Tag archives for travel tips
The holiday season might be over, however, it does not stop us from planning our trip to Singapore, doesn’t it? Well, If you are planning to go to Singapore soon, here are the two recommended locations and places to stay accommodation that make your holiday in Singapore stand out!
Family-Friendly Places to Stay, Sentosa Island
First of all, if you are craving attractions and culinary, hotels in Sentosa Island will suit you the best. Sentosa Island is where life happens in Singapore. Some of the great attractions that can be found here include Resort World Sentosa, Universal Studios Singapore, Tiger Sky Tower, Singapore Butterfly & Insect Kingdom, and SEA Aquarium, one of the world’s largest homes to aquatic animals. No wonder Sentosa Island is full of visitors from all over the world. Not only that, but you can also find a variety of hotels on Sentosa Island for the perfect holiday stay.
Hotels in Sentosa Island will give you many choices, from cheap to expensive, from simple to luxurious, and from minimalist to artistic. Its strategic location will significantly facilitate you in enjoying Singapore even in a short time. If you happen to choose this location, Resorts World Sentosa – Equarius Hotel is the most talked-about hotel in Sentosa Island. Besides, it only takes 10 minutes to walk to Universal Studio Singapore. The Parisian vintage-style vibe will also spoil your eyes the minute you walk into the room. By the way, the hotel is also recommended due to its cleanliness, which is very crucial during this time. Especially due to the pandemic situation that happens around the world. The hotel is famous for its huge bathroom that will complete our stay in this city.
Memorable Experiences Places to Stay, Geylang
One of the advantages of choosing hotels in Sentosa Island is the direct view of the sea. Not only that but you will also be surrounded by beautiful nature around Singapore. Besides being close to the recreation center, you will feel relaxed if you choose places to stay around this location. However, for your information, good areas in Singapore are not only here. Alternatively, you can also choose hotels in Geylang.
If you are looking for memorable places to stay for nights in Geylang, there are different hotels in Geylang located within walking distance from each other you will enjoy. Geylang is known as a red-light district situated at the eastern fringe of the Central Region of Singapore. When you are looking pass-through the hustle and bustle, you will find fantastic city life with various attractions nearby including The Intan, Malay Village, and Sri Sivan Temple.
Well, if you consider yourself as a “budget traveler”, hotels in Geylang might become your choice, because there are so many budget hotels around here for your stay, such as ; Ibis budget, lodge 41, hotel 81, and many more.
The most talked-about Geylang is actually the food and culinary areas, so no need to be afraid to be starved at midnight because 24 hours restaurants open around this area. If you happen to choose hotels in Geylang for your business trip, you will find yourself able to walk to the nearby MRT and also taxi.
If you are interested in coming to Singapore whether for work or vacation, both hotels in Sentosa Island and hotels in Geylang can be booked in advance through Traveloka. There are so many options of hotels in Traveloka you can choose based on your needs, whether you are going with your family or your beloved one. So, what are you waiting for? Come and book your places to stay in Singapore with Traveloka Lifestyle SuperApp.
Rasdhoo Atoll:
Welcome to Rasdhoo Atoll – The heart of Maldives! Rasdhoo Atoll is the capital of the Alif Alif Atoll administrative division. The local island is majorly known for its local Maldivian culture and recreational watersports like scuba diving and snorkeling.
Top Things To Do In Rasdhoo:
- Go scuba diving.
- Go snorkeling.
- Taste the Maldivian staple food.
- Go night fishing.
- Visit the sandbank.
- Take drone shots/Underwater pictures.
- Visit the Bikini beach.
- Go shopping!!
Where To Stay and How to Reach Rasdhoo?
- Choose a local island to stay on.
- Choose the window seat on your plane.
- Enquire about transport from Male to your island.
I couldn’t ask for more during my first ever international trip – I saw a world that I never knew existed, became a PADI certified Open water diver, ate the traditional Maldivian cuisine, flew a drone, went fishing, and did so much more. Quickly jumping back to the list:
1.Choose A window seat on your plane:
Ensure you select a window seat at least once, either while traveling to the Maldives or traveling from the Maldives.
Why?
You don’t want to miss this!!
Where To Stay In Rasdhoo And How To Reach?
2.Choose a local island to stay on:
Two types of islands in the Maldives:
- Resort Islands
- Local Islands
Resort Islands:
These islands are exclusively dedicated to resorts. They have everything from alcohol to private swimming pools. I didn’t opt for these resorts as they are very costly. The per-night cost for these resorts, on average, starts from Rupees 1 lakh and above. I felt I could do a hell of a lot of things during traveling with the cash I can save just on my stay by opting out to stay in these resorts.
Local Islands:
On local islands, you could stay in excellent hotels and experience the local Maldivian life. I choose to remain in the beautiful island, Rasdhoo- The heart of Maldives!
