things to consider.

As well as gathering excellent tips that members like you have been sharing, I took this as a sign to grill Flight Finder Lauren, who visited India last year, and Mumbai-native Kiran, from our Marketing team. We’d be here all day if we tried to cover everything, but here are some of the best nuggets of wisdom for your next trip to India!

\t\t\tThe Golden Triangle

\t\t\tIt only seems right to start with the country’s most famous site, the Taj Mahal. As one of the modern 7 Wonders of the World, it’s usually at the top of any visitor’s list. But you don’t travel all that way just to see one thing and leave, and that’s where the so-called “Golden Triangle” comes in.

The established tourist route includes the home of the Taj Mahal, Agra, the city of Jaipur, and the country’s capital, New Delhi, which, somewhat confusingly, is a district within the megacity of Delhi. Convenient air connections mean most people begin their trip in Delhi, just like our very own Lauren:

“It felt like the perfect place to start, and we really got thrown straight into the action. And by that, I mean our airport taxi picked us up, then sped off, weaving between zigzagging tuktuks. At one point, he missed his turning because he was going 70mph and decided to reverse at speed down a packed dual carriage way.

\t\t\tBut aside from all the expected chaos, I was particularly surprised by the amount of peaceful areas in the city.Lodhi Gardenwas one of my favourite parks, with beautiful tombs, picnicking families, and yoga schools.”

\t\t\tMost of that chaotic energy can be found in Old Delhi, where livestock, vehicles, and street food vendors all weave frantically between one another. It’s an assault on your senses that you have to experience at least once, if only to see spots like theRed FortandJama Masjid. You can claim back a little breathing room by visiting early in the day.

\t\t\tYou’ll no doubt be lured in by some seriously appetising smells as you move through the streets, all the while trying to silenceconcerns about getting sick. Instead of avoiding the street food altogether, JFC-er Judith recommends thisOld Delhi street food tour. Or for a spot of luxury, treat yourself to a fancy dinner atHaveli Dharampuralike member Louise.

On now to Agra, and the thing we’ve all been waiting for—the Taj Mahal. You can absolutely do it under your own steam, but to get the most out of your visit, members recommend hiring one of the government-certified guides waiting outside.

Once again, visiting early tends to be the best way to avoid huge crowds, although sunrise is a popular time to get the classic Taj picture. Don’t try to wait for a moment without other people in the background, that time is unlikely to come!

\t\t\tLauren’s top-Taj-tip is to take theTaj Nature Walkfor a bit of calm and some excellent viewpoints, where the Taj Mahal peaks out from behind the trees. Alternatively, hop in a tuktuk and ask to be taken to theTaj Mahal viewpointacross the river for shots with fewer photobombers.

Aside from the main attraction, our members give Agra mixed reviews. Some say it’s best to see the Taj and then move on, while others recommend giving yourself at least two nights—one full day—in order to comfortably fit in a sunrise/sunset visit as well as other sites.

\t\t\tIf you opt to stay, the gardens (and wildlife) surrounding the intricately designedTomb of I’timad-ud-Daulah(aka the Baby Taj) are a dreamy spot to explore.Agra’s own Red Fortis another great example of Mughal architecture, even better preserved and more accessible than its namesake in Delhi.

\t\t\tAround 25 miles from Agra, the fortified ancient city ofFatehpur Sikriis often missed off tight schedules. It’s easy to spend a day here, soaking in the grandeur of the palace buildings, mosque and pavilions, which were designed as the first permanent Mughal settlement.

\t\t\tFor those who’ve had enough of the red sandstone, it’s on to Jaipur, which, in Lauren’s words, “is nothing short of a Wes Anderson fever dream. Plenty ofsalmon pink shades and pristine symmetry.” It is called the “Pink City” after all.

\t\t\tWhile Jaipur may not be as hectic as Delhi on the whole, it’s still a very busy place, so allow yourself a couple of days there, too. As well as the essential visit to theAmber Fort(ooh, a new colour of fort!), Lauren recommends making time to see thePatrika Gate, and its daily musical fountain show, and the iconicHawa Mahal palace.

\t\t\tYou can spend hours just photographing the colourful buildings as you walk onwards to the City Palace (if you’ve not already had your fill of palaces!) and then to the incredibly cool astronomical observatoryJantar Mantar. Round it all off by heading up toNahargarh Fortat the end of the day for sunset views over the city.

\t\t\t \t\t\tTo take it all in at a different pace, our JFC community recommend joining abicycle tour. The local guides carefully plan routes to avoid the busiest roads and times of day, so it’s safer than you’d expect (and helmets are included). Plus, they know all the best street food spots to keep you energised!

\t\t\tWhere to next?

So now you’ve covered the three main stops on the Golden Triangle, you’ve got two options—head back to Delhi and catch a flight home, or… see more! The country really is vast, so Kiran recommends thinking hard about what kind of trip you’re looking for. After all, India has way more to offer than just the big names.

