Once seen as an outdated niche appealing mainly to baby boomers, the humble holiday bundle has mounted an unlikely comeback after almost being wiped out during the pandemic. Demand for all-inclusive packages is surging as younger travelers warm to an increasingly sophisticated offering of affordable and hassle-free holidays.

Growth is forecast to surpass 11% globally this year, with Western Europe approaching pre-pandemic levels, according to Euromonitor International, a market research firm. The key UK market is already where it was in 2019, with Germany not far behind.

“We all thought it was dead, because of the Internet allowing people to put their own packages together,” Deutsche Lufthansa AG Chief Executive Officer Carsten Spohr said this month. “But with all these interruptions in Covid, people now love to have everything secured in one package.”

Airlines now see a bonanza in a corner of their businesses they long considered a backwater. UK budget carrier EasyJet Plc sees 35% passenger growth for its holiday business this year, while Jet2 Plc and TUI AG report rising interest in package tours. The segment has become increasingly important for Lufthansa’s growth, Spohr said.

TUI and others have evolved their offerings to cater to a younger, more Internet-savvy crowd. The choices are more varied, with experiences that go beyond the traditional sun-and-beach trip, said Caroline Bremner, senior head of travel research at Euromonitor.

EasyJet Holidays, for example, offers guests a £162 ($206) add-on — a guided tour of Iceland’s Thingvellir National Park, where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, followed by a visit to a volcanic crater and a dip in the steaming Blue Lagoon. TUI recently added an 11-night tour of Kenya, where elephants and hippos are on display.

Travel companies are also tailoring packages to extended families with a range of interests, while customer-friendly options like installment payments, amenities for children and all-inclusive food plans represent a “safe bet” for consumers squeezed by rising prices, said Bremner. “They offer a value for money option where costs are fixed up-front.”

Globally, package-tour revenue is forecast to reach $280 billion this year, or 86% of 2019 levels, according to Euromonitor. While the broader aviation market reached pre-Covid parity last year, according to the International Air Transport Association, package tours are coming back from a steeper drop: more than two thirds of revenue disappeared at the 2020 low.

The segment first gained popularity in the 1960s, when vacationers sought an affordable way to sightsee or visit the beach. Jetting abroad became more accessible with modern single-aisle aircraft such as Boeing Co.’s 737, and tour operators offering leisure trips to Spain.

The market slowed in the 1990s, when holidaymakers started surfing the web to book their own flights and accommodation separately. Heavy competition led to the collapse of package-tour stalwarts Thomas Cook just before the pandemic.

Return Trip

Now airlines are finding themselves at a disadvantage if they haven’t joined in. Ryanair Holdings Plc lowered its profit outlook after online travel agents stopped selling its flights amid a long-running dispute. The Irish discounter has since formed partnerships with TUI and others to list its flights.

In Europe, Brits and Germans have traditionally led the annual exodus from colder climates to the sunny sands of Spain, Greece and Portugal. Each side held a certain notoriety in the eye of the other: their competition for sun beds is legendary.

The UK is the biggest European source of outbound tourists and second globally to the US. It reached 99% of 2019 levels last year, and is poised to grow 11% this year, Euromonitor projects. Germany is forecast to be at about 91% of its pre-pandemic size.

Other countries are picking up the baton, with Italy forecast to grow 26% this year and Croatia set to rise almost 16% a year through 2028, according to Euromonitor.

TUI said it’s recently seen more demand from France, while Lufthansa’s low-cost Eurowings unit said the Czech Republic was becoming an increasingly important market.

While more younger people are being introduced to the concept, package tours are still mainly the domain of older consumers, who are attracted to the simplicity of dealing with a single provider, said Jennie Bryans, senior travel analyst at researcher Mintel.

Yet the outlook for future growth is strong, said Paul Charles, CEO of travel consultancy The PC Agency. Operators have put together better-quality packages than in the past and their marketing has improved, he said.

After Thomas Cook’s breakdown, EasyJet saw an opportunity to develop a package-tour business offering greater value and flexibility, CEO Johan Lundgren said in an interview. Now, he said, “I don’t see any limits to it.”

They added that five new varieties of tulips have been added to the existing 68 varieties this year. The department has also increased the area under the tulip garden by adding another two lakh bulbs. A record 17 lakh tulip bulbs have been planted in the garden that spreads over 55 hectares of land, the officials said.

Other spring flowers, such as hyacinths, daffodils, muscari and cyclamens, will also be on display to add to the variety of flowers and colours in the garden, they said. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden was set up by then chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad in 2007 to advance the tourist season in Jammu and Kashmir which was earlier limited to summers and winters.

The garden started at a small scale with 50,000 tulip bulbs imported from Holland. It instantly gained popularity among tourists and has been steadily growing each year, both in terms of number of visitors and tulips that bloom here.More than 3.65 lakh visitors, both domestic and foreigners, visited the garden last year while in 2022, it saw a footfall of 3.6 lakh people.

The tulip garden is also one of the favourite locations for shooting movies and videos as several film units from across the country have shot parts of their projects here last year. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir V K Bhiduri held a meeting in Srinagar on Tuesday to review the arrangements for the opening of the garden.

Bhiduri directed the operation of colourful lights to enhance the visual vibrancy of the place. “He also directed the Srinagar Municipal Corporation to conduct a sanitation and cleanliness drive at the garden besides ensuring availability of a separate mobile toilet facility for men and women at the venue,” an official spokesman of the Floriculture Department said.

The official added that the department has added nearly 22,000 square feet of additional parking space at the garden for the convenience of visitors.

Top Temples to Experience Holi in India

1. Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan:

The Banke Bihari Temple is well-known for its elaborate Holi celebrations and is situated in the Uttar Pradesh holy town of Vrindavan. As prayers and devotional songs are chanted and flowers are thrown onto the deities and devotees during the special ritual known as “Phoolon ki Holi” (Holi performed with flowers), devotees and guests congregate here to witness this unique event.

2. ISKCON Temple, Mayapur:

In Mayapur, West Bengal, the temple of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is fervently celebrating Holi. Devotees gather to sing and dance in honour of Lord Krishna, who is said to have popularised the event with his playful antics in the village of Vrindavan.

3. Shri Dwarkadhish Temple, Mathura:

Lord Krishna’s birthplace, Mathura, is another location well-known for its Holi celebrations. Devotees smear each other with colours and take part in customary rituals during a vibrant and cheerful celebration at the Shri Dwarkadhish Temple in Mathura.

4. Lathmar Holi at Radha Rani Temple, Barsana:

Barsana, near Mathura, is famous for its distinctive Lathmar Holi, a custom in which women teasingly beat men with sticks. Thousands of people attend the celebrations at the Radha Rani temple in Barsana to witness this colourful and vibrant event.

5. Udupi Sri Krishna Matha, Karnataka:

The Sri Krishna Matha in Udupi, Karnataka, observes Holi in a more restrained but spiritually enlightening way. Amidst the chanting of hymns and bhajans, devotees assemble to offer prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Krishna.

6. Nandgaon Temple, Uttar Pradesh:

Holi is traditionally celebrated at Nandgaon, which is associated with the childhood activities of Lord Krishna, through folk songs, dances and traditions. A significant number of devotees visit this temple to take part in the celebrations and seek the blessings of the gods.

“The flights to Imphal will operate daily, while those to Kochi will fly six days a week,” he said.

The flight from Kolkata to Imphal will depart at 7 am and will reach in Manipur capital at 8.05 am. The return flight will depart at 8.35 am and arrive in Kolkata at 10.20 am, he said.

The Kolkata-Kochi flight will take off at 11.25am and reach the destination at 2.35pm, while the return flight will leave at 3.05pm and land here at 6.10pm.

The airline through route integration will be operating more flights on various domestic routes, sources said.

Meanwhile, the airline has recently announced introduction of four fare products – Xpress Lite (cabin baggage only fares), Xpress Value (15 kg check-in bag fares), Xpress Flex (unlimited changes with no change fees), and Xpress Biz (business class seating with complimentary Gourmair meals and priority services).

With the launch of this service, travellers now have the option to personalise their trip aligning with ‘Fly As You Are’ – “our promise to make travel more convenient for our guests”, the airline said.

The statement said its Xpress Biz fares are available on all the new Air India Express Boeing 737-8 aircraft, as a business class equivalent that disrupts the traditional Low Cost carrier (LCC) model with a hybrid offering.

Guests can enjoy increased baggage allowances of 25kg for domestic flights and 40kg for international flights when booking Xpress Biz fares.

Air India Express is already operating aircraft with ‘Biz’ seats across 70 routes in India, connecting metro cities with other key destinations. From Kolkata, the destinations are Ayodhya, Chennai, Jaipur, Guwahati and Imphal.

Air India Express, is a subsidiary of Air India and a part of the Tata group, operating over 360 daily flights, connecting 31 domestic and 14 international airports, with a fleet of 67 aircraft, comprising 39 Boeing 737s and 28 Airbus A320s.

Holi 2024 Long Weekend: Must-visit places near Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru

Leh Ladakh

March is the best time to visit Leh, Ladakh, as you will witness clear skies and moderate temperatures while exploring stunning landscapes, ancient monasteries, and picturesque villages. Your itinerary must include Pangong Tso Lake, Matho Monastery, Hunder Sand Dunes, Thiksey Monastery, Magnetic Hill, Leh Royal Palace, and Nubra Valley, among other places. March marks the beginning of the tourist season here, so don’t miss out.

Mathura

Holi is the best time to visit the birthplace of Lord Krishna and experience the world-famous Braj Ki Holi. Join the locals to experience the local culture and traditions, gorge on delectable dishes, and enjoy the best and most colourful Holi of your life. Apart from the vibrant traditions and unique rituals (including Chhadi Mar Holi, Holika Dahan and Holi of flowers), don’t miss out on the refreshing Thandai at the Radha Rani Temple.

Bir Billing

Bir Billing is for the adventure seekers. Come March, this place becomes a hotspot for adventure enthusiasts as the first paragliding season of the year kicks off. To add to this adrenaline rush, you have exquisite views of the mountains and pleasant temperatures.

Ratnagiri

Those who can never decide an answer to the age-old question of beach vs mountains, Ratnagiri is the place for you. On the coast of Arabian Sea, the weather is pleasant here in March. You can also visit the Velas Turtle Festival for a unique adventure. Velas is a tiny fishing village in Ratnagiri, lined with hundreds of traditional houses and calm beaches. One can see the hatchlings take their baby steps towards the warm waters of the Arabian Sea during March and April.

Munnar, Kerala

Munnar is a favourable choice for tourists looking for places to visit in March. Experience clear skies and cool weather while exploring lush tea plantations and scenic spots. Also include Eravikulam National Park, Lakkam Waterfalls and the Anamudi Peak in your itinerary.

Kurseong

A popular escape to the hills in West Bengal, Kurseong is home to sprawling wild orchids, Buddhist gompas, temples and waterfalls. This place is also known as the Land of Orchids, and for the right reasons. The weather in March here can be described as pleasantly warm, making it an ideal getaway.

Havelock Island, Andaman

March is a good time to visit Andaman as the weather is pleasant, neither too hot nor too humid. A surreal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Havelock is a wonderful natural island that boasts of white glittering sands, coral reefs, enthralling flora and fauna, and fantastic beaches. Radhanagar Beach, Vijaynagar Beach, Turtle Bay, Minerva Lodge, Seduction Point, Lighthouse, and Pilot Reef are some must-visit places.

Holi, also known as the “Festival of Colours”, is a popular festival celebrated by the Hindu community in India and other parts of the world and if you love the sights, sound and colours of Holi, then travel to some of the most spectacular places in India where it is still celebrated in deeply traditional manner. Here are some of the best places to visit in India during Holi:

In a video shot from a Coast Guard helicopter and shown on public broadcaster RUV, fountains of molten rock soared from a long fissure in the ground, and lava spread rapidly to each side.

The eruption began at 2023 GMT and the fissure was estimated to be about 2.9 kilometres long, roughly the same size as the last eruption in February, the Icelandic Meteorological Office said in a statement.

Authorities had warned for weeks that an eruption was imminent on the Reykjanes peninsula just south of Iceland’s capital Reykjavik.

The site of the eruption was between Hagafell and Stora-Skogfell, the same area as the previous outbreak on Feb. 8, the Met Office said.

“This was definitely expected,” said Rikke Pedersen, head of the Nordic Volcanological Centre.

“Of course the exact time of the eruption is impossible to predict. The first cues of this moving towards the surface actually only happened about 15 minutes in advance,” she said.

Reykjavik’s Keflavik Airport’s website showed it remained open both for departures and arrivals.

Lava appeared to be flowing rapidly south towards the nearby Grindavik fishing town, where a few of the nearly 4,000 residents had returned following earlier outbreaks, the Met Office said.

The town was again being evacuated, public broadcaster RUV reported. An outbreak in January burned to the ground several of its homes.

“We’re just like, this is business as usual,” Kristin Maria Birgisdottir, who was evacuated from Grindavik in November, told Reuters.

“My son…just called me and said, Mamma, did you know the eruption has started? And I was like, yeah, I did know. Oh, my grandma just told me. So it’s like we don’t even bother telling each other anymore,” she said.

Icelandic police said they had declared a state of emergency for the area.

The nearby Blue Lagoon luxury geothermal spa immediately shut its doors, as it did during previous eruptions.

Iceland, roughly the size of the US state of Kentucky, boasts more than 30 active volcanoes, making the north European island a prime destination for volcano tourism – a niche segment that attracts thousands of thrill seekers.

In 2010, ash clouds from eruptions at the Eyafjallajokull volcano in the south of Iceland spread over large parts of Europe, grounding some 100,000 flights and forcing hundreds of Icelanders to evacuate their homes.

Volcanic outbreaks in the Reykjanes peninsula are so-called fissure eruptions, which do not usually cause large explosions or significant dispersal of ash into the stratosphere.

Gases from the eruption were travelling westwards out at sea, the meteorological office said.

Scientists fear the eruptions could continue for decades, and Icelandic authorities have started building dykes to divert burning lava flows away from homes and critical infrastructure.

The February eruption cut off district heating to more than 20,000 people as lava flows destroyed roads and pipelines.

Located between the Eurasian and the North American tectonic plates, among the largest on the planet, Iceland is a seismic and volcanic hot spot as the two move in opposite directions.

If you are in Dublin, do a pub crawl, visit the Guinness and learn all about famous writers and politicians and their favourite drinks. Here’s a quick must-dos for the best pint in the Irish capital. (Also read: Fasting and flying during Ramadan? Here’s what airlines are offering )

The 10 Oldest Pubs in Dublin

The Brazen Head: Dating back to 1198, The Brazen Head is one of Ireland’s oldest pubs. Licensing laws only came into effect in 1635, yet this pub has been serving alcohol before official licensing laws were even introduced.

Man O’War: Established around 1595, Man O’War has nothing to do with battles but is a translation from the Irish mean bharr, or ‘middle height’ due to its elevated location on the old road between Dublin and Belfast.

The Hole in the Wall: Europe’s longest public house, with exactly 100 metres of pub hugging the exterior wall of the 1700-acre Phoenix Park, the Hole in the Wallstarted life in 1651 as a medieval coaching inn known as Ye Signe of Ye Blackhorse.

The Long Hall: Originally established in 1766, the Long Hall is the jewel of Dublin’s glittering collection of Victorian pubs.

The Stag’s Head: A traditional Irish pub with traditional Irish music and food in Dublin city centre. Here, you will cross into a landmark with enough history it could occupy a library.

Mulligans of Poolbeg Street: Describes itself as a ‘No-nonsense 18th century pub with a cast of regulars and a lack of modern pomposity’.

Johnnie Fox’s: Established in 1798, it is Ireland’s highest pub. Guinness pie is great but do not miss the slow-cooked lamb shank.

Kehoe’s: Kehoe’s is an award-winning traditional Irish pub in the heart of Dublin. Kehoe’s was first licensed in 1803 and is known for stained glass mahogany doors, old Irish snugs, and partitions.

Slattery’s: Loved by locals and frequented by some of Ireland’s music and movie legends a visit to Dublin isn’t complete without a visit to Slattery’s.

The Palace Bar: Irish poet and novelist Patrick Kavanagh once described the Palace Bar on Fleet Street in Dublin city centre as the ‘most wonderful temple of art’.

Guinness Tour: The story of Guinness goes back more than 250 years, when Arthur Guinness, from Celbridge in County Kildare, decided to set up a brewery. In 1759, he signed a 9,000-year lease at a site at St James’s Gate in Dublin city centre. He built the Guinness brewery up slowly, and ten years later, started exporting barrels of stout by ship to England. That’s how Guinness, the Irish dry stoutwas born. Over 100 million glasses of Guinness are enjoyed every single day around the world – that’s 1.8 billion pints sold every year.

Guinness Storehouse: If you want to learn what exactly goes into a pint of the ‘black stuff’ and the story of how this famous stout went from humble beginnings to being sold all around the world, then the Guinness Storehouse, the home of Guinness in St James’s Gate in Dublin and winner of the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2023, is the place to start.

Guinness Book of World Records: It all started in the 1950s when Sir Hugh Beaver, managing director of the Guinness Brewery, went to a shooting party by the River Slaney in County Wexford. Over a lavish dinner in Castlebridge House, the party couldn’t decide what the fastest game bird in Europe was. The argument persisted for a long time – everyone had different opinions, and nobody could provide a definitive answer. Years later, Hugh would reflect on this argument and wonder why all of this information wasn’t kept safe in one easy-to-access location – and thus, the idea for the Guinness Book of World Records was born.

Ireland’s Best Brews:

Hilden Brewery, Lisburn: The oldest independent brewery in Ireland, Hilden’s doors were opened in 1981. Its 11 core beers include Belfast Blonde, Headless Dog, Twisted Hop and Barney’s Brew. Do not miss their Hilden Beer and Music Festival every August.

Dungarvan Brewing Company: Dungarvan Brewing Company makes four fabulous core beers: Black Rock Irish Stout (fantastic with a plate of local oysters), Copper Coast Irish Red Ale, Helvick Gold Irish Blonde Ale and Mine Head American Pale Ale.

Black’s Brewery: The husband-and-wife team produces KPA, Model T Stout, The Session IPA, 1601 Lager, Black IPA and High Viz Double IPA.

Wicklow Brewing: Known for their beers: Helles, St Kevin’s Red, Weiss, Black 16 Stout, Hopknut and Gingerknut.

Franciscan Well Brew Pub, Cork: Built on the site of a 13th century monastery – with a well of water said to have healing powers – Franciscan Well is a part of the fabric of Cork city. Its World Beer Award-winning brews are sold across the island, so look out for Rebel Red, Friar Weisse, Blarney Blonde and Shandon Stout.

Galway Bay Brewery: Their core beers – Full Sail, Bay Ale, Althea and Buried at Sea, a chocolate milk stout – are sold all over the island.

Whitewater Brewery: The brewery’s Maggie’s Leap IPA, Bee’s Endeavour pale ale, Ewe Rebel IPA, Belfast Black stout, and Hen, Cock & Pigeon Rock ale (named after three peaks in the nearby Mournes) have won fistfuls of awards.

The seafront resort, which opened at the end of February, joins a massively competitive hotel market in the Emirates. There’s the ultraluxury complex where Beyoncé broke the internet (Atlantis the Royal), the feat of engineering that cantilevers a massive infinity pool between two towers (One&Only One Za’abeel), the private-island beach club (Al Maya Island Resort), and a lavish desert getaway (Al Wathba). Now, there’s an homage to the popular honeymoon destination of Santorini.

The adults-only property has 22 keys, starting at around $735 a night, but General Manager Rachid Bakas says he expects 50% of the hotel’s business to come from exclusive-use buyouts for weddings, corporate takeovers and other events. Anantara is targeting locals for the most part—weekends are big business—offering day passes from 1,000 AED ($272) which can be redeemed for food or pool-side drinks.

“We have a wedding booked for October for a local family,” Bakas says. “They wanted to go to Santorini for the photos, but the costs, including flights for everyone, meant it made more sense for them to have the wedding here.”

Read more: Why Now Is the Best Time to Go to Dubai and Eat Like a King

The Anantara brand, which got its start in Thailand, is known for its tranquil resorts in Phuket and Bali. Santorini marks its ongoing expansion in the UAE; properties there include the noted Anantara the Palm Dubai Resort and the Eastern Mangroves Hotel at the edge of Abu Dhabi.

Speaking to Bloomberg during a tour in early March, Bakas says the whole design team flew out to Santorini to get ideas for the property’s interiors, and as a result the rooms wouldn’t look out of place in a luxe Aegean resort, with their neutral earth tones and barrel ceilings. Local fashion publications have already held photoshoots using the Greek-inspired resort as a backdrop, he says.

Most of the rooms have terraces or sprawling white-painted patios, ideal places to have a drink and stare at the tranquil seafront. And every room has a sea view, “so no one can come and complain,” Bakas jokes. There’s also 24/7 access to a butler who can arrange snorkeling excursions, beach picnics or other excursions. As it was an overcast day, no one was enjoying the dazzling infinity pool, but it looked tempting. Room categories are named after villages in Santorini—Fira, Oia and Perissa.

The hotel really goes for it with a circular cocktail bar and cigar lounge that’s ancient Greece-themed, complete with “weathered” wall frescoes and light fixtures modeled after warrior helmets. I had a flashback to the 2006 Gerard Butler film 300. It’s a bold choice, but you can’t call it boring.

Lest you forget you’re in the Middle East in 2024, there’s a beautifully tiled hammam in the spa; it’s not trying to look like the bathhouses of ancient Greece. Of the two restaurants, one has a traditional Greek menu and the other features Arabic cuisine.

Santorini is famous for its fiery technicolor sunsets, glimpsed from cliffside mountain towns that hug the edges of its caldera. While the hotel can’t match that drama—same sun, much flatter vibes—the team at Anantara offers a tribute with daily sundowners. Guests are invited to enjoy cups of Greek mountain tea (made from the medicinal herb Sideritis scardica, aka ironwort) while Helios drives off in his chariot, bringing night.

Of course this isn’t Greece, and that’s not really the point. (Nobody at Epcot actually thinks they’re touring the world.) Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat is positioning itself as a serene escape for locals from Dubai and other nearby Emirates. The mood is romantic, and on my tour I saw several couples walking hand in hand on the beach. Among all the region’s modernist megaprojects, bumping beach clubs and $14,000-an-hour party jets, there’s now a $735-a-night tribute to one of Europe’s most-loved island destinations.

“Guests will appreciate that this is something a little different in the region,” Bakas says.

The storm comes as other parts of the country face severe weather. Massive chunks of hail pelted parts of Kansas and Missouri on Wednesday night, with storms unleashing possible tornadoes in Kansas. Earlier this month, a blizzard dumped more than 10 feet (3 meters) of snow on a northern California ski resort.

The Colorado storm, which began Wednesday night, delivered the slushy, wet snow typical for March, one of the snowiest months in Denver, and wasn’t expected to wind down until Friday morning. The heaviest accumulations were expected in Colorado’s Front Range region, where the eastern plains meet the Rocky Mountains and the vast majority of the state’s population lives. Most of the snow was falling in the foothills west of Denver.

Those higher elevations had up to 3 feet (1 meter) of snow by Thursday and more than another foot was forecast by Friday morning. Denver itself got up to about 9 inches (23 centimeters) by Thursday. Up to another 10 inches were expected in the Denver area.

A mountain stretch of Interstate 70, the state’s main east-west highway, closed as the storm moved in Wednesday night. Trucks, many without the tire chains required to travel the route, got stuck and blocked other vehicles from getting through for hours. The big rigs were towed out by the afternoon, said Sgt. Patrick Rice of the Colorado State Patrol.

Some drivers may have been stranded until I-70 reopened, he said, but no injuries were reported. The highway remains closed to trucks through noon Friday and could shut to passenger vehicles too as the storm picks up. Rice urged any drivers setting out to bring food and blankets in case they get trapped.

“We’re going to continue to work at this and keep the road open the best we can,” said Matt Inzeo, a spokesperson for the Colorado Department of Transportation.

While a boon to Colorado’s ski industry, the extreme conditions shut down several ski resorts. The storm also closed numerous schools and government offices Thursday and Denver area schools were closed in advance for Friday.

More than 53,000 customers were without power across Colorado on Thursday primarily in metro Denver and along the Front Range, according to poweroutage.us.

But plenty of people were enjoying the snow, like Melanie Brooks, who was out walking her dogs Thursday morning in Denver.

“I’m kind of sad that I didn’t make it up to the mountains because now it’s tough to drive there, and I’m missing a powder day,” she said.

Since the storm is the rarer kind that brings more snow to the eastern half of the state rather than the mountains, it may not do much to feed the Colorado River, which supplies water to more than 40 million people in the West.

The storm started as rain in the Denver area and turned into snow. The area was expected to get 10 to 20 inches (25 to 50 centimeters) of snow, with up to 2 feet (60 centimeters) in the western suburbs, the weather service said.

Jarmila Schultz, 77, was tackling her sidewalks in shifts as the snow continued to fall.

“I have to get out early because I have to do it like four times because it’s going to snow all day,” she said, noting she has cleats on her boots to prevent her from falling. “It’s water, ice and it’s very hard for me to lift.”

But she still loves the snow.

“You know, in my time I skied, snow-shoed and did all this and I think Colorado’s incredible for those type of things.”

Denver deployed 36 residential plows starting at 3 a.m. Thursday with the plan to shave the top few inches of snow off streets, to help clear paths to main streets.

Tyler Barnes, a Miami native who drove a ride-share overnight, was trying snow-shoeing for the first time Thursday morning, and found it was pretty easy.

“It was really what I hoped it would be like,” he said. “I feel confident I could walk a long way in these.”

Denver International Airport was open Thursday, but about 800 flights were canceled with nearly 200 more delayed, according to Flightaware.com.

The snowstorm comes as other parts of the country face severe weather. Massive chunks of hail pelted parts of Kansas and Missouri on Wednesday night, with storms unleashing possible tornadoes in Kansas.

But the success of the UNESCO World Heritage site has come at a price. Tourists clog the narrow streets and push up rents. Locals occupy just 30% of the Old Town’s accommodation. Before the break-up of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, and Croatia´s independence war, some 5,000 residents lived there. Today, 1,200 remain.

“Young people will depart us, they will leave to some other places because it will be impossible to live in Dubrovnik,” Mayor Mato Frankovic told Reuters. The city council is expected in April to pass a regulation banning new rental permits in the Old Town and its surrounding area, Frankovic said. The move is part of the city’s obligation to meet certain UNESCO rules, he said.

The city has already begun buying apartments that will be offered to young families under a 10-year lease and will ban the short-term lease of flats in large apartment buildings. In 2018, it limited the number of tourists from cruises to 4,000 at a time. “We shall protect the town’s historic foundations and enable the people to live and spend time there,” Frankovic said.

Other European authorities are also seeking to reclaim cities for local inhabitants. Portugal, for instance, has been acting to lower housing prices. In Dubrovnik, not everyone agrees on the need for change. Vedran Miovic, of the Hedera Estate agency that manages some 150 units in Dubrovnik, says private accommodation is “much better for the community” compared with big hotels and resorts, which he said only benefited big foreign funds.

Old Town resident Marija Trojenovic, however, welcomed the plans. “Bring back people to the town because people make the town,” she said.

If you are fasting and flying during Ramadan, know all about the airlines’ special offering.

What’s in the premium lounges?

Etihad Airways: At Etihad’s lounges in Abu Dhabi, New York, Washington DC and London Heathrow, guests can indulge in traditional Ramadan refreshments such as laban, Vimto, karkade, date milk, cucumber refresher, and rose milk.

Travellers who will break their fast before departure can enjoy an Iftar meal at Etihad lounges. From warm harira soup and lobster machbous ravioli to chicken biryani, guests can savour the rich flavours of Arabic cuisine. The dessert menu will include authentic Ramadan treats such as Vimto cheesecake, rose and pistachio mahalabia (milk pudding) and rangeena (pitted ripe date topped with a toasted flour and ghee mixture).

Emirates Airlines: At the Emirates lounges in Dubai International Airport (DXB), traditional Arabic sweets, dates and coffee will be offered during Ramadan.

Meals available in First and Business Class lounges will include a selection of hot and cold Arabic mezze, lentil soup, main courses of Arabic mixed grill with tahina, chicken kabsa (national dish of Saudi Arabia) served with dakous (tomato sauce) and raita, and desserts of kunafa (pastry soaked in syrup) pistachio cream, basboussa (syrup-soaked semolina cake) saffron, walnut Qatayef (Arabic pancake) ashta (thick cream) and ice cream flavours of Arabic coffee and dates or baklawa, alongside a host of traditional Arabic sweets and pastries.

Emirates lounges are also equipped with dedicated prayer rooms and ablution facilities.

Iftar meals onboard and at the departure gate:

Etihad Airways: In premium cabins, guests can indulge in delicacies such as lentil soup with fried chaami (Emirati cheese), lamb and date meatballs with saffron rice, and the classic warm umm ali dessert (national dessert of Egypt). For those seeking a lighter option, there will be Iftar salad.

Travellers in Economy class will enjoy Arabic mezze, braised lamb with vermicelli rice, fried onion, and almond and for the dessert, they will be served Vimto mousse with khabeesa.

For those breaking their fast just before or after landing, Etihad will provide Iftar bags containing Laban, water, and dates.

Emirates Airlines: For fasting customers at select Emirates Boarding Gates during Iftar time, there will be complimentary Iftar boxes to help break the fast – containing water, laban, a banana and dates. From the March 11, customers breaking their fast across all cabin classes to select destinations will be offered Ramadan meal boxes that will include light bites from hummus with spinach and Arabic bread, to tabbouleh with baba ghanoush, alongside sandwiches of Moroccan or zaatar chicken with pickled garlic mayonnaise, and some sweet treats of almond chocolate or Arabic baklawa, cashew nut and pine seed baklawa flowers, as well as staples like traditional dates and laban.

Iftar meals will be served in bespoke boxes, designed by Emirates to represent the rich Emirati heritage of the Al Sadu weavers.

Emirates’ Ramadan boxes will be served in addition to the regular hot meal service.

Onboard announcement of Imsak and Iftar time:

To ensure the highest levels of accuracy for fasting Muslim passengers, Emirates uses a unique tool to calculate the correct timings for Imsak (the time to commence fasting) and Iftar while in-flight, based on the times of the sunrise and sunset of the location the flight is passing by using the aircraft’s longitude, latitude, and altitude. When the sun sets, passengers will be officially informed of the Iftar time by the captain.

Special Entertainment programs:

Etihad Airways’ signature E-BOX entertainment system features a selection of Ramadan programming and religious content, as well as an audio of the Holy Quran.

The new Ramadan programmes will include, Rehlat Haya, which explores and promotes behaviours that lead to happiness and stability from a different perspectives.

Guests can also tune in to Chef Bil Bait a cooking show, hosted by Al-Halabi. They can also watch the El Dunia Ramadan series that showcases how various cultures celebrate Ramadan.

Emirates ice will feature special religious content including Rehlet Hayat, Qawafel Al Samaa, Hom Al Omr, Fatawa and Al Ayyam Al Khaliya in Arabic. In Urdu, ice will feature Ramadan Mah e Rehmat, Niyamat-E-Ramadan, Mahe Ramadan as well as Ramzan Mehfil-E-Zikr in Hindi. The Holy Qur’an is also available on ice.

Popular series and dramas will be available such as Seeb Wa Ana Aseeb, Safah Al Giza and El Ghareeb as well as AB Talks, the classic Darb el Zalag, and popular Turkish series dubbed in Arabic such as Ehtiram, Behzat and Al Hob Al Ghayr Muktam.

Travel Discounts:

This Ramadan, Turkish Airlines is offering a 30% discount on flights from Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to the United States, Europe and Türkiye. Book your flights between March 11, 2024 and April 9, 2024 and fly in the same time period to enjoy Turkish Airlines privileges during Ramadan.

Emirates customers on Umrah:

Ramadan boxes will be served on flights catering to Umrah groups travelling to Jeddah and Medina during the month of Ramadan. Passengers are also entitled to check in one bottle of Islamic holy water ‘Zamzam’ containing up to 5 litres per person at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and various airports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, who was in Raipur, virtually flagged off the inaugural flights which took off from Bilasa Devi Kevat Airport, Bilaspur, located around 125 km from the state capital, they said.

Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao was also present at the function.

Speaking on the occasion, Sai said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has resolved that those wearing ‘Hawai chappals’ (slippers) will travel by airplane. “Today, a long pending demand of the people of Bilaspur was fulfilled,” he said.

The flight connectivity between Bilaspur and New Delhi/Kolkata would accelerate development and benefit people of Bilaspur division, he added.

Work is underway to upgrade Bilaspur airport and very soon night landing facility will be available there, Sai added.

Air service is also going to start from Jagdalpur, in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh for Jabalpur on Tuesday.

The people of Bastar region will be benefited with this air service which will open up new possibilities for business and tourism in the region, he added.

The ATR 72-seater aircraft of Alliance Air took off from Bilaspur at around 10 am for Kolkata and at around 10:30 for Delhi. According to officials, the two flights will be operated three days each in a week.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

Guangzhou-based China Southern Airlines Co. plans to start direct flights to Mexico City on April 17, a spokesperson for the state-owned airline said. The twice-weekly flights will depart from Shenzhen in southern China, a person familiar with the matter said, confirming earlier reports in local media.

The more than 16-hour journey across the Pacific would be China’s longest flight — and at 14,147 kilometers (8,790 miles), one of the lengthiest regular routes on the planet. It’s going ahead despite challenges of distance and terrain that make the return impossible without a stopover — a sign of how big a magnet Mexico has become to Chinese businesses seeking to sidestep tensions between Beijing and Washington.

Chinese suppliers to Tesla Inc., are among companies that have set up factories in Mexico in recent years, with electric vehicle champion BYD Co. set to follow. The Asian country has meanwhile been shipping ever-greater amounts of goods to America’s southern neighbor, a trend that accelerated with the pandemic.

China’s direct investment in Mexico reached $587 million in 2022, the highest on record, according to Mexico’s Economic Secretary. The countries’ two-way trade has risen 38% over the past four years, based on Bank of Mexico statistics for the 12 months through November 2023, versus the corresponding 2019 period.

The number of Chinese visitors to Mexico has also sharply rebounded in 2023 to 161,300 entries, just shy of pre-pandemic levels, Mexican government data show.

High Altitude

Yet even as business booms between the countries, there have been no direct flights since the pandemic. That’s partly because Mexico City’s altitude, at 7,300 feet, means fully-loaded planes cannot draw as much power from engines to take-off for the longest distance flights.

That means a layover is required on the return flight to Asia, adding cost. China Southern’s new service will stop in Tijuana on that leg, according to the local media report.

Before Covid, three airlines offered eight round-trips a week total between China and Mexico — Aeromexico, Hainan Airlines Holding Co. and China Southern, which flew between Guangzhou and Mexico City with a stop in Vancouver. While Aeromexico hasn’t returned, Hainan Airlines is understood to be seeking to resume a route to Tijuana, the person said.

Representatives from Hainan Airlines didn’t respond to a request for comment. China’s Ministry of Transport also didn’t respond to a request for comment.

Trade Frictions

China’s ability to resume direct services with the US has also been hampered by fraught relations with the world’s top economy. Direct flights are currently limited to 100 per week, down from 340 before the pandemic. US carriers face the added hurdle of going around banned Russian airspace.

Since the pandemic, China’s carriers have made a priority of re-establishing ties to countries that are receptive trade partners. In November, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for expanded commerce with Mexico in areas such as finance, EVs and other emerging industries.

“We reiterated our commitment to continue maintaining good relations for the benefit of our people and our nations,” Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said in a post on X after meeting with his counterpart at a trade summit in San Francisco.

China Southern’s new service sidesteps Beijing and Shanghai in favor of Shenzhen, a thriving technology and manufacturing hub. It’s home to BYD which is banking on Mexico and the wider region to boost export sales. Mexico also offers Chinese carmakers a showroom for their EV brands as they test the appetite of foreign consumers for stylish, affordable and high-tech EVs.

Among those setting up shop in Mexico are Ningbo Tuopu Group Co. and Shanghai Bayon Precision Automobile Component Co. — suppliers to Tesla, which is building out in the state of Nuevo Leon.

The tighter bond with Mexico is a growing irritation to Washington, where officials have sought to keep cheaper Chinese EVs out of the US market to shield the homegrown industry. US duties of 27.5% targeting Chinese EVs may increase, while further scrutiny is being placed on the country’s internet-connected vehicles for data and cybersecurity risks.

The pushback on autos and semiconductors prompted Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi earlier this month to blast the US for reaching “bewildering levels of unfathomable absurdity” on trade and sanctions.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

In an official statement, Tourism Minister of Uttarakhand Satpal Maharaj said that Uttarakhand plays a significant role in promoting yoga both nationally and internationally. Today, Uttarakhand boasts of the highest number of yoga practitioners, who visit the Dev Bhoomi in pursuit of spiritual awakening and inner peace. Rishikesh has solidified its position as the epicenter of yoga. The International Yoga Festival is a testament to it. This year’s festival promises to be grand, offering a magnificent platform for yoga enthusiasts to learn and grow.

The event, organised by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, brings together top international yoga schools, providing a unique opportunity for participants to engage in the ancient practice of yoga. Renowned schools, including the Art of Living, Isha Foundation, Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, Sivananda Ashram, and Manav Dharam Ashram will offer attendees the chance to explore different forms of meditation in a peaceful setting.

Experts will set the tone of the event as they spearhead panel discussions centered around topics — such as the benefits of music therapy, and the science of intuition through Pragya Yog, Marm Chikitsa, Yoga and Strishakti, among many others. Each evening, the tranquil and peaceful Ganga arti will create a mystical atmosphere. One can also experience enchanting melodies filled with devotion and love for the divine. The festival will feature renowned bands, such as Kabir Cafe and Pandavas Band, fusion rhythms by Swaraag, Kathak dance by Aditi Mangal Das, Dance Ballet by Anuj Mishra, and more.

The festival also lends you an opportunity to immerse in the vast heritage of India through cultural programmes. To know more about the event, yoga enthusiasts can log on to ‘www.internationalyogfestival.com’.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

The inaugural service, starting from Palampur and terminating at Amb in the Una district via Nagrota and Kangra, aims to cater to tourists arriving via the Vande Bharat train to the Kangra district. Departing from Palampur at 8:00 am, the Vande Bharat bus will offer a comfortable journey for tourists, departing from Amb to Kangra and back to Palampur by 11:30 am.

In addition to this, in a gesture of appreciation towards soldiers, all current and ex-servicemen from the state will be entitled to a 50 per cent discount on their stays in state tourism hotels for eight months, and a 30 per cent discount for the remaining four months, March, April, May, and June. Furthermore, soldiers will avail a 30 per cent discount on food expenses.

Thirdly, registered journalists across the state will also receive a 50 per cent discount on accommodation in state tourism hotels for eight months and a 30 per cent discount for the remaining four months, March, April, May, and June. Additionally, registered journalists will benefit from a 30 per cent discount on food.

Bali emphasized that these announcements are poised to benefit numerous tourists, citizens, soldiers, and registered journalists in Himachal Pradesh. He expressed gratitude towards the Chief Minister for his continuous support and guidance in the government’s endeavours towards public welfare.

The three major initiatives were announced during a press conference held on the occasion of Mahashivratri. Along with Bali, MD Rajiv Sharma, Block Congress President Man Singh, Vice President Pratap Riad, General Secretary Arun Katoch, and other dignitaries were present during the press conference.

Tourists crowd the narrow, quaint streets of the area called Gion, often following tour guides who show people around and lecture for long hours, local district official Isokazu Ota said Friday.

“We are going to put up signs in April that tell tourists to stay out of our private streets,” he told The Associated Press.

A sign will say in both Japanese and English: “This is a private road, so you are not allowed to drive through it,” although the keep-out warning is aimed mainly at pedestrians, not cars, as the Japanese wording refers to generically “passing through.”

“There will be a fine of 10,000 yen,” the sign adds, which comes to about $70 under recent currency conversion rates.

The ban covers just several blocks of Gion. The district’s public streets will remain open to tourists, so the area and the rest of Kyoto will still be teeming with visitors, both from Japan and around the world.

Gion’s outrage highlights brewing resentment at what many people feel is “over-tourism,” even though the Japanese economy depends more than ever on tourism revenue to sustain growth.

The district of winding alleyways is known for picturesque teahouses, where geisha and their maiko apprentices, wearing fancy kimono and hair ornaments, perform in dance and music.

In a city known for gorgeous temples and gardens, Gion is one of its most scenic and historical spots. Tourists, armed with cameras, like to wander around Gion, hoping to catch the women on their way to dance class or a fancy dinner party.

Complaints about over-zealous tourists began bubbling years ago, though the discontent cooled when the coronavirus pandemic brought a lull in tourism. Now, visitors are back with a frenzy.

Overseas tourist traffic to Japan is rebounding to pre-pandemic levels.

More than 22 million visitors came to Japan last year, eager to take in sushi, electronic gadgetry and the splendors of nature like Mount Fuji and the beaches of Okinawa. In 2019, incoming travel totaled more than 31 million people, and this year’s number could approach or even overtake that, experts say.

It’s been too much for many residents of Gion. Their local council summarized the less than eager sentiments a few months ago by proclaiming: “Kyoto is not a theme park.”

It’s a heart-pumping, white-knuckle competition in which horses — and sometimes dogs, snowmobiles and even cars — tow skiers by rope at speeds that can top 40 mph (64 kph) over jumps as high as 8 feet (2.4 meters) and around obstacles as they try to lance suspended hoops with a baton, typically a ski pole that’s cut in half.

Every winter, thousands of people converge on the old mining town of Leadville, Colorado, high in the Rocky Mountains — elevation 10,158 feet (3,096 meters) — lining downtown’s main street and packing the saloons to witness one of the most popular skijoring races in the country. The spectacle, billed as “The Granddaddy of ’em All,” has been a tradition here since 1949.

“It’s just the pure adrenaline that gets me to do it. … And then getting these two different groups of people together with the riders and the skiers. Usually they don’t hang out, and getting them together, we mesh pretty well,” said Burri, who wears fringed leather pants with his ski gear in a nod to the sport’s Western vibe.

Skijoring draws its name from the Norwegian word skikjoring, meaning “ski driving.” It started as a practical mode of transportation in Scandinavia and became popular in the Alps around 1900.

Today’s sport is inherently dangerous, and injuries are not uncommon among riders and skiers alike. Indeed, one of the first riders in the Leadville race earlier this month toppled off his horse and had to be helped off the track as he shook his head in confusion. Burri did well in the competition despite skiing with a separated shoulder from a hard spill during a race two weeks earlier.

“Wrong turn, taking a jump wrong, go down wrong. You could end your season. Then hospital bills rack up, but it’s just for the thrill of it,” said Burri, a 26-year-old from Meeker, Colorado.

Another skier, Jason Decker, pulled out of the race at the last minute because he broke his collarbone in a crash during a recent contest. He sometimes wears a protective cup, a valuable lesson learned after being hit in the groin by a flying chunk of snow flung by a horse’s hoof.

“It’s not uncommon that my hands are shaking a little bit even after all this time, because that horse’s nostrils are flaring and I’m about ready to grab a rope that’s attached to that saddle. And if I’m not ready to go, then things can go bad real quickly,” said Decker, a 43-year-old engineer from Pagosa Springs, Colorado, who has been skiing since he was 2 and skijoring for 14 years.

Savannah McCarthy, a competitive skijorer since she was 12, describes a similar nervous energy before she mounts her horse for a race. But once she is speeding down the course, her world goes silent.

“I don’t hear a thing when I’m running,” she said. “When it’s happening, you really don’t have time to think about anything. But when you get done, you’re like, ‘Holy cow, that was insane,’” said McCarthy, a 24-year-old financial broker from Durango, Colorado, who has won the Leadville race nine times.

