AnandPatel, Author at Mark My Adventure

Success Is Like Mirage

October 31, 2019June 27, 2020 AnandPatel

Success is the ultimate driving force that fuels our daily lives. But, the biggest question of the lot is how do we realize if we are successful? I came across this question when I was few years into my blog ; the blog is doing good since its origin; the visitors were growing at an organic pace & life seems to be good, considering a boy from a non tech background learned WordPress by his own & traveled to different countries to write about them. After touching the highest views in the month of Mar 2020. The views started to shrink & it started affecting my mindset & the foremost thing before starting any new venture is the mindset. It is easy to think of some situation & overcome it but equally difficult to solve it during the hour of need. So, once things started to go south; I started to question my mindset & things like why I am doing this, what is the sense of all these struggles, how it will help me to succeed. After much of introspection. I realized Success is a mirage.

Why Mirage?

I knew that blogging will take at least 2 to 3 years before it gets noticed or any decent feedback. So, I was mentally prepared for it. So, I took one step a time; I set goals for 50 views, 100 views, 150 views, 200 views per month so on & build over that. At the start of my journey; I thought achieving these monthly goals will be my success barometer. However, as soon as I started reaching these goals I craved for more I started to try more but with little success. So, I started to become unthankful of my present. I was so much in the future that I forget to savor my present.

Mirage is an object which seems to be there but in reality, there is nothing. So, once we reach a point which we thought would be a great place; we are shocked & little confused. If this is how it should be after reaching the only thing we wished for. We become anxious about reality as we imagined it would be a blissful situation with no struggle & maximum satisfaction but it is a mirage. We started to think that happiness lies somewhere else & maybe the next milestone will help us attain that prime position.

Success is a mirage as we always shift our goals once we reach the said goals. So, we are never happy or satisfied with our position; this generally arises as the human mind has the power to increase the effect manifolds. Thus, when we reach the goal we are still lacking that extra high & if the imaginations never meet with the reality we often get sad.
This is the most common reason why so many people feel unsatisfied with their lives. As they only count how far they have to go rather than how far they have walked. We have to realize that happiness is a state of mind & if one can control the mind, one can be happy irrespective of the circumstances & irrespective of the outcomes. The joy should be in trying out new things & loving the experiences during the phase. However, we are only obsessed with results. As we feel results are will put authority on our capabilities which in some sense is true as well. But, the time we realize that destination is just a product of your efforts you will start to enjoy the process. This has been conveyed by so many great personalities like Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, Gary Vee etc. All these great personalities loved the process irrespective of the results.

When I started my blogging journey I set my eyes on using it as a passive income which kept me going but after trying hard for 2 to 3 years I started to lose my zeal towards the process. As the process is slow, boring, mundane & it requires lots of sacrifices & when one is working for long without any prominent result; the energy diminishes & in most of cases we quit. This is the place where the champions are made; they stride forward during this time; why so? Because they love the process so no matter what are the problems in the path, they only concentrate on the process. Loving the process in this drenches journey is a must. But, I will leave this topic for the later. Let’s focus on being successful.

Rather than results determining your success any person is successful if he or she is looking to work towards their goals. If you will judge a person with the end results it achieves; one will be disappointed most of the time if not all. Beacuse only a handful of the people are able to reach their desired goals. One must be super lucky to achieve what they desire for. So, rather than hoping for the joy in the end result start looking for joy in the process. It is boring, monotonous & some times mundane. But, this is how you will beat the odds. When you stack up your daily work, you will shock to see how massive you can get in a lifetime. So, keep working towards your goals & keep enjoying the process. As the price of achieving the greats lies in these regular works. Stop falling for the mirage of success as it is never there in the definition of success. Success lies in challenging yourself daily & improving daily. Start celebrating these processes & who knows maybe you will be among the very few who achieve what they desire for & even if you don’t it doesn’t matter as the fun lies in the process of being uncomfortable, trying daily & working towards your goals daily.

Where To Celebrate New Year 2020?

October 26, 2019October 26, 2019 AnandPatel

New year is one special occasion where people can start fresh or something new. Many people wait for the new year to make some resolution. Maybe starting all over again is the biggest reason why people crave for the new year. The new year has different meanings in the life of different people, however, for travelers, the meaning is traveling to new locations to celebrate. Most of the people look for affordable locations where they can celebrate as well as enjoy. Destinations outside India are the new rage among the young generation & many people plan a trip during the new year to exotic locations to get dual benefits of celebrating & visiting new places. The year 2020 is around the corner & this is the perfect time to plan for it. If you are confused about Where To Celebrate New Year 2020. This guide is for you.

Udaipur:

Udaipur is one of the royal places in India. It is also among the most beautiful cities in India. Although, the new year parties are not a thing here. But, the beautiful lake of Pichola in the backdrop & lovely evenings awaits you. There is hardly any place which will be as beautiful as Udaipur & offers such beauty. Food without a doubt will get you high. Udaipur will supersede your expectations in terms of beauty & food. A great quiet & beautiful place to spend your new year.

Rann of Kutch:

Rann of Kutch is also known as the white desert due to the layer of salt covering the surface & once the moonlight is in full glow the places will amaze your every nerve. Like Udaipur, this place is also not known much for the parties. In fact, Rann of Kutch is located in India’s dry state, Gujrat, so finding alcohol will be tough. Rann of Kutch season only starts from Oct to Feb. So, the New year can be a perfect time to visit this place. Stay in desert camps & enjoy the time with your closed ones.

