TOIP

Ever had the desire to fly? Stretching those arms and experiencing the gush of air as you free fall and enjoy a birds eye view. If you are game for it, sky dive. Sky diving is most popular adventure sport which is the closest experience humans can have to flying.

A typical sky diving experience involves exiting a aircraft at an altitude of 1000 to 4000 feet and enjoying a free fall for about a minute depending upon the altitude of drop and then activating the parachute to reduce the speed, control the directions and land slowly in about 5 to 7 minutes. If you are not a professional sky diver, you can still do a tandem sky dive attached at strong points to a master sky divers. All modern tandem sky diving system uses a drogue parachute shortly after exiting the plane which reduces the skydiver's terminal velocity and then deploy a large parachute to support the additional weight and guide to landing. 

Though anyone can sky dive, age, weight and other health restrictions depend on the operating company and the area of operation. A custom fit harness is a mandate before boarding the aircraft for the jump. Videographers or photographers will also dive along with you to capture those unforgettable moments. The price depends on the altitude of the jump, type of photography and the company operating it. For at-most safety always choose authorized operating company, experienced tandem master and quality equipments. Listening to the operator and clarifying all the doubts will make the experience more exhilarating.

Here is the list of World's Best Sky Dives:

1. Guam, Hawaii, USA - The small pacific island of Guam is one the best destination for sky diving. In addition to the adrenaline experience, the drop promises an unparalleled coast to coast view and blue sky.

2. Interlaken, Switzerland - Diving into a world of glaciers and snow capped mountains, the Swiss Alps sky diving in Switzerland is a must for all sky diving lovers

3. Australia and New Zealand - The adventure sports lover's haven, Australia and New Zealand has many best sites for sky diving. The aerial view of the Great barrier reef, World heritage rain forest, Golden sand beaches or Sky scrappers, one has many options to choose from.

4. Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia - If you looking for diving into a active volcano, then Kamchatka sky dive over the Mutnovsky is where you should head to.

5. India - Sports authority of Gujarat is the only sky diving operator in India.

Did you know that you can avail 15% discount in the Domino's Pizza store near your college or even get a free breakfast? For any full-time student and at least 12 years of age, International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is a must have to enjoy fantastic discounts and service at home and around the world.

ISIC card is the only internationally accepted proof of full time student status. It is endorsed by UNESCO and  The European Council on Culture and the Andean Community of Nations. The ISIC card is used by over 4.5 milion full-time students in 120 countries every year. It gives students access to tens of thousands of student services and benefits worldwide. While armed with ISIC card, students can use the discounts and save on travel, food, accommodation, shopping and entertainment. ISIC card also provide deals on benefits like basic sickness, student travel insurance abroad and cheap international phone calls. 

You can get the ISIC card online or at an approved travel agents in your city. The card costs about $22 and may vary from country to country. When applying for your ISIC card, the following documents need to be provided:

1. Copy of University or School Students ID card clearly dated  and indicating you are a full time student

2. A signed and dated letter from University or School, stating you are studying there full time

3. Age proof

4. A passport size photograph

The ISIC card is valid from the September to December the following year, no matter when you buy the card. 

For more information:

http://www.isic.org/ - The Official ISIC website

http://www.statravel.com  - STA Travel, the biggest student travel agency

If you are not a student any more but under the age of 26 then you can make use of International Youth Travel Card (IYTC).

The phenomenon which occurs after the long months of cold and darkness, when the summer emerges and the daylight is seen round the clock is called White Nights. St. Petersburg, the world's most northern city with a population over 1 million, stands at such a high latitude (59 degree 57` N) that the sun does not descend below the horizon enough for the sky to go dark. In fact the nights become so indistinguishable from the day that the authorities never need to turn on the city's streetlights. This is not a unique phenomenon to St. Petersburg, but no other northern city welcome the summer months with such a lively and artistic celebration.

The breathtaking city of St. Petersburg was constructed on some 100 islands formed by rivers, creeks, streams and natural canals that flow into the Baltic sea at the mouth of Neva River. The historic center of St. Petersburg is listed in UNESCO world heritage and the city boosts some of the beautiful museums, palaces, monasteries, cathedrals and bridges. The White Nights Festival is a stunning celebration of culture and life that is a must-see for any travel enthusiast. 