One of her more memorable moments was when her horse slipped, pulled back and head-butted her, breaking her nose. Then there was the time she lost control of her horse following a race and smashed into a minivan. Both riders and skiers say those moments — the crashes, the speed, the raucous crowd and the camaraderie — make skijoring what it is. And the sport is growing.

Loren Zhimanskova, chair of Skijor USA, which promotes the sport and helps organize races across the country, said skijoring is becoming more mainstream with the rise of social media, and she hopes it will one day be featured in the Winter Olympics. Skijoring is particularly popular in Poland and Switzerland, as well as in Colorado, Wyoming and Montana in the U.S.

Five years ago, the sport fielded about 350 teams of riders, skiers and horses in the U.S., she said. Now, about 1,000 teams are competing, and the number of races has increased from about 15 a year to more than 30. One event in Shakopee, Minnesota, consistently draws a crowd of 10,000 spectators. Despite its growing popularity, getting the sport into the Olympics has proven challenging.

There is no official governing body, no uniform set of rules and regulations and no point system that would allow riders to advance to the Winter Games. Plus, every track is different, and every race has its own unique traditions and sometimes stubborn organizers.

Still, Zhimanskova is pushing to include skijoring as a non-competitive demonstration sport or to be included in the torch relay at the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

“I think it’s one of the most romantic and visually pleasing sports that you could see. It’s just magnificent,” she said. “Everyone loves snow … and then you add horses to that. And then you add cowboys and cowgirls to that. And then you add skiing to that and bonfires and fun music. I mean, all the elements that go into a skijoring event, in my opinion, are really feel-good elements.”

So much so, that the 30-year-old finds herself returning to explore the continent every three or four months. And Goel is not the only Indian who has discovered the joys of exploring Europe across its railways. India is now the second-largest market for Rail Europe, a company that makes European train travel more accessible to international travelers, after the United States — outpacing both China and Japan. The company provides tickets for some 200 rail operators across Europe. (Also read: Travelling to Portugal? 5 things to know about ‘Florida of Europe’ from gentle lifestyle to attractive tax policies )

Train travel inspired by Bollywood

YouTuber Pratik Jain was introduced to the beauty of Europe through India’s Hindi film industry, Bollywood, which features many popular European cities and famous landmarks in its movies. The 30-year-old from India’s financial capital Mumbai last year traveled to five European countries — France, Germany, Belgium, Italy and the Czech Republic — using an all-in-one train ticket known as a Euro Rail pass.

“I spent over €250 ($270) for a four-day pass which is convenient, provides time flexibility and is cheaper as compared to flight tickets,” Jain said, referring to the ticket that gives unlimited access to a wide network of trains across Europe.

“Europe has good railway connectivity which makes the journey smoother and less hassle. However, if you are only visiting one or two countries you can also use other options like [budget bus company] Flixbus and flights.”

Devang Sethi, a 35-year-old former software engineer who now works as a travel vlogger, has also found train travel to be a winner. He has traversed most parts of Europe using the railway. All he needed was his backpack and a Eurail pass, he said. “This pass covers over 33 countries including Turkey and Bulgaria. I have taken a first-class pass and was offered free food in places like Scotland.”

Europe attracting more Indian travelers

Despite hurdles like visa delays and logistical issues, a significant number of Indians have visited popular European destinations — including Switzerland, France, the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Austria with a growing interest in Eastern European countries like the Czech Republic and Hungary.

“Despite challenges like visa delays, the Indian market has displayed remarkable resilience and a strong enthusiasm for European travel,” Björn Bender, Rail Europe’s President and CEO, told DW. “The Swiss Travel Pass and Eurail Passes are particularly popular among Indian outbound travelers for their flexibility and convenience, allowing seamless exploration of multiple destinations,” said Bender.

Rail Europe has recorded a 60% growth in global revenue amid the increasing popularity of European destinations among Indian travelers. Goel told DW about some of her favorite train journeys across Europe. “The highlight was experiencing the Glacier Express in Switzerland; I’ll never forget the spectacular views of the Swiss Alps on that eight-hour train journey, the content creator said.

“Also, some of the train journeys I’ve taken around France and Italy have been breathtaking.” Sethi said that her only issues were delayed trains, but highlighted the convenience of not needing to make a reservation. “During the busy season and at some places, you may need to pay extra for a seat, otherwise, it is very smooth and convenient,” said Sethi. “These are only minor challenges.”

But that does not appear to deter young Indians from making the journey to Europe and exploring the continent by train. “With India currently holding the position as the world’s fifth-largest economy and its population surpassing that of China, reaching 1.4 billion … we anticipate approximately 40 million outbound travelers from India in the coming years,” said Bender.

In December, a Gion district council comprised of residents urged Kyoto City to tackle the issue, saying their neighbourhood “is not a theme park”. One member previously told Japanese media about an instance of a maiko’s kimono being torn and another who had a cigarette butt put in her collar. (Also read: Exploring Europe: Train travel a winner for young Indians )

With the problem ongoing, the council decided to step up its response. “We will ask tourists to refrain from entering narrow private streets in or after April,” Isokazu Ota, an executive member of the council, told AFP. “We don’t want to do this, but we’re desperate,” he said, adding that they will put up signs.

Gion’s main Hanamikoji Street, which is public, will remain open to tourists. Ota said groups of tourists sometimes “act like paparazzi” when geisha emerge from narrow streets, which are just one or two metres (3-6.5 feet) wide.

In 2019, the Gion district council put up signs saying “no photography on private roads” warning of fines of up to 10,000 yen ($67 at today’s rates). Despite common misconceptions, geishas are not prostitutes, but rather entertainers and raconteurs highly skilled in traditional Japanese dance, musical instruments and games.

Tourism to Japan has been booming since pandemic-era border restrictions were lifted, and other major attractions are also taking steps against overtourism. This summer, hikers using the most popular route to climb Mount Fuji will be charged $13 each, with numbers capped to ease congestion and improve safety.

The three services were launched from Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport on Wednesday.

CM Dhami inaugurated the event by lighting a lamp and cutting a cake.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said, “We endeavour to make moving the people within the entire state of Uttarakhand convenient, simple and easy. For this, we are continuously making efforts and the people of the country are travelling to different places in the state.”

“Flagged off air services from Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun to Shri Ayodhya Dham, Amritsar, Pantnagar and Varanasi and gave boarding passes to the passengers and wished them a happy journey. As a result of the efforts of the double engine government, the air connectivity of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is continuously getting strengthened. With the start of these air services, while people will get convenience in transportation, tourism in the state will also get a new direction and momentum” the Chief Minister further said.

Referring to air services, the Chief Minister said that before this, the state had started air connectivity from and to Dehradun-Pithoragan and also started heli services from Haldwani to Champawat, Munsiyari and Pithoragarh.

The Uttarakhand Chief Minister thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Hailing PM Modi, he said that under his leadership period, there has been unprecedented progress in every sector, including the air services.

The Chief Minister also interacted with the passengers travelling to Ayodhya amid the chanting of “Jai Shri Ram” and wished them a safe journey.

According to the CM’s office, Dhami had been trying for a long time to start air services for all three places.

“Before the Pran Pratishtah ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, the CM had personally requested and written a letter to Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia,” an official statement said earlier.

Dehradun Airport is a medium-sized airport in India with domestic flights only. On the other hand, Ayodhya recently got its first airport, which has been named Maharishi Valmiki International Airport. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the airport on December 30 last year.

Organisers had planned a grandiose opening ceremony July 26 for as many as 600,000 people, most watching free of charge from riverbanks. But security and logistical concerns — and an outcry from booksellers along the city’s picturesque quays — have led the government to progressively scale back ambitions.

Earlier this year, the overall number of spectators was reduced to around 300,000. On Tuesday, Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said that 104,000 of them will be paying ticket holders with spots along the lower riverbanks, with another 222,000 watching for free from the upper banks.

But he said that the free tickets will not be available to the public via open registration as earlier envisaged, and will be invitation-only.

“To manage crowd movement, we can’t tell everyone to come,” Darmanin said. “For security reasons that everyone understands, notably the terrorist threat of recent weeks, we are obliged to make it free but contained.”

This means that tourists from France or elsewhere, as well as ordinary Parisians, won’t be able to sign up for free access. Instead, access to the ceremony will be allocated via quotas to select residents of towns or regions hosting Olympic events, local sports federations and others chosen by organizers or their partners, said two Interior Ministry officials. The officials weren’t authorized to be publicly named according to ministry policy.

Those invited will then need to undergo security checks and will receive QR codes to pass security barriers.

Local town councils can invite “their employees, kids from local soccer clubs and their parents,” for example, Darmanin said. One of the Interior Ministry officials said that sports federations could invite foreigners as part of their quotas, and towns could offer spots to people with disabilities or in a situation of need, to ’’diversify″ access.

The official said the change was not aimed at punishing tourists, and that the Games remain more open than any Olympics in several years. Another 200,000 people are expected to watch the opening from inside apartments or buildings overlooking the river, and about 50,000 from fan zones, Darmanin said.

Paris 2024 organizers would not comment on the shift, deferring questions to the government. Darmanin said the decision was made under the authority of President Emmanuel Macron, in conjunction with local officials and the organizing committee.

With France on high alert, Darmanin said that intelligence services haven’t identified a specific plot targeting the Olympics. But he said that there are multiple potential threats, including from Islamic extremist groups, violent environmental activists and ultra-right groups, as well as cyberattacks from Russia or other adversaries.

France was hit by a wave of deadly attacks linked to the Islamic State group in 2015-16 that targeted the Bataclan concert hall and other public venues, and the country has seen occasional extremist violence in the years since.

Intelligence services are conducting checks of about 1 million people slated to participate in, work for or have access to Paris 2024. Of 89,000 checks already carried out, 280 people have been rejected because of police records or other security problems, Darmanin said.

It’s the first time an Olympics opening ceremony will be held outside a stadium setting, in line with the Paris organisers’ motto: “Games Wide Open.” About 10,500 athletes will parade through the heart of the French capital on boats on the Seine along a 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) route.

About 160 heads of state are expected to attend, and the government will close all airports and airspace within a 150-kilometer (90-mile) radius around Paris before, during and after the 3½-hour ceremony.

Around 2,500 foreign police will be among the 45,000 security force members deployed around Paris for the event, Darmanin said. Discussion is underway on whether the foreign forces can board the boats with their countries’ athletes, and what arms they can carry.

Hiring and training enough security personnel for the Olympics, held from July 26-Aug. 11 and the subsequent Paralympics has proved challenging. About 10% of the private security personnel the government requested have yet to be hired, Darmanin said.

I was back there recently, this time to connect antiquity with modernity while exploring two iconic destinations in the central part of the country, the ancient port city of Hoi An and the modern beach city of Quy Nhon, which is fast emerging as a popular vacation destination for lovers of sun, sea, and sand.

Hoi An, a melting pot of cultures

Tucked on the banks of the Thu Bon River, Hoi An is a 2000-year-old river port settlement. It was founded by the Champa or Cham dynasty monarchs in the 2nd century AD and achieved zenith as a massive maritime hub between the 4th and 13th centuries when the Cham Kingdom ruled the seaside region, now part of central Vietnam.

Merchants from China, India, Persia, Japan, and Europe in large numbers sailed there to buy and sell spices, silk, jewellery, and other merchandise. Some of the traders never went back to their country of origin; their permanent stay made Hoi An a melting pot of cultures. Many centuries have gone by, but Hoi An has managed to preserve much of its old-time character. It is this distinct feature that draws tourists and inspired UNESCO in 1999 to declare it a World Heritage Site.

“The best way to soak up the charms of Hoi An is by walking along the riverfront and adjoining alleyways,” advised the receptionist at the time of checking in at the Anantara Hoi An Resort, where serenity blends with contemporary elements of hospitality to provide guests with a memorable experience. She was not wrong. Hoi An gripped me with its antique charisma the moment I stepped out of the resort. I felt like wandering in an outdoor museum where several old buildings, built between the 15th and 19th centuries, reflected the artistic taste of their builders, principally Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, and French. I didn’t miss the Japanese Bridge, the touristy icon of the town. It’s the only covered bridge in the world to house a Buddhist temple. A local told me it’s so relevant to the nation’s heritage that it’s depicted on a Vietnam currency note.

Exploring the temple remains of My Son

While Hoi An was a commercial hub for the Cham rulers, their religious epicentre was My Son, a green valley located 45km from Hoi An. Between the 4th and 13th centuries, they built a series of temples with Hindu consciousness, which was introduced to the royals by the visiting traders from India. Over time, many of their works of art were lost to natural disasters and historical changes; only around 70 of them existed when the Cham era declined in the early 19th century. Unfortunately, the unattended edifices got hidden by the thick bushland, and the world lost them for almost a century until a French scholar discovered them in 1898 and unveiled to the modern generation the architectural glories of a lost kingdom.

Organised by the resort, I went to My Son as a half-day excursion. With the help of an omniscient guide, I went past the temple remains, some fully intact and others partially. Orange-coloured bricks with stone pillars were used for their construction, but what amazed me was the absence of any mortar holding the bricks together yet lasting heat and dust for so many centuries. The bas-reliefs on the temple exteriors, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, are very interesting. They appealed to me like poetry on stone. Some of the temples were heavily damaged by the American bombing during the Vietnam War but have now been gracefully restored to their original glory by the authorities with the assistance of the Indian government.

Quy Nhon, Central Vietnam’s hottest destination

Located 300 km south of Hoi An, Quy Nhon is presently the country’s hottest destination. While its beach-blessed shoreline is a major lure for visitors, I felt its appeal comes from its ‘not-so-busy environment’, unlike eventful Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. This feeling gripped me while I was doing nothing but gazing at the blue sea from my private poolside desk at the plush Anantara Quy Nhon Villas, another modern staying option that provides a tranquil space for guests to soul-charge their urban minds.

Since the 10th century, the Cham Kings were stationed for nearly half a millennium where Quy Nhon dots today. To fulfil their religious quest, they built Hindu temples here as well, some of which still exist. Most prominent are the two located in the heart of the city. Built circa the 12th century, both of them, like their equals in My Son, turned out to be a visual feast for me. There are a few more temples located outside the city limits; the four at Banh It on a hilltop location inspired similar awe.

Though the Cham kingdom and its sovereignty are buried in pages of history books, Cham people still live in Vietnam. They are officially recognised by the Vietnamese government as one of 54 ethnic groups. Many of them have adopted Islam, which was introduced to the people by traders from the Arab world during the latter part of the Cham era.

The fascinating rail travel from Hoi An to Qui Nhon

Besides cherishing the attractions of the two cities and the architectural wonders of a forgotten kingdom, another highly rewarding experience for me was the six-hour rail travel from Hoi An to Qui Nhon in ‘The Vietage by Anantara’, which is a custom-built luxurious rail carriage that’s connected daily to a regular Vietnam Railway train railing daily from nearby Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City in the south.

Accommodating only twelve guests, this epic rail adventure connects history with nature, embracing luxury throughout the entire journey. In addition to offering spectacular rural views of Central Vietnam, I was indulged with a nonstop serving of the best quality hot, cold, and alcoholic beverages, snacks, a three-course gourmet lunch with choices, and a fifteen-minute body massage.

Derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “without end”, the word ‘Anantara’ embraces the excitement of discovery and the vibrant energy of new horizons. This was proven to me while staying at their resorts in Hoi An and Quy Nhon and during the train journey connecting the two.

Now, Noma’s chef and co-owner is giving diners a reprieve. And a new venue to consider. Noma will return to Kyoto for a second residency at the end of the year. The 10-week engagement will once again be at the Ace Hotel Kyoto and run from Oct. 8 to Dec. 18.

And when Redzepi and his team return to Copenhagen, they won’t immediately close the doors to the storied compound. Instead they will extend Noma 2.0 into Spring 2025. The chef, who divides the year by three, not four, seasonal menus — Vegetable; Game and Forest; and Ocean — will serve the seafood menu for the last few months before Noma 2.0 ends its run, for real they say, on an undisclosed date.

Reservations for Kyoto will open on May 14th via the Noma newsletter. This year’s Kyoto menu and drink pairings will cost 840 euros ($912) plus a 10% charge for service; last year it was 775 euros plus 10%.

There will be seven services a week, four dinners and three lunches, for a total of 70 meals. About 100 team members and their families, around the same number as last year, will come to Kyoto; Noma in Copenhagen will be closed during that time, although Noma Projects, which produces products like smoked mushroom garum, will continue to operate.

Noma might be returning to the same place as the inaugural pop up a year ago, but don’t expect the same shabu shabu with seaweed and tomato-as-rose that was served last year. “Well, Kyoto in autumn will certainly offer a different experience; seasonality plays a crucial role with its 72 micro seasons,” said Redzepi over email. “Game meats become available, and it’s the high season for crab, bringing a completely different array of ingredients. We’re also hoping for wild mushrooms.” But the menu and specific dishes are still under wraps, says the chef, although he confirms that they have pre-ordered some aforementioned game meats and crab from local purveyors and “collected some items from the wilderness.”

Redzepi adds that his team have also dried 10,000 vibrantly colored koyo (autumn leaves), presumably to set the scene in the Ace’s restaurant dining room for the fall menu.

As for the extension of Noma 2.0 in Copenhagen, Lena Hennessy, chief operating officer of Noma, says it was a function of the Kyoto pop up timing. “We wanted to travel, come back and do another season in Copenhagen. We love our home here.”

Did Redzepi think of taking his residency to a new country, since he’s already done Kyoto and hasn’t recreated pop ups at the sites of other past residencies, including Tokyo and Tulum? In a word, no. “As a chef, a culinary professional, and food lover, I view Japan as one of the highest altars one can visit. The levels of knowledge, the depth of technique, and the longevity of traditions that continue to thrive are simply mind-blowing,” he says.

He also notes that the original Noma Kyoto pop up was planned pre-pandemic to take place in Autumn 2022; when Japan’s strict lockdown protocol made that impossible, it was moved to the arguably less bountiful season for produce, Spring. That left Redzepi with “unfinished business.” He adds, “so, we started planning for another season halfway through our first pop-up, seeking a different experience with a new seasonal menu and the chance to design the space anew.”

But still, Redzepi, says, “I’m pretty certain that once we conclude this upcoming pop-up, we’ll find ourselves reflecting on what we didn’t do, what we didn’t explore, and what aspects we didn’t fully understand.” Which some people might read as a hint that this isn’t the last residency he’ll do in Kyoto.

As it happens, Hennessy says that Noma will definitely visit other places, even after the current version of the restaurant closes in the Spring. “There are residencies in the works,” she confirms. Likewise Noma in Copenhagen will almost definitely continue to feed people, says Hennessy. “It’s not a hard and fast closing of the doors. Serving guests will continue to be a part of who we are.” Even if the chapter of vegetables, forest and ocean will almost certainly come to an end, the Noma team doesn’t know how to stop innovating. “We want to redefine ourselves as an organization. Not in the format people have become accustomed to. But feeding people, yes,” says Hennessy.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

Irani inaugurated a two-day Training of Trainers Programme as part of preparations for Haj 2024 at the Vigyan Bhavan here in the presence of Minister of State for Minority Affairs John Barla.

More than 550 trainers from various states and Union Territories attended the programme, according to an official statement.

The Training of Trainers Programme is intended to sensitise and educate the trainers who impart further training to the Haj pilgrims to ensure that the pilgrims have a fulfilling experience and are aware of the various aspects of the pilgrimage, it said.

As part of the government’s efforts to make Haj a smoother and more comfortable experience, Irani launched the Haj Suvidha App for the benefit of all Haj pilgrims.

Haj Suvidha App has been developed by BISAG-N under the able guidance of the Union Minister for Minority Affairs, and will be a “game changer” in the pilgrimage experience, the statement said.

Leveraging digital and mobile technologies, the Haj Suvidha app will provide the necessary information and direct access to important services like training modules, flight details, accommodation, emergency helpline and health among others at the fingertips of the pilgrims, it said.

The pilgrims would be able to focus better on their spiritual journey and forget about mundane tasks like travel, luggage and documents. The App offers solutions to common problems faced by the pilgrims during their journey and will be a boon, especially to those performing Haj for the first time in their life, the statement said.

Irani also released the Haj Guide-2024 which has been prepared to make pilgrims aware of various aspects of the pilgrimage with special emphasis on the use of the Haj Suvidha App for the pilgrims, it said.

The guide is published in 10 languages and will be issued to all the Haj pilgrims.

The Union minister, in her address, described the wide gamut of efforts made by the government, including taking direct feedback from the pilgrims to make the Haj pilgrimage a transparent, uniform, cost-efficient, safe and spiritually fulfilling experience, it said.

Increased enthusiasm and participation by pilgrims under the Ladies Without Mehram category is a testament to the government’s commitment towards making Haj inclusive and accessible, she said.

The Haj Suvidha App will further ensure better access to facilities by the pilgrims and better administrative coordination and control with prompt grievance redressal and emergency response, Irani said.

She further laid emphasis on the importance of training and exhorted the trainers to put in their best efforts to train each and every Haj pilgrim to perform Haj in a safe, peaceful and comfortable manner.

To improve the training, the number of trainers per pilgrim has been increased from the earlier ratio of 1:300 to a ratio of 1:150. This would go a long way in providing a fulfilling Haj experience for the Indian pilgrims, the statement said.

Here are five things to know about the country:

– 50 years of democracy –

Portugal is marking the 50th anniversary this year of an almost bloodless coup on April 25, 1974 that put an end to 48 years of authoritarian rule and 13 years of colonial wars in Africa.

The revolt by idealistic young army officers quickly turned into a popular uprising when the troops were joined by jubilant crowds that took less than 24 hours to bring down Europe’s longest-lived dictatorship.

Nicknamed the Carnation Revolution after flower vendors handed out seasonal blooms to the soldiers, it led to Portugal’s first free elections with universal suffrage exactly one year later.

It is a rare example of a military coup held to install democracy and a source of pride in Portugal, where its anniversary is a national holiday called “Freedom Day”.

– Influx of tourists –

With 300 days of sunshine per year, Portugal keeps setting new records for the amount of foreign tourist arrivals it draws.

The sector accounts for around 15 percent of the country’s economic output, generating record revenues of 25 billion euros ($27 billion) last year.

Dubbed the “Florida of Europe”, the country is also home to many well-off foreigners — retirees, investors or digital nomads — seduced by its gentle lifestyle and attractive tax policies.

– …and immigrants –

With one of Europe’s most open immigration regimes, Portugal has seen its foreign-born population double in five years.

Fewer than half a million in 2018, last year a million foreigners were living in Portugal — one-tenth the country’s population.

Brazilians, with their long historical links to the country, remain the biggest contingent — some 400,000-strong.

Immigrants from India and Nepal are now more numerous than people from former Portuguese colonies Angola and Cape Verde.

Bangladeshis and Pakistanis also now figure in the top 10 of new arrivals.

– Surf XXL –

With over 800 kilometres (500 miles) of Atlantic coastline and countless breaks of all shapes and sizes, the country attracts surfers from around the world.

The best known spot is off the coast of the central town of Nazare, where an underwater canyon some five kilometres (three miles) deep near the shoreline of the former fishing village helps generate what are arguably the biggest rideable waves in the world.

Germany’s Sebastian Steudtner set a world record there in 2020 for the biggest wave ever surfed at 86 feet (26.2 metres).

– Cork champion –

Portugal is the world’s largest cork producer, accounting for nearly half of the world’s supply, according to the Portuguese Cork Association.

Cork is made from the bark of the cork oak (Quercus suber), which covers around 720,000 hectares (1,780,000 acres) of land in Portugal more than any other country.

Portuguese cork producers have sought to diversify its use beyond wine bottle stoppers, with the material increasingly used as building insulation as well as in footwear, furniture and even the aerospace industry.

The value of Portugal’s cork exports last year surpassed one billion euros, a record.

In 2020 the Lisbon metro replaced the fabric lining on all seats of its train fleet with cork, an easier to maintain material.

For those who live inside the 115-mile-wide (185-kilometer-wide) path of total darkness, it may be a matter of just stepping outside and donning special eclipse glasses to watch the spectacle unfold. For the millions outside the path, or those who just want to improve their chances of clear skies, it could mean hitting the road with a game plan.

The eclipse reaches Mexico’s Pacific coast in the morning, cuts diagonally across the US from Texas to Maine and exits in eastern Canada by late afternoon. Most of the rest of the continent will see a partial eclipse.

WHERE TO WATCH THE TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE

The weather will be key, and spring weather along the path can be dicey. Mexico and Texas offer the best odds of sunny skies, said retired Canadian meteorologist Jay Anderson.

“There’s no guarantee of sunshine anywhere — just better chances,” he said.

Anderson studies satellite data for the previous 20 years to calculate how often a location has cloudy weather on any eclipse day. Besides Mexico and Texas, he said there are other promising spots on the path of totality, particularly along the Great Lakes.

The advice: If you’re flexible, start paying attention to local weather about 10 days out, and make your plans on the three-day forecast. Die-hard eclipse chasers often line up more than one location and make last-minute decisions based on the best forecast, he said.

HOW TO PREPARE LIKE AN ECLIPSE CHASER

One veteran eclipse chaser recommends picking a location and make it a vacation so that the eclipse is “the cherry on top” and not the only highlight — just in case things don’t work out.

Tom Schultz will be traveling from his retirement home in Costa Rica to watch the eclipse from his mother-in-law’s house in Rochester, New York, along with other relatives.

“If we get rained out, we’ll get this great family reunion,” said Schultz.

Veteran Anne Marie Adkins could drive across town in San Antonio to see the total eclipse, but opted to join an astronomer-led tour to Mazatlán, Mexico, betting on clear skies there. She’s been thwarted by clouds on other trips. For the 2017 U.S. eclipse, she went to Nebraska and had to scramble that day to find better skies.

“It’s a gamble. You never know what you are going to get,” said Adkins.

Post-eclipse traffic is a particular worry, especially in more rural areas like the Texas Hill Country. Patricia Moore, of the Bandera visitors center, said last year’s “ring of fire” eclipse provided a dress rehearsal for police and other first responders. Tiny Bandera — the “Cowboy Capital of the World” — expects crowds from nearby weekend music festivals.

“After the eclipse will be a challenge,” she said.

WHERE ARE THE ECLIPSE WATCH PARTIES?

With the eclipse falling on a Monday, cities and towns along the path have lined up a weekend full of activities and watch parties to attract visitors. There are a multitude of music festivals and gatherings planned at museums, parks, wineries and other businesses hoping to capitalize on the buzz.

Niagara Falls has a slate of events for days and is expecting July Fourth-sized crowds for the eclipse, said Sara Harvey, spokeswoman for Destination Niagara USA.

There are multiple vantage points to watch the show from Niagara Falls State Park, and the famous Maid of the Mist tourist boats may be running, weather permitting, she said. Even if it’s cloudy, visitors will get “a beautiful view of the falls,” Harvey said.

In Waco, Texas, festivities will culminate on eclipse day with science-themed activities outside Baylor’s McClane stadium, along what’s called Touchdown Alley.

It may be too late to snag a cabin on a cruise ship positioned off the Mexico coast for the eclipse, but there are other watery options including a ride on the paddle-wheeler Victorian Princess on Lake Erie from Erie, Pennsylvania.

If the sky beckons, Southwest and Delta have identified flights that will fly along or near the eclipse path. A special Delta flight from Austin to Detroit quickly sold out, prompting the airline to add another from Dallas.

Looking for an different kind of place to watch the sun, moon and Earth align? The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will host NASA astronauts and other guests. Cedar Point amusement park on Lake Erie in Sandusky, Ohio, is opening for the day. And the Little Rock Zoo in Arkansas is throwing a tailgate fundraising party and inviting visitors to watch the zoo’s residents react to the midday darkness.

You can also spend the day visiting the planets. In northern Maine, a scale model of the solar system is displayed along nearly 100 miles (160 kilometers) of U.S. Route 1. Retired geology professor Kevin McCartney expects to unveil a new 23- foot-tall (7-meters-tall) roadside sun at the University of Maine at Presque Isle on eclipse day. “You won’t be able to miss it,” he said.

Anderson, the weather expert, said it’s well worth the travel to see the “special magical moment” of a total eclipse: “It’s the Taylor Swift of natural events.”

Ramadan is an important time for Muslims around the world, and many Muslim-majority countries observe this holy month with cultural traditions and religious practices. Here are some destinations to consider if you’re planning a holiday during Ramadan:

Best destinations to visit on Ramadan

1. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a wonderful destination to visit during Ramadan because of its rich Islamic history and plenty of mosques and other places of worship. During Ramadan, the city comes alive with street food vendors, traditional Iftar feasts, and cultural events.

2. Dubai, UAE

Dubai is a popular destination during Ramadan as it offers a variety of cultural events and activities such as prayer services, live music and entertainment, and Ramadan tents serving traditional food. The city also offers a variety of entertainment and retail alternatives, including malls that stay open late.

3. Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is a great place to spend Ramadan with its rich Islamic heritage and many mosques and other places of worship. The city comes alive during Ramadan with street food stalls, cultural gatherings and the traditional iftar banquets.

4. Morocco

Morocco is a Muslim-majority country that celebrates Ramadan with religious and cultural customs, such as offering traditional delicacies at Iftar and holding midnight prayers. Explore the country’s illustrious past and stunning architecture, including its famous mosques and vibrant souks.

5. Egypt

Egypt is renowned for its traditional Ramadan celebrations, which include the nocturnal Taraweeh prayers and the presentation of traditional delicacies during Iftar. Egypt is also home to a rich Islamic past. Ancient ruins and historical landmarks, such as the Valley of the Kings and the Pyramids of Giza, are open to visitors.

6. Malaysia

Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country that celebrates religious and cultural traditions during Ramadan, such as iftar dinners and cultural performances. Travellers can experience the country’s vibrant markets and street food culture, as well as its rich cultural heritage.

It’s important to remember that many places, including restaurants, may have altered opening hours during Ramadan and certain tourist attractions may be closed or have restricted opening hours. It’s a good idea to check with your travel agent or local tourist board for any restrictions or changes to opening times during Ramadan.

Mark your calendars for the 12th annual Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival on Saturday July 13, 2024, within the grounds of the picturesque Rydges Resort Hunter Valley.

Wine regions of Hunter Valley: Pokolbin, Lovedale, and Broke-Fordwich are the three wine-growing regions in Hunter Valley. Due to differing soil and microclimates, all of these regions produce their own unique wine, and all offer different cellar-door experiences. (Also read: Explore the unforgettable scotch whisky trail in Scotland)

• Pokolbin: Since its inception, Pokolbin has served as the focal point of the Hunter Valley wine region.

By the end of the 19th century, notable wine families, including Tyrell, Tulloch, Drayton, Wilkinson, and Lindeman, had planted their vineyards in this locale. To this day, Pokolbin maintains the highest density of wineries in the valley, complemented by a selection of hotels, restaurants, and cafes.

• Lovedale: Lovedale offers an opportunity to explore small, family-operated wineries in a tranquil setting, away from large crowds. The intimate cellar doors provide a chance to engage in conversations with winemakers or growers, gaining insights into their latest vintages. Wines in this region are typically named after family members.

• Broke-Fordwich: Broke-Fordwich is renowned for hosting top-notch boutique and sustainable wineries, along with highly praised fine dining options, a World Heritage-listed wilderness, and ancient Aboriginal rock art. The area has a dozen wineries, all conveniently located within a few kilometres of each other.

Best vineyards of Hunter Valley

• Scarborough Wine: Scarborough Wine Co. is a family-operated vineyard celebrated for its outstanding wines and hospitable atmosphere. The estate provides a journey from soil to cellar, allowing guests to gain insights into the entire winemaking process, spanning from the vineyard to the bottling stage.

• Tyrrell’s Wines: Tyrrell’s Wines is a must-visit for wine lovers. With a history dating back to 1858, this family-owned establishment has consistently produced high-quality wines for over 160 years, making it an essential destination for those passionate about wine.

• Brokenwood Wines: Founded in 1970, Brokenwood has evolved from a weekend getaway for hobby winemakers into one of Australia’s highly regarded wine brands. The winery is celebrated for its outstanding selection of wines, which encompasses notable varieties such as the renowned Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz, the ILR Reserve Semillon, and the Cricket Pitch Range.

• Audrey Wilkinson: Audrey Wilkinson is famous for its premium wines, notably Semillon and Shiraz, as well as its scenic vineyard location, at the elevated foothills of the Brokenback Range.

• Briar Ridge Vineyard: Briar Ridge Vineyard is a high-quality winery recognised for its award-winning wines, ranging from the vibrant and refreshing Semillon to the rich and intricate Shiraz.

• McGuigan Wines: With a history dating back to the 1880s, this family-owned winery has been producing award-winning wines for four generations. Particularly noteworthy is the McGuigan Black Label range, which has dominated the market. This range has clinched the top three positions in Australia’s best-selling red wines by volume, with Black Label Red at #1, Black Label Cabernet Merlot at #3, and Black Label Merlot at #6.

• Thomas Wines: Thomas Wines stands out as one of the highly acclaimed winemakers in the Hunter Valley, receiving recognition both nationally and internationally for its outstanding collection of single vineyard Hunter Valley wines. Their impressive range is marked by the Kiss Shiraz and Braemore Semillon, setting modern standards as benchmarks for the Hunter Valley.

• Peterson House: Peterson House is renowned for its distinctive offering of gelato paired with sparkling wine, presenting a diverse selection that includes lively sparkling varieties and rich, complex red wines.

• Mount Pleasant House: Mount Pleasant Wines stands as one of Australia’s oldest and highly regarded wineries, renowned for its outstanding creation of top-tier, cool-climate wines specific to the Hunter Valley. In 2023, it earned the third spot in Halliday’s Top 100 Australian Wineries, affirming its excellence.

• Bimbadgen: Bimbadgen is a winery that provides a complete hideaway retreat. Celebrated for its breathtaking views and spacious rooms featuring lofty ceilings, this vineyard presents an assortment of wines, encompassing varieties such as Verdelho, Shiraz, and Shiraz Viognier.

Best Wine Tours:

• Get a bird’s eye view of the Hunter Valley vineyards with Balloon Aloft and Beyond Ballooning

• To experience a hatted restaurant, cellar door, and vineyard, sign up at the Ultimate Margan Experience

• Embark on gourmet adventures guided by Two Fat Blokes

• For the most exclusive Hunter Valley experience, hop between vineyards on a heli wine tour with Aero Logistics or Hunter Valley Helicopters

• Explore the picturesque vineyard landscapes on horseback with Hunter Valley Horses

Beyond the Wine Must-see/do:

• Yengo National Park: Situated within the Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Property, Yengo features stunning vistas, pristine wilderness, and significant Aboriginal cultural sites with sacred sites and rock engravings to explore.

• Winmark Art Gallery: Located next to the newly opened Cellar Door, seamlessly integrates art, nature, and wine, providing visitors to the vineyard with a unique experience.

• Lake St Clair: Lake St. Clair offers a premier outdoor recreation hub, perfect for activities like swimming, sailing, water skiing, camping, and fishing.

Getting there

• The Hunter Valley sits just two hours north of Sydney and an hour west of Newcastle. The best way to get to and around the region is by car or with an organised tour

• Sydney Airport (SYD) services domestic and international arrivals

• Newcastle Airport (NTL) services domestic flights from Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Melbourne

• Car hire is available both in Sydney and Newcastle

The storm began barreling into the region on Thursday, with the biggest effects expected to close major highways and trigger power outages Friday afternoon into Saturday. A blizzard warning through Sunday morning covers a 300-mile (482-kilometer) stretch from north of Lake Tahoe to south of Yosemite National Park.

“Your safe travel window is over in the Sierra,” the National Weather Service in Reno posted Thursday morning on social media. “Best to hunker down where you are.”

Meteorologists predict as much as 10 feet (3 meters) of snow is possible in the mountains around Lake Tahoe by the weekend, with 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 meters) in the communities on the lake’s shores and more than a foot (30 centimeters) possible in the valleys on the Sierra’s eastern front, including Reno.

Winds are expected to gust in excess of 115 mph (185 kph) over Sierra ridgetops, and 70 mph (113 kph) at lower elevations.

“This will be a legitimate blizzard,” UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain said during an online briefing Thursday. “Really true blizzard conditions with multiple feet of snow and very strong winds, the potential for power outages and the fact that roads probably aren’t going to be cleared as quickly or as effectively as they normally would be even during a significant winter storm.”

Backcountry avalanche warnings were in place around Lake Tahoe, as well as areas around Yosemite National Park stretching down to Mammoth Lakes.

At Yosemite National Park, visitors were told to leave the park as soon as possible — no later than noon Friday. The park is closed at least through noon Sunday, with the possibility that could be extended, park officials said on social media. Authorities noted that more than 7 feet (2.13 meters) of snow could fall in the Badger Pass area.

Alpine Meadows, an affiliate of neighboring Palisades Tahoe, will be closed Friday. Palisades planned to open only its lowest elevation runs, and could end up closing those.

Andrew Schwartz, the lead scientist at UC-Berkeley’s Central Sierra Snow Lab, said it is possible they could break their modern-day record of about 3.5 feet (1 meter) of snow in a single day from back in 1989. The lab was founded atop the Sierra in 1946 in Soda Springs, California, northwest of Lake Tahoe.

The California Highway Patrol imposed travel restrictions on a long stretch of Interstate 80 between Reno and Sacramento, requiring drivers to put chains on their tires. A stretch of the highway was closed for hours at midday Thursday while crews cleared the wreckage of a semi-trailer truck that overturned near Truckee, California.

On the bright side, California water officials said the storm should provide a much-needed shot in the arm to the Sierra snowpack, which is vital to the state’s water supplies and sits well below normal so far this season. Extreme weather continues to affect the ski industry, as US ski areas could lose around $1 billion annually in coming years due to a changing climate, a new study found.

Palisades Tahoe ski resort wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the big dump expected over the weekend on top of 8 feet (2.4 meters) of snow in February should allow them to keep the slopes open through Memorial Day. But it warned blizzard conditions are likely to force temporary closures off and on through the weekend.

Todd Cummings decided to drive from Santa Cruz to the Lake Tahoe area ahead of the storm with plans to lay low during the blizzard and then hit the slopes.

“When a storm comes in, people have a tough time getting there, so there’s sometimes less crowds on the mountains and there is untracked, fresh snow that it’s super light and you float on it. It’s fantastic!” he said.

Some remained skeptical it will be as bad as predicted.

Richard Cunningham said he has heard before about forecasts for the storm of the century that didn’t materialize since he moved from Las Vegas to Reno in 1997.

“Same story, different day,” he said. “Sometimes it doesn’t even snow.”

That was before blue skies gave way to clouds and gusty winds that blew the roof off a shed east of Reno Thursday afternoon.

Howie Nave, a radio DJ and stand-up comedian in South Lake Tahoe, said some people may not have been taking the storm seriously earlier in the week because dire forecasts of potentially heavy storms have not materialized several times this winter.

“There were times when I was expecting a Saint Bernard, but you gave me a Chihuahua,” Nave said about the weather forecasters.

But “everybody’s talking about the storm up here,” he said. “This is the first time we’ve had a blizzard warning.”

The Sierra Nevada snowpack stood at 80% of average to date but only 70% of the typical April 1 peak, California Department of Water resources officials said Thursday.

“The results today show just how critical this upcoming month is going to be in terms of our water supply outlook for the upcoming year,” hydrometeorologist Angelique Fabbiani-Leon said during a briefing at Phillips Station, a snowpack-measuring location south of Lake Tahoe.

Easily accessible and with a wide range of diving to suit all tastes, it is also one of the most inexpensive and exciting scuba spots in the world—and PM Modi agrees, describing his experience as “very divine” on X (formerly Twitter). “To pray in the city of Dwarka, which is immersed in the waters, was a very divine experience. I felt connected to an ancient era of spiritual grandeur and timeless devotion. May Bhagwan Shri Krishna bless us all,” he wrote, sharing a set of photos from his underwater trip.

And the recent attention to the popular activity and the destination has received quite a tourism bump as a result. “Since Sunday, there has been a steep incline in queries from prospective visitors,” confirmed Harshit Jakadiya, partner at Dwarka Scuba, a local scuba operator. “While it is common knowledge in the state, people from across India are now getting to know about the local and we are definitely expecting to see the numbers climb.”

Travel operators also observed the surge in demand. “We are witnessing an over 2.5x surge in demand for locations visited by the Prime Minister–and not just from metros, but increasingly from India’s Tier 2-3 source markets,” said Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head, Holidays, SOTC Travel. “Our customer data reveals interest from not just the traditional segments of families and seniors, but also young India’s millennials and Gen Z, and this is a very encouraging trend,” he added.

“After Lakshwadeep, Dwarka is another case in point, with our searches seeing over 150% uptick. In addition, what is noteworthy is the PM’s impact on inspiration for unique experiences and we have been seen a jump in queries for scuba/underwater inclusions for our tours post his Dwarka images shared by media,” explained Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited.

Those who are still learning about scuba-diving explorations near Dwarka to see the submerged remains of ancient Dwarka, Panchkui Beach and Shivrajpur Beach both offer some of the most convenient and exciting experiences in the state. From tracing the archaeological journey that led to the discovery with a local expert and PADI instructor to the serenity and stillness of being in the marine environment, it is hard not to be blown away when uncovering Gujarat’s dive scene. “A brilliant base for sightseeing, pilgrimage, seaside sports or birdwatching and marine exploration, visitors to Dwarka can reserve their 15-20 minute, (approx) 10-meter dive given they meet the necessary requirements,” shared Anshika Gupta, tour advisor at Universal Adventures.

Essential information:

Best time: October to April, with water temperatures ranging from 27 to 30 degrees Celsius and visibility between 5 to 7 meters​​.

Age: Anyone above 10 can indulge in the activity and elderly people above the age of 50 can participate given they are physically fit and healthy.

Booking the experience: Select a reputable diving agency that provides comprehensive packages, including equipment rental, training, and guided dives​​​​​​.

Costing: Depending on the dive location and agency, the cost for scuba diving in Dwarka can stand between Rs. 2,000 to 2,500 covering equipment, training, and a dive session.

Where to book: Dwarka Scuba (dwarkascuba.com), Universal Adventures (universaladventures.in), Divine Scuba (divinescuba.com) Dwarka Tourism (dwarkatourism.in)

Health advisory: People suffering from asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, heart disease or any breathing problem are discouraged from trying the activity.

Safety and training: Participants receive training on equipment use and safety measures before diving. Agencies ensure a safe and guided diving experience with professional instructors​​.

Inclusions: Most packages include scuba diving equipment, a costume, training, complimentary underwater video and photography, and all necessary permits and taxes​​.

Quebec’s premier has been urging the federal government to slow the influx of refugees which he says has been straining resources.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak ahead of the Thursday announcement. The official said the new rules will take effect late Thursday and they won’t mean a complete return to pre-2016 rules. Canada’s immigration minister is expected to announce details.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government lifted the visa requirement for Mexican visitors in late 2016, removing a major irritant in relations between the two countries.

But Canadian Immigration Minister Mac Miller has said asylum claims from Mexico have shot up since Canada lifted the visa restriction in 2016. Canada getting rid of visa free travel from Mexico is also expected to reduce the number of illegal crossings of Mexicans into the U.S. from Canada.

In 2023, Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Board had 17,490 claims from Mexico, making up 19% of claims referred that year. A year prior, the number was 7,483 making up 12% of claims.

Previously, refugee service providers in Montreal have said that Mexican families are fleeing violence, insecurity and a lack of jobs in Mexico.

Canada only grants asylum to people it believes cannot safely live in any part of their home country because officials are unable or unwilling to provide those conditions.

During his daily press briefing Wednesday morning, Mexico President Andrés Manuel López Obrador suggested Canada was going to announce actions when he took a reporter’s question about potential U.S. tariffs on Mexican steel exports and launched into a rambling complaint about a lack of respect coming from Mexico’s North American neighbors.

