Every corner of the earth is different from the others, and it makes one curious about what exciting secrets the world holds. Travelling the world is an aspiration that many people share. It is because the world is a beautiful place! With 2022 almost over, it is natural for us to start thinking about all the exciting destinations to explore in the New Year. With 2023 right around the corner, start planning your trips for the New Year with this guide to the best places in the world.
Travel is not always about discovering new places, it is also about encountering new experiences! Experiencing and witnessing something for the first time is something that we always cherish. It is this holistic combination that makes travelling so exciting and thrilling. Visiting a new country or a new city is all about making these sweet memories, that will leave a positive impact on our lives. It is why travelling holds a special place in many people’s hearts.
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With seven magnificent continents and 195 countries in the world, it can get confusing where to travel in the upcoming year. Secretly, travel enthusiasts wish to travel all the time, but the truth is that we only have limited time to travel. From finding the best place to have a wonderful culinary experience, finding the best beaches in the world, the best adventure destination to getting to know about the best wedding destinations – this international travel guide for 2023 helps with it all!
Here are the best places in the world you must visit in 2023:
This island nation located in South-East Asia is on the bucket list of almost every travel enthusiast in the world. The city-state spans to be just 728.6 km², making it smaller than Delhi (1,483 km²)! Even though it is one of the smallest countries in the world, it has a rich and diverse community that is represented by its four official languages — English, Tamil, Malay and Mandarin. The lion city is quite an architectural marvel with its breathtaking man-made waterfalls, lush greenery and state-of-the-art construction.
Things to explore in Singapore:
Check out Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck to get a panoramic view of the Singapore skyline. Walk through the Garden By The Bay to appreciate the greenery. Get a view of the iconic lion from the Merlion Park. For thrill-seekers, the Singapore Night Safari and Sentosa Island are a must! The Night Safari is the world’s first nocturnal zoo and is an exciting experience for everybody. Sentosa Island has theme parks (one of them being Universal Studios), tropical beaches and resorts.
What to eat in Singapore:
Singaporean cuisine has influences of Indian food, Chinese food and Malaysian food. You should try kaya toast, wanton me, Hainanese chicken rice, nasi lemak, chilli crab, char kway teow and laksa.
Best time to visit Singapore:
While the weather is pleasant in Singapore year-round, the months of February and April offer a dry climate with low humidity. People also prefer to visit in December and January to escape the cold and enjoy the sunny weather.
How to reach and cost of travelling:
The best way to reach Singapore from India is by taking a flight that would take about six hours. The flight prices can range from INR 20,000 to INR 40,000. The Changi Airport of Singapore is popular for being a destination itself!
Image Credit: Joshua Ang/unsplash
Image Credit: Joshua Ang/unsplash
The rich history and diverse traditions of this state make it so special! Gujarat is home to many land sites of the ancient Indus Valley civilisation; it was here that the first port was established in our country. The list of Gujarat’s historical significance can go on and on! Buddhism, Jainism and Islamism and Hinduism offer cultural diversity that makes it an iconic destination to visit once in your life. Popular dance forms like garba and dandiya have roots in Gujarat, so bring your dancing shoes along to have the time of your life immersing yourself in the dynamic culture.
Things to explore in Gujarat:
If you wish to see a Lion in its natural habitat, then you should check out Gir National Park. To learn more about India’s rich history, pay a visit to Sabarmati Asharam, Lothal (archaeological remains of Harappa) and the Statue of Unity. Appreciate the geographical marvels of the Rann of Kutch and learn more about the culture by visiting Surat and Ahmedabad.
What to eat in Gujarat:
Your trip would be incomplete without indulging in Gujarati cuisine! Don’t forget to relish the authentic Gujarati nashto with dhoklas, khaman, thepla, jalebi-fafda, khakra and much more!
Best time to visit Gujarat:
Gujarat can get very hot during the summer so the best time to visit it would be from November to February. We recommend you visit during the Navratri season to experience the dandiya culture.
