Education & Career Success Guide: travel tips
Showing posts with label travel tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel tips. Show all posts

India's Top Monsoon Destination to Enjoy the Rain

09:55
India's Top Monsoon Destination to Enjoy the Rain

 India's Top  Monsoon Spots to Enjoy the Rain


Introduction:

The Indian monsoon season offers a revitalising allure to several locations throughout the nation. Rainfall enthusiasts will find their ideal spot, be it foggy hills, tumbling waterfalls, or verdant vistas. These are the top ten places to visit during the monsoon season, along with suggestions for photos, neighbouring attractions, food specialities, and travel advice.

1. Munnar, Kerala



Travel by: Train to Aluva, then car/bus
Highlight: Tea gardens, misty mountains, and waterfalls.


Food: Try local delicacies like Kerala Sadya, appam with stew, and freshly brewed tea.

Resorts: At the Munnur resort, you can take use of the tree house service.

Nearby Attractions:

  • Eravikulam National Park
  • Mattupetty Dam
  • Anamudi Peak
  

2. Coorg, Karnataka



Travel by: Train to Mysore, then car/bus
Highlight: Coffee plantations, valleys, and waterfalls

Food: Enjoy Coorgi specialities like Pandi Curry (pork curry), Kadambuttu (rice balls), and Coorgi coffee.

Nearby Attractions:

  • Abbey Falls
  • Raja’s Seat
  • Dubare Elephant Camp

3. Shillong, Meghalaya


Travel by: Plane to Shillong Airport, then car/bus
Highlight: Waterfalls, greenery, and pleasant weather

Food: Taste local favourites like Jadoh (rice and meat dish), Dohneiiong (pork curry), and bamboo shoot pickle.

Nearby Attractions:

  • Elephant Falls
  • Umiam Lake
  • Shillong Peak
4. Goa


Travel by: Plane to Dabolim Airport, train to Madgaon, then car/bus
Highlight: Green countryside and scenic drives

Food: Relish Goan dishes like Goan fish curry, Bebinca (dessert), and Vindaloo.

Nearby Attractions: Dudhsagar Waterfalls
Old Goa Churches
Spice Plantations

5. Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra

Travel by: Train to Pune, then car/bus
Highlight: Viewpoints, greenery, and waterfalls

Food: Savor local foods like strawberries with cream, corn patties, and Puran Poli.

Nearby Attractions: 
Pratapgad Fort
Venna Lake
Mapro Garden
Strawberry 
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Top 5 Best Destinations To Ski In India..

05:00
Top 5 Best Destinations To Ski In India..


The adventurous activity of skiing is something that you can totally look forward to when you plan on visiting a snowy place. But not every place offers a good terrain to ski even if it is covered in snow. You need to have a smooth and fluffy surface that’s not very slippery and lets you glide easily.

Auli, Uttarakhand

Top on our list is India’s Switzerland, the ever-white Auli. It’s snowy, it’s clean and it’s also located way up in the hills at an altitude of 2500-3000 metres from the sea level. Why should you visit Auli for skiing? Well, the government hosts awesome winter sports competitions to encourage skiing and the place has a chairlift, ski lift and cable car facilities to let you have a very enjoyable experience.

Best time to ski: November to March

Pahalgam & Gulmarg, Jammu And Kashmir

Think of snow and the first destination that you can visualise is Kashmir. So ideally, a skiing trip to Kashmir should definitely be in your travel bucket list. Whether it’s the peaks and valleys of the beautiful Pahalgam or the snow-white magnificence of Gulmarg, just take your pick to ski, snowboard and do other activities to get the adrenaline rush that you crave for. It’s the perfect choice for a kiddie trip or an adventure trip with friends.
Best time to ski: December to March (Pahalgam)/January 3rd week to late-February (Gulmarg)

 

Manali, Himachal Pradesh



Head to the picturesque Solang Valley in Manali to have an adventurous dose of skiing. A hit with the family vacationers and adventure enthusiasts alike, the Solang Valley is perfect for snowboarding, ice-skating and other snow sports activities. In fact, Aanchal Thakur, who was the first ever Indian to win an International medal in skiing, hails from a village in Manali only.
Best time to ski: February to mid-April