The president said that conservative forces in Mexico had been lobbying in the United States and Canada for actions that would reflect poorly on his administration. He mentioned U.S. complaints about fentanyl production in Mexico and assertions by both the U.S. and Canada that Mexico was not doing its part to control immigration flows.

“The immigration issue, it’s Mexico’s fault,” López Obrador mocked. “’We’re going to build a wall and that’s how we’ll solve the problem. We’re going to militarize the border and that’s how we’ll solve the problem.’”

“And now Canada is doing the same, they’re wanting to take measures against Mexico; we really regret it,” López Obrador said. “They’re negotiating to reach an agreement, that we can control the migration flows to Canada, as we always have. And we have acted generously toward them, with the administration of Prime Minister Trudeau, but they were already at the point of imposing unilateral measures, right now, when there are elections in Mexico.”

López Obrador also raised the possibility that he would not attend the North American Leaders’ Summit, scheduled for April in Quebec. “If there isn’t respectful treatment, I don’t participate,” he said.

Spring is that time of the year when we need to start packing our bags and fly off to places that have the best views to offer. Spring is the official time when the earth looks more colourful, flowers bloom, the weather gets just perfect, and the winter season gives way to a pleasant time to travel around and appreciate the colours of nature. Places deck up in colours, flowers, chirping of birds – spring is really the best time to see the world decked up in pretty layers. Winter is already on its way out for this year and that means, it’s only a matter of weeks before the spring season officially makes an entry and sweeps us off our feet.

Known as the Beer Drinking Capital of the World, here’s all you wanted to know about beer in Prague, including beer baths & beer spa.

Best pubs in Prague:

• U Zlatého Tygra: A traditional Czech pub and former hub of 20th-century political dissidence housed in a 14th-century building. With the beer, try marinated beer cheese and grilled pork or sausage served with mustard and horseradish.

• Pivo a párek: Literally, beer & frankfurter, it has a huge offering of beer selection that changes weekly.

• Kasarna Kalin: Former barracks, this is more than a pub, it hosts film screenings and also puts up a ice-rink in winter.

• Bar Cobra: Easily found because of its black awnings, it has draught beer, sparkling wine and a seasonal cocktail menu.

• Dva Kohouti: The name means ‘two cocks’ and has an industrial vibe. Don’t miss the house lager, brewed on-site.

• Pivnice U Sadu: Built in the 1920s, it is a haven for beer lovers.

• Bukowski’s Bar: Reasonably priced cocktails served in dim candlelight. Open every day from 7 pm to 3 am.

egareveb• Cross Club: A late-night club known for draught beer, wine and shots.

• Veltin: Known for wine exclusively from countries within the former Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Top 5 Beer Things to do

• Take a Brewery Tour: Delve into the history and brewing processes with a guided brewery tour. Visit renowned breweries such as Pilsner Urquell in nearby Plzeň or in Prague itself.

• The Beer Original Experience opened in 2023 is must to see in Prague. It tells the story of the creation of the world’s first golden beer.

• Attend Beer Festivals or Events: Check the local events calendar for beer festivals or beer-related events happening during your visit. The Czech Beer Festival in Prague, held annually, is a fantastic opportunity to sample a wide array of Czech beers, enjoy live music, and indulge in traditional Czech cuisine.

• Take a Beer Spa: Soak in a vat filled with beer loaded with natural elements integral to beer production, such as malt, hops, and yeast. These ingredients are renowned for their skin-friendly properties and overall wellness and health benefits. Some beer spa packages even incorporate beer tasting into the session, allowing participants to indulge in various local beers after their beer bath. Cost: $ 128.75 per adult

• Go to Ice Pub: Here, everything is made of ice: walls, bar, tables, sculptures and even your own personal glass. In Ice Pub Prague, the temperature is kept at minus 7 degrees Celsius all year round.

Top 5 things to do beyond the beer tour/tasting.

• Visit Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral: Explore the iconic Prague Castle, one of the largest castle complexes in the world. Marvel at the stunning architecture of St. Vitus Cathedral, located within the castle grounds. The panoramic views of the city from the castle are breathtaking.

• Stroll through Old Town Square and Charles Bridge: Explore the Old Town Square, surrounded by charming medieval structures. Walk through the iconic Charles Bridge, adorned with statues and providing breathtaking vistas of the Vltava River. As you meander across the bridge, enjoy the melodic tones of the hang instrument, resonating alongside various other street artists.

• Discover the Astronomical Clock and Jewish Quarter: Admire the Prague Astronomical Clock, a medieval marvel that comes to life hourly. Explore the history of the Jewish Quarter, home to synagogues, the Jewish Cemetery, and the historic Jewish Museum.

• Cruise along the Vltava River: Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on the Vltava River. Evening cruises, with the city lit up, offer a particularly enchanting experience.

A trip to Pilsen: Pilsen is the birthplace of the world-famous Pilsner lager. The Pilsner Urquell Brewery, founded in 1842, is credited with creating the first-ever pale lager. Pilsen hosts an annual Pilsner Fest celebrating its beer heritage.

Once you reach Pilsen, you should definitely explore:

· The famous Pilsner Urquell Brewery, where Pilsner beer was first brewed in 1842. Take a guided tour to learn about the brewing process, history, and enjoy a tasting of freshly brewed beer

· Take a tour of its historical underground tunnels. These tunnels were used for brewing, storage, and even as bomb shelters during wartime.

· Explore the Pilsen Town Hall and its iconic tower. The building is a mix of Gothic and Renaissance architecture and offers guided tours.

· Explore the local brewpubs and beer gardens to savour different Czech beers and experience the social aspect of beer culture in Pilsen.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

More than 300,000 fans from the city-state and neighbouring countries will attend the US superstar’s six sold-out Eras Tour shows at the National Stadium from March 2-9.

Ingrid Delgado, a fresh graduate in Manila who is travelling to Singapore for the March 4 show, said she bought a “new shimmering dress” for the occasion but had trouble finding an affordable hotel.

“A lot were booked already, so I had to book a more expensive hotel,” she said.

The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts, as well as the Fairmont Hotel, told AFP that demand for rooms during the concert period had risen.

Big spenders have taken up Marina Bay Sands’ luxury packages named after Swift’s hit songs, such as “Shake it Off” and “Stay Stay Stay”.

The hotel’s SG$50,000 ($37,230) “Wildest Dreams” package includes VIP tickets, fine dining, a hotel suite, limousine transfers and passes to tourist attractions.

The hotel told AFP all its packages were sold out.

Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines said there had been increased demand for Singapore-bound flights but could not say whether it was solely due to the “Swift Effect”.

A large contingent of Malaysian Swifties will be crossing into neighbouring Singapore.

“It’s a dream come true. I feel excited and nervous,” said Harith Arsat, a 20-year-old student who will be making his first overseas trip from Kuala Lumpur.

In the Philippines, budget carrier Cebu Pacific has changed its usual flight number for Singapore-bound planes to “1989” — the year Swift was born and the title of her fifth album — for the March 1-9 period.

– Red carpet –

However, not everyone was happy when Swift’s only Southeast Asia stop was announced, including fans and governments in some of Singapore’s neighbours.

Travelling to Singapore is expensive for many in the region due to high currency exchanges, to say nothing of ritzy hotel packages.

Some were also unhappy because Singapore provided a grant to help secure Swift’s record-breaking tour for the city-state.

Officials from the culture ministry and Singapore Tourism Board, citing business confidentiality, declined to say last week how much was paid, or whether an exclusivity deal had been signed to make Singapore Swift’s sole Southeast Asian stop.

That followed reports that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin had told a business forum in Bangkok that Singapore had indeed made such a deal.

The Singapore officials did not address Srettha’s comments directly but said Swift’s shows were “likely to generate significant benefits to the Singapore economy”.

Singapore has been rolling out the red carpet for many international artists, such as Blackpink, Harry Styles and Ed Sheeran, since ending its Covid-19 pandemic curbs.

Coldplay performed six sold-out shows in January and upcoming acts include Bruno Mars, Sum 41 and Jerry Seinfeld.

“Singapore started to open faster than others after the pandemic and its first-mover advantage and concerted efforts to bring in acts, events and conventions has helped,” Song Seng Wun, economic adviser for CGS International, told AFP.

“That momentum has been building up.”

– ‘Don’t lose money swiftly’ –

Millions scrambled for tickets when they went on sale last year, which led to a rise in online scams targeting desperate Swifties.

Singapore police even released a social media video with the tagline: “Don’t lose money swiftly, buy your tickets safely.”

Regardless of the dangers, Ericko Dimas Pamungkas, 25, in Jakarta logged in to three devices to get a ticket queue number.

“I got very lucky. I feel like this concert is one of the most important moments for me,” he said.

Swift has evolved from a singer with relatable lyrics into a canny businesswoman and the world’s biggest pop star, and fans believe there is plenty to learn from the 34-year-old.

“I appreciate Taylor’s candidness and what she stands for such as rights, generosity and compassion,” said Spencer Ler, a Singaporean pilot who queued for 22 hours to get tickets for his daughter and her friends.

“It’s something the girls can learn from.”

With Vietnam claiming the “World’s Leading Heritage Destination 2023”, here are 25 bucket-list experiences you can try in the land of the “Ascending Dragon.”

1. Historical tour of the Cu Chi Tunnel in Ho Chi Minh City
2. Embrace tube-house architecture at Hanoi’s Old Quarter
3. Take a trip to Huế for a taste of the country’s royal imperial cuisine
4. Shop and savour Hu Tieu at the floating market of Cai Rang
5. Kayak through the emerald waters of Halong Bay
6. Soak up some Vietnamese sun on Phu Quoc Island
7. Step into the world’s largest cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
8. Sail along mangrove-lined riverways on a trip to the Mekong Delta
9. Light a lantern in Hoi An
10. Go on a night market crawl through Ho Chi Minh City
11. Trek through Sapa to see the lush green rice terraces
12. Explore Detian Waterfall on a bamboo raft
13. Walk around the UNESCO-recognised Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark
14. Photograph the Golden Bridge Hand
15. Paddle in crystal clear lagoons in Quy Nhon
16. Dare to canoe around Crocodile Lake in Cat Tien National Park
17. Take a stroll through Da Lat, the Paris of Vietnam
18. Watch Vietnam’s water puppetry
19. Take a guided tour of the ancient Champa Kingdom
20. Try fresh fish and shellfish at Nha Trang aka the seafood capital
21. Visit Ninh Binh’s circuit of Buddhist temples
22. Sip on artichoke tea in Dalat
23. Unwind with bia hoi (freshly brewed draught beer) in Hanoi’s Old Quarter
24. Visit the World Coffee Museum in Buon Ma Thuot
25. Climb to the top at the Marvel at Ban Gioc Waterfall

• ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  

  Sneha Chakraborty writes on travel, food, culture, gadgets and lifestyle for the Daily Entertainment and Lifestyle supplement, HT City. …view detail

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

Tourism in the vibrant former British colony took a huge knock from sometimes violent pro-democracy protests in 2019 and a subsequent crackdown on dissent before the pandemic put the city in shutdown.

The “Individual Travel Scheme” began in 2003 as part of a cooperation agreement between mainland China and Hong Kong. It was initially launched in four cities in nearby Guangdong province before branching out to a total of 49 mainland cities in 2007.

Xian and Qingdao will be added to the list by March 6, meaning that residents of 51 Chinese cities will be eligible to apply for individual travel.

Officials have touted Hong Kong’s attractiveness as an international hub and are planning to hold large scale events including Art Basel in the coming months to lure visitors.

Leader John Lee said Hong Kong must be “relentless” to attract global musicians and entertainers after pop superstar Taylor Swift booked shows in other Asian cities but skipped Hong Kong.

Other acts such as Coldplay have also missed the city, performing instead in Taiwan and Bangkok.

Hong Kong Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung said the new travel scheme would be a positive boost.

“Xian and Qingdao each have a population of over 10 million. We believe it can bring more high value added overnight visitors to Hong Kong,” he said in a statement.

More than 1.4 million tourists visited Hong Kong during the Lunar New Year holiday which began on Feb. 10, with 87% coming from mainland China.

An average of 157,000 mainland visitors arrived in Hong Kong daily, exceeding a level hit in 2018 before the pandemic.

In 2023, Dubai welcomed 2.46 million overnight visitors from India, which is a 25 per cent increase from the pre-pandemic era. This made the country the number one source market, the latest data from DET said on Thursday.

In the year-ago period, the city hosted 1.84 million tourists from India, while in 2019, it welcomed 1.97 million visitors, it added.

The data suggested that with an exceptional 34 per cent year-on-year growth, India continued to be the number one source market with the highest number of international visitors from a single country.

“Dubai introduced a five-year multiple-entry visa to further bolster travel between India and Dubai, to foster sustained economic collaborations and encourage tourism and business ties,” the DET said.

This step ensures that the visa, issued within 2-5 working days upon receiving and accepting the service request, allows its holder to stay in the country for 90 days, extendable once for a similar period, with a total stay not exceeding 180 days in one year.

Through this initiative, tourists can leverage multiple entries and exits, providing operational flexibility for business engagements, leisure travel, and seamless connectivity, DET added.

“Our inbound visitation from India in 2023 was outstanding, contributing to a record-breaking performance by our tourism sector.

“As a key market for Dubai, India will continue to play an integral role in enabling us to achieve the goals of the D33 Agenda, further reinforcing Dubai’s position as a hub for business, investment and tourism,” Bader Ali Habib, Regional Head of Proximity Markets at Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said.

According to him, this historic milestone initiative will not only open doors to a longer and more enriching experience for Indian tourists but also provide a platform for increased economic collaboration.

“With exceptional flight connectivity and our ongoing commitment to the Indian market, we are confident that our upcoming initiatives will further amplify awareness about Dubai’s diverse offerings, multicultural setting, and abundance of hotels and attractions, continuing to make it the top travel choice for Indian tourists,” he added.

Dubai welcomed 17.15 million international overnight visitors in 2023, a 19.4 per cent growth over the 14.36 million tourist arrivals in 2022, according to DET data.

On Thursday, the famed dining arbiter awarded stars to restaurants in its inaugural guide to Busan, South Korea’s second biggest city.

But despite the fanfare of the inaugural Michelin guide, only three Busan restaurants — Fiotto, Mori and Palate — received a star. Fiotto, which specializes in homemade pasta made with Korean ingredients, also received a Michelin Green star in recognition of its sustainable mentality.

“Facing the sea, the perfect gateway to the world, Busan has demonstrated over its long history of commerce, the ability to bring people together, be open to new ideas and influence the world,” said Jerome Vincon, managing director of Michelin Korea, during the award ceremony at the Signiel Busan hotel. “These chefs, together with their teams, nobody could dream of better ambassadors of Busan with their generosity, creativity, courage and excellence.”

Star rankings for Seoul were also announced at the event. The city now has only one 3-star restaurant, Mosu. Last year, there were two: Gaon closed earlier this year because of financial constraints, and Mosu has been temporarily closed as they go through operational changes.

Two new two-star restaurants also joined the list: Mitou, which features a Japanese-accented menu, and Restaurant Allen, which offers modern, seasonal cooking. Both were promoted from one star. One 2-star restaurant dropped off the list: Joo Ok in the Plaza Hotel has closed in Seoul and is relocating to New York City later this year.

Seoul now has a total of 33 starred dining rooms, one more than last year.

Almost eight years after publishing the inaugural Seoul guide, Busan has become South Korea’s second city with a Michelin guide. (The state-run tourism agency reportedly paid the guide 2 billion won, currently $1.5 million, to bring it to Seoul.) The seaside city has increasingly garnered attention from travelers and foodies around the world in recent years with a wave of new hotels and ambitious restaurants. Its cultural clout exploded in the fall of 2022, when K-pop boy band BTS performed their “final concert” in the city before going on hiatus.

The inaugural guide on Thursday underscores the rising profile of Busan, which has rapidly expanded with the city’s major development projects. It’s home to the world’s biggest department store along with a 1,123-foot skyscraper, and a new airport, slated for 2029.

“I am honored but I also feel a lot a lot of pressure,” Jaehoon Kim, a 37-year-old Busan native who owns newly starred Palate, told Bloomberg. “Getting Michelin’s recognition is obviously going to be a major turning point for myself, but I also see it as a key moment for Busan where it can take its culinary scene to the next level.”

Even during the pandemic, Michelin has continued to expand its universe by adding up-and-coming cities around the globe. Since publishing its first Asian guide, Tokyo, in 2007, Michelin has moved into over a dozen cities in the region, including Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore.

And it’s continuing its expansion worldwide: In 2024, the French tire maker plans to announce inaugural guides for Mexico.

Although Michelin first began producing guides in 1900 for chauffeurs, it didn’t start awarding stars until 1926. Three stars mean “exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey”; two are given for “excellent cooking, worth a detour”; and one denotes a “very good restaurant in its category.”

An asterisk (*) denotes a new entry.

Following are a list of Busan’s starred restaurants:

One Star

*Mori*Palate*Fiotto

Following are a list of Seoul’s starred restaurants

Three Stars

Mosu

Two Stars

Alla PrimaJungsikKojimaKwon Sook SooLa YeonMingles*Mitou*Restaurant AllenSoigné

One Star

7th doorBicenaEatanic GardenEvettExiquisineGoryori KenHane*HaobinKangminchul RestaurantKojachaL’Amant SecretL’Amitié*L’impressionMuniMuokiOnjiumSolbamSoseol HannamSoulSushi Matsumoto*VinhoYunZero Complex

People planning to visit this area often question if they need travel insurance to apply for its Visa. If you have a similar question, read on to find the answer.

Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa: A Must

Yes, you need travel insurance for a Schengen visa. If you don’t have a travel insurance policy in tune with the standards set by Schengen countries, your visa application will get rejected. Schengen countries have made travel insurance mandatory to safeguard tourists financially against any medical emergencies and untoward incidents.

Requirements for Travel Insurance to Obtain a Schengen Visa

Not any travel insurance can help you get a Schengen Visa. Your travel insurance policy needs to meet certain requirements. These include:

* The sum insured offered by the policy should be a minimum of 30,000 euros

* It should be valid in all 27 countries in the Schengen area

* The validity of travel insurance should be for the entire duration of your time in Europe

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost for a Schengen Visa?

The cost of travel insurance for Schengen Visa isn’t fixed and depends on various factors. These include:

* Your age

Your age is vital in determining the premium you must pay to obtain travel insurance for a Schengen Visa. The older you are, the more you need to pay for insurance and vice versa. As we age, the likelihood of experiencing health concerns rises. This translates to a higher potential for needing medical attention while travelling, which insurance companies see as a greater risk. To cover this risk, they set a high premium.

* Trip duration

Another essential consideration is the trip duration. Usually, insurance companies offering travel insurance for the Schengen zone calculate the cost on a daily basis. This implies that the longer your stay is, the higher the policy price. Longer stays translate to a greater window for potential mishaps, which is why your insurer charges higher premiums.

Importance of Travel Insurance

Besides being mandatory, travel insurance can help you in several ways during your visit to Schengen nations. These include:

* Coverage for Healthcare costs

Healthcare costs are high in Schengen countries. Travel insurance can help offset high medical expenses in the event of hospitalisation because of illness, accident, or injuries. Paying them from your pocket can disrupt your finances and throw your travel plans in disarray.

* Emergency Assistance Services

In case of an emergency, you might need services such as medical evacuation and repatriation, which can be crucial in case of serious illness or injury. This requires transportation to another medical facility or back to your home country and can be an expensive affair. A travel insurance policy can help you meet the cost of such services.

* Costs for Trip Cancellation and lost baggage

A travel insurance policy can reimburse you for non-refundable trip costs if your trip gets cancelled or interrupted due to unforeseen circumstances. That’s not all. You will also be reimbursed for lost or stolen baggage and important documents such as passports.

How You Can Purchase Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa?

You can purchase travel insurance for Schengen Visa through:

* Travel insurance providers online

* Your travel agency

* Local Schengen-accredited travel insurance company

Irrespective of the mode of purchase, you need to remember certain things. These include:

* Minimum Coverage Amount

Ensure the insurance policy provides a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros for medical emergencies, including repatriation due to medical reasons. Note that this is the minimum requirement set under Schengen visa regulations.

* Compare Different Travel Insurance Plans

Research different insurers and compare plans based on your needs and budget. Don’t simply select the cheapest option. Read online reviews and the insurer’s track record before buying the policy. Familiarise yourself with the claims process to ensure smooth handling if you need to make a claim.

* Read the exclusions

While comparing different plans, read the exclusions. Understand what’s covered in your policy and what’s not. This helps avoid surprises later and unnecessary stress. If you are unsure about something, get it cleared beforehand.

* Disclose pre-existing ailments

While buying travel insurance for Schengen Visa, disclose any pre-existing ailments you might have. Though this may increase the premiums for your policy, it helps avoid claim rejection later. Also, if your trip extends by any chance beyond the initial policy period, find out if you can extend the policy duration.

In Conclusion

Remember that travel insurance for Schengen Visa is not just about fulfilling a mandatory requirement. It’s also about safeguarding your trip from unforeseen circumstances. Travel insurance gives you much-needed peace of mind and allows you to enjoy your Schengen journey to the fullest.

In an interview with PTI, Bitter noted that today more Indians can travel to the United States than in any other time in history.

“Last year, the Embassy in India processed 1.4 million visas, explosion of an incredible number…in every category there is no wait time at all except in one area of travel where there is still some wait time and that is people travelling for the first time to the United States for tourism,” she said.

“It has been reduced 75 per cent over the last year and we are working really hard on this. We recognise that it is an incredibly important bilateral relationship and the foundation of the relationship is the people-to-people ties, the business travel and the family ties. All these things are important to us and in Washington we are doing a lot of work to support this post (Indian) so they can meet the exploding demand,” she added.

Asked about the plans for H1B visa, Bitter said the pilot programme which is underway to permit Indians living in the US to renew their H1B visa without travelling abroad will conclude in February.

“There is special place for Indian skilled workers in United States, they contribute so much to our economy. Indian embassy issued 34 per cent more H1B visas last year which is also the maximum in the history of the post. We take this issue seriously and this was a huge topic of conversation between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden during their meeting last year.

“We introduced a pilot programme in January for revalidation of 20,000 Indian skilled workers in the United States. The pilot programme will conclude at the end of this month. It is going really well and once we complete the pilot period we will reevaluate and see what comes next to make it as easy as possible for Indians working in the US,” she said.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries such as India and China.

The pilot programme was started months after the White House announced the plan during the state visit of Prime Minister Modi in June last year.

Talking about student visas, Bitter said, “one in four international students studying in United States is from India. It is incredible because it is not only they are getting top notch education which we are really proud of but they are also enriching our classrooms with their unique perspective and the key points that they bring to our classrooms.

“They make our students smarter too…So we are really excited about that. This is really important programme for us to make sure that Indian students have access to education in the United States and we have all pieces in place going forward to ensure that we meet the demand,” she added.

The number of Indians who travelled to the United States for higher education increased by 35 per cent and resulted in an all-time high of 2,68,923 students in the academic year 2022-23.

Last year, the US consular team in India issued over 1,40,000 student visas – more than in any other country in the world setting a record for the third year in a row.

There was every chance that the monument would also stay shuttered on Wednesday, a union representative told AFP.

The strike started Monday in protest over the way the monument is managed financially.

The tower’s operator, SETE, has advised ticket holders to check its website before showing up, or to postpone their visit. E-ticket holders were asked to check their e-mails for further information.

Ticketholders will be reimbursed, the operator said.

The stoppage is the second strike at the Eiffel Tower within two months for the same reason.

Unions have criticised operator SETE for its business model that they say is based on an inflated estimate of future visitor numbers, while under-estimating construction costs.

They also want the city of Paris to stump up more funds to keep the landmark in good repair.

The Eiffel Tower — Paris’s most famous landmark — attracts nearly seven million visitors a year, around three-quarters of them foreigners, according to its website.

During the Covid pandemic numbers dropped sharply due to closures and travel restrictions, but recovered to 5.9 million in 2022. Last year, it attracted 6.3 million visitors.

Visitor numbers to Paris are expected to swell this summer as the French capital hosts the Olympic Games.

In a joint statement Monday, the CGT and FO unions called on the city of Paris “to be reasonable with their financial demands to ensure the survival of the monument and the company operating it”.

Alexandre Leborgne, a representative for the hard-left CGT labour union, told AFP that city hall, which is the majority owner of the monument, “refuses to negotiate for now”.

Another CGT representative, Stephane Dieu, said there was “no chance of a solution overnight” to Wednesday.

City officials “refuse to even meet with us”, Dieu said.

The Eiffel Tower booked a shortfall of around 120 million euros ($130 million) during the Covid crisis in 2020 and 2021.

The operator has since received a recapitalisation of 60 million euros, which unions say is insufficient given that major maintenance work is needed, including a fresh paint job.

The increase also provides a welcome relief to countries whose tourism industries rely on the Chinese and their spending for growth, although the outlook for a sustained recovery in overseas travel is overshadowed by a sluggish mainland economy and volatile financial markets that have seen consumers tighten their belts at home.

“Despite the macroeconomic headwinds, we believe Chinese citizens are still willing to spend on travel-related experiences … we think travel-related spending could continue to outpace this overall domestic consumption,” HSBC said in a research note. Bookings to Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia combined jumped more than 30% from Feb. 10-17 compared with 2019, according to travel website operator Trip.com, with Chinese visitors to Hong Kong, Macau, Japan and South Korea also increasing.

The holiday in 2024 lasted for eight days, one day more than the Lunar New year break in 2019. Reflecting the boost from visa waivers, hotel bookings for Bangkok tripled over the period from Feb. 10-13 year-on-year, while those for Singapore jumped nine-fold, according to travel platform LY.com. Spending in Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia combined on the Chinese mobile payment platform Alipay increased 7.5% in the period from Feb. 9-12 from 2019 levels and nearly 7-fold from last year, Alipay said.

However, overall consumer spending only recovered to 82% of levels four years ago, the company said.

MIDDLE EAST SURGE

As Chinese scour for new adventures, the Middle East proved a popular Lunar New Year destination, with travel to Saudi Arabia up more than nine-fold from 2019 levels and bookings to United Arab Emirates climbing 60%, Trip.com said.

The gambling hub of Macau, the only place in China where citizens can legally gamble in casinos, recorded a surge in Chinese tourists with more than a million visiting over the holiday and average hotel occupancy rates reaching 95%, according to official data. The jump in tourists bodes well for some of the world’s largest casino operators in the former Portuguese territory, including Sands China and Wynn Macau.

JP Morgan said in a note it expected daily gross gaming revenues for the peak of the holiday to hit $124 million for the first time in more than four years – higher than the $112 million generated during the October 2023 Golden Week holiday.

Mass gaming rates were forecast to have reached 120% of pre-COVID levels, it said, adding that it expects February gross gaming revenues to rise by at least 80% year-on-year to $2.36 billion, the highest in more than four years.

Across the border in Hong Kong, leader John Lee said on Tuesday more than 1.2 million Chinese tourists visited the city over Lunar New Year and overall hotel occupancy rates reached 90% in the first few days. Around 1,980 group tours from mainland China visited Hong Kong during the holiday.

South Korea’s Justice Ministry said more than 114,000 Chinese visitors entered the country during the holiday, up 4% from 2019, while some travel agents noted tourists were increasingly opting to travel on their own rather than in groups, which meant fewer organised trips to mega-stores.

“With drops in the number of group tourists, we don’t get to see Chinese tourists carrying big shopping bags anymore,” an official at a travel agency in Seoul told Reuters, requesting not to be named as he is not authorized to speak to media.

In Japan, department store operator Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings said that through to Feb. 14 “duty-free sales were significantly higher than the previous year, partly due to the Chinese New Year”. A shift in holiday tastes was reflected in some data as travellers sought more experience-based trips, with Alipay reporting Chinese tourists globally spent 70% more on food and beverages compared with pre-COVID levels. Trip.com said overseas car rentals on its platform jumped 53% compared to 2019 and tickets for scenic experiences abroad soared more than 130%.

Paloja, who works in the finance industry and as a part-time model, is pleased she had the surgery. She says she feels more confident today and has been hired for more modelling gigs.

She also enthusiastically recalls the comprehensive care she received at the clinic. She says she is still in touch with the medical team. “I could have had the same surgery in the US for $30,000 (€27,800), though I certainly wouldn’t have received the kind of attention and care I did in Turkey,” says Paloja.

Turkey has seen a medical tourism boom since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, over 670,000 foreigners visited Turkey to receive medical treatment, according to the country’s state-owned International Health Services (USHAS) agency. One year later, that number rose to over 1.25 million, an increase of 88%. In the first six months of 2023, the figures remained similarly high.

Turkish health care facilities are generating considerable revenue from this international business, totalling more than $2 billion (€1.85 billion) in 2022. Revenue fell slightly in the first half of 2023, though experts believe this was primarily due to Turkey’s devastating February earthquake, which claimed the lives of more than 50,000 people.

Germans top the list

In 2022, most foreigners seeking medical treatment in Turkey hailed from Germany, followed by Britain and Switzerland, according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). Botox and hyaluronic acid treatments for combating wrinkles were the most popular nonsurgical procedures among foreigners in Turkey. The top three surgical procedures were liposuction, rhinoplasty and breast augmentation.

Turkey has also become ever more attractive for leg lengthening procedures. It is especially popular with men from the West who want to be taller.

One of those who underwent the procedure is 31-year-old Ash (not his actual name) from the US, who until recently was dissatisfied with his body proportions. After undergoing surgery, he has gained 12 centimetres (4.7 inches) in height and is now 184 centimetres (just over 6 feet) tall.

Ash says he feels much better now, though he admits that “it was a very painful procedure and the recovery phase took an incredibly long time.” Even so, he says it was worth it. Ash says his chances when flirting have improved, and he now enjoys more respect from others.

Suffering for beauty’s sake

Yunus Oc, an experienced Istanbul-based orthopaedic surgeon, says he has performed more than 200 leg lengthening procedures in the past two years alone.

“I used to mainly perform this procedure for medical reasons following accidents or because of growth disorders or short stature,” he says. In recent years, however, more and more people have sought him out for cosmetic rather than medical reasons, Oc says.

He thinks the number of these surgeries will continue to rise over the next three to five years. But he warns that, unlike with nose or breast surgeries, leg lengthening procedures can have very serious consequences if the desired results are not achieved.

There has been a growing number of reports about complications resulting from cosmetic surgery performed in Turkey. A year ago, Germany’s public health agency, the Robert Koch Institute, reported that some 27 people had suffered poisoning following a Botox stomach treatment. The procedure involves injecting Botox into the stomach lining to create a prolonged feeling of satiety. The treatment caused serious side effects in some patients, including muscle weakness, blurred vision, breathing difficulties and sometimes paralysis.

In mid-January, a Brazilian butt lift had deadly consequences for a British woman. The mother of three went to Istanbul for the cosmetic surgery and suffered a fatal heart attack four days later that was triggered by a fat embolism, according to British media. The procedure involves removing fat from the patient’s body and using it plump up and enlarge the buttocks.

Experts urge caution

Do such incidents indicate that Turkish doctors or clinics are not professional enough?

Dr Susanne Punsmann, an expert with the North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Advice Center in Germany, advises against generalizations, saying “there are good and bad [health care] facilities in Turkey, just like everywhere else.”

Punsmann points out that the title of “cosmetic surgeon” is not protected by law, which is why she recommends that anyone interested in getting treatment in Turkey thoroughly check the doctors’ qualifications or find out how often they have already performed the planned procedure.

Punsmann also says that doctors with the relevant qualifications are known as “specialists in plastic and aesthetic surgery.” She adds, however, that “other doctors — usually surgeons, dermatologists or gynaecologists — are also allowed to perform cosmetic surgery.”

She says it is also important to check whether the doctor or clinic is certified according to European standards, such as the ISO standards, indicating that the clinic is regularly inspected, among other things. Patients should also find out about the materials or laboratory used, according to Punsmann.

Ali Ihsan Okten of the Turkish Medical Association (TTB) says one should be careful about noncertified clinics. He warns that the health tourism boom is causing an increasing commercialization of the industry.

The market is highly competitive. Clinics are using aggressive advertising tactics, sending out text and WhatsApp messages and promoting their low prices to attract customers around the world.

“The key criterion for getting treatment in Turkey is often the low cost,” says Punsmann. “Savings of up to 70% are possible.”

She says that while a breast augmentation procedure will cost at least €4,500 ($4,800) in Germany, such a procedure can be had for as little as €2,500 ($2,700) in Turkey. In Düsseldorf, Germany, getting a surgical procedure to reduce the size of one’s stomach costs around €12,500 ($13,400), whereas in Turkey it costs only a third of that price.

This means you can save a lot of money in Turkey, especially on expensive procedures. But these savings may increase the willingness of some people to take greater risks.

Visitors to the Eiffel Tower were turned away on Monday because of a strike over poor financial management at one of the world’s most-visited sites. A sign was posted at the entrance in English, saying, “Due to strike, the Eiffel Tower is closed. We apologize.” The hugely popular 300-meter (984-foot) landmark in central Paris has seen soaring visitor numbers in the lead up to the Summer Olympics in the French capital.

“We will get a step closure to realise our dream to connect Srinagar with Kanyakumari,” a source in the railways told PTI.

“The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project is one of the most ambitious Himalayan railway projects post Independence,” he added.

According to sources in the railways, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to inaugurate the section by virtually flagging off a train from Sangaldan.

However, an official confirmation in this regard is awaited.

Talking about the project, a senior railways official said, “Spanning the challenging terrain of the Pir Panjal ranges, the USBRL aims at establishing an all-weather, comfortable and economically-feasible transportation network, connecting remote Himalayan areas with the rest of the country.”

The USBRL project seeks to integrate the Kashmir Valley with the Jammu region and the national rail network, spanning a total length of 272 kilometres out of which 161 kilometres have already been commissioned.

According to the railways, the Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan section, which was constructed at a cost of ₹15,863 crore, is ready for operation and the existing train services from Baramulla to Banihal will now be extended up to Sangaldan, a town near the district headquarters of Ramban.

“It features 16 bridges — 11 major ones, four minor ones and one road overbridge. More than 90 per cent of this section is in tunnels, with a total of 11 tunnels covering 43.37 kilometres, including the country’s longest transportation tunnel, T-50, stretching 12.77 kilometres in the Khari-Sumber section,” a senior official associated with the project said.

“For safety and rescue, there are three escape tunnels with a combined length of 30.1 kilometres. Additionally, the section includes 30 curves spanning 23.72 kilometres. To further enhance passenger safety and comfort, several advanced features have been incorporated, such as ballastless tracks and canted turnouts (a first for the Indian Railways),” he added.

Besides, CCTV monitoring and state-of-the-art tunnel-safety technology, including ventilation and firefighting systems, are some of the other added safety features.

So far as electrification is concerned, the Baramulla-Srinagar-Banihal-Sangaldan section of the USBRL project, which spans 185.66 RKM (route kilometres) and serves 19 railway stations, is complete, the sources said.

“Constructed for ₹470.23 crore, with electrification, it is possible to operate the state-of-the-art Vande Bharat trains in the section. Other noteworthy features include 25-KV OHE inside the longest operational tunnel (tunnel T-80 in the Banihal-Quazigund section), specialised equipment for high-altitude operations and 132/33-KV traction substations at altitudes exceeding 1,600 MSL,” one of the sources said.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

The spill has spread miles from Tobago’s shore, the area first hit by the incident. Trinidad this week alerted neighbors Venezuela and Grenada on possible impact to their coasts.

The Caribbean Disaster Management Agency, dependent on regional group Caricom, has activated a contingency plan, the head of Tobago’s Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), Allan Stewart, said on Friday.

A barge pulled by a tugboat caused the spill, but details of the incident remain unclear, including the type of petroleum leaking, the ship’s intended destination, owner and if any members of the crew were lost.

By Thursday, the slick had reached about 144 km (89 miles) into the Caribbean Sea and was moving at a rate of 14 km (9 miles) per hour, authorities said.

“This looks like it will continue for a few weeks. I cannot simply sit down and do nothing,” said Edwin Ramkisson, who makes a living fishing for snapper and salmon in Lowlands, on Tobago’s Atlantic shore. “I need help cleaning my boat before moving to another port on the Caribbean side.”

The barge is believed to have carried as much as 35,000 barrels of fuel oil, Tobago’s officials have said. The spill has blackened the island’s beaches, affecting wildlife and tourism.

Several beach and golf resorts in Tobago that typically receive foreign tourists have been forced to close access to the ocean. The nearby Scarborough cruise ship port is being protected from the spill by containment booms.

PRIORITY

Trinidad is considering declaring a Tier 3 emergency that would allow it to obtain foreign assistance to deal with the spill, Prime Minister Keith Rowley told Parliament on Friday.

First responders and volunteers in Tobago have so far collected about 2,000 barrels of oil, but the island is short of protective equipment for volunteers and crews, TEMA said.

The Trinitarian government’s next task is to empty the vessel in a controlled operation. “The vessel is, as of now, still stuck on the reef at Cove and continues to pose a major threat as it continues to foul the coastline and surrounding seas,” Rowley said.

The twin-island nation’s government said the ship’s origin was Panama and it was bound for Guyana. However, monitoring service TankerTrackers.com has said the barge-tugboat combo was seen in satellite photos near Venezuela’s Puerto La Cruz refinery in late January, and it was headed to St. Vincent and Grenadines days before the spill.

Venezuela’s oil minister Pedro Tellechea told reporters on Friday the vessel “has nothing to do” with state oil company PDVSA or Venezuela, but the country is collaborating with Trinidad’s investigation including the oil’s type.

Brazil also has offered help, Trinidad’s government said. Grenada did not reply to a request for comment.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

The city reported about 1.08 million visitor arrivals in the first six days of the week-long holiday that started Feb. 10, according to provisional data from the government. That’s up 3.7% from the corresponding period in 2019, and is the highest since at least 2017, when daily data for peak seasons became available.

Travellers from mainland China accounted for 77% of the total, with visitors from Hong Kong making up 18%, according to the data. The city’s hotel occupancy rate reached 97% on Monday and Tuesday, local media outlet TDM reported, citing Macau’s tourism chief Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes.

Macau and its casinos have been major beneficiaries of a Chinese pullback in overseas travel. Facing economic headwinds, intensifying geopolitical tensions and a slow resumption of flights to many destinations abroad, travelers from mainland China are choosing trips that keep them closer to home. That’s helped the gambling hub’s recovery from 2022’s Covid slowdown, with gaming revenue surging more than 300% last year.

“Daily visitor arrivals during this holiday are far higher than during the October Golden Week last year,” said Angela Hanlee, a senior gaming and hospitality analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence. “Gross gaming revenue in February could surpass our previous expectation of $2.5 billion” and also be higher than October last year despite this month having fewer days, she said.

The surge in visitors may also highlight deeper changes taking place in Macau. The city is shifting focus to developing non-gambling activities after a crackdown by Beijing nearly wiped out its high-rollers sector, meaning casinos are more reliant on mass-market tourists who typically spend less than VIPs.

BI’s estimate for February compares with casinos’ 25.4 billion patacas ($3 billion) in takings in the same month of 2019. Gaming revenue was $2.4 billion January this year.

A gauge of Macau casino stocks rose for a 12th straight day on Friday, its best streak since February 2021 and taking the index to the highest since October.

The ability to visit without a guide and enter multiple times are both long gone—ditched years ago in an effort to curb excessive foot traffic and bad behaviour.

But now there’s good news. As Peru’s tourism industry attempts to recover after an extended post-pandemic lull, the country is trying to make the process of visiting the site easier and more transparent. A state-run ticketing website is in the works for all Machu Picchu visits, and the Peruvian government is also increasing the number of daily visitors allowed entry into the Inca citadel. Officials say the plan is slated to roll out by April. In addition, new circuits introduced in 2021 split the site into four separate walking paths to help prevent overcrowding.

The changes come at a delicate time. While neighboring countries such as Colombia and Brazil are setting new tourism records, Peru remains stuck at 60% of its pre-pandemic international visitation levels. And while Machu Picchu is a main tourism driver to the country, it may not be in the heritage site’s best interest to substantially increase the number of visitors. Before the global shutdown, it saw some 1.5 million annual tourists; about 950,000 visited in 2023.

Complicating the recovery have been several protests throughout the Cusco region over the last year. A one-week strike in January shut down public transportation to Machu Picchu for more than a week, leaving tourists stranded.

The strike—which concerned the new Machu Picchu ticketing system—was quickly resolved and transit has since been restored. But coming after a series of more widespread, politically motivated protests last year, it fueled perceptions of continued disruption, forcing operators in the area to reassure their guests that the current situation would be stable during their trips. “The issues last year were far more serious and widespread than the current situation in Machu Picchu, which is very local and contained,” says Fernando Rodriguez, general manager for Peru at Intrepid Travel.

Despite the shaky publicity, Machu Picchu is poised to have a big year. Bookings for the upcoming tourist season, which stretches from April to October, are far outpacing last year’s figures. Intrepid Travel noted a 55% increase in bookings made in February from the same period in 2023, while luxury operator Jacada Travel’s bookings from December through early February were up 100% year-on-year. And if the protests gave potential visitors pause last year, that seems to blowing over: Cusco-based Alpaca Expeditions has noted that only 5% of its prospective guests are voiced concern over protests when gauging whether to book a trip.

More likely to impact visitors will be the increased numbers of daily visitors allowed at Machu Picchu. The system rolling out in April will raise the maximum number of tickets to 5,600 on certain dates during high season, up from 4,044. That increase, confirmed by Peru’s tourism board in an emailed statement without further comment, runs contrary to Unesco recommendations, which call for a limit of 2,244 visitors per day in order to best preserve the site.

Given all the rule changes—and the potential for larger crowds—planning a trip to Machu Picchu this year will look substantially different than it has before. Here’s what you need to know to ensure a smooth trip.

Map Out Your Journey

The first thing to figure out for any trip is timing—and with Machu Picchu it can be an especially important consideration. Here, the dry season runs from May to October, with June through August being the most popular. (Think: American summer vacations.) While it’s hard to skip crowds entirely, shoulder months such as April or November could be your best bets if you’re trying to avoid a big rush. You may get a bit of rain, but with that can come uncrowded footpaths and the possibility of rainbows.

If you can outsource all the planning, do. Relying on your luxury hotel or a tour operator is the best way to take the stress out of handling the many pieces of the puzzle—including tickets and guides. Should disruptions occur along the way, licensed providers are best positioned to find alternative, safe routes to and from Machu Picchu.

As for where to stay: It used to be that the best hotels for a visit to Machu Picchu were in Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of the site. Now there are many decadent options throughout the Sacred Valley—the mountainous area between Cusco and Machu Picchu—which offer access to a wide array of glacial hiking trails, cultural experiences, and Incan ruins. (We loved Explora Sacred Valley.)

Figure out how you prefer to get around. After flying into Cusco, it’s easy enough to have your hotel arrange a car transfer. But some hotels, like the riverside Tambo del Inka, part of The Luxury Collection, have an on-site train station, making it possible to nix the winding drive for a scenic ride on PeruRail’s Sacred Valley train route.

Regardless, leave time to acclimate to the altitude—which ranges across the region but is typically around 9,000 feet. That extra time will double as a buffer for any travel hiccups—a practice that will bring added peace of mind when your entire trip is built around an activity you can’t reschedule.

Note that if you’re opting to DIY your trip, you should buy Machu Picchu tickets before booking anything else. (It’s like planning a trip to Copenhagen only after you get a table reservation at Noma.) And seats on PeruRail or Inca Rail should be booked at least a month out, especially if you’re intent on a luxurious ride on Belmond’s Hiram Bingham train, which includes gourmet meal service and live Peruvian music.