How to reach and cost of travelling:
If you are travelling from Delhi NCR, then you can take the train or the plane to Gujarat. The train takes 13-16 hours and will cost INR 1,000-3,000, depending on the train station and your destination within Gujarat. This state also has many airports, the main airports being Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (Ahmedabad), Surat Airport and Vadodara Airport. The average price of a flight from Delhi to Ahmedabad ranges from INR 2,000-2,500.
Image Credit: Setu Chhaya/ unsplash
Image Credit: Setu Chhaya/ unsplash
Home to the iconic mountain range Swiss Alps, Switzerland is a dreamy wonderland where many of our favourite Bollywood songs have been filmed. The Interlaken even has a statue of Yash Chopra! We have all been enamoured by the snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes and lush valleys. Switzerland is an iconic destination that one should visit at least once in life. The natural terrain of the country makes it the hub for snow-related adventure sports like skiing. And one can’t miss out on seeing behind the scenes what goes into making Swiss chocolate, Swiss cheese and Swiss watch!
Things to explore in Switzerland:
You can’t miss the Matterhorn, the iconic pointed peak of Switzerland. You should also take the train to Jungfraujoch, also known as the “Top of the Europe”. Interlaken, Lake Geneva, Lucerne, Zurich, Gstaad and Gruyere also should be a part of your itinerary.
What to eat in Switzerland:
A trip to Switzerland would be incomplete without cheese, more importantly fondue! You should also try rosti, tartiflette, raclette, bündner nusstorte, zopf Bread and of course, Swiss chocolate.
Best time to visit Switzerland:
The summer season is the ideal time to explore Switzerland, you can enjoy cold and pleasant weather from June to August. It can get extremely cold in the winter, so it is best to avoid it at that time.
How to reach and cost of travelling:
Switzerland has seven international airports including Zurich Airport and Geneva Cointrin International Airport. The flight would take eight to ten hours and the average cost may range from INR 20,000 to INR 50,000.
Image Credit: narya/pixabay
Image Credit: narya/pixabay
There is something therapeutic about watching ocean waves hit sand. When it comes to finding the best beach destinations for a tropical escape, it is Queensland that will impress you. This Australian state has some of the most serene beaches one has ever seen. It also has one of the Wonders of the World — the Great Barrier Reef! This is the largest coral reef system, preserving several aquatic species.
Things to explore in Queensland, Australia:
The Great Barrier Reef should be the top on your list of things to explore in Queensland. Burleigh Heads, Palm Cove and Cape Hillsborough are some beaches you must visit. You can also check out Scenic Rim National Parks, Fraser Island and the Wet Tropics.
What to eat in Queensland, Australia:
Vegemite, we have all heard of this Australian delicacy so it is only fair to try it when you visit Queensland. You should also try pavlova, an Australian meringue-based dessert and meat pies.
Best time to visit Queensland, Australia:
As Australia is part of the Southern hemisphere, June to August is considered winter and December to February is considered summer. March to May (Autumn) and September to November (Spring) is the ideal to visit Australia.
How to reach and cost of travelling:
Queensland has four major international airports — Brisbane Airport, Gold Coast Airport, Sunshine Coast Airport and Cairns Airport. It takes roughly 16-19 hours to reach Delhi and the flight price ranges from INR 40,000 to INR 90,000.
Image Credit: alicia3690/pixabay
Image Credit: alicia3690/pixabay
No trip to Thailand is complete without Phuket! This destination is one island that all party-lovers visit to have a good time. But Phuket has so much more to offer. The island is surrounded by beautiful beaches and breathtaking resorts. The natural beauty of the province has also made it quite the popular wedding destination.
Things to explore in Phuket, Thailand:
You should take in the culture of Phuket by visiting the white marble Big Buddha and also check out the vibrant night markets. Don’t forget to party in Patong! You can end your trip by visiting the serene beaches and even try scuba diving.
What to eat in Thailand:
Learn about the local cuisine by exploring Thai delicacies like tom kha gai, som tam, pad thai and thai curry!
Best time to visit Thailand:
Since Thailand is a tropical country, it can get very hot and humid in the summer. The best time to visit it would be from November to February, during winter.
