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“What’s there to see in a city rammed with a mad surge of development, traffic congestion, and rising pollution levels?”, I asked my local friend Ganesh on my fourth visit to Bangalore. Apparently, there’s a lot to explore in the City that gradually evolved from being the Garden City to the Silicon Valley of India. The rise of start-up culture in Bengaluru, the official name of the city, reflects a blend of old and new – some parts with historical monuments will take you back in the memory lane, while others with the high-rise corporate complexes will make you feel you are in a global city. If you just have 72 hours on hand, then you have reached the right place to find out the best things to do in Bangalore.
The cosmopolitan Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore) is one of India’s most progressive and developed cities, blessed with a round-the-year pleasant climate and an ever-mushrooming gastronomical and shopping scene. What the city lacks in world-famous sights, makes up with lovely parks and striking Victorian-era architecture. There’s always something going in the restless and young city to keep you busy.
So, if you just have few days on hand, here’s what I recommend:
Being a Culturephile, this place was high on my list as it is an epitome of great architecture and beauty. Built in the year of 1878, Bangalore Palace exudes the spice of old regal opulence of one of the most powerful dynasties of Southern India. Spread in a humungous 45,000 square feet area, it’s a great piece of art reflecting the mix of Tudor and Scottish Gothic Architecture. As per Legend, King Chamarajendra Wadiyar drew his inspiration from the Windsor Castle of London.
Another landmark site that surprised me with its art collection was the National Gallery of Modern Art. Spanning across 3.5 acres, it is housed in the erstwhile mansion of Mysore royal family and was opened to the public in 2009. Besides the paintings, sculptures, graphic prints; I loved the examples of early photography in India which showcased the historical development of modern art in India.
Looking for things to do in Bangalore? Visit National Gallery of Modern Art, Bangalore
The heart of the Garden city resides in Lalbagh Botanical Garden, which is world-renowned for botanical artwork, scientific study of plants and conservation of plants. Walking through the 240 acres of the Garden, I didn’t realise it has 1,854 species of plants. My local friend Ganesh told me it was commissioned by Hyder Ali in 1760 and completed by his son Tipu Sultan. The garden features rare plants from around the world. One thing that you can’t miss in the Garden is the over 3000 million years old Lal Bagh Rock. Besides the largest collection of rare plants, it also consists a glass house where an annual flower show is held every year and is also a home to an aquarium and a lake.
Spread over an area of 300 acres, Cubbon Park set in the green belt region of the city was my favourite place to go to after a busy day. The green foliage and the calm environs of the park is a perfect antidote for deadline-driven life in a metro. Although I couldn’t attend any live event I saw the bandstand that hosts concerts. The park also houses Bangalore Aquarium, the second largest aquarium in India.
Located 22 km away from the humdrum of Bangalore, the Bannerghatta National Park is a haven for nature and wildlife lovers. Spread over a massive area of around 104.27 sq. km, this national park is most famous for the country’s first butterfly park. Besides that, there are ten Reserve Forests, an aquarium, a zoo, Children’s park, Crocodile Farm, Snake Park, Prehistoric Animals’ Park and a museum. You can even get up close and personal with the wildlife here through a jungle safari. You can spot Lions, Tigers, Crocodiles amongst numerous others in the park.
One of a most popular shopping and entertainment hub of Bangalore is swarmed with people at almost all the time. It is a must visit place to shop for beautiful silk sarees and handicrafts. And, don’t forget to visit Higginbothams, Bangalore’s oldest bookstore founded in 1844.
A one-stop destination for purchasing garments, imitation jewellery, sports goods, footwear and affordable antiques. But before you visit it to brace yourself to walk a lot and bargain.
One of the oldest commercial districts of the city has a formidable history of 400 years, and Bangaloreans swear by the quality and variety of saris and wholesale dress materials you get in this famous market. Great place to shop for your gold and silver jewellery
A bit intimidating for the first-time visitors to Bangalore, Jayanagar is a heaven for shoppers. You can shop for almost anything under the sun. And don’t forget to indulge in Southern Indian snacks at Shenoy Stores, chaat and pani puri at Rakesh Kumar, and desserts at Cool Point.
Named after the nearby Kaadu Malleswara Temple, this A traditional market is famous for its flower market, herbs, spices, and vegetables.
Besides the above five markets, if you have time and looking for the best places to shop in bangalore, don’t forget to visit the Brigade Road, UB City, Gandhi Bazar and Avenue road for retail and culinary delight.
Bangalore is well connected by frequent flights from all major cities in India and abraod such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and many more. However, please note that Bangalore’s Kempegowda international airpor is located in Devanahalli, which is considerably far (35 kms) from the main city. So, keep at least 2hrs extra. However, the airport is well connected with the city through Taxis, and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC airport shuttle service available 24/7 at the Bangaluru Airport. A fleet of comfortable, air-conditioned Volvo buses – ‘VayuVajra’ – make almost 251 trips each day on 11 routes, connecting the airport and city at a frequency of 30 minutes, and at affordable prices. You can find the bus time table and more details at Bangaluru Airport Shuttle service
Bangalore is connected to different state destinations through four main railway stations: Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna Railway Station (The main Bangalore City Station at Majestic), Bangalore Cantonment railway station, Yeshwantapur junction, and Krishnarajapuram railway station.
BMTC buses are the cheapest means of public transport in Bangalore. Kempegowda Bus Stand (also known as Majestic) and Shivajinagar are the major bus terminals.
Bangalore’s Namma Metro may not have as wide network as DMRC, but it is perhaps the most reliable transport option in the city, especially when commuting longer distances. Service operating hours are daily 5 AM to 11 PM with a 4–20 minutes wait time in between two trains.
Uber and Ola are pretty good but don’t expect as fast service as you get in Delhi and Mumbai. Other taxi options are City Taxis and Meru Cabs
Autos are the most convenient option for shorter distances in Bangalore. Drivers usually follow the meter, but could refuse depending on distance, weather, peak hours or even the mood mood of the driver. Autos can also be booked through Ola and Uber apps.
So, this is how I spent my 72 hours in the silicon valley of India. Anything you would like to add to the things to do in Bangalore? I am sure I didn’t even touch the tip of the iceberg. With all its non-stop energy, colour, vibrancy, heritage and variety, Bangalore is not to miss.
This story was published in the January Issue of Malindo Mag (Malindo Air in-flight magazine): Bengaluru – Silicon Valley of India
As 2018 approaches us, it’s time to look back and reflect on the highs and lows of the year. Although every year is dubbed “a year like no other.” But looking at the Year in Review, 2017 truly was more dramatic and memorable than many other years in recent memory.
In the last twelve months, we took our cameras out to capture the total eclipse, used the hashtag #metoo to support the “The Silence Breakers” , watched on loop the Prince Harry and Meghan Markle engagement, laughed and argued on Trump policies, came under a renewed threat of nuclear war, prayed for hurricane victims, argued on the skirt length of Priyanka Chopra and the list goes on. 2017 was a whirlwind year. However, for the travel industry, it seemed to be a good year in general.
When I look back at the 2017 year in Review, only one thing comes to my mind – GRATITUDE. 2017 was a milestone year for me, where I took the biggest risk of my life. I decided to quit my high-profile Expat life to lead an unstable digital nomad life. And, it did not happen after reading a click-bait article ‘How I quit my million-dollar job to travel.’ It was a well-planned decision. We’ll discuss this topic some other time.
Today, I want to share the biggest wealth I accrued in 2017 – genuine connections I made with a tribe of passionate travelers. Though I met countless people some of them stood out. Continuing my annual series of Year in Review, here are the 12 Travel Experts I met in 2017 and their inspiring travel stories to spark the inner wanderlust in you. Adventure or a new culture? There’s something here for you in the 2017 Year in Review.
Being Irish is not just about ‘beer-soaked revelries’ or holding the passport of the sexiest nationality. It is a unique mindset to genuinely connect and convert gloomy to cheerful. You don’t need to remind Irish people how much their connections matter. It’s all a part of the Irish craic. They are engaging, polite, relaxed, unassuming and genuinely interested in you. And, I must admit Michael Collins is all of this and much more. Perhaps he is one of the coolest Irish I met in 2017 (and trust me I have met quite a few).
Magnificent and wild as the Wild Atlantic Way, Michael is a person you’ll like the very first time you meet him. His gift of gab combined with a pleasing personality is as addictive as a pint of Guinness. What I really liked about him is that despite being super busy and sitting on top of the hierarchy chain, he is always there for you. Whether you want to burn the dance floor after the ‘after-party’ or have an in-depth discussion on Brexit or just simply seek some advice on your chosen career path; Michael will always have your back covered.
Now, let’s hear from the man himself.
Cleveland, Ohio. September. I know, not very glamorous. I attended Content Marketing World for the first time this year. I speak at a lot of conferences and love sharing knowledge and case-studies, but it’s important to always keep learning. I haven’t learned as much at a conference in a long time. CMW is superb. In particular, I really liked the Conversion Optimisation talks by Andy Crestodina.
We have a number of new international clients coming on-stream in 2018, with an even bigger emphasis on video marketing. Anyone who knows me, knows I am a big fan of YouTube. So, it’s great to have new clients who understand the importance of video marketing and want to invest in video.
Short term I am going to be spending the Christmas and New Year in Girona, Costa Brava, and Valencia. I am a huge fan of Catalunya and Spain and love the food. So that’s exciting.
Gosh. So many.
The Walled Off hotel in the West Bank, Bethlehem. It’s not a great photo, but visiting the hotel and the West Bank was one of the most interesting and thought-provoking things I did this year.
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If PASSION is ever personified, it would look a lot like Two for the Road. I met this ‘Made for each other’ adventurous couple for the very first time during TBEX Huntsville and I can’t tell you how grateful I am to have bumped into them. They are my favourite Travel couple. Their infectious energy and bubbly personalities can bring a smile even on the face of ‘forever grumpy’ Trump. What I like most about them is their PASSION for adventure. Yes, they are so passionate it reflects not only in their work but drinks too: P They are quirky and great fun to hang out with. I love their travel show Two for the Road, where they share their adventure travel experiences in a fresh and exciting way. They have set huge benchmarks for couple travel goals. Let’s hear their story:
We enjoyed so many incredible moments in 2017! But one of our favorites happened during our recent trip to Ireland. Ireland had been on our “bucket list” for years and years and years, and we were so excited to finally make the trip this past October! And the experience was everything we’d always hoped it would be, from beginning to end. The people, the food, the music, the beer, the landscape… Ireland quickly became one of our favorite places in the world, just as we knew it would! And the crowning moment of this amazing journey came at the end. Sunset, on our very last day. With our camera gear in tow, we climbed a hill atop Clogher Head on the Dingle Peninsula – very near the westernmost point in all of Ireland – where we sat alone and watched one of the most spectacular sunsets we’ve ever seen, in one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever been. [*sigh*] Quite a moment indeed. And one heck of a way to end that adventure.
SO much coming up in 2018, but what we’re excited most excited about is (drumroll please) …. the launch of our second season of Two for the Road! Yep! That’s right! The second season of our adventure travel show will kick off in mid-January of 2018. The show will be available nationwide on PBS stations across the United States. And later in the year, it will be available on Create TV as well, bringing the show to 92% of the country. We’re SUPER excited about that! Can you tell? When it comes to the show, we do everything ourselves. That includes writing, hosting, producing, editing, the whole nine yards! As you can imagine, it’s a mountain of work. So, to actually see it on TV is an absolute dream come true. And we still have to pinch ourselves sometimes. Good stuff!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Travel is knowledge! The more you get to know the locals and allow them to get to know you, the richer the experience! Oh! And don’t forget to wear sunscreen!
The 2017 Year in Review – Dusty & Nikki Green
We were traveling through southern China filming episodes for the TV show and captured this spectacular scene walking above the rice terraces near the village of Ping’An. And talk about good timing! There was a pouring rain coming down on us as we made the 45-minute hike up to the village, but luckily the rain stopped, the clouds parted, and a soft golden sun broke free above the valley as we climbed above the terraces to get this shot. And it remains one of the most beautiful, surreal, dream-like things we’ve ever seen. Wow!
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When imagination and rare talent fuses together, a legendary artist is born. I am privileged to have met David this year. Before I met him, Plausible Maps didn’t exist in my dictionary. Don’t open your dictionaries yet, I am explaining what he does. David draws imaginary maps of real places on any form – body, wood, furniture…you name it and he can draw it for you. Those places look so real you’ll think they exist in reality. That’s the kind of detailing he does. And, I can say that by experiencing it first-hand. He is extremely meticulous about his work and would go any length for it. Going by the work he does, you would think he would be a serious kind of person. But looks are deceptive. After all, he hasn’t lost touch with his Brit humour despite staying in the US for long. He lives in the Rocket City of Huntsville but his work takes him around the country. He has even appeared on Samantha Brown’s show. Let’s hear his thoughts on 2017 & 2018:
I have two moments really, one was “popping” over to England to spend time with my family and attend my Dad’s 80th birthday. His health is not that great, so it caused more thoughts and reflections. I spent quite a bit of time going through the old suitcase in the attic that held a lot of the family photographs. Found pictures that I had forgotten about and some that I did not know existed!
The other was being asked to speak at TBEX and getting to meet and be filmed by Samantha Brown for an episode of her upcoming show to be aired on PBS sometime in January or February 2018. That could really boost my mapping art and allow me to travel to more places to talk about my work, conduct demonstrations and possibly help in other ways too!
I am excited to travel with a different purpose. I plan to be able to travel to other places and have several customers in those places for my Human Terrain maps, where I draw temporary fictional maps on their skin. To have places that I want to visit and people there that want my artwork on them will be an exciting combination.
A slightly weird thing that I have done, that has always worked… picking restaurants based on the architecture of the building. Even more specifically an older restored building in a downtown area of American cities. I have found that when someone cares enough about the building and the location (not necessarily with the highest traffic count) that the food has always been good. Not always cheap, but always good! Often it is one of very few businesses open in the evening that is in the downtown that is now somewhat deserted.
This is a view looking west from the Sky deck in the Willis Tower in Chicago (formerly the Sears Tower). I love it so much somewhat because it is “me” – looking down on the world and imagining the map that would represent this. Also, this was a night out from a business trip based an hour west of downtown. I took the train into Union Station, walked to the Tower and spent about 3 hours watching the changing light, sunset and then the illuminations of the city. And…. I spent the week in a basement with the GIS department!
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The 2017 Year in Review – Renata
A girl born in a small town called Três Rios, 3 hours inland driving from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil dared to dream big. From growing up in a town that did not even have a movie theater to presenting live the world’s biggest Sports spectacle – FIFA World Cup; Renata is a living testimony on how hard work and talent can chase any dream in the world. She’s a former newscaster and FIFA manager. After a very successful TV Career in Journalism, she now works as a content producer specialized in travel. She currently resides in the US and I was extremely lucky to travel with her to one of the most important places in the history of the United States – Birmingham, Alabama. Birmingham is the birthplace of Civil Rights Movement. It was here, I closely saw how passionate and dedicated she is towards her work. Let’s hear more from herself:
Returning to Russia after 11 years and seeing all the changes the country has been through was by far my most defining experience. I spent one month in Moscow in 2006, when simply trying to know what you were eating was an adventure. In 2017, I spent another month in Russia, visiting Moscow and Saint Petersburg, and the difference is like night and day. Today you can feel that people are more open, there are more people speaking English, more signs in English and the whole experience got much smoother. This was something I didn’t expect, and it was amazing to witness.