The festival is kicked off with the classical ballet, opera and orchestral performance, "Stars of the White Nights" at the world famous Mariinsky Theatre. During the festival, there are daily evening performances featuring some of the biggest names in the arts world. 

There are also carnivals to delight both the children and adults. The largest carnival is held in the suburb of Peterhof (45 mins train journey from St. Petersburg) where the historical figures and events are reinterpreted by costumed actors. Carnivals at the Catherine Palace and Pavlovsk suburb are also highly artistic. For music lovers, St. Petersburg's Palace Square becomes home to some of the international music world's biggest stars during the festival.

The culminating event of the festival is the Scarlet Sails celebration, which is a massive event to celebrate the end of the school year that is known for its spectacular fireworks display and a water show that features boats full of pirates battling on the Neva River. Musical acts and motorboat rowing races are also highlights of the celebration.

Tips:

1. St. Petersburg is busiest during the White Nights festival. Hence, book your tickets early.

2. For opera, ballet performance purchase the tickets online in advance http://www.mariinsky.ru/en/    

3. During the period, many bridges across Neva river are raised at night to let the ships pass, a spectacle you dont want to miss.

Planning a trip is not a simple task, it involves a lot of research. Here are links to the sites which will help in your travel plans.

For Visa information:

For all travel information: [Information regarding the destination, places to see, get in, get out hotels etc.]

http://www.thereareplaces.com/ 

http://www.timeout.com/

For Best time to travel:

http://www.thebesttimetovisit.com

For hotel booking:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ -for hotel reviews

For Flight information:

http://www.cleartrip.com 

http://www.expedia.com
http://www.kayak.com

http://www.attitudetravel.com/ - To find budget flights

For tours:

http://www.viator.com/

For travel deals:
www.dealbase.com
www.travelzoo.com
http://www.travelscream.com/

http://dealnews.com/Everything-Else/Travel-Entertainment-Deals-206.html

For Travel News & deals:
http://www.breakingtravelnews.com/

Other Sites:

http://www.seat61.com/ - Information on train and ship travels throughout the world

http://www.tourcaster.com/  - For audio guides to various cities and sites

Other useful site information are welcome.

The Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is one of the iconic national park in Australian island of Tasmania. Covering an area of 1280 sq. km., the national park contains some of the spectacular scenery and it is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Area. The Park actually is two, Lake St. Clair on the south-east side is the main attraction and starting point for Tasmania's most famous walks including the famous The Overland Track. While Cradle Mountain on the northern end has some of the incredible scenery.

The jagged contours of Cradle Mountain epitomize the feel of a wild landscape, while ancient rain forest and alpine heath-lands, button-grass and stands of colorful deciduous beech provide a range of environments to explore. Icy streams cascading out of rugged mountains, stands of ancient pines mirrored in the still waters of glacial lakes and a wealth of wildlife ensure there is always something to captivate you. 

 Hiking is one of the major activity in the Park. Overland Track, a 80 km walk between Cradle Mountains and lake St Clair, is the most beautiful walking trail of the Park. There are guided tours for the walk, including stays at catered huts on the way and can be done in 6 days. If you are short of time, there are several small tracks.

Visit:

1. Avoid Winter months of June, July and August

2. During April, you can see the spectacular changing colors of the deciduous beech

1.Climb Mt Ossa, Tasmania’s highest mountain and visit the fairytale D'Alton, Fergusson and Hartnett waterfalls

2. Cruise along Lake St Clair, Tasmania’s deepest lake and a walk past highland lakes and rivers

3.  Explore magical myrtle forests and see a species of beech tree more than 60 million years old

4. Trek to the top of Cradle Mountain through button grass plains and herb meadows.  From the 1,545 meter summit, you can look out over Dove and Crater Lakes Crater Lake and see valleys, plateaus, heaths and forests stretching for around 80 kilometers

5. Watch out for Padmelons, Bennett's wallabies, wombats and possums

6. If you are interested in the natural history of the park, you can enjoy the displays and interpretation at the Visitor Center, which you will pass as you travel towards Dove Lake

Cradle Mountains (Northern End): Devonport, Deloraine or Launceston

Lake St. Clair (Southern End): Derwent Bridge on the Lyell Highways between Queenstown and Hobart.