How to reach and cost of travelling:
Directly fly to Phuket, Thailand by landing on the Phuket International Airport in about five hours. The flight from Delhi to Phuket would cost around INR 15,000-20,000.
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Abu Dhabi is known for many exciting destinations, one of them being Saadiyat Island! It takes pride in being a world-class leisure, residential and business hub. The natural island is 500 metres away off the coast of Abu Dhabi and has become a beautiful wedding destination! With several resorts lined up on the coast, you can have the beach wedding of your dreams.
Things to explore in Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi:
Take a stroll through Louvre Abu Dhabi and Manarat Al Saadiyat to enjoy art. You can also relax at the Saadiyat Beach Club or Soul Beach.
What to eat in Abu Dhabi:
You can enjoy all kinds of cuisine in Abu Dhabi, however, if you are interested in something local and authentic then indulge in Emirati cuisine with dishes like khuzi, al machboos and al harees.
Best time to visit Abu Dhabi:
The ideal time to visit Abu Dhabi is from November to March, during the winter season.
How to reach and cost of travelling:
The flight from Delhi to Abu Dhabi takes approximately four to five hours. From the Abu Dhabi International airport, you can take a cab to Saadiyat Island which would take 20 minutes. You can also catch a bus from Sultan Bin Zayed station in Abu Dhabi which would take about two hours.
Image Credit: Nazar Skalatsky/unsplash
A tiny archipelagic state within the Indian Ocean, Maldives has become all the rage these days. With over 1,000 islands, the tropical destination has become a lover’s paradise. The iconic water villas of Maldives is a part of every traveller’s bucket list. The pristine clear water and white sandy beaches make the Maldives a beautiful destination to relax and recoup with your significant other. Another unique fact about the Maldives is that it is also the world’s flattest country. Honeymooners love to spend a week soaking in the Maldivian Sun and exploring the wonders of the ocean.
Things to do in Maldives:
Your trip to Maldives would be incomplete without participating in water activities. You can go scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing, parasailing and water skiing. You can also do a dolphin watching tour.
What to eat in Maldives:
The island is known for a variety of delicious seafood dishes like garudhiya, mas huni, masroshi and more. Maldivian cuisine, also known as Dhivehi cuisine is influenced by fish, coconut and starch.
Best time to visit Maldives:
From November to April, you can enjoy the relaxing tropical weather of Maldives and escape from the cold.
How to reach and cost of Travelling:
The best way to reach Maldives is by air. The flight would be roughly four hours and the flight price can range from INR 10,000-20,000. You can land at the Velana Internationa Airport, the main airport of the country.
Image Credit: romaneau/unsplash
Bicester Village lies about 100 kilometres away from London and is often the go-to shopping destination for people visiting the United Kingdom. This designer outlet shopping complex has luxury brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, Dior and much more. The outlet has all the classic luxury brands at a lower cost as they sell last year’s collection.
Things to do in Bicester Village, London:
First and foremost, shopping! After you have had your share of shopping, then you can walk through Garth Park. You can also check out the Bicester Heritage and learn a little more about the place’s history and culture.
What to eat in Bicester Village, London:
Enjoy English cuisine and indulge in British foods like fish and chips, Yorkshire pudding, Scottish eggs and shepherd’s pie.
Best time to visit Bicester Village, London:
From May to September, you’ll enjoy pleasant and sunny weather with low humidity, allowing you to shop carefree!
How to reach and cost of travelling:
You can fly to any of London’s airports – Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport, London Stansted Airport, etc. The flight price would range from INR 25,000-60,000 and the flight would take about nine hours to reach. Once you have reached London, you can either take a train, a bus or a taxi to reach Bicester village.
Image Credit: fotofan1/pixabay
Located in Southwestern Europe, Spain is one European destination that will give you the best of food and travel! Thanks to the Bollywood hit Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, almost every Indian has Spain on their vacation bucket list. This country holds a lot of historical significance in the world’s history and this rich history is visible in its beautiful culture and traditions.