Russia again! I’m a huge fan of the FIFA World Cup. Growing up in Brazil, football is part of your life, and every 4 years we get incredibly excited about this tournament. In 2018, the World Cup will be in Russia. I’ve been to the past 3 World Cups and have the best memories ever! I’m not sure yet I’ll travel to Russia again next year, but I’d love to.
Consider also enjoying your stopovers while flying. I mean, instead of just staying in the airport waiting for your connection, give yourself a few days and go explore the city. This is what I did a few months ago. I wanted to visit my family in Brazil, but flights from the USA were expensive. Instead, I found a cheaper flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina, that had a stopover in Sao Paulo. So, I booked this flight, with a 2-week window to stay in Sao Paulo, and only then continued for a third week in Buenos Aires, which was supposed to be my primary destination. I got 2 places instead of one, and a much better deal.
I accidentally took it with the GoPro while I was preparing to vlog at Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. I love it because It’s a unique perspective of a very well-known place, where I’ve been multiple times and never get tired of it! I also got some great feedback on social media, so I guess people agree with me – hehehe!
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Knowing someone is like listening to music. What attracts us to them is their melody, and as we get to learn who they are, we learn their lyrics. Same happened when I got to know the beautiful Kristen Gill. We were acquaintances before we became friends during our Experience Romania trip. As a Romanian gentleman said, “She is like Summer – cheerful and bright.” With her around, no moment is a dull moment. On the professional front, she represents the shrinking tribe of travel journalists, for whom a story matters over glossiness. A person, who would hang out with locals than going berserk clicking pics. For her, the true essence of travel is to immerse in the local culture and share the stories that are often not visible to the naked eyes. She is a great company and an encyclopedia when it comes to travel journalism. Also, you just can’t keep up with her energy on the dance floor. Even with a broken leg, she’ll beat you hands down. Now let’s hear more from her:
Let’s hear what he wants to say:
My most defining travel moment this year was a trip I took directly after the TBEX conference in Ireland. Going back to County Mayo, where my Grandpa Gill was born 95 years ago was exhilarating. It’s such a different place now than when he left it to come to the USA and start his family so many years ago. Returning to the region as a seasoned travel writer/blogger helped me come full circle and realize what it means to find “home.”
I’m most excited about heading back down to my “happy place” in Baja California Sur, Mexico for six weeks, where I’ll immerse myself in Spanish lessons, swim with whale sharks, watch the gray whale migration, and eat lots of fish tacos. After that, I’ll be excited to see what new places and opportunities arise (plans are in the making).
Put down your darn phone and look up every once in a while. You are guaranteed to have a more meaningful travel experience if you engage in conversation and share your thoughts with the people from the country/culture you are visiting. You never know where a smile and a hello can take you!
The 2017 Year in Review – Kristen Gill
I love this picture from a recent trip to Romania because you can see the sheer joy on my face and my sense of wonderment at learning a new culture. I also like that it’s a candid shot and not a selfie, which is rare when I’m usually traveling solo!
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There’s a famous saying, “If you want to attract positive things into your life, then begin now by spreading positive energy about.” Jeannette is one of the most positive persons I met in 2017. She is a is a Bilingual Lifestyle TV Host, Travel Journalist, Travel Expert and an International Public Speaker based out of Los Angeles. Like Kristen, I met her during the Experience Romania Trip and we hit it off like a house on fire. She is a meticulous planner and spends hours in preparation. And, travel is not an escape for her. She constantly uses it to make a difference in others life. She leaves a positive impact wherever she goes. It’s impossible to not like her. Let’s hear more from her:
I am grateful to have experienced so many incredible moments in 2017. Honestly, it’s a tie between speaking at a travel conference for Experience Romania and attending The Travel + Social Good Global Summit at The United Nations. Both experiences had a profound impact on me personally and professionally. I felt even more compelled to share my passion for travel with the public during both events. And I discovered new ways that I could contribute and make a positive impact in the world.
Wow! I am excited to make an even BIGGER difference in the world through travel. I am thrilled to start writing a book. I want to share my global experiences and shed light on all the good that’s happening in the world with the public. And I plan to finally set time aside to do just that. After I was told by a fifth inspirational professional that I had to write a book. And I am excited to speak to more students, women and the general public next year about travel. I want to build a legacy like Oprah. A global platform for inspiration and philanthropy. I am excited to be involved with more non-profit organizations like The Free Wheelchair Mission and Synergy of Empowered Women. Honestly, I am just touching the surface. And I know next year will be even more amazing than I can imagine.
Travel as much and as far as you can. I hear why people don’t think they can travel all the time (Money, time or fear). However, I love to show people that travel is a mindset. As Henry Ford once said, “If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.” Additionally, I feel like travel can be within your own city. Travel does not always have to be far and luxurious. Every time we walk outside of our homes we become “travelers.”
The 2017 Year in Review -Jeannette Ceja
My best photo of 2017 has to be me standing inside the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. The moment was captured shortly before I would attend the Travel + Social Good Global Summit along with five United Nations Ambassadors and 150 of the top travel innovators in the world. The United Nations represents everything I am passionate about. I felt like a kid going to Disneyland for the first time. I was living a dream in real time. And I had to pinch myself because I could not believe what an incredible opportunity this was. I am so grateful to have that experience. You can see in my face that I can’t hide my emotions or happiness. And that’s what life is all about.
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I happened to bump into this dashing traveler on my first press trip of 2017 to the country of Santa Claus and Reindeer – Finland. The trip became a memorable trip, thanks to easy going people like him. After our trip, we concluded Aurora Borealis is a farce. Because if you don’t see it, it doesn’t exist, right? That’s an inside joke we have invented to keep our sorrows at bay. Jokes apart, I really loved knowing him as a person and as a professional. He is India’s one of the most well-known travel bloggers and a mini-celeb (correction – Macro). Besides his chaste Lucknowi andaaz (mannerism), what I like about him is his chilled-out attitude and clarity of purpose. He’s down to earth, not at all insecure and gets along with everyone. Let’s hear what he wants to say:
Tough to answer, but I think it was traveling to Kathmandu in Nepal recently. My mother traveled here at a time when I was growing rapidly within her, and in a way, it was the beginning of my life as a traveler. Somehow, I never came back to the city, until now…in my mind, I was completely an imaginary circle 🙂
I am hoping to visit Kashmir early next year, as of now that’s keeping me excited. Apart from that my travel plans are fluid and I finalise them at the last minute only.
Don’t think, just go out. Travel.
The 2017 Year in Review – Siddhartha Joshi
There are tons of photos but to me a photo which evokes memories is special. Here’s one of from Ellora caves – a trip I made with my better half who happens to be an architect. It was lovely discovering the place together – she told me stories from the past while I tried to make new ones.
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“Not all those who wander are lost.” These immortal words by J.R.R. Tolkien perfectly describe Garret. For him, travel is not merely visiting pretty places and clicking Instagram-worthy pictures but a way to find rediscover himself while exploring the unknown territories. Although I had met him in different countries before, I got know him better during our Adventure Dublin trip. There are very few people in our industry who are not fighting for the pie but creating their own pie. He is one of them. Extremely dedicated, organised and open to experiment. Let’s hear more from him:
Well, I have to say this year has been one of the toughest travel years on record. I’ve visited 16 countries this year alone! However, what really defined my year was the realization that even though this lifestyle is challenging, I thrive on it. I love it. I love asking for help and feeling the compassion of others, I love learning the basics of new languages, I love the challenge of figuring out how to live life in an unfamiliar land. It was this year that truly defined my purpose and goals of how I can do this longer and really make this a sustainable lifestyle, which is truly exhilarating.
2017 was a great year full of so many good connections with people with the same perspective. So now in 2018, I am excited to reconnect and strengthen the community as we move forward trying to build a lifestyle together. Oh yeah, and of course, there are some plans to travel to some new countries that are visually stunning!
Now if I can only decide which countries…
As rational beings, we cannot help but rationalize travel.
Hence all the questions about best beaches, best food, etc… but what I have found is the best of anything is better found when you take chances to explore.
Often it is not the actual beach that makes it the best or the restaurant, it is the spirit of adventure that got you their surrounded by the people that are in it with you.
So, to actually answer your question, my best tip would be to go with the flow and enjoy the journey, the hiccups, the challenges and the adventure that travel takes you on rather than worrying about small details.
The 2017 Year in Review – Garret Galvan
Iceland was a photographers/videographers dream. I believe this photo with the Solheimajokull Glacier was the most emotional to shoot and I don’t think I have ever been so emotional about an inanimate object in my life. I still can’t describe in words what it was like being amongst these dying giants. This image of climate change slaps you in the face.
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A good sense of humour can take you places. And, Charles McCool is a living proof. The first thing you’ll notice about him is his cool attitude (which coincidently is part of his name too) and unique ability to spread happiness. In the last one year, I had met him in three different countries in three different continents and every time I meet him, my respect for him increases by few notches. He is an independent travel writer, speaker, and a consultant. Though I haven’t had the opportunity to spend a considerable time with him, whatever little I have known him – all I can say – he is full of life and knows his business pretty well. Let’s hear more from him:
Probably attending Mardi Gras activities in Lake Charles, Louisiana. I was blessed to participate in several events, none more special than throwing beads from a float during the children’s parade. Seeing pure joy on thousands of kids’ faces is a perpetual memory
Some slow travel for my wife and I. Spending 4 weeks or more in one place and really getting to know the place. Suggestions anyone?
For US travelers, Global Entry and TSA Precheck helps ease some of the pain of the insidious air travel experience.
The 2017 Year in Review – Charles McCool
Another very tough question. I do not like to select “best” anything. Ask me later today and I will pick a different photo. This one, though, is memorable for several reasons. The sunset is not great but it seems that the entire population of Pokhara, Nepal celebrated it around the lake. I love the contrast of the woman’s red outfit against the blue boats. The hand along the lower left railing belongs to Claudia Tavani, who is among the 8 new wonderful friends I got to know during a five-day trek.
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I met this beautiful young couple raring to make it big on the travel scene in Ireland. We were speaking together at TBEX Ireland. What impressed me the most about them is their confidence. I wish I was as confident and clear as they are in their 20s. They really complement each other very well. Terrance is calm like water and Victoria is fierce like fire. One takes beautiful pictures, other markets them well. If you want to learn how to take charge of your life at a young age, take inspiration from them. Let’s hear more from them:
For us, it was traveling to Ireland and speaking at TBEX Conference (and meeting you) and the FAM trip that followed. Let us explain. Before TBEX we were running on major travel burnout. We were doing back to back trips since May and TBEX happened in Europe. We would go away for a month, come home for 8 days, leave again for 20 days and repeat. It got to the point where we knew we were blessed to do what we do but we were so over it! One time we went away for a month and didn’t stay anywhere longer than 3 nights. We came home from that trip straight into Hurricane Irma which directly hit where we lived.
We really didn’t want to go to Ireland for TBEX and were so exhausted. Once we arrived in Ireland and went on our trip to Co. Mayo for four days it was the most tiring four days of travel we have had in a long time. We were also around other people which is not the way we travel. What should have exhausted us, even more, gave us life and a new appreciation of travel. We didn’t like travel and were over it for months and then one 10-day trip to Ireland changed all of that even though it wasn’t restful at all! Now, we love to travel and our thrill of visiting a new place is back!
We are most excited to visit Asia in 2018!! Asia still remains unexplored for us and we are so so excited to visit another part of the world and learn about so many cultures and see so many diverse and beautiful landscapes! We can’t wait!
Our biggest travel tip is a bit of a cliché, but DON’T OVERPACK! You will be sorry! We are serial over-packers and it isn’t fun to pay extra airline fees, haul your stuff for the whole trip, and force your suitcase to close. You also don’t want to wait for a checked bag so choosing a carry on is always good if you can swing it!
The 2017 Year in Review – Victoria & Terrance
This shot is titled ‘Heart of The Sea’ and was taken in Peru. It was our favorite travel photo of 2017 because when most people think of Peru, they don’t think of landscapes like this! We like to challenge peoples’ perspectives of a location and this shot tends to change people’s mind about what Peru has to offer!
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Bubbly girls are the prettiest. I realised this when I travelled with Jo in Malaysia and liked her instantly. She leaves a little sparkle wherever she goes. Very helpful and unpretentious. She knows her strengths and weaknesses very well. She will be the first one to call you if she comes to know about an opportunity that fits you well. The secret of her rocket-like growth and ever increasing list of admirers is her genuineness and dexterity. Let’s hear what she has to say:
Volunteer work in Kuching, Sarawak (Borneo, Malaysia) for the orangutan project was simply amazing. Learnt a lot about the Orangutan’s, their diminishing numbers and conservation efforts in Borneo. Educating others about it was also part of my “job” and this was my first work away experience (A big travel goal for 2017).
Traveling to new places 🙂 I want to revisit Europe (there is SO much to see) and make it to South America for the first time. Hopefully another trip to Africa on the charts? AH, let’s see what 2018 brings – as always, I am the last min planner.
The 2017 Year in Review – Jyotsana Ramani
Okay, it has to be pictures of Munna (tiger in Kanha). He is the king of cats and during my latest trip with Pugdundee Safaris, the wonderful naturalists of Kanha earth lodge ensured we had the BEST tiger sighting of our lives. It was so incredible that we also got to see one of the most popular cats in the world. He has a marking on his forehead that says C.A.T, followed by P.M – surely, that brands him as the king.
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I had heard a lot about Kash before I finally met him at WTM London. His name is synonymous with budget traveling. National Geographic Traveller’s Blogger of the Year, Kash Bhattacharya is the founder and editor of the Budget Traveller and the Blogger Outreach Expert for Toposophy. Kash has revolutionised travel for the stylish, design-led budget-conscious traveler with his internationally successful guidebook to Luxury Hostels that has been featured in the Guardian and New York Times. Though I don’t know him that well, he appears to be a fun-loving hassle-free traveler who has great tips under his belt like how to find a luxury hostel in Tokyo or showing people where to find the best, authentic street food in a city. Here’s more from him:
Wow. Tough one. There have been a few key highlights but the most defining moment was earlier in the summer. I secured my first book deal! The topic is under wraps but it will be hitting bookstores across the world in Autumn 2018.
The book of course. Plus, I’m embracing the digital nomad life again and travelling across SE Asia for the first few months. Remains a part of the world I know very little of so really looking forward to this. Also, I have a few interesting storytelling projects coming up later in the year which I can’t wait to share with you.
Travel is for everyone and shouldn’t be reserved exclusively for certain times of the year. I’d encourage people to grab their backpack and go somewhere. Even if it means checking into a hostel in your town or city! Adventures are always waiting to happen, even on your doorstep.
