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How much money the airline owes me for my lost luggage?
By: Dilek Yünlü
Tags: Leisure, Travel Writing, Travel, Air Travel

In the air travel industry, while the majority of checked baggage arrives to its final destination to its owner, in some cases the outcome can be very different. Occasionally, there are scenarios where the passengers’ luggage gets delayed, damaged, or lost during transit. To guarantee traveler’s rights in such occurrences there are set of regulations that every airline must comply with to carry out their operations these days. This article brings an overview of those process.

Your right as a traveler

On May 28, 1999, an agreement for the protection of passengers’ luggage on international and domestic flights was established during the Montreal convention. Since then, 136 countries have joined this agreement to offer same provisions to every traveler.

The agreement enforces that the carrier, this means the airline, is responsible in case of destruction, loss, or damage of checked baggage, if the occurrence took place on boarding the aircraft, transit, or during any period at which the checked baggage was in charge of the airline.

How much does the airline owes me?

To guarantee that every passenger is being compensated equally, regardless of their national currency, IMF created a special currency known as “Special Drawing Rights” or SDR. Each SDR is valued based on the current state of USD, EUR, GBP, and CY. To cope with the financial fluctuation, these limits are revised every five years for the best possible coverage (US Department of transportation).

As of now, the maximum an airline is entitled to pay for lost or damaged luggage is 1.000 SDR, which means approximately €1.400,00 (as of the date of this article). (airpassengersrights.eu, 2017).

When should I file a complain?

To make sure you are compensated for your rights, the complain file should be communicated to the airline as soon as possible. For damage of checked luggage, it is recommended that the passenger files a complain within seven days. In case of delayed baggage, it is recommended to take action within 21 days. After 21 days, if the baggage has not arrived at its owner, or if the airline admits the loss, the passenger is entitled to enforce his rights against the carrier.

What happens when the airline refuses to pay me?

Although the limits mentioned above, sometimes airlines try to find their way out by reimbursing passengers with extra miles or vouchers instead of money, and passengers often accept it in order to avoid any further complications. The main reason why some airlines adopt this strategy is to prevent themselves from enormous losses, coming not only from luggage claims but flight delays and cancellations claims as well.

When the airline refuses to pay, some cases can become a real court dispute and can take years to be solved. Nonetheless, as a traveler always remember your rights. Alternatively, you can also use ProTagged to avoid the stress under these situations and get compensated as fast as possible. For more information about ProTagged and our claim handling services, visit our website: www.protagged.eu
Recreating my moments !!
By: Anupa Jayakody
Tags: Couples Travel, Travel Writing, Waterfall, Sri Lanka

Recreating my moments !!

Getaway in Koslanda -Aug 25th-Aug 27th 2020

This I believe is Sachin’s favorite from the whole trip. We drove for about 3–4 hours from Dambulla to reach Koslanda . We managed to get a glimpse of Diyaluma waterfall on our way and it was after many years that I saw the fall.

Living Heritage Koslanda was the Boutique Hotel we had picked for this stop . We struggled at first to find the place as unlike other places, it didn’t have any name board/direction signs put up . Finally we arrived at the dusk of dawn and we were welcomed with handmade garlands !! Such a sweet gesture . We got a mobile to ourself as well to contact them for any requirement and I ended up calling them always to ask my hundred odd questions.

Next day, we decided to go and see the private waterfall in the land and we were given leach socks to take care of ourselves . But I decided not to use them. We listened to all the directions that were given by the Manager and clearly took only half of it and later you’ll know why. Then we started our mini hike to the waterfall . We started passing the water stream on our way and we came to the top of the fall first .

To our luck , directions were marked to the waterfall but somehow we almost got lost once . Then we contacted the office and got it sorted .

When we went there , there was a foreign couple having a good time and after sometime we got the waterfall to our self . Point to highlight , that guy was a funny one doing all sorts of things and also we later found out that , they are a couple practicing yoga aswell . They had posted many photos and we noticed once in the hotel itself . We decided to have a small bath in the water and we spent some time there . Journey back to the villa was an easy one and we straight went for lunch .

We decided to rest and chill in the evening and we found an interesting game to play with. Had some fun trying and failing miserably. 😂😂

Isn’t infinity pool the new era of pools ?? To that, villa had a pool with a magnificent view which we tried next day. And as usual the water was freezing cold to me , yet it was a good experience . Speaking of pools, each villa had its own private jacuzzi as well which was one key reason for me to select this place .

Sachin going after his passion was trying to capture some shots of the place , view , waterfall , sunrise etc. and I gave company as much as possible . It was good to see how a hobby can drive you to try out different things in life .
A Great Travel To Shanghai
By: Anam F.
Tags: Travel Writing, China, Traveling, Travel Tips, Shanghai

I always knew I must travel to Asia someday. My dream came true last month when I spent 15 days in Shanghai. It was amazing to see the vibrant city life, simplicity of Chinese culture, and delicious cuisine.

