travel

2022-01-15

A Step-By-Step Guide On Packing Your Suitcase More Efficiently

John Stevens travel backpack, Bag, Duffel bags, Suitcase, travel 0 Comments

How many times have you arrived at your destination, opened your suitcase only to find a crumpled heap of clothes?

Don’t worry, you are not the only one – it happens to the best of us. However, if you want to prevent such scenarios, you should prepare your backpack carefully.

So, how do you do it?

How Can You Make the Most of the Space in Your Bag?

First Option:

You have the option of rolling or folding your garments. If you need more space in your luggage and aren’t bothered about weight, roll your clothes. This will take up far less room than folded shirts and pants. If you don’t need as much space and want to conserve weight, fold your clothes. If your clothes are prone to wrinkling, folding is also preferred.

Roll things as close together as possible to save as much space as possible. To keep bundled clothing tight in your luggage, use rubber bands or hair ties.

Because rolled items must be packed securely to keep orderly, this method is perfect if you need to fit a lot into a small bag.

Second Option:

Use the inner of your shoes to store items. Stuff your socks into your shoes if you don’t have any other options. Other little clothing items, such as underwear, are also easy to roll and fit into your shoes. Small, delicate trinkets and mementos also look great in shoes since the shoes give extra padding and safety.

Third Option:

Underwear should be placed in creases and gaps. After you’ve filled the case, slide your underwear and socks down the edges and between your garments. This prevents you from wasting valuable center space on little stuff.

Fourth Option:

To ensure that everything fits together, use packing cubes. Packing cubes are little packets that are used to organize your luggage. Depending on your requirements, these can be organized by clothes, weight, or item. You could, for example, have a heavy, medium, and light cube, or one for all of your clothes, undergarments, and so on.

Packing cubes are available at a range of department stores and large online retailers.
You may be able to locate some vacuum-sealed packing cubes. However, after the bags are opened, make sure to provide ample space. When the cube is opened, the things will take up more space unless you have access to a vacuum to compress the bags again.

Choose And Make The Efficient Use Of The Right Bag

Bag of Your Choice

Different types of luggage will be required for different traveling trips. Consider the sort of bag that will be most useful for your vacation. Are you planning a brief trip? In this instance, a smaller bag could be ideal. Do you intend to visit several locations? Then, instead of hefty luggage, try a lightweight backpack.

A duffel bag is a great choice if you want to throw your bag over your shoulder, carry it about with you, or have more freedom in how you organize your luggage.
Suitcases are simple to load, unload, and arrange. They are, however, more difficult to carry around with you during the day and maybe more difficult to stow in small spaces.
Depending on your demands, bags with built-in toiletry kits, clothes bags, shoe storage, laptop and device storage, and other conveniences are available.

If You Are Opting For Duffel Bags

Duffel bags are great for carrying a lot of items into a small area, but unlike suitcases, they don’t open all the way. That means putting the items you’ll need the most immediately at the top of your bag.

Lower priority items, such as spare clothes and shoes, may be pushed to the bottom of the list.
Items that you will need right quickly, such as toiletries if you need to remove them for security screening, should be placed on top.
If you have fragile items, you may want to invest in a small hard case that fits in your luggage. Shampoo and lotion, for example, should be carried in water-resistant packaging, such as a toiletry kit or plastic bag.

Try the following suggestions, and if they aren’t as effective as we say, express your “frustration” in the comments area below!

2021-12-29

France Discovery; ‘Emily in Paris’ Filming Locations

John Stevens Fun things to do, Restaurant, Tourism, travel, Travel and Restaurant France, Paris, travel, travelers, traveling 0 Comments

As the title suggests, Emily in Paris follows Emily Cooper (Lily Collins) as she enjoys life in the French capital.

Emily spends a lot of time as an American in Paris wandering the streets and visiting prominent buildings, but she also makes time in her hectic schedule to explore other places.

Many of the places Emily visits are real, and fans of the program can visit them to reenact their favorite scenes from the show.

The second season of the show, which premieres on Wednesday, December 22, includes a lot of intriguing destinations, and here’s everything you need to know about them.

Place de L’Estrapade

'Emily in Paris' Filming Locations — ‘Emily in Paris’ Filming Locations

Emily’s apartment is from a stage, but the view over Paris is very true and the café that she visits.