Know the Machu Picchu Circuits

Buying tickets to Machu Picchu now requires opting in to a particular circuit—something you may miss if you’re not reading the fine print. (Until the new ticketing website launches in April, this is done via the Tuboleto.cultura.pe website; to avoid glitches, navigate in Spanish by choosing “tarifa general” from the first drop down list. The rest is intuitive.)

Confusingly, Circuits 1 and 2 are sold as one single option. (Also confusing: both are called “Llaqta de Machupicchu.”) They’re the most popular choice—these trails climb along Machu Picchu’s upper platforms and lead to the most iconic panoramic views. Circuit 3 takes visitors to the lower ruins of Machu Picchu, ideal for those with mobility issues. Other circuits are reserved for those doing more ambitious hiking tours, like trekking the Inka Trail.

If someone tries to steer you toward skipping the online portal and getting a next-day ticket purchase instead, run the other way. While 1,000 of these last-minute tickets are sold daily at the cultural center in Aguas Calientes, it’s a risky proposition that has led to long lines and disappointment for many travellers.

And be aware: All these updates may be short-lived. The impact of tourism growth on Machu Picchu has been a pressing issue dating as far back as 1999, when Unesco first expressed concern that excess visitation could increase the risk of landslides and endanger the entire destination. Master plans to sustainably manage the site have come and gone, with a new one currently in the works. Unesco declined to comment on the new ticket caps, but a spokesperson said that it expects Peru to comply with the aforementioned recommendation to reduce visitation by December—setting up a potential showdown later this year.

It’s that time of year again! Hong Kong is gearing up to host an array of creative experiences this spring. From a mesmerising new team Lab installation to much-anticipated annual events like Art Basel Hong Kong, travellers will be immersed in art on the banks of Victoria Harbour.

Dazzling New Experiences to Explore

1. Art@Harbour 2024: teamLab “Continuous”

Kick-start your artsy adventure with teamLab’s groundbreaking “Continuous” installation on Central Harbourfront. Part of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD)’s Art@Harbour 2024 (25 March-2 June), hundreds of glowing egg-shaped structures come alive with ever-changing colors and sounds, responding to visitors’ interactions.

2. WestK FunFest: “Ephemeral”

Next, admire digital art facades illuminating the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade, then continue the evening at WestK FunFest (16 March-7 April), where an award-winning, large-scale immersive art installation features a world of giant, vibrant inflatable “bubble-tecture”.

ComplexCon Hong Kong

A must for pop culture lovers, ComplexCon Hong Kong (22-24 March) will also be in town. The expertly curated festival features the world’s most influential brands and artists, creating an unforgettable experience that blends fashion, sneakers, art, food, music, inspiration, and more. It will be making its international debut at AsiaWorld Expo, just minutes away from Hong Kong International Airport.

3. Art Basel Hong Kong

A cornerstone of art season, Art Basel Hong Kong needs no introduction. Taking place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 28-30 March, the prestigious art fair will return with more than 240 world-class galleries and 16 large-scale installations.

4. Art Central

Celebrating the return to Central Harbourfront since 2019, Art Central (28-31 March, Preview on 27 March) will once again showcase boundary-pushing contemporary art from the region’s most forward-thinking galleries, as well as a new sector, “Neo”, devoted to first-time exhibitors.

5. Hong Kong Palace Museum & 6. M

Love the classics? In West Kowloon Cultural District, one of the harbour’s coolest districts, see masterpieces from London’s National Gallery at the Hong Kong Palace Museum’s “Botticelli to Van Gogh” exhibition (through 11 April), then pop over to M for the impressive “Noir & Blanc” exhibition on black-and-white photography (opening on 16 March).

Meanwhile, Arts in Hong Kong Harbour Tour, arranged by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, will offer front-row seats to the artistic wonders along the sea. More details to follow on discoverhongkong.com. Can’t visit this spring? Not to worry. As Asia’s leading art destination, Hong Kong offers exciting creative experiences all year. Book your trip to Hong Kong, where diverse art experiences await!

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

The site is spread over 350 hectares of demarcated area. Along with its sacred grooves traditionally worshipped by the local community, the site is bestowed with a wide range of flora and fauna, the notification said.

The biodiversity inventory and survey conducted by the Odisha Biodiversity Board shows the presence of at least 608 faunal species including 28 species of mammals, 188 species of birds, 18 species of amphibia, 48 species of reptiles, 45 species of pisces, 141 species of butterflies, 43 species of moths, 41 species of odonates, 30 species of spiders, six species of scorpion, and 20 species of lower invertebrates, it said.

Significant faunal species like mugger crocodile, kanger valley rock gecko, sacred Grove Bush Frog, and avifauna like black baza, Jerdon’s baza, Malaber trogon, common hill myna, white-bellied woodpecker, and banded bay cuckoo and others have also been documented.

The limestone caves of Gupteswar are adorned with eight species of bats out of the total 16 species found in southern Odisha. Among them, two species Hipposideros galeritus and Rhinolophus rouxii are under the near-threatened category of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

This site also has a rich floral diversity embracing 182 species of trees, 76 species of shrubs, 177 species of herbs, 69 species of climbers, 14 species of orchids and threatened medicinal plants like Indian trumpet tree, Indian snakeroot, Cumbi gum tree, Garlic pear tree, Chinese fever vine, Rohituka tree, Jodpakli, Indian jointfir, a number of wild crop relatives of ginger and turmeric.

In addition to this, many agriculturally and industrially important micro-organisms have also been indicated to exist in this primeval ecosystem.

Declaration of Gupteswar as BHS while boosting the cultural attachment of people with this forest will also lead to the conservation of its precious biodiversity. With this declaration, the state has now four BHSs. The other three are Mandasaru BHS in Kandhamala district, Mahendragiri BHS in Gajpati district, and Gandhamardan BHs in Bargarh and Bolangir districts.

The state government has asked the Odisha Biodiversity Board to prepare a long-term plan for intensive conservation and development of these sites through direct participation of the local communities. An amount of ₹35 lakh has been provided for preparation of an action plan and awareness-building activities in the localities, an official said.

The nature lovers, intelligentsia and local populace while welcoming such a decision of the government expressed satisfaction that this forest in the long run would add to the livelihood of the people through eco-tourism and minor forest produce.

Chairperson of the Board Meeta Biswal, and Member Secretary Nihar Ranjan Nayak congratulated the bio-diversity management committee of Haladikunda (Gupteswar ) Gram Panchayat along with scientists and researchers of the board for this achievement.

It begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends 15 days later on the first full moon. The dates of the holiday vary slightly each year, falling between late January and mid-February as it is based on the cycles of the moon,

Festivities to mark the Year of the Dragon in Taiwan were marked by appearances by newly elected president Lai Ching-te and the speaker of the Legislature, Han Kuo-yu, who represents the opposition Nationalist Party that favors political unification with China.

In her address, Tsai said Taiwan faced a continuing conflict between “freedom and democracy versus authoritarianism” that “not only affects geopolitical stability, but also impacts the restructuring of global supply chains.”

“These past eight years, we have kept our promises and maintained the status quo. We have also shown our determination and strengthened our national defense,” Tsai, who is barred by term limits from seeking a third four-year term, said in reference to the self-governing island democracy’s close economic ties but fraught political relations with China which threatens to invade the island to realize its goal of bringing Taiwan and its high-tech economy under its control.

Taiwan, China and other areas saw highways clogged and flights fully booked as residents travelled home to visit family or took the approximately one-week holiday as an opportunity to vacation abroad.

Firing bottle rockets and other fireworks is a traditional way of welcoming the new year and seeing off any lingering bad memories. Children are given red envelopes stuffed with cash as a show of affection and to help them get a leg-up in the coming months.

Long lines of cars congested South Korean highways on Saturday as millions of people began leaving the densely populated Seoul capital region to visit relatives across the country for the Lunar New Year’s holiday.

Royal palaces and other tourist sites were also packed with visitors wearing the country’s colorful traditional “hanbok” flowing robes. Groups of aging North Korean refugees from the 1950-53 civil war, which remains unresolved, bowed northward during traditional family rituals held in the Southern border town of Paju.

The holiday came amid heightened tensions with North Korea, which has been ramping up its tests of weapons aimed at overwhelming regional missile defenses and issuing provocative threats of nuclear conflict with the South.

The South’s President Yoon Suk Yeol started the holiday by issuing a message of thanks to South Korean soldiers, saying that their services along the “frontline barbwires, sea and sky” were allowing the nation to enjoy the holidays.

Vietnam also celebrated the Lunar New Year, known there as Tet.

Parades and commemorations are also being held in cities with large Asian communities overseas, particularly in New York and San Francisco.

Here are five things to know about the Rio Carnival:

The Sambodrome

Rio de Janeiro vibrates with Carnival fever throughout February, but the main event is the parade of samba schools through the massive “Sambodrome” venue. For two nights, the schools — community organizations deeply rooted in Brazil’s vibrant samba culture — try to out-strut, out-shimmy, and out-shine their competitors in massive parades.

These feature elaborate, massive floats, fantastical costumes, and intricate choreography by performers dancing to the beats of a specially composed samba. Each parade can include up to 3,000 participants who move up the 700-meter (2,300-foot) long avenue flanked by up to 70,000 spectators. This year 12 schools will compete for the coveted title of Carnival champion.

Much like football teams, each school has its fervent fans. There are also different divisions in which schools rise and fall — and getting to the main competition in the Sambodrome is no easy feat. Rio de Janeiro alone has 120 schools. Those who make it are called the “Special Group.” They put on a million-dollar production, with up to 75 minutes to seduce the jury with their story told in music and dance. Themes often revolve around social and political issues or key historical events. Tickets to the event cost between $14 and $400.

Street Carnival

For most revelers, the real Carnival happens far from the iconic Sambodrome, in hedonistic street “blocos.” These parties, whose name refers to the neighborhood blocks they are held on, are thronged by thousands, some of whom dance in place, while others move through the streets following bands performing live music. Drums, costumes and flowing alcohol — even when the party starts early in the morning — are the name of the game.

Blocos mostly have themes and there are some for all tastes. Loucura Surburbana (Suburban Madness) and Zona Mental are for patients and workers from mental health hospitals. The “Sergeant Pepper” bloco plays Beatle songs, Besame Mucho (Spanish for kiss me a lot) plays samba versions of famous tangos and even the infectious tune “Despacito.” This year there will be some 600 blocos in the city.

Serious business

Behind the pleasure-fueled festivities lies some serious money. This year the Rio Carnival received its largest-ever cash injection from the state government, 62.5 million reais (USD $12.5 million), 40 million of which went to the samba schools. The Rio prefecture allocated them another 40 million reais. Carnival will bring in about USD $1 billion to the local economy, according to official statistics. This is 18 percent more than in 2023. The whole of Brazil will see its economy boosted by $1.8 billion.

Water guns and urine

Carnival is not all fun and games, with crowded events rife with opportunity for pick-pockets. The northeastern state of Bahia has recently banned water pistols at parties after images went viral of a woman being surrounded and pushed around by a group of men carrying the toys. And beneath the glamour and glitter, lies a lot of pee. The city of Rio has announced that once the party is over, it will use 2,000 liters of concentrated eucalyptus essence to rid the streets of the odor of urine.

Other cities party too

Rio may be the most emblematic of Brazil’s Carnival extravaganza, but many of the country’s cities come to a standstill. Authorities estimate some 15 million people will take to the streets in the economic powerhouse Sao Paulo, which boasts 500 blocos. In the southeastern city of Belo Horizonte, some five million people will party, while another three million will join in on the fun in northeastern Recife. It is that city which holds the Guinness Record for the biggest bloco, which brought together 2.5 million people last year.

Not just Bangaram, the nearby Thinnakara island is also benefiting from the attention generated following the PM’s visit and the subsequent diplomatic row between India and Maldives over the derogatory comments made by some Maldivian leaders on social media platforms against Modi and India.

The incident resulted in many calling for a boycott of Maldives as a tourism spot and pushing the island archipelago as a suitable alternative.

The controversy has worked in favour of Bangaram and Thinnakara islands which apart from their beautiful beaches, large lagoons with crystal clear water and tranquil surroundings, also have a story behind their names.

“The name Thinnakara came from ‘Thinna Kara’ (Malayalam word that means the land where someone ate food). The story is that a group of warriors of the Chera Kingdom on a boat met with a wreck and took refuge in the island.

“There they found a lot of coconut trees and used the fruits to quench their thirst and hunger. Bangaram was derived from the word ‘Banna Kara’ (means a land to which people came). These warriors then traveled to Bangaram hoping to find an escape route to the mainland,” Saifullah, a local resident of Agatti, who stays six months in Thinnakara island for tapping the coconut sap for making coconut jaggery, told PTI.

Saifullah, however, doesn’t know what happened to those warriors.

Apart from the lagoons and the crystal clear waters inhabited by a variety of sea life, there are also remains of a shipwreck near Bangaram, which is now a snorkeling hotspot.

“This shipwreck is said to have happened more than 200 years ago,” Saifullah said.

It could arguably be the only shipwreck ecosystem in the world where one can literally walk through the sea and see a plethora of sea life.

The water in this area, most times of the year, is only chest-deep and one can simply walk to the spot and see a variety of fish using a snorkeling glass.

The fish even nibble on biscuits or bread from the hands of the people.

Saifullah said that his father and his great grandfather have talked about the shipwreck during his childhood.

“Earlier, the remains were far from the coast. Now it has moved closer to the shore,” he said.

He further said that Bangaram has been a tourism destination for many years.

It had a casino on the island and resorts, but all of them were closed down later, probably due to the connectivity issues of Lakshadweep, Saifullah said.

Presently, only Alliance Airlines has a single daily flight to Agatti Island, with two trips on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Apart from the flight, there is only one ship doing the service between Kochi and Kavaratti in a week.

All that is set to change in view of the plan to give the island archipelago a major makeover with a number of big projects in the pipeline, starting with improving the connectivity.

Both Bangaram and Thinnakara islands can be reached within 45 minutes on a boat from Agatti, if there is no sea turbulence, which has the sole airport in Lakshadweep.

Besides the proximity to the only airport in the archipelago, the two islands are also uninhabited, full of coconut trees and there are only 15 people living on Thinnakara island for six months when they are making coconut jaggery.

The Lakshadweep administration operates a five-star resort on Bangaram island and there is nothing else, not even a shop or people who are outsiders.

The uninhabited nature of the islands is also an attraction and occasionally tourists staying in Agatti, come to take a stroll on the resort property and go back.

The guests staying there, meanwhile, get to enjoy the tranquility, with no outside noise but just the humming of the sea breeze, due to the lack of local residents.

“This place is one among the most beautiful places in the world. I was here 8 years ago and I wanted to show this place to my friends. That’s why I have come back,” Joanna Ambika, an Indian adopted woman who lives in Sweden told PTI.

Swapnil and Jyothi, a couple on their honeymoon trip to Bangaram, also shared a similar view.

“I do not know why Indians prefer to travel to Maldives or Bali when they have the most beautiful place like this in India,” Swapnil said.

He opined that people should be travelling more to Lakshadweep as it has better facilities, people with great hospitality and good food.

“I wish if they could add one or more flights for connectivity then it would be great,” Jyothi said.

Bangaram may soon have more properties and a 22-acre resort proposal at Thinnakara by a private team may also come up if it gets disentangled from the litigation it is caught up in.

If more such facilities are offered on these beaches, the tourism landscape of Lakshadweep is surely going to have a major makeover.

Tourism is the third-largest source of foreign currency in the impoverished southern African nation, after tobacco and tea — but the sector is underperforming, Chakwera, said.

“Chief among the factors contributing to this is our country’s accessibility, which is why we have implemented the visa waiver program,” he added.

The United States, Britain, France, China, Russia and members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), a regional bloc, are among the countries benefiting from the exemption.

Tourism Minister Vera Kamtukule told AFP that onerous visa requirements had been throttling the country’s potential — and caused complaints.

“Our strategy is to attract investments in agriculture, tourism, and mining,” Kamtukule said.

“By eliminating visa requirements for our key source markets globally, we are signalling that Malawi is open for business.”

Home to abundant wildlife, including elephants, hippos and crocodiles, the landlocked nation is partially covered by the waters of Lake Malawi, Africa’s third-largest freshwater lake.

Renowned for its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches and diverse marine life, the lake is listed as a World Heritage site by UN culture agency UNESCO.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

After Singapore scrapped visas for Chinese citizens, Wei, 44, said he ditched plans to go to Australia and booked a six-day holiday there instead. He said he also looked into visiting Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, the two other visa-free Southeast Asian countries, but decided on the city-state because of the Singapore Airshow, which opens to the public on Feb 24.

As thousands of Chinese prepare to go abroad during the first Spring Festival holiday since Beijing lifted pandemic travel restrictions last year, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia are hoping their unprecedented visa waivers will lure a large proportion of these visitors – and their much-needed spending.

Chinese travellers often complain about the length of time and the hassle it takes for them to obtain travel visas, and their passport is 62nd on the Henley Passport Index, which ranks the passports of 199 countries according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa.

While waiving visas can make a destination more attractive, China’s slowing economic growth, job uncertainties and decline in income this year are likely to temper any outbound travel, analysts say.

“There is a feeling that the economic hardships and lack of disposable income are hitting much harder than in other parts of the world and that any travel is therefore staying within China where costs are lower,” said John Grant, chief analyst at travel data firm OAG, adding that the three Southeast Asian countries “may be looking for the trickles.”

BIG SPENDERS

Before the pandemic, Chinese tourists were a vital source of revenue, accounting for more than a quarter of all holiday makers to Thailand in 2019. Chinese visitors were also the top spenders in Singapore, splashing out over S$4 billion ($3 billion) that same year.

Even though fewer Chinese are travelling than before the pandemic, Chinese account for the bulk of visitors to Thailand, which launched its visa waiver in September, and tourism authorities there say they expect 177,000 Chinese tourists for the Lunar New Year holiday, more than three-times 2023 levels.

“The direction has been good since the visa free programme,” said Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, deputy governor at the Tourism Authority of Thailand. “It’s starting to get back to pre-pandemic levels.”

Malaysia’s visa-free deal for Chinese started in December, and it is hoping to attract 5-7 million Chinese visitors this year, which would be almost double pre-pandemic levels.

For the Lunar New Year, hotels including those under The Ascott Limited group, are launching promotions such as discounts and special activities and snacks for the festival.

Because of its status as an Asian air traffic hub, Singapore is ahead of its Southeast Asian rivals in flying in Chinese visitors, with the number of direct flights connecting mainland China rising nearly 5% this month from the same month in 2019.

Both Malaysia and Thailand still have far fewer direct flights: 33% and 17% less than 2019 levels respectively, data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows.

($1 = 35.5200 baht) ($1 = 1.3428 Singapore dollars)

To bring out the raw and unfiltered beauty of Kashmir through your photographs, we have managed to point out a list of all the Instagram-worthy spots that you need to include in your itinerary. (Also read: Tourists rush to Shimla after season’s first snowfall, hoteliers elated )

1. Dal Lake

Sometimes, you need to visit places that are overdone by the tourists and Dal Lake happens to be one of them. Irrespective of how much the tourists talk about it, you can’t deny the fact that Dal Lake is one of that eternal beauties that you need to capture and share on the gram. Capture the vibrant shikaris gliding over the crystal-clear waters or the floating gardens that add a burst of color to the scene. Dal Lake’s tranquility makes it a perfect spot to capture the essence of Kashmir.

2. Shalimar Bagh

Moving ahead, the next spot that deserves to be captured and hailed is Shalimar Bagh. For those who aren’t aware, it is a Mughal garden in Srinagar that boasts a symphony of colors and features a place that’s adorned with vibrant flowers, terraced lawns, and intricate fountains. The historical garden is a treat and if you want to capture the beauty of the spot, we’d recommend framing the stunning Chinar trees against the backdrop of the Zabarwan Range, creating a picture-perfect blend of natural beauty and architectural grandeur.

3. Gulmarg

No trip to Kashmir is complete without a visit to Gulmarg. If you are especially visiting during the peak winter months when there’s snowfall and the surrounding areas are covered in a thick white blanket of snow, capturing the beauty of the spot is an experience like no other. As you make your way in the Gulmarg Gondola, capturing the panoramic view of the place from up in the cable car is an experience like no other. Capture the snow-covered landscapes, skiers navigating the slopes, and the majestic Apharwat Peak in the distance for an Instagram feed filled with winter magic.

4. Betaab Valley

If you often watch the popular Bollywood movies and wonder where the backdrops are from, Betaab Valley is one of those spots in Kashmir where the movie shootings have happened over time. Surrounded by lush meadows, snow-capped peaks, and the Lidder River, Betaab Valley offers a picturesque setting. Photographers can frame the vibrant wildflowers, rustic wooden bridges, and the pristine river against the backdrop of the Himalayas, creating a scene straight out of a romantic blockbuster.

5. Pari Mahal

As the name suggests, this is another picturesque spot that’s perched atop a hill in Srinagar and makes for some of the most breathtaking pictures that you will be able to take of Kashmir. Pari Mahal is an ancient terraced garden that translates to the “Abode of Fairies.” As the sun sets, the garden is bathed in a golden glow, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. Capture the intricate architecture, panoramic views of the city, and the ethereal play of light and shadow for a series of captivating photographs.

6. Sonamarg

When talking about stunning Instagram-worthy spots to explore in Kashmir, Sonamarg happens to be the next spot on the list. This pristine valley is surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks and alpine meadows that make for a mesmerizing picture spot. During the summer, the meadows come alive with a carpet of vibrant wildflowers. As a photographer, getting to capture the reflection of the snowy peaks in the Sindh River against the natural beauty of the spot is an experience unlike anything else. Also, there are some pretty quaint and underrated cafes around, which make for great aesthetic pictures, reels, and vlog-style videos too.

7. Awantipora Ruins

Sometimes, the beauty of a place lies in its history and while you are on the hunt to find the best “vloggable” spot in Kashmir, the Awantipora Ruins deserve a mention here. These ancient temples, built by King Avantivarman, are a testament to Kashmir’s rich history. The weathered structures against the backdrop of the mountains create a unique blend of nature and history. Besides capturing the surroundings in wide-angle, you can also close in and capture the intricate carvings and drawings on these ruins from up close. The interplay between light and shadow in this spot is equally riveting to witness.

8. Tulip Garden

If you are an avid Instagram user, you have likely witnessed the stunning tulip gardens, which are named the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar. Given the rarity of tulips in India, getting to witness them in front of you and such vibrant colors is nothing short of a treat to the eyes. This expansive garden, set against the backdrop of the Zabarwan Range, comes alive during the annual tulip festival. If you aim to capture the beauty of the place, we’d 100% recommend that you go ahead and visit during the tulip season.

9. Aru Valley

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, Aru Valley is a hidden gem surrounded by lush meadows, pine forests, and snow-capped peaks. Accessible by a picturesque drive from Pahalgam, this secluded valley offers photographers a tranquil escape. Once you reach there, stop and soak in the beauty of the simple life that the people lead. Also, the landscapes and quaint wooden houses make for an amazing capture with your camera, ready to be shared with your Instagram followers.

10. Chatpal

Chatpal, a lesser-known destination, is a canvas painted by nature’s hand. Surrounded by dense forests, alpine meadows, and pristine rivers, this offbeat spot is a paradise for nature photographers. Unless you have an idea of this place beforehand, chances are that you wouldn’t even think of exploring this offbeat spot while exploring Kashmir. However, the beauty of the dense foliage and the reflections in crystal-clear streams is worth capturing.

Your trip to Kashmir is set to provide you with some of the most astounding and mesmerizing views that you can imagine. They are stunning and unique and some of the natural beauty that you get to witness with your eyes and then get to capture with your camera is going to remain etched in your mind for eternity.

In this article, we will explore the top 9  trolley bags available. We will cover a range of options, including budget-friendly choices and high-end luxury bags. 

By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with all the information you need to make an informed decision on which trolley bag is best for you.

1. Uppercase 6000EST1RED Trolley Bag

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The Uppercase 6000EST1RED Trolley Bag is made from sustainable material and is resistant to wear and tear. It offers ample storage space and is designed for long-lasting durability.

Specifications of Uppercase 6000EST1RED Trolley Bag

• Spacious interior
• Sustainable material
• Resistant to wear and tear
• Smooth-rolling wheels
• Telescopic handle

2. Safari Pentagon Polypropylene Hardsided Trolley Bag

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The Safari Pentagon Trolley Bag features a hard-sided design for enhanced protection of your belongings. It is crafted from durable polypropylene and offers a stylish and sleek appearance.

Specifications of Safari Pentagon Polypropylene Hardsided Trolley Bag

• Hard-sided construction
• Durable polypropylene material
• Smooth-rolling spinner wheels
• Telescopic handle
• Secure locking system

3. Kamiliant American TouristerHarrier Spinner Polypropylene Trolley Bag

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The Kamiliant American TouristerHarrier Trolley Bag features a spinner design for easy maneuverability. It is made from durable polypropylene and offers ample storage space for all your travel essentials.

Specifications of Kamiliant American TouristerHarrier Spinner Polypropylene Trolley Bag

• Spinner design for easy maneuverability
• Durable polypropylene material
• Spacious interior
• Telescopic handle
• Secure locking system

4. Skybags Rubik Polyester Softsided Trolley Bag

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The Skybags Rubik Trolley Bag features a soft-sided design for flexibility and ease of packing. It is made from high-quality polyester and offers a lightweight and versatile option for travelers.

Specifications of Skybags Rubik Polyester Softsided Trolley Bag

• Soft-sided design for flexibility
• High-quality polyester material
• Lightweight construction
• Smooth-rolling wheels
• Telescopic handle

5. Aristocrat Plastic Wheeling Luggage Trolley Bag

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The Aristocrat Wheeling Luggage Trolley Bag features a durable plastic construction and smooth-rolling wheels for easy maneuverability. It offers ample storage space and is designed to withstand the rigors of travel.

Specifications of Aristocrat Plastic Wheeling Luggage Trolley Bag

• Durable plastic construction
• Smooth-rolling wheels
• Spacious interior
• Telescopic handle
• Secure locking system

6. Nasher Miles Antwerp Expander Polypropylene Trolley Bag

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The Nasher Miles Antwerp Trolley Bag features an expander design for added storage capacity. It is made from durable polypropylene and offers a sleek and modern appearance.

Specifications of Nasher Miles Antwerp Expander Polypropylene Trolley Bag

• Expander design for added storage
• Durable polypropylene material
• Sleek and modern appearance
• Smooth-rolling wheels
• Telescopic handle

7. Genie Scarlett Polycarbonate Hardsided Rotation Trolley Bag

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The Genie Scarlett Trolley Bag features a polycarbonate hard-sided design for maximum protection of your belongings. It offers a rotation feature for easy maneuverability and a secure locking system for added security.

Specifications of Genie Scarlett Polycarbonate Hardsided Rotation Trolley Bag

• Polycarbonate hard-sided construction
• Rotation feature for easy maneuverability
• Secure locking system
• Sleek and stylish design
• Telescopic handle

8. Kenneth Cole Reaction Spinner Luggage Trolley Bag

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The Kenneth Cole Reaction Spinner Luggage Trolley Bag features a spinner design for easy maneuverability. It is made from high-quality materials and offers a stylish and sophisticated option for travelers.

Specifications of Kenneth Cole Reaction Spinner Luggage Trolley Bag

• Spinner design for easy maneuverability
• High-quality construction
• Sleek and stylish design
• Smooth-rolling wheels
• Telescopic handle

9. Tommy Hilfiger Plastic Luggage Trolley Bag

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The Tommy Hilfiger Plastic Luggage Trolley Bag features a durable plastic construction and smooth-rolling wheels for easy maneuverability. It offers ample storage space and a secure locking system for added security.

Specifications of Tommy Hilfiger Plastic Luggage Trolley Bag

• Durable plastic construction
• Smooth-rolling wheels
• Spacious interior
• Secure locking system
• Telescopic handle

Comparison Table

Best value for money:

The Skybags Rubik Polyester Softsided Trolley Bag offers the best value for money with its high-quality construction and versatile design. It provides excellent flexibility for packing while maintaining durability and style.

Best overall product:

The Genie Scarlett Polycarbonate Hardsided Rotation Trolley Bag stands out as the best overall product in this category. Its maximum protection for belongings, easy maneuverability, and sleek design make it a top choice for travelers.

How to find the perfect trolley bag to travel:

To find the best trolley bags for travel, consider factors like size, durability, weight, maneuverability, organizational features and warranty. Research top brands, read user reviews, and assess your specific travel needs to choose the perfect companion for your journeys.

The starkest example can be seen every morning along Kounxoau Road, where monks pad barefoot to collect donations of food. What was once a simple act of communion and support between Buddhist locals and the monks has long been a draw for tourists. Now the monks have to make their way through hundreds of visitors on plastic stools offering alms as tour guides thrust mobile phones into their faces.

For decades, Luang Prabang has seen large numbers of tourists come from all over the world to witness the morning alms-giving, but locals say the ceremony now resembles a photo shoot. “They are taking more photos rather than buying anything,” complained one 30-year-old vendor. It is a tricky balancing act, as vendors — who sell alms baskets containing lumps of sticky rice for 50,000 kip ($2.40) — both need and resent the visitors.

“If there are not enough tourists then we make a loss,” she said, but admitted the dilemma. “The more tourists have come, the more our way of life is changing. Now this is more chaotic,” the vendor said. Speaking to foreign journalists is not without risk in communist Laos, and the vendor, like others who spoke to AFP for this story, did so on condition of anonymity.

‘A rising star’

Luang Prabang, the country’s old royal capital, is changing as foreign investment arrives alongside the tourism spike, oiled by the opening of Laos’ new Chinese-funded high-speed railway. Outside the town, the arrival of a train from the Chinese border sees a flurry of activity at the town’s hulking new railway station as tour guides sweep up their charges.

The station opened last year and no public buses link it to the town, but white minivans idle six rows deep on the battered paved road, while the station displays — all in Chinese — make the target market clear. Tourist Zhang Ying, part of a newly arrived tour group from Chongqing, told AFP she had always wanted to visit.

“This country is a rising star, and probably will develop well in the future, especially with Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road helping their economy,” said the 70-year-old, referring to the Chinese president’s massive scheme of foreign infrastructure investment.

China financed the $6 billion high-speed railway, which links the Chinese city of Kunming to the Laotian capital Vientiane — just one of multiple projects that have put Laos deep in debt to Beijing. While their leaders promised that the train would benefit the country, locals told AFP they see little of the promised income generated by the railway.

Revenue stays within the China tour groups, whose members sleep in Chinese-owned hotels and eat in Chinese-run restaurants, and are ferried by private cars. Taxi driver Vathong, 37, said the kind of tourist who came had changed from when he was young — Europeans have been overtaken by Asian visitors. The tour groups have also pushed another change: the once-quiet sunset boat trips on the Mekong have become raucous parties, blaring pop music as customers sing karaoke into the night.

One man, who owned three boats, said they were in theory allowed music for only an hour — but customers often wanted more. “It has changed the style,” he told AFP. “It has destroyed the peace.”

‘A sea of people’

Back at the alms-giving, the street was still full, with Chinese, Korean, Japanese and a number of European languages heard as visitors engaged with the ceremony. Chinese visitor Shi Qii said she arrived early and was surprised at how busy it became. “There were no people on the street when we first woke up, and suddenly it became a sea of people,” she said.

As she spoke, a younger Laotian woman chased tourists back and forth, shooing a man who was pressing his camera phone into a Buddhist novice’s face. “All the time I have to tell the tourists not to get too close,” she told AFP. “I like that many tourists come, but I don’t like when many tourists take too many pictures and shout demands.”

Hunan and Hubei provinces have borne the brunt of the severe weather, which worsened over the weekend, slowing highway traffic to a crawl and cancelling hundreds of trains.

The travel disruptions coincide with the biggest mass travel migration in the world as millions flock home to see their families for the Chinese New Year.

Over the past few days, videos across Chinese social media showed images of people stranded on trains and or trapped in cars on snowy highways in several cities, including Jingzhou.

One driver was trapped in a car for three days, business outlet Yicai reported on Monday, and a passenger going to Wuhan was stuck on a train after it lost power supply amid freezing temperatures, social media videos showed.

Hundreds of trains have been delayed or suspended, and throngs of passengers were stranded at railway stations in Wuhan, local media said. Runways at the Tianhe Airport in Wuhan were temporarily closed Tuesday, state media CCTV reported.

Photos from China Meteorological Administration showed bent and broken trees scattered across roads in Hunan, felled by freezing rain. In 10 provinces, about 129 sections of highways were closed, according to Beijing News.

At least two people have died in snow-related accidents. One person in Hubei and another from the southern province of Hunan were killed as awnings in farmers markets collapsed under heavy snow, according to a state media reports.

The severe weather is expected for another few days, according to China National Emergency Broadcasting. Several cities upgraded weather advisories and emergency response plans.

Authorities in Hubei said they aimed to clear out tunnels and bridges, where thick ice has caused choke points.

The province has instructed hundreds of highway toll stations to take traffic control measures, including letting vehicles through for free.

China’s Central Meteorological Observatory predicted more rain, snow and freezing weather in the south for the first half of this week but said conditions would improve starting Thursday.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

Snowfall has also elated the local hoteliers, reviving their hopes of progress in the tourism industry here.

Welcoming the tourists here, Bilal Sheikh, a local tourist guide who complained about a lean summer season due to floods, told ANI, “We have been waiting for the snowfall for a long time. Be it taxi, hotel, everyone is now hopeful. Tourists have started rushing here. It has been snowing for last two-three days. There were predictions about more snowfall in the region”.

The hotelier have started getting reservations after the snowfall and now they are hopeful for revival of business after a long dry spell.

Naresh Kumar, a local hotelier expressed hope that more snowfall will increase tourist footfall in the City. “Tourists have started arriving here. The weather department has forecasted more snowfall during the next two days. So we hope to get more tourists in the region”.

According to the IMD, the Western Himalayan Region and select areas of Uttar Pradesh are anticipated to witness rainfall at one or two locations in the coming days.

Tikkar area of the Nawar valley in Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla district was covered in a blanket of snow on Friday morning.

The Kharapathar area in Shimla also got covered in a blanket of snow as it received fresh snowfall this morning.

As per the data from the State tourism department, nearly 17,20,000 tourists thronged the State in 2019 including 4,00000 foreign tourists with a jump of nearly 5 percent n comparison to the year 2018.

An economy of over ₹11,000 crore is generated in the state of Himachal Pradesh in the tourism sector and it is considered a backbone for the economy in the state which contributes to 7.3 per cent in the state GDP.

Drop the e when you talk of Scotch. For, whisky in Scotland is never spelt whiskey. Malt whisky is the ‘original’ whisky of Scotland and made only from malted barley, in two (occasionally, three) copper pot stills, by a batch process. Currently, there are 148 operating Scotch Whisky distilleries across the country and some 22 million casks lie maturing in warehouses waiting to be discovered – that is around 12 billion 70cL (centilitre) bottles. (Also read: Meet the new crop of India’s single malt whisky makers)

Here’s all you ever wanted to know about a Scotch Whisky trail in Scotland.

Whisky Regions in Scotland: There are nearly 150 active whisky distilleries spread across Scotland, which are split into five whisky-producing regions: Campbeltown, Highland, Islay, Lowland and Speyside. (Also read: Explore the finest wine experiences in France’s Bordeaux)

Islay: Barely 25 miles long and 15 miles wide, Islay is regarded by many as ‘whisky island’.

Number of distilleries: 9

Oldest distillery: Bowmore (1779)

Most popular distillery: Ardbeg

Campbeltown: Scotland’s smallest whisky producing region.

Number of distilleries: 3

Oldest distillery: Springbank (1828)

Most popular distillery: Springbank

Speyside: Speyside is whisky heaven and accounts for half of Scotland’s whisky production.

Number of distilleries: 52

Oldest distillery: Strathisla (1786)

Most popular distillery: Glenfiddich

Lowlands: The area has long, historic associations with whisky, with Friar John Cor producing whisky here in 1494 for King James IV.

Number of distilleries: 22 (+6 grain distilleries)

Oldest distillery: Bladnoch (1817)

Most popular distillery: Glenkinchie

Highlands: The distilleries of the Highland whisky region are spread far and wide and, in terms of geography, this whisky region takes the crown as Scotland’s largest.

Number of distilleries: 50+

Oldest Distillery: Glenturret Distillery (Scotland’s oldest working distillery)

(Also read: 15 groovy Goan bars that made it to the 30BestBarsIndia shortlist)

Best Whisky Bars of Scotland:

1. The Malt Room (Inverness): The first whisky bar in Inverness, it is a firm favourite amongst Inverness whisky lovers, tourists wanting to sample a few local drams and anyone who appreciates a well-served drink.

2. The Curly Coo (Stirling): Just a short walk from the city centre, choose from over 120 Malt Whiskies at Stirling’s only Whisky Bar. There’s also Scottish craft beers, a selection of Scottish Gins and more…..

3. The Ardshiel Hotel (Campbeltown): With over 700 malts to choose from many which are rare and exclusive, it has been the winner of Wee Dram Whisky Bar of the Year and Scottish Field Whisky Bar of the Year.

4. Usquabae (Edinburgh): Inspired by Robert Burns’ poem, Tam O’ Shanter, Usquabae firmly believes that the pursuit of drinking whisky is a saintly and noble quest. Burns himself claimed that should you meet the devil, you’ll only survive if you’re fortified with usquabae (the former name of whisky).

5. The Whiski Bar (Edinburgh): Whiski Bar & Restaurant is a stunning multi award-winning whisky bar and Scottish restaurant on the Royal Mile. Has over 300 Scotch malt whiskies and a great selection of cocktails, a fantastic whisky selection, wines and local craft beers, and live Scottish music.

6. The Black Cat (Edinburgh): A small single-roomed selectively lit bar, has an extensive range of malt whiskies.

7. The Mash Tun (Aberlour): Surrounded by the most famous of distilleries viewed as the ultimate trip for the lover of the Uisge Beatha (water of life)

8. The Pot Still (Glasgow): With over 800 whiskies, cracking cask ales, proper pies, The Pot Still is the place for malt whisky in Glasgow.

9. Bon Accord (Glasgow): What began as a pub specialising in real ale and pub grub, it has grown into a specialist whisky bar, even winning the UK Whisky Bar of the Year.

10. CASC (Aberdeen): Focusses on premium cigars, craft beer, scotch whisky and artisan coffee. Has over 500 Scotch and world whiskies.

Best Whisky Tours:

• Malt Whisky & Scottish Wildlife Tour: 9 days. £1,200 per adult. April to October

• Bubble Tour: On a Whisky Trail. 1 day. £55 per adult.

• Speyside Whiskys Tour: 3 days.

• Highland Perthshire Whisky Tour: 1 day.

• Private Whisky Tour of Islay: 1 day

• Speyside Whiskys Tour: 1 day. £83 per adult

• Tour the Scotch Whisky Route: 4 days. £770 per adult

• Edinburgh’s New Town Whisky Tour: 2 hours. £60 per adult

• Whisky Prestige Blenders Tour: 2 days. £185 per adult

Best Whisky Hotels in Scotland:

11. Isle of Raasay Distillery Whisky Hotel: One of the few places in the world where you can snooze where the whisky is made, Isle of Raasay Distillery Whisky Hotel has been the winner of Scottish Whisky Distillery of the Year and Tourism Destination of the Year in the 2022 Scottish Whisky Awards.

12. Glenmorangie House, Scottish Highlands: Barely 20 minutes from the Glenmorangie Distillery, this is part of the modern makeover of The Glenmorangie Company by Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (LVMH).

13. The Craigellachie Hotel: Built in 1800s, this is the best location to explore whisky in the Speyside region. Its Quaich Bar has over 700 malts in its collection.

14.The Ardshiel Hotel: Originally built in 1877, this is one of the favourites for whisky lovers. The hotel’s Usquebaugh Bar and Lounge has over 200 malt whiskies including a selection of Springbank, Cadenhead, and Islay malts.

15. Dornoch Castle Hotel: Currently listed as Whiskybase.com’s Number One International Whisky Hotel, this one has one of the best collections of vintage and rare whiskies.

Malt Whisky Trail: Set in the heart of stunning Speyside, Scotland’s Malt Whisky Trail is the only trail of its kind in the world. It takes in seven world-famous working distilleries, one historic distillery and the fascinating Speyside Cooperage.

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum (Alloway, 40 minutes from Glasgow): This is a must-see for all poetry lovers. Robert Burns (1759-1796) was the National Poet of Scotland. Visit the humble cottage where Robert Burns was born and spent the first years of his life. The two main sites (Burns Cottage and the museum) are connected by the Poet’s Path, a 500-metre pedestrian walkway.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

“It was wonderful. Very relaxing and enjoyable,” said Brad Loomis, a software engineer from Pullman, Washington, after visiting Tokyo’s Mipig Café with his 21-year-old daughter, Paige.

They were among dozens of customers on a recent morning, taking selfies and breaking into huge smiles. The pigs, a miniature breed, trotted about the room, looking for a cozy lap to cuddle up.

The pigs are surprisingly quiet, although they do snort now and then. They don’t like to be alone, making for great companionship. Unlike the stereotype, they’re very clean and don’t smell.

Customers pay 2,200 yen ($15) for the first 30 minutes in the company of the pigs. A reservation is required.

“Each pig is unique. Each one has his or her own personality. You may notice one may be strong-headed, and another may be gentle,” said Shiho Kitagawa, an executive at Mipig who refers to the pigs as “buta-san,” using an honorific.

The Mipig Café in fashionable Harajuku is among 10 such pig cafes the operator has opened around Japan. The first one opened in Tokyo in 2019. Two more are in the works for later this year.

The animals, known as “micro pigs,” don’t get bigger than a corgi dog, even as adults. The cafés also feature adorable baby pigs the size of toy poodles.

Pig lovers say they make great pets. They can be purchased for about 200,000 yen ($1,350) from Mipig, have already been toilet-trained and are used to being with people. Micro pig food is also for sale. Mipig says it has sold 1,300 pigs as pets.

A drink dispensing machine is in the corner of the café, but hardly anyone was bothering to get a drink, being too occupied with the pigs.

Foreign tourists visiting the café said they found out about it on Instagram and other social media. The café does not invest in advertising. They made sure to include a visit during their trip to Japan, along with the usual tourist spots like the ancient capital of Kyoto, they said.

Australian Ben Russell smiled when a pig finally climbed into his lap. Although this was his first encounter with a real pig, they have always been his favorite animal, he said, although he wasn’t sure exactly why.

Sophie Mo’unga from New Zealand, in Japan with her husband and two children, was a big hit with the pigs, with several of them fighting over her lap.

“They were cute. I think they were all keeping each other warm,” she said.

The pig café is the latest in a series of animal coffee shops that have popped up in Japan, including ones that feature owls, hedgehogs, birds and even snakes.

Some people have raised ethical questions about whether the animals enjoy the experience as much as the humans.

“It must be stressful to be touched and fondled by a bunch of strangers,” said Sachiko Azuma, head of Tokyo-based PEACE, which stands for Put an End to Animal Cruelty and Exploitation.

“The animals have become tools for a money-making business,” she said.

Her group mainly opposes animal experiments and “petting zoos.” Cafés tend to be tiny and don’t provide enough of a natural environment for cats or small pigs, and those that entrap wildlife are abhorrent, Azuma said. She approves of cafés run by shelters trying to find owners for abandoned pets.

Dr Bruce Kornreich, professor of clinical sciences at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, NY, said interacting with animals can lower one’s blood pressure and reduce headaches and the risk of cardiovascular disease. It also enhances a sense of well-being and helps people cope with stress, he said.

“How they do these things, I’m not sure we know the answer,” said Kornreich, who is also part of the Cornell Feline Health Center, which advocates the study and well-being of cats.

“There is mounting evidence that associating with and owning pets can provide mental health and physical health benefits for people,” he said in a Zoom interview.