Things to do in Spain:
Catch a football match in Barcelona, get mesmerised by flamenco dancers in Madrid or party all night in Ibiza. Spain has something exciting for almost everyone! If you are not afraid to get messy, then you can attend the famous La Tomatina festival at Bunol.
What to eat in Spain:
When it comes to food, the list of things you should try is never-ending! You must try paella, gazpacho, tapas, bocadillo, patata bravas, croquetas, churro and basque cheesecake.
Best time to visit Spain:
The ideal time to visit Spain is either during Spring, March to May, or Fall, September to November.
How to reach and cost of travelling:
Spain has many airports spread across the country; you can land in any of them depending on your itinerary. The flight takes about 12-13 hours to reach Spain and the price could range from INR 30,000 to 60,000.
Image Credit: JoaquinAranoa/pixabay
A country at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, Croatia is one underrated destination that doesn’t get enough credit for its natural beauty! The crescent shape country is geographically diverse with scenic pebble beaches at one corner along with beautiful mountain peaks. This has become quite the destination for digital nomads.
Things to do in Croatia:
Explore the “the Pearl of Adriatic” in the old town of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Croatia. Spend some time in the city of Split to travel back in time and feel the Greco-Roman architecture and culture. You can also escape to the frozen waterfalls in Plitvice Lakes National Park.
What to eat in Croatia:
Indulge in authentic traditional Croatian cuisine by trying the black risotto, brodetto, buzara, fritule and gregada.
Best time to visit Croatia:
Summer is the best time for you to take a trip to Croatia. From June to September, you’ll enjoy the pleasant summer sun along with a light breeze.
How to reach and cost of travelling:
With many airports in Croatia, flying is the best way to reach this destination. The flight cost can range from INR 30,000 to 80,000 and it can take 14-16 hours to reach here.
Image Credit: fjaka /pixabay
There is only one country that can proudly call itself a continent and it is Australia! The land down under is a natural marvel. It is home to the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system. The wildlife of Australia is very unique as you can find whales, kangaroos, crocodiles, koala bears and even penguins! The beauty of this land makes it a top choice for family vacations.
Things to do in Australia:
Travel through Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide! You can catch a sunset at Uluru, relax on Bondi Beach, visit the Sydney Opera House, scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef and spot Kangaroos on Kangaroo Island.
What to eat in Australia:
Test your taste palate by trying out Australian barbecue, crab sticks and chicken parmigiana. If you wish to experiment then you can taste some kangaroo meat or barramundi.
Best time to visit Australia:
The ideal time to visit Australia is Spring and Autumn. Since Australia is in the Southern hemisphere, the months from March to May are Autumn and September to November is Spring.
How to reach and cost of travelling:
With an airport in every major city, the best way to reach Australia is by air. The flight price ranges from INR 40,000 to INR 90,000 and it can take 16-19 hours to reach here.
Image Credit: pattyjansen/ pixabay
The land of kiwis’ natural terrain has made it a hub for adventure sports. Ziplining, canyoning, bungy jumping, caving, rafting and jet boating, all these activities take place in New Zealand in the wild. The country comprises two main Islands, North Island and South Island and several small islands. New Zealand’s geography has been captured by iconic movies like Lord Of The Rings, The Hobbit, Misson Impossible 6 and The Chronicles Of Narnia.
Things to do in New Zealand:
Visit Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown and the Bay of Islands to get a feel of what New Zealand is like. If you are a thrill-seeker, then don’t forget to enjoy adventure sports.
What to eat in New Zealand:
You should try hangi, kiwi burger, pavlova, java, fish and chips, savoury pies and hokey pokey ice cream.
Best time to visit New Zealand
New Zealand is also in the Southern hemisphere and the best time to visit is during the summers, that is December to March.
How to reach and cost of Travelling:
The best way to reach New Zealand is by air. It has many airports, the main ones being Auckland Airport, Christchurch Airport and Dunedin Airport. It would take about 17-20 hours to reach New Zealand and the flight cost would range from INR 50,000-80,000.