Goa:

Finally a place for party lovers. One of the best party destinations in India awaits you with open arms. The place is LIT during the new year when the prices soar to record high & so is the crowd. All the best clubs are functioning at this time. If you like partying, this place will satisfy you in every sense. But, high prices can be one of the disappointing factors when traveling to Goa during high season.

Gokarna:

Hailed as Goa’s of ’80s. This place is still not much celebrated. Beautiful landscapes, great ocean & secluded beaches are some of the highlights of Gokarna. An ideal evening would be to camp on the beach & dance to your rhythms. Gokarna is a great place to enjoy an evening with your friends.

Camping Near Mumbai:

If Mumbai is too crowded & overpriced which is usually the case in Mumbai. Then, head towards Pavana Lake, a place near Mumbai & Pune will host camping for you. A beautiful backdrop of Pavana lake & view open to the clear sky will be just perfect for you. Enjoy beautiful evening here away from the hush of the city.

Dubai has been on the list of people alot lately. This may be due to the new year celebration at Burj Khalifa. From India, Dubai is not far & also the Dubai shopping festival is one more lucrative option to visit this place. Dubai can be a great alternative to celebrate New Year 2020

These are some of the best ideas you can indulge in too. I believe perfect getaways are made by best people along with great conversations. Do share your getaways meaning with me. Let make this New Year 2020 memorable.

Handy Resources:

Below are the few resources you should check before making an itinerary.

Cheap Internation Flights: Best place to find cheap international flight tickets.

Best Deals On Hotels: Places to find best deals on hotels.

Amazon: Best place for all your needs. Also, find best travel accessories.

Agoda: Best place to book hotels of your liking. Agoda provides the best solution & great offer while booking a hotel.

Skyscanner: Skyscanner compares various sites & sort the flights based on the rates. A great way to check flight cost. Although the only drawback is that rates are flexible. Hence, the cost might change while you are making the payment.

Jetradar: Jetradar is a comparing site which is just like Skyscanner. But, is much more accurate & much more handy in use.

Booking: Best place to book hostel rooms. There are plenty of options available & with so many properties booking becomes much easier.

Couchsurfing: Best place to find free accommodation. It is as easy as filtering people & messaging. If you will get lucky you will find free accommodation in local resident house.

Travel Insurance: There are numerous options available to get one. So, you can choose anything which suits your requirement. Make sure you read the terms & conditions before buying one.

Budget Travel Ideas to Visit Dubai This Season

October 20, 2019November 20, 2019 AnandPatel

What to do in Dubai on a budget? It seems expensive, right? The name of Dubai gives an image of tall structures, extravagance shopping and cultures wrapped in a blanket of deserts and colorful man-made islands. The Dubai city tour is characterized as over-the-top luxury, thus it seems difficult for a budget traveler to explore it completely. But honestly, Dubai offers a lot of budget friendly or almost free things to do around the city. Want to know what are best ways to plan Dubai budget trip? Read on!

1. Explore Culture and Heritage in Heritage Village Dubai

Art of potters, weavers, and professionals of other forms of art, and the history of pearl diving in the Middle East make the experience of Dubai’s heritage village extraordinary. You will also get a lot of information on Dubai’s ancient people – the bedus in this region of the city and develop a better understanding about the lifestyle of the people residing in Dubai.

2. Visit Camel Museum for Free

Camel Museum in the Al Shindagha Heritage Village is a free spot to visit in Dubai. Various areas in the gallery are devoted to the historical backdrop of camels in UAE, the connection among camels and Arabs, the camel racing, and the camel as a source of transportation. There is also a huge auditorium where time after time presentations and other programs are arranged for visitors.

3. Spot Free Yoga Classes

There are a great deal of alternatives for budget activities in Dubai for the wellness. However, the best among those is the free yoga class by the – Friends Of Yoga which is arranged in five different areas in Dubai. It is a 1-hour class ideal to keep you healthy on your visit to Dubai. You can attend these classes daily from 5:30 am to 6:30 am or 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. They are arranged in Internet City, Deira Creek, Bur Dubai Creek, Zabeel Park, and JLT Park.

4. Enjoy Watching a Movie Under The Stars

It is one of the best free and amazing things to do in Dubai. You can watch a free movie with your loved one under the stars at Pyramids Rooftop Complex in Wafi Complex. Before you head for this place on Sundays, find out which movie is playing there. Also, the movie starts at 8:30 pm so you need to reach out there early to reserve a perfect spot.

Enjoy Movie Under Star in Dubai Budget Trip

5. Visit Dubai Aquarium

A visit to Dubai Aquarium costs 70 AED/Person. However, you don’t need to spend this amount when you can see the giant tank from the outside for free. Located inside Dubai Mall, Dubai Aquarium houses more than 30,000 species of aquatic animals, sharks and ray fish. You can visit Dubai anyday anytime to watch this spectacular water tank containing thousands of beautiful fishes and sharks.

6. View Dancing Fountain Show

One of the most well-known activities in Dubai is to watch the wonderful presentation of the fountains outside Dubai Mall, moving in a state of harmony with a melodic soundtrack. The choreography is done in such a manner that you will be fascinated by the water moving rhythmically on different songs. The show starts in the evening and lasts only 3 to 4 minutes. Reach out early to reserve the perfect spot to watch this magical presentation.