Even with dogs, it’s not clear if it’s walking the dog that helps the owner’s health or being in the presence of a friendly animal.

Whatever it is, with dogs or pigs, people are soothed and happy.

“Very cute and very sleepy,” Paige Loomis said of the pigs. “They made me sleepy.”

Train services to the ancient ruins high up in the Andes have been suspended since Saturday due to safety concerns over demonstrators blocking the railway line. Travel links were still not reopened on Monday, two tour operators told Reuters.

The protests, that began late last week, have left hundreds of tourists, who flock to Machu Picchu from all over the world, unable to reach the site.

The latest dispute has delivered a fresh blow to Peru’s tourism industry that was hit hard last year by widespread civil unrest, especially in the southern Andean region that is a key zone for the country’s huge copper industry.

Round-table discussions entered a second day on Monday to resolve the dispute between the authorities and protesters angry at the government for consolidating ticket sales.

Peru’s Minister of Culture, Leslie Urteaga, traveled to the region on Sunday but a solution to the “indefinite strike” being led by travel unions, tour operators and residents is yet to be announced.

Community representatives in Machu Picchu fear that the new electronic ticket sales platform will hurt local businesses by “privatizing” sales and directing profits to one single firm.

Agencies responsible for the care and preservation of the site have warned about overcrowding and tickets being oversold, forcing authorities to find new ways to control visitor numbers as travel rebounds in the wake of the pandemic.

The government argues the new ticketing platform available from January will strengthen the way visitor numbers are managed. From this month entries are capped at 4,500 per day, up from 3,800 last year.

In September, Peru temporarily closed three areas of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 15th century as a religious sanctuary for the Incas, due to site deterioration brought on by heavy visitor volumes.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Lubaina Sheraazi, CEO and Co-Founder of BRANDit, recommended checking out these Middle Eastern destinations beyond Dubai, that offer an array of different experiences from adventure to cultural immersion, varied gastronomy and more –

• Doha, Qatar: The Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

Doha, the ever-evolving gem of Qatar, skillfully weaves tradition and modernity into its captivating fabric. The city renowned for its architectural marvels offers an array of experiences that fuse warm Arabic hospitality with contemporary luxury. The cultural tapestry unfolds at Katara Cultural Village, nestled between the expansive beachfront and the twin Katara Hills, where art, culture, and culinary wonders converge at the heart of Doha. Doha’s emergence as an art district further elevates its appeal, captivating enthusiasts with its energetic artistic scene. Visit the iconic National Museum of Qatar, envisioned by the pioneering architect Jean Nouvel, stands as a representation of Qatar’s heritage, depicted through its awe-inspiring design which is reminiscent of a desert rose. Or discover Richard Serra’s magnificent East-West/West-East installation made of colossal steel plates is a monumental testament nestled amidst the limestone formations just beyond Zekreet.

Qatar offers a gastronomic journey like no other, that starts with traditional Qatari flavours and culminates in a selection of dishes from the global cuisine in settings ranging from street food trucks to fine dining restaurants. Thrill seekers can prepare for an adrenaline rush with exciting activities in the mesmerising Khor Al Adaid such as sandboarding, camel rides, and thrilling quad bike and ATV excursions. The thrill extends to various water adventures like sailing, water-skiing, canoeing, kitesurfing, jet-skiing, windsurfing, diving and more thanks to the 560 km of coastline with crystal clear waters and vibrant marine life.

• Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Gateway to the Red Sea

Jeddah, the gateway to the Red Sea, beckons adventurers with its aquatic wonders. Offering thrilling experiences like snorkelling and scuba diving, this city is more than a marine paradise—it’s a cultural gem. The historic district of Al-Balad showcases ancient architecture and lively souks, introducing visitors to Hijazi cuisine and enriching shopping tours around its landmarks.

• Muscat, Oman: Experience the Omani Opulence

Muscat, the Omani capital, mesmerises with its luxury and cultural heritage. Discover the allure of the renowned Amouage Perfumery, marvel at architectural wonders like the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Mutrah Souq. Witness dolphins in their natural habitat and explore Oman’s rich history at various museums like the Bait Al Zubair Museum which brings the rich cultural heritage right before you. As the oldest independent state in the Arab World, the country has embraced the tenets of modernisation while preserving its quintessential cultural tapestry. Nestled within a dual resort complex is Shangri-La Muscat seamlessly integrating cultural, artistic, culinary and architectural heritage. Its location along the Gulf of Oman pays homage to its rich maritime history even as the architecture is designed to resemble forts, villages, towns, and markets. An in-house Frankincense Sommelier is appointed to give insight into Omani cultural nuances and traditional welcome rituals too.

• Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Where History Meets Modern Entertainment

Riyadh, the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, balances historical treasures with a bustling, modern cityscape. Uncover the city’s historical legacy within old palaces and contrast it with the vivid entertainment scenes in places like Riyadh Boulevard. From luxury shopping destinations to thrilling activities like hiking the Edge of the World, Riyadh blends business, entertainment, and cultural richness seamlessly. Held between October to March, Riyadh Season transforms the city into the biggest winter entertainment event in the Middle East with huge concerts, food trucks, cafes and shopping experiences from around the globe. The festivities embody the essence of Saudi Arabia, showcasing its rich Najdi heritage and vibrant present-day dynamism.

• AlUla, Saudi Arabia: Unveiling Hidden Historical Marvels

AlUla, a treasure trove, entices travellers with its deep historical significance. Home to Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, this land reveals ancient civilizations and stories etched within its rocks and inscriptions. Delight your taste buds with innovative Najdi cuisine against breathtaking views, and embrace exceptional experiences like rock climbing, hiking, and camping under the starry desert sky.

These Middle Eastern destinations offer an array of experiences, blending history, culture and modern allure with the generosity of Arab culture, inviting travellers to explore and appreciate the diverse tapestry woven into the fabric of the region.

“My sister-in-law had twins after an insemination carried out in Tunisia,” the 25-year-old told AFP. “That’s why I chose to come here.” She was accompanied by her sister Khadija, 32, who had her eggs frozen five months ago in the same clinic, which specialises in medically assisted reproduction. Nadia Fenina, a health ministry official, said Tunisia’s highly specialised private clinics and skilled staff make it a leading medical tourism destination.

“Tunisia is number one in Africa in terms of healthcare demand and supply,” Fenina told AFP. Medical tourism has bounced back from a coronavirus-era halt, and the sector generates around 3.5 billion dinars ($1.1 billion) in annual revenues — about half of Tunisia’s overall tourism income last year. “Medical tourism is linked to the general tourism sector, because a foreign patient is also a tourist who generally does not come alone,” said Fenina.

“The promotion of medical tourism depends on the development of the tourism sector” as a whole, she added. Accounting for nine percent of Tunisia’s gross domestic product, tourism is crucial for the debt-stricken country where the economy has slowed down, with a World Bank estimate putting growth for 2023 at a modest 1.2 percent. Last year, the small Mediterranean country of 12 million people drew nearly nine million tourists, according to official figures.

They included more than 500,000 foreign patients hospitalised in Tunisia and about two million others who had received same-day care, officials say.

Chance to relax

The Tunis clinic where Yunoussa was treated received 450 patients for in vitro fertilisation last year, many of whom from sub-Saharan African countries where some treatments may be unavailable or hard to access, said Dr Fethi Zhiwa. Others came from elsewhere in North Africa as well as Western countries like Britain, Switzerland and Canada, said the doctor, citing affordable rates and Tunisia’s “world-renowned fertility specialists” as the main drawing points.

Many European medical tourists come for cosmetic surgery, representing 15 percent of all treatments for foreigners in Tunisia, Fenina said. Mohamed, a 59-year-old Libyan who gave his first name only, visits Tunisia twice a year to see his cardiologist for regular check-ups following an operation. “This doctor saved my life, I will never change him,” he said.

Travelling with his wife, the couple planned to use the latest trip to also “spend a few days relaxing in Tabarka”, a town on Tunisia’s northwestern coast, Mohamed said. Tourism has “strong potential” in Tunisia and can grow “if we overcome some obstacles and limitations”, said Fenina. Direct flights to more African destinations and simpler visa procedures could help, she said, “which is why we are working to implement a medical visa”.

The health ministry is also working on better coordination between medical tourism agencies, healthcare providers and other stakeholders, and collaborating with the private sector to set up facilities geared towards an elderly European clientele. While the country has seen an alarming rise in anti-migrant sentiment, marked by violence and fiery remarks last year by the president painting “hordes” of Africans as a threat, Yunoussa said she felt welcome in Tunisia. “I feel at home here,” she said.

Following the resumption of flight operations, which was suspended in early 2020, aviation firm Flybig will operate a 19-seater aircraft between Dehradun and Pithoragargh thrice a week on Monday, Tuesday and Friday.

Addressing the inaugural function virtually, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said after the resumption of flight operations from the airport, the distance between Kumaon and Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand will become closer.

Resumption of services from the airport, which will soon be extended to Pantnagar and then to Hindon airport in Ghaziabad, will be crucial for the strategically important border district, he added.

The duration of the journey between Pithoragarh and Dehradun will be reduced from 11 hours by road to 1 hour by air, he said.

The Union minister said the state government and the Centre were making all efforts under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help Uttarakhand realise its full potential in terms of development and divinity.

Speaking of his personal connection with Uttarakhand, Scindia said he had studied in the state for five years and will remain indebted to it till his last breath.

Addressing the function in Pithoragarh, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said air connectivity between Dehradun and Pithoragarh will give further boost to religious tourism in the Manaskhand region.

He said the Prime Minister’s visit to Jolingkong for a darshan of the Adi Kailash peak and Jageshwar Dham had awakened the interest of tourists who have begun to visit the relatively lesser-known religious destinations in large numbers.

Dhami said air connectivity between Dehradun and Pithoragarh will give further stimulus to the growing tourist interest in these places.

The chief minister said he would request the company to increase the frequency of air services between the two towns from three to five days in a week.

Night landing facilities at the airport will also be created, he said.

Then begin all the problems that foreign travel always involves these days. Paris hotels are ridiculously expensive. My trip coincides with Paris Couture Week so the rates are even more ridiculous than usual. But there are advantages to being a regular guest. The Westin Paris, a lovely old hotel with a great location (next to Le Meurice) offers me what is — by Paris standards — a great deal. Naturally, I grab it.

Then, the Air India flight that I normally take has now ceased to be a daily service so there is no departure on the day I am leaving. I would rather slash my wrists than fly Air France so I consider changing planes in Dubai when I realise that there is now a Vistara option. Naturally I take it and the flight is fine: Not sure about the Singapore Airlines style ‘cosy’ seating in business class but most people seem to like it. (Also read: The Taste by Vir Sanghvi: Who should we credit for the invented dishes? )

The older I get, the less patience I have with airports which are usually (especially in the West) so sloppily run that even if you have had a good flight, the arrival experience makes you wish you had never come.

Some airlines (Air India, for instance) are sensitive to this problem and try to make the arrival experience more bearable for frequent fliers, regulars, Maharaja Club members etc. Vistara, on the other hand, has the worst ground handling worldwide of any major Indian airline. (The airline’s tagline should be. “Vistara: Great in the air! Crap on the ground!)

Expecting nothing from Vistara (a prediction borne out by subsequent experience), I try and find out which agency Air India uses at Paris Airport. It turns out to be something called France Meltin Airport and Transportation. For a 100 euro per head (if you are a couple), they will get someone to receive you and escort you through the airport.

So, for about ₹9,000 per head you are saved all the aggravation of Charles De Gaulle airport. (Anyone can book this service. You can mail them at [email protected] ) It is, I later discover, what all smart travellers do. And I can see why. It is money well spent. It takes minutes to get through immigration and customs.

A Michelin Day

I am in Paris to meet Elisabeth Boucher and Gwendal Poullennec of the Michelin Guide. I have done a whole piece on Michelin in Brunch (and in the main Hindustan Times) which will appear on Saturday so I won’t write very much here except to say that I was startled by their dynamism and wisdom.

Gwendal joined Michelin after he finished business school and though he has no background in hospitality, he has taken the venerable old restaurant guide and transformed it. Michelin is now in 45 countries, awards Green stars for sustainability and is about to launch a rating system for hotels.

It has always been the only guide I respect even though for years I complained about the Guide’s assessments of non-European cuisines. Under Gwendal that has changed. He made his reputation by opening up Japan and then Hong Kong for Michelin and the Guide is now taken extremely seriously in East and South East Asia where its opinions are valued and respected.

In recent years it has finally begun to give Indian food the respect it deserves. Gaggan Anand got two stars, the highest in Bangkok which made the world sit up and take note. Gaggan was ineligible this time because his restaurant was not open for the whole year but there are now three two-star restaurants worldwide run by chefs of Indian origin. Gaa by Garima Arora in Bangkok, Thevar by Mano Thevar in Singapore and most famously, of course, Tresind Studio by Himanshu Saini in Dubai. And there are many more with single stars.

It’s Time for Lunch

We end up going for lunch to Granite, a one Michelin star restaurant that I had not heard of. It is run by a young chef Tom Meyer and though the atmosphere is relaxed and casual, the food is complex and delicious.

They know Elisabeth and Gwendal of course but service is friendly rather than deferential. Gwendal is the public face of the Michelin Guide in France because he is the man who hands out the stars on stage. (Elisabeth does the same thing in many other countries: She handled the announcement in Spain recently and I first met her when she announced the Dubai stars last year). But as Gwendal always points out, he is not the man who decides on the star ratings.

The stars are given by a team of inspectors (all well-trained, full-time employees of Michelin across the world) who remain determinedly anonymous. Gwendal says that while he is often recognised, nobody knows what the inspectors look like. Often, he has been at a restaurant and noticed an inspector eating a quiet meal at a nearby table. While the chef and the serving staff greet Gwendal warmly, they have no idea that the men who will actually rate the restaurant are sitting only a few tables away.

The Michelin Guide is now a big international operation because of its many global outposts. (There are offices in 15 countries.) But it follows a strict Church and State policy, Gwendal and Elisabeth do not rate restaurants. They will never interfere in the work of the inspectors who can do their jobs unconcerned by commercial considerations and unburdened of the need to make the Guide pay for itself.

Gwendal takes those burdens on his shoulders and though the Guide shares a warm relationship with its tire company parent, it is independent and self-sufficient.

The Ducasse Experience

I have time for just one dinner in Paris and wonder how to make it memorable. In the end, I don’t have to try too hard. The brilliant and elegant Emmanuelle Perrier, the backbone of the Ducasse empire, is kind enough to invite me to dinner. Alain Ducasse has many restaurants in Paris but Emmanuelle chooses one that is nearly as sparkling and glamorous as herself. We go to the flagship Ducasse restaurant at the Le Meurice which is great for me because it is across the road from my hotel.

Chefs with more than one grand restaurant have different attitudes to the menus. The great Swedish Chef Bjorn Frantzen who has three stars for his restaurants in Singapore and Stockholm once told me that he conceives of every recipe for each dish at every one of his gastronomic restaurants down to the last detail including even the brand of each product to be used. (It can’t be any old vinegar; it has to be the one Bjorn used while creating the dish). So, guests get the Frantzen experience even if they eat in Singapore while Bjorn is in Stockholm.

Ducasse has a completely different attitude. He selects the chefs, not the dishes. Once he is convinced that the chef is supremely gifted and understands the group’s philosophy, he encourages him to put his own personality on the menu. (This is why so many great chefs have emerged from Ducasse’s kitchens: Massimo Bottura, Mauro Colagreco, Clare Smyth etc)

Sometimes chefs will include some of Ducasse’s signature dishes (say, the Rum Baba) but each menu will be different because each chef is different. Often chefs will turn to Ducasse for guidance and he will always give it.

Emmanuelle took me to the Le Meurice kitchen before we ate so that I could meet the chef. The first surprise was the youthfulness of the kitchen team. Chef Amaury Bouhours is only 35 or so and the rest of the team is not much older. This is a next generation Ducasse kitchen with chefs who share their mentor’s view that French cuisine has the ability to adapt and learn from cuisines from all over the world. Amaury serves amuse-bouches to go with the champagne we drink in the kitchen and the influences are apparent: Japanese, Chinese and Korean. He, himself, is a great traveller. He once flew to Delhi with his wife, hired a car and then drove around Rajasthan for a month, eating at little restaurants everywhere they went.

The meal is spectacular; everything you would expect of a great restaurant. But it is also light and fresh. The room is filled with overdressed beautiful people, some of whom are probably quite famous (the Couture Week crowd) but the service is the same for every table. There is no VIP culture here

My Pretty Woman Moment

Two things to do before I leave for the airport the next day. I have a coffee with Titika Rapanaki-Bigot whose name is forever associated with Westin Paris from even before it became the Westin. She has been here since it was the Paris Intercontinental. All good hotels have one senior employee who becomes the public face of the property and the person regular guests turn to. At the Westin, Titika is that person: All regulars feel we are her guests. And it completely personalises the hotel experience.

And a final lunch at Benoit, a century-old bistro that serves traditional dishes (I had the snails and the cassoulet) with a dash of excellence: Ducasse brought the restaurant in 2005 and it now has a Michelin star. The food is wonderful but I have my own Pretty Woman moment, when, as I am extracting a snail from its shell, the shell escapes from my grasp and flies across the room.

It is a Michelin starred restaurant so they pretend not to have noticed. They pick the shell up discreetly and act like nothing has happened.

Ah Paris! Lovely, charming and discreet!

The industry was feeling battered over the last couple of months in the absence of a good snowfall, with many intending tourists cancelling their bookings and tour operators receiving little to no queries.

The tourist arrivals to the valley, which usually witnesses a higher footfall, especially at resorts like Gulmarg, fell in the absence of snow – a cause of worry for the tourism stakeholders in the valley.

However, the snowfall at the fag-end of Chilla-i-Kalan — a 40-day harsh winter period when the chances of snowfall are maximum and most frequent -– has brought cheers to both the tourists as well as the tourism players.

Hundreds of tourists, including children, have been enjoying the snowfall at Gulmarg and Sonamarg resorts.

“We had booked tickets for January 23, but we postponed our journey after checking the forecast. We arrived on January 25 and were lucky to see the snowfall. We experienced snowfall first in Sonamarg and then in Gulmarg as well. We are so thrilled to be here,” Aninda and Deotima, a tourist couple from Kolkata, said at Gulmarg.

They said Kashmir really looks like a paradise after snowfall.

Mohammad Imran, a tourist from Nagpur in Maharashtra said he returned to the Gulmarg resort again after the snowfall.

“Two days back, there was nothing and the ground looked empty. By the grace of God, now there is snow and we feel great to be here… When we heard there was snowfall in Gulmarg, we came back from Srinagar,” he said.

Aryan, a young tourist from Bangalore who has come to Kashmir with his parents and sister, said it was a great feeling. “It feels so good. It looks like heaven,” he said, enjoying the snowfall.

Ankit Makane, a part of a 15-member tourist group from Mumbai, enjoyed playing in the snow at Sonamarg. “It feels truly and literally like heaven. Kashmir is so beautiful and the people here are really amazing. We enjoyed a lot,” he said.

It is not only the tourists who are cheered up, the snowfall has sparked joy among the local tourism players as well. “We thank God for the snow. We feel very happy because it will not only increase tourism, but it is vital for the sustenance,” Parvaiz Ahmad, a local tourism service provider in Gulmarg, said.

Another stakeholder, Abdul Rashid, said the livelihoods of private service providers were affected due to a prolonged dry spell over the last two months, but the snowfall has come as a blessing.

“For the past two months, there was not much work. With the snowfall, the tourist arrivals have increased and the snow-related activities have started,” Rashid said.

In the absence of snowfall at popular tourist spots like Sonamarg and Gulmarg, the tourists used to make a beeline to places like Sinthan Top connecting Anantnag district with Kishtwar – which remains covered under snow for most of the year.

Meanwhile, authorities have issued advisories to tourists and locals visiting places like Sonamarg and Gulmarg.

They have said only 4X4 vehicles and those with anti-skid chains would be allowed to travel towards Gulmarg and Sonamarg due to slippery conditions in the wake of snowfall.

The Meteorological Department has forecast a possibility of light to moderate rain or snow at many places of the Union Territory with chances of heavy snowfall over a few higher reaches like Kupwara, Bandipora, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag districts over the next two days.

Alaska Airlines resumed a limited number of flights with its Max 9s on Friday. United aims to follow suit on Sunday, but a spokeswoman said the airline might use them as spare planes Friday or Saturday.

Those are the only two U.S. airlines that operate this particular model of the Boeing 737.

After seeing video of the frightening flight of a plane with a gaping hole in its side, passengers might reasonably be asking questions about safety.

The Federal Aviation Administration has detailed the process that airlines must follow to inspect — and if necessary, repair — the panels called door plugs, one of which broke loose on Alaska Airlines flight 1282 on Jan. 5. The plugs are used to seal holes left for extra doors on the Max 9 when an unusually high number of seats requires more exits for safety reasons.

FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker says his agency’s review of everything that has happened since the accident, including gathering information about inspections of door plugs on 40 other planes, gives him confidence that they will be safe so long as the new inspection process is followed.

WHY WERE THE PLANES GROUNDED?

Alaska Airlines grounded all 65 of its Max 9 jets within hours after one of the two door plugs in the back half of the cabin of flight 1282 blew away while 16,000 feet above Oregon. The FAA grounded all Max 9s in the U.S. the day after the blowout.

Even though none of the passengers were seriously injured, regulators acted quickly because the accident could have been far worse.

By a stroke of luck, the two seats closest to the panel that blew off the plane were empty when flight 1282 took off from Portland, Oregon. And the plane had not yet reached cruising altitude of more than 30,000 feet, when passengers and flight attendants might have been walking around instead of being belted into their seats.

Airlines found problems on other planes. Alaska CEO Ben Minicucci told NBC this week that “many” of the planes they inspected had loose bolts that are supposed to help secure the door plug to the airframe of the jet. United Airlines made similar similar findings.

WHAT IS BEING DONE ABOUT IT?

The FAA is requiring airlines to conduct “detailed visual inspections” of the door plugs and other components, adjust fasteners and fix any damage they find before putting Max 9s back into service. The agency says the process was developed by what they learned from inspections of 40 grounded planes.

United says the process involves removing an inner panel, two rows of seats and a sidewall liner from the cabin. Technicians open the door plug, inspect it and the surrounding hardware, and make any necessary repairs before resecuring the panel.

WILL PEOPLE AVOID THE PLANES?

Alaska Airlines officials said Thursday that they have lost a few sales among people purchasing flights into February — a phenomenon called “booking away” in the airline business. They didn’t say how many people have booked away from the Max 9, but they predicted it would only last a few weeks.

Minicucci, the Alaska CEO, said “at first, people will have some questions, some anxiety,” but that “over time” confidence in the plane’s safety will be restored.

Travelers returned to the Boeing 737 Max 8 after two of them crashed in 2018 and 2019, killing 346 people. In that case, Boeing had to redesign an automated flight-control system before the FAA would let Max 8s and Max 9s resume flying after a 20-month grounding.

Most people don’t bother to look up the type of plane they are booked to fly, although there was an uptick after flight 1282. Scott Keyes, founder of the travel site Going, said once FAA clears the planes to fly — and if there are no more incidents — the public’s memory will quickly fade.

HOW DO I CHECK WHAT TYPE OF PLANE I’M ON?

Airline websites typically now include the type of aircraft to be used on a particular flight, but finding the information varies.

On American Airlines’ website, the type of plane shows up right on the search-results page. On the United and Alaska sites, however, you will need to take one more step: Click on “details.” On Southwest Airlines, you’ll have to click on the flight number — it’s in blue — to see the aircraft type.

IS FLYING SAFE?

It’s much safer than driving and also safer than rail travel on a per mile basis, according to U.S. Department of Transportation figures.

Airline officials and aviation regulators like to point out that there has not been a fatal crash of a U.S. airliner since 2009. However, in the past year there has been an sharp increase in close calls being investigated by federal officials.

IS BOEING IN TROUBLE?

The FAA is investigating whether Boeing and its suppliers followed proper safety procedures in manufacturing the part that blew off the Alaska jet. That could lead to sanctions.

In addition, the FAA says it won’t let Boeing expand production of Max jets until it’s satisfied that quality-control concerns about the company have been resolved.

Rival Airbus has pulled far ahead of Boeing, beating the U.S. company last year in both orders and deliveries of new passenger planes. Boeing’s latest crisis could make things worse. United CEO Scott Kirby says his airline will consider alternatives to the upcoming Max 10 because of uncertainty about when and whether the FAA will certify the plane, which is already years behind schedule.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas runs nearly 1,200 feet (365 meters) from bow to stern.

The ship, which is leaving South Florida for its first seven-day island-hopping voyage through the tropics, was officially christened Tuesday with help from soccer legend Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates.

“Icon of the Seas is the culmination of more than 50 years of dreaming, innovating and living our mission – to deliver the world’s best vacation experiences responsibly,” Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty said earlier this week. “She is the ultimate multigenerational family vacation, forever changing the status quo in family travel and fulfilling vacation dreams for all ages on board.”

The ship sets sail as Royal Caribbean’s cruises are having a moment online. Since December, the company’s 9-month “Ultimate World Cruise” has captivated — and confused — a following of avid watchers on social media.

Millions are following the journey through the eyes of the passengers, as they live and post their lives aboard a vessel they’ll be on for nearly a year. If it sounds like a reality show, that’s exactly what some watchers have turned it into.

When the Icon of the Seas was first revealed in October 2022, the ship spurred the single largest booking day and the highest volume booking week in Royal Caribbean’s then 53-year history, according to the cruise line.

The Icon of the Seas is divided into eight neighborhoods across 20 decks. The ship includes six waterslides, seven swimming pools, an ice skating rink, a theater and more than 40 restaurants, bars and lounges. The ship can carry up to 7,600 passengers at maximum capacity, along with 2,350 crew members.

It is powered by six dual-fuel engines, which can be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), a fuel alternative that the Cruise Lines International Association says reduces sulfur and greenhouse gas emissions. However, some environmentalists worry LNG-powered ships increase methane emissions. Other say that vacationers generate eight times more carbon on a cruise than they do on land.

Royal Caribbean says every kilowatt used on the Icon of the Seas “is scrutinized for energy efficiencies and emission reductions.”

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

Germany’s national weather service DWD said coastal areas may see hurricane-like gusts, while amber and yellow wind warnings remained in place for most of the UK for Wednesday. Alerts are also in place for Netherlands, France and Belgium.

On the continent, Germany’s Wilhelmshaven liquefied natural terminal said it had stopped sending fuel to the grid for a few hours on Wednesday due to the bad weather. LNG terminals in the UK have also seen delays in vessels offloading.

The UK remained among the hardest hit from the latest round of Atlantic storms, with severe disruptions to power supplies and infrastructure lasting for several days. While Jocelyn won’t reach the strength of Storm Isha that battered the nation earlier this week, train services across England and Scotland still faced suspensions and cancellations.

German wind power output is forecast to hit a record high later Wednesday, with production from thousands of turbines set to peak at 54,460 megawatts at 3 p.m., according to a Bloomberg model.

The current record of 53,022 megawatts was reached just before Christmas. Actual output was at 49,861 megawatts as of 8 a.m. in Berlin, according to EEX data on Bloomberg.

After freezing temperatures last week, the Atlantic storms have ushered in a period of much warmer weather across the region. London will reach 12.5C on Wednesday, with Paris climbing to 14C, according to Maxar Technologies Inc.

Average temperature departures are forecast to range from 4C to 9C above normal across continental Europe and the Iberian Peninsula, the forecaster said.

Sure, sprawling mega-resorts exist — and their numbers are growing. All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy has spent the last couple of years building a portfolio of nearly three dozen all-inclusive hotels worldwide, mostly in Mexico and the Caribbean. One of the most highly anticipated is the Marriott Cancun, reopening in early 2024 to include some of the typical all-inclusive amenities: a sprawling property of 450 rooms, a lazy river, waterslides and more.

But guests looking for a more localized and unique experience can still find that type of vacation — with the price of food and activities included.

CONSIDER A DIFFERENT TYPE OF ALL-INCLUSIVE IN 2024

Some all-inclusives are entirely antithetical to stereotypical resort experiences. Wellness and activity take precedence over all-you-can-eat meals. They aren’t necessarily in sunny locales. Guest counts are limited, with just a handful of beds.

Vista Verde Guest Ranch in Clark, Colorado, is among the properties that check all those boxes. At the all-inclusive dude ranch, summer outdoor activities include fly fishing and paddle boarding. Winter options include snowshoeing, ice fishing, skiing and sleigh rides. There are only 12 cabins and three lodge rooms.

Many all-inclusives in this genre, such as the Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge, may hardly be considered relaxing at all. With 16 cabins located just under 500 miles north of the Arctic Circle, vacationers are encouraged to partake in activities like riding fat tire bikes over the ice. If the ice has already melted, you can sea kayak instead. With no electricity at night and no in-cabin showers (they’re only in the main complex), it’s not glamorous. But it’s still expensive.

BEWARE THE PRICE TAG

The cheapest Arctic Watch offering costs $17,500 Canadian (about $13,000) for nine nights, amounting to about $1,400 per night. At Vista Verde Guest Ranch, three-night stays start at $2,695 during the off-season or about $900 per night (though per-night costs decrease the longer you stay).

But not every all-inclusive worth visiting is for travelers with big budgets. At Minnesota’s family-oriented Fair Hills Resort, cabins are modest and the food resembles what you ate at summer camp. Meals and activities — such as golf lessons, pickleball, and s’mores — are included in most packages. Rates can run just over $200 per adult, per night, and $121 per kid, per night, depending on your stay length.

HOW TO BOOK A BETTER ALL-INCLUSIVE

According to a survey published in April 2022 that was commissioned by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, which has a robust portfolio of all-inclusives, 77% of travelers believe that an all-inclusive vacation is the least stressful way to travel.

If you’re considering an all-inclusive for your next vacation, here are some tips to consider:

— Think boutique, not blockbuster: Skipping the sprawling resorts in favor of intimate properties can bring more personalized service. It might also better connect you with the destination and its people rather than the hundreds of other vacationers.

— Consider more than just beach locales: Whether it’s the Arctic tundra, a Minnesota summer camp or Colorado dude ranch, some of the most authentic experiences occur at all-inclusives that are far from the beach.

“We are stewards of the western ranch lifestyle, and we enjoy bringing folks into our world,” says Ben Martin, general manager of Colorado’s Vista Verde Guest Ranch.

You might even consider a trip that doesn’t stay in one place. Companies like SpiceRoads Cycling and Backroads offer all-inclusive, multiday cycling tours where you get a guide and bike support on top of meals and nightly lodging.

— Prioritize points: If you do opt for an all-inclusive stay at one of the major hotel chains, take advantage of the opportunity to book properties on points, which can often be earned through credit card spending.

— Embrace shoulder season: Shoulder season, which is the time between tourist season and the off-season, can provide a healthy mix of lower rates and fewer crowds, yet decreased risk of bad weather or businesses that have closed for the off-season.

— Understand what’s truly included: You might never touch your wallet at some all-inclusives. Others charge for add-ons such as snorkel gear oralcohol. A few even tack on resort fees.

WHY ALL INCLUSIVES MAKE SENSE FOR TRAVELERS

Vista Verde’s Martin says his all-inclusive model avoids making vacationers feel nickel and dimed throughout the stay. “If a guest is frequently reaching for their wallet, they are constantly being reminded that their stay is transactional,” he says. “It changes the dynamic of our relationship with them.” And if you can score a deal — such as a stay booked on points or during shoulder season — an all-inclusive can leave a far bigger mark in your memory than your bank account.

Originally from Faridabad, the couple had announced to their family in 2019 that they would be setting out to experience the Pan-American Highway — the longest road in the world, spanning 30,000 km through 15 countries from North to South America — and start from Ontario, Canada. But, it was the pandemic that gave them the push they needed. “We had been working towards building the van, which we made from scratch, and had already secured remote jobs because we couldn’t just give away our careers and have no means to sustain ourselves,” recalls Bhadauria, sharing, “Covid impacted us in that sense because the urgency to start our dreams became real.”

Bhadauria, a digital marketing consultant and Vasan, an IT consultant thus set foot on this adventure on August 15, 2020, and have since then been documenting their journey on Instagram and amassed 88.7k followers so far. “The most often asked query is how we sustain our lifestyle. People think we are crorepati or are funded by our dads. But, I always correct them and say we have jobs! They are just remote.”

Currently in Argentina, which is the 15th and final country of their tour, Vasan says, “The date when we started is very symbolic for us because it is our Independence Day.” They started their journey in 77 Dodge B200, with their dog Everest, and have expanded their family with a second doggo, Bali. “We want to redefine what a settled life looks like for us. Even if we have children, we will still continue exploring continents. If we get tired, we’ll find a base and settle down somewhere. But, we are not putting a timeline on it,” shares Bhadauriya. Vasan adds, “We do have plans of bringing the van life to India as well. There are a lot of logistics involved in figuring out the routes and campsites.”

Elaborating on the challenges otherwise, Bhadauriya adds, “The constant packing and unpacking can be taxing. We have solar panels for electricity, but on cloudy days if we run out of electricity, we have to find places where we can plug in because we are working and constantly looking for WiFi because the hotspots aren’t working. So we halt at a coffee shop or cafe to sit and work. But our lifestyle is quite eco-friendly and fully self-sustained.”

Vasan is quick to chime in: “You can live your dream life and still have a career and purpose you’re working towards.”

The system expected to be named Tropical Cyclone Kirrily later Tuesday or Wednesday morning was tracking west toward the Queensland state coast near Townsville and forecast to make landfall overnight Thursday. Winds gusting up to 120 kph (75 mph) were expected as it crossed the Whitsunday Islands on Wednesday evening before increasing to 150 kph (93 mph) on the Australian mainland.

The same sparsely populated region was lashed in December by Tropical Cyclone Jasper, which had winds up to 140 kph (87 mph). It was the first tropical cyclone of the Australian season, which spans the hot southern hemisphere months of November to April.

Australian Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Laura Boekel said storm tides created by Kirrily were expected to impact the coastal towns of Townsville and Mackay.

“The sea is expected to rise steadily up to a level well above the normal tide, with damaging waves and flooding of some low-lying areas, especially close to the shoreline,” she said to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Heavy to intense rain is forecast for other parts of Queensland when the storm heads inland, but authorities have stopped short of asking people to cancel their plans for the Australia Day holiday on Friday, but instead to be alert and monitor for warnings.

“We expect a lot of people on the roads this weekend because it is a long weekend, normally a time where we camp and enjoy the festivities,” Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said. “During the disaster season already we lost seven lives … within two days.”

“We don’t want to see that again — please stay connected.”

Extra emergency services crews, specializing in flood rescues, have also been placed on standby in the northern coastal region.

Queensland state Premier Steven Miles said the costs will likely run into the “multiple billions” from Tropical Cyclone Jasper and other storms in December.

“And we’re looking at a repeat of those two events over this weekend at this stage, so it could well double the impact of natural disasters,” Miles told the ABC. “The real challenge this time around is the sheer amount of the state likely to experience” the impact of Kirrily from the cyclone’s landfall to the rain that falls inland after it weakens.

On Saturday, the sole highway that links the northeastern city of Cairns to the popular tourist destination of Port Douglas reopened after repair crews needed more than a month to remove “significant amounts of mud and debris” from several landslides caused by the previous cyclone.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

Yamanashi prefectural government announced in late December that a limit of 4,000 climbers per day would be introduced on the popular Yoshida Trail, on the northern flank of the mountain, at the start of the 70-day summer climbing season on July 1.

Announcing the plan, Governor Kotaro Nagasaki told a press conference on December 20 that several additional regulations would also be imposed, including not permitting more climbers to set off from the start of the trail between 4 pm and 2 am and the introduction of a toll to help cover the cost of maintaining hiking routes and the construction of shelters to be used in the event of an eruption.

The cost of using the Yoshida Trail is likely to be set in February, the Asahi newspaper quoted the governor as saying.

Congested trails

“This is a measure to alleviate congestion on the trail, as previous surveys have shown that excessive crowding occurs near the summit when the number of climbers exceeds 4,000,” he said.

The plans have the broad support of guiding organizations and other groups dedicated to preserving the environment of the 3,776-meter (12,388-foot) volcano, which is still revered in Japan as a symbol of the nation and was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 2013.

“Limiting the number of climbers is both good and bad,” said Tatsuo Nanai, secretary general of the Fuji-san Club, a non-profit organization set up to protect the mountain and educate visitors.

“Introducing a limit on the number of climbers and charging them may put some people off coming here, and that could damage the local economy, but on the other hand, there are a number of problems that need to be solved before they become much worse,” he told DW.

“One big problem is the rubbish people leave behind,” he added. “We have signs up asking people to take their waste with them when they go, but not everyone does. So that means organizations such as ours spend time there picking up trash.”

There is also only a very limited number of public toilets on the mountain, Nanai said, with deposits of human waste also building up.

He also believes that the authorities are correct to be worried about the possibility of hikers being injured — or worse — on the peak.

Safety fears

“Mount Fuji can be very dangerous. I don’t think most people realize just how dangerous it can be,” he said. “This is the highest peak in Japan and, at the highest elevations, people can feel the effects of oxygen deprivation and altitude sickness.”

Equally, many people start climbing at an altitude where the heat and humidity of a Japanese summer are still very much being felt and do not realize the changes that are in store as they climb higher.

There are regular reports of people starting out in beach sandals, shorts and T-shirts and finding themselves in danger when temperatures dip below freezing and powerful winds howl across the barren slopes of the mountain.

Luke Cummings, joint owner of Fuji Mountain Guides, agrees that Mount Fuji can be unforgiving.

“A couple of years ago there was a rock fall close to the peak and a climber was killed and I guess there are fatalities every couple of years, often an older person suffering a heart attack,” he said.

The authorities are hoping to stamp out what is termed “bullet climbing,” said Cummings, who has guided groups to the top of Mount Fuji well over 100 times.

Bullet climbers typically set out in the late afternoon or early evening and climb through the night, not stopping to rest at any of the huts provided to offer respite from the weather and enable climbers to sleep for a couple of hours.

They aim to reach the peak shortly before sunrise, although getting the timing right is notoriously difficult, Cummings said.

For those who arrive too early, there is no shelter and temperatures are well below freezing. Climbers approaching the peak late often get caught in a crush of people trying to complete the route before the sun appears. Both situations are potentially dangerous, he said.

A total of 221,322 people climbed Mount Fuji in the summer of 2023, of whom 137,236 spent around six hours climbing the Yoshida Trail, with the others utilizing three less congested trails.

“The Yoshida Trail is the most popular route and this is why the prefectural government is looking into limiting numbers,” said Cummings.

“If it results in better facilities on the routes then I think it will be a good thing. It is likely that the prefectures that host the other trails to the top will introduce similar systems in the future as well.”

Maybe so. But the Icon is also a doubling down on a negative aspect of cruising’s current era: greenhouse gas emissions. (Also read: With 7,960 capacity, this is world’s largest cruise ship: All you need to know)

In 2022, Bryan Comer, director of the Marine Program at the International Council on Clean Transportation examined the carbon footprint of cruising as compared to a hotel stay plus air travel — since cruises are effectively floating hotels. His analysis found that a person taking a US cruise for 1,200 miles (2,000 kilometers) on the most efficient cruise line would be responsible for roughly 1,100 pounds (500 kilograms) of CO2, compared with 518 pounds (235 kilograms) for a round-trip flight and a stay in a four-star hotel. In other words: Taking a cruise generates “about double the amount of total greenhouse gas emissions” as flying, Comer says.

Not to mention, “usually people fly to take a cruise,” notes Stella Bartolini Cavicchi, marine policy advisor at OceanMind, a nonprofit that uses satellite and other technologies to understand humans’ impact on the sea. Flying to a cruising port means you “end up with quite a carbon-intensive holiday,” she says.

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson says the Icon is designed to operate 24% more efficiently than the international standard for new ships, which per International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations must already be 30% more energy-efficient than those built in 2014. The company will also monitor the Icon “over the next six to 12 months to ensure that we’re getting what we were designing the ship to be,” the spokesperson said.

In 2022, the most recent year for which data is available, Royal Caribbean direct (or Scope 1) emissions totaled 5.5 million tons of CO2 equivalent, up from 5.3 million tons in 2019.

Just a few years ago, the future of cruising seemed like it was in dire straits. When Covid-19 travel restrictions grounded ships for months on end, there was major concern in the industry that passenger interest would be slow to return. But as soon as restrictions were lifted, “people did not think twice,” Bartolini Cavicchi says. “The Oceania world cruise sold out within one day in January 2021. People were just dying to get back out there.”

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), which says its membership accounts for roughly 95% of global cruise trips, predicts passenger volume will hit 36 million this year, up from almost 32 million in 2023 and 30 million in 2019. Last year, the ClimateTrace coalition (of which OceanMind is a member) published an analysis that found cruise ship emissions are already 6% higher than they were before the pandemic.

Cruise ships’ climate impact isn’t limited to emissions that trap heat in the atmosphere. The enormous vessels also spew a soot-like substance known as black carbon, which absorbs sunlight and traps heat on the ground. In the Arctic, which is playing host to a growing number of cruises, black carbon can settle on snow and ice, speeding up the rate at which glaciers melt. Bartolini Cavicchi says that while cruise ships account for around 1% of the global fleet, they’re responsible for 6% of black carbon emissions.

Unlike flying, whose climate impact spurred flygskam, or flight-shaming, cruise ships don’t always get the same environmental scrutiny. That’s in part because shipping is often seen as more energy-efficient than air travel, which is true for cargo ships thanks to their relatively small living areas and efficient use of space. Cruise ships, by contrast, are energy hogs: Paying vacationers expect more square footage, and modern cruises offer a slew of amenities.

“You’ve got things like heating the pool and keeping the lights on,” Comer says. “[You] have heating and air conditioning; you’ve got the casino. There’s just a lot of equipment to keep running to keep everybody entertained and comfortable.”

At the same time, cruise companies are quick to cite sustainability goals. Royal Caribbean Cruises, MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings have all pledged to reach net zero emissions by 2050, while Carnival Corp. plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

To meet those goals, cruise operators are increasingly replacing oil-based fuels with less carbon-intensive alternatives, most commonly liquified natural gas (LNG). The CLIA says that, of the 44 new vessels on order through 2028, more than half will be powered by natural gas. The Icon of the Seas runs on a 300-ton LNG fuel tank.

LNG-powered ships do emit 25% less CO2 than those running on conventional marine fuels, but one 2023 investigation by environmental activists found that cruise ships running on LNG often leak some of it directly into the atmosphere as methane, a greenhouse gas that in the short term is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide. For three out of four engine types, the investigation determined that LNG was worse for the climate in the short term than conventional fuels.

Comer says cruise ship operators could transition to more sustainable fuels. Replacing LNG with methanol — an alternative that has little to no lifecycle emissions — would slash methane output.

The Royal Caribbean spokesperson says that when the Icon was designed eight years ago, LNG was the “next new-age fuel for any ship” and the vessel’s engine was the most efficient option. The company’s next ship — the Utopia of the Seas, slated for completion this spring — will have a different engine designed to reduce the risk of methane leaks. The Celebrity Xcel, which is part of Royal Caribbeans’ Celebrity subsidiary and expected to begin operations in 2025, is being designed with an engine that can run on three kinds of fuel, including methanol.

The maritime industry overall is under pressure to cut emissions. Last year, the IMO began requiring companies with ships over a certain size to calculate an Energy Efficiency Ship Index (EEXI) and to begin collecting data related to an operational Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), which factors in a ship’s emissions, the amount of cargo being transported and the distance traveled. Starting this year, ships will receive an A to E sustainability rating based on their data; those with a D rating for three consecutive years, or an E for one year, will have to submit a plan for improvement, though it’s unclear what penalties there are for poor performance.

