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Traveling for more than just a relaxing vacation

March 4, 2020March 6, 2020 AnandPatel

There is a reason certain places are well-know and travelled for all the stereotypes surrounding them. Paris is the city of love and, even though plenty of tourists who went there kept being adamant about how there are plenty of better cities and towns to visit in France, people still travel to see the Eiffel Tower and experience the atmosphere. When you think of London that way, the Big Ben, red double-deckers, and the London Eye (or the Millennium Wheel) immediately pop to your mind. China is all about that Great Wall, Germany is for beer and sausages and Africa is synonymous with safari. Of course, all of those are great exaggerations and, to some, maybe even insulting stereotypes yet we can’t help but think that way. It’s like when you decide to play any of many interesting sex games – you already know what to expect. However, nothing is set in stone and things are always far more complicated than that. In other words, every tourist place and location offers much more variety than just their most recognizable landmarks and features. With that being said, if you’re looking for a region to travel on planet Earth that offers pure fun and enjoyment in every shape and form there is, then you can’t go wrong with Thailand and surrounding countries.

First things first, you can expect all the “usual” stuff when it comes to a country like this. Numerous sunny beaches with hot and playful girls in skimpy bikinis, spicy and exotic food that will stimulate your senses in ways you’ve never before thought possible, nightlife with different kinds of bars, clubs, parlors, etc. Thailand, Taiwan, or the Philippines might not be world-wide know for this but plenty of young people from all over the world trvel to these places to discover themselves. That means plenty of hot, young chicks and guys from the USA and countries all over Europe getting together for one simple quest which is to enjoy life to the fullest. Now, I know what you’re thinking. Hot sun, sea, booze, night clubs… how is it different from any other beach in the world? Well, until you’ve actually experienced it, words can’t come close describing the adventure that awaits you and, well, you can get much more of the adult pleasure if you catch my drift. To put it simply, New York has The Statue of Liberty, and Thailand has its nightlife and adult pleasures. They offer so much freedom and entertainment to those energetic enough and willing to partake that you’ll quickly forget those famous all over the rest of the world. Even the most persistent minds will go blank once all those nude Snapchat pics of local chicks they’ve met start popping in their phones.

Apart from everyone everywhere being much more open, certain places make a business out of providing various degrees of adult pleasure. There are go go bars where you can sit down and have a drink while watching breathtaking babes dancing on the stage. Some bars have chicks in bikinis, while others have them completely naked for your viewing pleasure. Of course, the fun doesn’t stop there because, if you’re lucky enough and have money to spend, you can end up hiring a babe to go down and dirty with you. You can even bargain for a better price and if that just screams fun. Another important thing to note is that all of the girls out there are doing this willingly because some prefer making money that way and others simply want to have fun. If some chick really likes you, you might even end up getting some for free because, why not?

In addition to dancing bars, there are already mentioned night clubs. What’s important to keep in mind with those places is that they are packed with so many hotties you actually need to pay attention to whether some girls are “working” or just having fun the same way you do. And when I say “fun” I mean something much more in person than playing sex games for android.

Naturally, if you’re looking for every way possible to enjoy Thailand, you would do yourself a favor if you went and had one of those special massages. You know what I’m talking about. Even more explicit than that, there are actually blowjob bars where you can simply go and get one with your drink. And there are always street girls and escorts for those looking for instant pleasure.

Travel 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.

Club Mahindra: One of the best resort chains in India.

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.

Ideas To Condition Yourself For Your First Travel Trip

February 7, 2020June 27, 2020 AnandPatel

If you’ve decided to go on your first travel trip to escape the daily hustle-bustle of the complicated thing called life, you are on the right path. Whether you plan on visiting the Swiss Alps, the Statue of Liberty, or the Taj Mahal, you will most certainly have a lot of fun and recharge your internal battery.

One of the lesser-known factors of an enjoyable and memorable trip is meticulous planning. While an impromptu trip may also work out for some of us, it’s very rare as the odds against this are generally higher.

Then, of course, the nerves of traveling for the first time settle in, leaving you in a state of constant paranoia. But, don’t you worry! We have compiled a list of ways you can use to condition yourself for your first travel trip ensuring it turns out to be successful.

Decide The Budget

It’s important that you create a budget before you start planning your trip to help you understand the constraints within which you should operate. This way, you can plan your trip and enjoy it without any fear of disappointment. Also, contrary to popular belief, you can have one of the best vacations on a low budget, as well, due to the presence of the internet and the research that you perform to help you get amazing deals.

There are definitely some locations that are cheaper than others with regard to their hotels, food, and transportation. Our tip would be to travel during the off-season or just pick budget accommodations. And yes, always keep your estimation on the higher side when you’re making the budget.

Choose The Destination Carefully

Once you figure your budget out, you can easily narrow down your destination options. Try to pick up location that includes all the experiences that you would want to have and, accordingly, plan the vacation around it. This will also help you get a specific goal and you can work within the guidelines.

Also, the experience that you are trying to get out of your vacation plays an important role when looking for holiday destinations. If you want to do something adventurous, look for options where you can try scuba diving, rock climbing, or bungee jumping. In the same way, if you want to relax on a beach, look for places such as Maldives, Barcelona, or Bali.

Get The Documents & Insurance In Order

It’s important to have the necessary documents handy before you leave for your trip. If you plan on going overseas, you need to ensure your passport is ready. In addition to this, you will also need a valid visa.