Dancing Fountain Show Dubai Mark My Adventure

7. Visit The Jumeirah Beach Corniche

The Jumeirah Beach Corniche offers 800 meters of waterfront, running track, showers, shaded areas for family picnics and a separate children’s play area. The 14 km long corniche starts from Dubai Marine Beach Resort and ends at Burj Al Arab Hotel. It is a perfect peaceful place to spend a romantic evening with your loved one.

8. Visit Gold And Spice Souks

The old souks in Deira are one of the prominent spots to visit in Dubai. The old market is acclaimed for the budget friendly shopping – (if you know how to bargain). There are a number of jewelry shops, spice vendors, perfume shops, and carpet vendors. You can buy scarves and pashmina shawls from there at cheap prices as a souvenir of your trip.

10. Watch Pehlwani Wrestling

It cost nothing to watch this wrestling. You just need to reach out to the Sandlot behind the fish market in Deira on friday at 5:00 pm. Each Friday, several Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi workers gather around to watch this free native form of wrestling.

11. Take A Selfie with Burj Khalifa

Being the tallest structure on the planet, Burj Khalifa displays splendid design as well as great creative imagination of humans. Standing 160 stories tall, this landmark enable the guests to observe the entrancing 360 view of the city. However, it costs around 135 AED to visit Burj Khalifa in the non-peak hours, you can view this gigantic structure for free from the outside and take a selfie to keep it as a souvenir of your trip.

12. Watch Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab – the only 7-star hotel in the world is the 3rd tallest structure on the planet. It offers lavish dining options, VIP accommodation and a luxurious experience to the visitors. However, budget travelers can watch this beautiful structure from the outside in Jumeirah and take some memorable pictures. This Burj Al Arab is built on a man-made island and it is in the list of the most expensive hotels in the world.

13. Visit Jumeirah Mosque

Jumeirah Mosque has been labeled as one of the most excellent mosques in the city. Constructed altogether with white marbles, this spot is ideal to have your inquiries concerning the Islamic religion replied. Following the strategy of ‘Open Doors, Open Minds, the doors of the mosque are open for people of all religions and beliefs. Although, there is a guided tour available in the mosque which costs 12 AED, you can visit and explore the different parts of the mosque all by yourself and appreciate the islamic architecture.

Now you know the best and budget friendly things to do in Dubai, it won’t be a burden on your pocket to explore this beautiful city. Further, you can look for cheaper flights and lowest hotel accommodation in Dubai in off season like Ramadan and summer where hotels and airlines offer special prices for the travelers.

Handy Resources:

Is Cape Town Worth Visiting To?

October 15, 2019October 15, 2019 AnandPatel

Traveling is one activity which is memorable with the experiences on the trip & everyone who is not a frequent traveler is always afraid of the unknown & wondering if cape town is worth visiting?. In my previous posts, I have covered the topics like Cape Town travel guide, how expensive is Cape Town, things to do in Cape Town. However, the most important topic is yet to be uncovered. So, not wasting any more time here is the post on the Is Cape Town worth visiting to?

The worthiness of the place is determined by many factors & some of them are listed below. So, based on the below list I will decide if the Cape Town is worth traveling to.

Reaching Cape Town

Accessibility is not an issue here. Cape Town has an international airport & connected to all the major airports of the world. Summer is probably the best time to visit this place. However, the prices are skyrocket during peak season. If you want to enjoy a peaceful time, visit the place during the winters.

Things To Do In Cape Town:

Cape Town has a plethora of activities for you. From sitting in nature’s lap to hiking the most beautiful mountains. From surfing to sun basking, there are many outdoor activities that one can do. If you are looking for some activities you will never be disappointed with Cape Town. One can easily spend 4 to 5 days doing different activities during the stay. Read this to know more about the best things to do in Cape Town.

How Expensive is Cape Town:

Cape Town is expensive for people belonging to the eastern countries (apart from China). For western people, most of the countries are easy to access & even easier to afford. Assume an expense of approx INR 2500 – 3000 per day onwards. This is possible if you stay in hostels & cook your food. I did my trip in approx 50K INR. Check out the link How expensive is Cape Town?

Is Cape Town Safe For Solo Traveler:

The biggest factor which might sour your taste is safety. Although, Cape Town is most of the beautiful cities in the world. Safety is a concern here. It is not advisable to roam alone in the dark & shady places. It is recommended to keep an open eye & know about the surroundings. This is the only negative point while traveling to Cape Town. Read details about Is Cape Town safe for solo travelers.

After considering all the factors mentioned above, I feel that Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world & if you are in the safe surrounding you will enjoy this city. I loved my time here & would love to visit this place once more because of nature. Hiking & trekking is a weekend activity here & what better it can get from here.

Handy Resources:

How To Spend 7 Days In Dubai?

October 13, 2019November 20, 2019 AnandPatel

Dubai never fails to surprise the travelers. It is highly modern, attractive and a must see place. Its record-breaking mega structures are known worldwide. The glitz and glamour of Dubai are incomparable to others. The charismatic aura of the city is pleasant.

Dizzying skylines of Dubai will leave you spellbinding with their impressive architecture. An exciting trip to Dubai will cast away your memories. Furthermore, this city offers impressive things to enjoy while being in budget.

I have traveled to many places, but now my wife and I intended to explore something new. We desired to visit a site that redefined luxury and grandeur. Dubai looked a perfect place for us to find all that we wish to see. Thus I planned a seven day trip to this city of gold with my wife.