Accommodation:  

Plenty of accommodations are available for the tourists of this park

1. Walkers are limited for environmental reasons so you’ll need to book with Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service in advance.

2. Feeding animals is strictly prohibited in the park and a large fine amount is imposed if caught feeding animals.

3. Climate in the region is unpredictable and wet weather is very common. Hence suitable gears is recommended.

Damascus, the capital city of Syria, is believed to be established between 10,000 to 8,000BC. Amidst all the controversial explanation for the etymological origin of "Damascus", the city has greater significance. Under the Romans, Damascus was a chief town and later a fortress of Bilad-Al-Sham and also a passage to Mecca. The old-walled city of Damascus still preserves its historical aspect and gives an ancient feel with its narrow puzzling alleys, verdant courtyards, bazaars, minarets, mosques, street-cart vendors and coffee houses. Damascus city is also an UNESCO world heritage site.

Currency: Syrian Pound or Lira [10 SYP = Rs. 9 at the time of post]

Language: Arabic

Time Difference: 2 1/2 behind IST

Best Time to Visit: March-May, Sep-Nov

Visa: Indian Nationals should obtain an visa before entering the country.

Flights: There no direct flights from India. Major transits are Dubai, Qatar, Turkey and Bahrain. Major middle-east airlines fly between the transits.

Trains: There are also trains between Turkey and Damascus. Seat61 can provide all the information.

Buses: Damascus can also reached in bus from Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon

Taxi is the major mode of transportation. 

Below the must-see sights in Damascus:

1. Azzam Palace 

2. Umayyad Mosque

3. National Muesum

4. Sayyida Ruqayya Mausoleum - Persian-Iraqi Architecture

5. Souq al-Bizuriyyah - Spice Bazaar

6. Khan As'ad Pasha, a cathedral from Khans

7. Chapels of Ananias

8. Souq al-Hamidiyya - a old narrow bazaar

9. Citadel

10. Mount Qasioun

1. Bath in a Hammam, Turkish bath.

2. Relax at a Hooka cafe

3. Taste the popular Shawarma

1. Please check travel advisory before planning the trip

1. Homs - an ancient city by the river Orontes

2. Bosra - a Roman city 

Rhine river is one of the longest river in Europe which originates from the Swiss alps and flows into Germany, France, Netherlands and Austria. The picturesque canals, pristine landscape, countless vineyards, famous monasteries, beautiful castles and calm villages along the banks of the river makes the Rhine River Cruise the most popular and romantic cruise in Europe. 

Typical Rhine river cruise departs from Basel, Switzerland and arrives at Amsterdam, Netherlands, cruising along France and Germany or vice verse. There are other sails which include other waterways and cruises through Austria and other neighboring countries. There are plenty of itineraries depending on number of days, routes and riverboats. Though most of the cruise stops at major ports and famous sites and provide tours, there are also cruises that include excursions to major tourist destinations along with hotel stays.

Spring and summer(March-October) is the best time to cruise Rhine. But during this time the packages are expensive and crowded. During winter, it is possible to get few discounts as the crowd descends. Euro River cruise and Viking River cruise offer some of great value cruises.

Plan and choose the right cruise to have a memorable and great cruise.

KL, the capital city of Malaysia "truly Asia", has transformed from a humble tin mining village to a bustling metropolis This Asian cyber-city retains the historic temples and mosques along with some of the tallest skyscrapers in the Southeast Asia.The most memorable thing in KL is the culture and coexistence of various ethical groups, Malays, Chinese, Indians and the British.

Currency: Ringgits (RM or MYR) [1 MYR = Rs. 14.83] rate at the time of blog post

Language: Malay/ Bahasa Malaysia

Time Difference: 2 1/2 hrs ahead of IST

Best Time to visit: Nov-March

Visa: Indian Nationals are no logger eligible for visa on-arrival. Valid Tourist visa is required before entering the country.