Although, China was the last frontier for me in my Asian adventure. I didn’t know anything about Shanghai or the best places to visit, so I switched into research mode in the weeks leading up to my travel.

I concentrated on the city’s biggest and best tourist attractions as well as the slightly off-the-beaten-path, quirky discoveries that I enjoy when visiting a new city.

Oh, and the best places to eat in Shanghai, of course!

Shanghai is an attractive place to visit. There are quite a few awesome things to do in Shanghai, China. For example, the Oriental Pearl Tower is one of the top remarkable landmarks in China.

As I was preparing for my trip to China, I learned how cost-effective it is to visit the country as a student. Students can get discounts (of about 50%) on many things such as transportation and food.

Few cities in the world provoke as much creativity as China’s biggest, rich in glitz on one side and rough around the edges on the other.

Shanghai is undoubtedly one of China’s most interesting cities.
The best of Italy at Lago di Braies
By: Sudhanwa Jambhorkar
Tags: Travel Writing, Travel, Europe, Italy, Blog

Find peace at ‘the Pearl of the Alps’

Image by Luka Nguyen from Pixabay

Located in the South Tyrol region of Northern Italy, Lago Di Braies also known as the Pragser Wildsee is a picture-perfect destination for those who want to take the road less traveled. Tucked away from the clichéd destinations, Lago di Braies will surely be an unforgettable experience. The journey to the lake through the Italian countryside is a treat to the sore eyes. The picturesque and unspoiled towns feature panoramic views of the vastness of the Italian Alps.

You will be astounded by the first sight of the crystal clear lake and the vista. All the while you will be surrounded by the staggering snow-covered Dolomites, and you can choose among a few trails for a hike and catch a glimpse of what is the most beautiful natural setting in the world. It is one of those places where you can visit at any time of the year. In winter, when it is a little less busy than usual, the lake freezes completely and you can enjoy the bizarre experience of walking on an icy lake. In spring and summer, the lake transforms itself into a tranquil beauty. You can hire a boat and row into the emerald-green lake with a backdrop of the mighty alps.

What it was like, for me

On a quest of searching offbeat places, I decided to ditch the popular cities like Florence and Rome and stumbled upon this beautiful lake in the Spring of 2019. I knew I had to visit Lago di Braies after getting a few recommendations. After hopping two trains and a bus from Bolzano, I arrived at the destination completely unaware of what was in the offing.

A short walk towards the clearing of the trees and I was stunned by the first sight of the landscape. The lake surrounded by the snowy mountains was completely frozen to form a thick white sheet expanding over a huge area touching the feet of the Dolomites.

Absorbing and embracing the beauty of the lake, I chose to go for a hike. There are two trails around the lake to experience different views of the majestic water body. Not very far from the starting point of the trail, there was a part of the frozen lake rapidly melting as the spring season was in full effect. The water had turned into a crystal clear emerald-green color reflecting the unique natural beauty around it. The view was a true depiction of all shades of nature. I was fortunate enough to experience walking on a frozen lake and also catch a sight of the peaceful emerald-green lake. Truly a memorable experience.
Ladakh Tour Packages
By: Rishabh Pradhan
Tags: Travel Writing, Travel, Ladakh Tour Package, Ladakh, Traveling

What is Ladakh Famous for?

Ladakh is the largest area of the northern and eastern Kashmir region. Ladakh is the perfect place to experience the beauty of India. It is also known as “Land of the High Passes”. Ladakh covers almost 45,000 square miles. Leh is the largest town in Ladakh following Kargil. The people are mainly Buddhists and their culture is close to the Tibetan region. You know what Ladakhi cuisine is well-known for Thuka and Momos. A large number of tourists came across the world to visit Ladakh. It is a very rustic beautiful travel destination. The magic of Leh Ladakh is beckoning the tourist every year. There are many things that attracts the tourist like its moon-line landscape, mountains covers with snow, monasteries, and stupas that make your Leh Ladakh tour More Interesting and memorable. Tourist also attracts to the iconic magnetic Hills, the beautiful and pretty Pangong Lake, the confluence of two mystical rivers, and the highest passes. Places or Destinations to visit in Leh Ladakh are Nubra Valley, Keylong, Sonamarg, Pangong Lake, Pahalgam, and many more.

How can you experience Ladakh Tour Packages as its best?

As you all know Ladakh is famous for its iconic and beautiful view. Many youngsters attract to it every year. There are many beautiful places or destinations to visit in Leh Ladakh is Nubra Valley, Keylong, Sonamarg, Pangong Lake, Pahalgam, and many more. All-season is best to visit Ladakh but April-June is the best season to travel Ladakh. It is the season when the snow melts and spectacular hues that all spread across the region. So, if you want to enjoy the Ladakh tour and make your journey more memorable then here is the solution. My Personal Experience with Getz Destinations is very awesome. It gives the best Ladakh Tour Packages for their valuable customer. There are many exciting offers available in the Ladakh tour packages. According to their customer’s needs and wants, they have designed the special Ladakh Tour Packages.

