RSS Feed Twitter

Beach Honeymoon

Lazying out in the endless coastlines, soaking in the clear turquoise waters and a sunset dinner cruise is your perfect honeymoon destinations, then here are some beaches that will make you so “AWW”.

Glacier Express – A train to fall in love with

Some of the most spectacular train journeys one can make is in Switzerland. Topping the list is the “Glacier Express”. During this 7 ½ journey, expect to see gorgeous villages, soaring steeples, red sloped roofed houses, brown cows munching away the lush green grass, ice melting into little water falls, green forests and wild meadows. This St. Moritz/Davos - Zermatt panoramic train journey, crosses 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, and the Oberalp Pass which is 2033 meter above the sea level.

Hong Kong Highlights

Hong Kong is a vibrant never-say-sleep city. Neon-lit skyscrapers, tightly packed sidewalk, molasses-slow traffic, steam-filled eat outs identifies this overwhelming harbor city. In addition to the Cantonese Chinese and British influence, one can notice a diverse influence from Vietnam to Vancouver making Hong Kong a unique destination

Paris Highlights

Paris, the city of lights and city of fashion, has the reputation of being the most beautiful and romantic city in the world. History, art, culture, food or fashion, one can have a variety of attraction to see in this city.

Adventure Sport: Zorbing down the hill

For Adventure Sports enthusiast, Zorbing is a must do. Simply saying, Zorbing is a recreation activity of rolling down a hill inside a inflated ball. The experience is more like throw inside a washing machine. Though you might think with all the movement inside the zorb, you would end up black and blue, but Zorb is incredibly safe. The Zorbing site was first established in Rotoura, New Zealand.

World Famous Cuisines

The history, climate, geography, religion and culture have a deep impact on any cuisine in the world. The origin and migration of food have in turn influenced the history, culture and culture. For any traveler, tasting the world famous cuisine with its authenticity is indeed a great opportunity. Here are some of the world famous cuisines in no particular order: Lebanese Cuisine, Greek Cuisine, Spanish Cuisine, Japanese Cuisine, Mexican Cuisine, Thai Cuisine, Chinese Cuisine, French Cuisine, Italian Cuise...

Showing posts with label Budget Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Budget Travel. Show all posts

Rickshaws around the World

Friday, December 24, 2010 8:19 PM TOIP
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 comments

Rickshaw, a popular vehicle for hire, has been customized around the globe. With a different names, appearance and mechanisms, these three wheelers has a dense presence and commute people in affordably. Here are few rickshaws you may want to have a ride in:

Auto/Tuk-Tuk is a most popular means of transport in Asia. These rickshaws have also started to make their in many countries in Europe. Tourists are quite excited to ply around the cities in these open vehicles. Auto rickshaws are common in Indian Subcontinent whereas Tuk-tuk in south-east Asia. In some regions, these 3-wheeled rickshaws are manual, but mostly motor driven. The appearance is also customized from region to region.  

Traysikels in Philipines is a modified version of tuk-tuk. These Filipinos popular mode of transport is a small side car attached to the motorcycle. Traysikels are affordable priced and offers a great means to see Filipino.
Photo Credits: /www.scientologytoday.org.dev.scientology.net
 Cyclo in Vietnam is another version ok Tuk-Tuk. This economical and ecological is manual driven. Cyclo is a small seat which can hold two people is attached to the front of the cycle and the driver drives from behind the seat. Hence, great cities view for the passengers.  
Photo Credits: http://www.travellingvietnamtours.com/
In Shangai, China, the sidecar remained us of the song ‘Yeh Doshti’ from Sholay. If you don’t get a chance to do that in India, try one in Shangai. These army abandoned vehicle was available for hire in many parts of the city and tourist love them.

Photo Credits: wwwchangjiang750-x.com.
Coco Taxi is a beautiful looking rickshaw in Havana, Cuba. These yellow three wheeled motorcycles is a very affordable and ply around the city extensively.
Photo Credits: blog.hostelbookers.com

Forbidden City, Beijing China

Monday, December 20, 2010 12:24 PM TOIP
Labels: , , , , , , 0 comments

Forbidden City (Zijin Cheng) in the heart of Beijing is considered as one of the most important palaces in the world. This UNESCO site is the best preserved imperial palace in China and the largest palatial structure in the world.