All in all, make sure that you find out all the important documents that you may need and if you don’t have them ready, start filing applications for the same. Keep them in an easily accessible place as you need to show documentation before you enter the airport. You can also have a file where you keep your documents along with your flight tickets.

Ask for insurance, though note that there are several types of travel insurance. You have to make sure that you have medical insurance at all times. You can also get one in case your flight gets canceled or something gets stolen. After all, it’s always better to be prepared for the worst. While this may look like extra expenditure, it will help you save money in the case of an emergency.

Prepare A Rough Itinerary That You Can Follow

Having a planned schedule can help you tremendously to remain organized and calm. Firstly, book your flight tickets as they are usually an expensive part of your trip. Try to be flexible with your dates. You can also look for different travel sites that offer complete holiday packages that include flight tickets, accommodation, transportation, and even attractions!

Once you have the dates finalized and flights booked, make a list of the things and sites you would want to try once you reach your destination. Again, be careful with your budget. The internet is full of possibilities to help you save extra bucks, so be very thorough with your research.

Book Your Accommodation Beforehand

Getting a comfortable hotel room can be an additional task that is both time-consuming and exhausting if you don’t book one before – not something you would want to do after you land from a long and tiring flight. There might also be situations where you may not find a room that will put you in a huge predicament. Having no place to sleep doesn’t necessarily spell out a relaxing vacation now, does it?

To avoid these situations, we would recommend you book a hotel room before you start your journey. Look for the best possible hotel that is both safe and has essential amenities for your comfort. In fact, by booking hotel rooms in advance, you will also be able to save a lot of cash.

Pack Lightly But Efficiently

Having a huge suitcase will not only make your journey tedious, but it can also be a task when you are changing hotels. This is precisely why you should take the initiative to pack light whenever you plan on traveling.

Keep only the essential things that you need and try to include outfits that can be mixed and matched. In addition to your wardrobe, don’t forget to take into account other traveling essentials that include a neck pillow, eye mask, earplugs for sleeping, medication, and some snacks.

Lastly, Enjoy Your Trip!

Always keep an open mind whenever you are traveling. Keep your mind away from work or any other issues that may restrict you from feeling free. Remember, your vacation is the time to unwind and relax. You can always pick up with these issues once you return. So until then, keep your daily life at hold and sip that Pina Colada under the golden rays of the Sun.

Resources – AIESEC, Y Travel Blog

First Time Trip 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.

Reasons To Fall In Love With Singapore

February 15, 2019November 20, 2019 AnandPatel

What does the idea of Singapore mean to you?

Does the name make you think of a vibrant, lively and ever-growing island city-state? Or does it conjure up visions of temples, colour and golden beaches? Or perhaps lush, untamed tropical landscapes with abundant wildlife comes to mind? That’s the thing about the Republic of Singapore, it has many sides and much to offer. Not least because it covers 62 smaller islets alongside the main island.

Here are just five reasons to fall in love with Singapore.

Dedicated to delighting visitors

Singapore works hard to make sure its visitors are well looked after, extending the highest possible standards of customer service. Singapore’s Changi airport is regularly recognised as the best in the world (both from industry and consumer bodies). The airport has sleeping areas, a swimming pool, cinema, market food stalls, beauty and reflexology centres, as well as children’s play areas and a nature trail!

The best things come in small packages

This small country packs a mighty punch in its history, landscape and strong national identity, and you can see so much of this without having to travel far.

For example, though Singapore is famous for its stunning architecture and high-end shops, you can still haggle for bargains at timeless local street markets. Also, you could be wandering its bustling city streets, then within a short time move to lounging on vast stretches of flawless sand. It is easy to get around using the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), buses, taxis and water taxis.

Singapore is simply a beach lovers heaven, especially between November and March, when the climate is perfect for swimming, water sports and other activities. However, there are plenty of places to go for privacy and long, solitary walks, too.

All that is modern and marvellous

All around Singapore you can see how visionary architects have used cutting edge creativity to develop the skyline. This is especially true of Marina Bay Sands and Sands Sky Park (nicknamed the “celestial surfboard”) with its awe-inspiring infinity pool views across the city.

Follow this link to research these world-renown developments in more detail.

Meanwhile, at ground level, strict laws and an army of 50,000 staff maintain Singapore’s reputation for having the cleanest streets in the world.

Fabulous food

If all this is not enough to tempt you to book a flight, Singapore has some of the best restaurants and national cuisine of any country. What’s even more tempting is that this diverse and delicious food is also highly affordable.

Such is the wonder of dining out in this country, travel writer Ben Groundwater believes “Food isn’t a reason to visit Singapore – it’s the reason.”

Abundant natural charms

For all the wonders that humankind has brought to Singapore, for many visitors, its primary attraction is a network of islands, places that time forgot.

One of the most popular is Pulau Ubin, which provides a charming window into 1960s Singapore. Sentosa is a well-developed island, including hosting Singapore’s Universal Studios. In sharp contrast, St. John’s Island is a former quarantine station and offers secluded beaches and havens of peace. It’s also a fishing paradise.

To explore Pulau Semakau, which is rich in biodiversity and untamed nature, you have to ask permission of the National Environmental Agency.

Do you fancy spotting seahorses or sharks on a snorkelling adventure? Sisters’ Islands is a popular Marine Park in Singapore.

Clearly, the islands hold adventures and activities, but make sure you use reputable guides and transport. Well thought out travel insurance is a must for any holiday, but particularly if you decide to explore off the beaten track on Singapore’s islands.

Read more about Singapore island adventures with this fascinating guide.