The 2017 Year in Review – Kash Bhattacharya
You best travel photo of 2017 and the reason why you love it so much Lunch at Bistrot Victoires. November 2017. Their fixed price lunch of €15 is one of the best deals in town. I was chasing the last leaves of Autumn with my other half. It was cold but gloriously sunny. It had been a morning of just effortlessly gliding across the city just soaking in the sunshine. We spent a good part of the day wandering aimlessly in the Jardin Tuileries.
I’ve been to Paris many times at different times of my life. It is a city filled with memories, a kind of timeline of my life. After a tough period in my life which included making some readjustments, this trip was a special one where I managed to just sit back, relax and enjoy the moment. This meal summed up that feeling of being present in the moment, a rare moment where everything in life makes perfect sense. All I needed was a glass of wine, a plate full of good food and someone to share that moment with.
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So, these were the 12 inspiring Travel Experts I met in 2017 and their Year in Review highlights. There are many that I met on the road who left an undeniable impact on me. Have you met any of these 12 people or anyone else that impressed you a lot?
I would love to hear from you. And don’t forget read 2016 Year in Review to see what the other 12 Experts were up to in 2017.
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Didi, my heart lies in tourism and I want to go to Australia for further studies. But my brother says I should stay at home to take care of my mother until I get married. Tell me what should I do?
Asked Geeta, my tour guide, while navigating me through the labyrinth of narrow alleys of Panauti, a 15th-century town in Nepal.
Geeta wasn’t an aberration, there are many like her trying to break the mould and change women’s status in Nepal. Staying at Panauti Community Homestay, I observed how one of the oldest towns of Nepal has become a beacon of hope for Nepali women. In 2013, fifteen women from this small town came forward to raise their status in society through tourism.
The women in Nepal are often oppressed and restricted to the four walls of the house, thanks to the patriarchal society. To overcome this wrong, these women collectively initiated the homestay program where they could host and interact with travellers from all around the world, improve their English skills, and earn through sustainable tourism. This was my first encounter with meeting Nepal’s Women of Steel.
Related:
How to deal with Acute Mountain Sickness
Lumbini, Nepal, Visiting the birthplace of Buddha
The Women in Nepal: Meet the Women of Steel
As I spent more days in Nepal, I kept meeting more women like them. But I still did not notice the subtle change these women are bringing to the social fabric of Nepal until I heard the roaring voice of Shailee Basant on the stage of Himalayan Travel Mart in June 2017.
The women in Nepal: Shailee at Everest Base Camp
A petite five-foot girl, traditionally clad in a sari, captivated the audience with her soul-stirring presentation. From a girl asking a palm reader “Will I ever climb Mt. Everest”, to climbing the Seven Summits of the world; she has come a long way. Her story did not end with scaling all of the Seven Summits, it started from there. She and her team found a new mission – Everest to Empowerment. Using their platform, they empower girls from underprivileged backgrounds to win over life’s loftier mountains like illiteracy, child marriage, and human trafficking.
The women in Nepal: Shailee & Maya at ACONCAGUA summit
Her story inspired me to dig deeper. In a country where the world’s highest mountain, Mt. Everest, is worshipped as a mother (Sagarmatha), 70 per cent of women are subjected to gender discrimination. The World Economic Forum’s 2016 Global Gender Index reveals that Nepal ranks 110th out of 144 countries on gender parity. Here women have rights only on paper. To change this crude reality, some women with titanium spines are fighting to bring light to the end of the tunnel. They are Nepal’s Women of Steel, who are changing lives and entering new fields like Tourism. I was intrigued to know more about them but I didn’t have the means to reach out. Suman Pandey, the Chairman of PATA and Founder of Explore Himalaya, pitched in and organised meetings with these courageous ladies.
The women in Nepal: Indira Ranamagar
Away from the hullabaloo of touristy Thamel, I walked through the trodden dusty streets of Kathmandu to reach a two-storied building. As I climbed the narrow staircase, two innocent smiles of three-year-old kids greeted me. After a minute, casually dressed Indira Ranamagar walked in with ruffled hair and a radiant smile.
When I was born, my father abandoned my mother because he wanted a son. I grew up in extreme poverty and had to fight for education. I knew how it felt to be marginalized and wanted to help others in misery. In the 1990s I started working towards providing education and a better life to children who were living in prisons with their jailed mothers. It’s been an arduous journey. No financial support from the government or individuals. I was called names. My detractors tried hard to stop me but I did not give up. The smiling faces of my children was my strength.
said Indira with tears of happiness.
For more than 20 years, she has been transforming lives and is lovingly called “Ma” (mother) by over 600 children she had given shelter to. She not only saves them from serving sentences in jails along with their parents but also trains them to contribute to Nepal’s Tourism Industry through education and training.
After meeting the woman who saves children from falling into a world of crime, I wanted to meet the woman who rehabilitates the abused.
The women in Nepal: Sunita Danuwar, Executive Director, Shakti Samuha
When tragedy strikes, there are two ways to react – give up, or fight. Sunita Danuwar, the Executive Director of Sakti Samuha, chose the second.
19 years back when I was rescued from the human trafficking racket, my world changed forever. My family rejected me. Nobody would employ me. It was then that I resolved to help girls with a similar fate. Rescuing girls is a beginning; the real battle starts with their rehabilitation.
said Sunita.
The pain of a dreadful past was clearly written over her face but her eyes sparkled with determination. Over the years, her organization has trained hundreds of human trafficking victims to become emotionally and financially independent. Some girls joined the Tourism Industry to become tour and trek guides.
The women in Nepal: Shakti Samuha rehabilitates human trafficking victim
The women in Nepal: Sunita and Maya
I next moved to interview the girl who opened the doors of Travel and Tourism to these survivors.
The women in Nepal: Maya, Seven Summit Women Team, Nepal
Age-old traditions cannot chain a mind who is born free. Maya, the founding member of the Seven Summit Women team, is a living example.
I was 13-year old when my family fixed my marriage. I wanted to study but they wanted to get rid of their responsibility. So, on the eve of my marriage, I ran away from my house. I didn’t know what I was going to do. But I knew what I didn’t want in life. I took charge of my life
recollects Maya.
The self-schooled girl, hated by her entire village, is now a role model. After climbing the Seven Summits, she is using the platform to promote wilderness treks and volunteer tourism around Sindhupalchok district in Nepal. She is currently involved in training a group of young trafficking survivors.
And Maya is not the only one playing an active role in propagating sustainable tourism. Some have sacrificed a stable life for an unstable business.
The women in Nepal: Sangita at her office, Kathmandu
She left her teaching career to become an entrepreneur in the male-dominated world of Adventure Tourism. Her journey has been a rollercoaster ride.
When I started off, women were not taken seriously in the Tourism industry. Simple tasks like getting a Trek permit was a Herculean task. I would run pillar to post for help. And when it came to hiring staff, I always struggled with getting female guides, porters, and partners. I had to become emotionally, mentally and physically strong to sustain in this industry
recounted Sangita about her struggle days, which are far from over.
The women in Nepal: Sangita Paragliding
Her company Himalayan Namobuddha Travel & Treks is a start-up venture trying to create a niche by providing unique human experiences. For instance, after every tour or trek, they give a complimentary massage by Seeing Hands, a social enterprise providing training and employment opportunities in massage therapy for visually impaired people. Currently, there are 4 massage clinics across Nepal, each employing teams of professionally-trained blind therapists who provide massage to visiting guests. Part of the fees they earn is used to fund the training and employment of more blind masseurs so the organisation can grow and develop.
Now isn’t that a beautiful example of Responsible Tourism?
The promoter of Seeing Hands.
My Nepal trip had come to an end. I had gone there to climb mountains but I returned with life-changing stories of the women in Nepal.
This story about Women in Nepal was published in the New Indian Express , Sakal Times, Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) and many more.
The Women in Nepal
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I was invited by Nepal Tourism Board to the Himalayan Travel Mart in Nepal. All the experiences shared above, like always, are based on my (Archana Singh’s) personal experiences. The pictures posted above were clicked by me during my stay.
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Today, women across the globe are striking out against archaic gender norms that seek to serve only those who created them. In this regard, women’s choice to travel solo has become emblematic of a rapidly changing community that is shedding its inhibitions and embracing its freedom. We have an insatiable thirst for exploring the world that exists beyond the doorstep of our own lives, and solo travel is becoming the preferred choice for several women.
Despite my love of travelling, I hadn’t yet garnered the courage to head out alone. In retrospect, I realise that my idea of solo travel was misguided. I incorrectly assumed that people who travel alone do so out of necessity, until I found myself growing restless, craving adventure, and surprisingly, solitude. My desire to travel alone wasn’t borne from personal tragedy or anything one could describe as ‘life-altering’. It came from the need to prove that I could travel to a new destination with no one’s company but my own, even as my friends and family insisted that I wouldn’t be able to hack it.
I started scanning through travel websites to find a destination ideal for my maiden solo trip. Something scenic and lively, preferably with water and other sports activities available, and not too far from home the first time around. I read a number of articles and talked to women traveller communities online for suggestions. Overwhelmed by the sheer volume of options available, I grew increasingly confused until a fellow traveller came to my rescue. She recommended Rishikesh, in Uttarakhand. This small pilgrim city sits on the banks of the River Ganges. It offers several homestays for tourists and has great spots for rafting and other adventure sports.
My research on Rishikesh led me to Jumpin Heights, India’s first extreme adventure zone and highest bungee jumping platform in the Puri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand near Rishikesh. I’m deathly afraid of heights, but I was on an adrenaline-fuelled roll and suddenly, bungee jumping off an 83-meter cliff didn’t seem so daunting. I signed up for it immediately, not allowing myself time to chicken out. It was a special occasion as Jumpin Heights was successfully completing 50,000 bungee jumps.
Here’s my experience of being taken over by fear and ultimately overcoming it.
In the days leading up to the trip, I booked a room at a hotel near the jump site, regularly checked up on the weather to pack the right clothes and shoes, and made a loose itinerary for the 2 days I planned on being there. Finally, I was ready to embark on my solo adventure! Upon reaching Rishikesh, I checked in and then made my way to the local market, and the famous Lakshman Jhula, a suspension bridge across the River Ganges. The locals were incredibly warm and friendly, and my anxieties disappeared in their company.
The highlight of my trip was no doubt the jump. Here’s my story…
My hands were shaking wildly and my heart was beating faster than I ever thought it could. Even after all the safety checks had been done and my body securely harnessed, I couldn’t help but think, “I might die today!”. I waddled to the ledge, both my legs bound together, as the countdown began. Before I knew it, I was airborne.
As I fell through the sky, I realised I had left all my fears back on that ledge. The fall had taken me to a different world, where nothing was stable or familiar. I surrendered myself to these surroundings instead of trying to control them. After almost a minute of adrenaline-pumping excitement, the jump was over. Two people waiting near the river pulled me down to an awaiting deck. My harness was removed, a water bottle was provided along with a certificate that said, “I have guts!”.
Bungee jumping was one of the most physically grueling challenges I have ever overcome. Even though I was scared to death, I realised it had a profound effect on my life. It gave me the confidence to go after the things I want.
As a woman, there are certain physical hurdles that are simply unavoidable, but you just need to take some extra precautions and be on your way. For example, it is best to wear tampons and carry an extra change to the bungee jumping spot. Keep calm and follow the expert’s directions. Do your own research about the destination, and keep a few local emergency numbers handy.
You are all you need Travelling solo is a choice that you have to make consciously. It is incredibly rewarding and allows you to discover parts of yourself that were hidden half in shadow. It makes you confident and fearless in crucial moments of your life and inspires you to conquer your fears.
For me, it was breaking the monotony and taking up something that I had never done before. It was a great stress-buster and made for a quick weekend getaway in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. Even today, whenever I feel overpowered and helpless, I go back to the moment I leaped off the cliff. That jump still gives me the mental strength to tide over any problem.
So, if you’re planning on travelling alone, go for it; trust me, it’ll be worth it.
This story was published in two publications
When you plan your holidays, what is the first thing you look for? My search begins with booking cheapest flights. I don’t plan my holidays based on bucket lists but in my pocket. I prefer taking many cheap trips than doing one super expensive trip. Since flights (especially international) costs the bulk of my travel expenses, I spend a lot of time searching for travel hacks and hidden cheap deals. Once the flight is taken care of, I can decide on what kind of experiences I can and want to splurge on. Here are some of my favourite all time travel hacks I use for booking cheapest flights.
While I use search Engines Cleartrip to fish for the cheapest deals, I always make it a point to check the individual websites of the flights as well. Few times, I have got better deals (in terms of cost and time) booking directly. But most of the times Search Engines do a good job. The trick is to not follow any pattern but to do your research well.
I am a huge fan of Airline Sales. Sometimes, I have flown almost for free, paying just the taxes. Sign up for the airline newsletter to stay updated about the sales and avert saying, “Oh wish I had known about this earlier”. I was completely bummed to miss the Indigo Anniversary Sale, where fares Started as low as ₹1,111* (17USD).
Usually, airlines have airfare sales at certain times of the year like directly after New Year’s Day or after summer holidays. During these periods, most people aren’t yet thinking about vacations, and airlines are keen to drum up business. Anniversary Sale is another marketing tactic that every airline uses to lure customers.
Unless I am flying for business or have a strict timeline to adhere, I try to be flexible with my travels. Sure, I want to take advantage of the long weekends but sometimes taking a few extra days off at work happens to be a better deal than going on long weekends like everyone does.
I try and avoid the peak season and business travel days – Monday morning and Friday evening. I don’t mind taking flights scheduled for lighter periods, such as early morning, red-eye flights or flights departing on a Saturday afternoon or evening. Also, I am not too particular about destinations unless I have something special to attend.
I am a huge fan of Airline Rewards Program and Global Alliances. The Frequent Flier miles I accrue on flying Star Alliance member flight, I use those to flying in another sector with another alliance member. Like I recently flew to the US, Ireland, UK and the Philippines. In all these countries, I flew on Star Alliance members’ airlines. Even though I might not have got the cheapest fares in those sectors but I earned a lot of miles, which I can redeem on my next travels.
Don’t book at the last moment but don’t book far, far in advance either. It is true Airline fares keep rising, but there is a sweet spot when the airlines begin to either lower or increase fares based on demand. The best booking window is 6–8 weeks before your flight, or around three months before if you are going to your destination during peak season.
So, these are my top five hacks for booking the cheapest flights to anywhere. I would love to know your secrets.
Where to stay in Prague?
Prague is one of the most sought-after destinations in Europe. And why wouldn’t it be? As beautiful as the stalwarts like Paris, Rome, London or Amsterdam, it is a treasure trove for historophiles with the history dating back to a millennium. And when it comes to drinks, if France has the best wine in Europe, Prague has the best Beer. Yes, way better than what you get in Germany. Lately, Prague has become a tourist magnet and travellers come in droves from around the world. There’s a lot to be explored in Prague and the city grows on you with every passing day. However, your experience can either be memorable or a nightmare, depending on your choice of accommodation. So, if you are not sure where to stay in Prague, choose Boutique Hotel Seven Days. Here is my first-hand experience of staying at this classy and romantic property:
Where to stay in Prague – Hotel Seven Days, CZ Republic
When I book a hotel, location becomes my top most priority. Located in Nove Mesto, the Boutique Hotel Seven Days is 160 meters from the National Museum, 643 meters from Wenceslas Square, less than two kilometers away from the Town Center and Old Town Square and less than three kilometers from the Charles Bridge. Everything is within a walking distance from the Hotel and if you don’t feel like walking, Tram, Train and Bus Stations are just around the corner. There are 24-hour open convenience stores as soon as you step out of the hotel.