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This ultramodern city is an upcoming adventure destination! The futuristic architecture, vibrant nightlife and luxury shopping culture have made Dubai an attractive destination for many years! But now people are looking to Dubai for thrilling adventures too. Dubai has the Deep Dive Dubai, the deepest pool in the world. It is also famous for skydiving, bungee jumping, shark diving and dune bashing.
Things to do in Dubai:
Enjoy the view of the Dubai skyline by visiting the top of Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. You can also take a shopping trip to Dubai mall or get a feel of the future by exploring the Museum of the Future. Don’t miss out on the Dubai fountain!
What to eat in Dubai:
When in Dubai, get a taste of the local cuisine by trying out dishes like manousheh, Iranian Sagak, Chelo kebab, al harees, al machboos, mandi and tabbouleh.
Best time to visit Dubai:
The months from November to February are the ideal time to visit Dubai, the weather is pleasant during the winter.
How to reach and cost of travelling:
The best way to reach Dubai is by air, you can land at Dubai International Airport or Al Maktoum International Airport (Dubai World Central). The flight would reach in four to five hours and the flight cost ranges from INR 10,000 to INR 20,000.
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This city takes pride in calling itself “the world’s masterpiece”. AlUla in Saudi Arabia is upcoming destination has legendary heritage sites and full of history! It has the first UNESCO World Heritage site in Saudi Arabia, the Hegra. The walled city is an oasis in the middle of the desert which led it to be a vital crossroads along the incense-trading routes.
Things to do in AlUla, Saudi Arabia:
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site Hegra, the ancient archaeological site from the Nabataean kingdom. Visit the Jabal Alfil, the geological marvel shaped like an elephant. Learn about AlUla’s history by visiting the old town of AlUla.
What to Eat in AlUla, Saudi Arabia:
Get a taste of Saudi Arabian cuisine by indulging in kabsa, matazeez, , maamoul, jarish and mutabbaq.
Best time to visit AlUla, Saudi Arabia:
Winter is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia, typically during the months from October to April.
How to reach and cost of Travelling:
The best way to reach AlUla is by air. Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz International Airport is located 25 kilometres away from AlUla, and it is the nearest international airport. It would take roughly 13-15 hours for you to reach here and the flight cost would range between INR 25,000-35,000.
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Bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Ocean, this north African country has Berber, Arabian and European cultural influences making it a great place for ex-pats. Morocco has a rich history that reflects its architecture and culture, making it a beautiful destination to explore. While the capital of Morocco is Rabat, it is Marrakesh that tourists love to explore.
Things to do in Morocco:
Check out the Sahara desert, the world’s largest hot desert, take a stroll through the souks in Marrakesh’s medina, learn more about Moroccan culture, enjoy the traditional Moroccan hammam bath or trek through the Atlas Mountain range.
What to eat in Morocco:
Moroccan cuisine has influences from Mediterranean, Arab, Berber and Andalusian cuisine. You should try the tagine, couscous, zalouk, fish chermoula and harira to get a taste of Moroccan cuisine.
Best time to visit Morocco:
The spring months of March, April and May along with the Autumn months of September, October and November are the best time to visit Morocco.
How to reach and cost of travelling:
The best way to reach Morocco is by air and it has many airports. cost of the flight ranges between INR 20,000-50,000 and it would take roughly 13-14 hours to reach Delhi to Morocco.
Image Credit: Walkerssk/ pixabay
Home to the most popular monarchy in the world, London is the best place to be to experience royalty in person. With Buckingham place at the heart of the city, you can visit the royal residence and the administrative headquarters of the monarch of the United Kingdom. London has many iconic monuments that play an important role in culture and history. If you are lucky enough, you may just spot a member of the royal family – Prince William, Princess Kate or maybe King Charles himself!
Things to do in London:
From Buckingham palace, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, and St.Paul’s Cathedral to Westminster Abbey and Big Ben – the city has a lot to see and the list is never-ending!
What to eat in London:
To enjoy the full British experience, it is best to enjoy the local English food too! Experience the classic English high tea, the Sunday roast, the Full English breakfast, fish and chips, bangers and mash and chicken tikka masala.
Best time to visit London:
The best months to visit London in April, May, June, July, August, September and October. Spring, summer and autumn are the best seasons to explore London.