\t\t\tFrom Jaipur, venturing further into the state of Rajasthan makes a good focus for a varied trip. A few hours south of the Pink City,Ranthambore National Parkis considered one of the best wildlife reserves in the country, especially for spotting tigers. You’ll find plenty of Golden Triangle tours that offer it as an optional extra, or you can book a safari through the park website and make your own way there.

\t\t\tOr you could aim to complete the Rajasthan rainbow. For temples, lakes, a walled city andmore blue than Smurf Forest, head to Jodhpur. Or venture east, out into the Thar Desert, and you’ll find the Golden City of Jaisalmer, complete withstunning cenotaphs. Then there are thereds and purplesof Bikaner’s palatial retreats, and the white of “City of the Lakes”,Udaipur.

\t\t\tAnyone looking for a touch more green should really head further south. Mysuru and Bengaluru are famed for their green spaces and gardens, and make good bases for exploring thenational parks of Karnatakastate. Basically, it’s safari and waterfall central down there!

Kerala is one of Kiran’s favourite areas for a tropical getaway. The state is famous for its palm-lined beaches, spice plantations and mountainous landscapes, as well as the ayurvedic massages and great coastal resorts.

That said, if it’s beaches you’re after, Goa is the place to… go-a. Here’s what Lauren had to say:

\t\t\t“While researching for my trip, I heard that north Goa was all about the partying and south Goa was more of a chilled vibe, so I chose chilled and went south. It was absolutely gorgeous, plenty of wandering cows, untamed palm trees, and hazy sunsets. Our absolute favourite beach wasPalolem.”

\t\t\tBut as we’ve already established, India is huge, so there’s always another, less touristy option out there. Enter: Puducherry. Whether you’re into surfing, beach yoga, or a spot of sunbathing, there’s abeach for every occasion. Plus, the clear waters and coral reefs make for great diving!

\t\t\tOn the other hand, for truly epic Himalayan mountain action, you’ll be going north from Delhi. The area is extremely popular with hikers and backpackers, and you can find some awesomeitinerary suggestionsonline.Shimlais a popular destination for Delhi locals looking to escape the heat, or you can go deeper into the mountains and discoverremote monastery towns.

The country’s diversity really is astounding, and we could keep going forever. But instead, I’d love to hear about your experiences, and where else JFC-ers shouldn’t miss. Next week, I’m going to get into all the ways you can arrange the India trip of a lifetime, and also share some of Kiran’s favourite foodie tips. So, please hit ‘Reply’ and share your wisdom!

On travelling across Mexico...

\t\tOn Seattle…ish:

Hi Sandi,

You’re in luck — I’ve lived in Seattle on and off for a few years, so I’ve spent some time in Tacoma. We have a bit of a rivalry going on, but I can admit that Tacoma has a few gems of its own.

\t\tMy favorite place in the city is theMuseum of Glass. It’s one of the only art museums in the country dedicated to glasswork. Artists range from local legends like Dale Chihuly to old masters like René Lalique, and you can watch pieces being blown live in the hot shop.

\t\tReaders should also head down the street from the museum to check out theTacoma Book Center. This massive used book store is purportedly the largest in the state, and boasts half a million books.

\t\tPoint Defiance is worth exploring on its own, too. You’ll find spots with sandy beaches (a rarity in the PNW) and theChutes and Ladders, an unusual play area with a series of slides that take riders down a huge hill.

\t\tOne of the best things to do anywhere in western Washington is get on the water! Enjoy the south end of Puget Sound from onboard a boat. Seethis guidefor places to kayak, or you cantake the ferryto Vashon Island, so your watery journey can end with a brew.

\t\tGet further out of town, and you’ve got a million options: check out the artsy capital city ofOlympia, hike around Washington’s belovedMount Rainier, or use Tacoma as your jumping off point for anOlympic Peninsula road tripto see some of the most beautiful coastline in the world :-)

All the important (or silly, or strange) travel news from across the web this week.

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• You’re never too old to travel—at least, that’s what theTikTok Travelling Grannieswho circumnavigated the globe in 80 days would tell you!
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• An Indonesian flight had a lucky escape earlier this year, after both thepilot and co-pilot fell asleepin the cockpit.
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• Winter sports aficionados, we’ve got a new challenge for you:skijoring, a seemingly impossible cross between skiing, rodeo, jousting, and a bunch of other dangerous sports!
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• And finally, you’re sitting comfortably on your super fancy train with a glass of bubbly in your hand as you near your final destination. It’s been a long journey from Adelaide to Darwin, but definitely one to remember—not least, because of thecheekywelcomeyou received.
  In a tradition that happens only once per decade, Darwin locals gathered alongside the rails on Tuesday to moon the lucky travellers arriving on the luxury Ghan tourist train. Unfortunately, those whose views were eclipsed will have to wait until 2034 for another chance to see the “Noonamah Moonies” in action.