As I walked into the hotel, I was transported to an era of the classic avant-garde medieval period. The Hotel is a great example of how to weave a remarkable history and architecture into a luxury accommodation that doesn’t intimidate you. The intricate white interiors made me fall in love with the hotel at the first sight. And, that attraction hasn’t faded even after two months of returning from Prague. The cheerful staff ensured I had a pleasant day and stay. While the hotel was lavish from inside, the view from my room was average. But I have no complaints since I love to spend more time being a part of the view than ogling it from my room window.
Seven days hotel Entrance, Prague, CZ Republic
I felt extremely lucky to be staying at a four-star heritage property built in a neo-renaissance residential style in 1888. Until I experienced it first hand, I had no clue that the Boutique Hotel Seven Days is distinguished as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Site. The hotel has rave reviews on booking sites. There is hardly any negative review online about the property.
The lobby of Hotel Seven Days, Prague, CZ Republic
All 50 soundproof and smoke-free rooms at the Boutique Hotel Seven Days feature Villa Borghese-style furniture. While the hotel has classy appeal, it is backed up with all modern technologies to make sure guests have a pleasant stay. There is free Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, Digital TV, minibars and hair dryers among many amenities available. There is also a complimentary smartphone for your personal use. Free smartphone for national calls (10+ countries), free data, extensive guide & more. Toiletries were well stacked.
My Bedroom at Hotel Seven Days, Prague, CZ Republic
Living up to its name, the hotel had a boutique style restaurant, a fitness centre and a bar. Very cozy and very elegantly done. The hotel’s restaurant features an atrium with white arches. The restaurant offers international dishes and wines. A buffet breakfast is served each morning.
Restaurant, Boutique Hotel Seven Days, Prague, CZ Republic
Breakfast at Hotel Seven Days, Prague, Czech Republic
The Lobby Bar, serving cocktails and other drinks, features a large plasma television where I got an opportunity to catch on the football action and have some good conversations with other guests. Spa and Sauna services are available to give relief to your body and soul. The hotel was kind enough to arrange a cab drop off for me. If you stay for more than three days then cab service is free else there’s a small fee.
Hotel Seven Days Cafe & Bar, Prague, CZ Republic
Other Amenities
The staff at Boutique Hotel Seven Days was very courteous and answered all my queries patiently at any given time. I would particularly like to mention about the front office. They always welcomed me with a big smile, no matter what time I arrived.
You can book either book directly by visiting their website https://www.hotelsevendays.cz or through any third-party website like tripadvisor.com or booking.com
Their contact details are:
Phone.:+420 222 923 111
Fax.: +420 222 923 222
Email: info@hotelsevendays.cz
My experience of Staying at Boutique Hotel Seven Days was wonderful and would recommend it to anyone looking for a comfortable and classy experience in Prague.
Have you ever stayed at a boutique four-star property in a historic town? If yes, I would love to hear from you.
If you are planning to visit Prague soon, don’t forget to read this incredible Complete Guide on things to do and see in Prague
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I was hosted by Boutique Hotel Seven Days in October 2017. However, as always, the views are mine and based on my personal experience. The pictures used are either mine or provided by the Hotel.
Echo Canyon, Camelback Mountain
Like its namesake, Phoenix didn’t rise from the ashes to become USA‘s fifth-largest city. It might be cradled by the soaring peaks and characterised by the striking saguaros, yet the ever-growing city still hasn’t been able to become a top-of-mind tourist attraction, especially for the foreign tourists.
Why should I visit Phoenix? What’s there to see?
I asked my fellow travel blogger friend, Mike Shubic.
Well, firstly because there’s a lot to explore in Phoenix and secondly I stay here. So, it gotta be a cool place, right?
said Mike in his quintessential baritone voice. I don’t know which part of his statement convinced me. But I am glad he did. Initially, like most people, I was planning to use the city as a jumping-off point to visit the most iconic attraction of the US – the Grand Canyon.
Well, to be frank, there’s nothing extraordinary about Phoenix. No national parks, no legendary personalities from pop culture, music, history, art or technology. There are no big industries. And the city is an inferno for three months of summer. But does that make Phoenix unworthy of a visit?
No, absolutely not. Not having the baggage of expectations is what works in favour of Phoenix. Although, I could only spend 72 hours here out of 288 hours spent in Arizona. But within the first hour, I fell in love with the valley of the sun. Here are the Phoenix, Arizona Things to do in 72 hours:
Phoenix, Arizona Things to do: Climb up the Echo Canyon, Camelback Mountain. Pic cc: Visit Phoenix
Set in the Sonoran Desert, Phoenix, Arizona, offers a unique potpourri of a wealth of urban attractions with a bounty of opportunities to get outdoors. Camelback Mountain summit boasts spectacular city views of Phoenix and Scottsdale. No wonder it is so popular among the hikers, walkers, and cyclists. The scorching dry heat of 35-degree ℃ (95 ℉) derailed my plans to hike the 2,704-feet high summit. As a Plan B, I enjoyed the Saguaro studded views from the ground below.
Camelback Mountain, Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona Things to do: Visit the Desert Botanical Graden
Having been to some of the best Botanical Gardens around the world, this garden came as a pleasant surprise. Before visiting it, I would have laughed out loud at someone telling me there is a sprawling 50 acres of an oasis in a desert – Papago Park. A desert is the last place to expect to find flora. No wonder the Sonoran Desert is called the blooming desert. The Desert Botanical Garden is home to thousands of species of cacti, trees, and flowers from all around the world.
The Native American Hut at Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, Arizona
What I loved the most about the garden was its brightly coloured plants sharply contrasting with the Sonoran Desert’s cinnamon-red buttes. There were well marked numerous hiking trails — like the “Plants and People of the Sonoran Desert” and the “Desert Wildflower” trails — that allowed me to experience the region’s natural wonders the way early settlers once did. It was here I got introduced to the native Indian culture. Before I visited the Garden I had no idea that the state of Arizona has so many best-preserved sites of Indian Ruins. Unfortunately, I couldn’t only visit a few in the Phoenix and Flagstaff area.
Desert Botanical Graden, Phoenix, Arizona
View from King Suite of We-Ko-Pa Resort, Fort McDowell, Phoenix, Arizona
Having grown up on the staple diet of the Wild West movies, it was my dream to spend some time with the Southwest Cowboys and their stables. And there can’t be anything better than the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, a 950-member Native American tribe that calls Central Arizona’s upper Sonoran Desert home. Located to the northeast of Phoenix within Maricopa County, Arizona, the 40-square mile reservation is a small part of the ancestral territory of the once nomadic Yavapai people, who hunted and gathered food in a vast area of Arizona’s desert lowlands and mountainous Mogollon Rim country.
Phoenix, Arizona Things to do: Go Horseback Riding at Fort McDowell Adventures
I was a bundle of nerves to try my hand at horseback riding at Fort McDowell Adventures. I was assigned a beautiful horse, appropriate to my size and riding experience (which was negligible). The staff at Fort McDowell Adventures were real cowboys. The one hour trail passed through the rugged and beautiful Sonoran Desert bejewelled with the paloverdes, mesquites and the saguaro cactus.
Horseback Riding at Fort McDowell Adventures, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
I stayed at the AAA Four Diamond We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center, nestled in the heart of the majestic 40-square-mile Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. The resort was lushly landscaped and offered spectacular views of Arizona’s majestic Four Peaks and the iconic Red Mountains alongside the free-flowing Verde River. My King Suite was very comfortable and came with separate living and bedroom areas, a sofa bed and a kitchenette with a full-sized refrigerator.
The drawing room of King Suite, We-Ko-Pa Resort, Fort McDowell, Phoenix, Arizona
Bedroom of King Suite, We-Ko-Pa Resort, Fort McDowell, Phoenix, Arizona
Aji Spa Common Room, Sheraton Wild Horse Pass, Phoenix, Arizona
The AAA five-diamond and Forbes five-star Native-American owned luxury resort was one of my favourite places in the Phoenix area. What makes it unique is the exceptional blend of two cultures. The resort offers the quiet serenity that had generated from the Native American tribes many years ago, combined with the hotel expertise of the Sheraton brand, creating a refreshing resort experience. The architecture, design, food…everything reflected the Native American Tribe culture carried for generations.
The Native American design at Aji Spa, Sheraton Wild Horse Pass, Phoenix, Arizona
My most satisfying moment was getting an authentic Native American treatment done at the Aji Spa. The ingredients used and the treatment was something you won’t find anywhere. It was very relaxing, to say the least.
Phoenix, Arizona Things to do: Pamper yourself at the Aji Spa, Sheraton Wild Horse Pass
I also loved visiting the stables at the property. The horses were well taken care of and the staff was very friendly.
Freckles at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass, Pheonix, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona Things to do: Spend some time at the Heard Museum
No trip to Phoenix is complete without visiting the internationally acclaimed Heard Museum. It is one of the best places to experience the myriad cultures and art of American Indians of the Southwest. And that explains why it hosts 200,000 visitors a year. The museum’s innovative programs, world-class exhibitions, and unmatched festivals make it the ideal place to learn about American Indian art and history. It was interesting to see its immense collection of Native American artifacts and hear docents explain how native people thrived in the harsh desert environment.
Native American Baskets Display, Heard Museum, Phoenix, Arizona
When I visited, a special Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera exhibit was going on that offered visitors a rare opportunity to see first-hand the masterpieces by two of the most important and recognizable artists of the 20th century.
Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera exhibit, Heard Museum, Phoenix, Arizona
Other striking museums that I couldn’t visit but would have loved to are the Pueblo Grande Museum, Phoenix Art Museum and the 15,000-item Musical Instrument Museum.
Besides the city attractions, it was my interaction with the locals that made me fall in love with Phoenix. It was interesting to chat with people from different ranks of society and get a peek into their lives. Whether it was a retired Army Officer who served in the Iraq War or an empty nester who is finding it difficult to adjust after her kids have moved out of home for studies and job or a Department Store Manager who doubles up as an Uber Driver or a fitness instructor struggling to increase his follower base on Instagram…everyone had a story to share.
Unfortunately, many of them had not explored their own backyard. However, they were genuinely interested in my work and even followed me on social media. One person even wrote back to me saying after hearing about the Heard Museum from me, she visited it and thoroughly enjoyed it. To me, that’s the beauty of travel.
Given the city’s desert setting, the best time to visit Phoenix is from November to April.
So, this was my take on Phoenix, Arizona Things to do in 72 hours. You can do a lot of other things if you have ample time in hand. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in the Valley of Sun and would definitely recommend visiting Phoenix along with the nearby Spa Capital of the USA – Scottsdale.
A section of this story was published in DB Post: Scottsdale – The Spa Capital of the US
RELATED:
Things to do in Scottsdale, Arizona: the green heart of the Sonoran Desert
The USA Travel – Things you should know before your visit
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Travel See Write Recommends the following books |
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 A history of the Indians in the United States |
 The Cherokees by Grace Steele Woodward |
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I was hosted by Visit Phoenix but all the views expressed above are solely mine and based on my personal experiences. Many thanks to Visit Phoenix, Wild Horse Pass Resort, We-Ko-Pa Resort, Heard Museum, and Desert Botanical Garden for the incredible experiences I had. Pictures posted above are clicked by me.
Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City: where should you visit first? Here’s your travel guide to choose between the two main cities of Vietnam.
Vietnam is a treasure trove of nature, history and culture devotees. A snake-like narrow country will spoil you with choices – from booming modern cities, colonial towns, traditional villages, UNESCO World Heritage sites, archaeological marvels to otherworldly islands. You name it and Vietnam has it. Therefore, it’s a tough job deciding which place to visit first in Vietnam, especially if the decision is split between choosing Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City née Saigon.
View from Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi, Vietnam
Opera house, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Hanoi has Imperial French colonial buildings, Ho Chi Minh City has old Saigon’s historic hotels overlooking the Belle Époque Opera House. Hanoi is embellished with the tranquil waters of Lake Hoan Kiem, Ho Chi Minh City has a disturbing, confronting War Remnants Museum.
Comparing the two metropolises of Vietnam is like comparing North and South Pole. Each city is as different as Delhi and Mumbai – both geographically and culturally. Ideally, you should visit both but if you can’t, here are some things to consider before you head to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
I step into Ho Chi Minh City carrying the Vietnam War relics on my mind but what I see is a 180-degree transformation. The largest city in the country with a population of 9 million has moved on from a dreadful past and transformed into a modern global city. The influence of foreign cultures – particularly American and French is evident everywhere. As I walk through the thoroughfares of Saigon, I can feel the spontaneous and open vibe of the city. A city, where innovation is king and young trendsetters lead the way, alongside thriving gadget-totting entrepreneurs and booming businesses.
Ho Chi Minh City Hall, Vietnam
The financial capital of the country has more investment, better infrastructure, swanky hotels, upmarket restaurants and throbbing nightlife. Unfortunately, traffic and pollution have come as an add-on to the spectacular growth of the city over the last several years.
Ho Chi Minh City at night
Ho Chi Minh City at night
Tet Celebration flowers.jpg
Tet Celebration lamps.jpg
Ho Chi Minh City juxtaposes the past and the present like no other. While I enjoy the modern flair of the city, its past is difficult to ignore. Especially, the War Remnants Museum, which has graphic details of the Vietnam War and the Reunification Palace, which looks exactly as it was when the North Vietnamese forces took over in April 1975.
Ben Thanh market and monument, Ho Chi Minh City
The street food and coffee culture is ubiquitous in HCMC but tends to be slightly sweeter than what you find in Hanoi. For shopaholics, there are a plethora of options such as Ben Thanh market for cheap souvenir options, or Dong Khoi for upmarket boutiques. Also, the southern city is the king of the malls. Shop till you drop is a mantra here.
Street food in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is delicious and fresh
I loved my day trips to the Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta, Cái Bè Floating Market and Cần Giờ Mangrove Forest
Floating Market, Mekong Delta, Vietnam
With so much to see and do in HCMC, it’s impossible to not get infected by its high energy. People work hard and play harder in this dynamic city. It’s definitely worth a visit.
Eat Healthy and stay healthy in Ho Chi Minh City
The cheerful kids of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Motorcycle is the ubiquitous mode of transport in Vietnam
After exploring the southern city of the country, it was time to move North.
The capital city is famous for its thousands of colonial-era buildings and over two dozen exotic lakes. Known as the “Paris of Asia”, Hanoi exudes grace and grandeur through its appearance and architecture amidst the chaos of modern day living. Hanoi is a melting pot of the historic charm and the expansion of modern realms. A place still preserving grand old boulevards and ancient pagodas where locals practice their tai chi moves beside tree-fringed lakes.
I couldn’t find a single dull moment walking the narrow-congested streets of the Old Quarter. During the day, it is a thriving hub for commerce selling everything under the sun at throwaway prices. In the evening, it transforms into one giant street food market. The transformation is so quick that I almost got lost. Hanoi is the home of pho (noodle soup), Vietnam’s national dish, which you can get on just about any street corner for as little as a dollar.