How can someone reach Ladakh?

Ladakh is well known for its tremendously low temperatures nearly all year. Although Leh Ladakh is moderately pleasant in the time of summer. The winters are exceptionally cold and unforgiving. So, in that case, the best time to visit Ladakh is summer. So, if you plan to travel to Ladakh you can take Flight, Train, and Bus. Jammu Tawi is the nearest railway, located at a distance of 708 kM from Ladakh. And Via road you have the two main highways, one is from Manali, covering 473 Km and one is from Srinagar, covering 434 Km. And the last nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee. But if you plan your Ladakh tour with Getz Destinations then you don’t have to take any tension of Flight, Bus, and Train. Their Team gives you Proper guidance related to Ladakh and gives the best and affordable Ladakh Tour Packages. They provide the best Ladakh Tour Packages with all accommodation.
Baba Life: Dispatches from Kumbh Mela 2019
By: Matt Izme
Tags: Travel Writing, Travel, Baba, India, Kumbh Mela 2019

Lost Baba, Money Baba, Friendly Baba, Naked Baba

A few miles outside the newly-named Prayagraj — a town so newly-named that the central train station still welcomes you to Allahabad — a pop-up city is being born. For 55 days, it will live a brief yet celebratory existence and shortly thereafter it will die. Twelve years later, it will happen again.

The Kumbh Mela is a festival that, even in the festival-loving land of India, stands out. In 2019, nearly 120 million people came through — saints and sadhus and pilgrims and tourists all converging upon the Triveni Sangam, the sacred spot where the Ganges, Yamuna, and Sarasvati rivers meet.

From January 13th to January 16th, my friend V. and I wandered about, ate delicious fried onions, and got invited to spend the night with a group of friendly babas.

Although the word “baba” is a word that means many things (and might not be entirely accurate here) if you take it with a grain of salt, here are four different babas.

1: Lost Baba

Wandering through the narrow tent-lined street near the pontoon bridges, we sat down at the fire of a baba. He sniffled and shivered a bit while tending the fire. With chaotic black hair, a scruffy beard and no clothes, he seemed cold and lost. Yet he was open, with a gentle heart that wouldn’t accept donations.

After we sat for a half hour, he took us down to the river and performed a little ceremony — tying an necklace around our necks, scooping up a bit of Ganges water, and dabbing it on our foreheads while saying a prayer.

He said he was going to Varanasi soon to meet with some other babas. That night, upon returning to Prayagraj, we scoured the streets for cough medicine. The next day we returned to his tent, but he already left.

2: Money Baba
Why are people turning away from traditional travel guides?
Tags: Travel Writing, Travel, Travel Trends, Content Creation, Lonely Planet

Travel guides are in a bit of a crisis. Printed guidebook sales have been declining for years and making content available digitally doesn’t seem to have helped much. Given that so much information is now available for free online and that extreme segmentation made possible through social media has produced many more niche markets, many people are now asking about the future of the travel guide, printed or otherwise.

Complaints about Lonely Planet, the world’s largest guidebook creating company are almost as ubiquitous as the guides themselves. Critics complain that guides are increasingly poorly researched, are quickly rendered out of date, create legions of ‘Lonely Planet Zombies’ and reflect the opinions of just one reviewer. Similar complaints exist for other travel guides.

In contrast, the internet provides huge amounts of free content, which is kept up to date by other travellers as well as businesses themselves. Content is often linked to services, so it’s possible to both find a hotel and book it all on the same website. Recommendations are crowd-sourced through sites like Trip Advisor, making them more trustworthy and preventing companies from compromising on quality while still riding the coattails of a Lonely Planet recommendation.

Most people want trusted, up-to-date content but are increasingly unwilling to pay for it. While there are flaws in online travel content — systems which can be played and irritations such as slow website speeds, poor design or a multitude of adverts — printed content is often not deemed superior enough to warrant a price tag.

Yet, guidebooks still persist. Some observers say it’s too early to declare the death of the printed guidebook. Others say that travel guides will persist but in a different format.

“Professionally created guides will always have a place in the traveler’s toolkit, but they aren’t going to be limited to paper any more and the next generation of guidebook brands will need to make the business work sooner rather than later.” — JASON CLAMPET, SKIFT

So what will the guidebook of the future look like? People still look for travel inspiration and itineraries. The #travelgram bubble is bursting, and interested travellers are moving away from stunning images and moving back to well-written, information rich content. While we will probably never go back to the days of finding hotel recommendations in a book, there is still a role for the travel guide for people who value travel and enjoy the experience of planning travel. There is still a role for a travel guide for people who want quality, curated content and want to avoid adverts and pop-ups demanding they sign up for a newsletter. There is still a role for a travel guide for people who want just a little more from travel than free content.
9 seater, 12 seater, 15 seater Tempo Traveller Rental in Gurgaon
By: Tempo Traveller Gurgaon
Tags: Travel Writing, Travel, Tourism, Travel Tips, Traveling

tempo traveller

Nowadays, it is very difficult to visit anywhere easily because there is huge traffic on the roads. So, if you want to avoid this traffic and hassle, you need to book a private tourist vehicle on rent. Car Yatri is the best Tempo Traveller on Rent service provider in Gurgaon that operates Tour and Travels service for a long time and has made a good reputation in the Travel industry. We offer our vehicle hire service not only for sightseeing but also provide Tempo Traveller booking in Gurgaon. There are many benefits to hire minibus as you can Travel easily without any problem, no worry about driving, enjoy a wonderful journey, etc.