One of my friends suggested me to try out the service of a famous travel agency as their packages can be customized easily and they could efficiently deliver what I was looking for. This six-night seven days romantic vacation in Dubai was an unforgettable one of my life. Flights, sightseeing, visa fee, taxes, meals, entry tickets were included in the tour package. The formalities of our vacation in Dubai were finally completed after a lot of planning, and coordination.

A Brief Itinerary of Our Dubai Vacation:

Day 1:

Our flight departed from New York. We reached the Dubai airport within 16 hours. We went through the immigration quickly and then were greeted by our trip assistant who gave all necessary details regarding the hotels booking to us. We checked into the hotel. After resting for a few hours, we went to have a romantic dinner. We had dhow cruise dinner on day 1. The cruise sailed smoothly on the Dubai Creek and sparkled with hundreds of lights. Then we returned to our hotel at night.

Day 2:

Had an excellent traditional breakfast in Dubai. We left out for our sightseeing tour. Also enjoyed the best Dubai Desert Safari. The safari tour was to begin in the evening that’s why we spent half of the day in the shopping, took some rest for 2 hours and left out for the visit of the hot desert and adventurous dune bashing.

Day 3:

On day three we visited the tallest building in the world. Had a great time at Burj Khalifa. We were in a fantastic elevator that took us to the top of this building. The breathtaking view from the “At The Top” observatory was mind-blowing. There, we took some snaps and on our way back, visited Dubai Mall that houses hundreds of local and international luxury brands. We also witnessed the underwater zoo and Aquarium in the Dubai Mall.

Day 4:

We enjoyed the Abu Dhabi city tour, booked it with a tour operating company. Visited the Ferrari world, date market, and Sheik Zayed Mosque. This was a short half-day tour in which we explored about 75% of the city.

Day 5:

It was a leisure day. We spend it exploring the local shops in Deira and Bur Dubai near Dubai Creek. There were many vendors selling carpets, scarves, and other souvenir items. Other than that, the gold and spice market were exceptionally a different experience.

Day 6:

Had a lovely breakfast in the hotel. It was a full day tour to Ski Dubai and Mall of the Emirates. Once again had many snaps. This mall is very elegant and beautiful.

Day 7:

We packed our bags and all other stuff and transferred to the airport. Then took the return flight and reached NewYork.

Places To Visit In Dubai In 7 Days:

After spending superb time at Dubai, I realized that every place to visit in this city of dreams offer something unique that the other didn’t. Its skyscraper buildings, shimmering sea of golds and death-defying adventure are worth to see. This place knows how to turn in style and following are some places we visited that did their best.

1. Dhow Cruise Dinner:

We got a surprise on the first night of our romantic vacation in this city. The charming, lively and delicious dhow cruise dinner pleased us. There were cuisines from all over the world. Some entertainment services were also arranged for the meal. The guitar performance and the live dance show were excellent.

2. Evening Desert Safari:

At 7 pm on the second day, we were picked by a 4×4 Land cruiser for our desert safari. The car cutting through red-hot dunes was adventurous. The session of dune bashing tested our strength. We tightly held onto the seats of our air conditioned Land cruiser as it bounced on the hot dunes giving us an adrenaline rush. We enjoyed camel riding too. The quad biking on the treacherous sand was an exhilarating experience. We were dropped off to the desert camp where we enjoyed many traditional performances.

The sunset view at the desert was fantastic. I had never witnessed such a beautiful sunset in my life. Then at the Bedouin camp, we enjoyed a delicious BBQ dinner along with drinks and live dance performance.

3. Burj Khalifa:

This iconic artwork is so tall that at some point when I looked at this tallest building from the bottom it looked an optical illusion to me. World’s third fastest elevator of this building took us to the observatory deck on the 124th floor in no time. The view from that deck was breathtaking. From there one can have the falcon eye view of the city. It looked to me that this city was built so that one can have this fantastic view from the observatory deck.

Burj Khalifa Things To Do In 7 Days in Dubai

4. Ferrari World:

I am a Ferrari lover, and this theme park dedicated to Ferrari was the perfect place to visit to fulfill my desire of driving Ferrari. This theme park is a sort of amusement park that is dedicated to the Ferrari lifecycle. It is full of adventure, joy, thrill, curiosity, and imagination. Here one can discover an incredible world. There is an impressive collection of branded products in this park.

5. Sheikh Zayed Mosque

The grandeur and beauty of this mosque were terrific. This beauty encapsulated the true essence divinity for me into gold, silver, and marble. This visit was a mesmerizing one. It felt to me that I was in the modern day Taj Mahal.

6. Ski Dubai:

We felt quite strange that after sweating out in 36degrees, we found ourselves in sub-zero temperature. There we experienced the alpine chill blowing across our faces. My wife and I spent a fun-filled day at this incredible snow theme park.

7. Gold Souk and Meena Bazaar:

We also visited the famous Gold Souk and Meena Bazaar. The marvelously decorated markets kept alive the old Dubai traditions even in this modern wave of transformation.

I felt like a little child in Dubai who was astonished by seeing so many never-before-seen things. We enjoyed a lot and didn’t feel bored even for a single moment. We went exhausted by sightseeing. All the time that me my lovely wife spent in this glamorous city was invaluable.

Final Words:

This is how I spend 7 memorable days in Dubai. Overall I found this city merely amazing. This was a perfect tour. Our romantic trip of the city of dreams started with ideal dinner at Dhow Cruise. We were provided on-trip assistance by the tour company. This made query solving much easier for us.