The café is in the Latin area of Paris, near the Panthéon, and across the street is an Italian restaurant that serves as Gabriel’s (Lucas Bravo) employment.

Place de Valois

Emily’s marketing agency, Savoir, has offices on the Place de Valois, a peaceful neighborhood near Palais Royal.

The show’s marketing firm’s entrance is just next to an art gallery called Galerie Patrick Fortin, making it easy for fans to find.

Jardin du Palais Royal

When Emily first comes to Paris, she frequents the Jardin du Palais Royal, where she eats her lunch alone on a bench while admiring the park’s vistas.

She meets Mindy (Ashley Park) for the first time, and the two frequently visit the spot for lunch.

Mindy decides to sing in an impromptu performance at the Jardin du Palais Royal, which Emily encourages her to do.

Rue de l’Abreuvoir

Emily establishes her profession as a social media influencer while in Paris, much to the chagrin of her boss Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu).

Emily chooses to have one final night out in Paris online with Mindy after Sylvie tells her to erase her social media.

The couple visits several locales, including the Rue de l’Abreuvoir in Montmartre, deemed “Paris’ prettiest street,” and where they dine at La Maison Rose.

Pont Alexandre III

The Pont Alexandre III is a beautiful bridge where Antonie (William Abadie) shoots his new perfume advertisement.

The advertisement depicts a model walking naked on the bridge while being admired by a group of handsome, suit-clad guys, which Emily claims is “sexist,” but Antoine claims “hot,” sparking a disagreement between them.

Le Café de L’Homme

In the series, Antoine organizes a party in Le Café de L’Homme, a Parisian brasserie noted for its views of the Eiffel Tower, to celebrate the debut of his luxury perfume.

Musee des Arts Forains

Savoir throws a party at Paris’s Musée des Arts Forains, which is generally a private museum that only opens for rare events.

Café de Flore

Emily meets her first French boyfriend, Thomas (Julien Floreancig), for supper at Café de Flore, where they wager on whether the man and woman in front of them are mother and son or lovers.

The site is one of Paris’s oldest cafés, and it’s famous for being where Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir spent their time, as Thomas mentions in the performance.

Palais Garnier

Emily visits the Palais Garnier to see Swan Lake and meet with Pierre Cadault (Jean-Christophe Bouvet) in the hopes of persuading him to work with her luxury agency once more.

She is shown heading up the famous opera house’s stairwell, where she breaks up with Thomas.

In the new season of Emily In Paris, we got to see many other places, ‘Gare du Nord’, ‘Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat’, ‘Père Lachaise cemetery and so on… If you haven’t watched the new season, I cannot recommend it enough! Let us know in the comments If you have ever been to these places…

2021-12-23

Quaint Tourist Destination: The Northern Part of Madagascar

John Stevens Fun things to do, Restaurant, Slow Travel, Tourism, travel, Travel and Restaurant island, Madagascar, tourist, travel 0 Comments

Once the summer vacations are in sight, several activities and places are offered to all vacationers who wish to stay away from their homes. Madagascar lies off the southeastern coast of Africa and is a biodiversity hotspot, and 90% of its wide life is seen nowhere else in the world. So why not change the playground this time, and go to the most beautiful beaches of the fifth-largest island in the world?

Ramena, Diego Suarez

Located in the northern region, Diego Suarez is one of Madagascar‘s largest and most popular tourist cities. Almost all the island’s tourists come to Diego Suarez, which is famous for its beautiful beaches, especially Ramana beach. Miles of white sand with a turquoise sea and an azure sky, who wouldn’t want to go there? A dream setting offers the view of one of the most beautiful seas in the world and long, imposing massifs in the South of the region. We see various attractions, such as the Montagne d’Ambre, which is one of the national parks of Madagascar. You can capture these beautiful places in video clips.

Nosy Be, Mozambique Channel

North-east of Antsiranana is a small archipelago of small islands and beaches of which Nosy Be is the largest. Also called “Ambariobe” or “big island” in French, Nosy Be is a real nugget on the sea. It is a small volcanic island of about 320 km2, and it has a dense forest with several endemic Malagasy species. In fact, if you spend your summer vacations there, you will have the privilege to enjoy a paradisiacal beach, but also a right to visit the natural heritage of the region. Also, as it is close to Diego Suarez, you could make a small stopover there, just to visit two magnificent places with one stone of two shots.