Flights: Metropolitan cities in India have direct flights to KL. Air Asia is a Major no-frill airlines to Malaysia. Air Asia flies from Bangalore, Chennai, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi and Tiruchirapalli. Air India Express (Indian low cost airlines) also flies to KL from Chennai and Tiruchirapalli.

Boats, Trains and Buses are also available from the neighboring countries of Malaysia.

Getting Around:

Trains, Monorails and Buses are the major mode of transport. KL Sentral is the major transportation hub. Prepaid cards and maps are available at all the stations. Metered taxi is also a very reliable and can be seen at all major sites and stations.

Attractions:

KL is one of those cities which doesn't boost many must-see. The highlight of the city is the people and their life. Most of the visitors spend at least 2 days to enjoy sight seeing, shopping and eating.

1. Petronas Twin Tower

2. Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC)

3. Aquaria KLCC

4. Menara KL Towers

5. National Mosque

6. Batu Caves

7. KL Railway Station

8. KL Bird Park

9. Petaling Street, Chinatown

10. Cosmo's World Theme Park

1. If you are in KL during Thaipusum, Hindu Festival, visit Batu Caves to watch the celebration

2. Enjoy shopping and night-life in the KL's Golden Triangle. The Golden Triangle covers the busy shopping area of Bukit Bintang, 5-star hotel strip of Jalan Sultan Ismail, The Jalan P. Ramlee party street and KLCC.

3. Chinatown is a haven for shopping and street food.

4. During F1 season, head to Sepang Formula One circuit (50 km from KL)

1. If you want an excellent view of the city, head to Petronas Towers. It has a observatory viewing bridge between levels 41 and 42. The tickets to the viewing bridge is free and limited. Reach the tower early in the morning to collect the tickets, there will be a long queue.

1. Genting Highlands - City of Entertainment. Casino and Theme Park is the mark of the place. The city can be reached in 40 mins by road from KL.

2. Putrajaya - The new Federal Administrative center of Malaysia. Has many beautiful federal buildings. It can be reached by KL International airport Transit.

The Romantic Road or Romantische Strasse, aptly named, is one of Germany's most popular tourist routes. The route is little over 260 miles, between the town of Würzburg in the north and Fussen in the foothills of Bavaria Alps. In Medieval Age, the route used to be a major trade route and now it still retains the medieval glory with picturesque towns with walled cities, hidden monasteries, timbered houses, beautiful castles, towers and hotels. All the more romantic is unspoiled nature and driving along the vineyard, clear water and rolling hills until you reach the Bavarian Alps.

Frankfurt is the major departure point for the route. Many tourist coaches are available and can provide a day trip from Frankfurt to Fussen. However, the most romantic option is to rent a car from Frankfurt and enjoy the route leisurely by dining in romantic courtyard restaurants, strolling through lush parks, taking in historical castles,exploring the old town centers that have lost nothing of their original splendor and staying in a romantic hotel.

The major stops along the route are:

Würzburg: if you like your wine, you'll like Würzburg and its outdoor cafes and excellent restaurants. The Residenz Palace is a World Heritage Site, and you'll want to visit it along with the Marienberg Fortress.

Creglingen is a small and attractive town set in the Tauber valley in southern Germany with access to some spectacular countryside of vineyards and woods in the hills around the historic centre.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Rothenburg is a must stop on the Romantic Road. Not only is it one of Germany's best preserved medieval towns with walls you can walk around, but it has a torture museum for when things get a little too romantic for you. 

Dinkelsbühl is one of the archetypal towns which give the German Romantic Road its character

Nördlingen is one of the most attractive of the towns in the central part of the Romantic Road.

Harburg is a pleasant daytime stop on the way south down the Romantic Road.

Augsburg: Augsburg has a rich history dating back to the Roman empire. Dubbed both "The Renaissance City" and "Mozart City", it has been an important center of trade down through the ages. During the Renaissance, Augsburg was a main cultural center which is reflected in its fine Rococo architecture.