The best thing I liked about Hanoi was it being the Mecca for the laid back, on-a-shoestring traveler like me. If you arrived with an empty bag, Hanoi is where you want to be. There is so much to shop – superior choice of crafts, silk accessories, handmade goods, wood-and stone-carvings, embroideries, lacquerware, and export surplus items.
Hanoi is peppered with attractions like Hoan Kiem Lake, the Ngoc Son Temple, the French Quarter and the Hanoi Hilton, Temple of Literature, the Vietnam Army Museum, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Nha Tho Cathedral among many others.
For a day trip from Hanoi, you can always escape to Ha Long Bay, a dreamy seascape of jagged limestone rocks jutting out over calm waters is Vietnam’s number one tourist attraction.
So, in a nutshell, this is a tale of two great cities of Vietnam. You should choose a city (Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh) that best fits your tastes and interests. If you prefer high-energy bustle, head to Ho Chi Minh City; if you are looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, visit Hanoi. But whichever you choose, your visit will be a rewarding one.
All the experiences shared above, like always, are based on my (Archana Singh’s) personal experiences. Pictures posted above were either clicked by me or provided by my friend Oliver.
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Driving through Adirondacks, New York
It was here in Adirondacks on the damp night of September 14, 1901, Vice President Theodore Roosevelt made his legendary night ride from the Adirondack Mountains to the Presidency of the United States of America. The word “vacation” was invented in Adirondacks when the richest and most powerful men in the US started ‘vacating’ their homes in summers to spend time in the clean and soothing environs of Adirondacks. From Emerson, Thoreau, Roosevelts, Rockefellers, Carnegies, Morgans, DuPonts to Mark Twain; everyone got gripped by the spell of Adirondacks.
The Great Camp, Adirondacks, New York (Pls enlarge to see the pic in full frame)
Historically the most important but least known park in the US. At 6 million acres, it’s larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, Glacier and Everglades national parks combined. The Park is incredibly wild with 2.6 million acres of forest reserve land, 3,000 lakes, and ponds, 30,000 miles of water bodies, 2,000 miles of hiking trails, 46 peaks above 4,000 feet, 55 species of mammals and 218 species of birds.
Adirondacks Park, New York
One of the many lakes of Adirondacks, New York
Unlike other Parks, there is no entrance fee, no gates, just endless natural preserve and the promise of adventure in every part. It remains the only constitutionally protected “Forever Wild” forest in America. And the locals here take full advantage of the wilderness they are gifted with.
The Adirondacks is a living playground for outdoor lovers. We don’t go to Gym, we just hike or ski in our backyard. There’s a 6-inch rule we follow – if it snows more than 6-inch, we can officially take half day off to ski.
says Kim Rielly, Director of Communication, Adirondacks USA
Adirondacks is a region where you’ll find scenic beauty and friendly folks in all Four seasons – from summer days kayaking on Saranac Lake, hiking 46 peaks ablaze with autumn foliage, cross-country skiing on powdery slopes to fly-fishing in Spring. And no matter what type of adventure you crave, Adirondacks satiates it – from Scenic hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, horseback riding, fly fishing, snowboarding, Olympic training or just strolling through off the beaten paths.
Skiing in Adirondacks, New York. Pic cc: Adirondacks USA
Morning at Long Lake, Adirondacks, New York
The fall beauty of Adirondacks, New York. Pic cc: Adirondacks USA
Kayaking in the Adirondacks, New York. Pic cc: Adirondacks USA
Usually, if you meet someone for the first time, you invite them for a coffee or a meal. But at Adirondacks, you invite them for a hike. My first meeting with Kim was at Owl’s Head mountain. The hike in the great outdoors rewarded me with pure air, grand scenery and a bird’s view of the region that no photoshopped catalog can match. Hiking or mountain biking is the only acceptable currency here.
Adirondacks, New York. Pic cc: Adirondacks USA
Valleys carpeted with multicolored wildflowers in spring or the annual outfit change of autumn foliage is a sight to behold. The view from the 46 high peaks is beyond spectacular. The higher you go better the view. There is no shortage of choice of hiking trails in the Adirondacks. From easy to advance, from an hour to several days.
My first meeting with Kim was on top of the Owl mountain, Adirondacks, New York
When you have 3000 lakes and ponds, 30,000 miles of rivers, streams, and ponds, you can’t stay away from cruising the crystal-clear waters for hidden scenic views and exceptional wildlife. In Adirondacks, you don’t rent a boat you own it. Boating goes on irrespective of rain or shine. I kayaked recently at Scottsdale so I opted for talking to the friendly locals, shooting the golden hour and enjoying the Mirror Lake views from the classic Adirondack chairs.Walking along the shoreline of the lakes is another way to savour the indescribable rugged beauty of the scenic Lakes.
Kayaking at the Saranac Lake, Adirondacks, New York
I am most excited for my full day adventure on the Hudson River with Adirondac Rafting Company. Starting at 7:30 am from Saranac Lake, I pass through extremely scenic winding road over hills, through small villages, rivers and dozens of lakes. Very rarely I come across an oncoming car. It’s early in the morning, the sun had taken a day off. Occasional showers and gray clouds entertain me throughout my 1.5-hour journey. This is pure joy. Along the way, I drive past several crystal-clear Lakes like Indian Lake, Long Lake, and Tupper Lake. Few have seaplanes parked on them.
Long Lake, Adirondacks, New York
Wild Water Rafting on Hudson, Adirondacks, New York
As I reach my destination, I am given a complete rafting gear and detailed instructions by Bob and his team. I enjoy the 15 miles of torrential action and dozens of breath-taking class IV and V rapids. We stop over for an on-river snack break. After which we continue our adventurous raft journey along wooded shores, into gentle eddies surrounded by towering cliffs. This is a must do for anyone fond of adventure.
As I spend more time in Adirondack, I get more interested in knowing about the 19th century extravagant gilded age Elite. On a rain-swept day along with Carrie, my trip-organizer-turned-friend, I drive down to get a peek into the wealth and charm of Adirondack Rustic. At the end of a two-mile dirt road, White Pine Camp stand surrounded by water on three sides and towering pine trees on the fourth. Cabins painted green and black blend into the woods and there is an eerie sense of seclusion.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUVv4YbAFyY/?hl=en&taken-by=travelseewrite
The historic Great Camp is an assertion of rustic yet luxurious retreat, fitting in with nature. The material used are shingle, stone, wood – all found in the park. Recreation has many forms here – grab a canoe, rowboat or kayak from any of the two boathouses and go boating, swim in the crystal-clear waters of Osgood Pond, hike in the Great trails just minutes away or bowl in the vintage bowling alley used by the President himself. Once called the “Summer White House” of President Calvin Coolidge is now open to the public – you can stay here at as low as $95 per night in winters and $155 in summers.
The Great Camp, Adirondacks, New York
After spending time in Adirondacks, all I can say is – once your boots and boats have got a taste of the life and wildlife of wild east – you’ll always return. That’s the spell “Forever Wild” Adirondacks cast on you.
The famous Adirondack Chairs, New York
Priceless Rental Company, Lake Placid, Adirondacks, New York
Adirondacks has ample stay options from luxury resorts, independent cottages, Bed and Breakfasts to camping in the park. Few places I highly recommend:
Saranac Lake view from my Cottage, Adirondacks
A rescued owl at the Wild refuge, Adirondacks
The beautiful host at Bitter and Bones
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Thanks a lot, Adirondacks USA for hosting me. As always, the views are mine and based on my personal experiences. The pictures used are either mine or provided by Adirondacks USA.
This edited version of this story was published in:
Travel See Write during her Arizona Road Trip, USA
I am often asked what do I like more – solo travel or group travel. I say I like both but I love traveling the world alone more than group travel. After all, solo travel means you can take your own decisions freely, and a road trip offers you more freedom than ever. However, one needs to be more alert and well prepared when traveling the world alone. A solo traveler should be hands-on and ever ready to face any challenge anytime. Here are the 10 Road trip tips for Solo Travelers
This is a point every long-term traveler swears by. Packing light is essential when traveling the world alone as any of those small inconveniences can amplify when you’re on your own. The last thing you want is your luggage becoming a blockage in your travel plans. I usually make a list of things and carry only those which are op priority. I pack and then take half of the stuff out of my luggage. Trust me you don’t need three change of clothes in a day. You can always repeat.
Related: If you are looking for an ideal purse to carry, check out this crossbody travel purse review.
Before hitting the road make sure your fuel for the vehicle and yourself is full. Keep a tab on your gas and refuel before it dries up. Also, carry light snacks, stay hydrated and rest so that you can concentrate on driving. While I love eating the highway food, I do carry munchies like chocolates, dry fruits, sandwiches, cookies etc.
When traveling the world alone, take a reliable vehicle. Whatever car you decide to take, get it professionally checked by a mechanic before getting behind the wheels. Get your vehicle inspected at least a week before you leave so that you get some time for any repairs. Get your car checked for the cooling system, steering and suspension, tranny and air conditioning system. Do not forget to change the oil. And make sure you carry all your car documents.
A road trip means you need to pack certain tools such as a multi-head screwdriver, duct tape, pair of pliers, vice grips and a couple of flares. Always carry a full-size spare tyre which is of good quality, on a road trip. Many travelers invest in winter tyres because of temperature fluctuations. The advantage of these tyres is that they will remain soft and offer a firm grip even in freezing temperatures.
Related: Travel Tips for Iceland Road Trip
In case you do find yourself with a flat tyre, there is no need to panic. Make sure you have the jack, lug wrench and a fully inflated spare tire. It is a good idea to keep vehicle owner’s manual handy.
a) Just find a safe location and turn on the hazard lights after applying the parking brake.
Now, apply wheel wedges and remove the hubcap.
b) Loosen the lug nuts and place the jack under the vehicle to raise it. Unfasten the lug nuts and remove the flat tire. Mount the spare tire and tighten the lug nuts.
c) Lower the vehicle completely and replace the hubcap. Before driving away, stow all equipment and do not forget to check the pressure in the spare tyre.
Although long-distance driving may be something you enjoy, you are sure to have your limits. Thus, take regular breaks in-between and relax. Some people can drive just for a couple of hours. If possible, avoid busy hours. Keep your eye on the clock and try to pass through major metropolitan areas in the early morning or late-night hours to avoid rush-hour congestion.
Solo Travel road trip tips: Take regular pit stops
When driving, ensure that you are wearing the seatbelts and the car doors are locked. Always park your car in a parking lot or a safe place.
Solo Travel road trip tips: Wear seat belts
Be in touch with your friends and family, and they should know where you are exactly. Share your full address and contact person details. You can always call your folks, or send a message.
Solo Travel Road trip Tips: Stay connected
A solo road trip doesn’t mean that you have to sit in the car all the time or be on the roads. Explore fun things to do on the way and get out of the car to enjoy unique experiences.
Traveling the world alone tip: Get off the road
Do not travel anywhere without insurance. Depending on the coverage you get, you can take care of any costs of medical examinations and even hotel accommodations.
Solo Travel road trip tips: Get travel insurance
This article may not address all the Road trip tips for Solo Travelers traveling the world alone but I am sure if you follow these, you would never get stranded on road. So, go TRAVEL SEE WRITE!
If you are headed to the United States this holiday season you need to look for the best places where you can enjoy quality time with your family and friends. California is one of the best places where you can relax under the sun and enjoy the cool beaches as well. However, if you really want to get away from the sun-drenched beaches of California you can head to Palm Springs. One of the coolest spots in California to relax and unwind. Located on the western end of the Coachella Valley within the Colorado Desert, Palm Springs is somewhere between Los Angeles and San Diego on the map.
Palm Springs Windmills, California, USA
If you don’t like the rain to spoil your holiday and party plans Palm Springs is the best place to be as it receives more than 350 days of sunshine. Winter is definitely the best time of the year here when the number of residents here doubles up for partying and enjoying the best time in the desert. It is therefore recommended that you book your hotel room and villa in Palm Springs in advance. While Palm Springs offer a lot of options to spend a great time with your family and friends, here are the 5 cool things to do in Palm Springs.
Palm Springs Coachella Valley Reserve, California, USA
On the outside, it might seem like a vast stretch of barren land with desert sand and bushes, but the Coachella Valley Preserve is something that you must watch out for when you are in Palm Springs. If you are a nature lover and love to explore the nature in its untamed form this is the best place to be. Located 17 miles east of Palm Springs, it has Thousand Palms Oasis where you will find some of the rare wildlife.
It is important that you visit the visitor center at the entrance of the park. You sure don’t want to get lost hiking. You can also pick up the map of the trails and enjoy exploring nature as you come across it. The valley is home to endangered Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard. If you don’t want to risk hiking alone you can also find guided hikes here at reasonable rates.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Pic by Don Graham, California, USA
If hiking is not your cup of tea you can explore and enjoy the Palm Springs aerial tramway that allows you to take bird’s eye view of the place. This is a must visit attraction as you can see the city of Palm Springs from the top. From the tramway, you can explore the San Jacinto Mountains and snow-covered peaks of Southern California. This is one of the best ways to take some great shots of the geography as you get to view the entire landscape as you climb up the mountain in the tramway. Once you have reached the top, you can enjoy your way back down on foot. And if you are feeling lazy, you can use the same tramway to climb down the mountain and save yourself some energy.
Palm Springs Air Museum. Pic by Jay Cross, California, USA
If you are a history lover or if you are passionate about aircraft this is the place you don’t want to miss when you are in Palm Springs. This is a perfect opportunity for you to see an extensive collection of the aircraft used in the World War II. From Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star to the Grumman F7F Tigercat you can find all the aircraft lined up here for the visitors. While this place sounds like for adults only, but the museum does provide an area for the kids where they can sit in the aircraft cockpits and enjoy their own sweet time. The museum also has a parking lot, gift shop and a café and restrooms for families visiting the museum.
Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA
If you are one of the active travelers Joshua Tree National Park is one of the places that you must explore. Nestled in the Little San Bernardino Mountains this place offers a great view of the Coachella Valley. This is also an ideal place for you to take pictures of the landscape. If you are a photographer, Joshua Tree National Park can provide you with great pictures that you can add to your collection. You can cover the area by hiking or just driving through. There are various on-site facilities as well like campgrounds, bookstores and restrooms and café that you can use. You can picnic at the tables provided around the park. This allows you to have a great one-day picnic experience with your loved ones at one of the coolest places in Palm Springs.
Palm Springs, Cabazon Outlets
Is shopping an important part of your travel? Head to Cabazon Outlets. This place offers a shop and play experience where you can shop at various retail outlets. It is the best place in Palm Springs to get the best deals on popular brands in California. You can also find some great restaurants that offer you excellent food options when you are done through shopping. Cabazon Outlet also offers you other facilities like parking space for a relaxed shopping experience.
So, these were the 5 cool things to do in Palm Springs. What are your favorites?