Kufri, Himachal Pradesh



Situated at an altitude of 2622 metres, Kufri is a very popular spot for skiing in India. The thick snow of the Mahsu ridge in this winter sport capital of Shimla offers the perfect opportunity to skiers. The closest airport to reach Kufri is Jubbarbhatti Airport.
Best time to ski: Early December to early February

 

Dayara Bugyal, Uttarakhand

 

Situated near Uttarkashi, Dayara Bugyal is another heaven for those who are looking forward to slide on snowy slopes. Trekking here in summer season and skiing here in the winter season are the ultimate activities. Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to reach here.
Best time to ski: December to February
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How to Stay Safe When You are Going for Adventures Sports Holidays

02:37
How to Stay Safe When You are Going for Adventures Sports Holidays
Thinking of heading to Rishikesh or Manali for white water rafting and trekking? We have all the details for you, right from how to pack minimal and tips on how to be safe. Happy holidays.
Adventure sports are unique in their adrenaline-inducing capabilities, owing to the thrill and ‘risque’ factor involved. However, a sports lover must venture into such extreme activities after being educated into the art of taking a ‘calculated risk.
Research on your destination and associated safety measures: The success and failure of this industry comes down to one primary aspect and that is safety. One should do some primary research on the company providing their chosen activity before visiting, look up testimonials, ratings and should take appropriate measures. Ask questions about the safety practices followed, understand how disciplined is the organisation in the maintenance of the same.
Pack wisely and smartly for the trip: While going on for an adventure trip, one must pack efficiently and smartly. They should carry all the necessary trip accessories like water bottle, flashlight or torch, portable charger, sunglasses, sleeping bag sheet, medicines and some toiletries in their backpacks.
Loosen up: The whole point of adventure sports is to expand our horizon, shatter the glass ceiling we set for ourselves and step out of our comfort zones.
Acknowledging this larger picture pushes one to truly embrace the experience and squeeze out every ounce of benefit and glory from that one exhilarating opportunity.
The fitness challenge: Understanding your fitness levels is important to get the maximum out of your adventure. Do not put your health at risk by trying something that you are clearly not capable of. Ensure you have got your medical tests done and consulted your doctor before attempting something you have never done before. The tests may vary depending on the nature of the activity you are planning to indulge in.
Get insured: Buy a travel insurance plan that will safeguard you and your loved ones in case of any unforeseen incidents during your adventure trip. Before buying a policy go through the details and consult an expert to see if the plans will cover the mishaps that could result from the sport you are going to attempt. There are many insurance options; however, choosing a suitable one is always a challenge.
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How To Spot Fake Currency From 8 Different Countries