3.Enquire about transport from Male to your island:
Generally, the resort you book would book your transport from Velana International Airport to your resort. In my case, I stayed at Palm Residency, which my scuba diving center itself arranged, and they took care of my transport.
Time:
The time taken to reach Rasdhoo Island: 1.5 hours.
In-Boat Availability:
Water bottles, Sea-sickness bags
To know more about how to travel from Velena International airport, check out our blog here.
4.Go Scuba Diving!
Scuba diving is an underwater sport. With self-contained underwater breathing apparatus and some training, you can become one of the beautiful fishes and swim with them underwater.
I took my scuba diving session from Jerry through his PADI-certified scuba diving center called Jerry’s Dive Club. I am so grateful for them, as they took care of everything- from planning my dives to my accommodation. They also gave me a handsome discount on all my scuba dives. From sharks to Manta rays, I swam with them all!!!
Well, you must be thinking I am a swimming champion of some sort to pull off this kind of sport. But the truth is, I don’t even know how to swim correctly. Yes, you don’t need to know how to swim to become a scuba diver!
Today I am a super happy PADI Open water scuba diver.
5. Go Snorkelling!
Snorkeling is a water sport generally done in shallow lagoons. You will be on the surface but can see the beautiful underwater world staying right on the surface.
What all did I see snorkeling at Rasdhoo:
Thanks to Jerry and his team, they selected the right spot for snorkeling, where I could see tons and tons of different fishes, stingrays, and I even saw a grey reef shark.
6.Taste the Maldivian staple food:
If you are in the Maldives or planning to go to the Maldives, you must try their staple Mas huni. They serve a thin bread (Chapati) with their famous tuna salad mixed with coconut dash. I am sure you will be amazed by how well they go with each other. Thank me later, when the juicy explosion blends in your mouth.
7.Go fishing!
You can go day fishing or night fishing based on your travel plan. With Jerry’s dive club- I opted for the night fishing activity. It was an unforgettable experience.
Here’s me with a big Tuna that my dive buddy caught!
If you get the chance to choose day or night- go for night fishing!
Why?
My experience while night fishing:
I am sitting amidst the blue bioluminescent water filled with glowing planktons and the sky filled with twinkling stars, just thinking how lucky and grateful I am to be here.
8.Visit The Sandbank
Walk, jump and dance on the water and nothing will happen to you here!
9.Take drone shots/Underwater pictures:
Make memories for a lifetime by taking photos at the world’s most picturesque location. What’s visiting the Maldives without actually taking a beautiful drone or an underwater picture!!
10.Visit the bikini beach
The bikini beach is serene isolated, and I want to go back there…
11.Go Shopping!
Maldivian authentic shopping is something you can do only if you choose to stay on a local island. A few shops in Rasdhoo offer beautiful handmade wooden carving, traditional Maldivian clothes, and home decor items.
It is a beautiful North-Eastern state, also called the Scotland of the East has majestic mountains and rangy trees along its side and it is divided by the boundaries of Assam in the North and Bangladesh in the South. It was formerly a part of the Assam. The name ‘Meghalaya’ was given by Rabindranath Tagore. The Seven Sisters of North-East India can be quickly reached via this state. You would surely have a feeling that you are in heaven as you drive between the clouds. It has magnificent caves and appealing waterfalls which will definitely not take a second to ruin over your heart.
Also, while reaching out to the root bridges, it will be an amazing journey all along. You would remain awestruck when you get to see the crystal clear water with stones beneath and fishes roaming everywhere in lakes and rivers while taking a boat ride. All the residents of Meghalaya happen to be the friendliest ones and also, works as a responsible citizen by maintaining the roads clean and also by guiding the tourists. It has tremendous spellbinding waterfalls which will just let you feel as if you are just in your dreams. Mawsyram and Cherrapunjee are considered to be the wettest places on Earth. Also, Mawlynlong is Asia’s cleanest village where you would certainly get a positive vibe when you walk along the streets of the village and notice greenery and cleanliness everywhere. Meghalaya consists of three tribes, the Garo, the Khasi, and the Jaintia. Also, the society is matrilineal and their respect for women is immense.
How to Reach
Take a flight, train, or bus as per your convenience to Guwahati. From there, you can take a taxi or shared cabs or can rent a car with the help of Taxibazaar and reach Shillong. You will find our services at plenty in Kamakhya Railway Station and Paltan Bazaar.