New York City is a people magnet, attracting 60 million visitors every year. And the iconic NYC experiences are not bucket list items but a pilgrimage. From fashion, nightlife, art, food, and theater, Big Apple is the heart of the world. A throbbing heart, where every culture meets and is an active playground for all kinds of happenings. You can spend a lifetime exploring the city in motion and still not come at par with its pace.
NYC is one of the most amazing places in the world, but it is also one of the most expensive cities in the world. Basically, it is not for the faint-hearted when it comes to spending dollars. However, a city this big is bound to have some great deals, and if planned well you can actually explore the New York City on a budget. Many of the renowned historic landmarks and iconic sightseeing places can be explored for free and deals can always be found.
If you’re planning a visit to New York City on a budget, this travel guide has everything you need to know. From places to visit, things to do, tips on where to stay and eat, and how to get around, it has all the information to make your visit to New York City an absolute success!
New York is usually the city where most tourists start their US visit. The City has 3 airports – JFK, Laguardia, and Newark Liberty in New Jersey. If your flight arrives into JFK or Newark, you can take commuter trains and/or the subway to get into NYC. And if you arrive at Laguardia, an Uber, Lyft or any other taxi service is the best option. However, in either of the cases, brace yourself for at least an hour ride into Manhattan as the traffic is a nightmare in this area.
Navigating through NYC is a cakewalk if you understand its grid pattern.
Subway or walking is the best way to get around the NYC. New York and its boroughs are well-connected with the subway. Subway is fast, cheap and easy to navigate. The fare for a subway or local bus ride is $2.75. The fare for an express bus ride is $6. You can also buy a 7-day transit pass for $31. Most cabs around the city will cost around $15. Uber is an alternative and has a base fare of $2.50 and costs about $2 per mile. And on top of that, you are expected to give a tip. I ended up paying $120 from New Jersey to JFK.
Tip:
Accommodation costs in New York can be as high as the city’s famous skyscrapers, but if you hunt for deals, you can find some good bargains on an array of properties:
Avoid Manhattan and you can probably get an apartment for $100 a night on Airbnb but, if you are willing to share your room you can get it for $60.
In NYC, even budget hotels seem out of the budget. A two-star hotel in Manhattan starts at $70 but expect to pay between $100-150 per night.
The 4-6 bed dorm starts at $25-35. A private room with twin sharing would cost around $80-100. Manhattan has fewer deal options and is more expensive than Brooklyn and Queens. Some of the good hostels are The Brooklyn Riviera, The Local NYC, The Jazz, American Dream Hostel
Tip: Stay at a place within a comfortable walking distance to a subway station.
I was lucky to stay at my friend Monalisa’s home. Not only did she take good care of me but she and her husband became my de facto guides.
Manhattan is the most expensive area to stay in NYC
From Michelin star restaurants, renowned cocktail bars to $5 food stalls, NYC won’t let you go hungry or complain about the taste. Moreover, dining on a dime is part of New York’s DNA. You can eat a mid-range sit-down restaurant for $15-25 per main course. Dinner for two with drinks usually averages around $50-70. And after that, the sky is the limit as NYC has some of the world’s fanciest and most expensive restaurants. Sandwich shops, kebabs, salad shops, and cafe meals generally are less than $10. There are plenty of street vendors with meals around $5-8. New York cocktails are a must and there are happy hours to suit your New City on a budget trip.
Sprite Amore – the signature cocktail at Nios restaurant, NYC
Food Stall at 5th Avenue, Manhattan, NYC
My favourite places are:
One of the sure shot ways to save money and time on sightseeing is by buying the New York Pass. You can choose from over 90 attractions. Travel See Write recommends the following things:
NYC is littered with some of the best museums in the world from the Met to the MoMA to the Guggenheim. Even a four-wall hater like me couldn’t resist visiting NYC museums, which houses some of the world’s best art, history, and exhibitions. Warhol, Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, Matisse…all the big names are housed in New York City.
Tip: A lot of museums are free to visit at certain hours or have a flexible entry fee. Museum of Arts and Design has free entry on Thursdays from 18:00 to 21:00, Guggenheim on Saturdays from 17.45 to 19.45 and Museum of Modern Art on Fridays from 16.00 to 20.00, The Whitney Museum of American Art on Friday, the Cooper-Hewitt National Museum of Design on Tuesday evenings
The Guggenheim Museum. Pic cc Paul Arps
A great way to relax in the city and leave behind the crowds is to spend the day in green spaces of NYC. They are free and are best for a picnic, cycling, exercising, people watching or just walking. My favourites are Central Park, Bryant Park, and Brooklyn Bridge Park.
New Yorkers in Central Park, NYC
Tip: Avoid the crowds by heading to the northern sections of the Central Park.
A historic but obsolete 1.45-mile-long railway line transformed into an aerial greenway and rails-to-trails park by Joshua David and Robert Hammond, two Chelsea residents. Strolling above the traffic among the semi-wild meadow plants means you get a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city below. The walk from Gansevoort Street, through Chelsea, to the northern edge of the West Side Yard on 34th Street is one of the best things to do in NYC.
Walking the high line, NYC
Street view from the Highline, NYC
Tip: Walk down to Chelsea Market to relish food and art.
Being a book lover, New York Public Library was high on my agenda. It is not only gorgeous from the outside but inside as well. Entry is free and you can spend as much time as you want.
NYC Public Library
Tip: Don’t forget to check out the free exhibitions.
One of the most famous landmarks of the world, the Statue of Liberty is a colossal neoclassical sculpture that shouldn’t be missed. You can either take a ferry from the Liberty State Park in Jersey City or Battery Park in Lower Manhattan.
Statue of Liberty, New York City
Tip: Want to save dollars? Take the free ferry service from Manhattan to Staten Island.
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is a bucket list item. Strolling along the pedestrian promenade I couldn’t help but wonder how such an impressive structure was built before the days of power tools.
Tip: Check out the NYC skyline from Brooklyn Heights or the Brooklyn Promenade. And if you are staying back for the weekend, don’t forget to check out the weekend food and art market.
Brooklyn Bridge, NYC
Walking the Brooklyn Bridge, NYC
NYC Skyline from Brooklyn Bridge Park
The largest Catholic cathedral in North America is a famous landmark in New York City. Its Neo-Gothic aesthetic contrasts starkly with the Art Deco Rockefeller Center, thereby ensuring that no one walking on Fifth Avenue will miss its grandeur. The Cathedral has 21 altars and 19 bells, each named after a different saint
St. Patrick’s Cathedral, NYC
Inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral, NYC
9/11 Memorial and Museum is a very emotional experience, which changes you as a person when you come out. It remembers and reflects on the events and the lives lost during the terrorist attacks. The museum houses things like a damaged fire truck and the personal anecdotal accounts of the day. The memorial consists of two enormous waterfalls pouring into the foundations where the Twin Towers once stood, with the names of the victims cut into a metal rim around them. It communicates a powerful sense of loss and absence.
Tips: The entry to this museum is Free on Tuesdays from 17:00 to closing. Get the free iPhone app and listen to one of the many different tours they have.
9/11 Memorial with name inscriptions, NYC
Damaged Firefighting truck at 9/11 Museum, NYC
Does this even need an explanation? Times Square with its neon signs, larger than life bright hoardings, Broadway marquis, elbow-to-elbow crowd, honking horns, and yellow taxis, all combine for a whirlwind introduction to NYC. Visit Times Square when it is dark outside. It is the best way to really see how many bright lights there actually are. On your first visit to New York City, visiting this iconic crossroad is a must.
Tips: Street acts can be engrossing but don’t spend too much time
Times Square, NYC
The home of Broadway, New York City shows, is of another level. Grab tickets to any popular running and you’re guaranteed an outstanding entertainment. While the big shows are rarely on offer, it’s worth checking out the TKTS booths and discount websites like BroadwayBox.com for discounted tickets.
Tip: Visit the TKTS booths 30 minutes before show time and collect your discounted tickets with practically no waiting line.
Broadway at Manhattan, NYC
NYC is 24/7 buzzing with people and one of the busiest train stations in the world is an absolute sight to behold. And, not only Grand Central Terminal gets a huge number of footfalls every day but it is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Moreover, as there is no entrance fee it fits perfectly in your New York City on a budget trip.
Grand Central Terminal, NYC
Pre-wedding shoot at Grand Central Terminal, NYC
New York was made to be seen from up high. And the best places are the Empire State Building and the Top of the Rock. The Empire State Building is a classic NYC landmark with an observation deck on the 86th and 102nd floors. And, the Top of the Rock’s observation deck is on the 70th floor.
Alternatively, you can go to a rooftop bar and enjoy the view while sipping the legendary NYC cocktails. The best in town is the Standard hotel in the Meatpacking District, which has a beautiful rooftop bar and a roof garden overlooking the Hudson River.
Tip: Go before sunset or mid-morning hours for the best view.
NYC Skyline from The Rock, NYC
NYC Skyline from Empire State Building
The famous NYC Skyline from The Empire State Building
New York City is an addictive city. It will draw you in and make you fall in love with it. Be sure to make the most of it. I heart New York City!
Still looking for more ideas on what to do in New York City? Check out places to shop in NYC on a budget.
Have you explored New York City on a budget or planning to? I would love to hear about your experiences.
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Thanks, I love NY for hosting me. All the experiences shared above, like always, are based on my (Archana Singh’s) personal experiences. And, the pictures posted above were clicked by me during my visit.
Mountain climbing is an addiction that is hard to resist. The deeper you fall for mountains the higher you rise in life. The best views come after harder climbs. But what if you fall much before reaching the summit? What if you are doing the dream trek of your life and your body gives up midway to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)? Would you turn back or continue doing the Everest Base Camp Trek despite the illness? Here’s everything you need to know about Acute Mountain Sickness: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention.
Acute mountain Sickness, also known as altitude sickness or high altitude pulmonary edema, typically occurs at about 8,000 feet, or 2,400 meters, above sea level. The common symptoms are dizziness, nausea, headache, loss of appetite and breathlessness. Most often the altitude sickness cases are mild and heal quickly. In few cases, altitude sickness can become lethal.
As you gain height with higher altitudes, the oxygen levels and air pressure decreases. When you drive or hike up a mountain, or go skiing from a lower altitude to a higher altitude at a fast pace, your body may not have enough time to adjust. This can result in acute mountain sickness. Exertion also adds up to the woes.
The symptoms generally appear within hours of moving to higher altitudes and vary depending on the severity of your condition.
EBC Trek: From Pheriche to Lobuche
Acute Mountain Sickness treatment varies depending on its severity. You might be able to avoid complications by simply returning to a lower altitude. If severe symptoms persist, you might require oxygen or hospitalization. Here is what you should do:
While it is beyond one to predict whether they’ll get AMS or not, you can take some important precautions to reduce your chances of Acute Mountain Sickness.
Build stamina and do lung exercises for months in advance before the trek
Ensure you have no serious health issues
Review the symptoms of mountain sickness so you can recognize and treat them quickly if they occur.
Carry Diamox to adjust your body to high altitudes.
Drink Plenty of water and liquids like green tea/lemon tea
Consume foods high in carbohydrates. Carry dry fruits and nuts
Cocoa relieves altitude sickness
Do not smoke and avoid drinking alcohol
In my 12 days Everest Base Camp trek, I had two days to rest and acclimatize to altitude, but if you are not in a hurry, why not do a 16-day trek and go at a leisurely pace?
A company whose staff is knowledgeable, well-connected and customer service oriented. Explore Himalaya was great in this department because they not only had a professional setup but also own Everest Inn Lodges and Helicopter service. But I am no way recommending them; there are a lot of good companies (of course I think mine is the best), but just try to establish a rapport early to be sure they got your back when you need them. If you are planning to trek soon, do check out this interesting post on TIMS Card.
When doing a high altitude trek, you should ALWAYS take Rescue Insurance, which includes air ambulance as well as helicopter evacuation. If the AMS gets serious then there is no option but to airlift, which costs more than US$ 2500 for a helicopter evacuation from 4000m near Mt. Everest and up to US$ 5000 for a rescue in the far west. My friend did not take rescue insurance and ended up spending USD$ 8000 on his EBC trek. Read the entire story here.
Mint Lemon Green Tea, Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal
Acute Mountain Sickness is a serious thing. Don’t think twice before turning back. Your life is far more precious than climbing a mountain. You can always trek again but you only get one life. Have you ever faced Acute Mountain Sickness? How did you cope up with it?
Related: Leh Ladakh Road Trip
Everest Base Camp Trek: how to tackle Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
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I was invited by Nepal Tourism Board for the Himalayan Travel Mart in Nepal. The Everest Base Camp Trek was organised by Explore Himalaya. All the experiences shared above, like always, are based on my (Archana Singh’s) personal experiences. Pictures posted above were clicked by me during the trek.
The Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal
The trek route is dubbed as “the steps to heaven”. Every bend in the trail provides another photo opportunity – lush green forests, Sherpa villages, cascading milky waterfalls, dancing suspension bridges, fluttering colourful prayer flags, huge prayer rocks engraved with Buddhist teachings and sky-piercing glacial valleys.
In January 2017, when I was trekking in Sikkim, India, it wasn’t even in my wildest dreams I could be walking in the footsteps of the mountaineering legends in less than six months. But sometimes reality can be better than dreams. I was gearing up to attend the first Himalayan Travel Mart in Nepal in May 2017, when I got an opportunity to do the EBC trek with Explore Himalaya. Here’s my experience of trekking the most iconic and beautiful trek of the world.
Walking Distance: 8km (3-4 hours)
Everest Base Camp Trek: Sherpa Lodge at Phakding
The Everest Base Camp Trek begins with a mountain flight to Lukla. The thirty-five-minute mountain flight from Kathmandu to the Tenzing Hillary Airport, Lukla perched at 2800 meters was one of the most scenic and thrilling rides I have ever experienced. A quick breakfast and I was off for a 3-hour trek to Phakding with my guide and porter.
Walking Distance: 10-12km (5-6 hours)
Everest Base Camp Trek – Phakding to Namche Bazaar
It was one of the longest days of our trek, as we walked for 6 hours covering 10km with an elevation gain of 800 metres. The arduous hike to Namche Bazaar, the biggest Sherpa village in Nepal, was totally worth the effort for the views. Huge prayer rocks (Mani stones) engraved with Tibetian Buddhist prayers and pretty tea houses dotted the trail.
We crossed the Dudhkoshi River via a long suspension bridge and then walked through a beautiful pine forest to Monju. After lunch, the tough uphill trek began. My fatigue vanished, as soon as I saw the beautiful Namche Bazaar village.
Dudhkoshi River, Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal
Namche Bazaar View from the Monastery, EBC Trek, Nepal
One day was reserved to recover from the arduous previous day hike and acclimatise to the height gain. Most of the time I lazed around, sipping honey-ginger-lemon tea. In the evening, I went to the town clicking pictures, having apple pie and paying homage to the World’s highest Irish Pub. The highlight of my walk was the Namche Bazaar monastery from where the houses appeared to be in a U shaped bowl. Clouds kept playing hide n seek with the snow-clad high mountain peaks.