Nosy Iranja, the archipelago of Nosy Be

Stretching over twenty kilometers from the North to the South, the archipelago of Nosy Be is composed of 5 other islands that will give you the same luxurious welcome as the main one (Nosy Be). Nosy Iranja, also called the island of turtles, by its name, is an island whose beaches are chosen by sea turtles to accompany their offspring. It is a sumptuous beach, semi-deserted and tropical, that attracts not only turtles but also tourists. In addition, this little treasure is also famous for its sandy tongue that connects the nearby islets at low tide.

Nosy Komba, the archipelago of Nosy Be

Nosy Komba, translated in French as “lemurs’ island”, is not only home to the emblematic animal of Madagascar, but also to a wide range of fauna, from terrestrial to aquatic, which contributes to the local hotel service and to underwater activities. Every year, adventurers and divers from all over the world come to Nosy Tanikely to take up the island’s challenges and visit the wildest environment. For those who just want to take it easy, there are several entertainments such as snorkeling, kayaking, and other water sports.

Nosy Tanikely, the archipelago of Nosy Be

Nosy Tanikely is a submerged islet, making it a life-size water park. Called the “island of the little land”, it is filled with an incredible biodiversity safeguarded by a long coral reef that surrounds the entire beach. Thus, one can see many aquatic creatures such as turtles, gorgonians, and various fish of all colors. On a drone shot, Nosy Tanikely looks like the inside of an aquarium, as if every detail of its environment saw exactly to the contents of the tank. To go there, just leave Nosy Be and take the south direction.

Nosy Sakatia, the archipelago of Nosy Be

Part of the most beautiful islands of the Nosy Be archipelago, it is located on the west side, a few kilometers from the main island. Nosy Sakatia is also called the “island of orchids”, which makes it a guardian of the floral ecosystem of the North. You can find not only a great variety of plant and animal species but also several human activities such as hotel services, several restaurants, games, entertainment, etc. Find in a tropical atmosphere the real pleasure of a vacation. Madagascar is a relatively affordable destination

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us if you want to read more about cheap and affordable tourist destinations.

2021-11-09

Why Canada Is the Best Place to Migrate to as a Queer Person

John Stevens travel LGBTQIA2S+, migration, queer, travel 0 Comments

Canada is a queer mecca and is one of the best places you could immigrate to as a queer person. Trust me on this one, as a queer person from a ‘third-world country’, I’ve faced the whole spectrum from queer acceptance and denial. Being queer is hard anywhere around the world, but it is easier to be queer in Canada than in India; the law legally protects you. You are given the same rights and privileges as a heterosexual person in Canada. So, let’s get into why Canada is a safe haven for queer people.

Queer laws in Canada

1. Marriage and adoption

Canada is the first country in America (both North and South to have legalized gay marriage). Gay couples gained most of the legal benefits of being married in 1999 when the government extended marriage laws to include two legally consenting adults and not just a man and a woman. However, it was only in 2005 that this law took place nationwide and was foregrounded in the Canadian constitution. Same-sex couples can also adopt there and they can be openly out and proud in the military.

2. Passports and identity marker

Queer people are also protected against hate speech and other kinds of discrimination in the workplace and trans people can legally change their name and identity markers on their passports and ID cards. For us, it is a no-brainer, Canada has to be the most queer-friendly nation in the world and this is one of the main reasons why you should immigrate there, especially if you are a queer person who faces discrimination in their homeland, Canada will not only be a change of scenery, but you will also be able to be yourself there. You won’t be asked about your gender identity and/or sexuality during your application process. If you are a trans person, you can pick the gender you identify as on your passport, and if you are genderqueer like me and don’t fit in this heteronormative binary, you can also choose ‘X’ as your gender marker. While the Canadian and Australian governments recognize the X marker on the passport, most countries don’t.

Application for immigration as a queer person

The process of applying and migrating to Canada as a queer person can be quite sensitive as most of us are out to our families in our homeland and may be prosecuted for our said queerness. This is why you need a professional company that has experience in immigration to help you. Having a company you can trust is key to moving if you are a queer person as your identity might put you in jail in your motherland and this is why a lot of openly queer people seek refuge in Canada because the Canadian government is not afraid to support queer people and their identity. All these reasons are why I decided to move there.