00:59
How To Spot Fake Currency From 8 Different Countries

When you’re on holiday abroad dealing with unfamiliar foreign money, it can be tricky to spot real notes from counterfeit ones. But the same can also be true for British currency if you aren’t aware of the signs to look out for.
The idea of being conned, especially when away from home, most likely fills you with dread.
To stop you being duped and help you spot the imitation from the real deal, some top tips on how to spot counterfeit cash from eight different countries.
US dollars
There are several clues to look out for on an American dollar bill...
1. Fold one side of the note before unfolding it to an angle of around 130˚. Hover a magnet over the '1' and watch closely. If the note moves, it's real.
2. Compare the serial number to the Treasury Seal. If they do not match, the note is a fake.
3. If the serial number matches that of another note, it’s counterfeit. Serial numbers are the biggest giveaways on these notes, so keep your eyes peeled.
4. The note's borders should be clear and unbroken and in no way blurred – if not, your money could be fake.
Euros
1. When you tilt the Euro notes of €50, €100, €200 or €500 you should see the numbers changing colour from purple to olive green or brown. This is a feature that real notes have so if it doesn't do this you may have counterfeit cash.
2. Check the microprint through a magnifying glass – real notes are clear and sharp.
3. Authentic Euro notes are bumpy to the touch where the print is raised. Run your fingers across the note to check.
Australian dollars
1. Hold the Australian dollar up to the light to check if you can see the Australian Coat of Arms on the right-hand side of the note. It needs this mark to be real.
2. There should be raised ink on the darker areas of the banknotes – feel with your finger to check.
3. Look for the round circle with the diamond-shaped pattern, then hold it up to the light. If real, the patterns will line up to form a seven-pointed star.
Japanese yen
1. When you tilt the note, the cherry blossom hologram should change colour and design. If it doesn't, you've got a fake.
2. Viewed at an angle, the value of the note will appear on the bottom left of the front side, while the word 'NIPPON' ('Japan' in Japanese) will show on the top right of the back.
3. If you've got ultraviolet light available then you can check to see if the note has the Governor’s seal on the front side. It should glow orange under this light.
Mexican peso
1. All Mexican banknotes have a watermark added to them. To check of its existence, view the note through a backlight – the silhouette image should appear in an otherwise clear area of the note.
2. The larger currency notes in Mexico have a security bar printed on them. This thread-like structure should look perfectly complete when held up to the light.
Canadian dollars
1. To the right-hand side of a Canadian note, check that the large frame around the metallic portrait of the Queen and a building is transparent. If not, it's a fake.
2. Tilt the note to check that the building on the cash changes colour. This is a sign of authenticity.
3. On the left-hand side of the Queen there should be a maple leaf against a transparent background.
United Arab Emirates dirham

1. If the dirham note is smooth all over and not raised in places, there's a chance it could be a fake.
2. Under ultraviolet light, the value of the note should appear in bright red, gold and green.
3. The metallic thread that runs across the note should be unbroken and dark. This is a sign that it's genuine.
British pounds
As well as foreign currency, it's also essential to be clued up with the signs of counterfeit notes on money closer to home...
1. Remember that British currency notes come in a range of sizes. Notes get slightly larger as they increases in value, so a £5 note should never be the same size as another value.
2. Real £5 and £10 notes have a transparent window with a clearly defined portrait of the Queen and the value of the note printed twice around the edge.
3. When holding £20 and £50 notes up to the light, check for the watermark – an image of the Queen in the clear oval area in the middle of the note.
4. A thread should appear as a continuous dark line on British notes. However, with the £20 note a dashed silver metallic thread runs from top to bottom on the note's reverse side.
5. Ultraviolet light can help decipher whether the note is real or not. Under this light the number on each note should appear vibrant and bright – contrasting dramatically against a dull background.
6. For the £5 and £10 note, the ultraviolet effect will make the number of the value on the note appear bright red and green.
7. The words 'Bank of England' will be raised on a real note.
So now you know the signs, you can enjoy your holiday knowing you aren't being conned with counterfeit money.
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Foreigners To Keep In Mind Before Visiting the USA

13:55
Foreigners To Keep In Mind Before Visiting the USA


What foreigners need to know before visiting the US –

Before visiting a country it's critical to learn about what is considered socially acceptable, to avoid raising eyebrows or offending anyone. Many of the traditions and cultural norms that Americans find to be completely normal leave the rest of the world utterly confused. Here is a list of 30 things for travelers to keep in mind before heading to the US.

"Horse-laughing" - In Japan, people (women in particular) are expected to cover their mouths when they laugh. In the USA, it is considered normal and in some cases more genuine to laugh loudly with your mouth wide open.

Strangers smile at you for no apparent reason - Americans are often seen as overly friendly, to the point of it being strange for people who aren't used to it. In the US it is seen as polite to smile at people you pass by on the street.

College sports obsession - Sports are nothing short of an obsession in the United States, and college football games are often just as, if not more popular, than the big leagues.

Valet is a forced privilege - It is common for businesses in metropolitan cities to have strictly valet parking, so you have to pay a fee and wait at least 15 minutes for something you could have easily done yourself.