Prime Tourist Attractions
Since it is famous for the subtropical biodiversity, natural beauty, and highest rainfall, there are some aesthetic places which are just awe-inspiring. There are some fascinating lakes, rivers, and waterfalls like Dawki Lake, Umiam Lake, Nohkalikai Waterfalls, Elephant Falls, Seven Sister Falls, Dain-Thlen Falls, Kynrem Falls, Krang Suri Falls, Byrdaw Falls, Langshiang Falls, Thum Falls, and Wards Lake. Next, come the wondrous famous Living Root Bridges and Umshiang Double-Decker Root Bridge which is more than 180-year old which are impressively built by the Khasi tribes supported by Mother Nature. Then, we jump on to the gigantic caves like Mawsmai Cave, Garden of Caves, Siju Caves, and Arwah Cave which are ages old. Even, there are the cleanest villages like the Mawlynlong village and Khasi Heritage Village. Then comes the world of greens including forests, rocks, valleys, and canyons such as Mawphlang Sacred Forest, Kyllang Rock, Laitlum Canyon, and Mawkdok Valley. Also, there are some beautiful parks, viewpoints, and sanctuaries like Shillong Peak, Eco Park, Lady Hydari Park, Mawkdok Valley View Point, Thangkharang Park, Siju Bird Sanctuary and Tiru Peak.
Other must-visits and must-dos are David Scott Trail, Don Bosco Museum, shopping at Police Bazaar and Leh Duh Market, and golf in Shillong.
Food
The predominant food in Meghalaya is rice with spicy meat and fish dishes. Also, they relish the meat of goats, pigs, fowl, ducks, and cows. The famous dishes of the natives are Jadoh, Ki Kpu, Tung-rymbai, and pickled bamboo shoots.
Handicrafts
As you are visiting the most naturalistic place, you must take some souvenir along with you to gift your loved ones so you must the indigenous beautiful baskets which is known as ‘Meghum Khoks’, Open Weave Carrying Basket, Closed Weave Carrying Basket, Small Storage Baskets, Coiled Cane Containers, Large Storage Baskets, Rain Shield and Headgears, Winnowing Trays & Fans, Mud Shovels, Shield made of bamboo plints, Khasi Bamboo Comb and Khasi Bamboo Pipes.
The Major Festivals
Wangala Festival. Wangala is one of the important festivals which is also
known as the Hundred Drums Festival. It is mainly celebrated by the Garos. It
is a post-harvest festival which is celebrated at the end of the year. It is a
thanksgiving festival to Misi-A-Gilpa-Saljong-Galapa, the god of fertility.
Rice Beer is a famous food that is cooked during this special event.
Behdeinkhlam Festival. It is a four-day festival and is mainly
celebrated by the Jaintias. It is celebrated before the seed sowing season in
July. The literal meaning of Behdeinkhlam is ‘Chasing away the Plague’.
Shad Sukra. This is another festival that is primarily celebrated by the
Jaintias. It is celebrated before the sowing season which is basically in
mid-April or May.
Shad Suk Mynsiem. It is the most important festival of the Khasis and is
also celebrated by Gars and Jaintias. It is celebrated in April. This is a
three-day festival which is called the ‘Shad Phur’.
Nongkrem Festival. It is mainly celebrated by the Khasis. It is a 5
days thanksgiving festival which is held in October or November.
The languages which are spoken in Meghalaya are Garo, Rabha, Khasi, Assamese, Koch, Marathi, Hajong, Maram, Nepali, Sylheti, and Hindi. Mekhla is the most recognisable traditional dresses here. The females of the Khasi tribe wears a dress called ‘Jainsem’. The females of the Jaintia tribe dresses like the Khasi females but with the addition of a ‘Kyrshah’. The females of the Garo tribe women wear a blouse, raw cotton called ‘Dakmanda’, and the ‘Daksari’ which is wrapped like a ‘Mekhla’. The jewellery they wear is called ‘Kynjri Ksiar’, which is made of 24-carat gold. Then, the men of the Garo tribe wear a loincloth as their traditional dress. The men of the Khasi tribe wear a long cloth around their waist which remains unstitched and the dresses of Jaintia tribe tend to have similarities with the Khasi tribe.
A journey that will leave you with an unforgettable memory for the next 2020 season. Thinking of vacation or traveling to places we’ve never seen before. Europe, or more precisely Croatia is an ideal place to recharge your batteries well and gain an unforgettable experience.
Why visit Croatia in 2020?
Croatia is a European country that exudes beauty and offers many interesting activities. Especially in the summer season. In the mention of the Adriatic Sea, the first association that comes to people is Croatia.
Let’s share some worth info about one very interesting location in Croatia. Which you will never forget if you decide to visit Croatia.
The Old Town as the most beautiful destination of the island of Hvar
The sunny island of Hvar locates in the heart of Dalmatia. Better known as the most beautiful region in Croatia. Hvar itself is beautiful and attractive. Many tourists are guests who have already visited the island of Hvar. But what will leave you the most beautiful experience if you visit Hvar? It’s the place “Stari Grad” in translation The Old Town. The most beautiful place in the entire Dalmatian region.