There are many Tour and Travels Company in Delhi that provides tourist vehicle rental service. Car Yatri is one of them and has made a reliable name in the travel industry to provide 9 seater Tempo Traveller on Rent service in Gurgaon. We are providing a vehicle rental service from the last many years to all local and international customers. Our main motive is to satisfy our customers to provide them the best service according to their requirements and budget. So, if you are thinking to travel with a large group together, you need to book a 9 seater Tempo Traveller in Gurgaon to avoid all traffic and hassle from your journey and make it happier as you want.

Car Yatri is the best option to hire a 12 seater Tempo Traveller on Rent if you want to go outstation with your friend’s group. We provide bus rental service at a reasonable price for a small amount of your time. We charge from our respective client’s economical rent and offer them a wonderful Tour and Travel service. You can book easily our 12 seater Tempo Traveller in Gurgaon just make complete some steps. You can call us directly or make an inquiry about your tour package. We will respond to you as soon as possible and provide you the best price for our bus rental service. Our all representatives are specialists in providing a good deal for rental services.

Car Yatri plays an important role in Tour and Travels to providing various types of tourist vehicles like Tempo Traveller, Toyota Innova Car, Volvo bus coach, etc. We provide 15 seater Tempo Traveller on Rent From Gurgaon to outstation that is the best option to explore any tourist destination or weekend getaways in India. You can easily reach to hire our 15 seater Tempo Traveller in Gurgaon at your destinations without any hassle. Our all chauffeurs are well educated, friendly behavior and treatment with you as a Travel guide. We ensure you that you will get a memorable moment and a wonderful ride during our Travel service that will be one of the best trips of your life. Our tourist vehicle is the best option for a comfortable and safe journey for your family group traveling.
Tempo Traveller on Rent — Book Tempo Traveller in Delhi
By: Delhi Tempo Traveller
Tags: Travel Writing, Travel, Tourism, Travel Tips, Traveling

tempo traveller

Dempo Traveller on Rentelhi Tempo Traveller is a friendly behavior and reasonable Tour & Travels agency in Delhi that provides Tempo Traveller on Rent for all types of Tour packages including local or outstation. When you think to go to any tourist destination, it is very important that you can’t face any problem during your trip and to avoid all hassle, you need to book the best tourist vehicle from any trustable tourist Company. We have good experience in this field and have many tourist vehicles in our fleet. We offer Tempo Traveller on Rent from Delhi to outstation trips like Mathura Vrindavan Tour, Agra Tour, Shimla Manali Tour, Jim Corbett Tour, Haridwar Rishikesh Tour, etc. We also provide our tourist vehicle for Airport and Railway station pickup and drop, Hotel Transfer and local sightseeing. The sitting arrangement of our Tempo Traveller is very nice which makes your Travel very easy, comfortable and relaxed. We have all luxury features in our Luxury Tempo Traveller as Sofa, pushback seats, AC, LED, Music system, etc. Luxury Tempo Traveller has ample space for leg and luggage which is very comfortable for traveling. We provide our Tempo Traveller in Delhi 24/7 and also online and offline both type booking facility. Our team of professionals gives you suitable information about our service, deals and best offers. We have a GPS facility in our Luxury Tempo Traveller to make your journey easy and reach your destination without any hassle. So make a holiday trip plan with your family and book Tempo Traveller in Delhi to avoid all hassles and make your trip more memorable and comfortable.
Lost in Marrakech
By: Marion Poerio
Tags: Travel Writing, Short Story, Fiction Writing

Lost in Marrakech

A short story on feeling lost and being found, on the universal nature of kindness Marion Poerio Feb 21, 2020·5 min read

The tangled alleyways lead everywhere and nowhere all at the same time.

Kate’s heartbeat was thumping Morse code against her ribcage, a blend of burning incense and soldered metal prickling her nostrils. Her bewildered face gazed quizzically at her from the polished surfaces of a hundred Aladdin-style lamps.

Kate was lost. Well and truly lost.

She had only planned a short stroll around Marrakech’s markets in the late afternoon once the heat of the day had softened.

The sprawling stalls were magic and mayhem rolled into one: gravity-defying pyramids of spices, pomegranates, and sticky pastries; walls of handwoven rugs and silk scarves; hawkers bellowing the benefits of their cure-all herbal teas; and more sparkling silverware than a magpie could shake its beak at!

