One of the region's hidden gems is Varkala Beach, which offers stunning views from a nearby cliff as well as relative seclusion when compared to Asia's other top beach and resort destinations. Varkala – while relatively quiet by the standards of many visitors – comes alive at certain times of the day and year. For example, it's renowned for its sunsets ripe with dramatic hues.

Marari Beach is another staple of the Kerala region. Once a relatively quiet fishing village, the beach still retains much of its early charm. The beaches do present their share of excitement, from occasional snake boat races to nearby attractions such as bird sanctuaries and of course access to the nearby canals.

Due to the influx of tourists to the region in recent years, travellers now have a wider variety of options than ever when it comes to choosing how they spend their time in Kerala and other nearby cities. For example, boutique hotels, as well as fashion and antique stores are common, meaning that after visitors enjoy their luxury rides through the backwaters of Kerala, they can relax with some much-needed retail shopping.

However, since beach vacations to Asia largely depend on the weather, interested travellers may want to consult with a custom tour provider on the best time to plan their excursion.

Known as one of the top travel destinations in the country, Kerala has been widely lauded by the world's top travel publications for its scenic beauty and vicinity to other must-see Indian attractions. National Geographic Traveler, for instance, named the destination as one of its "10 Earthly Paradises" and one of its "100 Great Trips for the 21st Century."

Lying between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea in southwestern India, Kerala's main attraction may be its famous network of rivers and canals, which weave through majestic coconut groves, under waving palm trees and past hidden enclaves of sandy beach. All the while, visitors can take comfort in the modern amenities provided by some of the more exclusive travel options in the area – a luxury houseboat.

These vessels often come equipped with top-notch services such as complimentary drinks and dining that can be enjoyed from a relaxing sundeck, decorative benches or from the comfort of a five-star room. Travel experts recommend that visitors indulge in the Toddy – a soft liquor made from coconut that is one of the region's culinary delights. On the way, travellers have a chance to spot India's wildlife in its natural habitat, watch as villagers fish or paddle small canoes and even take journeys off of the boat on nearby land. 

In addition to stopping at Kerala, visitors can also spend some time in nearby Fort Cochin, where they can learn about India's unique cultural past. To take a backwater cruise on a luxury houseboat, individuals who are interested in a first-class vacation should talk to a custom travel provider about the best available travel packages.

Cochin – which was also known as Kochi – borders the Arabian Sea on India's west coast. Once predominantly a fishing village, Cochin retains much of the trappings of its past. The locals can be seen fishing with great nets, a skill they learned from Chinese merchants centuries ago and that continues to this day.

Other cultural influences can also be observed. For example, traditional churches stand beside mosques and synagogues, and Portuguese and British houses built by traders can be seen alongside more traditional constructions.

For those who want to visit the religious sites in Cochin, St. Francis Church – which is located in the city's famed Fort Kochi district – offers visitors the ability to see this synthesis of the Western and Eastern worlds. Like the mosques and synagogues nearby, individuals who want to enter this religious site need to first remove their shoes, even though it's currently an Anglican Church.

Santa Cruz Basilica is also a must-see according to many travellers. Frommer's says that the interiors are worth a look for their ornate stained glass pictures, while it notes that the Paradesi Synagogue may offer travellers of the Jewish faith a reminder of home.

As a result, individuals looking for extended vacations to Asia may want to speak to a custom tour provider about the best routes around India. By planning accordingly, travellers can choose the best route for visiting Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Cochin and all the other destinations that intrigue them without wasting precious travel time.

However, the main attraction in Mysore may be the Mysore Palace, as it draws more than 6 million visitors annually to its spectacular halls.

Overall, the palace has received accolades from a number of the world's top travel resources. For instance, The New York Times named it fourth on the list of its must-see tourist buildings in a 2010 poll, which profiled 31 such attractions the world over.

Notable among the rooms in the Mysore Palace is Amba Vilas, an elegant hall that once housed kings. Here, visitors can see ornately carved ivory, stained glass ceilings and other features unique to the Indian architecture of the time. Kalyana Mantapa – the palace's marriage hall – is also a must see, as it includes oil paintings and a detailed floor mosaic with a peacock theme.

Other attractions include the audience chamber, where the king would meet with his counsel, the armoury, where the royal weapons were stored and a number of temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva, among others.

Visitors will find much to see in Mysore, such as the Brindavan Gardens, St. Philomena's Church and the KRS dam. Those who are considering once-in-a-lifetime vacations to Asia may want to add it to their itinerary, as it can be part of larger tours that include India's famed "Golden Triangle," as well as nearby countries such as Nepal and Thailand.

For an up-close view of how these artists receive their training, those who choose to stop in Chennai on larger tours in India may want to visit Kalakshetra – or "the holy place of arts." According to Frommer's, this school for traditional dance and music has produced some of India's most acclaimed performers, and is very accessible to tourists.

Kalakshetra's campus is a major attraction for visitors, as they are able to walk through its beautiful gardens, visit its museums, sit in on one of its day classes or even make some art of their own in the facility's craft center. Those who stop by will doubtless learn a few fun facts about the tradition of art in India and find numerous photo opportunities.

Travellers may be so enthralled that they want to stay on site to see one of many performances held on the campus. These can include violin performances, choreography demonstrations and concerts by up-and-coming Indian singers.

However, since Chennai itself is located in the southern portion of the country, those taking extended vacations in India may want to then head north to the more famous "Golden Triangle" cities such as Delhi, Jaipur and Agra. For those looking for extended vacations to Asia, Sri Lanka or Thailand are also only a short journey away.

