Once Togo and Benin were born from the Kingdom of Dahomey, they stayed forever nestled in the west of Africa, embracing like twins in the womb. Together they nurture an abundance of vibrant cultures and diverse ethnic groups and form a gateway to the spiritual realm of voodoo that offers fleeting glimpses of its presence through fetish markets, in licks of flame or thrashing through dancing bodies. Despite the tragic history of the trans-Atlantic slave trade making an indelible mark in the consciousness of these lands, its resilience and beauty have bloomed in varied natural landscapes from the Atakora highlands and the tropical forests along the slopes of Mount Kloutoto to the shores of Lake Nokoue, home to the stilted lake village of Ganvie.

Proximity brought these two together, but like any perfect match, what really cements their love is just how much they have in common. The way to both of their hearts is through the collective stomach of the Georgians and the Armenians, who highly value their gastronomic pedigree. They revere in equal measure their impressive churches and monasteries that freckle stunning scenery, supported by the backbone of the Caucasus Mountains and the towering presence of Mount Ararat. Fiercely independent Armenia is happy to let popular Georgia take the spotlight, sharing stories of local legend around the dinner table, but watching its warmth and rich character envelop visitors is bringing Armenia out of its shell. Sometimes it takes seeing yourself reflected in the eyes of someone you love, to recognise you are just as special.

They say opposites attract, and that might be the case with these two Silk Road countries. While one boasts glittering cities, where opulent architectural riches take travellers through history marked by different civilizations, migrations and conquerors, haggling at bazaars for silk dreams and spices to ignite the senses or for a soiree into modern artistry, perusing Nukus’s huge collection of avant-garde Soviet art, Uzbekistan offering an indulgence wholly unique to the heart of Central Asia. But Kyrgyzstan shows that not all that glitters is gold, it’s also green. A return to Central Asia’s nomadic roots offers a natural balm in the form of endless skies, primal forests, majestic peaks and turquoise lakes reminiscent of those tiled madrassah domes, here history is transported on the tongues of eagle hunters and horsemen who sweep across the steppe like the wind.

Peru and Ecuador may just be the power couple of South America, bringing to the table two of the most intriguing destinations in the world of travel. Combining the home of one of the most famous archaeological sites on earth, Machu Picchu, boasting Inca treasures to add that essential touch of mystery to the relationship and matchmaking it with the most famous archipelago on earth with a biodiversity so unique it inspired Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution, hosting a stunning array of wildlife, this is a partnership of heavyweight proportions. Both countries have it all - an overflowing wealth of culture and history, landscapes as multifarious as the snow-capped peaks of the Andes, Bellavista Cloud Forest, the Amazon Rainforest, the world’s highest navigable lake and the spectacular scenery of the Colca Canyon, plus world-class food and the warmest people. This is practically a royal wedding in motion.

Like two jewels in the crown of Indochina, Laos and Cambodia make a balanced pair of best friends - one is artistic, calm and introverted (in part due to being landlocked) while the other is adventurous, outgoing and legendary. This is a true yin and yang friendship where Cambodia’s circus performances and bustling Angkor Wat temple visits best explored by bicycle, cocktails on pristine beaches and seeking rainforest-roaming elephants, wonderfully complement the rural tranquillity, sleepy villages, mist-veiled mountains and languorous Mekong River cruises. UNESCO Sites and UNESCO towns bring different vibes but the open-hearted, welcoming communities that both countries share give away the depth of heart and soul this region has in abundance.

Perhaps we’re cheating a little bit here, but we do think there’s something to be said about remembering that every aspect of your being makes you your own true love. A bit like India, a country so large and made up of so many diverse that you’ll sometimes feel like you’re journeying through multiple countries. From the narrow backstreets of Old Delhi and the extravagant Taj Mahal, built in the name of love, through Rajasthan’s Land of Kings to the feline royalty of the magnificent wilds that inspire awe and fear in equal measure. Reflect on times past amongst the ancient architectural highlights of Badami, Hampi and Mysore and embrace your inner child on Toy Trains and Jungle Book memories. And like any journey of coming back to yourself, you’ll find a sense of peace from these moments of love, as you would amongst serene tea plantations or cruising on Kerala’s tranquil backwaters. Let the warmth and joy of this self-discovery settle with you in the bosom of quaint coastal Kochi, and smile at how far you’ve come.