Why does the Old Town on island Hvar leave such a striking impression?
Old Town, the oldest known settlement in Europe. The settlement dates from 384 BC. This place has retained its uniqueness, buildings, and lifestyle. Regardless of the modern trends that echo in Jelsa or Hvar itself. Or the other islands or places in Croatia. The Old Town is a small corner of the island of Hvar with very hospitable and convivial people.
By itself, it is neither big nor small. Everything’s at your fingertips and accessible. It’s not too small to get crowded. A sense of rest and inspiration will go with you throughout your adventure.
What Old Town has to offer from activities
Besides rest and a sense of serenity. The Old Town offers a variety of sports, cultural and entertaining activities. From sports activities we emphasize:
- Scuba diving and exploring the underwater life and reefs on diving excursions
- Kayaking to local bays and localities
- Vidova Gora Paragliding
- Hiking through the hills that surround the old town
Cultural activities
Old Town inhabited in ancient times. This place has a very interesting history, tradition, architecture, and society. Numerous exhibition galleries and handicrafts are offered in the narrow streets of the Old Town. You can find the best traditionally produced olive oil on almost every corner. Aromatic lavender and native tinctures for health and beauty. The most natural and healthy you can find locates in the Old Town. Walking through the main square, you will come across houses built hundreds of years back. Still populated and maintained almost as if they were just built. The Old Town center and waterfront are very unique locations that you do not want to visit only once.
The most beautiful houses, though more modern, are located on a hill above the center. With a view on the Old Town, the sea and the waterfront. Uphill houses and apartments surrounded by pine tree forests. The scent of pure forest and nature, the scent of the sea and the view of the beauties of the Old Town, will make you feel relaxed, happy and inspired.
If you are a person who can afford good real estate for your needs or business. Browse real estate listings in the Old Town. You will be surprised at affordable prices in such a special place. Tourism and construction are on the rise and buying a property here, can be a source of good income for you.
Accommodation and food in the Old Town of Hvar
Whether you travel alone, with your partner or family, accommodation is easy to find. Offers are good and prices are more than acceptable. Besides that, you will find delicious food every step of the way. The seafood specialties and popular Croatian cuisine will impress you with good preparation and even better flavors. The Old Town has a large selection of cozy restaurants with quality and delicious food. Professional and experienced staff will give you a nice experience.
Arrival and departure to the island of Hvar
You can reach the island of Hvar by ferry, which will take you and your car at an affordable price. You can also rent a boat or one of the very impressive yachts on offer and sail to the island. Traveling to the island of Hvar and vacationing in the Old Town provides an unforgettable experience.
Plan your travels for summer 2020. And pack your bags for arrival to Hvar. You can’t go wrong.
Rajasthan is a treasure trove with its resplendent Hawa Mahal, the mighty Mehrangarh Fort, shimmering Lake Pichola, flamboyant Rawla Narlai, and a lot more. There is much more to it, and you should explore some unexpected gateways away from the crowded streets and tourist circuit. I won’t give you travel tips but some amazing places to consider for your next vacay.
5 low-key destinations that you must include in your bucket list
Escape the horde and experience some of these below lesser-known gems as you take a ride on the sands of time.
1.Barmer
Here, you can explore the richness of colour, the warmth of locals, delectable food and the fondant of age-old traditions that would force you to stay longer. Barmer or popularly known as ‘The hill fort of Bar’ is in the western part of Rajasthan forming a part of the Thar desert.
The best time to visit is in March during the Barmer festival.
What to see: Explore the real side of the desert with its long stretches of barren land, rough terrain, extreme temperatures and more. Explore the architecture of Rajasthan along with its exquisite wood carvings, intricate embroidery, carpets and such.
2. Dungarpur
This lively city located in the foothills of the Aravalli Hills is just as exotic as the green marble found here. It is home to exceptional architectures and royal residences to make your stay worth. The city of hills will give you a sight that you will struggle to find elsewhere.
What to see: Feel mesmerized in watching the stone structures adorned with jharokhas (an overhanging enclosed balcony) that were built during the Maharawal Shiv Singh reign in the 17th century. Other places to visit include Deo Somnath, Galiakot, Nagfanji, Vijay Raj Rajeshwer Temple, etc.
3. Kuchaman
This small village houses the 1200-year old Kuchaman Fort that is situated 105 km northeast of Ajmer in Nagaur district. The age-old fort is characterized by picturesque ramparts, terraces and balconies that speak about the rich history of the fort.
What to see: Get drenched into the silence of the desert with a peaceful and tranquil rural setting with a radiant blue sky, unlike the cities. You will love the semi-precious stones, glass and gold paint displayed inside the fort. The Sheesh Mahal is a masterpiece in itself and will look more colourful during the Pushkar Camel Festival.