But the cruise industry is pushing for a metric that doesn’t factor in distance traveled, as cruise ships’ time in port means they’re likely to receive a worse CII rating. The vessels’ hotel-like infrastructure still requires significant energy use even when there are fewer people on board and no nautical miles being traversed. “The metric is not is not set up for ships that do not move continuously,” says the Royal Caribbean spokesperson.

Recent research indicates this inconsistency could even incentivize cruise ships to adopt itineraries with more time on the move, which would increase their overall emissions. The authors suggested replacing distance traveled with percentage of time spent at sea.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

Figures for last year showed that 1.3 billion tourists travelled abroad, 44 percent higher than in 2022 and 88 percent of the numbers in 2019.

UNTWO pointed to “a stronger recovery of Asian markets” but noted that the biggest rise was in the Middle East which was “the only region to overcome pre-pandemic levels with arrivals 22 percent above 2019”.

Europe, the world’s most visited region, also saw a strong performance with tourism reaching 94 percent of its 2019 figures, with African figures reaching 96 percent.

In relative terms, the Asia-Pacific region was the weakest with just 65 percent of pre-pandemic levels, despite China’s lifting of health restrictions a year ago after a strict three-year zero-Covid strategy when it cut itself off from the world.

“The latest UNWTO data underscores tourism’s resilience and rapid recovery, with pre-pandemic numbers expected by the end of 2024,” its Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said in the statement.

Chinese tourism was expected to gather pace this year with Beijing offering visa-free travel for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia until the end of November.

The prediction for 2024, however, “remains subject to the pace of recovery in Asia and to the evolution of existing economic and geopolitical downside risks,” it said, notably due to the Israel-Hamas war and the unsettled global economy.

“Persisting inflation, high interest rates, volatile oil prices and disruptions to trade can continue to impact transport and accommodations costs in 2024,” it warned.

Adding to that is the challenge of finding available and reasonably priced accommodations in the capital. Even renting an apartment via Airbnb, an official Olympic partner, is likely to come at a steep cost, as prices in the Greater Paris region have already grown by 300%.

There is some good news, however: It’s entirely possible to take in the Olympics without setting foot in Paris. Outside the host city, 11 venues in other French destinations and overseas territories will host full tournaments, qualifiers and finals. Below, some of the events to catch and where to stay along the way.

Versailles

It may be located within an hour of Paris by train, but the royal grounds of the Palace of Versailles will still feel removed from the core action of the Olympics. Here, the Etoile Royale esplanade—located at the heart of the palace’s gardens—will serve as the backdrop for several disciplines, including equestrian competitions and most of the modern pentathlon. (The fencing round will take place in the North Paris Arena, in Seine Saint-Denis.)

Horses will be a prominent part of any trip here this summer, whether or not you’re ticketed for related events. Inside the château, for instance, a special exhibition called “Cheval en Majesté” will display 300 works dedicated to the role of the horse in European civilization. And among several new guided tours meant to highlight the links between art and sports, one will focus on equine creatures, while another will look at the athleticism of gods and heroes.

To mark the grand occasion of the Summer Olympics, several restoration projects on the grounds of Versailles will reach completion by spring, including Apollo’s Fountain, the gilded 17th century architectural marvel that sits between the Grand Canal and the Great Lawn.

Where to stay: The over-the-top Grand Contrôle, the first hotel within the gates of Versailles, is the most central and luxurious place to stay by far, but the rates—from around €3,500 ($3,800) a night in July—are an investment that’s only worth it if you’re spending your time on the spectacular grounds. If you’d rather be in the stands at sporting events, consider the Waldorf Astoria Versailles-Trianon Palace, which sits at the edge of the Château de Versailles gardens.

Bordeaux

This elegant city on the Garonne river, two hours southwest of Paris by high-speed train, is better known for the wine country surrounding it than the exceptional urban transformation it’s seen over the last 15 years. The latter is thanks to then-Mayor Alain Juppé’s marquee renewal projects, which added trams and widened pedestrian access to the newly cleaned-up historic city center.

For the Summer Olympics, Bordeaux will host seven matches in the men’s and women’s football (soccer) tournament, including the quarter finals, at the Bordeaux Stadium north of the city. This makes for an opportune moment to get reacquainted with Bordeaux and its Cité du Vin, a modern museum devoted to the history and culture of winemaking that opened in 2016, along with the city’s booming natural wine and craft cocktail scene, which is at its best at bars like Symbiose and Soif.

Where to stay: For someplace central, the InterContinental Bordeaux–Le Grand Hôtel is hard to beat. Le Grand Hôtel has loomed large and luxuriously over the Place de la Comédie, at the heart of the city, for 200 years. It now features Gordon Ramsay’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant Le Pressoir d’Argent and a Guerlain spa. A thirty-minute drive outside the city puts you at Les Sources de Caudalie, a much more relaxing stay; an offshoot of the beauty brand Caudalie, its spa is known for its “vinotherapy” (or wine-inspired) spa treatments.

Marseille

Besides serving as the starting point for the Olympic Torch Relay route, France’s second-largest city will play host to football and sailing competitions—its constant winds and sunshine make the coastal hub ideal for regattas. Expect those to take place in the Roucas-Blanc Marina, located between the city center and the fishing village of Les Goudes, on the edge of the Calanques National Park. Football matches, meanwhile, will be held at the Stade Vélodrome; it’s France’s second largest stadium (with a capacity of 67,394) and home to the city’s legendary team, Olympique de Marseille.

Beyond the sports, visitors will find that the city has been thriving since the pandemic, surging with new projects from Parisian chefs, artists and entrepreneurs who’ve moved south to create new opportunities. It’s never been a more exciting time to visit (and eat in!) Marseille.

Where to stay: Some of the best properties in Marseille have very few rooms, so it’s worth booking now. Les Bords de Mer has 19 rooms and sits right on the Corniche (a 3-mile stretch along the waterfront), overlooking the Catalan beach. Close to Les Goudes is Tuba Club, a tiny, nautical-themed guesthouse in what was formerly a free-diving school. And in proximity to the Vieux Port at the city center (and with more accommodations), there’s New Hotel Le Quai, complete with 48 spacious rooms.

Lille, Lyon and Nantes

Not only are these three secondary cities easy to get to via train from Paris, they are each hosting events—football in Lyon and Nantes, and handball and basketball just outside the center of Lille—and likely to see thinner crowds. That means more opportunity to explore in the moments you won’t be watching the competitions.

Lyon is already a fairly well-known French city—the country’s third largest—with several Unesco World Heritage Sites and a storied culinary tradition that comes to life in the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie de Lyon. This gastronomic museum sits on the banks of the Rhône at the Hôtel-Dieu, a magnificently restored former hospital that contains boutiques, restaurants, gourmet food stores and a five-star InterContinental Hotel.

Lille and Nantes are less mainstream destinations but just as compelling. The former is a charming northern city on the French-Belgium border that is known for its Flemish influences, while the latter is one of France’s greenest and fastest-growing hubs, with a thriving culinary scene and an annual culture and art festival, Voyage à Nantes, that runs throughout the city each summer.

Where to stay: In Lyon, with its river views, the InterContinental Lyon Hotel Dieu is the most spacious option. Slightly removed from the tourist track but still in Vieux Lille, the Clarance is a five-star boutique property with a Michelin-starred chef and stunning 18th century bones. And in Nantes, the four-starred Radisson Blu keeps you at the center of it all, while the Château de Maubreuil, part of the Relais & Châteaux collection, sits just beyond the city limits.

Tahiti

If you’re looking for a very different kind of French getaway during the Summer Olympics, head to Tahiti Iti, a small peninsula on the southwestern coast of the French Polynesian island of Tahiti. Teahupo’o, a small village, and its legendary namesake waves—which are considered to be some of the world’s most challenging and dangerous—are perfectly suited for the men’s and women’s shortboard competitions. There will be a 600-person standing viewing area, but otherwise, the black sandy beach of Papara, 45 minutes from Teahupo’o, will serve as a fan zone equipped with screens to watch the action on the waves.

Where to stay: You can really go as modest or as luxe as you’d like—Tahiti is full of bungalows, guesthouses, luxury villas and entire beachfront resorts. But aside from the three bungalows at Vanira Lodge, most won’t be located on Tahiti Iti: There are no hotels there, and none will be built for the Games. A 25-minute drive from Teahupo’o in Afaahiti is Villa Mitirapa, a collection of villas with lagoon views and plenty of privacy. For larger and more luxuriant stays, you’ll need to book in the capital of Papeete, roughly 90 minutes by car, where you’ll find Hilton and other big-name resorts among the options.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

Lesser-Explored Shri Ram Temples in India

Giresh Kulkarni, Founder of Temple Connect and International Temples Convention and Expo (ITCX) shared with HT Lifestyle some lesser-known Shri Ram temples that are worth exploring in 2024.

1. Kodandarama Temple – Vontimitta, Andhra Pradesh

Kodandarama Temple is situated in Vontimitta town, Vontimitta Mandalam, Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh. Built by Vontudu and Mittudu, former robbers turned devotees of Rama from the Nishada Vamsha, the temple stands as a testament to their devotion.

2. Eri-Katha Ramar Temple- Maduranthakam, Tamil Nadu

Located in Maduranthakam, Tamil Nadu, the Eri-Katha Raamar Temple holds significance in the Ramayana narrative. It is believed that after defeating Ravana, Lord Rama, along with Sita and Lakshmana, halted in Madhuraanthakam during their journey back to Ayodhya on the Pushpaka Vimaanam.

3. Ram Tirath Temple- Amritsar, Punjab

Situated in Amritsar, Punjab, the Ram Tirath Temple is associated with the birth of Luv and Kush, sons of Lord Rama and Sita. The temple is renowned for its ancient well, believed to have healing powers. It is also where Sage Valmiki provided shelter to Goddess Sita after the victory in Lanka.

4. Triprayar Sri Rama Temple- Kerala

The Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple in Triprayar, Thrissur district, Kerala, houses an idol worshipped by Krishna. This temple is the first among the Nalambalams, four temples dedicated to the sons of King Dasharatha.

5. Kodanda Rama Temple- Chikmagalur, Karnataka

Situated in Hiremagalur near Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka, the Kodandaramaswami Temple is associated with a unique event from the Skanda Purana. According to the text, Lord Rama grants darshan to Parasurama in his original marriage posture with Goddess Sita by his side.

6. Ram Raja Temple – Orchha, Madhya Pradesh

The Ram Raja Temple in Orchha, Madhya Pradesh, is distinctive as the only temple where Lord Rama is worshipped as a king in a palace setting. A daily Guard of Honour is held, resembling the rituals accorded to royalty. The idol of Lord Rama in this temple is portrayed holding a sword and shield while sitting in Padmasan.

7. Sri Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple- Thiruppukuzhi, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu

Located in Thiruppukuzhi, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu, this temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Inside the Sanctum Sanctorum, Lord Jatayu is depicted on Lord Vijayaraghava Perumal’s lap, symbolizing the place where Lord Rama performed the last rites for the noble bird Jatayu.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

Belal has claimed the life of one person in the remote paradise island, left thousands without power, and caused traffic chaos with numerous cars submerged under floodwaters or piled up on streets.

The Mauritius Meteorological Services (MMS) said a “safety bulletin” was now in force as Belal was moving away from Mauritius, three hours after announcing it was raising its alert to four, the maximum level.

The government on Monday had ordered inhabitants to stay indoors, but the restriction was eased on Tuesday, with the MMS instead saying in a 0610 GMT update that the public was “strongly advised to maintain precaution and stay in safe places”.

The National Emergency Operations Command warned that winds of 80 kilometres (50 miles) an hour were expected, and waves of up to seven metres (23 feet), posing a risk of flooding in low-altitude areas.

Police said the body of a motorcyclist was found on a flooded highway, the victim of a road accident. Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, in a statement on national television on Monday, confirmed one fatality.

Belal had already battered the French overseas territory of Reunion, leaving one person dead. The authorities there announced that its red alert would be lifted on Tuesday.

The international airport in Mauritius was closed on Monday until further notice and Air Mauritius announced that several flights scheduled for Tuesday, including to France and South Africa, had been cancelled.

In its update, the MMS said Belal was about 210 kilometres (13 miles) off Blue Bay, which lies on the southeast of Mauritius.

“It is moving away from our region in a general east south-easterly direction at a speed of about 18 km/h. Hence, there are no longer any risks of having cyclonic conditions over Mauritius but other environmental risks exist.”

– ‘Share the anger of Mauritians’ –

In his address on Monday, Jugnauth criticised the meteorological agency and announced that its director had submitted his resignation.

“I have to admit that the country has had a difficult time because of Cyclone Belal,” he said, adding that all decisions made by the government had depended on information from the MMS.

“I am surprised that the arrival of the heavy rains was not anticipated by the weather services. I share the anger of many Mauritians. Those responsible will have to assume their responsibilities.”

The Central Electricity Board said 8,400 people in Mauritius, which has a population of almost 1.3 million, were without power.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, tourism accounted for almost a quarter of Mauritius’ GDP, with tourists wooed by its spectacular white beaches and turquoise waters.

About a dozen storms or cyclones occur each year in the southwest Indian Ocean during the November-April season.

In February last year, Mauritius was lashed by heavy rains and high winds from Cyclone Freddy, which caused a wave of death and destruction in southeastern Africa including Malawi, Mozambique and Madagascar.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

Magma rose to the surface on Sunday morning on the Reykjanes peninsula close to where a three-day eruption took place in December, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the country’s capital. Lava is erupting on both sides of a barrier being built to protect the nearby fishing town of Grindavik, the Meteorological Office said in a statement, citing images from a Coast Guard surveillance flight.

As in previous eruptions recently, flights in and out of the country are expected to continue without interruption.

The events pose a risk to Grindavik, where scores of inhabitants have started drifting back after an evacuation in November. Still, most of the 3,700 townsfolk remain away.

A rampart had been under construction to shield Grindavik, after a similar barrier was completed to protect Iceland’s top tourist attraction, the Blue Lagoon spa, as well as HS Orka hf’s Svartsengi power plant, which provides heat to about 30,000 inhabitants of peninsula.

The area had lain dormant for almost 800 years until early 2020, when intense seismic activity started on the peninsula, with magma emerging in 2021. The current eruption is the fifth since then.

The island nation, which calls itself the land of fire and ice, has about 30 volcanic systems and more than 600 hot springs. It is one of the most geologically active places on earth due to its position between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates on the mid-Atlantic ridge.

Though Iceland is used to eruptions, residents haven’t experienced an event threatening inhabited areas at such a scale since 1973, when part of a town of some 5,000 people was buried under lava in the Westman Islands. Fatalities from eruptions are rare.

One of the most disruptive volcanic events in the Nordic country’s recent history occurred in 2010, when Eyjafjallajokull erupted in an explosion that released a plume of ash so vast that it grounded air traffic across Europe for weeks, resulting in the cancellation of 100,000 flights and affecting over 10 million people.

Voodoo, known locally as Vodoun, is a religion that worships gods and natural spirits along with respect for revered ancestors. It originated in the Dahomey kingdom — present-day Benin and Togo — and is still widely practised sometimes alongside Christianity in coastal towns like Ouidah, where memorials to the slave trade are dotted around the small beach settlement. This year, Dangnitche said she was “stunned by the organisation and structuring of the festival”.

Benin’s government has rebranded the event and changed the format to make the festivities more appealing to tourists in a bid to boost the country’s economy. It opted for a two-day celebration on January 9-10 with a reorganised programme in an event dubbed “Vodun Days”. According to politician Kakpo Mahougnon, chair of the Benin Vodun Rites Committee, the government is considering further extending the length of the festival. “It’s a new way of presenting Vodoun,” said President Patrice Talon, who took part in the celebration.

‘Nothing Satanic’

“Our intention is to fully reveal to the world what Vodoun is and how it is practised, to explain Vodoun and its spiritual and sociological concepts”, the president said. “Vodoun is of economic interest to us, since tourism is an important sector,” he added. Ouidah was given a makeover for the occasion, with several of the town’s attractions refurbished.

American Christopher Swain, who said he comes every year to “recharge and reconnect spiritually,” noticed “significant changes”. Ouidah’s public squares hosted celebrations including jazz and dancing and even the president joined in. The religion’s 73-year-old spiritual leader Daagbo Hounon told AFP: “We need to prove to the world that there is nothing Satanic or evil about vodoun.”

“Vodoun is about tolerance, sharing, love, generosity and peace,” he said. “Vodoun is spiritual, but it is also several arts combined, as we can see from the songs and dances of the faithful.” Alain Godonou, one of the heads of the Heritage and Tourism Agency, said the revamped celebrations “represent a major development in the promotion of Vodoun as a real catalyst for tourism.”

They were “a way of attracting more curiosity so that people come to discover the essence of Vodoun”, he said. As well as international tourists, the government wants to focus on domestic tourism to boost the local economy and “reveal Benin to ourselves,” as Talon put it. He declined to give details of the budget allocated to promoting and organising Vodoun Days to attract visitors.

The district administration has started preparing for the festival at Tatapani, a famous religious tourist destination in Balrampur, Chhattisgarh. It is known for its natural hot water ponds and a big statue of Lord Shiva built by the local administration. Tourists keep coming throughout the year to see these rare water ponds.

This year’s festival, which takes place from January 14 to January 16, will also include vivid cultural events. Sunil Soni, a Chhattisgarhi singer, popular singer Udit Narayan, and Dinesh Lal Yadav popularly known as ‘Nirahua’, a Bhojpuri film performer and actor, will be present at the Tattapani Mahotsav.

Along with this, the winner of ‘Indian Got Talent Season 10’, Abujhmad Mallakhamb Academy, the acrobatic ensemble from Chattisgarh will also showcase their talent. Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Vishnu Deo Sai will inaugurate the three-day event. Lakhs of devotees from Chhattisgarh and other states reach here during the Tatapani Mahotsav.

Raina Jamil, District Panchayat CEO told ANI, “Tatapani Mahotsav is widely celebrated in the Balarampur district. This year’s Tatapani Mahotsav will take place on 14, 15, and 16 April. 14 will be a Chhattisgarhi theme, 15 will be Bollywood, and 16 will be a Bhojpuri theme and this time there will be a laser show with sound and music, we have invited ‘Indian Got Talent 10’ winner Abujhmad Mallakhamb Academy to show their performance and tribal fashion walks has also been organized. Tatapani gets its name from the local language, where “Tatta” means “Hot” and “Tatapani” means “Hot Water,” which is what the area is famous for. Tatapani is well-known for its warm water springs.”

A prominent festival on the Indian calendar, devotees make offerings to the Sun god ‘Surya’ on Makar Sankranti. The day marks the first day of the Sun’s transit into the ‘Makara’, marking the end of the winter solstice and the start of longer days.

Observed on January 14 every year, the festival is known by various names in different parts of the country such as Pongal, Bihu, and Maghi. Devotees in several parts of the country performed rituals at ‘ghats’ across different rivers in the country.

Speaking to PTI, Chief Secretary Keshav Chandra said that there will also be eco-friendly tourism infrastructure in four islands and 11 tourist sites.

“The administration has taken various initiatives towards promotion of tourism… like development of a five-star property at Megapode in Port Blair in PPP mode, leasing out land at Radha Nagar Beach in Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island),” he said.

“Beaches are now being opened during late night hours for tourists to enjoy the heavenly sight of the landscape as well as the bio-luminescence. Efforts are being made to reach out to more airline operators that will lead to competitive and affordable pricing of tickets for tourists,” he added.

The administration is also exploring possibilities to have international connectivity from Port Blair, especially the Southeast Asian countries where the tourism sector is a significant part of the economy.

This could enable cheaper air connectivity to these countries owing to their proximity to Port Blair, Chandra said.

“We have also granted access to various uninhabited islands for tourism activities and as a part of it, Cinque Island has recently been opened for day tourism (in high value and low volume tourism categories). Seaplane services are going to be operated soon from Port Blair to various inter-island destinations.

“Various policies for the promotion of tourism activities like bird watching, caravan, houseboat and luxury tent accommodation are also in the final stages,” the chief secretary said.

Measures are also being taken to improve the nightlife experience, and as part of it, a night-cruise dinner facility is already in existence at Port Blair, besides houseboat and night kayaking, Chandra added.

The Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in Ayodhya was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 30.

Scindia said that five new airports will be inaugurated in Uttar Pradesh in one month. The airports will be at Azamgarh, Aligarh, Moradabad, Chitrakoot and Shravasti, taking the total number of airports in the state to 19.

IndiGo, which has started services between Ayodhya and Delhi from January 11, will operate flights between Ayodhya and Ahmedabad thrice a week. The carrier will commence operations on the Mumbai-Ayodhya route from January 15.

Scindia flagged off the flight from Ayodhya to Ahmedabad virtually from the national capital. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state’s Tourism and Culture Minister Jayveer Singh, Lok Sabha members Lallu Singh and Kirit Premjibhai Solanki also participated in the virtual event.

According to the Union minister, Ayodhya airport will be expanded and the runway will be extended that will allow landing of bigger aircraft and operation of international flights.

Adityanath said that around 100 chartered flights are expected at the Ayodhya airport for the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple on January 22.

Highlighting that improved air services contribute significantly to tourism and business activities, he said the number of air passengers in the state grew nearly 30 per cent to 96.02 lakh in the last financial year compared to 59.97 lakh in fiscal 2016-17.

The chief minister said that Ayodhya is now a sought after destination for everyone, and the government has improved its connectivity by road, rail, and air, aligning with the prime minister’s vision.

The state government allocated 821 acres of land and the civil aviation ministry developed a world-class airport within the given timeframe, he added.

The Ayodhya airport, which is built in an area of 6,500 square meters with the capacity of handling 600 air passengers at peak hours, will be expanded.

As part of the second phase of expansion, the airport’s capacity will be expanded to 3,000 passengers in the next phase.

Similarly, the runway which is 2,200 metres long will be increased to 3,700 metres so that larger aircraft and international flights can also operate from the airport, he added.

Scindia also said that air connectivity has increased sharply in Uttar Pradesh in the last nine years.

The state had only 700 flight movements weekly in 2014, which has now increased to 1,654 flight movements per week, he added.

Tourist hotspots Vagamon, Varkala, Mananthavady and Kozhikode would be the venues for paragliding, surfing, mountain biking and whitewater kayaking events, the minister said at a press conference held here.

The ‘International Paragliding Competition 2024’, the first in the series of adventure sporting events this year, will be held from March 14 to 17 at Vagamon, Idukki, he said.

“This is India’s largest aero sports adventure festival where more than 100 nationally and internationally renowned gliders will participate,” Riyas said.

The minister also said that more than 15 countries have expressed interest in participating in the festival and that paragliding international champions and world-famous riders would also be participating in it.

The four-day fest will feature contestants from France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, the US, the UK, Nepal and the Indian states of Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Sikkim, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh, he said.

The International Surfing Festival will be held at Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram district from March 29 to 31 and it will be the first national surfing championship this year, the minister said.

Surfing athletes from India’s east and west coastal cities will compete in various categories, he said.

“The festival aims to make Varkala, Kerala’s premier surfing destination, an internationally recognised surfing hotspot,” Riyas said.

The 7th edition of the International Mountain Cycling Championship (MTB Kerala-2024), which has already put the state on the global competitive mountain cycling map, will be held from April 26 to 28 at Priyadarshini Tea Plantation, Mananthavady in Wayanad district, he said.

The five-kilometre-long track where the race takes place is situated at an altitude of 3,000 feet, he said.

The main attraction of the championship is the cross-country competition, which covers terrain like mud, rock and water and cyclists from 25 countries are expected to participate, the minister said.

Competitions for amateur cyclists from India will also be organised and the winners in this race will get an opportunity to compete with foreign star cyclists at the MTB Kerala International Competition, he added.

He further said that the MTB Kerala has also been included in the MTB Championship calendar of Union Cycliste International (UCI), the governing body of the sport of cycling based in Switzerland.

The 10th edition of the Malabar River Festival, famous for its organisational excellence and spectator participation, will be held from July 25 to 28, he said.

ALSO READ: World’s 50 best bars 2023 list: Barcelona and New York sit on top. Which bar will you pick for your favourite poison?

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Here are the 15 Goan bars that made it to the Top 100 shortlist of 30BestBarsIndia.

Antares (Vagator): Antares, an architecturally stunning restaurant and bar with world-class casual dining is a 250-seater space that also offers live music played by internationally renowned artists.

Signature Drink: Sparkling Cosmo: Thyme and kaffir lime infused vodka, cranberry juice, sweet and sour, topped with sparkling wine

Specialty Snack: Crab Pani Puri

Elephant & Co. (Anjuna): Elephant & Co. prides itself on its constantly evolving bar and kitchen menu.

Signature Drinks:

Gin FOMO 2.0: Berry-infused gin, elderflower and fresh cucumber (clarified cocktail)

Watermelon High: Gin, amaro, clarified watermelon and strawberry

Specialty Snack: Gambas Pil Pil: Shrimp tossed in garlic and red chilli served with sourdough bread

Feli Tavern (Benaulim): A laid-back vibe with a combination of old-world and modern interiors.

Signature Drink: Rendier (literally, toddy tapper in Konkani), a coconut feni-based cocktail.

Specialty Snacks: Mackerel cutlets, red herring, Tamdi Bhaji (red spinach) spring rolls, and Goan chilli fry.

Hosa (Siolim): Hosa (means ‘new’ in Kannada) has a quaint and contemporary design and features art across its multiple dining rooms, and an outdoor patio area.

Signature Drink: Holy Bee, a floral, citrusy and smooth concoction with gin, lavender, honeycomb and fresh green apple.

Specialty Snack: Mutton Pepper Roast.

Slow Tide (Anjuna): Slow Tide celebrates the legacy of Anjuna through its architecture, interior design and menu. The bar is a modern ode to the alcohol culture of Goa with cocktails named after prominent people associated with the state’s beverage realm or after the drinking traditions. Slow Tide was one of the first bars to start the edible stamp that soon gained huge popularity.

Signature Drink: Acid Erik, a clarified drink with tequila, watermelon, yuzu, basil, almond milk and acid mix.

The Edge Bar and Lounge Bar (Salcette): It exhibits an array of contemporary tropical cocktails that are inspired by drinks from various edges across the globe.

Signature Drink: Tommy’s Smoked Watermelon, a take on a Margarita prepared with Mezcal as the base spirit and served over a watermelon juice ice block.

Specialty Snack: Prawn Podi AOP, combines traditional aglio olio pepperencino with south Indian gunpowder.

Miguel’s (Panaji): A cocktail and petiscos bar located in Bento Miguel, a heritage building in the heart of Fontainhas.

Signature Drink: Jose Armada is Mister Tootsie’s signature drink, developed over a decade ago when he was working at Babushka in London. This drink brings together a sour mash whiskey and an ancient whiskey liqueur with fresh green apple and mint.

Specialty Snack: Mordida Crocante, a savoury take on the achappam (rose cookies).

Pablo’s (Assagao): A laid back, artsy cocktail bar with a menu that changes fortnightly.

Signature Drink: Kokum Curry Leaf, a ruby red drink that has the flavours of kokum and curry leaf.

Signature Snack: Chorizo fries or nachos.

Titlie (Vagator): A stylish culinary bar that serves unique craft cocktails and delicious bites.

Signature Drinks:

Paloma: Tanqueray, tequila, Mausambi, lime, curry leaf, salt mix, soda

Dalgona Martini: Grey Goose, Kahlua, Dalgona cream

Izumi (Assagao): A premium Japanese restaurant and bar with a cocktail menu that features Japanese ingredients like shiso leaves, sakura cordial, and miso-washed whisky.

Signature Drink: Ginza Nights: Inspired from the association of Japanese cocktail culture of Highballs, use of Umeboshi, and the lively nightlife of Ginza.

Specialty snack: Scallop Kushi Katsu.

Cajy (Arpora): Started in 1970s, Cajy Bar is a typical susegad place in Arpora that serves Goan dishes and old fashioned cocktails.

Signature drink: Feni cocktails

Specialty Snack: Ard mass, Beef croquette

For The Record – Vinyl Bar (Maia, Panaji): FTR is India’s first bar dedicated to the analog audio format.

Signature drink: Hydroball. a one-ingredient cocktail.

Specialty Snack: Pork chops cured in fermented bimli sauce, slow roasted and char grilled with house spice rub. Served with a curn leaf steak sauce and a sourdough pita.

Hideaway (Vagator): A kickback boozer that hosts eclectic independent artists and modern jazz bands.

Signature drink: Primavera, a take on the espresso martini. They swap vodka for a bourbon cask-aged blended scotch, coupled with black honey espresso, tiramisu coffee liqueur and 90% dark chocolate.

Jamming Goat 1.0 (Utorda Beach): Beach bar featuring all-day drinking, foot tapping music and dining deep into the night. Table reservation is recommended.

Signature drinks:

Goat in Goa: Made with premium feni, modified plum, Peru soda, plum leather

Not a G & T: Made with gin, rosso, lemoncello, spiced elderflower seltzer, burnt citrus

Specialty Snack: Pulled pork taco

Joseph’s Bar (Panaji): An intimate, neighbourhood bar in the heart of the Latin quarters in Panjim, it serves draft beer, unique cocktails, and delicious Goan snacks.

Signature drink: Tambda Rosa, a drink made with locally sourced and hand-extracted kokum syrup and named after a popular Goan Mando (a type of song).

Specialty Snack: Prawn Ressois lovingly prepared by their neighbour Marta. The bar encourages various home cooks from the area to supply snacks.

From Delhi

Kalsi: Located between Chakrata and Dehradun near Dakpatthar in Uttarakhand. It is a heritage town having Ashoka rock edicts.

Viratnagar: Previously known as Bairat or Bairath, this place is an archaeological site located in the northern part of Rajasthan, India.

Kasauli: This cantonment town is a six-hour drive from Delhi and about an hour and a half from Chandigarh, making it the perfect weekend destination.

From Mumbai

Vengurla: Situated almost 500 km from Mumbai, on the Konkan coast, this place is renowned for its beautiful beaches, lush greenery, and historical sites.

Dahanu: Located around 134 km from Mumbai, this place is famous for its chikoo orchards and is a major producer of this fruit.

Amboli: Nestled at an altitude of 2,000 feet in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, Amboli is a hill station that offers a perfect retreat for nature lovers and trekkers.

From Bengaluru

Skandagiri Hills: Also known as Kalavara Durga, is a mountain fortress located near the town of Chikballapur in Karnataka. The Skandagiri trek is one of the most popular in the state.

Chikmagalur: Chikmagalur is known for its natural beauty and coffee plantations. It is approximately 240 kilometres (149 miles) by road from Bengaluru.

Kalaburagi: This town in north Karnataka is famous for its interesting sites, such as forts, temples and mosques.

From Kolkata

Narajole: Situated in the Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal, Narajole is known for its rural setting and agricultural activities.

Mandarmani: Located approximately four hours from Kolkata, Mandarmani is one of the most popular beach destinations for the residents of West Bengal.

Serampore: This riverside town is situated approximately 30 km from Kolkata and is a historic town located in the Hooghly district of West Bengal, India.

Red weaver ants, scientifically known as Oecophylla smaragdina, are notable for their extremely painful sting, capable of causing blisters on the skin. These ants are commonly found in the forests of Mayurbhanj, including the Similipal forests, which constitute Asia’s second-largest biosphere.

Hundreds of tribal families in the district make a living by collecting and selling these insects and chutneys. The ants and their eggs are gathered from their nests and cleaned before being used. The chutney is made by grinding a mixture of salt, ginger, garlic, and chilies. Similar red ant chutneys can also be found in other eastern states such as Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.

In addition to its culinary appeal, red ant chutney is renowned for its potential health benefits. The chutney is believed to be a good source of nutrients like protein, calcium, zinc, vitamin B-12, iron, magnesium, potassium, etc. This unique chutney is also treasured for its role in the development of a healthy brain and nervous system, potentially aiding in the management of conditions like depression, fatigue, and memory loss.

Based on various research and studies, the integration of insects into our diets as a protein source has been proposed as a potential solution to environmental challenges. Insects could substitute traditional animal protein sources like cows, which are known for their significant emissions of heat-trapping gases like carbon dioxide and methane. This approach has the capacity to mitigate environmental impact and foster a more sustainable food system.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT

While it’s a secular celebration, Carnival in New Orleans — and around the world — is strongly linked to Christian and Roman Catholic traditions. The season begins on Jan. 6, the 12th day after Christmas, and continues until Mardi Gras, known as Fat Tuesday, which is the final day of feasting, drinking and revelry before Ash Wednesday and the fasting associated with Lent.

New Orleans has the largest and best-known Carnival celebrations in the U.S., with street parties, fancy balls and parades from simple neighborhood-based walking clubs to elaborate high-tech extravaganzas with massive floats laden with flashing lights and giant animated figures Other Louisiana and Gulf Coast communities also celebrate. Mobile, Alabama, lays claim to the nation’s oldest Mardi Gras observances.

THE PARTY BEGINS

Saturday’s events include the annual streetcar ride by the Phunny Phorty Phellows, a group of masked and costumed men and women aboard a New Orleans streetcar that rumbles out of the cavernous public transit barn in the Carrollton neighborhood before rolling onto St. Charles Avenue. Like much of New Orleans Carnival, it’s a tradition that has evolved. The current Phellows first assembled in 1981, a rebirth of a satirical Carnival krewe that took to the streets in 1878 and ceased parading in 1898, according to history provided by the group.

In the French Quarter, the yearly parade by the Krewe de Jeanne d’ Arc marking the birthday of the French hero marches on a route that carries them past a golden statue of their namesake. This year’s guests include a delegation from Orléans, France. While the parade is cast as a tribute to Joan of Arc, participants end the parade with a ceremony marking the end of the Christmas season and the arrival of Carnival, krewe captain Antoinette Alteriis said.

A POST-COVID JOLT FOR TOURISM

Locals embrace the traditions of Mardi Gras but the event also is a much-welcome generator of commerce in a city famous for its bars, restaurants and a tourism-dependent economy. That economy took a big hit when parades and other festivities were largely shut down in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mark Romig of tourism agency New Orleans & Co. said there has been a strong rebound. “It’s been a very dramatic return,” Romig said. “We saw it steadily increase beginning in ‘22. This past year, ’23, was amazing, we felt very good about it.”

ABBREVIATED SEASON

Romig said he is optimistic Carnival tourism numbers will be even better this year, even though the season is relatively brief. New Orleans always starts celebrating on Jan. 6 but the end-date each season varies, depending on the variable dates of Easter and Lent. This year, it’s a relatively short season, culminating on Feb. 13. Saturday’s parades in New Orleans are a prelude to other small parades set for January and the series of larger, major parades that roll over a 12-day period beginning this year on Feb. 2.

SWEET SIGN OF THE TIMES

When the Joan of Arc parade ends, participants will mark the coming of Carnival with a ceremony including king cake, according to Alteriis. The rings of pastry adorned with purple, green and gold sugar or icing are a signature delicacy of the season.

Local grocery stores, bakeries and restaurants annually do brisk business in king cake sales, some offering them up days before the arrival of Carnival, despite a venerable if loosely followed custom holding that it isn’t proper to snack on king cake before Jan. 6.

CRIME CONCERNS

In 2022, some parade routes were shortened due to a depleted police force and crime concerns. Routes were restored in 2023 as the city got help with crowd control from neighboring police jurisdictions, as well as the usual contingent of Louisiana State Police that comes in each year to beef up the law enforcement presence.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

The towering ice structures, illuminated in a dazzling array of lights at night, are built from ice blocks harvested from the frozen Songhua River nearby.

This year’s festival helped draw 3.05 million visitors to Harbin during the three-day New Year holiday that ended on Monday, generating 5.91 billion yuan ($826 million) in tourism revenue, state media agency Xinhua reported on Wednesday.

Those numbers exceeded the number of pre-COVID visits in 2019.

Growth in the city’s accommodation and catering sectors during the holiday period more than doubled from 2019, local newspaper Harbin Daily reported. The city’s tourism department attributed the growth to Harbin’s increasing popularity on social media platforms, Xinhua said.

The tourism boom occurred as China’s services activity expanded at the fastest pace in five months in December, lifting optimism in the sector to a three-month high.

Harbin’s authorities have rolled out activities to attract tourists including live performances and concerts, theme parks and fireworks displays, as well as improving dining, accommodation and shopping services, Xinhua said.

The Ice and Snow Festival park received 163,200 visitors over the New Year holidays, over five times more than a year ago, with almost 40% of those holiday makers visiting on New Year’s Eve, Heilongjiang provincial television said in a social media post.

That generated 46.18 million yuan in income, nearly six times higher than a year ago, the provincial TV station said.

Heilongjiang welcomed 6.619 million tourists over the three-day period, nearly triple from a year ago, producing tourism revenue of 6.920 billion yuan, almost five times the year ago figure, the station reported.

The city government announced a special public holiday, the Ice and Snow Holiday, for Friday, to coincide with the festival’s official opening.

The surge in domestic winter tourism has benefited local companies in the sector. Shares of ChangBai Mountain Tourism Co, a travel service company based in northeast China, have soared by 26% in Shanghai trading since the last week of December, beating benchmark shares.

($1 = 7.1558 yuan)

Those dreams came apart in minutes of violent shaking on New Year’s Day, when the strongest earthquake to strike Japan in 13 years and multiple aftershocks devastated the city and claimed dozens of lives.

Days later, buckled roads continue to hamper the influx of aid, while rescuers search for survivors among the flattened structures. Among the badly damaged buildings is Wakabayashi’s employer, the seaside Hotel Koshuen.

The total toll on lives and industry in the region from the 7.6 magnitude quake is far from known. But it is already clear that Wajima – renowned for its fisheries, lacquerware, and markets – faces a long road to recovery from not just the quake but a massive fire in a major tourist centre.

Tourism was just making a comeback from the Covid-19 crisis, Wakabayashi said, but he worries this quake may be a knockout blow.

“It’s absolutely bad,” Wakabayashi, 62, told Reuters at a community centre now serving as an evacuation centre.

He was among some 600 people of all ages packed into the building’s three floors, where many slept on tatami mats and plastic sheets.

Nearby was the nine-story Hotel Koshuen, one of the biggest accommodation centres in the city and boasting hot spring baths with views of the ocean. The upper floors were the most damaged as the force of the quake moved up the building, he said.

“Parts of walls came off and ceilings came down,” Wakabayashi said. “I believe it will take half a year to a year to fully refurbish all the guest rooms.”

Tourism was a bright spot for Japan’s economy last year as infection controls were lifted and the weak yen lured international travellers. Inbound arrivals in October exceeded levels in 2019 for the first time since the pandemic clamped down international travel.

Wajima, about 450 km (280 miles) northwest of Tokyo, has always been more of a draw for domestic visitors.

Just 15 minutes by foot from the Hotel Koshuen and near the evacuation centre lays Wajima’s famed “Asaichi” morning market, a 1,000-year old shopping district with some 200 stalls selling seafood, snacks and crafts.

Now much of it lays in ruin after a conflagration set off during the earthquake.

“Wajima’s morning market is one of Japan’s top three,” Wakabayashi said. “The fire practically destroyed it, as well as the houses of many who work there, just when the crab season is about to arrive.”

The veteran chef counts himself luckier than many Wajima residents who lost their homes, as he lives in an apartment provided by the hotel. He endured a substantial cut in wages during the pandemic, as both he and his employer held out for a recovery in tourism.

“Customers were bound to come back following the end of the pandemic,” Wakabayashi said. “But now, hotels need to do costly repairs. I’m not sure if they’ll be able to keep their employees.”

The travel lodging industry is already seeing the trend’s impact. Because bleisure travelers’ needs differ from those of traditional vacationers or work trippers, existing lodging options — particularly hotels — can fall short. This has created an opportunity and appears to be fueling a boom among short-term vacation rentals such as Airbnb. Quarterly demand growth for short-term rentals has outpaced that for hotels since the first quarter of 2022, when travel began to fully rebound from the pandemic, according to a 2023 report from AirDNA and STR/CoStar, hospitality industry analytic services. This shift reflects changing traveler preferences and the ability of short-term rental hosts to react swiftly to these changes.

“We saw more and more people looking to convert their homes to short-term rentals,” says Jamie Lane, chief economist at AirDNA. “So supply could be added in an instant. It takes 10 minutes to create a listing, while building a hotel can take years.” Indeed, the year-over-year growth in supply of short-term rentals has exceeded 15% in every quarter from the first quarter of 2022 through the second quarter of 2023, compared with below 5% growth for hotels, according to the report.

More short-term rentals are available and more travelers are choosing them. How does “bleisure” travel factor in?

A NEW KIND OF TRAVEL — AND TRAVELER

Vacations used to be something that employees squeezed between long periods of work. That’s no longer the paradigm for many office workers with more flexible schedules. Far from being a pandemic-only trend, the popularity of bleisure travel is increasing. For instance, more than a third of workers plan to do some work on holiday season trips this year (up from 26% during the 2022 holiday season), according to a fall 2023 survey by consulting firm Deloitte.

Importantly, remote employees who planned to work during their holiday trips expected to extend their trips by nine days due to increased schedule flexibility. That is, bleisure travelers are taking much longer trips than they would have if they had to rush back to the office. This has profound implications for the lodging industry.

“Half of nights booked are now over a week,” Lane says, referring to short-term rental booking data. “And when people are looking to stay longer, there’s a higher propensity for them to book a short-term rental.” Many short-term rentals offer discounts for extended stays, which is attractive for bleisure travelers. And they provide home-like conditions that make them more comfortable for longer stays. “They want those amenities — a kitchen, workspace, etc.,” explains Lane.

WE CAN ALWAYS (NOT) GO DOWNTOWN

Combining work and play has shifted what amenities travelers seek, and where they’re traveling. While business travel and business hotels are traditionally centered in dense urban cores, bleisure travelers appear to be looking elsewhere. “The vast majority of hotel supply is in large cities and along the interstate,” says Lane. “The vast majority of short-term rental supply is in the mountains and beaches.”

Indeed, small city and rural destinations saw the largest supply uptick in the first part of 2023, followed by suburban areas, according to the AirDNA and STR/CoStar report. This has led to another change in lodging preferences. “We’re not seeing a recovery on shared rooms or studios, they’re still below 2019 demand,” says Lane. “We’re seeing all that demand growth in larger homes.”

Travelers combining work and play are looking for larger accommodations out of major cities that they can rent for longer. All of these changes favor short-term rentals over traditional hotels. According to Lane, these dynamics are unlikely to shift in the near future as economic headwinds stunt new hotel development, leaving room for the number of homeowners who list their properties on Airbnb to meet demand and fill the supply gaps.

The bleisure travel trend, and its industry-shaking implications, could just be getting started. This article was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet. Sam Kemmis is a writer at NerdWallet. Email: [email protected].

METHODOLOGY

Deloitte’s 2023 holiday travel survey was conducted between Sept. 12 and Sept. 25, 2023. A representative sample of 5,281 Americans took the survey and of those, 2,531 respondents qualified as holiday travelers with plans to travel between Thanksgiving and mid-January.

The new year has seen an increase in air travel, especially by families for holidays, but the ministry has also received several complaints, with flight delays and cancellations.

“A senior official of the aviation ministry has advised all the airlines and operators to do justice to the passengers in case of sudden flight cancellations and further delay. DGCA is also keeping an eye on the complaints of passengers too,” a ministry official told ANI.

In a meeting with senior officials and airlines, including operator representatives, the aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia himself asked operators to strictly follow the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) in terms of flight cancellations, or delay and refund policies.

In December, the government issued guidelines for compensation to air passengers due to flight cancellations and delays.

In case of cancellation, the airlines shall either provide an alternate flight or provide compensation in addition to the full refund of air tickets. Additionally, the airline shall provide meals and refreshments to the passengers who have already reported for their original flight at the airport while waiting for the alternate flight.

