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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 Transportation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Transportation. Show all posts

Tokyo – A city of contrast

Monday, January 17, 2011 12:44 PM TOIP
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Tokyo, Japan, is a city of contrast, where future innovations in technology unfold in the center of old heritage and tradition. In this crowded city, shrine and temple stand side by side with tall and modern architecture. Advanced technology, craze for animation, youth culture, beautiful parks makes the city overwhelming. The land of rising sun is a great destination for anyone looking for everything during their vacation.
Imperial Palace, Tokyo, Japan. Photo-credits: www.weirdlyodd.com
Quick Facts:
Language: Japanese
Currency: Yen 
(Exchange Rate: 100 INR = 183 YEN, at the time of the post)
Time Difference: 3 ½ hrs ahead of IST

Best Time to Visit:
Spring (March-May) – The famous cherry blossom happens in March – April, when the cherry trees blossoms and turns into a shade of pink, making parks beautiful and picture perfect. The temperature is warm. There are many festivals during these months

Autumn (Sep - Nov) – The temperature and humidity is tolerable. The trees also change colors and it is as impressive as cheery blossom.

Get-in:
Visa:
Tourist Visa must be obtained from Japanese Embassy/Consulate prior to arrival. The Visa is valid for 90 days and can be extended for another 30 days. Passport, Visa application, Photo, Flight ticket confirmations and Certificate of Income/ Certificate of Deposit balance to prove travel expense are required. Additional documents or sponsorship might also be required. Once in Japan, one must carry his passport at all times, if found without passport, one can be fined up to 2,00,000 YEN.
Flights:
Direct Flights: Air India has a direct flight from Delhi to Tokyo.
Transit Flights: Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Beijing are some major transit points for Tokyo, Japan
Boat: There are ferries from Korea, China, Taiwan and Russia to the major ports of Japan

Getting around:
In Tokyo, train and subways are the most efficient means of transport. It is crowded and confusing at time. It’s best to analyze the Subway map before boarding. Passes and prepaid cards are available. Buses and ferries are also available in areas where subways are not present.
Photo credits: www.weirdlyodd.com
Attractions:
Tokyo has a number of attractions parks, temples, shrines, markets etc. The below link has the attractions divided by area: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2164.html. Most of the tourists spend 3 – 5 days in Tokyo. There is a must see list:
  1. Shinjuku – The area around the busiest railway station in Japan. Place to see cosmopolitan city.
  2. Shibuya - The trendy and fashionable shopping district
  3. Akihabara – The electronic device market
  4. Ueno Park – Has temples, shrines, museums and a large pond
  5. Imperial Palace and Garden – Residence of the imperial family of Japan
  6. Tsujiki Fish Market – Japan’s largest fish market
  7. Tokyo Towers – The symbol of Tokyo
  8. Asakusa(Sensoji temple & Nakamise)
Do:
  1. On a Sunday, head to Harajuku to witness the fashion and cosplay culture of Tokyo teens
  2. Try Sushi
  3. Get a great view of the city from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building for free
  4. Visit Ginza, the premier shopping district
  5. Stay in a capsule
  6. Visit the theme parks and enjoy some adrenal rushing rides
Tips:
  1. Japan Rail Pass is great option if traveling in whole of Japan
Side Trips:
  1. Kamakura – Small city with full of historic treasures
  2. Hakone – National Park with the view to Mount Fuji
  3. Nikko – A world Heritage Site

Rickshaws around the World

Friday, December 24, 2010 8:19 PM TOIP
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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

Paris Highlights

Sunday, December 19, 2010 9:04 AM TOIP
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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

Glacier Express – A train to fall in love with

Friday, December 3, 2010 11:21 AM TOIP
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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.

Quick Facts:
  • The Train has two classes 1st and 2nd class, with table, air-conditioning and information channel.
  • It does not operate from 31st Oct to Mid December.
  • There is a onborad catering service, serving both veg and non-veg lunch.
  • There are few intermediate boarding and de-boarding points.
  • Seat Reservation has to be done in advance. It can be done online or at the most major railway stations about 90 days in advance.
Ticket Price: (St. Moritz - Zermatt)
  • 1st Class – 221 CHF (Rs. 9945)
  • 2nd Class – 133 CHF (Rs. 5985)
        [*VAT is included. Excludes seat reservation fee and any food or beverage.]
Seat Reservation Fee:
  • Summer – 33 CHF (Rs. 1485)
  • Winter – 13 CHF (Rs. 585)
Tips:
  • Using Swiss Pass/Swiss Flexi Pass/Swiss Youth Pass/Swiss Saver Pass, ticket price is free.
  • Using Swiss Card/ Swiss Half-fare Card, half the ticket price has to be paid
  • Eurail Pass gets 25% discount on Ticket price
    [*Discounts only on ticket price]
Budget Tip: Lunch on board is costly, it will be a good idea to bring your own lunch.

Note: Data provided in the article are accurate at the time it was posted. Exchange rate is considered as (1 CHF = Rs. 45)

Getting Around a new place

Wednesday, October 27, 2010 11:38 AM TOIP
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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.

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