Prescription drug commercials - Despite the taboos and harsh criminal punishment around "illicit" drugs, prescription drugs are far more accepted. They are often advertised on television alongside ads for breakfast cereals and children's toys.


Terms of endearment - "Sweetie" and "honey" are nicknames used freely among lovers, friends, and strangers alike. These terms don't hold the same weight as they do in other cultures, and the word love is often thrown around as well.

Road rage is a reality - In the US people can become explosively angry at the wheel for an array of reasons from driving too slow to cutting someone off. Though people are generally polite in conversation, it's not uncommon for people to yell or even use obscene gestures when frustrated in traffic.

You don't know prices upfront - Sales tax is rarely included on price tags, so you will typically not know how much something actually costs until you reach the check-out counter.

Personal space is HUGE - Even though Americans can be very touchy with friends, the rules for strangers are very different. It is seen as odd or rude to stand too close to someone, or sit next to a stranger on a bus or in a cafeteria when other seats are available.


Tipping is mandatory - Gratuity is not only expected, but there is an entire system behind how much you should tip based on the performance of your server and the number of members in your party. The general rule is 20%.

Lawsuits are a way of life - Speaking of commercials again, lawyers are also advertised frequently on television. Anything from slipping on a front step to finding something in your food can lead to a court case in the US.


Putting feet up on everything - In many cultures, it is seen as highly disrespectful to show others the bottom of your feet, but not in the US. People often put their feet up on coffee tables or on car dashboards without a second thought.

Exaggeration - The words "awesome," "amazing," and "hilarious" are thrown around regularly about everyday things. By contrast, minor inconveniences are often talked about in dramatic ways.

Everything is so inspiring - As a French blogger put it, "The books are inspiring, everyday people are inspiring (such as all the people with children and a job at the same time, teachers, etc...). I confess that I have a little trouble with this cult of everyday heroes."

Politeness is expected—but it doesn't mean friendship - According to German blogger Otto Buchenegger, while there are of course genuine friendships in the US, someone being friendly to you is often a courtesy, and does not automatically mean they want to be your friend.


Kissing on the cheek is not a thing - Unlike many European countries, kissing on the cheek as seen as an intimate gesture in the US and not typically done with strangers. Instead, people tend to shake hands when meeting someone or in a professional setting, and hug when greeting a friend.

Table etiquette - It is considered in poor taste to use your phone or slurp. However, unlike many other countries, Americans only use their dominant hand to eat, trading their fork from one side to the other if they need to cut something. It is also seen as very strange to sit next to a table that others are already sitting at in a restaurant even if the seats are open.

Most food is anything but American - While fast food burger joints are in no way hard to find, restaurants in the US tend to be much more international. From Vietnamese to Peruvian to Greek, Americans love to dabble in different types of food from all over the world.


Timeliness is expected - One thing that most people agree on is that being on time is a serious sign of respect in the US. It is considered incredibly rude to be late and make others wait for you.

Gay/lesbian tourists are advised to stay in cities - According to Lonely Planet, "In the rural heartland, however, life can look more like the Fifties—homosexuals are still oppressed and commonly reviled. Gay travelers need to watch their step to avoid hassles and possible aggression."


Eating with hands and utensils - Most cultures either use their hands or utensils to eat, but in the US they use both, and when you should use each is far from obvious. For example, you would use a fork to eat baked chicken but fried chicken you would eat with your hands.

Bringing a gift when invited to dinner - While no extravagant gifts are expected, it is customary to bring a small offering such as flowers or a bottle of wine when you are invited into someone's home.

Talk about politics/religion at your own risk - While Americans can be open to talking about controversial topics, politics have become increasingly divisive over the years. Let's put it this way, leaving religion and politics out of dinner conversation is an unspoken rule for a reason.

Turning right on red instead of roundabouts - While they do exist, roundabouts are not nearly as common in the US as they are in other developed nations. To counteract this there is a loophole that you can turn right on a red light unless a road sign says otherwise.

You don't have to finish your plate - There is a reason that America is one of the global leaders when it comes to food waste. Portion sizes are often too large, so it is not usually considered rude to throw out the rest of your food if you can't finish it.