In case of a flight delay, the airline is required to provide meals and refreshments, an alternate flight or a full refund of the ticket to the passenger or hotel accommodation (including transfers), depending on the total flight delay.

However, airlines shall not be obliged to compensate in cases where the cancellation and delay are caused by a force majeure event–extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of the airline.

Facilities to be offered to the affected passengers in case of flight disruption are already available in the public domain in the form of a Passenger Charter published on the ministry’s website, DGCA website and on respective airline’s website.

These destinations, I suggested, did okay during the pandemic when Indians could not travel abroad. But now that the Far East has opened up, places like Goa and Shimla seem absurdly overpriced.

Determined to practise what I write about, I went to Bangkok for Christmas, when tickets and rates were at their highest levels. I flew Air India and while it was by no means a perfect flight (old aircraft, poor, uncaring, inflight service; basically, Air India treats the Delhi-Bangkok sector as it treats, say, Delhi-Jabalpur) it was still under two thirds of the fare to Goa. (Both fares are business class for comparison; Bangkok flights are even cheaper if you fly economy.)

I stayed, as I nearly always do, at the Anantara Siam, a beautiful, centrally located property that used to be the Bangkok Four Seasons and was built as a Peninsula. It is now run by its owner Bill Heinecke’s Anantara group and has large, luxurious rooms and excellent service.

For purposes of comparison, I checked the rates at the Anantara Siam for next week on the net. They are half or less than half of most five-star hotels in Goa. During the Christmas season when I went, they were one-third the price.

If you want to go to a beach resort, then Phuket, to which there are now direct flights from Delhi and other cities, is even cheaper.

Anyone who still wants to go to Goa, with its taxi mafia, to eat overpriced food, must either love Goa to the point of irrationality, or have money to burn.

And the food in Thailand? I have a rule in Bangkok. I don’t necessarily eat at dhabas or on the street which can be really cheap. I eat instead at mid-priced restaurants and often at places at such malls as Siam Paragon, Central Embassy and EMQuartier which pride themselves on being dining destinations.

I always order far more than two people can eat (force of habit: In case, I have to write about the restaurant, I try as many dishes as I can). Rarely is the bill much more than ₹3,000. The same meal, in Delhi or Mumbai, assuming you could get food of this quality, would be at least double the price.

I had three big meals at top restaurants this trip (more about which later) but, in the five days that I was there, most of my other meals cost between ₹2,000 and ₹3,000 for two people. None of the restaurants was a great discovery; they are all well-known and easy to find.

Kalpapruek: This is one of Bangkok’s older and better-known restaurants much frequented by Thais. It is at the end of Silom Road (there are other branches at malls) and the food is consistent and dependable. (Our bill was ₹2,800).

Talingping: Another well-known Bangkok name. The branch I know best is on Silom but I went to the outlet in Siam Paragon. The menu includes familiar Thai dishes, superbly executed.

Hong Bao: This is a branch of an international chain that offers a slightly different version of chicken rice and other Chinese specialities. Cheap and cheerful.

Smizzle: A burger counter on the funky but relaxed Fifth Floor of the Central Embassy mall. Great burgers. Excellent fries. Cheaper than anywhere similar in India.

These are the ordinary places that I would recommend.

Then there were the big meals. The current avatar of the Gaggan Anand restaurant is a 14-seat performance experience. Gaggan or his head chef spend several hours talking you though his latest (and best ever) menu of small plates. It is a once in a lifetime experience so it can be expensive (but by the time you have added the many glasses of wine included in the price and the caviar and the truffles, it is cheaper than say Wasabi in Mumbai or Le Cirque in Delhi).

They should charge more when Gaggan is performing himself but it is a bit of a lottery so you get him only if you are lucky.

It happens twice a night, four days a week and seats are hard to book.

I did not mention that my first meal in Bangkok is usually the largely Northern Thai restaurant 100 Mahaseth (as it was this time too) because I also went to the chef-owner Chalee Kader’s fancier restaurant, the newer Wana Yook.

Chalee is half-Indian (his father is from Tamil Nadu) and has been, for years and years, the chef’s chef. His 100 Mahaseth is where all of Bangkok’s top chefs come when they want a good meal. But Wana Yook (which has a Michelin star) has thrust him into the public glare. His restaurant opened during the pandemic, so it was directed at local Thais.

It is modern Thai food but there is no fooling around with the flavours because his Thai guests know what the real thing should be. Chalee has a reputation for nose-to-tail cooking and Thai customers have a higher tolerance for fishy flavours so my super finnicky wife was apprehensive before we went. But the food was so good that she declared that it was easily the best modern Thai restaurant in the world. And I agree.

Deepankar Khosla is a great success story. He spent nearly a decade with ITC Hotels before he moved to Bangkok and started all over again, including running a food truck. He then opened Haoma and soon won a Michelin Green star (Deepankar is big on sustainability) which is laudable but not very useful if you want to know how good the food is.

But Haoma has now had a proper Michelin star for two years now as well as the Green star.

Haoma is old-style, fine-dining with great wines, attentive and knowledgeable service and a glamorous dining room. Deepankar’s food draws from all his influences (including a nihari from Allahabad where he grew up). Haoma was jam-packed the night I went and it is clear that Deepankar has made it big.

It helps that he is an instantly likeable guy who has not let success change him at all. My son Raaj has known Deepankar from before he became famous and says that he is still the same helpful and thoughtful person.

So, if you want a reasonably priced holiday with great hotels and good food, you can’t do better than Bangkok. I am not as knowledgeable about the rest of the Far East, but people have been raving about Vietnam on social media. And there are about a dozen other such good-value Asian destinations.

So, think twice before planning a holiday in a domestic tourist trap. Consider the East. And if you plan long enough in advance, you can even reserve one of the 14 seats at Gaggan Anand’s restaurant.

What’s not to like?

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

Others say it’s a breathtaking experience, with the setting sun against a bright blue sky and blue waters. The other sources of attraction at the destination include the 41-metre (133 ft) Thiruvalluvar Statue and Vivekananda Rock Memorial off the coast. Policemen have been deployed for protection and to guide the tourists who have arrived at Kanyakumari to enjoy the sunset. Similarly, on the eve of the new year in Kanyakumari, the District Superintendent of Police has warned that if the youth disturb the traffic in two-wheelers in the name of Reels, their licence will be revoked.

The District Superintendent of Police in Kanyakumari has issued a warning on the eve of the new year that youths who cause traffic disturbances while riding two-wheelers while making ‘reels’ will have their licence revoked. With just a few hours remaining for the New Year’s Eve celebration, cities nationwide have devised traffic advisories for revellers to brave and beat the road congestion.

State police have also deployed personnel to prevent untoward incidents amid the celebration. The Delhi Traffic Police have issued their traffic advisory for New Year’s Eve celebrations in the national capital well in advance. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the police wrote, “Naye saal par nahi karna mix drink and drive…Naye saal mein safely karo apne ghar mein arrive,” (Don’t mix drink and drive in the new year and arrive safely at your home).

“The deployment will be at important locations like Connaught Place, India Gate, Aerocity, Qutub Minar, Greater Kailash, Saket Mall, Netaji Subhash Place, Mukherjee Nagar area, Vasant Kunj Mall, EDM Mall, Pacific Mall, Champa Gali, Hudson lane, Hauz Khas and other crowded places,” added the police.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

Here is a quick guide to must-see/eat/do in Qatar.

Important Cities: Doha, Al Rayyan, Al Wakrah, Al Khor, Dukhan.

Must-See/Do:

• Souq Waqif

• The Pearl-Qatar

• National Museum of Qatar

• Museum of Islamic Art

• Katara Cultural Village

• Al Zubarah Fort

• Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid)

• Al Thakhira Mangroves

• Desert Safari

• Dhow Cruise in Doha Bay

• Lusail Winter Wonderland

• Spend an evening at The Corniche

• Go to the Fire Station, a former fire station that is now an art gallery

• Go to Quest, Doha’s first theme park

• Panda House at Al Khor

• Angry Birds World in Doha.

Must-Eat:

• Machboos: Spiced rice with meat

• Harees: Wheat and meat porridge

• Umm Ali: Bread pudding

• Karak: Strong and spiced tea, usually made with black tea, aromatic spices like cardamom

• Saloona: Spicy stew prepared with either meat or vegetables or both

• Qatari Breakfast: Try a traditional Qatari breakfast with items like chebab (pancakes), balaleet (sweet vermicelli with eggs), and hares (savoury porridge)

• Luqaimat: Bite-sized dessert shaped like a ball

• Regag: Arabic version of a crepe

• Balaleet: A sweet and savoury breakfast dish

What to Buy:

Traditional Qatari spices and perfumes, Qatari coffee pots (dallah), traditional clothing (thobe and abaya), souvenirs from Souq Waqif, dates which are a staple in Qatari culture, handcrafted models of traditional Qatari dhows, Oud and Bakhoor, falconry-themed souvenirs

Where to Buy:

Villaggio Mall, Souq Waqif, The Mall Doha, City Center Mall, Katara Cultural Village shops.

All major credit cards are accepted at retail outlets, including museum gift shops, shopping malls and restaurants. Keep cash handy for shopping at Souq Waqif and the traditional markets.

Packages:

2-night Doha package (including flight): Cost: ₹53,000+. Book on makemytrip.com

4-nights/5 days Doha package (including flight): Cost: ₹64,000+. Book on makemytrip.com

5-night Desert Safari and West Coast Special (including flight). Cost: ₹60,000+. Book on makemytrip.com

3-night Doha package (excluding flight). Cost: ₹20,000+. Book on makemytrip.com

You can also find interesting itineraries on visitqatar.com, the official website of Visit Qatar.

Return Flight (Economy): Mumbai-Doha-Mumbai return flight starts at INR 25,000+ (Vistara)

Visa: Indian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival.

Good to Know:

Currency: 1 Qatari Riyal = INR 20.00

Language: The official language in Qatar is Arabic, but English is commonly spoken throughout all public places.

Local Transport: Doha has an efficient bus and metro system. There are range of transport options from Hamad International Airport to the city: shuttle buses, the Doha Metro, taxis and ride-hail services, like Uber and Careem.

Taxis in Qatar can be booked in advance for pickups at hotels, restaurants and malls. You can also hail a taxi from across the street. Remember, the fares in the mornings and nights are different.

Wi-Fi: Hotels, restaurants, and cafes offer free Wi-Fi.

Services: Banks and other services remain closed on Friday. Some shops also close for a couple of hours before midday prayers and reopen afterwards, so check opening hours before you head out.

Weekdays/weekend: The first day of the week is Sunday and the weekend is Friday and Saturday.

Security & Safety Tips:

• You’ll need permits for use of drones. Apply at least three to four weeks in advance of your trip. The use of a drone requires not only permits, but a local operator license.

• Ask permission before photographing/filming members of the public.

• Public displays of affection (PDA) are not part of local culture, hence avoid all PDA.

• Some prescribed and over-the-counter medicines may be controlled substances in Qatar. If you need to bring in controlled/prescription medication into Qatar, ensure you carry your official doctor’s prescription, hospital note or a letter from your GP, detailing the drug, the quantity prescribed and dosage.

• There is zero tolerance for drugs-related offences in Qatar. The penalties for the use of, trafficking, smuggling and possession of drugs (even residual amounts) can include lengthy custodial sentences, heavy fines and deportation.

• Qatar law also prohibits the importation, sale and purchase of electronic cigarettes, liquids and other similar products (e.g. electronic shisha pipes).

• Bringing alcohol into Qatar is strictly prohibited. However, alcohol is served in licensed restaurants and in many hotels across the country but drinking alcohol outside of designated areas is prohibited.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

Lanes leading to beaches in Calangute, Candolim, Baga, and Vagator in North Goa have been witnessing traffic jams since December 25.

Hotels have witnessed more than 90 per cent occupancy this season and will reach full occupancy on December 31, said a senior official from the state tourism department.

Goa has always been a preferred destination for New Year’s Eve celebrations, he said.

Considering the heavy footfall of tourists, the Goa police have formed special teams of the local police, crime branch and forensic experts to check the sale and consumption of narcotic substances at holiday parties.

Superintendent of Police (North) Nidhin Valsan said that the teams were carrying out strict checks along the coastal belt with the latest equipment to crack down on the sale and consumption of drugs.

The traffic police have also been deployed extensively along the routes leading to beaches to decongest them, he said.

With the government busy ensuring an incident-free New Year’s Eve, domestic tourists enjoy the beaches.

Pragat Kumar Singh from Bengaluru, who is on his second visit to the state this year, said, “When it comes to the New Year celebrations, Goa tops the list. We want to make the best of our visit here.”

Brazil and Chile

In Brazil and Chile, beach celebrations take centre stage. Following the stroke of midnight, locals partake in a unique ritual: jumping seven waves while making seven wishes. This homage to Yemanja, the water goddess, requires participants to wear all-white attire, symbolizing purity. Chile shares a similar coastal tradition, rooted in the customs of Italian immigrants. As the clock strikes twelve, lentils, believed to attract prosperity due to their coin-like shape, become a focal point on dinner tables. A peculiar twist follows—after indulging in lentils, participants ascend to a higher spot and consume seven forkfuls. This practice is thought to secure financial fortune throughout the upcoming year.

How to partake: Visit the Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro or Viña del Mar in Chile, donning white attire to join locals in the tradition of jumping seven waves while making seven wishes. Plan a homestay in Chile to join a local family as they eat three plain spoonfuls of plain lentils to bring in wealth.

Japan

In the Land of the Rising Sun, the onset of the New Year can be clocked with the practice of Hatsuhinode, which can be described as inviting the locals and visitors alike to welcome the dawn of the new year by witnessing the first sunrise. Believed to herald good fortune, people rise early and converge on beaches or hills to absorb the symbolic beginning of a prosperous year. Post Hatsuhinode, millions embark on visits to temples and shrines during the following three days, Fushimi Inari Taisho in Kyoto being one of them. Another tradition is indulging in a warm bowl of soba noodles takes centre stage, with origins dating back to the Kamakura period. Tied to a compassionate gesture of a Buddhist temple distributing noodles to the less fortunate, the tradition signifies a literal break away from the old year.

How to partake: Join locals in the annual tradition of hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year. Choose a popular shrine like Meiji Shrine in Tokyo or Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto for a vibrant celebration. Queue up for a prayer at Tsuruoka Hachimangu in Kamakura. Embrace Japanese entertainment by tuning in to the popular music program “Kohaku Uta Gassen” on New Year’s Eve.

New York, USA

The heart of New York City is a pulsating destination where people flock with anticipation to see the iconic ball drop at Times Square—an emblematic tradition that has defined the since 1907. A minute before the stroke of midnight, the world watches as thousands of New Yorkers converge at Times Square to witness the colossal ball gracefully descend, marking the exuberant commencement of the New Year.

How to partake:

After attending this unmissable event, go on to see the glittering lights of Central Park, take a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge, or dine at one of the city’s diverse restaurants offering special New Year feasts.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Scotland extends its New Year’s celebration into a three-day extravaganza. Commencing on the 30th of December, the festivities kick off with a candle-light procession, where locals and visitors alike parade through the historic streets, creating a river of light that winds its way to the iconic Edinburgh Castle. As night falls, the sky over the castle erupts into a brilliant display of fireworks. On New Year’s Eve, the streets teem with thousands of revellers, joining in the jubilation and singing the timeless “Auld Lang Syne” as the clock strikes midnight.

How to partake: The Loony Dook, an annual New Year’s Day event, sees participants taking a daring plunge into the icy waters of the Firth of Forth. Named for the combination of “Loony” (short for “lunatic”) and “Dook” (Scottish for “dip” or “bathe”), this tradition begins with a must-watch Dookers’ Fancy Dress Parade.

Greece

Podariko—a Greek New Year tradition can be defined as a series of symbolic rituals involving pomegranates—a symbol of luck, prosperity, and fertility. As midnight approaches, homes go dark and empty. An individual, chosen by fate, reenters the house with their right foot, believed to usher in blessings for the family. The ceremony extends as a second participant cradles a pomegranate, smashing it against the door. The abundance of juicy seeds measures luck, promising greater fortune for the household in the new year.

How to partake: Hop to the Acropolis in Athens as the clock strikes midnight and join locals in cities and villages for community-led celebrations. Observe Saint Basil the Great on January 1 with the vasilopita tradition, cutting a special cake in the first minutes of the New Year, with a hidden trinket blessing the finder with good luck for the year.

“Movies like The Archies, especially now with the instantaneity and demand of streaming and OTT, significantly impact the filming location, Ooty in this case, and drive an increase in footfall,” says Umashankar Tourist officer of Nilgiris Region. “The timeless allure, with landscapes, colonial architecture, and diverse locations, has made it a perennial choice for filmmakers,” he adds, affirming Ooty’s allure as a prime filming destination. According to data from the tourism department, approximately 3,359,298 tourists have been recorded till November. Here’s an all-inclusive, aesthetic and very-Archies guide to the queen of all hill stations.

Nilgiri Mountain Railways

The Nilgiri Mountain Railways, a British-constructed meter gauge railway utilising both steam and diesel locomotives, represents India’s exclusive rack railway. Recognized by UNESCO in 2005, it extends the legacy of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway World Heritage Site. This historical railway, situated amid the captivating landscapes of the Nilgiri Hills, stands out for its unique gauge system. As the sole rack railway—a unique railway system utilizing a toothed rack and gear mechanism for traction on steep gradients—it adds to the charm of the Mountain Railways of India.

How to Reach: The railway station in Ooty is well-connected by road. The train journey begins at Mettupalayam, and one can reach Mettupalayam by road or train from Coimbatore.

Price: Ticket prices vary based on classes. First Class: INR 205, Second Class: INR 30, Unreserved: INR 15.

Ooty Lake

Integral to the hill station, Ooty Lake likely serves as a backdrop for picnic scenes in The Archies. Encircled by Eucalyptus trees, enhancing its tranquillity, the man-made lake, established in 1824, offers numerous sunny/shady spots to appreciate its beauty. Visitors can partake in boat rides, with rowing and paddle boating as favoured choices. Initially designed for irrigation, the lake has transformed into a recreational hub, providing various boating activities. Adjacent to the lake lies Deer Park, offering a chance to spot the graceful woodland wanderer, making the lakeside an ideal location for spending a couple of hours.

How to Reach: Ooty Lake is centrally located, accessible from the bus stop and railway station, both within 2 km. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are available.

Entrance Fees: ₹13 for Indians

Boat Charges (30 minutes):

Pedal Boat: ₹240 for 2-seater, ₹260 for 4-seater

Row Boat: ₹250 for 4-seater, ₹290 for 6-seater

Timings: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (Monday to Sunday)

Rose Garden

Nestled on Elk Hill’s slopes in Ooty, Tamil Nadu, at an altitude of 2200 meters, the Government Rose Garden was established in May 1995 to commemorate the Centenary Flower Show. Spanning five terraces across four hectares, it is meticulously maintained by the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Department. Resembling the iconic Greepark show in The Archies, this rose garden sits on the slopes of Elk Hill in Vijayanagaram, Ooty. Hosting over 2000 rose varieties, from miniature and hybrid tea roses to black and fluorescent green ones, Ooty’s Rose Garden is a haven for flower enthusiasts, showcasing rare and exotic blooms.

How to Reach: Ooty Rose Garden is easily reached by road via public transport like buses, auto-rickshaws, or taxis, and for those driving, take the Coimbatore-Ooty-Gundelpet Highway and Church Hill Road.

Price: 30 for adults, 15 for children

Timings: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM. May close during specific seasons or events.

Fernhills Royal Palace

Suzanne Caplan Merwanji’s production team crafted sets blending Ooty’s English and Gothic architectural styles with 1960s influences from hill stations across India. The film showcases Fernhills Palace, once the Maharaja of Mysore’s summer residence, presented in a light blue hue. With a design reminiscent of a Swiss Chalet, this opulent estate served as an ideal setting for affluent homestead scenes.

Tea Estates

Betty’s cycling scenes in The Archies, featuring Khushi Kapoor, were probably filmed amid numerous tea estates, becoming essential shooting locations. Explore guided tours at these estates, offering insights into tea cultivation and the intricate tea-making process, with some estates offering their unique brands and speciality tea blends for purchase.

How to Reach:

Located approximately 5 km from Ooty’s city centre, access Tea Estate View Point by hiring taxis or using public buses from the Ooty bus stand. Ooty has regular bus services from Bangalore, Chennai, and Coimbatore. If coming by train, Travel to Mettupalayam from cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, and Mysore.

Timings: Open all day, with favourable visiting hours from 6 AM to 6 PM.

Tea Factory and Tea Museum: Open from 9 AM to 5:30 PM.

Fees: The entry fee for the factory is ₹10 per person, with an additional ₹10 for the museum.

Inputs by Tamil Nadu Tourism Development

It was another sign of the outsized role that President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has given to Mexico’s armed forces. The airline’s military-run holding company now also operates about a dozen airports, hotels, trains, the country’s customs service and tourist parks.

Gen. Luís Cresencio Sandoval, Mexico’s defense secretary, said that having all those diverse businesses run by the military was “common in developed countries.”

In fact, only a few countries like Cuba, Sri Lanka, Argentina and Colombia have military-run airlines. They are mostly small carriers with a handful of prop planes that operate mostly on under-served or remote domestic routes.

But the Mexicana airline plans to carry tourists from Mexican cities to resorts like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Zihuatanejo, Acapulco and Mazatlan. Flights appear to be scheduled every three or four days, largely on weekends.

The carrier hopes to compete mainly on price: the first 425 tickets sold offered prices of about $92 for the flight from Mexico City to Tulum, which the government claimed was about one-third cheaper than commercial airlines.

However, Mexicana’s first flight didn’t go according to plan. The company said Flight MXA 1788 had to be re-routed to the colonial city of Merida because of poor weather conditions in Tulum. After a wait, it finally took off again and arrived in Tulum about five hours after it took off from Mexico City, about double the usual travel time.

Mexicana also hopes to fly to 16 small regional airports that currently have no flights or very few. For those worried about being told to “Fasten your seatbelt, and that’s an order,” the cabin crew on the Mexicana flight appeared to be civilians. In Mexico, the air force is a wing of the army.

Sandoval said the airline began operations with three Boeing jets and two smaller leased Embraer planes, and hopes to lease or acquire five more jets in early 2024.

López Obrador called the takeoff of the first Boeing 737-800 jet “a historic event” and a “new stage,” marking the return of the formerly government-run airline Mexicana, which had been privatized, then went bankrupt and finally closed in 2010.

The airline combines Lopez Obrador’s reliance on the military — which he claims is the most incorruptible and patriotic arm of the government — and his nostalgia for the state-run companies that dominated Mexico’s economy until widespread privatizations were carried out in the 1980s.

López Obrador recalled fondly the days when government-run firms operated everything from oil, gas, electricity and mining, to airlines and telephone service. He bashed the privatizations, which were carried out because Mexico’s indebted government could no longer afford to operate the inefficient, state-owned companies.

“They carried out a big fraud,” the president said at his daily morning news briefing. “They deceived a lot of people, saying these state-run companies didn’t work.”

In fact, the state-run companies in Mexico accumulated a well-deserved reputation for inefficiency, poor service, corruption and political control. For example, Mexico’s state-run paper distribution company often refused to sell newsprint to opposition newspapers.

When the national telephone company was owned by the government, customers routinely had to wait years to get a phone line installed, and were required to buy shares in the company in order to eventually get service, problems that rapidly disappeared after it was privatized in 1990.

While unable to restore the government-run companies to their former glory, the administration depicts its efforts to recreate them on a smaller scale as part of a historic battle to return Mexico’s economy to a more collectivist past.

“This will be the great legacy of your administration, and will echo throughout eternity,” the air traffic controller at Mexico City’s Felipe Angeles airport intoned as the first Mexicana flight took off.

López Obrador has also put the military in charge of many of the country’s infrastructure building projects, and given it the lead role in domestic law enforcement.

For example, the army built both the Felipe Angeles airport and the one in Tulum.

Apart from boosting traffic at the underused Felipe Angeles airport, the army-run Mexicana apparently will provide flights to feed passengers into the president’s Maya Train tourism project. The army is also building that train line, which will connect beach resorts and archaeological sites on the Yucatan Peninsula.

The army, which has no experience running commercial flights, has created a subsidiary to be in charge of Mexicana.

If you have seen The World is Not Enough (1999) in which James Bond’s high-tech BMW Z8 creates a stir, well, that city is Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.

Here is a quick guide to must-see/eat/do in Azerbaijan.

Important Cities: Baku, Ganja, Sheki, Guba, Gabala

Must-See/Do:

• Gobustan National Park (Azerbaijan’s ancient rock carvings)

• Old City (Icherisheher) in Baku

• Heydar Aliyev Center (architectural masterpiece)

• Goygol Lake

• Khinalug Village (Europe’s highest mountain village)

• Quba Mosque

• Mud Volcanoes in Gobustan

• Flame Towers in Baku

• Lahic, a small metalwork artisan town resting high up in the mountains

• Chakur Gabala ruins.

• Sheki is a small town near the border of Georgia that served as a prime trading post on the Silk Road. Do not miss Sheki fortress and palace.

• Albanian Church ruins in Qax.

• Shirvan and Agh-Gol National Parks known for bird watching, wildlife viewing, and hiking.

Must-Eat:

· Plov: Azerbaijani rice pilaf with meat and vegetables

· Dolma: Grape leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice

· Kebabs: Grilled meat skewers, a popular street food

· Qutab: Thin flatbreads filled with meat, herbs, or pumpkin

· Piti: Lamb soup cooked in a clay pot

· Baklava: Sweet pastry with layers of nuts and honey

· Wine: Azerbaijan has historical wine regions.

What to Buy:

· Azerbaijani Carpets (famous for intricate designs)

· Gaval Dash (traditional musical instrument)

· Copperware and souvenirs from Old City Baku

· Azerbaijani silk scarves and textile

· Local honey and preserves

· Traditional Azerbaijani spices.

Where to Buy: Yashil Bazaar (Baku), Nizami Street (Baku), Taza Bazaar (Baku), Park Bulvar Mall (Baku), Ganja Mall (Ganja), Sheki Bazaar (Sheki), Gabala Bazaar (Gabala).

Packages:

Magnificent Azerbaijan (5 nights/6 days). Cost: ₹30,000+ (excluding flight). Book on: thomascook.in

Explore Azerbaijan (4 nights/5 days). Cost: ₹32,000+ (excluding flight). Book on: thomascook.in

Amazing Azerbaijan (6 nights/7 days). Cost: ₹48,000+ (excluding flight). Book on: thomascook.in

Honeymoon Special (6 nights/7 days). Cost: ₹54,000+ (excluding flight). Book on: sotc.in

3-night Baku package (including flights). Cost ₹65,000+. Book on makemytrip.com

Return flight (economy): Delhi-Baku-Delhi return flight starts at ₹41,000+. Kolkata-Baku-Kolkata return flight starts at ₹36,000+, Chennai-Baku-Chennai return flight starts at ₹39,000+.

Visa: Indian passport holders can obtain an E-visa for a stay of up to 30 days

Good to Know:

Currency: 1 Azerbaijani Manat = 0.18 INR

Language: Azerbaijani is the official language, but English is commonly spoken in tourist areas

Local Transport: Baku has a metro system, and buses are available for short trips. Taxis and shared minivans are common. Buses and trains are a convenient and affordable way to travel around the country. There are direct rail links to Sheki, Ganja, Gabala, Lankaran, Shamkir and other cities. There are daily direct flights to Nakhchivan from the Heydar Aliyev International Airport, and buses from the Baku International Bus Station.

BakiKart: BakiKart is a single Smart Card for payment on Baku Metro and BakuBus.

Wi-Fi: Hotels, restaurants, and cafes offer free Wi-Fi.

Security and Safety Tips:

• Avoid travelling to Nagorno-Karabakh, Zengilan, Jabrayil, Qubadli, Lachin and Kelbajar, the Western areas of Khojavand, Fuzuli and Aghdam rayons and within 5km of the border with Armenia.

• Crime levels in Baku are generally low, but muggings do occur after dark.

• Remember, entering Nagorno-Karabakh without the permission of the Azerbaijani authorities constitutes a criminal offence.

• Right hand drive cars are not permitted in Azerbaijan.

• If you’re planning to hire a car, check with your car hire company for information on their requirements before you travel.

• Take extra care when paying with credit cards or withdrawing money from ATMs.

• Possession or use of illegal drugs of any kind carries stiff penalties.

• You should carry your passport at all times – local cops run random id checks.

• You need an export certificate to take antiques or art like carpets, samovars, copperware or paintings out of Azerbaijan.

• Do not enter or photograph military bases, equipment and installations.

• Pay heed to advisory about earthquakes and heavy snowfall.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will inaugurate a light and sound show at the white Rann watchtower at 6:30 PM.

The light and sound show set against the backdrop of the white desert will offer a spectacular experience. Additionally, the village-themed decoration will acquaint tourists with the rich history and culture of Kutch.

CM Patel and Tourism Minister Mulubhai Bera will remain present at the event. After the inaugural address, they will be attending a cultural program scheduled for the evening.

Cultural programs based on the theme “Kutchdo Khele Khalak Mein,” along with theme pavilions featuring daily cultural activities, craft stalls, a food bazaar, a creative food zone and various adventurous activities will be part of the organized event.

Notably, the state government is actively enhancing Gujarat’s tourism by developing infrastructure, roads, attractions, and other facilities. The Kutch region, particularly the Ranotsav initiated under the leadership of Chief Minister Narendra Modi has garnered global acclaim, rejuvenating the economy of Kutch.

In the year 2022-23, approximately 3.5 lakh tourists explored the mesmerizing white Rann of Kutch. As of the current year, around two lakh tourists have already visited, highlighting the growing appeal of the region.

Currently, tourists can visit the historic sites of Dholavira, Smriti, the Regional Science Center, and Bhuj in Kutch. With the development of tourism in the white Rann, new employment opportunities have emerged for locals. Kutchi embroidery and craft samples are also renowned among people in the country and abroad. The festival provides Kutchi handicraft artists with a global market to showcase and sell their artefacts.

Dhordo in Kutch has recently been honoured as one of the world’s best tourist villages. The ‘Best Tourism Village-2023’ award ceremony, conducted by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) on October 19, 2023, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, selected Dhordo as the sole Indian village to receive the prestigious ‘Best Tourism Village’ award. This acknowledgement, designating Dhordo as the ‘World Best Tourism Village’ and situated amidst the White Rann of Kutch, marks another significant milestone in Gujarat’s illustrious journey of achievements.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.

Here is a quick look at what to see/do/eat/buy/shop in Malaysia. If you are not sure about your itinerary, go to www.malaysia.travel/travel-ideas, the official website of Malaysia Tourism, for interesting itineraries.

Important cities: Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Georgetown, Langkawi, Johor Bahru, Malacca, Alor Setar, Ipoh, Genting.

Must-see/do: Meet the orangutans in Malaysian Borneo, Visit the Petronas Twin Towers, Visit the historic city of Georgetown, Explore Langkawi, Climb Mount Kinabalu, Hike one of the Cameron Highlands Trails, Trek through Taman Negara National Park & Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, Visit Porta De Santiago (A Famosa) and Dharmikarama Burmese Temple, See Proboscis monkeys inBako. Do food trails.

Must-eat:

• Mee goreng mamak: Yellow noodles with beef or chicken, shrimp, veggies and eggs

• Apam balik: Pancake-style snack

• Nasi kerabu: Blue rice

• Ayam percik: Chicken with percik sauce

• Roti John: Sandwiches made with grilled minced meat and egg in the middle of slim bread

• Laska: Spicy-sour fish broth

• Cendawan goreng: Fried mushrooms

• Lemang: Rice mixed with coconut milk and cooked in bamboo

• Tepung pelita: Malay-style pastry

• Roti Canai: Flatbread dish

• Ramly Burger: An iconic Malaysian street food

• Satay or Sate: Barbecued meat

• Lok-Lok: A fusion of sate and hot pot

What to buy: Batik fabric, wall hanging, Pewter goods, handwoven craft, Malaysian dodol, Songket fabric, Pia Kumbu fabric, Kerongsang (brooch), Labu Saying (gourd-shaped clay jar), Nyonya beaded slippers.

Where to buy: Petaling Street Market (Chinatown), Little Indian Arcade, Pavilion, Berjaya Times Square, & Central Market in Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Marketin Sabah, Kuching Main Bazaar in Sarawak, Langkawi Night Markets, Sabai-Sabai Market in Penang, Suria KLCC, Cameron Highland.

Packages:

• Escape to Kuala Lumpur (4 nights, 5 days). Cost: ₹42,000+ (including flight). Book on: makemytrip.com

• Budget Special Kuala Lumpur Trip (4 nights, 5 days). Cost: ₹36,000+ (including flight). Book on: makemytrip.com

• Romantic Langkawi (4 nights, 5 days). Cost: ₹79,000+ (including flight). Book on: makemytrip.com

• Astonishing Malaysia (3 nights, 4 days). Cost: ₹24,000+ (excluding flight). Book on: thomascook.in

• Exciting Malaysia (5 nights, 6 days). Cost: ₹27,000+ (excluding flight). Book on: thomascook.in

• Genting Dream Cruise Penang (3 nights, 4 days). Cost: ₹26,000+ (excluding flight). Book on: sotc.in

• You can find interesting itineraries on www.malaysia.travel/travel-ideas, the official website of Malaysia Tourism.

Return Flight (Economy): Delhi-Kuala Lumpur-Delhi return flight starts at ₹24,000+. Return flight from Bengaluru starts at ₹20,000+; ₹16,000+ from Kolkata.

Visa: From December 1, 2023, Indian nationals have been granted visa-free entry to Malaysia for a duration of up to 30 days.

Good to know:

Currency: 1 Malaysian Ringgit = INR 17.98

Language: The official and national language in Malaysia is Malay or Bahasa Malaysia. English is widely spoken.

Local transport: Public transport like metro trains and buses are cheaper than taxis. Do take advantage of the Go KL City Bus, a bus service plying Kuala Lumpur’s downtown hotspots, completely free of charge. From Kuala Lumpur, RapidKL and KTM Komuter connect Kuala Lumpur with all major suburbs and states, respectively. Within Kuala Lumpur itself, the KL Monorail runs through the city centre.

KL Sentral is a modern transportation hub serving many trains – KTM Komuter, LRT, MRT, KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit – as well as local buses including those to Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Use MyRapidKL buses for inter-city and inter-state travels.

If you prefer to avoid the road, catch a ride aboard one of the KTM Trains .

Wi-fi: Most luxury hotels have free wifi.

Security tips:

• Like most cities, be careful of your surroundings.

• Obey the local laws and regulations.

• Don’t keep all your money and travel documents in one wallet or bag. Separate cash, traveller’s cheques, credit cards and other valuable documents.

• Don’t carry large sums of cash in public places.

• On roads or footpaths, be aware of any movement behind you and, where possible walk towards traffic.

• Don’t leave your bags, suitcases and other belongings unattended, even for a moment.

• If you are heading to the beach, keep your valuables in a safe locker.

• In cafes and restaurants, don’t hang bags on the backs of chairs. Keep them on your shoulder or lap or between your feet on the ground.

• Ensure all credit/debit card transactions are done in front of you.

Here’s a quick must/see/do/eat/buy guide to Maldives. (Also Read | Year-end travel: Have ₹1 lakh? Check out Indonesia)

Must-see/do:

Malé is one of the world’s smallest capital cities at just 2.2 square miles. Must see Republic Square, The National Museum, Sultan Park, Male Fish Market, Hukuru Miskiiy, also known as the ‘Old Friday Mosque’ that dates back to 1656 and is the oldest mosque in the country.

Go Scuba diving and snorkelling. Do not venture out alone, go with an instructor. Check his/her license before signing up. Dive to the Maldives Victory that sank in 1981 after hitting a reef.

Go dolphin spotting or do a submarine tour

Sandbank snorkelling and sunset cruise, Dhoni boat cruise,

Opt for a spa day. Try the underwater spa in the Huvafen Fushi resort.

Most resorts offer several activity options including water sports, parasailing, even lessons in how to protect coral reefs.

Must-eat:

• Garudhiya: Fish soup

• Kukulhu riha: Braised chicken in a coconut-based sauce

• Masi huni: Classic Maldivian breakfast of finely shredded smoked tuna, grated coconut, lemon and chilli.

• Handulu bondibai: Rice pudding

• Kulhi boakibaa: Maldivian version of tapas (small eats)

• Fihuna Mas: Whole grilled fish

• Bajiya: Maldivian version of the samosa

What to buy: Traditional Maldivian souvenirs, decor items made out of coconut shells, sarongs, Thundu Kunaa(Maldivian mats), jewellery, lacquer products, wicker mats, dried fish.

Where to buy: Majeedhee Magu, Male International Airport, Male Local Market, STO Trade Centre, Centro Mall, Chaandhanee Magu, Oevaali Art Shop. Most resorts have the stores within their premises.

Packages:

• Arena Beach Maafushi Hotel Package (3 nights/4 days): Cost: ₹88,000+ (including return flight). Book on: makemytrip.com

• Memorable Maldives Holiday (3 nights/4 days): Cost: ₹91,000+ (including return flight). Book on: makemytrip.com

• Kaani Palm Beach Vacation (4 nights/5 days): Cost: ₹80,000+ (including return flight). Book on: makemytrip.com

• Maldives Alimatha Aquatic Resort (4 nights/5 days): Cost: ₹76,000+ (excluding return flight). Book on: thomascook.in

• The Hive Beach Hotel Package: (4 nights/5 days): Cost: ₹57,000+ (including return flight). Book on: expedia.co.in

• Summer Beach Maldives Package: (4 nights/5 days): Cost: ₹38,000+ (including return flight). Book on: Expedia.co.in

Return Flight (Economy): Mumbai-Male-Mumbai direct return flight starts at ₹17,000+. Delhi-Male-Delhi direct return flight starts at ₹20,000+.

Visa: Indian nationals will be issued a free on arrival visa for 90 days from the date of entry. However, if you want to extend the duration of the tourist visa by another 60 days, you’ll have to pay INR 3,045.

Good to know:

Currency: 1 Maldivian Rufiyaa = INR 5.43

Language: The official and common language of Maldives is Dhivehi or Maldivian. Everyone in the tourism/hospitality sector speaks English.

Local transport: MTCC’s Comprehensive Transport Network connects a large part of the dispersed islands in the country and offers a transport system between the islands. It provides bus service to Greater Male, Addu City, Fuvamulah City, L. Isdhoo/Kalaidhoo and L. Gan/Fonadhoo.

Once you arrive at Velana International Airport (MLE), you will have to take a ferry, a seaplane, a speedboat or some combination of the three to reach your final destination. Most hotels provide this service, check whether transfer is in included in the room tariff.

You can hire a yacht – it is expensive, though.

Use a seaplane to transfer from one island to another. For an island hop by air, compare the rates of Trans Maldivian Airways and Atoll Transfer.

Ferry and speedboats are also an option.

You can walk through Male which runs only for 2.2 miles. But if you have luggage, you can hail a taxi – they usually charge extra for luggage.

Wi-fi: Almost all resorts have free wi-fi.

Security/safety tips:

• Maldives is an Islamic republic, it is illegal to publicly observe a religion other than Islam.

• If you are in Maldives during the month of Ramadan, do not eat, drink or smoke in public in the daytime, outside of holiday resorts.

• Carrying/consuming drugs/narcotics is strictly prohibited.

• Do not bring pork into the country.

• Crime levels are low within the resorts but be careful of your belongings on beaches.

• In Male, avoid empty roads when on foot, particularly after dark.

• Alcoholic drinks are only available on resort islands. Do not take any alcohol out of your resort.

• It is illegal to take tortoise-shell jewellery or ornaments, or pieces of coral out of Maldives.

• Flash flooding can affect low-lying islands during periods of heavy rain. Follow the advice of the local authorities.

• Public displays of affection beyond simple hand-holding are frowned upon.

The festival, a vibrant celebration of culture, sports and family entertainment in the heart of Dubai’s scenic town, serves as the centrepiece of the third edition of the Dubai Destinations winter campaign. Running until December 31, the event is being organised by Brand Dubai in partnership with the Supreme Committee Overseeing Hatta Development.

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Amina Taher, Member of the Hatta Festival’s Organising Committee Representing Brand Dubai, said, “Against the breathtaking backdrop of Hatta’s majestic mountains and amid the beautiful winter weather, visitors are being treated to an array of interactive and entertainment experiences at the inaugural Hatta Festival. A showcase of the area’s unique heritage, the festival provides a platform for residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the diverse traditions, flavours and artistic expressions that define this enchanting part of the city. We are extremely happy with the huge turnout and the enthusiastic response to the festival, which captures the essence of Hatta’s cultural identity and contributes to further strengthening Dubai’s position as one of the world’s best winter destinations.”

She added, “A stunning lineup of activities awaits visitors, catering to all age groups and interests. We extend a warm invitation to everyone to explore Hatta’s natural wonders and participate in the event’s diverse programmes and activities.”

For enthusiasts of hiking and adventure, the festival presents a golden opportunity to indulge in their passion and relish the breathtaking natural beauty of Hatta. An exhilarating mountain trek spanning a distance of 7 km will offer participants a unique journey amid the area’s historical landmarks.

The two-hour hike, organised by HAT Hatta, a Hatta-born business that arranges hiking adventures in the area, is scheduled to commence on Saturday, 23rd December, promising an unforgettable experience for both adults and children.

Sports enthusiasts can embark on a fitness adventure like no other with StormCycling, a thrilling collaboration with the boutique indoor cycling studio, Storm, at the heart of the Hatta Festival. On 23rd December, participants can gear up for a dynamic spinning session at 10:00, set against the mesmerising vistas of Hatta. The session promises an unparalleled fusion of fitness and scenic beauty, offering a unique opportunity for fitness enthusiasts.

The festival unfolds with a dedicated bicycle parade on December 24, from 8:00 to 10:00. Against the stunning backdrop of Hatta’s scenic landscapes, a group of 20 cycling enthusiasts from the Alkhawaneej Cycling Club will embark on a thrilling journey.

The route will wind down from Hatta, culminating at the picturesque Leem Lake–a three-hectare oasis that stands as the heartbeat of the festival, promising an adventure that merges cycling, nature and festive vibes in perfect harmony.

Adding a dynamic and thrilling element to the festival, a motorcycle procession is set to kick off on December 29. A convoy of 30 avid riders from the Dubai Rider motorcycle club will rev their engines in Dubai and embark on an exciting journey to Hatta, converging at the festival site.

This motorcycle march not only showcases the passion for biking but also contributes to the high-energy atmosphere of the first edition of the festival.

In another exciting event, December 30 will witness a spectacular parade featuring classic cars embarking from Dubai at 7:00 to reach the festival site in Hatta. This classic car procession, led by vintage car enthusiasts under the Flat12 banner, will feature several classic models that are only showcased on rare occasions.

The event is sure to add vintage charm to the festivities, promising a visually captivating spectacle for attendees.

In essence, Hatta Festival goes beyond traditional festivities by catering to a diverse range of interests, ensuring that everyone, from hikers and adventurers to classic car enthusiasts, motorcycle riders and cyclists, finds a space to celebrate their passion amidst the natural wonders of Hatta.

The latest Dubai Destinations campaign encourages residents and visitors to discover Dubai’s diverse leisure, dining, adventure and family-friendly activities that make the city a distinctive winter destination.

The campaign is being rolled out over digital, broadcast, print and outdoor media to ensure it reaches large sections of local and international audiences. Brand Dubai is implementing the Dubai Destinations campaign in cooperation with various stakeholders and the creative media community.

Dubai was named one of the world’s top winter sun destinations, according to Travelbag’s best winter sun destination rankings for 2023. In 2022, the city was also ranked as the world’s best winter-sun destination, with the most Google searches and the most things to do in a city during winter, according to The Winter Sun Index issued by travel package provider ParkSleepFly.