The mid point of Everest Base Camp Trek: Namche Bazaar at twilight
EBC Trek: Spiderman spotted at Namche Bazaar, Nepal
EBC Trek: Irish Pub at Namche Bazaar, Nepal
Walking Distance: 10km (6 hours)
EBC Trek: With a glimpse of Everest
Stomach filled with hearty breakfast and restored limbs, I continued my Everest Base Camp adventure. I had barely walked 500 metres when my eyes got the most beautiful gift of the day – the mighty Everest, Nuptse and Lhotse peaks stood majestically in full glory. I wanted to stay longer but we had a long-distance to cover. So, reluctantly I moved on. A short drop took us to the base of the river, and then after crossing the river, we were hiking again through the forest pass.
Everest View from Namche to Tengboche, EBC Trek
Finally, the hard work paid off when I reached Tengboche, one of the most beautiful places in the Everest region. There was a veil of mist covering the pretty sleepy village. In the centre, stood the bright red coloured Tengboche monastery.
Tangboche Monastary, EBC Trek
Walking Distance: 11km (6 hours)
EBC Trek: Tengboche Village
The day started with the prayer session at the Tengboche Monastery and soon enough I was walking through the rhododendron forest to Debouche followed by a bridge over the raging Imja Khola River. Passing the valley, I traversed through the plains to Pangboche village. The afternoon trek after lunch was a difficult one, the lush green forested landscape gave way to dry; deserted mountains as we hiked towards Pheriche.
EBC Trek: Suspension bridge over the raging Imja Khola River
EBC Trek: Locals on my way from Tengboche to Pheriche
The acclimatization came as a great relief to the sore body. Again, like in Namche, I continued my routine – Eat Sleep Repeat. In the evening I went for a walk around the village to spot yaks.
EBC Trek: Yaks in Pheriche Valley
Walking Distance: 11-12 km (6-7 hours)
This was the most daunting stretch of the trek. It became more challenging, due to the higher altitude and my body started showing strong Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) symptoms. I still kept moving on. After a tough, steep walk to the top of a high hill, I reached Dungla, where the memorial stupas were dedicated to the climbers and trekkers who lost their lives to Everest over the years.
Everest Base Camp Trek: From Pheriche to Lobuche
The next part of my adventure brought over the craggy mountain terrain to Lobuche, a small settlement with amazing views of Mt. Lobuche, Mt. Pumori and the Nuptse. When I reached our lodge, I was exhausted and hungry but my body wasn’t ready to accept any foreign product, not even water. I had already vomited several times and was feeling very weak. So, the best option was to snuggle up under a blanket.
EBC Trek: From Pheriche to Lobuche
Walking Distance: 15km (6-8 hours)
EBC Trek: At the base camp
My guide was worried about my wearing health but I was determined to make it to the EBC. Turning back wasn’t an option. My mental strength pushed my physical strength to not give up. The trek from Lobuche to Gorekshep was gradual but the subsequent trail to Everest Base Camp was harder, involving rocky dunes and moraine, formed by the accumulation of unconsolidated glacial debris. On the way to EBC, I came across the famed Khumbu Glacier and icefall, located on the slopes of Everest. As the afternoon sun started to wane, I decided to head back to Gorekshep for some much-needed rest and relaxation after a gruelling day.
Khumbu Glacier, Everest Base Camp, Nepal
Khumbu Icefall, Everest Base Camp, Nepal. Pic cc Ashish Shrestha
Everest Base Camp, Nepal. Pic cc Ashish Shrestha
Walking distance: 12-13km (5-6 hours)
It has been three days since I had eaten or drank anything. My worst nightmare had turned into a reality. I was in stage IV of AMS and my goal of visiting the EBC was achieved so, I didn’t want to risk my life any further. Hence, I made a decision to let go off visiting the Kalapathar. Before dawn, I started my descend to Pheriche. During the trek, I saw the glorious sunrise over Mt. Everest and the spectacular view of Nuptse Cholatse and Lhotse. As I descended, my pace got a lot brisker and my health improved.
Everest Base Camp Trek: Gorakshep to Pheriche
Distance of walking: 13-15km (7-8 hours)
Everest Base Camp Trek: Sherpa boy and his pony
The walk from Pheriche back to Tengboche was mainly downhill, albeit an hour of climbing a hill. I was on and off accompanied by the Sherpa boys and their cattle. By late afternoon I was in the comfort of Everest Inn enjoying my favourite meal made by Ganesh.
Walking Distance: 16km (6-8 hours)
EBC Trek: Sherpa Woman
After breakfast, I began my trek toward the Hillary Suspension Bridge and then passed through Sherpa villages. We stopped over at Phakding for quick lunch. It was an uphill trek to Lukla, made even more challenging when I had to navigate through the herd of cattle and yaks littering everywhere.
Everest Base Camp Trek – constant companions
Everest Base Camp Trek – Lukla Airport
Thank god, the monsoon arrived in full swing on our last day. After waiting for six hours, we took off to Kathmandu.
Today as I reflect back on my Everest Base Camp Trek, all I can say is nothing beats the thrill and sense of accomplishment that grips a hiker on seeing the power and grace of the mighty Everest up close. It is a feeling that can only be felt not described in words. If I can do this trek then anyone can do it.
P.S.: I don’t recommend to continue hiking if you see strong Acute Mountain Sickness symptoms. I knew my limits and I acted accordingly. The best solution is to take it easy and go down to a lower altitude as soon as possible.
For a complete guide to the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of AMS, do read my detailed post on How to deal with Acute Mountain Sickness.
Everest Base Camp Trek, Meadows of Pheriche
February – May, and September – October
Locals are the unsung heroes, who can transform your good trip into a great one. I might not have completed my trek if it was not with Explore Himalaya. They were very professional yet empathetic. Throughout the trek, my guide, Sailesh Lopchan and other staff members took good care of me and always motivated me whenever I went low on motivation. All the services like mountain flight, accommodation, food and guide were top notch.
During the Everest Base Camp Trek, I stayed at seven different lodges for ten nights. All lodges were basic and comfortable. However, my favourite was the chain of Everest Inn lodges run by Explore Himalaya – Lukla (Shangri-La), Phakding (E-Sherpa Eco Home), Namche Bazaar (Hotel Everest) and Pheriche (The White Yak). They were spacious, cosy, well insulated and most importantly clean. When I travel, my biggest concern is the toilet. Thankfully toilets and showers were clean and well maintained. Everest Inns were indeed a home away from home.
The Everest Inn Lodge (White Yak) at Pheriche during EBC Trek
The food at the Everest Inn Lodges was to die for. Not only it was healthy (because it was home-cooked) but it was tasty too. At some places, it was better than what you’ll get in Kathmandu. The staff was very warm and gentle. They would never so NO to anything. There was no extra charge for hot water, charging or shower. Because connectivity is an issue at such a height, so in some places, the Wi-Fi was charged, but at, a very nominal price.
EBC Trek: Breakfast at Everest Inn, Namche Bazaar, Nepal
This story was published in DB post in Sep 2017
Everest Base Camp Trek
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I was invited by the Nepal Tourism Board for the Himalayan Travel Mart in Nepal. The Everest Base Camp Trek was organised by Explore Himalaya. All the experiences shared above, like always, are based on my (Archana Singh’s) personal experiences. Pictures posted above were clicked by me during the trek.
During my two months solo trip around the US, I kept New York City for the last. Not because I thought the city didn’t have much to offer. But simply because I love exploring wilderness more than concrete jungle and I thought NYC would have more of the latter. I am happy to admit I was so wrong about the city in motion. New York is an exciting place to be in, and is simply loaded with bucket list attractions like Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Times Square, Wall Street and the list goes on and on.
The city will never run out of options with its always upbeat energy. You can explore either by walking or taking a subway. And once you are done with sightseeing of city attractions, you should explore road-trip destinations that are within an easy driving distance. Tourists and New Yorkers love the city more for those countless short road trips from NYC you can enjoy.
Best Roadtrips from NYC
So, whether you are looking for an easy weekend getaway or a romantic one, there is always a perfect destination nearby. You could be in a mood for a kick-back-and-relax type and raring to go for an outdoor adventure. Those short road trips in NYC will not disappoint you. However, before hit the road this weekend, make sure that your vehicle or transport is in good shape and order. Kiwitaxi is highly popular among the locals and the tourists as it is a reliable service offers best services and professional drivers.
Towards the western boundary of the city lies this beautiful gem, which is just about fifty miles away. The riverside hamlet is filled with nature as well as antique shops and country store. Drive up here and spend the whole day relaxing and unwinding. You could even plan a picnic.
Pic Courtesy: Roban Kramer, under creative common 2.0 license
About two hours away from the city, Hudson is famous for its food and antiques. New Yorkers love coming here for the rustic fine dining experience as well as some rare retro finds. It is fun to explore the gorgeous Hudson River environment lined with quaint historic homes.
Pic Courtesy: Doug Kerr, under creative common 2.0 license
Another popular road trip is the Bear Mountain, about an hour away. Escape from city madness during the early hours and reach the beautiful state located near the west bank of the Hudson River. Spend the day hiking and biking or fishing or swimming.
The unassuming city is less than two hours away from NYC and is filled with indie boutiques, seasonal-focused eateries and different quaint spots for shopping. Once you reach, you can rent a bike to explore the stunning woodlands and meadows.
Pic: Courtesy: ScubaBear68 under creative common 2.0 license
Road trip to New Paltz is certainly the most historic one and is about 1hr 45 mins away from NYC. Learn about the history of the place once you reach, about the 17th-century Huguenot settlers, the reconstructed 1717 church or the historic homes.
Pic: Courtesy: Jebb, under creative common 2.0 license
If you love beaches, then head for Sea Girt, NJ, about two hours away from NYC. The small town of Sea Girt boasts of beautiful beaches and is just the right spot for a bit of romance. There are elegant restaurants where you can get a few cocktails.
Pic: Courtesy: Jazz Guy, under creative common 2.0 license
About 150 miles from NYC, this place takes less than two hours to reach. Experience the rural New England charm in its dense, lush forests. You could enjoy a picnic beside Berry Lake or try out exotic whiskeys and niche brews in Moe’s Tavern.
Pic: Courtesy: Kathryn under creative common 2.0 license
Have you ever been on any of these 7 Best Road trips from NYC? Did I miss out on any? Please feel free to share your feedback in comments section.
During my two months solo trip around the US, I kept New York City for the last. Not because I thought the city didn’t have much to offer. But simply because I love exploring wilderness more than concrete jungle and I thought NYC would have more of the latter. I am happy to admit I was so wrong about the city in motion. New York is an exciting place to be in, and is simply loaded with bucket list attractions like Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Times Square, Wall Street and the list goes on and on.
The city will never run out of options with its always upbeat energy. You can explore either by walking or taking a subway. And once you are done with sightseeing of city attractions, you should explore road-trip destinations that are within an easy driving distance. Tourists and New Yorkers love the city more for those countless short Road Trips from NYC you can enjoy.
Best Roadtrips from NYC
So, whether you are looking for an easy weekend getaway or a romantic one, there is always a perfect destination nearby. You could be in a mood for a kick-back-and-relax type and raring to go for an outdoor adventure. Those short road trips in NYC will not disappoint you. However, before hit the road this weekend, make sure that your vehicle or transport is in good shape and order. Kiwitaxi is highly popular among the locals and the tourists as it is a reliable service offers best services and professional drivers.
Towards the western boundary of the city lies this beautiful gem, which is just about fifty miles away. The riverside hamlet is filled with nature as well as antique shops and country store. Drive up here and spend the whole day relaxing and unwinding. You could even plan a picnic.
Pic Courtesy: Roban Kramer, under creative common 2.0 license
About two hours away from the city, Hudson is famous for its food and antiques. New Yorkers love coming here for the rustic fine dining experience as well as some rare retro finds. It is fun to explore the gorgeous Hudson River environment lined with quaint historic homes.
Pic Courtesy: Doug Kerr, under creative common 2.0 license
Another popular road trip is the Bear Mountain, about an hour away. Escape from city madness during the early hours and reach the beautiful state located near the west bank of the Hudson River. Spend the day hiking and biking or fishing or swimming.
The unassuming city is less than two hours away from NYC and is filled with indie boutiques, seasonal-focused eateries and different quaint spots for shopping. Once you reach, you can rent a bike to explore the stunning woodlands and meadows.
Pic: Courtesy: ScubaBear68 under creative common 2.0 license
Road trip to New Paltz is certainly the most historic one and is about 1hr 45 mins away from NYC. Learn about the history of the place once you reach, about the 17th-century Huguenot settlers, the reconstructed 1717 church or the historic homes.
Pic: Courtesy: Jebb, under creative common 2.0 license
If you love beaches, then head for Sea Girt, NJ, about two hours away from NYC. The small town of Sea Girt boasts of beautiful beaches and is just the right spot for a bit of romance. There are elegant restaurants where you can get a few cocktails.
Pic: Courtesy: Jazz Guy, under creative common 2.0 license
About 150 miles from NYC, this place takes less than two hours to reach. Experience the rural New England charm in its dense, lush forests. You could enjoy a picnic beside Berry Lake or try out exotic whiskeys and niche brews in Moe’s Tavern.
Pic: Courtesy: Kathryn under creative common 2.0 license
Have you ever been on any of these 7 Best Road trips from NYC? Did I miss out on any? Please feel free to share your feedback in comments section.
Time changes everything. Some things become beautiful with time. Some lose their sheen. Nothing is left untouched, especially our cities. Some transform into maximum cities from trading towns while others lose the stunning coastline to a concrete jungle. Time preserve some and perish others. On the eve of India’s 72nd Independence Day, I was visiting my grandparents in Gujarat. Like a master storyteller, my grandpa was narrating his Independence era stories with quintessential statements like, “hamare zamane mein toh aisa hota tha” (in our time it used to be like this). He went into his room and fetched his well-preserved black and white photo album to give us a glimpse of India: then and now.
Connaught Place, Delhi. India: then and now
As I was flipping through his photo album, I couldn’t help but compare the “then and now” photos of the cities and famous landmarks I have grown up looking up to. The world today looks so different from my grandpa’s time. There has been a paradigm shift in everything – mindset, lifestyle, economy, and culture to name a few. India’s economy, which was once characterized by Nehruvian socialism, stands vastly ‘Modified’ today. We are one of the fastest growing economies in the world. But with that growth, the makeup of our cities has changed remarkably. This topic requires a great deal of research and analysis. So, I’ll leave it for now and instead share few pictures from India: then and now.
Humayun Tomb, Delhi. India: then and now
My grandpa’s story piqued my interest in knowing more about the past of India. I was surfing the internet when I came across Expedia’s new interactive tool where we can travel back in time and explore some of India’s famous landmarks. The best part about this tool is it shows you how places looked in the past and how they look in the present.
Landmarks of India: then and now
So, put on your monochrome glasses, visit the Expedia website, flip the images one by one, and travel back in time!
If you are interested to visit some offbeat places in India, do check out these articles:
Time changes everything. Some things become beautiful with time. Some lose their sheen. Nothing is left untouched, especially our cities. Some transform into maximum cities from trading towns while others lose the stunning coastline to a concrete jungle. Time preserve some and perish others. On the eve of India’s 70th Independence Day, I was visiting my grandparents. Like a master storyteller, my grandpa was narrating his Independence era stories with quintessential statements like, “hamare zamane mein toh aisa hota tha” (in our time it used to be like this). He went into his room and fetched his well-preserved black and white photo album to give us a glimpse of India: then and now.