Places to visit in Canada

If you find Canada as the ideal place to travel to as a queer person, you aren’t the first and hopefully won’t be the last; Canada has a large yet diverse queer population that you ought to know as a queer person. One of these must-visit places is Montreal’s gay village. As its name suggests, this is one of many queer spaces in Canada. It is to the east of downtown Montreal and is considered one of the largest gay villages in North America. This queer space has inclusivity as its core and is home to bars like Club Unity.

If you are not convinced to move to Canada after reading this piece. In that case, you should get in touch with one of RNR Canadian Immigration Consultancy Inc. They have years of experience helping people migrate to Canada and create a smooth, fast and hassle-free process that makes your life easier and makes moving to a foreign country less scary. RNR Canadian Immigration Consultancy Inc. will advise you throughout this process and will be there all the way through your day of migration because they want the best for you. So why wait? Make your dream to move to Canada a reality with them.

2021-11-02

Discovering Alaska and Its History (Part 2)

John Stevens travel Alaska, Alaska Peninsula, Climate, Gulf of Alaska, travel 0 Comments

Most of us must have only seen the enormous glaciers of Alaska on TV, but if you visit the state, you would be mesmerized by its breathtaking landscapes, its abundance of wildlife and the wide range of activities offered by the state.

Whatever your choices, let’s see what’s there in Alaska for you to see.

Alaska’s Land

The coastline of Alaska is rocky, with several bays, inlets, and sounds. Some of these bodies of water cut deep into the shoreline, producing peninsulas. The Seward Peninsula, between Kotzebue and Norton sounds, is a prominent feature of the western coast of the state.

The Alaska Peninsula is a long, carrot-shaped sliver of land that juts out from the southern coast. The Aleutian Islands spread southwestward in a lovely arc from the tip of this peninsula. Other Alaskan islands may be found in the Bering Sea, north of the Aleutian chain. Among them are the Pribilof Islands, which serve as a summer habitat for fur seals.

The Kenai Peninsula is another significant peninsula on Alaska’s southern coast. Kodiak Island is located south of the Kenai Peninsula and is home to the massive brown bear. Kodiak Island is located just north of Hawaii.

On the east, the boundary between Alaska and Canada’s Yukon Territory runs in a straight line from the Arctic Ocean to within a few miles of the Gulf of Alaska. The border then follows a zigzag path southeastward. It slices off a thin strip along with the Canadian province of British Columbia. Along this coast is the Alexander Archipelago, a group of more than 1, 000 islands. These islands are the summits of submerged mountains connected by deep canals. The channel forms part of a long sheltered waterway – the famous Inside Passage – between Seattle, in the state of Washington and Skagway in Alaska.

The Alexander Archipelago and the thin strip of the mainland are known as Southeastern Alaska or the Panhandle. This part of Alaska is closest to the 48 continental states.

Climate

In 1867 many people in the United States objected to the purchase of Alaska. They knew little about it, but from its position on the map, they supposed it to be a huge “ice-box.” Since that time, people have learned a great deal about Alaska, including the fact that it has different kinds of climate.

Climate 1: The Panhandle and the coastal plain along the Gulf of Alaska have moderate temperatures and heavy precipitation. High mountains protect these areas from cold northerly winds and warm ocean currents circle around the shores. The prevailing southeasterly winds reach the coast full of moisture from the Pacific Ocean. In passing over the coastal mountains, they give up this moisture. The average yearly precipitation is 94 inches throughout the area. In certain places, the precipitation sometimes exceeds 200 inches. The average annual temperature is 41 degrees. July temperatures average 55 degrees, but summer days often are warmer.

Climate 2: The climate of the Aleutian Islands is influenced by contrasting bodies of water –the warm Pacific Ocean and the cold Bering Sea. The average annual temperature is about the same as along the Gulf of Alaska, but there is only half as much as precipitation. Typically, the weather is damp and misty, with strong gusts slamming the islands. Williwaws are hurricane-force winds that travel in gusts or waves rather than gradually like a hurricane does.

Climate 3: Summer temperatures in the Copper River, Cook Inlet, and Bristol Bay regions are similar to those seen around the Gulf of Alaska. However, the winters are much colder, and the average annual precipitation is substantially lower – 22 inches. In the Matanuska Valley, the growing season lasts roughly 100 days.