4. Rawla Narlai
The 17th-century fortress turned into a heritage hotel located beneath a huge 350 ft high rock is a rare brilliance of Rajput rulers with beautiful gardens, courtyards, balconies, porches and verandahs wherein guests get to stay in a royal setting.
What to see: The fort is pestled among hillocks and temples to give you a panoramic view of the entire city. Feel elegant like a king or a queen during your stay in the fort.
5. Banswara
This city is known as the ‘Cherrapunji of Rajasthan’ as it receives the highest rainfall in Rajasthan. Now, you know when to visit this beautiful place! The city is covered with bamboo grooves and is inhabited by the Bhil community.
What to see: Fall in love with the ancient architecture and explore the untouched islands, also known as ‘City of Hundred Island’. Do visit the Anand Sagar Lake, the grand temple of Lord Shiva and the artificial lakes on the east.
Seasoned travelers will tell you that a trip isn’t really complete unless you collect enough souvenirs to bring home to your people. Speaking of souvenirs, you need to pick up only the things that your host country is primarily identified with. The next time you visit Santiago de Chile, therefore, be sure to sample the wide variety of local crafts, wines, and wall art canvases for your trip back home. Without a doubt, Santiago is a great place with some of the best memories you will ever have in life. That is to say that besides the physical gifts that you will carry home, you will have a rich memory full of exciting stories to tell your grandkids.
It is, however, worth noting that you will only have a great time in Chile if you pack the right items before you leave home for Santiago. Without the right hiking boots and clothes, for example, it might be hard for you to collect souvenirs from the Andes. That is why you should ensure that you acquire all the necessary stuff before departing to Santiago. This is actually very easy and convenient, really: Simply go online shopping and order clothes in readiness for your trip.
Back to the souvenirs, here is a list of 8 original Chilean items that will help you bring some Chilean vibe into your home:
1. Lapis Lazuli
For $50 USD or less, you can bring home unique and stunningly beautiful jewelry made from Lapis Lazuli. This azure stone is magical and will make any average jewelry look irresistible. Gift shops across Santiago stock up these pieces of jewelry, but if you are looking for better prices, look for it in any of the major Chilean open-air markets. The Bellavista district in Santiago is one of the surest places to acquire cheap Lapis Lazuli souvenirs.
2. Some copper
Chile’s economy relies greatly on the sale of copper and copper products. Why not bring home a piece of the most valuable export your host nation boasts of? Anything made of copper is fine, from simple bookmarks and chains to large carvings and wall hangings. Your budget will be your only limit in this case.
For a more personalized copper souvenir, you can buy a copper plate of whichever shape and then hire an artisan to draw a map or put your initials on it.
3. Traditional Chilean outfit
If you love to dance, Chile has a lot of dancing opportunities for you. The good thing about this South American nation is that every dance has its unique outfit. Cuea dance, for example, requires you to be dressed in a colorful poncho, a straw hat, knee-high boots, and a huaso jacket. And because this dance is the nation’s unofficial national dance, each of these items is hand-made to make it unique and stylish. You will never find them anywhere else in Latin America.
Note that Huasa is to women what Huaso is to men. On top of the hat, boots, and poncho, women dress in a colorful country dress with high ruffles. All these are good souvenirs to bring home. What’s more, you will get the entire outfit for less than $300 USD.
4. Onitas
When visiting Patagonia, don’t leave without a stuffed figurine. These stuffed animals are made by local artisans from the Ona community as a representation of their dancing tradition. You can also find nice Onitas that are made in the shape of iconic Chilean destinations and legendary people.
5. Alpaca
Alpaca wool is used to make ponchos, scarves, cardigans, and jackets. The wool comes from the Chilean lama that lives up in the cold regions of the Andes.
6. Hand-made pottery
If you are looking for a nice gift for your mother, a clay pot will do. Greda, as the traditional clay utensils are fondly known as in Santiago, is firm and durable, without forgetting that they retain dish flavor with every use. And because there are specific meals Chileans cook using greda, be sure to bring home some of those foods. You can even learn their recipes and cook some for your loved ones once you get home.
7. Vuelvo al Sur
Vuelvo al Sur hats, socks, and gloves are mostly found in Santiago. They all have unique designs that are inspired by the ancient Chilean culture and fabric patterns.
8. Moai Statue
First, ensure that you pay the Moai statues a visit, and then secondly buy earrings or key chains made from mini Moai statues.
In conclusion
After bringing home tons of gifts for everyone, did you remember to but something for your home decoration? If you haven’t, don’t start panicking just yet. Simply order a wall art canvas that will act as your constant reminder Santiago’s beautiful skyline and landscapes.