The falcon eye view from the world’s tallest building was on bucket list, and to check that is unforgettable. The only issue we had to face regarding this trip was that the visa and other documents were sent a bit late to us. We would have preferred to receive all these documents a few days in advance. All other things were excellent.

Handy Resources:

Is Cape Town Safe For Solo Tourists?

October 11, 2019October 11, 2019 AnandPatel

Safety is of great concern when one is traveling to African countries & South Africa is also not left behind such impression. Before planning a trip to Cape Town, I learned that it is also not that suitable for solo traveling. After reading this, I was a bit skeptical about touring this place. But, everyone kneels before the thrill of a place & with all the courage I booked a ticket to Cape Town. As you can assume I am still alive. But, how did my travel went? So, here is a post on Is Cape Town Safe For Solo Tourists?

Touchdown:

My plane landed at Johannesburg airport & the moment I landed, I was a bit nervous. Even though the people were ready to help me. I reminded myself of using one. Wherever I sat down, I keep a close watch on my luggage; I was having so much of negative thoughts.

Cape Town:

From the airport, I took a myciti bus to my hostel in the long street. But, there was a catch. I need to change bus in between. After reaching the Civic Centre, it was time to take my bus. I checked on the map which showed approx 2 km & rather than waiting for the bus I planned to walk. But, before taking this decision I asked a police officer if it is safe to walk to long street & with a plane face she said, “No, it is not safe to walk at this point of time.” (time was approx 8 pm). Taking her advice I stayed at the bus station & took a bus to my place.

Nights:

Day time is usually safe at almost most of the places. But, what about the night? I would like to share one instance which happened while I walking through one of the busiest lanes in Cape Town; Long street. I planned to walk to the neighborhood to get the feel about the place. I was walking & suddenly 6 footer colored people stopped me.
This is how it all went.

They: Hey man! from where are you from?
Me: India
They: Great man, so what are you doing here?
Me: I said just roaming around.
They: Wait, Lemme show you something.
Action: They snipped my mobile from the pocket in seconds.
Me: (I am nervous & little scared. What if they don’t give me my mobile) I tried to get my mobile back with my hand.
They: (Laughing like anything) Don’t be nervous man, here take your mobile. Take this (mobile handed to me).

Although, for them it was fun. But, for me, it ringed a few bells about the safety. So, after that night, I tried to stay near public places & run whenever I feel there is some danger.

Talking To The Stranger:

I was staying in the hostel & there was a group of 3 girls traveling. They were from Brazil, which is also in the list of most notorious countries in the world. I asked them about their experience in Cape Town. They said, that they are not comfortable roaming around the city during the night. It is not safe, they have been to many places but they feel this is not among the best of the places to travel to.

It is strange to see how people feel even though 2 policemen are guarding the lanes every 100 meters. People are still unsure of the night. I hope soon things will get good for the tourists.

Once you are traveling to such places, take note of the following points

Make sure you are not carrying any valuables with you.

Don’t flash luxurious items in rural areas.

Don’t walk in empty lanes until you are sure of it.

Take uber during the night.

Be aware of your surroundings.

Being said that, apart from the one instance, there were no such problems in Cape Town. So, if anyone asks me is Cape Town safe for solo tourists? My answer would be of course. But, keep the safety points in mind. Mishaps can happen to anyone at any place; you need to be aware of your surroundings & act wisely.

Handy Resources:

Best Food To Try In South Africa

October 10, 2019November 20, 2019 AnandPatel

When we think of South Africa, most of us tend to conjure up images of sunsets and safaris in our mind’s eye. While the country is certainly famous for its wildlife, plains and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to see the warm heart of the continent, South Africa also has something else to offer; incredible cuisine.

Many visitors to the country are surprised to learn of South Africa’s rich and varied traditional food offerings. While not everything is vegan or vegetarian-friendly, there’s an abundance of dishes to tingle most tastebuds in this increasingly popular destination.
A gastronome’s delight
South Africa is an unlikely but rewarding destination for food lovers – and word is beginning to get out. According to Expedia, more than £6 trillion is spent in the travel sector every year, with some of that making its way into the African economy.

If you’re considering a trip to South Africa in the future, keep an eye out for these signature dishes on your travels:

1. Bunny Chow

Don’t be put off just yet! No bunnies are harmed during the concoction of this dish. It’s a curry which originates from Durban, and it’s usually made with chicken, lamb or minced beef. Did we mention it often comes in an edible bowl, too?

It’s traditionally served in a crusty half-loaf of bread which is hollowed out and then filled to the brim with piping-hot curry. It’s cheap, filling and perfect for backpackers who need some sustenance after a hard days’ hiking. Cape Town will provide you one of the best bunny chow’s you will ever have.

2. Chakalaka & Pap

Vegetarians travelling throughout South Africa are likely to make this a staple during their stay. Chakalaka is a mixture of peppers, onions, carrots, beans and tomatoes with added herbs and spices. Pap is an almost tortilla-like mixture of maize and salt, which is used to scoop up the chakalaka before it is devoured. Put simply, it’s a South African take on Doritos and dip, and makes for a great mid-night out snack at a bar.

3. Gatsby

While the name might conjure up images of high society in the 1920s, think again – a Gatsby in South Africa is far from glamorous. It’s essentially a foot-long sub roll stuffed with… practically everything! Fries are a common filling, along with cooked meats and fresh vegetables. It’s a sandwich designed for sharing and makes for a great choice among groups of weary travellers.