Dubai has been tagged on Instagram more than 111 million times and has the most winter-related ‘things to do’ Google searches in the world, reaching 55,000.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Soufiane El Allam, Complex Commercial Director at Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection, shared, “For those who desire luxe at every touchpoint, Dubai is the answer and what better than the best-in-class luxurious hospitality? You can unwind in opulence as you experience the luxurious accommodations that seamlessly showcase modern aesthetics and timeless art and architectural inspiration from bygone times. Being located in close vicinity of regional attractions, you are never away from experiencing the innumerable immersive experiences that the destination has to offer. One can relish gourmet cuisines from across the world and local attractions and on top of them all, relax in luxury. Experience it all with the iconic skyline in the backdrop for a truly unforgettable visit to Dubai.”

Manoj Kumar Tiwari, General Manager, Regency Travel & Tours, suggested, “The popular destination to experience luxury at its fullest in the Middle East has to be Qatar. From fun cultural activities throughout the country, Qatar has it all, unique desert, vast coastline and old-world charm architecture to contemporary skyscrapers and world-class facilities for entertainment. Qatar ensures a memorable luxurious journey for you from elaborate dining options at luxurious restaurants to rejuvenating in world-class hotels to retire for the day. Plan your trip to experience the ultimate extravagance. Go dune bashing at the desert or visit the nearby museum and pick up souvenirs from the local bazaars, there’s a lot that you can experience in Qatar. An ideal weekend getaway destination, Qatar offers a timeless charm that one must experience.”

Bringing her expertise to the same, Niluh Werdiani, Managing Director at Tria Uma Wisata, recommended, “For the tropical retreat amidst the glistening waters and a pristine coastline, Bali must the on your list for the hassle-free luxurious getaway vacay. With quick e-visa services, Bali has become a popular destination for Indians to explore the lush landscapes, calming clean beaches and cultural attractions. Offering a wide range of luxurious accommodations, you can unwind in peace during your visit to the island destination. You can experience the vibrant local culture, sink your teeth into the scrumptious local cuisine and explore the calming, peaceful locales of the destination. From local markets to experiencing the Indian cuisine far away from India, Bali has a lot to offer which can be explored to the fullest.”

The “Inter-Oceanic Train,” which will carry both passengers and cargo on a three-hour trip from the coastal hub of Coatzacoalcos in Veracruz state to the Pacific port of Salina Cruz, is part of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s plan to bring investment to the country’s poorer south.

The government is also hoping to attract investments from carmakers, tech firms and semiconductor producers in a dozen industrial parks in the area. The two port towns are also home to major installations of state-run oil company Pemex.

Officials have pitched the train line as a potential rival to the Panama Canal, which curbed operations this year due to a historic drought.

“All the Asian countries are very interested,” Lopez Obrador said on Friday, “because Panama is at capacity.”

Analysts, however, estimate the rail line will be able to ship just a fraction of what the canal moves.

Other lines connecting to the train’s main rail line are expected to be completed next year, officials said on Friday.

One of the branches will connect to the Mayan Train, another flagship project inaugurated last week, which will carry travelers from the southern state of Chiapas to the tourist town of Cancun once all sections are completed.

Experts, however, have warned that the Mayan Train has run nearly four times over budget and is still far from being finished.

Earlier this year, Mexican authorities seized parts of a rail line operated by conglomerate Grupo Mexico’s transport division for the Inter-Oceanic Train, with the two parties later coming to a deal.

Lopez Obrador has also said he wants to get major rail operator CPKC, which operates a network through Canada and the U.S. and ends in Veracruz, on board with his rail projects to connect their lines to the government’s projects in the South.

Now, Indonesia with its pristine beaches, glorious mountains, sacred holy temples, lively nightclubs is a popular tourist destination known for the beaches in Bali, diving sites in Bunaken, Lake Toba, Mount Bromo in East Java, national parks in Sumatra, temples in Borobudur and Prambanan, among several other scenic locations.

Here is a quick guide to Indonesia, a country that can be explored within a ₹1 lakh budget.

Important cities: Jakarta, Bali, Bandung, Surabaya, Beden, Sumerang, Makassar, Bekasi, Bogor, Ubud.

Must-see/do: Udjo’s House of Angling (Sundanese art & culture); Pasar Baru Trade Center (Historical marketplace in Bandung); White Crater; Pekalongan, Java’s artistic & cultural delight; Borobudur Temple, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Tanah Lot, Ciater Hot Springs; Majestic cliffs of Tebing Keraton; Tangkuban Perahu (volcanoes); Cave of Virgin Mary in Ambarawa; Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Bogor Botanic Garden. Samosir Island. For surfers & yoga lovers, Bali is the place to be.

Must-eat:

• Rendang: Tender beef cooked with flavourful herbs and spices.

• Pempek: Fish cake

• Ketoprak: Tofu salad.

• Simony: Steamed fish dumplings

• Gudeg: Made from unripe jackfruit combined with thick coconut milk and palm sugar

• Iiwet: Deliciously-seasoned rice dish cooked with coconut milk, chicken broth, bay leaves, and lemongrass

• Lumpia: Spring roll

• Bakso: Beef or chicken meatballs served with fried wontons in a warm broth

• Satay Lilit: Street food made from minced meat.

• Must try: snake fruit.

What to buy: Batik fabric, Ulos fabric (Batak), Noken bag (a type of woven bag that is not carried in hand but worn on the head), wooden masks, Wayang Kulit (puppets used in the art of puppet dance), Indonesian coffee, Celuk jewellery.

Where to buy: Jakarta: Mangga Dua Mall, Plaza Indonesia, Mal Blok M (Jakarta). Bali: Art Market Kumbasari, Ubud Traditional Art Market, Beachwalk Shopping Centre, Discovery Shopping Mall, Bali Collection.

Packages:

Bali Loaded: 4 nights/5 days. Cost ₹18,000+.

Book on thomascook.in

Essentials of Bali: 4 nights/5 days. Cost ₹25,000+.

Book on thomascook.in

Memorable Indonesia: 8 nights/9 days. Cost ₹46,000+.

Book on thomascook.in

Explore Indonesia: 7 nights/8 days. Cost ₹48,000+.

Book on sotc.in

Return Flight (Economy): Vistara is the only airline offering direct flights from New Delhi to Bali. Return flight costs INR 61,000+. One/two stop return flights of other airlines start at INR 33,000+.

Visa: Get an e-visa before departure. Indian nationals can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 14 to 30 days and can extend their stay for an additional 30 days. Note that visitors must hold a return/onward journey tickets.

Good to know:

Currency: Rupiah. 1 Rupiah = INR 0.0054

Language: Bahasa Indonesia is the official language of Indonesia. Most people associated with the hotel/tourism sector speak English.

Local transport: Transport is different in rural and urban areas. In big cities, you can find exclusive rides like the Metro bus or Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. In rural areas, you can get Ojek (motorcycle taxis) and becak (tricycle rickshaws). Intercity + commuter trains/buses are very frequent. Mini buses are called Angkutan Kota or Angkot. Hailed taxis are also very common.

Wi-fi: Indonesia has a lot of free wifi spots. To know/connect, download the WiFi map app. WiFi Map Pro costs $3.99 per month, while Secure VPN starts at $4.99 a month.

Earthquakes and Volcanic Eruptions: Indonesia is on the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’ and prone to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. If you’re new to quakes and tremors, the government recommends:

Staying inside — but if you’re outside already, head to a clear area away from trees and power lines

Dropping to your hands and knees — Drop under heavy furniture such as a table, desk, bed or any solid furniture

Covering your head and torso (and entire body, if possible) your head and torso to prevent being hit by falling objects

Holding on to your shelter and being prepared to move with your shelter if the shaking shifts it around.

Security/safety tips:

• Indonesia has capital punishments for possession and trafficking of illegal drugs.

• Smoking is prohibited in public places. Travellers can bring a maximum of 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco and a reasonable amount of perfume per adult.

• Avoid tap water.

• Always keep mosquito/insect repellent handy.

• Check insurance, license before renting a motorcycle. Be careful of unlicensed companies offering bikes on rent.

• Avoid drink spiking by keeping an eye on your mates and buying your own drinks.

• Don’t drink and swim.

• Petty crime, including pickpocketing, bag snatching and forced cash withdrawals from ATMs, is a significant problem.

• Keep your valuable safe – wearing a backpack or a satchel bag makes it more difficult for thieves.

• Use cash when you can, but if you do need to use your card make sure it’s only used in front of you (for example, do not handover your credit to the server in a hotel).

The downpours targeted Ventura and Santa Barbara counties northwest of Los Angeles County overnight, swamping areas in the cities of Port Hueneme, Oxnard and Santa Barbara, where a police detective carried a woman on his back after the SUV she was riding in got stuck in knee-deep floodwaters.

Between midnight and 1 a.m., the storm dumped 3.18 inches (8.08 centimeters) of rainfall in downtown Oxnard, surpassing the area’s average of 2.56 inches (6.50 centimeters) for the entire month of December, according to the National Weather Service.

The deluge prompted flash flooding in Ventura County around 1:30 a.m., the weather service said. Later in the morning, streets began filling with water in parts of Santa Barbara as the storm delivered another deluge. By midday, the rain and wind had eased and residents ventured outside to look at the damage.

Sven Dybdahl, owner of olive oil and vinegar store Viva Oliva in downtown Santa Barbara, said he had trouble finding dry routes to work Thursday morning, but most of the heavy rains and flooding had receded shortly before 11 a.m. He said he was grateful that the weather is only expected to be an issue for a few days at the tail end of the holiday shopping season, otherwise he’d be worried about how the rains would affect his store’s bottom line.

“It will have an impact but thankfully it’s happening quite late,” he said.

By late afternoon, the city of Port Hueneme had lifted evacuation orders for residences on four streets. About 60 houses were affected by the orders, all in a senior citizen community, said Firefighter Andy VanSciver, a Ventura County fire spokesperson. An evacuation center was set up at a college gymnasium.

Three people from the senior community were taken to hospitals out of an abundance of caution, and there were multiple rescues of drivers from flooded vehicles, he said.

The city of Oxnard said in a social media post that many streets and intersections were heavily impacted. “Please stay off the city streets for the next several hours until the water recedes,” the post said.

“This is a genuinely dramatic storm,” climate scientist Daniel Swain, of the University of California, Los Angeles, said in an online briefing. “In Oxnard, particularly, overnight there were downpours that preliminary data suggests were probably the heaviest downpours ever observed in that part of Southern California.”

The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Oxnard and the city of Ventura at 1:28 a.m. due to a high-intensity thunderstorm, but no tornado activity was immediately observed, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office said in a social media post.

Hours later at Heritage Coffee and Gifts in downtown Oxnard, manager Carlos Larios said the storm hadn’t made a dent in their Thursday morning rush despite “gloomy” skies.

“People are still coming in to get coffee, which is surprising,” he said. “I don’t think the rain is going to stop many people from being out and about.”

The storm swept through Northern California earlier in the week as the center of the low-pressure system slowly moved south off the coast. Forecasters described it as a “cutoff low,” a storm that is cut off from the general west-to-east flow and can linger for days, increasing the amount of rainfall.

The system was producing hit-and-miss bands of precipitation rather than generalized widespread rainfall. Forecasters said the low would wobble slightly away from the coast on Thursday, drawing moisture away and allowing some sunshine, but will return.

The San Diego-area weather office warned that rather than fizzling, the storm was gathering energy and its main core would move through that region overnight through Friday morning.

Meanwhile, Californians were gearing up for holiday travel and finishing preparations for Christmas. The Automobile Club of Southern California predicted 9.5 million people in the region would travel during the year-end holiday period.

The Northeast was hit with an unexpectedly strong storm earlier this week, and some parts of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont were still digging out from rain and wind damage. Parts of Maine along the Androscoggin and Kennebec rivers were hit especially hard.

Floodwaters were receding throughout northern New England, though some localized areas were still in the flood stage, said Jon Palmer, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Flood warnings were also still in effect in parts of Maine and New Hampshire, he said.

At least five people in East Coast states have died in the storms, with deaths reported in Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts and Maine.

The storm cut power to 400,000 customers in Maine, and restoration was still underway Thursday morning.

But the debacle at Southwest Airlines over Christmas last year should guard against overconfidence. Just this week, the Transportation Department announced a settlement in which Southwest will pay $140 million for that meltdown, which stranded more than 2 million travelers. So far this year, airlines have canceled 1.2% of U.S. flights, down nearly half from 2.1% over the same period last year. Cancellations were well below 1% during Thanksgiving, according to FlightAware.

“I don’t want to jinx us, but so far 2023 has seen the lowest cancellation rate in the last five years,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said Tuesday. He added, however, that winter weather “will certainly be a challenge in the next few weeks.”

Canceled flights surged last year, as airlines were caught short-staffed when travel rebounded from the pandemic more quickly than expected. Since then, U.S. airlines have hired thousands of pilots, flight attendants and other workers, and the cancellation rate has come down.

After struggling with cancellations and other disruptions last year, European travel has also been smoother this year and more people are expected travel over Christmas and New Year’s, said Mike Arnot, spokesman for Cirium, an aviation analytics company. Still, about 3% of flights within Europe have been canceled in so far in December, and nearly 30% have been delayed, according to Cirium. Cirium projected that the number of seats flown within Europe will rise 10% between Dec. 22 and Jan. 2 compared to the similar period in 2023.

Strong winds and rain from a storm named Pia was expected disrupt travel in the Netherlands and U.K on Thursday. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol airport warned a “significant number of flights will be delayed or canceled on Thursday.” On Wednesday night, about a third of arriving and departing flights were delayed Schiphol on Wednesday, according to FlightAware. Just 1% of departing flights and 2% of arrival flights were canceled.

Some train routes were suspended in Scotland on Thursday due to Pia, and slowdowns were expected elsewhere in the U.K. but the storm was so far not disrupting air travel. Globally, air travel has still not fully recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. About 8.6 billion people are projected to travel through the world’s airports in 2023, according to Airports Council International, a Montreal-based trade group for airports. That’s about 94% of the passenger volume in 2019, before the pandemic hit.

In one piece of good news: The volcanic eruptions in southwestern Iceland are not disrupting flights, despite the area’s proximity to the country’s main Keflavik Airport. Experts the location and features of the eruptions on Reykjanes Peninsula make it different from the 2010 eruption of a different Icelandic volcano, the Eyjafjallajokull, which sent giant clouds of ash over Europe and caused massive disruptions to international aviation.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration says it is creating more air-traffic routes, especially along the East Coast, to help keep planes moving over the holidays. Over the past year, airlines have blamed many of their delays on a shortage of FAA air traffic controllers that slows down traffic. The agency, which pressured airlines to reduce flights in the New York City area this summer and fall because of FAA understaffing, says it has been hiring and now has 10,700 certified controllers.

“There are different views on what the number should be, but it needs to be a lot higher,” new FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said Tuesday. AAA is forecasting that 115 million people will go 50 miles or more from home between Saturday and New Year’s Day. That is a 2% increase over the auto club’s forecast last year, although it would fall short of the record set in 2019.

Most of those people will drive, and they will save a bit on gasoline, compared with last Christmas. The nationwide average Wednesday was $3.08 a gallon, down 23 cents from a month ago and 6 cents from this time last year, according to AAA. The busiest days on the road will be Saturday and next Thursday, Dec. 28, according to transportation data provider INRIX.

The Transportation Security Administration expects that the busiest days for air travel will be Thursday, Friday and New Year’s Day. TSA expects to screen more than 2.5 million travelers each of those days — that’s still far short of the record 2.9 million that agents screened on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Flying is already surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The TSA has screened 12.3% more travelers than it had by this time last year and 1.4% more than in 2019. December is running about 6% above the same month last year.

Canceled flights surged last year, as airlines were caught short-staffed when travel rebounded from the pandemic more quickly than expected. Since then, airlines have hired thousands of pilots, flight attendants and other workers, and the cancellation rate has come down. The low rate of cancellations over Thanksgiving is leading to hope that flying over Christmas and New Year’s will be tolerable.

But even if cancellations remain low, flights will be packed, testing the patience of travelers and creating competition for space in overhead bins to store carry-on bags. “Airline gate agents are getting demerits when planes are late, so they are gate-checking far more bags to keep flights on time,” said Pauline Frommer co-president of Frommers Travel Guides.

Frommer advises putting a smart tag in any bag that gets checked so you’ll know where it is, even if the airline doesn’t. Whether flying or driving, travelers should be keeping an eye on the weather forecast.

AccuWeather forecasters say rain storms could hit California, the Pacific Northwest and the southern Plains states including Texas later this week, but things look brighter for population centers — and key airports — in the Northeast. “Last year was a really rough travel holiday,” said AccuWeather’s Paul Pastelok. “This year it looks like milder conditions. There isn’t much snow and ice on the horizon yet.”

Also, an interesting fact recently is that the audience between the age group of 21 to 32 years are keen on visiting temples and exploring their spiritual experiences along with a keen interest in the history of gods and goddesses, and important temple places. Most of the temples especially the main Hindu pilgrim spots such as Kedarnath, Vaishnodevi, Ashtavinayak, 12 Jyotirlingas and Tirupati Balaji are crowded especially during any festive season or auspicious days. (Also read: Temple tourism: 10 tips and tricks for planning your next spiritual getaway in India )

Tips for a safe temple visit

Giresh Kulkarni, Founder of Temple Connect and International Temples Convention and Expo (ITCX) shared with HT Lifestyle 7 tips for a smooth temple visit during crowded times:

1. Prefer visiting during less crowd and off-seasons

If at all feasible, schedule your temple visit during a time when there are fewer tourists and pilgrims. This has an opportunity to greatly improve how tranquil your visit is. To stay out of the crowd, opt to visit the shrine at non-peak hours. Weekdays and early mornings are frequently calmer, making for a more peaceful and reflective experience. Your temple visit should commence at the beginning of the day. If you are there before the crowd, the surroundings will be peaceful and quiet which makes it easier for you to connect with the divine.

2. Respect the privacy of devotees and temples

Whenever a huge number of devotees are present, try to respect their privacy. Be conscious of devotees’ privacy and act with decorum. This will help nurture a positive atmosphere at the temple. To enhance your spiritual experience, spend some time meditating or reflecting in a peaceful spot.

3. Take advantage of express entry options

Check further to see if the temple accepts special permits or priority access, especially during periods of high demand. This can be a wonderful option if you want to shorten the time it takes to get through the course. Some temples have faster access. You can utilize those to save time if you’re a traveller who wants to see a lot of sites quickly. Consult with the temple staff for more details on the best times to visit and any other recommendations for a peaceful experience.

4. Check peak hours

Determine in advance if the temple is very crowded before you go. You can carefully schedule your visit so that you arrive at a less crowded time by using this information. If you are aware of the peak tourist seasons, it will be simpler for you to plan your vacation during these quieter periods.

5. Adopt technological advancements

Numerous temples feature web-based programs with real-time crowd levels, online ticket sales for Darshan, the ability to make donations online, and the ability to seek Prasad seva. Utilize these tools to organize your trip.

6. Maintain morality

While packed temples could try your patience, it’s crucial to remain composed. Remember that everyone is looking for benefits, so have patience. Make sure you stay hydrated when visiting a religious site that involves physical exertion, such as climbing a cliff or a lot of steps, in order to preserve your physical and emotional well-being. Relative to the main rites, maintain a fair distance to avoid congestion during religious celebrations. Be mindful of other people when shooting photos and take care not to disrupt the serene mood. However, since many temples prohibit photography, visitors are required to respect the site’s etiquette.

7. Explore lesser-known temples

Consider going to any lesser-known or smaller-scale temples in the area. When the main temple is crowded, these spots are a great option because they usually offer a more quiet and private atmosphere.

In conclusion, thorough planning as well as awareness can ensure that a trip to the temple is calm and spiritually enlightening even during busy periods. Using these pointers will assist you in moving through the crowd with ease and divinity while maintaining a profound sense of peace and reverence.

Average spending on traditional handicrafts per visitor was ¥13,338 ($92) in the July-September quarter, up 80% from the same period in 2019, according to the Japan Tourism Agency, extending a trend that started in early 2023. Sales of cosmetics shrank 30% over the same timeframe.

Although inbound tourism has been one of the few bright spots in Japan’s patchy economic recovery, drugstores and retailers can no longer count on busloads of travelers from China clearing out shelves, a common sight up until 2019. Fewer spenders from the mainland also reflect the slowing economy there, despite the weaker yen making tours to the archipelago more affordable.

“I wanted something Japanese and found this store on the internet,” Daniel Forrester, visiting from New York, said as he paid ¥90,000 for a lacquered box at Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square. “I’m going to use this to store pens in my office.”

Duty-free sales at the shop during April through October are up about 20% from pre-pandemic levels, according to Kazuhiko Asakawa, the store’s manager. On the shelves holding 7,000 to 8,000 items are iron kettles, ceramics and other hand-made merchandise. “We’re seeing more travelers from places such as Mexico, Brazil and Poland since around the end of 2022,” he said.

Chinese tourists now make up about 10% of the total number of visitors, compared with 30% in 2019, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. Travelers from the US, Canada, Germany and other countries, meanwhile, have increased.

Some product categories are enjoying a boom, thanks to the changing tourism demographics. Ito-ya Ltd., which operates a storied shop in Ginza selling pens, notebooks and other stationery, has seen duty-free sales more than double from before the pandemic. Many customers discover the store the via social media, according to manager Atsushi Fujiki. “We seem to be becoming a destination,” he said.

Sinduja Venkat, who was recently visiting from India with her family, was among the shoppers at Ito-ya looking at at pens, sketchbooks and other products. “I want to buy stationery for my children to use at school,” she said.

Despite the growth of consumption by tourists in Japan, the country still lags behind others in the region when it comes to total spending per visitor, which stood at $2,411 in 2022, according to the UN World Tourism Organization. That compares with $5,524 per tourist in Hong Kong and $6,526 in Australia, which stands at the top of the list.

“Japan is losing ground to other countries when it comes to entertainment and services,” said Noriko Yagasaki, professor at Tokyo Woman’s Christian University. There’s a lack of guides who can accompany tourists, with demand outstripping labor supply, she said.

Spending by visitors can be boosted by focusing not just on selling good, but providing experiences, Yagasaki said.

Even if spending remains low, there’s also the view that more tourists will help lift economic activity anyway. But that’s also difficult, given the labor shortage in the industry. The Japanese inn and hotel sector reported the highest-ever level of staffing shortages, according to an October survey by Teikoku Databank.

“While the number of visitors is important, it could become unmanageable,” Yagasaki said. “There’s a need to focus on improving the quality of services in the coming years.”

The three-day event of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India convened on December 16-18 was supported by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat. The convention has set the direction for India to be amongst the top 10 global destinations for Adventure Tourism.

The three-day convention brought together over 300 adventure tour operators, adventure enthusiasts, travellers and industry leaders from across India.

To keep the commitment to promote sustainable tourism and reduce carbon emissions, a charter was drawn to calculate the carbon emissions for the entire three-day event. To successfully offset the emission, various key sustainable initiatives were implemented.

More than 68 per cent reduction in energy usage was observed by hosting this conference in winter which reduced cooling load as well as diesel consumption. Additionally, the delegates were encouraged to minimize their carbon footprint wherever possible for their in-room consumption.

It was recognised that approximately 4,700 bottles of water per day would be utilized during the event, to eliminate the same a Zero Plastic Waste policy was implemented, which resulted in eliminating 15,000 plastic bottles.

The delegates were encouraged to drink from glass or reusable bottles. Water dispensers were installed at various locations during three days.

To avoid plastic on the badges and tags, about 400 seed papers for badges and luggage tags were provided as a sustainable alternative. Participants were also encouraged to plant their badges.

By going ‘Paperless’ in printing informational material and Itinerary, over 2,000 sheets of paper were estimated to have been saved.

The convention also emphasized reducing food wastage by displaying the amount of food wasted after each meal and encouraging participants to minimize food waste during meals, thus promoting conscious consumption. Further to promote sustainable dining practices during the convention plastic sachets for butter, jam, and sugar were eliminated.

Moreover, in addition to implementing sustainable practices, the tour operators and Gujarat Tourism also focused on knowledge sharing with convention attendees about the importance of sustainable event management. The convention served as a platform to exchange information on eco-friendly practices and their impact on the adventure tourism industry through multiple sessions led by practitioners.

Furthermore, to offset emissions, the adventure tour operators association with Gujarat Tourism and the Forest Department of Gujarat is planting 200 saplings near the event area which will be maintained by the forest department of the region for 15 years.

The tenth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is scheduled from January 10 to January 12, 2024. The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit was conceptualised in 2003 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was then the Chief Minister of Gujarat.

The versatility of trolley bags is evident in their organization capabilities. Many models come with multiple compartments and pockets, allowing travelers to neatly segregate their belongings. This organization is particularly advantageous for frequent flyers or those with meticulous packing habits, enabling easy access to essentials like passports, gadgets, or toiletries without rummaging through the entire luggage. Additionally, some trolley bags offer expandable compartments, accommodating extra items acquired during the trip, ensuring flexibility and adaptability to changing packing needs.

Another notable advantage of trolley bags is their durability and stability. High-quality materials and robust construction contribute to their resilience against wear and tear, safeguarding belongings throughout journeys. Moreover, the wheels and handles are designed for smooth movement, reducing strain on the traveler and eliminating the risk of back or shoulder discomfort. Whether navigating bustling airports or navigating uneven terrains, the sturdy build of trolley bags ensures stability, enhancing the overall travel experience.

In essence, trolley bags have revolutionized travel by merging practicality, organization, and durability. Their seamless mobility, efficient organization, and reliable build make them an invaluable companion for globetrotters, offering not just convenience but also peace of mind during their travels, allowing individuals to focus on their journey rather than fretting over luggage logistics.

We have curated a list of 10 trolley bags from Amazon. Check it out and add some to your cart.

1) Aristocrat Airpro 76 cms Large Check-in Polypropylene Hardsided 8 Wheels Luggage/Suitcase/Trolley Bag- Coral Teal Blue

The Aristocrat Airpro 76 cms Large Check-in Polypropylene Hardsided Trolley Bag in Coral Teal Blue combines durability and functionality for travel convenience. Crafted from robust polypropylene, it ensures protection for belongings. Featuring a spacious check-in size, it accommodates ample luggage. The standout feature lies in its 8 multi-directional wheels, providing effortless maneuverability through varied terrains. This trolley bag offers a balance of strength, generous storage, and easy mobility, making it an ideal companion for extensive travel journeys.

Main Features of Aristocrat Airpro 76 cms Large Check-in Polypropylene Hardsided Trolley Bag in Coral Teal Blue:

Polypropylene Construction: Offers durability and protection for belongings.

Large Check-in Size: Provides ample storage space for extended travels.

8 Multi-directional Wheels: Ensures easy navigation and maneuverability.

Hardsided Design: Offers resistance against impacts and rough handling.

Coral Teal Blue Finish: Stylish appearance for easy identification and aesthetics.

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2) Skybags Trooper 55 Cms Small Cabin Polycarbonate Hard Sided 4 Spinner Wheels Luggage/Suitcase/Trolley Bag- Blue and White

The Skybags Trooper 55 Cms Small Cabin Trolley Bag stands out with its Polycarbonate Hard Sided design and Blue and White color scheme. Its 4 Spinner Wheels ensure effortless mobility, ideal for quick maneuvers in crowded spaces. With a compact 55 cms size, this trolley bag is suitable for cabin usage, meeting airline size restrictions. The hard-sided construction offers durability, protecting belongings during travels. However, its smaller size might limit storage capacity for longer trips, and the hard shell might add a bit of weight compared to soft-sided options.

Main Features of Skybags Trooper 55 Cms Small Cabin Trolley Bag:

Polycarbonate Construction: Provides durability and resilience against impacts.

Cabin Size: Meets cabin luggage size regulations for most airlines.

Hard-Sided Design: Offers enhanced protection for packed items.

4 Spinner Wheels: Enables smooth and multidirectional movement.

Distinct Design: Blue and White color scheme for a stylish appearance.

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3) Kamiliant by American Tourister Harrier Zing 68 cms Medium Check-in (PP) Hard Sided 8 Wheels Spinner Luggage/Suitcase/Trolley Bag (Navy) (Double Wheel)

The Kamiliant by American Tourister Harrier Zing offers travelers a reliable companion for extended journeys. Crafted with durable polypropylene, this 68 cm medium-sized luggage ensures protection for belongings. The hard-sided case, supported by 8 spinner wheels, ensures easy maneuverability and stability. The navy color scheme adds sophistication to its design, complementing its functionality with an elegant appeal. Ideal for check-in, it embodies spaciousness and strength, yet its larger size may require cautious handling in more crowded areas. Overall, it’s a sturdy, capacious option for longer travels.

Main Features of Kamiliant by American Tourister Harrier Zing:

Durable Build: Constructed with polypropylene, ensuring robustness and resistance to impact.

Ample Storage: Offers spacious interior to accommodate belongings for longer trips.

Spinner Wheels: Eight double wheels provide smooth and multidirectional movement.

Hard-Sided Protection: Provides enhanced security and safeguards belongings during transit.

Check-In Friendly: Suitable dimensions for medium-sized check-in luggage.

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4) Safari Pentagon 55 Cms Small Cabin Polypropylene Hard Sided 4 Wheels 360 Degree Wheeling System Luggage/Suitcase/Trolley Bag, Cyan Blue

The Safari Pentagon 55 cm Small Cabin Trolley Bag in Cyan Blue features a durable polypropylene hard shell, ensuring robust protection for your belongings. With a 360-degree wheeling system and four smooth spinner wheels, it offers effortless maneuverability in any direction, ideal for crowded spaces. Its compact size adheres to cabin baggage regulations, perfect for short trips. However, the sturdy build might add to the overall weight, something to consider when packing. Overall, it’s a reliable travel companion providing durability and ease of movement for short travels.

Main Features of Safari Pentagon 55 cm Small Cabin Trolley Bag in Cyan Blue:

Polypropylene Construction: Durable hard shell ensures robust protection for your belongings.

360-Degree Wheeling System: Four smooth spinner wheels offer effortless maneuverability in all directions.

Cabin Size: Compliant with cabin baggage regulations, suitable for short trips.

Secure Closure: Equipped with a secure locking mechanism for added safety and peace of mind.

Organized Interior: Well-designed compartments to keep items neatly arranged during travel.

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Also read: Best trolley bags come at great price, offer lot of space and look stylish too

5) Aristocrat Baleno 58 cms Polyester Soft sided Cabin Sise 4 Wheels Trolley Bag – Blue

The Aristocrat Baleno 58 cms Polyester Soft-sided Cabin-size Trolley Bag in Blue presents a blend of convenience and functionality. Crafted from durable polyester, it’s designed to withstand regular travel rigors. Featuring four smooth wheels, it offers effortless mobility through crowded airports or streets. The soft-sided build allows flexibility, accommodating more items when needed. Despite its compact size, the bag maximizes packing space, ensuring efficient storage. Ideal for short trips, it’s compliant with cabin baggage guidelines. However, its fabric might be more prone to wear compared to hard-shell counterparts.

Main Features of Aristocrat Baleno 58 cms Polyester Soft-sided Cabin-size Trolley Bag in Blue:

Durable Polyester: Constructed with sturdy and resilient polyester material.

Four-Wheel Design: Equipped with four wheels for easy maneuverability and navigation.

Compact Cabin Size: Compliant with standard cabin baggage size requirements for most airlines.

Ample Storage: Despite its compact size, it maximizes packing space for essential items.

Soft-Sided Flexibility: The soft-sided design offers flexibility and can accommodate more items when needed.

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6) MOKOBARA The Transit Check-in Polycarbonate Hardsided Luggage | 8 Wheel Trolley Bag | Travel Suitcase for Men & Women (We Meet Again Sunray (Limited Edition)

The MOKOBARA Transit Check-in Luggage redefines travel convenience with its limited edition ‘We Meet Again Sunray’ design. Crafted from durable polycarbonate, this hard-sided suitcase ensures robust protection for belongings. Its eight-wheel trolley system guarantees effortless gliding through terminals and streets. Ideal for both men and women, this suitcase boasts ample space while adhering to check-in size restrictions. Beyond functionality, its limited edition aesthetic adds style to your travels, making it a sought-after choice for those seeking durability, spaciousness, and a unique design in their luggage.

Main Features of MOKOBARA Transit Check-in Luggage:

Polycarbonate Build: Ensures durability and protection for belongings.

8-Wheel Trolley System: Offers smooth and effortless maneuverability.

Check-In Size: Meets standard airline requirements for check-in luggage.

Unisex Design: Suitable for both men and women travelers.

Limited Edition Aesthetic: Unique ‘We Meet Again Sunray’ design adds style to your travels.

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Also read: American Tourister trolley bags are sturdy and lightweight

7) Aristocrat Airpro 55 cms Small Cabin Polypropylene Hardsided 8 Wheels Luggage/Suitcase/Trolley Bag- Coral Teal Blue

The Aristocrat Airpro 55 cms Cabin Trolley Bag in Coral Teal Blue epitomizes travel convenience. Crafted from durable polypropylene, it boasts a hard-sided build that protects belongings. Featuring eight wheels, it promises effortless maneuverability through crowded terminals. This cabin-friendly bag adheres to airline standards, ensuring seamless carry-on. Its vibrant Coral Teal Blue design adds a stylish touch. However, the limited color range might not suit all preferences. Nevertheless, its robust construction and convenient size make it an excellent choice for hassle-free travels.

Main Features of Aristocrat Airpro 55 cms Cabin Trolley Bag in Coral Teal Blue:

Polypropylene Build: Durable and robust hard-sided structure for added protection.

Cabin Size: Adheres to standard airline regulations for carry-on luggage.

Eight-Wheel System: Ensures smooth 360-degree movement and maneuverability.

Telescopic Handle: Ergonomic design for easy handling and navigation.

Organizational Interior: Well-segmented compartments for efficient packing and storage.

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8) Tommy Hilfiger Roosevelt 44cm Polyester Overnighter Unisex Trolley Bag

The Tommy Hilfiger Roosevelt 44cm Polyester Overnighter Unisex Trolley Bag embodies sophistication and functionality. Crafted from durable polyester, it blends style with resilience. Its compact 44cm size makes it ideal for overnight trips or as a cabin bag. The bag’s thoughtful design includes multiple compartments for organized packing. Its telescopic handle and smooth-rolling wheels ensure effortless maneuverability. Despite its sturdy build, its unisex design may appeal to a broader range of travelers.

Main Features of Tommy Hilfiger Roosevelt 44cm Polyester Overnighter Unisex Trolley Bag:

Durable Polyester Build: Constructed from sturdy and resilient polyester material.

Compact Size: Measuring 44cm, ideal for overnight or short trips and suitable as a cabin bag.

Organized Compartments: Multiple compartments for systematic and organized packing.

Telescopic Handle: Equipped with a telescopic handle for easy navigation.

Smooth-Rolling Wheels: Ensures effortless movement and manoeuvrability.

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9) American Tourister Jamaica 80 Cms Large Check-in Polyester Soft Sided 4 Spinner Wheels Luggage (Wine Red)

The American Tourister Jamaica 80 Cms Large Check-in Polyester Soft Sided Luggage in Wine Red offers convenience and durability. Crafted from durable polyester, it features a soft-sided build and four spinner wheels for effortless mobility. With an ample 80cm size, it’s suitable for extended travel. The spacious interior accommodates diverse packing needs, while the vibrant wine red color adds style. However, the soft-sided design might be less protective compared to hard-sided counterparts, and its size may pose limitations for strict cabin baggage policies. Overall, it’s a balance of size, convenience, and a pop of color for travel enthusiasts.

Main Features of American Tourister Jamaica 80 Cms Large Check-in Polyester Soft Sided Luggage in Wine Red:

Polyester Build: Durable material for prolonged use.

Soft-sided Construction: Offers flexibility in packing and storage.

Spinner Wheels: Four multi-directional wheels for smooth mobility.

Large Size: Ample space for extended travel needs.

Color Variation: Available in vibrant wine red, enhancing visibility.

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10) Kamiliant by American Tourister Harrier 56 Cms Small Cabin Polypropylene (PP) Hard Sided 4 Wheeler Spinner Wheels Luggage (Grey)

The Kamiliant by American Tourister Harrier presents a 56 cm Small Cabin Polypropylene (PP) Hard Sided Luggage, ideal for compact travel. Its durable construction ensures long-term use, and the hard-sided design offers superior protection for belongings. Equipped with four spinner wheels, it guarantees effortless maneuverability. The grey hue adds a sleek, professional touch. While perfect for short trips with its cabin size, its rigid build might limit extra packing space. Nevertheless, its sturdiness and size make it a reliable and convenient travel companion.

Main Features of Kamiliant by American Tourister Harrier presents a 56 cm Small Cabin Polypropylene (PP) Hard Sided Luggage:

Compact Cabin Size: Measuring 56 cm, perfect for airline cabin restrictions.

Polypropylene Construction: Ensures durability and protection for your belongings.

Four Spinner Wheels: Facilitates smooth, multidirectional movement.

Hard Sided Design: Offers enhanced resistance against impacts and external pressures.

Elegant Grey Color: Adds a professional touch to the design.

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3 best features for you

Best value for money

When it comes to value for money, the Aristocrat Baleno 58 cms Polyester Soft-sided Cabin Trolley Bag in Blue stands out. Its soft-sided design offers flexibility without compromising durability. With four wheels for easy maneuverability, it provides practicality for short trips. Additionally, its reasonable pricing relative to the quality and features makes it an excellent choice for those seeking affordability and functionality in a travel bag.

Best overall product

Among these options, the Kamiliant by American Tourister Harrier Zing 68 cms Medium Check-in in Navy with a double-wheel spinner design stands out as the best overall product. Its medium check-in size offers versatility for various trips, while the durable hard-sided construction ensures protection. The eight-wheel spinner system makes navigating airports effortless. With a balance of size, durability, and functionality, this choice is an excellent blend of quality and convenience for frequent travelers.

How to buy the best trolley bag in India

When buying a trolley bag in India, consider the bag’s size, material, and features. Determine your travel needs to select an appropriate size—cabin or check-in. Look for durable materials like polycarbonate or polyester for longevity. Features like multiple compartments, TSA locks, and spinner wheels offer added convenience. Read reviews, compare prices, and check for warranties to ensure quality and value. Prioritize comfort, weight, and maneuverability. Finally, consider brand reputation and after-sales service for a seamless buying experience. Overall, an informed decision based on personal travel requirements and bag specifications ensures the best purchase.

Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.

“Going to the grocery store used to be simple, and now it’s frustrating,” said Cindy Whittington, 66, of Fairfax, Virginia. “You’re paying more. You’re working harder to pay for merchandise at their store. And it’s become an ordeal to check out. I should get a 5% discount.” In 2021, self-checkout usage represented 30% of transactions, almost double from 2018, according to a survey of retailers by FMI, an industry group. And 96% of retailers surveyed offer self-checkout.

But the technology is also facing a reckoning amid the critical holiday shopping season. Some retailers are adding restrictions, while others are pulling out completely. This past fall, Walmart removed self-checkout kiosks in three stores in Albuquerque, New Mexico as part of a location by location approach, but on the whole it is adding more than it is taking away. To reduce wait times, Target is now limiting the number of items to 10 that shoppers can scan in an handful of stores nationwide.

British supermarket chain Booths has been getting rid of its self-checkout at the majority of its stores for the past 18 months in reaction to customer backlash. A year ago, grocery chain Wegmans, citing “losses,” discontinued its self-checkout app that lets shoppers scan and bag items while they shop. However, it continues to offer self-checkout registers at its stores. Self-checkout, first tested in supermarkets in the late 1980s, gained momentum 20 years ago. But grocers ramped it up even more three years ago to address the pandemic-induced severe labor shortages.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says technological advances such as self-checkout and online sales have been the main driver in the declining number of cashier jobs, although there are no precise estimates on how many cashiers have been replaced by self-checkout. According to Labor Department data, there are about 1.2 million people currently working as cashiers, compared to 1.4 million in 2019 and the BLS expects the number to fall by another 10% over the next decade.

“We are at an inflection point where if Americans are willing to do this and show an interest, then stores will probably expand it because they want to slash that labor cost,” said Christopher Andrews, associate professor and chair of sociology at Drew University and author of “The Overworked Consumer: Self-Checkouts, Supermarkets and the Do-It-Yourself Economy.” “But right now they’re just seeing downside. They’re seeing frustrated customers. They’re seeing increased costs and shoplifting.”

Theft is indeed an issue. Andrews said a technology that relies on shoppers to do their own scanning and punch in product quantities tempts even law abiding citizens to be dishonest. It’s easy to just scan every other item or punch in codes for a cheaper item. Shoppers could also make honest mistakes, leading to losses for stores. John Catsimatidis, chairman and CEO of Red Apple Group, owner of Gristedes and D’Agostino’s food stores in New York City, said he has no interest in self-checkout because of theft.

“Anybody who does it might as well hit your head over with a pipe,” he said. Still, self-checkout isn’t going away, especially with still stubborn labor shortages. And plenty of people love it. Ellen Wulfhorst, 65, said using self-checkout brings back her childhood when she played with a toy register. “There’s something childish and fun about it,” Wulfhorst said. “I get a big kick out of sliding the product across the reader, and it goes beep. There’s a certain satisfaction to it.”

For Robin Wissmann Doherty of South Salem, New York, who has a progressive neurodegenerative disease and uses a walker, self-checkout makes her shopping experience easier. The 67-year-old said she likes to shop at Stop & Shop because it has a “scan and go” technology that allows her to scan her items with a device as she shops and then tallies up her bill. She can either pay at a kiosk or at a manned register.

“The laser gun works for disabled people,” she said. Stew Leonard Jr., president and CEO of Stew Leonard’s, a supermarket chain that operates stores in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey, said 25% of its customers use self-service. That number could be up to 50% in the next few years. He noted one-third of its registers are unmanned, but he’s in a “holding pattern” and is thinking of limiting the number of items to be scanned.

Retailers have been adding cameras or sensors at kiosks to monitor shoppers. Kroger, for example, has deployed artificial intelligence technology at a majority of stores that triggers alerts when something is amiss. For example, if a shopper fails to scan a particular item successfully, the system flags the error on the screen and prompts the customer to self-correct. If customers are unable to resolve the issue themselves, a light above the self-checkout blinks to attract workers’ attention. There have been inroads for more advanced technology.

Amazon’s “just walkout technology” is in more than 70 Amazon-owned stores and more than 100 third-party retailers across the U.S., including airports. It uses sophisticated cameras and allows shoppers to check in with Amazon’s app on their phones and then walk out without having to check out. Japanese fashion retailer Uniqlo has RFID chips embedded in price tags to power a self-checkout system at its Fifth Avenue store in Manhattan, as part of a widescale rollout at its stores. Customers place their items in bins at self-service stations and pay — without having to scan items.

Still, for some workers who were supposed to be liberated from the monotonous task of ringing up customers, the tedium just comes in a different form. Bernadette Christian, 59, a worker at Giant Food in Clinton, Maryland, mans six self-service stations at once, and she’s afraid to help or confront shoppers who she said have become angrier since the pandemic. “It would be easy for us to be cashiers, and it would be a lot more safer in today’s world,” she said.

Countries Indians can travel to without visa in holiday season

Earlier last month, the Thailand government delighted Indian tourists by announcing that Indian passport holders will not require a tourist visa to enter Thailand from November 10, 2023, to May 10, 2024. The Thai authorities made the temporary visa exemption for a 30-day stay for tourism purposes. Sri Lanka also announced the same provision for Indian travellers till March 31, 2024, for a 30-day stay. This week, Iran waived visa requirements for 33 countries, including India. Last month, Malaysia allowed Indians a 30-day visa-free arrival from December 1, 2023. Lastly, Kenya will also permit tourists from any corner of the globe to enter without a visa.