It may take a lifetime to completely explore Australia since it’s a huge, bold, and wonderful country. And we are sure that many of you who are reading this would prefer to flock to familiar destinations you know and heard before such as the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Great Barrier Reef, and the Sydney Opera House.
The island country has become a tourist magnet from people all over the world over the last few years. These tourism epicentres surely deserve their fame, but this enormous land down under has a lot more to offer than you think.
You might want to skip first some of Australia’s most popular destinations and take a look at this list of remote and underrated places that you might want to consider visiting if you’re looking for something more authentic, raw, and rare.
DERWENT VALLEY, TASMANIA
This peaceful and fertile valley offers a fascinating history that goes back to bushranger times. You can also find there one of the Apple Isle’s finest eateries, the Agrarian Kitchen, and easy to challenging treks in Mount Field National Park. Derwent also gives access to the splendid Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers National Park and the South-West Wilderness.
Courtesy of commons.wikimedia.org
Just a quick drive from north of Hobart and it will take you to a rustic valley with rolling hills, enormous forests, Tasmania’s oldest national park, and rivers are overflowing with big fresh fishes. Plus you can also find here picturesque oast houses, stone houses, and whiskey distilleries!
KANGAROO ISLAND, SOUTH
Courtesy of southaustralia.com
This island is one of the most underrated places in Australia and is the third largest island that was named after their most popular native animal. But Kangaroo Island offers much more than a large group of mammals.
You can find this island in the northwest of Adelaide which comprises two-thirds of its surface with national parks. We suggest that you visit the Flinders Chase National Park if you’re looking for stunning hike and views as well as penguin colonies.
Aside from the Island’s white sand beaches, it’s also home to the Seal Bay Conservation Park. And if you want to surf, Cape Woolamai is a great surfing hotspot.
KALBARRI NATIONAL PARK, WESTERN
Courtesy of parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au
This place is surely one of the best-underrated places that will give you such magnificent canyons and extreme seaside hikes. If you’re a great hiker and you don’t mind rough conditions, then Kalbarri should be on your list and you shouldn’t miss it on your next trip down under.
BROOME, WESTERN
Courtesy of theculturetrip.com
If you prefer a more laid back and relaxing getaway, then you should visit Broome. It’s a small peaceful town in Western Australia with beautiful beaches and summer weather all year long. You should not miss out the Staircase to the Moon as it’s one of the major things to do, particularly for sunset hunters.
Never heard of it? Staircase to the Moon is a natural phenomenon that takes place when a full moon rises over the exposed tidal flats of Roebuck Bay. It happens 2-3 days a month between March and October.
This blissful town is the ideal place if you’re doing a stopover before heading back into the Outback.
KARIJINI NATIONAL PARK, WESTERN
Courtesy of luxurybackpacking.net
This is one of the most secluded national parks located in the Western Australia Pilbara region, about 1,000 km from Perth and just north of the Tropic of Capricorn. If you’re looking for a realistic definition of the word “remoteness” then this destination should be on your list.
Karijini is the perfect secluded spot if you’re a nature lover who attempts to dive deep into the unoccupied greatness of the Australian Outback. This park is decked out with only several basic campgrounds and home to mostly unharmed natural beauty in the form of slot canyons, waterfalls, and water holes. This vast wilderness is considered to be one of the wildest and most underrated places to visit in Australia.
Author Bio: Ivandrea Ollero is a writer for Holiday Inn Parramatta Hotel, one of Australia’s luxury hotels providing accommodation in Parramatta and great historical Sydney experience for tourists. She is also a content crafter who researches and writes custom content about travel, fashion, finance, business, home improvements, health, and beauty in order to provide helpful information and tips for her readers. Ivandrea graduated from St. Scholastica’s College, Manila, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism in 2016.
Uttarakhand became a state in India in the year 2000 before which it was part of the large state of Uttar Pradesh in India and there are best places to visit in Uttarakhand.
Uttarakhand is a Himalayan state in India which is also known as “The Land of Gods” as there are many temples and pilgrimage sites in this state visited by pilgrims from all over the world.
Millions of tourists visit Uttarakhand every year as it is a multifaceted tourist destination in India that not just attracts pilgrims but also nature lovers, adventure sports enthusiasts, families and honeymooners from all over the world.
The following are some of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand:
1.Valley of Flowers National Park
This is a flower park that is located in North Chamoli and is known for some of the most beautiful alpine flowers in the world.
This mountainous park in Uttarakhand which is located in Northern Uttarakhand in a high altitude Himalayan valley has many endangered animals and birds.
It has an excellent variety of hundreds of species of flowers like the Himalayan Bell Flower, poppies, orchids, marigolds, daisies, Geranium, and Morning Longifolia to name a few.