4. Melktart

Those with a sweet tooth are in for a real treat with a melktart. It’s a traditional dessert made with pastry, sugar, eggs and flour, and makes for a great ending to any South African meal. It’s so revered in the country that the locals actually dedicate an entire day to it. Melktart day takes place on February 27th every year, and each region puts its own subtle twist on the recipe. This means you can expect to enjoy plenty of varieties of this sweet, almost cheesecake-like delicacy during your visit.

5. Koeksisters

This is another incredible dessert which is essentially South Africa’s alternative to the doughnut. It’s essentially friend dough which is then dipped in honey. Sometimes it’s braided into a long strip. It’s the perfect treat for reviving those energy levels after a long day on Safari.

6. Boerewors

If you’ve ever enjoyed a Cumberland sausage, you’ll know what to expect from boerewors. These traditional South African sausages aren’t too dissimilar from the Cumberland variety, and even come in the same “ring” shape. There are fewer simpler pleasures than boerewors made from local beef cooking gently on a smoking hot grill – a real must-try for meat lovers travelling through the country.

7. Smiley

Smiley might not exactly be for the faint of heart. After all, it’s essentially a full sheep’s head that has been boiled until its burned hair reveals the teeth of the animal in a smiling fashion. It’s a delicacy in many of the country’s smaller towns, and should come complete with tongues, brains and eyes. While it might sound horrific, in practice it’s actually quite a tasty casserole for those who aren’t easily put off by the appearance of their food.

8. Amarula Don Pedro

Part milkshake, part cocktail, all taste – that’s the Amarula Don Pedro. It’s made with ice cream, fresh cream and Amarula liqueur. While it might be too sickly-sweet for some, it’s definitely worth checking out – particularly as a pick-me-up for those who like to enjoy nightlife.

Handy Resources:

Below are the few resources you should check before making an itinerary.

Cheap Internation Flights: Best place to find cheap international flight tickets.

Best Deals On Hotels: Places to find best deals on hotels.

Amazon: Best place for all your needs. Also, find best travel accessories.

Agoda: Best place to book hotels of your liking. Agoda provides the best solution & great offer while booking a hotel.

Skyscanner: Skyscanner compares various sites & sort the flights based on the rates. A great way to check flight cost. Although the only drawback is that rates are flexible. Hence, the cost might change while you are making the payment.

Jetradar: Jetradar is a comparing site which is just like Skyscanner. But, is much more accurate & much more handy in use.

Booking: Best place to book hostel rooms. There are plenty of options available & with so many properties booking becomes much easier.

Travel Insurance: There are numerous options available to get one. So, you can choose anything which suits your requirement. Make sure you read the terms & conditions before buying one.

Great Vietnamese Festivals Every Tourist Should Experience

October 9, 2019November 20, 2019 AnandPatel

One way to make your tour of Vietnam a memorable one is to plan it around the country’s festivals. Through these festivals, you get to experience and be part of the Vietnamese culture first-hand. Most of them are held at the beginning of the year. Below are some of the most celebrated Vietnamese festivals that are sure to turn your holiday into an extraordinary one.

1. Tet Nguyen Dan

Tet Nguyen Dan is an important traditional festival in Vietnam and celebrated to thank their gods for the onset of spring. The festival is marked by locals paying respect to their ancestors and getting together as families to usher in the New Year. During this festival, bustling cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi are less crowded as most people usually head to their rural hometowns to celebrate the festival with their families.

2. Perfume Pagoda Festival

Perfume Pagoda is an important pilgrimage site that welcomes pilgrims to its sacred caves to pray for a happy and prosperous year ahead. To get to the caves, you will have to pass through a scenic landscape that consists of limestone mountains and rice paddies. You will also walk past hundreds of stone steps and historical shrines before you arrive at your ultimate destination.

3. Hue Festival

Hue Festival is a music event held any time between April and June every two years in Hue city. At this festival, you will enjoy a fantastic array of performances, cultural events, and games that last a week. You will never experience a dull moment during the Hue Festival as there will be kite flying, boat racing, human chess, fashion shows, poetry, percussions, and drums. Also, you get to enjoy street performances, puppetry, acrobatics, film screenings, and art exhibitions.

4. Buddha’s birthday

Buddha’s birthday is an important festival celebrated by many devotees across Vietnam. During this festival, temples across the country are lavishly decorated, and locals bring fruit, flower garlands and Vietnamese dishes as an offering. You can choose to visit Hoi An, which is considered as the best place to celebrate this festival, and participate in street parades and prayer sessions.

5. Hoi An Lantern Festival

This festival is held on the 14th of every month. During this festival, paper lanterns of various shapes, colours, and sizes are displayed. All restaurants, businesses, shops, and bars in the Ancient City stop using electricity and light up using lanterns and candles instead. Although the festival itself is held in Hoi An, it is most colourful in the Ancient Town.

6. Mid-Autumn Festival

This colourful festival is held in mid-September, and adults and children come together to enjoy many festivities. During the night, locals light lanterns. Here, you will get to enjoy biscuits, jellies, moon cakes and other foods. To top it all off, you will witness the famous Lion dance.

7. Wandering Souls Day

This festival is held on the 7th of September during the full moon. In Vietnamese culture, it is believed that ancestors pay their families a visit. The families go to Buddhist temples to offer respect to their loved ones and eat cakes and other food.