Kate had just mustered the courage to haggle for some pointy-toed Babouche slippers when a cart-laden donkey hurtled past her, throwing a cloud of dust into her eyes.

To avoid being trampled to death she had been swept along with the living current, far off her planned path.

Dizzy and disorientated, she felt panic rise in her chest.

She cursed herself for refusing the hotel’s offer of a guide. Honestly, she could more stubborn than that murderous mule!
Where to Travel in Latin America
Tags: Travel Writing, Travel, Latin America, Travel Tips, Traveling

Latin America is an incredible place to travel to for so many reasons. First, there is the weather. If you have a case of the winter time blues as an American then this is a great place to take a trip to. Then there is the cuisine. Any foodie can get lost in Latin America. There are so many other great things about the region. Let’s go over some of the best places in Latin America to travel to.

First let’s start off with the United States’ neighbor to the south, Mexico. Many think Mexico gets a bad rap and is not a good place to travel to. Those people would be sadly mistaken. First off there are the amazing all-inclusive resorts in Riviera Maya. These are amazing to plan a romantic getaway to. The Mexicans take hospitality to the next level.

Then there is a good time to be had if you leave these resorts, just remember to be careful. If you stay in areas where there are mostly tourists around, this makes the chances for safety much more likely. There are excursions to go on where you can enjoy fun things like zip lining, repelling, snorkeling and caving. Normally you can book these trips from your resort and get lined up with reputable tour companies where you will be picked up from your resort.

Another great place in Latin America is Costa Rica. This is a great place to go vacation to for many of the same reasons. You will see a theme developing that people in Latin America take hospitality very seriously. On top of that, the food in Costa Rica is incredible. There is no way anyone will be let down when they enjoy Costa Rican cuisine. The people in Costa Rica are incredibly friendly and there is a certain vibe with the people here.

A less popular place in Latin America to travel to is Colombia. For many of the same reasons, this is a great place to visit. There is so much to experience in Colombia when it comes to sights to see in Colombia. Another thing to keep in mind when visiting Colombia is the coffee. There is nowhere in the world that has coffee as renowned as there is in Colombia.

These are just a few places to get started. Someone could take a trip or two a year to Latin America for their entire lives and they would never grow tired of going there. There is so much to see and so much to do.

There are many incredible things to see in Latin America. Before you decide where you want to go, make sure you look at all of your options.
Guy from Buffalo visits Diani Beach
By: Ben Brindise
Tags: Kenya, Travel Writing, Travel, Buffalo, Satire

Guy from Buffalo gets his feet wet in the Indian Ocean. Is surprised by the lack of dead fish.

Guy from Buffalo here reporting in from Diani Beach.

Don’t know where it is? That’s okay. Neither did I.

It’s on the Eastern Coast of Africa. See, six months ago my partner told me to pack up all my Bills hats because we were moving to Kenya. So here I am.

“Want to go to Diani Beach?” she asked me one day. She’s in grad school for International Relations and the university takes trips all over the country.

I like Sunset Bay as much as the next guy, so I figured, “Yeah, let’s get it.” As I carefully folded my Jack Eichel jersey daydreams of floating beer pong tables, gravely shores, and bright blue Fish Bowls danced in my head.

Was I in for a surprise.

Almost looks like a Buffalo, am I right?

Let’s start at the buffet.

The range of Swahili and Indian food was good, but a major mistake made by the establishment we stayed at was their penchant for Tabasco. When I asked for Franks’ Hot Sauce I was met with a blank stare.

Guys, Franks’ is universal. I thought maybe they’d just run down to Wegmans and pick me up some, but apparently, there isn’t one nearby.

The Kenyan sausage was also good, but the lack of Sahlen’s hotdogs left something to be desired.

Food Rating: 2/5 Chicken Wings

They, too, enjoy a good volleyball net

Entertainment. Well, well, well. Another area they could use some help.

Apparently, you’re supposed to wander the beaches and take in the beauty of the Indian Ocean.

With no churning boat motors, no sound system blasting those early 2000’s hip-hop jams, and no one to talk to about Josh Allen’s latest heroics, how was I supposed to get in the party spirit?

They did have a volleyball net, though.

Entertainment rating: 1/5 Chicken Wings

My lord, that’s pretty, isn’t it?

Accommodations. Now here’s where these guys get it.

I love my Sunset shacks. The 70’s nautical decor, the weathered wooden porches, the burned-out fire pits. It just feels like summer.

However, these villas had all the seashells plastered to wooden planks you could ask for and still took it up a notch. Air-conditioned rooms, a one-minute walk from the beach to the pool, and enormous dining room tables so you could play flip cup with all your bros and their lady friends.

Accommodations rating: 5/5 Chicken Wings

Overall:

While I couldn’t get a Fish Bowl or get in the party mood by listening to In Da Club like I did in high school, it was still cool. Not Sunset Bay on the 4th of July cool, but cool.