Landsberg is one of the towns on the Romantic Road which is located at an important junction to the rest of Bavaria.

Pfaffenwinkel: This part of Bavaria (called "Pastor's Corner") is famous for its churches and pristine landscapes; a must-see is the pilgrimage church Wieskirche ("Church in the Meadow") in Steingaden; this rococo masterpiece is on the list of the UNESCO World Heritage sights.

Füssen is located at the very end of the Romantic Road. The town itself has a wealth of historical interest, but it's also close at hand to some of the most popular castles in southern Germany - Neuschwanstein Castle and Hohenswangau Castle.

For more information:

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal since 12th century. This legendary city has a rich and impressively integrated diversity and a history of over 20 centuries. Radiant skies brighten the monumental city, with its typical tile covered building facades and narrow Medieval streets, where one can hear the fado being played and sung at night. But Lisbon is also the stage for popular festivities, the place for exquisite shopping, exciting nightlife, and interesting museums, a place of neighborhoods. 

Currency: Euro

Language: Portuguese

Time Difference: 5 ½ hr behind IST

Best Time to Visit: Feb-June is ideal

Visa: Indian Nationals will require a visa to enter Portugal. Like other EU members Schengen Visa can be obtained prior to arrival in Portugal.

Flights: There are no direct flights from India to Lisbon. The major transit points are Paris, London, Istanbul, Dubai, and Frankfurt.

Metro: The underground metro is the best to tour Lisbon. The Metro stations are highly decorated and it’s a real treat to see.http://www.metrolisboa.pt/

Trams: Trams/streetcar is good for short hops between crisscross streets. The tickets can be bought from outlets, driver or the machine in the tram. http://www.carris.pt/

Suburban Trains: Suburban trains is the best connection to Belem, Estoril and Cascais

Funiculars and Elevadores: Take advantage of these rope ways to navigate the hilly areas.

Bicycle and Foot: Lisbon is city of seven hills. Hence cycling and thumbing the hilly terrains is quite a challenge.

Car: Taxi is a economical if you are considering sharing among three or four people. However, renting a car might be a disadvantage since parking is a pain and the streets are jammed during peak hours.

The major attraction in Lisbon is the city itself. Here is a list of major attractions:

Jeronimos Monastery – A world Heritage Site. It was once the place of resting for Vasco da Gama.

Belem Towers – Lisbon’s iconic tower and also a symbol of age of Discovery

Gulbenkian Museum – A treasure from East to West

Berardo Museum of Modern and Contemporary art – A great collection of Modern and contemporary Arts

Ocenarium – A sea odyssey in a state of art building

St. George Castle – Millennium old Walls overlooking the city

Ancient Art Museum – Fascinating Oriental and European art

Coach Museum - Houses the world’s largest collection of Coaches and Royal vehicles

Downtown Baixa – Located in the center of Lisbon, the area was reconstructed entirely after an earthquake in 18th centaury.

Ajuda Palace – A neoclassical monument in the city

 Do:

1. Spend a evening in a Fado themed restaurant

2. Ride a tram in the old Quarter (Tram 28)

March – Lisbon Fashion Week (ModaLisboa)

April – Dias Da Musica (Classical Music concert)

May – Rock in Rio (Biggest Music Entertainment Event), Ola Love 2 Dance (Annual Dance Festival)

June – Gay Pride, Alkantara Festival (Street Festival)

July – Sparkling Party

August - Jazz em Agosto – (Jazz Festival)

October – Lesboa Party (Dance Party)

November - Luzboa - International Lighting and Urban Art Bienal

December – New Year’s Eve Party

1. Lisboa Card grants access to all public transport (buses, metro, tram and even CP trains to nearby places). Free entrance or discounted entry fee to many attractions) http://www.golisbon.com/Lisboa-Card/

2. Many attractions are closed on Monday

3. Most Monuments has free entry on Sunday until 2PM

1. Sintra – A beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site, 30 mins by car/train from Lisbon

2. Evora – A Museum town less than 2 hours away by express bus/car from Lisbon