8. Lim Festival

Lim Festival is held on the 12th and 13th of February to celebrate ‘Quan Ho’ singing. During this festival, people play local games such as wrestling, bamboo fighting, and tug of war. The main highlight of the festival is when the choir performs. Also, locals wear colourful traditional costumes as they sing their local folk songs. Through this festival, you get to learn about the rich culture and traditions of Vietnam.

9. Phu Giay Festival

This festival is held in Phu Giay Temple in honour of Mother Saint Lie Hanh . It is regarded as the most significant and original of all festivals in the Vietnam calendar. People dress in traditional costumes and carry bamboo relics decorated with beautiful ornaments. You get to participate in various local games and cultural activities during this festival.

10. Tet Han Thuc

This is a unique Vietnamese festival held in honour of Jie Zhitui, a loyal underman to the 7th Century Duke of Quin. Jie suffered neglect by the Duke, forcing him to retreat to the woods together with his mother. Later, when the Duke requested Jie to return to the city, he declined, prompting the Duke to light his house to force them back to the city. Jie refused and instead died in the fire.

The many festivals in Vietnam are a clear manifestation of the rich culture of its people. Taking part in these festivals will leave you with unforgettable memories of Vietnam’s beautiful landscape and admirable culture, before you go, remember that Visa’s are essential when visiting Vietnam.

Handy Resources:

Below are the few resources you should check before making an itinerary.

Cheap Internation Flights: Best place to find cheap international flight tickets.

Best Deals On Hotels: Places to find best deals on hotels.

Amazon: Best place for all your needs. Also, find best travel accessories.

Agoda: Best place to book hotels of your liking. Agoda provides the best solution & great offer while booking a hotel.

Skyscanner: Skyscanner compares various sites & sort the flights based on the rates. A great way to check flight cost. Although the only drawback is that rates are flexible. Hence, the cost might change while you are making the payment.

Jetradar: Jetradar is a comparing site which is just like Skyscanner. But, is much more accurate & much more handy in use.

Booking: Best place to book hostel rooms. There are plenty of options available & with so many properties booking becomes much easier.

Travel Insurance: There are numerous options available to get one. So, you can choose anything which suits your requirement. Make sure you read the terms & conditions before buying one.

How Expensive Is Cape Town?

October 4, 2019October 4, 2019 AnandPatel

Budget is an important point in planning a trip & most of the people avoid traveling due to financial constraints. But, is it possible to travel to a place on a budget? For anyone who is wondering is it possible or not; this post is for you. Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world & I completed it on budget. So really how expensive is Cape Town? & how much budget you should keep in mind while planning a trip to Cape Town. PS: I completed my trip in approx 50,000 INR.

There are many aspects of traveling, below is the list of things which will cover most of the budget & how can you get the best deals to help you manage the budget.

Flights To Cape Town:

There are direct flights from all over the world to Cape Town. But, from Eastern countries the best route would be to reach Johannesburg & from Johannesburg to Cape Town, this will save you a lot. Further, always book to & fro ticket this will help you to save extra bucks. There is an article about how to find cheap international flights which will help you to find great flight deals. I booked a flight from Mumbai to Johannesburg to & fro for approx 25,000 INR & from Johannesburg to Cape Town to & fro for approx 8,000 INR.

Cape Town Visa Process:

South Africa visa cost varies from country to country. From India, the price of visa processing is approx 2,000 INR. VFS is a global service provider for processing your application. Check this link to know how to get South Africa Visa from India.

When the most important part of planning a trip is completed. It is time to look to some other points where one can actually save some bucks. As flight tickets & visa process is a fixed cost.

Stay In Cape Town:

Cape Town in the summer season is pretty costly. However, if you travel in winters the cost of a dorm bed will be half the cost in the summers. This is one of the important aspects that will help you to save some extra bucks. The best place to book a hostel is Hostel.com or booking.com. However, there are many other websites which will help you to book great accommodation. Check this link for the same.
I booked hostel accommodation at Long Street Backpackers. For 8 days I paid approx 4,000 INR which was a great deal considering the location of the hostel. Check the review of the place here.

Sight Seeing In Cape Town:

Most of the natural activities like table mountain, lions head, signal hill, etc are free. There are many other things to do in Cape Town like Cape of good hope, boulders beach, Kirstenbosch botanical garden which will charge some admission fee. Typically, the cost of all these activities will be around 4,000 INR. One can do many activities in Cape Town for all those activities, you can check the link Things to do in Cape Town. But, choose your activities wisely, as this will not only save your time but lots of cash as well. It is advisable to choose activities as per interests & only pursue those.

Getting Around Cape Town:

The best way to get around Cape Town is by MyCiti bus. It is one of the easiest ways to get around Cape Town & apart from this Uber is one more convenient option to get around the town. There are 3 days, 5 days 7 days pass which will save a lot during the travel. There is one option of a single journey which will cost 150 INR per journey. Renting a motorbike will cost you around 1500 INR per day. I rented a motorbike for a day so I saved a lot here. I traveled mostly by MyCiti Bus. If you are in the city the local attractions are at a walkable distance.

Food In Cape Town:

There are many cheap options to eat in Cape Town. I mostly cooked food at the hostel, kitchen facility was available which help a lot. Buy groceries from the local supermarkets & cook your food. This will help you to save. Further, if you are willing to eat outside, expect to spend 150 INR for a meal. The cost of a beer can is 60 INR. I spend somewhere around 3000 to 4000 INR in food & alcohol.