This is a vacation destination, a tourist’s hotspot, a pilgrimage destination and also this park has beautiful trekking trails popular with tourists.
2. Badrinath Temple
The Badrinath Temple is a major Hindu temple in Uttarakhand that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
This temple is one of the four temples that are visited by tourists on the famous and very religiously important Char Dham yatra.
The temple is located in the Garhwal Hills in the Chamoli district on the banks of the Alaknanda River.
It a major pilgrimage site with religious festivals and this temple is visited by tourists as well as pilgrims every year from all over the world.
3. Har ki Pauri
Ganga is a very sacred river in India and Har Ki Pauri is a ghat located on the banks of river Ganga in Uttarakhand. This famous tourist attraction and pilgrimage destination are located in the holy city of Haridwar.
Har Ki Pauri is especially festive during the Kumbh Mela when it takes place once in 12 years. Tourists like to participate in the famous Ganga Aarti that takes places at Har Ki Pauri.
4. Rajaji National Park
This is a great destination to visit for different types of tourists as it is a national park and a famous tiger reserve in Uttarakhand.
There are beautiful forests with lovely flowers, trees, and alpine vegetation in this area.
This natural reserve is located in the Shivalik Ranges. Some of the animals at this reserve include tigers, elephants, chital, sambar, hog deer, nilgai, sloth bears, and leopard cats.
5. Lakshman Jhula
Lakshman Jhula is a suspension bridge over the River Ganga in the city of Rishikesh. Lakshaman Jhula is a bridge used by pedestrians as well as motorbikes.
It is named after Lakshmana from the Ramayana and is one of the largest bridges in the area.
Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula are major bridges on the River Ganga, they have become major tourist attractions in the area.
6. Nainital Lake
One of the main tourist places in Uttarakhand is Nainital. Nainital Lake is the top tourist attractions in the city and here are the lots of adventure activities that you can do.
This lake is a tourist favorite and this is a kidney-shaped lake and it is a famous lake in this area.
This is a great lake surrounded by peaks on all side and by coniferous trees. Boat rides on the lake are romantic for honeymooners visiting this is.
There are plenty of shops and restaurants for tourists in nearby areas surrounding the city.
The holy city of Makkah attracts believers from all over the world. The annual Hajj pilgrimage is a must for every Muslim. The last month of the Islamic calendar brings a multitude of people to Makkah. During the other months, Umrah pilgrimage keeps the city bustling with visitors. The takeaway here is that Makkah plays host to a wide range of the population.
The constant influx of pilgrims creates a demand for quality hotel accommodations in Makkah. As the pilgrims come from varied backgrounds and rich and poor visit the city with equal enthusiasm, there is a need for 5-star hotels in Makkah Saudi Arabia. Many luxury hotels in Makkah cater to the increased demand. However, there is one that truly stands out from the crowd. The Shaza Hotel Makkah is the epitome of Arab luxury. The rooms, amenities, facilities and service put it in a class of its own. Here are the reasons why Shaza is one of the best hotels in Makkah.
Location
Given that the purpose of visiting Mecca is to visit Kaaba, wouldn’t it be an extraordinary experience to be able to see the Al-Haram Mosque from your hotel? Many suites in the Shaza hotel offer extensive views of the Haram. You will always feel closer to Allah in this hotel. Shaza hotel Makkah in Jabal Ka’aba is only a few minutes’ walk from the city centre.
Service
The generous culture of the East is an integral part of the Shaza
experience. From the minute you step into the hotel, you will be awestruck by
the warmth and sincerity of the staff. The travel-weary guests start relaxing
from the moment they enter with dates and a cooling drink. The check-in process
is a smooth sail and puts you at complete ease.
If you are lucky enough to stay in the Tiara Suite or one of the much sought
after Silk floors, then you would even have a Morafik at your service 24×7. The
Morafik can make all your wishes come true. Even the nightly turn-down gifts
are a delight.
Shaza understands the needs of the parents travelling with their children.
The dedicated kid’s club is designed with the utmost care to encourage children
to learn while playing.
Do not want to miss out on work during your pilgrimage? Don’t worry! The
business centre at Shaza hotel has you covered. While the rooms become your
home away from home, the business centre does the same for your office.
The pilgrimage is physically demanding and takes a toll on your feet. The time-sensitive rituals associated with Hajj and Umrah leaves you with stressed out feet. A foot massage from the Afiya in Shaza helps you relax. It energises you for the demands of the next day.
The attention to detail and personal care bestowed upon each guest makes this one of the best hotels in Makkah near Haram.