The Forbidden City was home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasty. The palace was constructed by Emperor Yongle of Ming Dynasty. The construction took place for 15 years started in 1406 and ended in 1420. In ancient times, Emperor Yongle claimed to be the son of heaven and the supreme powers have been bestowed on him. Hence, the palace was built as a replica of the Purple palace where God was thought to live in Heaven.
Photo Credits: tourdechina.cn
The Forbidden City covers an area of about 72 hectares with a total floor space of approximately 150, 000 square meters. It consists of 90 palaces and courtyards, 980 buildings and 8,704 rooms. To represent the supreme power of the emperor given from God, and the place where he lived being the center of the world, all the gates, palace and other structures of the Forbidden City were arranged about the south-north central axis of Beijing.

Location: north side of Tian'an Men Square across Chang'an Dajie, commonly referred as Gu Gong (Former palace)
Get there: Tiananmen East (116) or Tiananmen West (117) station in Line 1 subway. Taxi is not recommended as parking near the southern gate is not allowed.
Timings: 8:30AM – 5PM (summer); 8:30AM – 4:30PM (winter)
Entrance fee: 60 RMB (summer); 40 RMB (winter); Additional charges for some exhibits and halls.
Tours: Audio Tour in several languages is available at the gate (40 RMB plus 100 RMB deposit). English Speaking tour guide is available on the other side of the gate and value for groups. They charge per hour basic. [200 RMB for 1 hr, 300 RMB for 1 ½ hr, 400 RMB for 2 hrs and so on]

RMB to INR (as on when posted) – 6.7 (approx)

Paris Highlights

Sunday, December 19, 2010 9:04 AM TOIP
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , 0 comments

Paris, the city of lights and city of fashion, has the reputation of being the most beautiful and romantic city in the world. History, art, culture, food or fashion, one can have a variety of attraction to see in this city.

Quick Facts:
Language: French
Currency: Euro
Time Difference: 41/2 hrs behind IST

Best Time to Visit:
Best time is April – June (spring) and Sep – Nov (Summer & Autumn)
Avoid – July and August. July is generally packed with tourist and during August, Partisan desert the city for their tours
For discounted airfares and hotels, End of March is ideal.

Events:
Paris Fashion Week – Feb and March
Sports – Six Nation Rugby Tournament (Feb), French Tennis Open (two weeks starting on the last Sunday in May), le Tour de France (Cycling Race - July)
Festivals:
Rendez-vous au Jardin (Garden Festival) – June
Fête de la Musique (Lively street music festival) – 21st June
Gay Parade – 26th June
Bastille Day (French National Holiday for storming of the infamous Bastille during French revolution) – July 14th [Beautiful Parades and fireworks]
Rock en Seine (a world-class music Festival) – last weekend in August
Jazz à la Villette (Jazz Festival) – mid- September
Le Beaujolais Nouveau (marking the beginning of the Christmas season) – third Thursday in November
Christmas and New Year in Paris is well known for its lights and celebration.

Photo Credits: http://www.afn.org
 Get-in:
Visa:
Schengen Visa allows entry into the schengen zone (which includes France) for 90 days with a validity of 6 months.
Airport:
Charles de Gaulle International Airport (Roissy) – The major international airport hub.
Orly International Airport – The old international airport used by Air France flights for domestic and some Europe carriers for international flights
Beauvais (Aéroport de Beauvais Tillé) – Regional airport used by low-cost carriers
Flights:
Direct Flights: ex-Bangalore (Air France), ex-Delhi (Air India, Air France), ex-Mumbai (Air France)
Transit Flights: There are many transit flights via cities in middle-east or Europe.
Trains:
If arriving from any other parts of Europe, train is a good option. There any various kinds of high speed and normal trains. The train fare various according to class and journey time. If you are on budget, the slower trains and overnight trains cost about half the fare of high-speed trains
Buses:
If arriving from nearby Paris, buses, Euroline, is a good option.

Get Around:
Trains/Buses/Car/Taxi/Boats can be used to get around the city. For independent travelers, bicycle + foot + train/boats are the best option. Avoid car or Taxi, since traffic is too heavy.
The Velib (Freedom bike) rental allows you to subscribe for 1 day or 7 days by paying a security for the bike. It’s a pick & drop service, you can pick up the bike anywhere and drop it off at the next bike station. For first 30 minutes, it’s free and the every following 30 min, it will cost you 1 Euro in addition to the per day rental of 1 Euro.
Trains: There is a 16 line metro and RER trains (suburb trains). Metro ply within the central part whereas RER trains goes further outside.