4th Climate: Interior Extremes abound in Alaska. It boasts both the highest and lowest temperatures in the state. Summer highs in the mid-90s or higher have been recorded at several meteorological stations, as have winter lows of 70 degrees below zero or below. Usually, July temperatures are in the mid-50s. The average annual precipitation is 15 inches. The growing season in the Tanana Valley averages 100 days, but long hours of summer sunlight help to make up for the short season.

2021-10-06

Discovering Alaska and Its History

John Stevens travel Alaska, Big Diomede, Canada, Little Diomede, travel, United States 0 Comments

The story of Alaska’s flag begins in 1926. Because Alaska lacked its own flag, the American Legion held a flag contest in October of that year. All Alaskan boys and girls in grades 7 through 12 were eligible to compete.

At a school near Seward was an orphan whose name was Benny Benson. Thirteen-year-old Benny loved his land and often dreamed of its greatness. Out of his love and dreams came the winning design. Below his sketch, Benny wrote these words:

“The blue field represents the Alaskan sky, while the forget-me-not is an Alaskan flower. The North Star represents the future state of Alaska, the Union’s most northern state. The Dipper is a symbol of strength for the Great Bear.”

On May 2, 1927, Benny’s design became Alaska’s official flag. A prize of $ 1000 was put aside for Benny’s education. When Alaska was preparing for statehood in 1955, the constitutional convention delegates publicly honored Benny Benson. Later, a street in Kodiak was named after him.

The History

Alaska is the largest, the next-to-youngest and the most sparsely populated state of the Union. It contains Point Barrow, the northern-most point in the United States and Mount McKinley, the highest mountain peak in all North America. About one-third of this huge state lies north of the Arctic Circle.

Like Florida, in the extreme southeastern United States, Alaska is a peninsula. The mainland of Alaska juts out at the northwest corner of the North American continent like a huge thumb on a doubled-up fist. At one point on the western side, Alaska is only 55 miles from the continent of Asia. Thousands of years ago the mainlands of the two continents were connected. They are now separated by the Bering Strait. In the Bering Strait, Russia’s Big Diomede Island is about 3 miles from the United States’ Little Diomede Island. Between the two islands is the international date line. Sunday on Little Diomede corresponds to Monday on Big Diomede.

Alaska includes thousands of islands. One chain of islands, the Aleutians, stretches beyond the 180th meridian into the Eastern Hemisphere. Attu Island, at the tip of the chain, is at the same longitude as New Zealand.

Among Alaska’s people are the native inhabitants of “The Great Land” – Eskimos, Aleuts and Indians. The remaining people represent all regions of the country as well as many countries around the world. They are primarily young, daring individuals who have risen to the challenge of developing America’s final frontier.

For many years Alaska had no government of its own to conserve and develop its rich natural resources. Men rushed into this vast land to strip it of furs, fish and gold and then rushed out again to spend somewhere else the profits from their plundering.

Russia owned Alaska for more than 100 years. During this time the fur seals were killed so wastefully that only a fraction of them survived. The sea otter was almost exterminated. Then, in 1867, the United States bought Alaska and the land lay almost forgotten until its wealth in fish, especially in salmon, attracted a new kind of fortune hunter.

In 1896 the cry of “gold” rang out in the Klondike region of Canada’s Yukon Territory. This cry shifted attention from fish to gold. Thousands of men poured through Skagway, Alaska, on their way to the Klondike. Others hurried to Alaska’s own gold fields. Many of the gold seekers were disappointed. But many who struck it rich returned “outside” – anywhere outside Alaska – to spend their wealth, leaving little of permanent value. At the climax of the gold rush, some Alaskans compared their land to the storybook Cinderella, whose riches turned to rags at the stroke of midnight.

Finally, on January 3, 1959, Alaska gained statehood and control of its resources. Those resources have proved considerable including what may be the largest oil deposits in North America. The problem for Alaska today is how to exploit its natural wealth without despoiling its natural beauty.

The story of Alaska continues in the second part…

2021-06-06

Places You Should Travel to When You Are Sad

John Stevens travel Annecy, England, France, Härjedalen, Sad Destinations, Sweden, travel 0 Comments

Just went through a heartbreak? Or, did you just lose a loved one?

There is nothing wrong with feeling sad, but there are times when you need to forget your own problems and rejuvenate yourself. And, the only solution is to travel.

Here are some amazing destinations that will help you to escape the dark and gloomy world.