So, this is how I completed my trip at approx 50,000 INR for 8 days. One more reason for such a budget trip was that I was not able to do shark cage diving which was my main motive & the cost of doing it was approx 13,000 INR. Because of which I was able to complete my trip on the budget. So, if anyone asks you how expensive is Cape Town? you can share this link with your friends.

Handy Resources:

5 Must-Have Travel Items for Backpackers 2020

September 24, 2019November 20, 2019 AnandPatel

Travel is always an adventure. Every year, we have updated travel gadgets and gears in the market. Most of the items have changed with the fact that I bring a lot of devices related to traveling. I learned a lot about traveling since last ten years.

After my 10-years traveling experience, I have traveled with less than 30L backpack and everything in between. I also have learned many packing techniques from the past traveling experience. There are some items that you did not hear about them, and others are common, but I think they should be necessary for long and fantastic travel.

Today, I want to share my traveling experience with you.

In this article, I am going to list the 5 best travel items that we have in our backpack. We cannot travel without these five essential items and hope so you should either.

1.Robo Twist Automatic Jar Opener:

Robo Twist Automatic is the best jar opener for backpacker item during traveling. You must have this jar opener when you are going for traveling because of its durability and automatic system. It also requires batteries, and anyone can use it easily without any hard physical effort. You can use it with one hand easily and also useful for those suffering people that have not strength in their hands. According to small dimensions, it takes minimal space and easily adjustable anywhere. It is made with solid plastic and having a long-term investment. You have just button for opening the jar and releasing the lid. So due to my past experiences, I must go with this outstanding jar opener, and you can use it during traveling with enjoyment.

Pros:

It is ideal for people who travel

It is also providing a secure grip

It can be used by everyone

It has a small size

Cons:

It cannot be used with plastic jars

2. Eagle Creek Zipper Cube Set:

The cube set properly keeps your bag and confirm that it should pack down everything. You can pack more things in your pocket like rolling clothes inside. We are using Eagle Creek Zipper Cube Set since 2014 because of its durability. We have packed them tight and loose when we require. After many years, the zipper is working excellent and still looking new. According to Eagle Creek, the fabric is translucent, which is right, and this cube set is a fantastic addition in our traveling setup. We also found some compression system which was worthy and out of budget. There are lots of brand in the market, but we have ever used Eagle Creek, and we know it very well.

Pros:

It is easy to use and also durable

It has 100% nylon lining

It has three different sizes for clothing and accessory organization.

It is light weighted and designed very well

It is also a budgeted item.

Cons:

None

3. Noise Cancelling Headphones:

We have not confirmed the troubles around us “noise canceling” up to we used a pair of Bos Quietcomfort 20 Noise Cancelling Headphones. The earbuds are comfortable to wear, having a good sound, and also offer noise cancellation. Some other models jam into your ear, but they rest loose, which makes it more comfortable. It is not only used to listen to music for noise reduction, but it has a noise cancellation feature. You can just put earbuds and turn on this feature; it will show you the desired results. It is powered by a rechargeable lithium Polymer battery that facilitates you up to 15 hours of battery life. The earbuds work excellent, and you need during traveling.

Pros:

It is more comfortable noise reduction product.

It has incredible, sound quality

Aware mode keeps you alive

It is durable and straightforward

Cons:

The battery module is huge

4. JBL Flip 4 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker:

Now a day, Bluetooth Speaker is an essential item for traveling. When you are planning to go out for the night or just enjoying on the beach, having background music which can make your mood amazing, every Bluetooth speaker cannot provide you quality music. The design of this speaker is small and easy to carry everywhere. It can cover a large area with sound and also hold it outside. If you want to have excellent music during traveling, so this product is best for you. JBL Flip Bluetooth speaker can be used with a wet hand, especially at the beach and will not damage because it is waterproof. So, it is an outstanding portable outdoor speaker that carries the bass without weighing you down.

Pros:

It is supportive for all kind of music.

It has a water resistance feature.

It can be connected up to 2 devices.

The rechargeable Battery support up to 12 hours

It has the loud music volume

Cons:

No Track forward/ back control

JBL Flip 4 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker

5. Power Bank:

If you are going for traveling, so you must keep the power bank with him. It’s imperative because smart devices hardly last a day; we are useless and dead without them. Without a power bank, you cannot enjoy your traveling, and it’s a total wastage of your time and money. The first power banks are purchases for those who travel a lot or work outside, so it supports you to top up your device’s battery while you are staying out. Here a wide range of power banks in the market that can create difficulty in selecting the right one. That’s why we are providing you guide about best power banks of 2019 for travel.

Pros:

It has a huge battery.

It has speedy charging.

It provides maximum safety.

It is compatible with most of the devices.

It’s a budgeted product.

Cons:

It’s a little bit large.

We write these articles because we think there is no perfect way to show you the items for backpacker during traveling. This is my small list that you must carry during traveling. But the main point which I want to highlight that you do not require a lot of things when you travel. You never keep as much as you think. If you are more curious for in-depth learning about different unique gadgets that you can take along with you in your travel Backpacks, you can have a look at dapper reviews . we always recommend and get inspired by this site as it provides unique and altered ideas for backpackers. So, this was 5 must have travel accessories for backpackers. Also, you can check best travel accessories list here.