Attractions:
There is a never ending list of attraction in Paris. It’s best to prepare in advance. Paris has 20 Arrondissement/district and every arrondissement has some attraction. Visiting arrondissement 1 by 1 and covering the attractions there is an option, but it would take a long time. If you are short of time use the many itineraries available online, this would help you cover the best of Paris depending on the duration of stay.
Suggestions:
Frommer’s Paris Itinerary – Has 1, 2 and 3 day’s itinerary with map.
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/paris/0062020766.html
1 week itinerary - http://www.parisvacationshotels.com/one-week-itinerary-in-paris.html
Tourist Passes:
There is a long list of passes available in Paris for travel and sight-seeing. For the complete list: http://paris.conciergerie.com/all_paris_passes.php
Paris Museum pass + Carte Orange are the best bet.
Paris pass adds up much costlier than buying separate museum pass and Carte Orange, but provides few extra things like boat cruise, opera tour, wine tasting etc.

Tips:
  1. If possible avoid Paris on Monday and Tuesday, since many museums are closed either one of the day.
  2. Never eat at places near the attraction, they are quiet expensive
  3. For  budget accommodation: http://www.suite101.com/content/tips-on-paris-budget-accommodation-a268864
 Get out:
1. Versailles

How to bring authenticity in your trip?

Monday, December 6, 2010 2:01 PM TOIP
Labels: , , , , , , , 0 comments

When a traveler packs the bag and boards a flight, he looks forward to experience different culture, tradition and people. It happens sometime that he returns just visiting the commercialized tourist spot and missing out the heart and soul of the place. To bring in authenticity in your trip, here are some tips on what you need and can do:

  1. Stay in tradition house: There are many hotels which are converted from traditional building or built in traditional way. Staying in a Japanese Ryokan or in a Cave House in Turkey will give an insight into the history.
     
  2. Taste the local delicacies: Food is greatly influenced by history and culture. Try out some local cuisine.
  3. Picture in local attire: Local attires are generally rented out in many destination. Clicking few pictures in the local attire is a great remembrance of a trip.

  4. Visit a local market: Though the upscale market sell novelties of the destination, local market is the heart of any destination. In these market, one can find things that influence the culture. Always hire a guide or joining a walking tour, when visiting these markets.

  5. Watch the cultural performance: Every place has its art form. The art performance or heritage shows will stimulate the art and cultural heritage of the place. 

  6. Participate in a local festival: To experience the extravagance of a city, take part in a local festival. The authenticity and tradition is always preserved in these festivals

  7. Commute in the public transport: Commuting in the public transport, exposes one to the day to day life of the place.

  8. Chat with the resident: A chit chatting with a local is great option. But remember not to touch sensitive topics and respect their tradition.

Getting Around a new place

Wednesday, October 27, 2010 11:38 AM TOIP
Labels: , , , , , , 0 comments

Taking Taxi everywhere seems much easier and safer option but did you know the most common tourist rip off in any country is the taxi. Any taxi driver can clearly identify you as a tourist and may try to squeeze out as much money from you as possible. 


There are dozens of ways to travel around any country/city, so make the best use of it.
  1. Trains: Most of the major cities have metro/trains/trams/tubes/subways. This is how the locals travel. You can avoid the traffic jams and also save a lot of money. Information regarding the routes will be available in most of the trains itself. In addition, you can also get maps in various websites prior to your travel so that you can plan your itinerary accordingly.

  2. Buses: Most of the major cities have websites to find the bus routes. If you cannot find one, they the best option is to ask the bus driver. Additionally, many cities have Hop-on Hop-off buses which is intended for tourist purpose and generally route the main tourist attractions. You can hop into these buses anywhere and hop off anywhere according to the type of ticket.

  3. Car Rentals: It is a great option for long holidays. There are many car rentals available which allows  you to pickup a car in any destination and drop off at a same/different destination. From 2 seater to 7 seater, you can get any type of car with/without other car gears. Please note, international driving license might be required in some countries and road rules are strenuous. Though car rental is a great option to travel between places, it is inefficient in cities since traffic jams and parking spaces might be a problem.

  4. Bike rentals: Conventionally, Bike would mean cycle in another countries especially in Western countries. Bikes can be hired or can be found free for use by paying a fee. Bike docks will be available near the tourist spot which allows you to pickup and drop off bikes as you wish. It is a great and faster option compared to walking.
In addition to the above means of commutation, there are cities with water taxis, boats, ropes, etc which help you enjoy the authenticity of the place.

Travel Cards:
In many touristy cities, travel cards/passes are quite popular. This can be purchased for some period of time say 1 day pass, 2 day cards etc. which can be used extensively in that period. These cards permit one to travel in 1 or all the means of transport in the city by just showing the card. In addition, sometimes these cards will also include entry into many tourist spots. Travel Cards/Passes is a time saver and economical option for independent travelers.

Being a local in any place will make your trip more authentic and enjoyable.

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)
Powered by Blogger