Connaught Place, Delhi. India: then and now
As I was flipping through his photo album, I couldn’t help but compare the “then and now” photos of the cities and famous landmarks I have grown up looking up to. The world today looks so different from my grandpa’s time. There has been a paradigm shift in everything – mindset, lifestyle, economy, and culture to name a few. India’s economy, which was once characterized by Nehruvian socialism, stands vastly ‘Modified’ today. We are one of the fastest growing economies in the world. But with that growth, the makeup of our cities has changed remarkably. This topic requires a great deal of research and analysis. So, I’ll leave it for now and instead share few pictures from India: then and now.
Humayun Tomb, Delhi. India: then and now
My grandpa’s story piqued my interest in knowing more about the past of India. I was surfing the internet when I came across Expedia’s new interactive tool where we can travel back in time and explore some of India’s famous landmarks. The best part about this tool is it shows you how places looked in the past and how they look in the present.
Landmarks of India: then and now
So, put on your monochrome glasses, visit the Expedia website, flip the images one by one, and travel back in time!
It is said ‘out of sight out of mind’ but in travel, it’s usually the opposite. Even if a place tick marks all the boxes, we tend to ignore it in favor of more popular destinations. You know why? Because the grass is always greener on the other side. We tend to choose holiday places by the potential of likes and comments it can garner on Facebook. Far away places appear to be more exotic than nearby (less popular but equally good) places. Selangor, Malaysia has everything you would want in a perfect holiday destination but still, you should NEVER visit it. Intrigued?
Here are my 10 reasons why you should NEVER visit Selangor, Malaysia
Selangor is the biggest and the most developed part of Malaysia. It is located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and is bordered by Perak to the north, Pahang to the east, Negeri Sembilan to the south and the Strait of Malacca to the west. Did you know the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya were once under Selangor’s territorial sovereignty until Selangor decided to give them away? You can make it your base and travel anywhere around Malaysia. Or for that matter even Singapore and Thailand. There’s a highway that connects the three countries. I am already dreaming about a multi-country road trip.
Things to do in Malaysia: Visit Selangor, the heart of Malaysia
For an adventure buff, there can’t be a better way to start a trip than jumping off a cliff to get a bird’s eye view of the paradisiacal beauty of Malaysia. Before I paraglided I didn’t know that Kuala Kubu Bharu has received testimonials from some of the top paragliders in the world for having the best view-cum-facilities. Last year alone, three major paragliding competitions were hosted here: Malaysia Accuracy Open, Paragliding Accuracy World Cup and Malaysia Open Cross-Country. I met my paragliding team at the Stadium Millennium, from where we drove for 15 minutes in a 4WD to Bukit Batu Pahat. The take-off point at Bukit Batu Pahat, which is 1400-foot above sea level.
The wind conditions were good and we flew for 20 minutes. The lush green forests tightly hugged the mountains and blue water bodies, while the fluffy clouds added a bit more romance to the setting. It was Zen-like to fly like a bird. The pleasant breeze kept caressing my tresses while I enjoyed listening to my pilot’s tales. He was cool to allow me to navigate the parachute for a while. We even tried some summersaults in the air.
Things to do in Malaysia: Paragliding at Bukit Batu Pahat, Selangor
Besides paragliding, Kuala Kubu Bharu is best known for whitewater rafting, hiking and waterfall chasing. Unfortunately, I was super tired and running low on time to experience those. But there’s always the next time.
Related:
Kota Kinabalu is the best place for unplanned travel in South East Asia
It was a dream come true for a motorsport fan to watch the MotoGP Race at Sepang International Circuit.
Things to do in Malaysia: Rev up your engine at Sepang International Circuit, Selangor
It’s hard to imagine an industrialised state like Selangor can be a haven for nature lovers. But paradoxes do exist. Selangor is a living proof. Hulu Selangor is a very green state with plenty of parks and forest reserves and. Many of the Tin mining excavations have been converted into lakes. Staying at Sticks Resort in the middle of a Jungle was ultimate digital detoxification.
Things to do in Malaysia: Stay at Sticks Resort, Hulu Selangor, Malaysia
A place, where you disconnect from the world to connect with nature and yourself. Where you can enjoy the musical gurgling of the river, chirping of birds, the fragrance of flowers and freshly barbecued food made by our lovely host Rubin and his beautiful wife. It was pure bliss. Albeit a few insects tried to get cozy with my co-traveler friend, Jo.
Things to do in Malaysia: Get close to nature at Hulu Selangor, Malaysia
Another experience that I really loved was the Mangrove River Cruise, where I savored the sights and sounds of monkeys, mudskippers, eagles, exotic birds, and monitor lizards. Fortunately, the weather was clear and the cool sea salt breeze splashed us each time the boat accelerated. Too bad we didn’t get to see ‘Samundar mein naha kar’ performance by Sudipto 😛
Things to do in Malaysia: Experience the Mangrove River Cruise, Selangor
Have you ever dreamt of having a Maldives experience at 1/5th the price? Well, I didn’t but I experienced it first-hand. The first time I saw the picture of the Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort I wondered if Selangor Tourism Boa the d was tricking us by flying to the Maldives or Bora Bora instead of Selangor. But we were in for a pleasant surprise. With 392 water villas, the scale of the resort was mind-blowing. The huge water villas were so spread out that it took almost 15 minutes to walk from reception to the farthest water villas. Fortunately, there were large golf buggies and free bicycles to take us around.
Things to do in Malaysia: Experience 5 star luxury at Avani Goldcoast Resort, Sepang
Things to do in Malaysia: Experience 5 star luxury at Avani Goldcoast Resort, Sepang
Unlike the Maldives and Bora Bora, the water at Avani Resort wasn’t turquoise blue. But if you are interested in the amazing sunset views and the serene calm environ of a luxury villa over a calm bay at 1/5th the price, this resort is a fantastic option. Also, this is an ideal place for large group MICE conferences and destination weddings.
Things to do in Malaysia: Watch sunset at Avani, Selangor
Avani Sepang Gold Coast Resort, Selangor, Malaysia at Sunset
Sunset at Avani Resort, Selangor, Malaysia
It wasn’t just the Avani Resort which enchanted me with its luxury living. The Palace of the Golden Horses, tagged as “Asia’s Most Extraordinary Hotel”, was a masterpiece in itself. A world-class, award-winning, palatial hotel that has hosted the who’s who of the world and where hit movies like Kabali were shot.
Things to do in Malaysia: Stay at the Palace of the Golden Horses, Selangor
If you are looking for a one-stop destination that is not too far from Kuala Lumpur and has all kinds of fun activities, the 7 million square feet Sunway City is your answer. A multi-award winning township located just 15 minutes from Kuala Lumpur has Sunway Lagoon, Sunway Resorts, and Sunway Pyramid.
Things to do in Malaysia: Invoke the inner kid in you at the Sunway Lagoon Amusement Park, Selangor
In Sunway Lagoon, you’ll find five different theme parks with more than 80 rides and attractions to choose from. “Dil toh bacha hai jee” crossed my mind as I hopped through the Water Park, Amusement Park, Wildlife Park, Extreme Park and Scream Park the whole day. The big daddy of amusement parks houses the world’s largest man-made sandy surf beach, world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge, Asia’s highest slingshot ride, Malaysia’s first interactive zoo and one of Asia’s longest flying fox trails. There are plenty of activities like paintball war games, mountain biking, bungee jumping, go-karting, ATV rides among others to keep you busy.
After an action-packed day at the Sunway Lagoon, I dropped in at the Sunway Pyramid. With an Egyptian motif, the shopping mall is housed in a large pyramid, with a monumental Sphinx welcoming visitors at its entrance.
Selangor surprised me with its heritage towns of Kuala Kubu Baru (KKB) and Klang. After having Teh Tarik (milk tea with lots of sugar) and Chana Roti (bread with vegetable curry), I walked through the sleepy heritage town of KKB, which is a jump off point for several outdoor activities like rafting, hiking, and paragliding. Walking through the Instagrammable block of four parallel streets lined with well-preserved 1920s shophouses, I felt I had time traveled to the 1920s. An era when match-box sized compact towns were in vogue with tree-lined pathways, cobbled streets, graffiti-adorned walls and mountain views.
Things to do in Malaysia: Walk the heritage lanes of Kuala Kubu Baru Town center, Selangor
Things to do in Malaysia: Relish the local pastry shophouse at Kuala Kubu Baru, Selangor
Baru in Malay language means new. The town you are standing in is not the original town. It was planned in 1925 after the original Kuala Kubu was washed away by disastrous floods in 1883.
Said the owner of a home appliances shop, who fascinatingly believed in equality – equal shop front space to a real and a me-too brand.
Another place that I loved exploring was Klang, established as a seat of power during the height of the tin-mining era. A place where all cultures and religions coexist harmoniously. The royal city of Selangor is home to the eclectic 19th-century Sultan Sulaiman Mosque, named after its reigning sultan when Klang was at its peak. After walking through the old quarters reminiscent of Royal Sultanate era, Colonial era, and Indian immigrant era; I reached the ‘Little India’. An area where I was greeted by the Bollywood music, the smell of South Indian spices and a sea of saris and Punjabi suits, over-the-top jewelry, and traditional knick-knacks. Did I say I missed India? Not really.
Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery, Klang, Selangor, Malaysia
Things to do in Malaysia: Spend time at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery, Klang, Selangor
Things to do in Malaysia: Visit the Klang Royal Town Mosque, Selangor
I am not a big fan of shopping but it’s impossible to visit Selangor and not shop. Even a reluctant shopper like me surrendered to the retail therapy. Any guesses what I shopped? Of course, shoes. My reason to purchase – good quality at unheard of prices. Though Malaysia is not as cheap as Thailand or Vietnam for shopping you get good quality stuff at great prices and there are malls all around to lure you.
Selangor is the country’s primary port of entry and strategically located in the capital city, Kuala Lumpur. There are regular flights from across the world. I flew in with Malindo Air from Delhi to KL for the first time. The flight was on time and comfortable. Although food and service could be improved. While getting in Selangor is a cake walk, moving in and around Selangor is stress-free too. The public transportation makes it easy to move around from one place to another. You can either take a train, bus or Uber.
Things to do in Malaysia: Visit the Twin Towers
For a solo traveler like me, the most important thing about a place is its people. And I must say Malaysians are very kind, extremely polite, soft-spoken, helpful, assiduous and punctual people. They would go out of their way to accommodate even your last-minute requests. And this I am speaking from my many visits.
Last but not the least. It’s become super easy to travel to Malaysia, especially for Indians. Within five minutes you get e-visa at 20 USD fees. No need to take prints outs, set aside a day off to visit the embassy or employ an agent. Just visit the official Malaysian Visa Website, fill the application, submit the relevant documents, pay the processing fees and your e-visa is done. Yes, it’s as simple as 1…2…3.
So these were my 10 reasons on why you should NEVER visit Selangor, Malaysia. Confused about the title of the post? Hope you get the sarcasm. See you soon in the heart of Malaysia – Selangor!
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I was invited by Selangor Tourism Board and Malindo Air for a Media Trip. All the experiences shared above are based on my (Archana Singh’s) experience in Selangor. Most of the pictures posted above were clicked by me during my visit.
When you go to the Rockies, you stay in a Ranch; when you go to the Adirondacks, you stay in a camp. If you can’t camp in the forest, you stay at a place that gives you a unique experience. The best place to stay in the Adirondacks is the Forbes Four Diamond-rated Whiteface Lodge, which mirrors the splendour of the historic Great Camps. The Whiteface Lodge Resort is considered to be the best Adirondacks hotel as it provides luxurious accommodation in a breathtaking woodland setting.
One of the key reasons for me to visit Lake Placid was to see the home of the two Winter Olympics games (1932 and 1980). What I didn’t know was that my resort was actually a dream of a former Olympian himself. It was his vision and decades of building experience that created one of the grandest properties in the Adirondack Mountains. Here is my first-hand experience of staying at this luxurious Adirondacks hotel:
Whiteface Lodge is in the heart of the High Peaks region of the Adirondack Mountains. The resort is just a few blocks from Lake Placid and a short drive from the celebrated ski slopes of Whiteface Mountain.
Lobby of the Whiteface Lodge, Lake Placid, Adirondacks
The extraordinary, one-of-a-kind rustic timber design incorporates the use of traditional Adirondack wood and stone – including local timber milled on-site, coupled with hand-crafted furnishings and details. But having a rustic design and being located in an idyllic setting doesn’t mean the resort cut corners on the facilities. You’ll find abundant avant-garde amenities at “the Northeast’s Best Mountain Resort”.
Created to be one of the region’s grandest properties, the Lodge has garnered numerous awards, including “The 2012 World’s Best Places to Stay” on Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List. It is rated as #1 in Best Adirondacks Resorts, #1 in Best Adirondacks Hotels and #33 in Best New York Hotels. While searching for accommodation online, I hardly came across any negative reviews.
Living room of a Deluxe Suit at Whiteface Lodge, Lake Placid, Adirondacks, New York
The only all-suite lodge in the Adirondacks region features 96 guest suites with full kitchens, living space with fireplaces, balconies or patios, and full breakfast daily. Depending on your budget and number of guests, you can choose from any of the following:
Whether you are a family or a couple or just friends, the resort offers every imaginable activity – from a 56-seat surround-sound movie theatre, a 10-pin bowling alley, a game room chock-full of foosball and air hockey tables to canoeing and ice skating in the winter. The open kitchen showcases the talents of Executive Chef Adam Bechard’s culinary team at the Kanu restaurant and lounge. Don’t miss their signature traditional dishes and cocktails. The resort spa is an ideal pampering zone with hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas, wellness classes, fitness center and a full-service spa and salon menu. There’s so much to keep you busy within the resort for days but if you want to explore outside then Whiteface Lodge offers outdoor activities and a free shuttle service to local recreational facilities.
Rights Granted: The Whiteface Lodge is granted unlimited, non-exclusive, worldwide rights to all images. All other rights reserved. Copyright Shayne Lynn.
Kayaking at Lake Placid with Whiteface Lodge, Adirondacks
The staff was very courteous and answered all my queries patiently at any given time. I would particularly like to mention the valet service. They tried to know my name and always welcomed me with a big smile, no matter when I arrived.
Entrance of the Whiteface Lodge, Lake Placid, Adirondacks
You can book either book directly by visiting their website https://www.thewhitefacelodge.com/ or through any third-party website like tripadvisor.com or booking.com
My experience of Staying at Whiteface Lodge was wonderful, and I can definitely say it is the best Adirondacks hotel. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for one-of-its-kind luxurious experience.
Have you ever stayed at such a place? If yes, I would love to hear from you.
If you want to read about my some really cool stories about the USA, don’t forget to read my stories on The USA Travel: Things you should know before you visit, among many others.
Mirror Lake at Golden Hour, Lake Placid, Adirondacks
I was hosted by Adirondacks USA and Whiteface Lodge in May 2017. However, as always, the views are mine and based on my personal experience. The pictures used are either mine or provided by the Resort.
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