Strict laws on alcohol - Unlike the rest of the world, the legal drinking age in the United States is 21. As the site USA for you put it, "If you go into a club, the man at the entrance will ask you for a document proving your age; same thing in a bar when you order a beer or even just in a supermarket!"

Gun culture is alive and well - Guns are deeply entrenched in American culture and the issue of gun laws is a highly controversial topic. It is seen as completely normal to own multiple guns and go to shooting ranges recreationally.


Needing a zip code to pump gas - Using a credit card from outside of the US can be a problem because the machines ask for a zip code. Similarly, your zip code is asked for buying subway tickets in New York, but in that case, you can just press 99999 with an international card.

Public transportation is typically limited - Except for some of the larger metropolitan areas like San Francisco and New York City, many areas of the US have limited and indirect public transportation systems compared to the rest of the developed world.

Hostels aren't that common - While they do exist, hostel culture isn't nearly as abundant in the US as it is in Europe. It is much more common to stay at motels or hotels on vacation. For the record, motels can actually be decent—despite what you see in movies.
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What You Should Never Do When You Travel

23:31
What You Should Never Do When You Travel


Traveling can no doubt bring about waves of unwanted stress and anxiety. No one is immune to that feeling of being unprepared for a trip. All you can do is take care of what you can actually control. Have you given thought to how you will survive if you are on the longest non-stop flight in the world? How about which app you will use to secure transport from the airport? The good news is there are many ways to curb these nagging uncertainties.

Have a bulky suitcase



Pack like a pro. Most people, especially if in a rush, just grab a pile of fresh clothes and throw it into your duffel bag or a bulky suitcase. Organize your luggage to save space. The lighter the suitcase, the better. Having a bulky suitcase just adds unnecessary strain and limits you from being able to bring your bag on the plane. It won’t hurt to reduce the amount of items you are taking. Whether you are flying, driving or taking the train, an easy way to achieve more space and have perfect wrinkle-free clothing is to use a vacuum compressor.

Change money at the airport



Unless you have money to spare, don’t exchange currency at airports or train stations. They are known to obscene exchange rates and hidden fees. The safest place to exchange money is a bank even though the rates there are not the best. For those you should ask the locals; taxi drivers can be a great source of such useful information.

Turn off the air vent over your seat


This is a precautionary measure to prevent any germs from landing on you. Set the vent to a medium at least and wear a sweater if you are too cold. There are conflicting studies about whether the air in a cabin is germ-laden or as dirty as a regular office area, but better be safe than sorry, right? It is very important to ventilate for airborne viruses.

WEAR TIGHT CLOTHES


It’s a good idea to wear clothing that covers as much of your body as possible because everything it touches – seats on a plane and at an airport especially – has most likely not being cleaned in days. Just imagine how many germs are hiding there waiting for a new host – your body. Wear loose and stretchy clothing which will help with sleeping better on planes. Try wearing a soft shirt and definitely wear comfortable undergarments. Loose outfits can also help against deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which occurs when your circulation is restricted.

Not preparing for jet lag in advance

Don’t ignore your internal clock and spare yourself from a tough adjustment later. You’ll be grateful you did this if you have the time. Start 3-4 days before your flight. Slowly alter your sleeping schedule to reflect the regular bedtime in the country’s you’ll be staying. Fall asleep earlier than usual if you’re going east, and a bit later if your destination is west.

Carry original ID


It’s understandable to think you may need an official form of ID just in case you have a run-in with the cops. But would it not be worse to lose your passport? Unless you are at a destination that doesn’t require them, you’re in trouble. Play it safe and make copies of your IDs, travel itineraries and other important documents. Have the copies on you all the time and keep the originals in a safe place.

Disregard Plan B


The least pleasant part about planning a trip is planning for the worst, but it’s necessary because a catastrophe can and does happen occasionally. What if you get a flat tire in the middle of nowhere in the winter? What if your credit card gets stolen and you haven’t called the bank to let them know you’re traveling? Avoid being stranded without access to your money, and have a checklist of items you must have in your car.