How to reach and cost of travelling:
You can take a flight to any of London’s airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted. The cost of the flight would be between INR 25,000 and 60,000, and the journey would take roughly nine hours.
Image Credit: Dominika Gregušová/Pexels
With almost 80% of the land mass covered in glaciers, Greenland is quite a unique destination! When seen on a world map, Greenland seems to be a part of North America. But in fact, it comes under the Kingdom of Denmark, in Europe. Known to be the world’s largest island, it is quite a natural marvel! Due to its unique geographical location on the earth, the sun doesn’t set in some parts of Greenland in the summer and vis-a-vis during the winters.
Things to do in Greenland:
You can experience the Northern Lights in Greenland too! In Kangerlussuaq, Sisimiut and Ilulissat, there are guided northern light tours. Greenland also has three UNESCO World Heritage – Ilulissat Icefjord, Kujataa and Aasivissuit-Nipisat.
What to eat in Greenland:
Try the national dish of Greenland, the suaasat and learn about Greenlandic cuisine. You can also experiment with arfeq nikkui, qilalukkat orsua, puisi and umimmak.
Best time to visit Greenland:
The summer months from June to September is the ideal time to visit Greenland.
How to reach and cost of travelling:
Greenland has several airports, the main ones being Nuuk International Airport and Narsarsuaq International Airport. It can take almost an entire day to reach Greenland from Delhi and the flight could cost around INR 70,000.
Image Credit: mariohagen/ pixabay
When one thinks of Iceland, the first thing that comes to our mind is the Northern Lights! The nordic island nation is famous for its rugged landscapes and scenery like volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls and more. Once home to the Vikings, Iceland has a rich history that is eye-opening. The land of fire and ice offers a beautiful and clear night sky for stargazing.
Things to do in Iceland:
Iceland is filled with naturally-occurring phenomena that will blow your mind. You must see the Northern lights during the night. You should also take a dip in the geothermal spa Blue Lagoon. You can learn more about Iceland’s Viking history by visiting the National and Saga Museum in Reykjavik.
What to eat in Iceland:
Icelandic cuisine has heavy influenced by dairy, seafood and fish. You must try pylsur, skyr and ice cream with cheese. Yes, you read it right! Ice cream is paired with cheese in Iceland.
Best time to visit Iceland:
July to August is the best time to visit Iceland. The summer is the warmest time in Iceland and you can even experience 24 hours of daylight.
How to reach and cost of Travelling:
Flying to Iceland is the best to reach it as Iceland has many airports. The flight costs could vary between INR 30,000-70,000 and it could take about it could take 15 hours to even 20 hours.
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Spiti translates to the middle land, signifying its value as the land between India and Tibet! The natural beauty of the valley is what makes it such a popular destination in India. The cultural heritage with several Buddhist monasteries. The geographical location of Spiti Valley allows one to see the clearest night sky, making it a wonderful destination for stargazing!
Things to explore in Spiti Valley:
Check out the Key Monastery, Tabo Monastery, Chandratal, Surajtal, Dhankar lake and Kunzum pass.
What to eat in Spiti Valley:
Indulge in Tibetan food in the valley and try out thukpa, momos, siddu, dhaam, madra and butter tea.
How to reach and cost of travelling:
Spiti Valley doesn’t have an airport, but the Bhutnar airport is just 10 kilometres away from Kullu. From Kullu, you can take a cab or the local bus to Spiti Valley. The flight would take roughly one and a half hours and cost about INR 4,000-7,000. The cab or bus from the airport and you will reach in about five hours. You can also reach Spiti Valley via train. Joginder Nagar Railway Station is the closest station to Spiti Valley which is 360 kilometres away from the valley.
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Written By
Priyaja Bakshi
Priyaja took her love for reading to the next level by majoring in English and minoring in Journalism at Lady Shri Ram College For Women (DU). She is extremely curious about the world and wishes to visit all the countries once in her life. She identifies as a foodie and loves to spend her free time exploring different cuisine and curating new dishes. ..Read More
