I’m often asked about the Zoom process of picking a destination for a future Zoom trip.  Well, as a whole the process is constant and involves a lot of planning, thought and effort.  Destinations are not picked at random but rather chosen because Zoom guests are asking about them, or because while attending the various “by invitation only” luxury travel shows Zoom is invited to, it becomes evident the destination is emerging.  As Zoom gay group tour and private trip designers it is our job to separate fact from fiction and reality from perception; to make sure the destination is gay-friendly, safe, enchanting, comfortable, a good value and aspirational for our guests.  With that in mind Zoom embarks on research trips around the world at various times throughout the year to find the next “it” destination, and even discover a new way of seeing a classic destination.  Such is my upcoming journey to India for the Holi (pronounced “Ha-lee”) Festival.  

Holi is a spring  festival in India and other countries in Asia, also known as the festival of colors or the festival of sharing love.  The festival signifies the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring, end of winter, and for many a festive day to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair broken relationships, and is also celebrated as a thanksgiving for a good harvest.  It lasts for two days and falls somewhere between the end of February and the middle of March.  Stay tuned and follow me on Facebook as I journey through this amazing country’s palaces and venues while I fine tune the perfect Holi Festival trip for 2018.  Of course, because Holi only lasts two days, the trip will be about so much more. But who can argue with a trip that focuses on love and sharing as it’s central theme?  

If you have been to India with Zoom, you will find that the Holi Festival trip will incorporate classic elements that any trip to India should, including the iconic Taj Mahal. But it will also have very new activities such as a leopard safari, relaxing in the Maldives, and exploring the palatial home of the Nizam of Hyderabad, once the richest man in the world.  While I focus mostly on the north of India in my quest for the perfect combination of palaces, activities, and special events, Bryan Herb will be exploring the south of India.  His itinerary includes the southern Indian state of Kerala, a yoga retreat, tea plantations, the beaches of Maldives, and the country of Sri Lanka, a sovereign nation with very close cultural ties to India.  We would love to hear your comments as we explore these new destinations and design the perfect India, Maldives and Sri Lanka trip for 2018.