Round the Block

Tickets? Check! Passport? Check! Camera with a huuuuge memory? Check! Sounds like you’re ready to go. Wave goodbye to drizzly London and get ready for an amazing adventure that will take you to the hottest spots of the East.

Welcome to Mumbai! The glamour, the drama, the buffed, tanned and glittering stars! You're back in India, where it all began, so it would only be right to finish your whirlwind trip on a high.

The people of Mumbai are extremely proud of Mumbai's influence in world cinema, so you couldn't possibly visit this city of extremes without getting a taste of Bollywood. The STA Travel one-day Bollywood tour is an absolute must-do in Mumbai, and will allow you to see all the magic happen backstage on - a true highlight. Call us or nip into your local branch for more info.

Your next stop is Sri Lanka, otherwise known as India-Lite, thanks to its laid-back and super friendly ambiance. After the hustle and bustle of Delhi you'll be glad of some relaxation.

Known around the world for its stunning palm fringed beaches, Sri Lanka also boasts hugely underrated cuisine, breathtaking national parks and, of course, a pretty good cricket team.

You needn't restrict yourself to beaches on this section of your trip; there is a huge amount to see in historical Sri Lanka. Hop on the 6-day Sri Lanka Highlights tour for just £375 to take in the country's most iconic highlights: the Lion's Rock in Sigiriya, Buddhist treats in Kandy and tea country hill towns in Nuwara Eliya. You're sure to be persuaded of the commonly-held belief that Sri Lankans are among the friendliest people in the world.

Once misunderstood as a sterile and grey island, in recent years Singapore has come into its own as a top holiday destination. It might be a bit more squeaky clean than some other Asian cities, but who are we to complain about a little order and organisation?

The number one must-do in Singapore is sampling the mouthwatering delicacies on offer at the numerous street-side hawker centres. Get stuck in and try dishes that you've never seen before and may well not see again!

It's up to you to make your way overland to Bangkok, but STA Travel are here to lend a hand if you'd like some direction. Jump on the Colours of Asia tour, where you'll visit Melaka, before taking on the dazzling heights of Kuala Lumpur. Wind through the Cameron Highlands on your way to Penang, where you'll refuel on char kway teow and spicy laksa before cooling off in the Ang Thong National Marine Park of southern Thailand. Not bad for 14 days!

Believe it or not, Thailand is more than just Full Moon Parties and buckets (although they're not bad in themselves...). There is so much to see and do in this breathtaking country of contrasts and visitors have the chance to leave a legacy that lasts longer than their footprints.

Nothing gets you closer to culture than dropping the backpack and mucking in when help is needed, and STA Travel can offer plenty of opportunities to volunteer while you're in Thailand. You'll exchange English lessons for Thai, while helping out with village life. Take a stroll through the elephant village, and slow… right… down… with some meditation lessons from local monks. And remember, this is Thailand, so you're never far from invigorating landscapes or blow-me-away beaches.

Bustling Delhi! A truly electrifying city; if you're after some peace and quiet this might not be the choice for you. Delhi is the eighth largest metropolis in the world by population with 16,753,265 inhabitants, so you certainly won't be alone!

To make the most of your time in India, why not try an unforgettable adventure tour? Get colourful exploring the Blue City of Jodhpur, the Pink City of Jaipur, the White City of Udaipur and the orange-with-yellow-spots city of Pushkar (OK, we made that one up). Along the way you'll set your imagination alight in front of Agra's Taj Mahal, before a slow stroll along the Ganges in the holy (and multicoloured) city of Varanasi.

This tour and many others are now available from STA Travel. Call into your local branch or give us a bell for more info.

Oh yes, the green green grass of home! You’ll be glad to touch down in good old Blighty after your mammoth trip. Be sure to get those snaps up on Facebook and spread your new worldly wisdom with anyone who will listen. And don’t forget: daily moisturising is the key to holding that tan!


If this sounds like the trip for you, give us a buzz on 0800 988 7470 or pop into your local branch for a chat about your options and you could be living the dream in no time!