#1. Härjedalen – Sweden

Feeling down? Got the blues? Well, sadness is that feeling that everyone, without exception, gets in life. And, at that time, when the emotion (that is, sadness) is high, you need a paradise. Yes, a paradise that boasts of a majestic scenery and lush surroundings. And, the good news is that such a place exists and it is found in Sweden.

Härjedalen is a historical province filled with rich culture and situated in the center of Sweden. Initially, it used to belong to Norway, but with the Treaty of Brömsebro in 1645, it was handed over to Sweden. Situated above 500 meters of altitude, this earthly paradise for hikers and bikers consists of breath-taking scenery that spans mountains, deep forests and numerous lakes. Its pristine nature also represents the habitat for elks, reindeers, bears, wolverines, musk oxen, arctic foxes and rare bird species.

And, don’t worry, you will be entertained by the diverse range of activities offered by the region. From thrilling mountain bike rides and hikes to kayak adventures, fishing, forest bathing and skiing, I promise you won’t even have the time to feel sad.

#2. Annecy – France

In need of solitude? Need to get a pause from the overwhelming newsfeed?

The solution is found in a large city in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of Southeastern France. Also known as the “Pearl of French Alps” in the monograph of Raoul Blanchard, a French geographer, Annecy lies at the tip of the picturesque Lake Annecy and overlooks snow-capped mountains.

If you want a serene place where you can have some peace of mind, you need to visit Lake Annecy. It is not only a great tourist attraction but is also one of the largest lakes in France. With its translucent water reflecting the spectacular views of the mountains, it definitely looks like a perfect postcard image.

And, what’s more remarkable is the superb water sports offered by the lake. For example, there is paddleboarding with the ex-captain and coach of the French wakeboarding team, scuba diving and catamaran and yacht rentals.

The Gardens of Europe (or the Jardins de l’Europe), filled with huge and magnificent multi-centennial trees, is the perfect spot for a lunchtime picnic and also for some relaxation time. There, you won’t hear any complaints or quarrels, but you will find only peace and calmness.

You will find The Pont des Amours (Lovers’ Bridge) right before the Gardens of Europe. It is stunning bridge that connects two open gardens – the Jardins de l’Europe and Pâquier Esplanade. But, do you know what’s unique about this bridge? As per the legend, if two lovers kiss on the bridge, they will stay together forever. Well, I know that’s not the first time you are hearing such things (and most probably, many of the people who kissed on this bridge must now be with different lovebirds – not that I am discouraging you from visiting this place).

But, even if you have no one to kiss, you can still visit the place. And, who knows, you might meet your soul mate there.

Annecy also consists of several Catholic churches with pretty stained-glass windows and medieval paintings. If you want a relaxing place and have a thing for history, you can take the time to explore these impressive churches.

#3. South West Coast Path – England

The South West Coast Path refers to a 630 mile (1014 km) long-distance footpath along the coastline of England’s southwest peninsula. With a wealth of amazing natural scenery, sea views and historic county towns, it is a National trail that has won a range of awards.

Just the feeling of walking along that nice trail and contemplating life is very, very soothing.

Do you know some other soothing places? Please share them with us in the comment section below.

2021-05-13

Cultural Faux Pas To Avoid While Traveling Abroad – Part 2

John Stevens travel Cultural rules, eating, Faux Pas, laughing, sauna, thumbs up, travel, wearing clothes 0 Comments

When you are traveling abroad, it is very easy to forget that some actions are acceptable only at home and not in foreign countries. In order to help you understand different cultures and conform to their social rules, here is some common cultural faux pas that you should avoid committing.

#1. Thumbs-Up

Normally, what does a thumbs-up represent for you? A sort of gesture indicating approval, isn’t it?

However, did you know that this common hand gesture does not have the same interpretation in many West Africa countries, Russia, Iran, Greece and Sardinia? In other words, your simple thumbs-up will be seen as derogatory, that it, pretty much like a middle finger.

#2. Eating with Your Hands

My fellow friends, if you are traveling to any countries in Asia, Africa or even in the Middle East, I would strongly recommend you to leave your knives, spoons and forks at home. Why? Well, if you were a fan of Indian cinema, you would have a clue. People in these countries consider it insulting if you don’t eat with your hands.