Varanasi is one of India's foremost spiritual centres, as it includes holy sites such as the Ganges River. Here, visitors can observe sacred rituals, such as how those of the Hindu faith come to wash away their sins in its calm waters. It's these spiritual sights, the bustling city streets and the ability for travellers to get an up-close view of this way of life that entices and excites many of those who come to Varanasi.

Approximately 13 kilometres northeast of Varanasi is Sarnath – the spot where Gautama Buddha dispensed his Four Noble Truths to followers. This destination offers travellers a chance to picnic amongst ancient ruins while enjoying the company of new or old friends. In and around the city lie a number of temples, observatories and forts – all of which wow with their distinct architecture and make walks around the city exciting for those looking for a romantic evening or afternoon stroll.

While India certainly has a lot to offer visitors, the summer months may not be the best time for travellers to book vacations in India. During this time of year, temperatures can be hot, however, the destination is perfect for a once-in-a-lifetime winter getaway, especially since now may be the best time to secure deals on travel arrangements from the top custom tour providers.

Once a part of the Incan empire – a fact that is reflected in the region's statues and archetecture – Puno is best known as the nearest major city to Lake Titicaca – the largest lake in South America. One of the top attractions near the lake are the Uros Indians, a population of people who live on artificial islands made from reeds. Today, more than 40 of these islands dot the area's calm blue waters.

Back in town, lodging and dining opportunities abound. Visitors are sure to want to spend some of their time simply walking the streets on their vacations in Peru, as the locals are known for their colorful dress and bustling street markets. Keen shoppers should be on the lookout for the area's textiles, which are often handwoven by Peruvians whose ancestors were using similar practices thousands of years ago. As such, visitors looking for some relaxation after extended tours of Central America and South America have their pick of either tranquility or excitement in Puno, depending on their preference.

Since Puno lies in the southeastern region of the country, individuals looking to extend their once-in-a-lifetime vacations to include stops in other South American countries may find that the city makes for the perfect last stop in Peru. From here, a custom tour provider can arrange for transportation to other area destinations in Chile and Boliva, so that the vacation doesn't have to end after a magnificent experience in Puno. 

One place visitors may not want to miss is Cousino Macul – the oldest winery in the country to still be owned by the original founding family. Located in Maipo – one of Chile's top wine-producing areas – Cousino Macul's first vines were planted as far back as 1863. To this day, all of the vineyard's reserve wines are grown, vinted and bottled on the premises, ensuring quality from start to finish.

Here, visitors can try Cousino Macul's Antiguas Reserva Cabernet, a wine made from the grapes of ungrafted vines and aged for roughly a year in oak barrels. For a fruitier taste, its Sauvignon Gris incorporates flavours that will remind tasters of grapefruit and mango.

According to Frommer's, the estate itself is also worth the visit. Tours are affordable and include complementary tastings and a souvenir wine galss. Once visitors taste the wines of Chile, they may be tempted to venture to other nearby nations such as those offered by Argentina's Mendoza, Cordoba and Salta regions.

As such, ambitious travellers may be best advised to book larger tours of Central America and South America so they are able to truly taste the many varieties this region of the world has to offer. 

A five-star hotel on wheels, Rovos Rail passes some of the most beautiful scenery in Africa on the way to destinations such as Cape Town, Pretoria, Victoria Falls and Durban, each of which offers unique dining, sightseeing and adventure opportunities perfect for any traveller.

The train itself is crafted in the classic Edwardian style, and it augments this classic design with modern amenities. For true luxury, the Royal Suites, which feature a 16-square-metre by 172-square-metre room and a private bathroom, are a must for visitors. After a long day of seeing the sights and meeting exciting travellers, guests take a warm shower before passing the night on the train's spacious twin or double beds.

Visitors can also customize their travels to fit their preferred leisure activities. For instance, Rovos Rail offers a nine-day golf safari that allows guests to play on the top greens in the nation, such as the Durban Beachwood Country Club, Royal Swazi Golf Club and the Leopard's Creek Country club. Non-golfers who want to tag along can even make the journey, as their itineraries can include additional entertainment stops.

However, for the best extended tours in South Africa, travellers can book with a custom tour provider that partners with Rovos Rail. By securing their travel arrangements in luxury, visitors can ensure they get the best of both worlds, and have enough time to spend exploring the sights and sounds of the country that lies off its more beaten paths. 

According to the renowned travel website Frommer's, Chile's biggest and arguably best winery is Concha y Toro, which lies in the region of Maipo. Offering English tours four times a day, Monday through Sunday, Concha y Toro gives travellers a chance to taste high-end cabernet sauvignons along with delicious red table wines.

Don Melchor – the vineyard's signature cabernet sauvignon – has even been named the "best wine in Chile" by Wine Spectator in the past. Still, there is more to enjoy than the wine on tours of this famous vineyard. For example, the grounds of Concha y Toro are big enough to require eight full-time gardeners and are dotted with picturesque scenes that may be perfect for a romantic stroll after a tall glass of wine.

Tours may even include mentions of ghost stories. But, travellers don't need to worry, as this rumor was circulated by the original owners as a way to keep workers from tapping into the stores after hours. Still, the area offers a number of other wineries that are capable of giving Concha y Toro a run for its money, even in the Maipo area.

For example, travel experts say comprehensive wine tours should include stops at Cousino-Macul, Odfjell Vineyards and Vina Almaviva, all of which can be part of a custom tour, provided individuals work with the right provider.