Overall Rating: 3/5 Chicken Wings
drowning
Tags: Travel Writing, Writing, Poetry, Mental Health, Poem

i drown in my emotions

of heart sickness and pain

wondering when the end will come

i struggle for air

choking on what could be

and what couldve been

not having the power to

be the initiator

of the things i want and need

im thrown around

like a doll at a slumber party

hair pulling

arms bending

hurt wrangling from

within my chest

the unspoken words

wanting to break free

but not being able to

i swallow them down

with so much force

i almost choke on them

pushing back the tears

i put one foot in front of the other

and walk away

i feel like ive been taken hostage

and can only say

what the perpetrator wants me to say

what the perpetrator wants to hear

goodbye everyone

dont worry about me

ill be fine

but i wont be

i wont ever be

the hope i once had

of living life and finding love

has been squeezed out of me

every last drop funneling

into the dark abyss i

find myself in

vast and open and sad

i drown in my emotions

of heart sickness and pain

wondering when the end will come

when the perpetrator will shoot me

in the back of my head

when the dark abyss will swallow me whole

and spit me out

leaving me with nothing

but a broken brain

and a black heart
Traveling During Covid
By: Mariana Galindo
Tags: Travel Writing, Travel, Summer, Covid 19, Travel Tips

Every summer holiday, my family and I fly to Los Mochis, Mexico, to visit relatives. It’s a trip I look forward to, taking a break from school responsibilities and enjoying bathing under the sun surrounded by family and great food. The journey has always been the same, that is until covid hit. When the pandemic first started in 2020, I was shocked that I couldn’t go to Mexico, or anywhere for that matter! To my fellow avid travellers, you get the feeling. In 2021, however, the opportunity arose; things were just a tad different.

Airports:

As you know, airports have now adjusted how things usually flow to fit the new covid regulations, and it is crucial to follow the correct protocol to keep you and others safe.

Restaurants in airports still work the same, so grabbing a bite to eat shouldn’t be an issue; shopping for souvenirs is what you should watch out for. In very few airports employees disinfect what tourists or travellers have touched in a shop, so avoid picking up items as they could have covid.

Exploring:

Now imagine you’ve arrived at your destination. You would probably like to go sightseeing, hiking, having a cocktail at the beach, etc. In my case, I didn’t go to the beach as it was very crowded. My grandfather took us on a speedboat where we went fishing and swimming in the open sea. Luckily most beaches have jet skis or boats you can rent. Certain places you’d like to go to maybe closed or unsafe, so I’d advise you to search for low-risk places to go to before arriving in the country.

Eating Out:

There are many restaurants open, but you may find that only a limited number of people can enter at one time, so I’d advise you to make a reservation, as well as choosing to eat outdoors. Try to avoid paying with cash; instead, opt for an online payment method.

Final Thoughts:

Travelling during covid may not be as easy as before the pandemic, but if you are vaccinated, prepared, and ready for a holiday, then you can look forward to a great trip. Remember to maintain social distancing and wear your mask!

Travel Recommendations:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/map-and-travel-notices.html

https://blog.wego.com/safe-travel-destinations-after-the-coronavirus-pandemic/
Vietnam from South to North, Part 1
By: Vidushi Pundir
Tags: Travel Writing, Travel, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Traveling

I landed around 3 AM in the city, took the SIM card with the only person standing there and bravely walked outside the airport to the nearest Grab spot and one would find plenty of Grab riders who would be ready for tripling you with your luggage on the bike. Just as I found one and hopped on to one I started to feel the city with every breath I inhaled, the vibe slowly started to sink in.

The roads were empty and isolated and we were in speed as my face drifted in the air, it felt as if the city Ho Chi Minh was saying HellO. I was so lost in replying to her soon my stop came and I got down. I was alone as my fellow trip-mates Mehul and Isha were supposed to join me in the afternoon so I booked a sleeping place for myself in the nearby area. The hostel was cheap for like $4, with a little shady entrance but the rooms inside were clean and I managed to sleep well.

Ho Chi Minh ki Gaaliyan

In a few hours, I woke and got out to follow my detox routine (yes, no cheat days 🤪) and also explore the city. I always prefer to explore the city on foot and use google maps for exploration. The moment I get out I saw people doing their daily chores, small and narrow lanes with tall elongated boxes of storied hotels around me. This wasn’t a surprise, it didn’t feel like a foreign land it just felt like the Paharganj of Delhi. I had never felt this sense of homeliness in any of the countries before. As I was walking through the narrow lanes of Ho Chi Minh I was lost in a spree of thoughts about how can traveling to a foreign land and having boundaries create a different kind of rush. Who created these boundaries, isn’t it just weird that having a different currency, speaking a different language, taking a new SIM, just makes you see that place differently, what if it wasn’t for them will this place still seem different the way it does now?
Travel, Entrepreneurship, and Avoiding Burnout as a Digital Nomad.
By: Roger Rojas
Tags: Travel Writing, Digital Nomads, Entrepreneur, YouTube, Solo Travel

I’ve never fully grasped the notion of a person “burning out.” I heard about it all the time in various sources, such as business magazines and online platforms. Still, because I never put myself in that entrepreneurial mindset, it never seemed real to me. For the last five years of my life, I woke up, went to work, ate lunch, went home, and repeated the cycle for years. The way I saw it, life was pretty simple.