But, even when it comes to eating with hands, always remember to use your right hand only as the left is, well, reserved for the bathroom use. Sorry to all the left-handers, but when it comes to chowing down, the right hand is the supreme leader.

#3. Drinking Coffee

Yes, unfortunately, there are even rules when drinking coffee. So, if you are visiting Italy or Spain and you are thinking of a nice cup of coffee, it is best to go for an espresso. As per the café culture in these countries, cappuccinos are usually banned after 11. Don’t be surprised if the locals tell you that milk is best during breakfast time, while drinking dairy after lunch and dinner can cause digestion problems.

#4. Wearing Clothes in a Sauna

As mentioned in one of my previous blog articles, no one is allowed to wear clothes – not even an itsy bitsy bikini in Japanese bathhouses. It might take a little bit or more time to get used to it, but let me tell you, if you want to visit a Japanese bathhouse, you need to get comfortable with the idea of bathing naked with strangers. However, rest assured, as usually, all the baths are gender-separated.

Moreover, if you wear a swimsuit, undies or even a robe in a sauna in Turkey or Scandinavian countries, trust me, you will be viewed as a prude. These countries believe that a sauna is meant to cleanse and purify oneself and hence it should be done fully in the nude. You will enter with a towel but will have to remove it later on. And, for those who are too shy, then please skip the sauna if you are traveling to such countries.

#5. Eat Everything on Your Plate

Suppose you are eating a nice and tasting meal. It is obvious that you would want to savor every bite and will not leave one thing on your plate. This is how it is usually, right? Not in China, Russia, Thailand and the Philippines!

In these countries, if you eat everything on your plate, it would mean that you are still hungry and were not given enough food. It is therefore recommended to leave one or two bites, no matter how good the food is.

#6. Laughing Out Loud

Whether you are watching The Big Bang Theory or heard a nice joke, you will be most likely to throw your head back and laugh with your mouth open. But, if this similar action is done in Japan, it would mean you are impolite. There, it seems that only horses have the right to make this kind of gesture. So, if you are traveling to the Land of the Rising Sun, make sure you keep your laugh to a chuckle and cover your mouth with your hand.

Will you follow these tips? Please share your comments!

2021-04-10

Unique Ways to Experience Authentic India

John Stevens travel Authentic India, Festivals, India, Local Bus, Local Homestay, Local Markets, travel 0 Comments

India is a beautiful place that has many and many things to offer to a traveler. However, despite a trip to India, many people get to see only a fraction of it. So, if you want to experience authentic India, this post might help you.

#1. Choose a Local Homestay

Did you know that there is a saying in India, “Athithi Devo Bahava”, which means that “the guest is God?”

I don’t know about other countries, but I can say without a doubt that India’s hospitality is incomparable. Indians consider it a huge honor to have guests in their house and this is why they always try their best to please them.

Unfortunately, when traveling to India, many visitors tend to stay in a hotel and never get to experience the authentic hospitality of Indians. As a result, we recommend you to stay at a homestay rather than a hotel.

Now, what is a homestay? It is similar to the bed and breakfast concept and refers to a sort of lodging where tourists share a residence with local people of the area. This concept was launched in 1992 by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and the main objective was to provide more local experience to foreign tourists.

Indeed, unlike the sterile hotels, in homestays, you will get unique opportunities to experience India’s beautiful diversity, learn about the Indian culture, have endless chats with Indians, and taste authentic homemade Indian food.

#2. Hop on a Local Bus or Train

Everyone knows that the rapid increase in India’s population has put a huge strain on all public transport systems. And, if you have watched Indian movies, you would know that Indian buses are usually overcrowded (and honestly, the people hanging on the bus usually remind me of monkeys hanging on trees).

However, this doesn’t mean you should not travel on a bus or a train while visiting India. Instead, I would suggest you to take it up as a challenge and at least take one ride on a local train or bus.

#3. Attend Festivals

You cannot visit India without experiencing at least one Indian festival, because India is known as the Country of Festivals. During these times, all hostility is forgotten and all the different castes come together to celebrate.

For example, if you are traveling during the month of March, you might be lucky enough to experience and even participate in the Festival of Color, most commonly known as Holi – one of the most beloved Indians festivals that is celebrated using colored powder and water.

#4. Visit Local Markets

It is not surprising at all that tourist shopping areas near popular monuments such as Taj Mahal, tend to be a little overpriced and also a little tacky. This is why I suggest you to visit local Indian shops.