Rooms
The rooms in Shaza 5-star hotel in Makkah are designed to cater to a wide variety of the population. The deluxe room, deluxe quad room, junior suite and one-bedroom suite are perfect for a family. The muted decor and excellent amenities put your mind at ease and transport you into a world far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Looking for something more luxurious? Try the Tiara suite. This serene, graceful and refined suite has a living room, dining room and kitchenette in addition to the master bedroom. The bedroom also has a walk-in closet. If you are travelling as a large group and a need more personalised service, opt for the Silk floor. The Silk guests are received at the airport by a Morafik and receive exceptional service throughout their stay.
Dining
There are two all-day dining options at the Shaza hotel Makkah. The open kitchen in Midan offers fine dining on international cuisine. The chefs here can transport your senses to a different world. Shalimar is an all-day lounge that serves signature mocktails. You can catch up with friends and unwind with a mocktail. Shalimar also hosts a unique tea ceremony that is accompanied by mouthwatering delicacies.
Stay at the Best Hotel in Saudi Arabia
The phenomenal service, luxurious rooms and unique experiences make Shaza the best hotel in Saudi Arabia. You can do your Shaza Makkah hotel booking online via the hotel’s website. Shaza hotel is in a class of its own. Stay at Shaza during your next visit to Makkah for a paradigm-shifting experience.
How many days in London until you understand its people, culture, and fun places? After how many visits can you authoritatively claim that you have seen the better part of London? Well, anything from 4 days will be a good starting point, although you may have to come back over and over again in order to tour the city inside out. You need time to see its iconic infrastructure, tourist attraction sites, ethnic eateries, and the beautiful and diverse neighborhoods.
If you have the time and resources, staying in London for a week or even a month would be okay. But because we understand that this may not always be possible, let’s look at the bare minimum: 4 days. What can you do in London within 4 days in order to have the perfect trip? For the purposes of this itinerary, we will assume that you arrived in London yesterday and that our first day will start right from when you wake up. Also, we highly advise that you explore most of the city on foot, by taking advantage of the free walking tours in London ( I would suggest Strawberry Tours or finding a local in London), as they provide a better opportunity to get closer to the real city culture. We will not dwell too much on how you got here. Let us dive right into the itinerary.
Day one: The City of London
Starting from the St. Paul tube station, you will be able to see most of London City on your first day. You will need to be at the station by at least eight in the morning so that you can enter St. Paul cathedral when it opens at 9.30am. In there, you will see the Duke of Wellington monument, the Stone and the Golden galleries, and other key chapels. After like an hour in the cathedral, take your leave and head to the Tower of London where you will see the millennium bridge where the legendary Harry Potter movie was filmed.
Before noon, you should be fully acquainted with British history at the Tower of London, crossed over to the Tower Bridge where you will take the best pictures of the city, and enjoyed watching the Crown Jewels. You are just in time for lunch at Borough Market, London’s biggest food market. All the traditional and multicultural foods are found here. After your lunch head out to the Oxford Street for some shopping, Covent Garden for some live street performances, Hyde Park for leisure walks and some boating, and the West Yard for your dinner.
Day 2: The Museums
Start your itinerary at the Museum of Natural History and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Here, you will learn a lot in regards to the history of mankind, the animal kingdom, and space exploration. You will also have the chance to enjoy some British breakfast at the Museum of Natural History café. By the time you are done with the two museums, it will be lunchtime or thereabout. Get some culinary treats at the Berkeley Hotel as you prepare for some afternoon shopping at Fortnum & Mason and Carnaby Street. You will then close your day by having some cool dinner at Opium Dim Sum.
Day 3: Indulge in British Royalty
Start your day at the Buckingham Palace, the home to British royalty for over 170 years and the home to the current Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth II. Be there by 10.30am in order to witness the changing of the guard ceremony at 10.45. If you are visiting during the summer, you will be allowed to book a ticket into the 775royal rooms. Before heading for lunch, you can take a stroll in the very beautiful St. James Park, visit the 1000-year old Westminster Abbey, rode the London Eye, and crossed over to the Westminster Bridge for some photos.
It is now time for lunch and some afternoon tea at Wallace, the cheapest joint in the neighborhood but with impeccable foods. After that, you can choose to try some London Pubs or take an afternoon tea river cruise.
Day 4: A Tour to the Outskirts
London boasts of suburbs that would easily pass as smaller cities. Start your day in one of these small cities- Greenwich- and enjoy the many amenities it has to offer. It has parks, pubs, and restaurants that aren’t as crowded as those in the city. Here, you will learn everything about the Meridian line and how it affects time all over the world. You will also enjoy some time in the Cutty Sark and the east and west hemispheres. For your lunch, try the local delicacies in one of the Meridian restaurants.
After lunch, you can opt to take a bus to the Chislehurst to see the Chislehurst Caves or go ice skating or scale the O2 concert arena.
Bottom line
London has too much to offer. With time and a flexible budget, you will have too much to do within four days. And who knows, you can even choose to extend to a 5th or 6th day, or more.