It wasn’t until I dedicated my self wholeheartedly to a cause I believed in, which is: to motivate and assist others in traveling the world solo. I threw myself into it entirely; after all, I was on my own now. No company hierarchy to abide by, no office politics to navigate, no mental cruise control to engage. The stakes were high, and I was going to go above and beyond to make my vision a reality.

As the weeks went on, however, my days were consumed by my goals. Yes, I was doing something I always wanted to do: travel the world, but the emotion and joy that I had felt started to diminish. I found myself tapping into (and often forcing) a part of my brain to work non-stop to develop and complete the next objective. No matter how scenic and invigorating a city was, my thoughts lowered the volume on it all. Monday through Sunday became a non-stop grind of 14 or more hours a day of creative work. I began to feel a level of tiredness I had never known before, which slowly led to a lower quality of work. Thankfully, I was able to analyze the situation I had put myself in and knew that this would end up being a significant problem if I continued on this path.

Once I examined myself and my situation logically, I tasked myself with getting back to what started it all: traveling for the love of traveling. My approach was to pick one or two destinations and leave my tools (laptop, camera gear) back at my apartment in my hub city.

This event happened while I was in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and I wasn’t sure whether this technique would work in the first place. Perhaps I reached a mental point of no return, I thought to myself. So instead of choosing an entirely different country to put this into play, I opted for a weekend getaway to the second and third-biggest cities in Slovenia, which are Maribor and Celje. What resulted from this experiment was invigorating. I was able to detach myself from my non-stop work mentality and allowed my mind to focus on the present moment. Since then, this technique has now become a staple in my digital nomad and entrepreneurial lifestyle.

I now understand that losing the drive, also known as burning out, is a real threat to those doing all they can to bring something beautiful into the world. This technique (especially the self-awareness aspect of it) worked for me to get over a severe hurdle in my life, will it do the same for others? Who knows, but hell, at least it gives one a reason to travel and, more importantly, be proactive in finding solutions to improve one’s life.
Why we travel
By: Kayla Williams
Tags: Travel Writing, Travel, Reasons To Travel, Wanderlust

We travel because there’s nothing like the breathtaking view of a sunset on Kilimanjaro or the the smell of crisp morning air as the sun rises above Yosemite Valley.

We travel to create memories of a lifetime and to be able tell the untold stories waiting to be told. We embrace that our lives have the potential to be the greatest stories we’ll ever write and that travel helps us realize it.

We travel because we are driven by curiosity and a desire to be surprised. To be moved. To be educated. To keep feeling feelings for the first time, because there is nothing quite like it. Because we aren’t in this to see what we already know, but to see how much more there is to learn. And we know this will help us find the horizon that stretches beyond what we have already achieved in life.

We travel to immerse ourselves in traditions of distant cultures — from the streets of Havana to the peaks of the Andes. What we find is that we’re all kindred spirits, just as curious about the world as you are. And what we experience is the freedom of feeling connected to the world.

We travel to find out who we are. To find the unknown in our hearts and the corners of our own minds. We embark on the chase of our dreams, not only to explore new destinations but also discover what makes us tick, what makes us passionate about life and what it means to be human.

We go traveling to discover what it means to be home.

And that’s what makes us feel alive.
A Love Letter To Tokyo
By: Kayla Williams
Tags: Tokyo, Travel Writing, Japan, Travel

Tokyo, I love your labyrinth of backstreets, the ones that always lead to something new, something different, something exciting. Your alleys that smell like ramen and fried doughnuts, where vending machines that sell everything from gummy bears to umbrellas and cigarettes are lined up like old friends. Your convenience stores that never fail to deliver, even in the middle of the night.

I love your perfectly crafted subway stations full of people rushing to get to their next destination, and how the pace of life yet seems slow. I love your certain silent energy about life, how you even in the most crowded areas or during the busiest rush hour maintain an eerie calm and quiet.

I love that you are a bubble of potential, where creativity flourishes in every corner of the city and every day feels like a celebration of possibility. It’s as if you were built by a movie director, to be used as a backdrop for some grand Hollywood set piece. A place where superheroes could soar above the city landscape, fighting evil-doers while everyone watches from below. A place where you can be anything you want to be.

I love your hazy skyline as the sun sets, seen from the towering scrapers of Shinjuku. Your neon lights as they paint the darkness of night with a thousand different colors; adrenaline reds, bright yellows, and electric blues.

I love your heavy humid air that has a hint of salt from the ocean.

Tokyo, I love the fact that you are always changing but never seem to lose all of the things that make you truly you. You are the kind of city that feels like it’s constantly changing shape, and if you blink you might miss something special. It is as if you are a living thing, breathing and changing with the seasons. And yet, you remain the same.