Just one visit to a local shop and you will gain a great insight not only into the vibrancy of the city but also into the rich and exquisite Indian culture. These bazaars are like an echo of a much older era that still continues to exist.

Whether you are a shopaholic or not, you will undoubtedly be amazed by the sights, sounds and stimulating sounds of the local markets. So, before you travel, you can do a little research and search for those local gems where you will be visiting.

For example, in Delhi, there is the Dilli Haat, which I would call the “One Stop Shop”. It is a traditional market with a vibrant ambiance where music, food, fun and festivities are combined together. In the Dilli Haat, everything is available – from handicrafts to shoes, clothing, jewelry and delicious Indian cuisine.

Will you consider these tips? Please share your comments!

2021-03-31

Things to Know Before Visiting a Japanese Bathhouse

John Stevens travel Bathhouse, Japan, Japanese Bathhouse, onsen, sento, travel 0 Comments

In Japan, there are two types of baths: public bathhouses, also called “sento” and hot-spring baths, known as “onsen.” So, if you are going to visit any of these two Japanese bathhouses, there are certain rules that you should keep in mind!

#1. No Clothes Allowed

What? Yes, indeed, in the Japanese baths, no one is allowed to wear clothes – not even an itsy bitsy bikini. It might take a little bit or more time to get used to it, but let me tell you if you want to visit a Japanese bathhouse, you need to get comfortable with the idea of bathing naked with strangers.

But, don’t worry, nearly all baths are gender-separated. Of course, when you walk around the baths, you can partially cover yourself with a small towel, but one rule of the Japanese culture dictates that the towel should never touch the water. As a result, many people will either place the towel on their head or put it on the edge of the bath. And, in case you are wondering, Japanese women like to keep their downstairs au natural if you know what I mean.

So, for all those visiting a Japanese bathhouse, there’s no need to be embarrassed as everyone is in the same boat.

#2. No Access Granted to Those With Tattoos

Tattoos can be pretty cool, right? But not so much in Japan as the country associates tattoos with organized crime. Therefore, some baths don’t let in bathers with tattoos. For example, the last time I went to Japan, out of the five baths I visited, four explicitly forbade tattoos.

However, for those who have only a small tattoo, they can try covering it with a bandage, but I still recommend visiting baths with no tattoo restrictions to avoid any issues.

#3. Remove Shoes Before Entering Changing Rooms

Japan is known for its attention to cleanliness and the baths and their changing rooms are no exception.

When you go to a Japanese bathhouse, you will have to remove your clothes in a changing room. But before entering the room, you will have to remove you shoes as the Japanese are very strict about cleanliness.

#4. No Swimming

Japanese baths are traditionally places for relaxation and contemplation only. Don’t even think of playing around, splashing water or swimming as these activities are considered rude. So, you should only soak in the water and enjoy the warmth feeling.

#5. Photography Is Not Allowed

It will be a mistake and will create a big fuss if you bring your camera with you to the bathing area. Let me remind you that a Japanese bathhouse is not at all a place for playing and flashing a camera.

And, come on, nobody wants a sneaky photoshoot in the nude.

#6. Keep Your Voice Low

A Japanese bathhouse is not like a swimming pool area in a hotel. Instead, let me warn you that making a fuss, screaming, laughing or even talking loudly is considered bad manners. The first time I visited an onsen, I noticed how all the Japanese people were quiet and used to speak only in a low voice.

#7. Keep Your Hair Out of the Way

What happens when you are in the water and have long hair that was not tied? It is obvious that long strands of your hair might fall and float in the water. But let me tell you that this is seen as very unpleasant and rude in a Japanese bathhouse. So, always make sure you tie your hair properly and be careful not to let it flow in the water.

#8. You Have to Be Clean Before Entering Bath Pools

How many times have you taken a dip in a swimming pool without showering first? Often, isn’t it? But that’s not the same with Japanese baths.

Let me tell you that you cannot go inside the baths before taking a shower first and even if you already took a shower at home, as a matter of courtesy, you should take another one before entering the bathing area.

And my dear friend, this is not only a “rinse before getting in the pool” shower. You are expected to wash your entire body properly before entering the baths.

With all these manners and rules to follow, will you still visit a Japanese bathhouse? Please share your comments!

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