Sit too much



Soaring at 30,000 feet is not a natural process. It can wreak havoc on your body, even though the nasty side effects don’t usually result in long-lasting damage. In addition to staying hydrated, which will help you feel better, doing a few simple stretches will get your blood flowing, massage your muscles and internal organs, and relieve anxiety. You are putting your health at risk if you are sitting for prolonged periods of time – this is anything more than two hours at a time.

Use airline blankets


Think twice before laying your head on the pillow or blanket that is located at your seat. They are recycled flight after flight and never changed until they are discarded on the last flight, according to flight attendants. The only time it is ever safe to use these blanket is if they are wrapped in newly marked plastic that has not yet been opened, which is generally on the very first flight of the day.

Ignore the locals’ language


Learning a few words in the local language can open many doors for you. People appreciate when tourists try to learn as much as possible about the daily life and it pleases them to see that others respect them so much they try to speak to them in their own language. Speaking the local language, at least some basic greeting, is a perfect ice breaker, too

Keep cameras hanging from your neck



Nothing says “I’m a tourist” more than a camera hanging from your neck. Depending on what city you are exploring, and especially if you’re touring it alone, you may want to avoid the typical “I’m not from here” look because this is how you attract petty thieves. Attacks are often directed at foreign travelers because they are presumed to carry a lot of cash and not know the ins and outs of a city.

Fly with your contact lenses on



It’s always better to fly with glasses on instead of contact lenses. You may have noticed that the air in the plane is warm and dry. This is almost certainly irritating to your eyes. Rubbing them often is not a good idea. Also, you shouldn’t be sleeping with lenses on. Taking them on and putting them on a few times in a crowded place where germs have no way of escaping is probably not a good idea


Fly in the middle of the day


There are a handful of benefits to flying at night—typically lower rates, fewer delays, less crowded airports and the potential to sleep through the flight—but what many people don’t realize is that there are also fewer delays during the morning. After analyzing 6 million flights, experts recommend avoiding flights between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. to dodge delays that get worse as the day goes on.

Drink too much



A guaranteed way to prevent you from sleeping on a plane is by drinking alcohol. Studies have shown that in healthy people, acute high alcohol doses disturb sleep. Alcohol disrupts your sleep patterns by compromising the body’s ability to return to homeostasis, its normal operating functions. Also, alcohol dehydrated the body, which causes a vicious cycle of problems on its own.

Forget to download your own entertainment

 

Charge all of you electronic devices and download all of the movies, shows, videos, music and games you know you’ll be watching, listening to or playing. You can’t count on the airport or airline’s Wi-Fi, which is often not free and slow. Don’t waste a minute being annoyed; it’s not good for your health.

Put ice in your drinks on an airplane


EPA tests show that one out of every 10 planes still has bacteria in water served on board. Even though standards have risen and airlines have begun to serve water from bottles instead of from the tap, this is hardly the case for ice cubes. Don’t trust that the water tanks on a plane are new or that they have recently been tested for bacteria. Keep drinking bottled water and skip the ice

Fall asleep before takeoff




There is a scientific reason why you should be awake when the plane takes off and when it lands. When it ascends and descends the air pressure in the cabin changes quickly with the altitude. You have to be prepared to adjust, otherwise your eardrums will pay the price. The changed air pressure in the ear leads to a vacuum in the Eustachian tubes which makes the ears feel blocked. You have to be awake so you can swallow as often as possible to equalize the pressure and “unblock” the ears.

Try to kiss the flight attendant



This is just one of many outrageous requests people have made of flight attendants. Flight attendants are sometimes asked for assistance in solving love problems, but kissing you shouldn’t be one of them. Crew members are not the passengers’ servants. Flight attendants have a tremendous amount of information pertaining to how you can avoid baggage fees and likely have some tips on how you can be treated like a celebrity and have a stress-free trip. But you won’t benefit from any of that information if you engage in certain behaviors.
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