I love the way that you make me feel as if I belong, even though I know I never will.
Dandeli in North Karnataka Set to Construct New River Park for Tourists
Tags: Travel Writing, Travel, Dandeli, India, Traveling

Dandeli, a small town in North Karnataka, known for the plethora of adventure sports and activities it has to offer, is all set to welcome its second river park along the Kali river at Bailpar. Aimed at attracting more tourists, the river park will be established by the Forest Department. Dandeli’s present river park, Moulangi Eco Park, is located around 6kms away from the main town and is a major tourist attraction.

Seeing the kind of demand that exists for river parks, officials have set out to create a second one. Discussing the same, a forest official has highlighted how picnic spots along the river Kali attract tourists who are on their way to visit the Ulavi temple, which is in proximity to Dandeli as they stop by to bathe in the river. Tourists may also be interested in water sports at the new park but officials have said that there are no plans for the same as yet. However, a separate swimming area will be created to ensure the visitors can safely swim in the river.

Other Attractions in Dandeli

Dandeli is a great holiday destination for tourists on the lookout for an interesting tryst with nature. Located along the banks of the Kali river, Dandeli’s attractions also include nature walks, white water rafting, kayaking, camping and jungle safari’s. The best time to visit the place depends on what kind of activity one is seeking out. Summer works the best for river rafting while the monsoons are ideal for tourists to soak in the lush greenery in the town.

There are several resorts in the small town that offer accommodation to tourists along with packages that include outdoor activities in and around the town. Reaching Dandeli isn’t too much of a struggle with frequent buses and trains available. Travelling by air is also an option; the Hubli airport is the closest to Dandeli and is located about 75kms away from the town.

Also Read: You Must Visit These 6 Offbeat Places in India
Burger Lab, Foodies, Food And Beverage
By: Jonathan, Lim Chin Aun
Tags: Popular Culture, Travel Writing, My Burger Lab, Food And Beverage, Foodies

It is hardly a little known fact that technology will begin to define this century, but the real topic of the day comes in the form of home delivery applications. Here are the Grab Food and Panda Top 10 alternatives(in no particular order), all of which are compatible with IOS and Android; a little bonus — their respective delivery charges

DoorDash: $5.99(flat fee). GrubHub: Varies(Fees are set by each individual restaurant). Uber Eats: From $4.99 and up. Seamless: $6. Postmates: $1.99 — $3.99 for Partner Merchants (green check) and $5.99 — $9.99 for all other merchants. goPuff: $1.95(Flat Fee). Delivery.com: Varies by restaurant. Instacart: $5.99 delivery fee or $0 (with a $149 annual membership). Munchery: $8.95 membership. Eat 24: Varies by restaurant.n

The In-And-Out Tribute by My Burger Lab is next on the agenda, come 12 noon 7th May 2020. Ordering-IN!!

Now keep in mind that some of these apps. may not be very popular with Pan Asian decadents of fine order-in junkies, but for those who care enough to live within the confines of Covid-19 restrictions and curfews maybe stick to the classics in Grab Food and Panda. Some of the staples in application usage just don’t go wrong.

It’s round about 6am today and I am already thinking of lunch(not much of a breakfast person). The In-And-Out Tribute by My Burger Lab via Grab Food Delivery is on the agenda for the mid-afternoon mayhem of colloquial KL. Count down begins in 5,4,3,2,1… Six hours till “My Burger Brunch.”
Skiathos — The small paradise in the Sporades, Greece.
By: Joanna Geraki
Tags: Travel Writing, Travel, Travelling, Greece, Vacation

Summer is coming…

Everyone, whenever they are, this time of the year are looking for a special place to spend their summer holidays. No matter if you have one week free or more, this is the right time to plan your summer holidays.

I understand that with the situation around us we all have worries about what will happen next and how our everyday routine will change. We don’t even know if we can spend our summer vacations out of home, especially in a different country.

But for the moment, let the difficulties coronavirus made and imagine that you can visit the small paradise in Greece, called …. Skiathos.

Skiathos, is a small island in Sporades Greece with only population 6000. Near the center of the town, there is the airport with direct flights from many European countries and also direct flights from the Athens International Airport “ Ελευθέριος Βενιζέλος “. The duration from the Athens International Airport is about 45 minutes.

It is important to highlight the spectacular and impressive landings.

Additionally, you can travel via ferry boat from Agios Constantinos or Volos, the nearest ports.

The island offers many alternatives for the type of vacations someone is looking for.

Skiathos offers plenty of different types of beaches for all tastes. The most famous beaches in Skiathos are Koukounaries, Vromolimnos, Agia Eleni, and Lalaria beach. To all of the above spots, expect Lalaria, can be reached by the local bus.

Lalaria beach, is situated on the northeastern side of the island and is only reachable by boat from the center of the capital. Lalaria beach is famous for the hue of the water, which looks like a swimming pool, and the huge stone with the hole in the middle.

Besides, if you want to explore Skiathos you can plan a mini trip on the north side of the island with a car.