From medieval castles to magnificent palaces, from bustling fashion streets of Paris to the wilderness of Russian countryside and the beaches of the Mediterranean to the Swiss Alps, there is something for everyone. These experiences come at a price and Europe offers you the cheapest travel options. Whether it is accommodation, transport, or food, you must spend a fortune to travel to these beautiful places. 

ALSO READ: 10 Most Beautiful and Less Explored Places to Travel in the World

Can you cut down on your spending without compromising on the experience? Are there cheaper ways to visit and experience some of the most expensive destinations in the world? We bet, there are and here we have compiled a list of travel hacks that would serve you well on your European sojourn.  

Plan Your Travel

Nothing quite matches the experience of experiencing the unknown and traveling without a plan. However, the unknowns often add up to your bills! If you are looking to get the best out of every dollar you spend, plan your vacation. 

Do your math on the ticket prices, cost of accommodation, and other fees and you’d be surprised to find they can vary significantly through the year. Work on an East to West or North to South holiday plan that ensures lesser travel and more time to visit places. For instance, spending your nights on sleeper trains can save you on hotel tariffs. The more you plan, the more you will save or visit more destinations within your budget. 

Book Cheap Flights

As past flight booking experience would tell you, ticket prices can vary based on the time of the day and between different booking platforms. Thus, you should be willing to spend those extra minutes to find the cheapest tickets. Try ticket aggregator platforms that fetch ticket prices from different booking platforms and you will notice the differences in ticket prices. Do your research and keep track of the discount coupons available and you’d buy yourself the cheapest tickets.

Use Train Passes

Why pay for expensive flight tickets (even on no-frill airlines) and cramp yourself into the most uncomfortable seats? Europe has one of the finest rail networks in the world. With most of the countries being geographically small and connected by high-speed rail networks, you can travel the length and breadth of Europe on the train.

Eurail rail pass alone lets you travel across 33 countries with a single pass covering over 40,000 destinations in Europe. These passes start as cheap as €185, and you can easily buy a 5-day or 10-day pass which connects you to all major cities and little-known destinations across the continent. Buy these passes in advance and check out for the sale offers, you can save even more.

Free Visits to Museums

Your European sojourn would remain incomplete without visits to the famous European museums. These museums document the history of Europe and the rest of the world due to the continent’s colonial past. Museum visits can burn a hole in your pocket. But did you know there are free visit days or hours to some of the best museums in Europe? There are concessions on tickets for certain categories of travelers. Visit the official websites of these museums and explore all your options. You might just be lucky enough to enjoy a Free Pass.

Hostels, Campervans, and Airbnb

If you haven’t inherited millions in heirlooms and plan to blow them up staying at the most expensive hotels, there are plenty of options available. Most backpackers love hostels, and you can find them all over Europe. You’d need to spend anywhere between $10 to $40 per night at these places which is quite a bargain. You can also opt for campervans whenever available as this would help you save substantially. And not to forget, Airbnb which has millions of properties all over Europe. From the high streets of London to the countryside in Greece, there isn’t a place where you can’t find Airbnb accommodation. Do your research and get the best deals.

Pack Your Meals

Unless you are on food vacation, you’d do yourself a favor by packing your meals at grocery stores or making use of takeaways at busy rail stations and airports. Dining out in Europe can be expensive as it is the most expensive continent in the world in terms of food prices heavily relying on imports. You’d have to have a minimum of three meals a day and you can add up the cost of dining at expensive restaurants. Rather packing your food and eating it wherever you find yourself some space shall save you hundreds of dollars during your trip. Find the best takeaways in the towns and cities you are planning to visit, and you won’t regret the choice you make.

Hire a Bike

This trend is picking up around the world and Europe is no different. In most European cities you can easily hire bikes from local shops or make use of those app-based bike hiring platforms. By doing so you will save substantially on cab fares or pay for trams and other modes of transport. You will get to enjoy European life from up-close on a bike and ride along the narrowest streets and alleyways and smell its history.

Avoid Withdrawing Money Daily

Nobody likes traveling with cash but visiting the ATMs daily is a big no. Depending on the country you come from, you are likely to pay a convenience fee every time you visit an ATM overseas. In most cases, you must pay the minimum fee irrespective of the amount withdrawn, and hence it would be wise to withdraw cash for the last few days or a week. Certain cards charge Zero Commission on withdrawal overseas and it would be smart to get one before you arrive in Europe.

Follow these travel hacks to make your memorable European sojourn also good on your pocket!
Bon Voyage.

The post Travel Hacks That Would Help in Your European Sojourn appeared first on Chatwolfs.

Machu Picchu, Peru

If you haven’t been here, it should be top of your bucket list. A World Heritage Site and the most famous place to visit in South America, this place can take you back in history. The 15th-century Inca citadel was built at the peak of Inca civilization. The dry-stone walls are one of the finest examples of medieval architecture. It is ranked among the New Seven Wonders of the World.

ALSO READ: Top 10 Destinations to Visit after this Lockdown

Mù Cang Chải, Vietnam

Are you the one who likes taking the roads less traveled? Wish to experience a landscape that hasn’t been butchered by concrete and modernity? Head out to Mù Cang Chải in the rural district of Yên Bái Province, Northwest Vietnam. The towering rice terraces that encircle the villages along the Red River are a treat to your eyes. Terrace farming has been practiced here for centuries to make the best use of water. Meet the people, understand their culture, and create memories for a lifetime.

Dubai, UAE

Modernity isn’t necessarily a bad thing and if you are looking to experience the best of it head out to Dubai. Home to the busiest airport in the world, you might just touchdown here to catch your connecting flight to other destinations on our list. From a small port in the Persian Gulf in the middle of the 20th century, it is a buzzing metropolis and one of the most visited shopping destinations in the world. Tallest buildings in the world, amusement parks, artificial private islands, and the most expensive real estate, Dubai is a museum of several modern marvels.

Tamil Nadu, India

Yes, we are mentioning India and we aren’t talking about Rajasthan or the Taj Mahal! Everyone in your family including your estranged uncle has been there! Down south, India’s state of Tamil Nadu is one of the less explored places among foreign tourists. The land of tanks and temples, this region gives you a glimpse of history through two millennia. Ranganathaswamy Temple, Meenakshi Temple, Rameswaram, Mahabalipuram, and the list is endless.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Where do you find the largest Hindu temple complex in the world? The answer isn’t India but Northwest Cambodia. The largest temple complex in the world covering more than 400 acres, is a melting pot of Hindu and Buddhist philosophies and culture. Originally built around the 12the century, the site was nearly abandoned only to be rediscovered 6 centuries later. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and mesmerizes visitors with its captivating architecture.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Spread over 3,900 square miles, Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt flat in the world. Located along the crest of the famous and dangerous Andes, this place promises you the wilderness that all of us imagine about South America. Experience sound sleep in a hotel made from salt after a tiring day’s travel and experience the peace of starry night sky in one of the remotest mountain regions of the world. Don’t forget to visit the Incahuasi island located in the center of the Salar and shall remind you of an oasis in the middle of a desert.

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Most people have heard and read about the Blue Lagoon, but few have been there. The famous lagoon gets its blue color from the silica-rich waters feeding it. This water is thought to have healing powers for your skin and people from different corners of the world come here to experience this geothermal magic. These natural spas are unlike anything you have seen or visited in the past. At Blue Lagoon, you get to harmonize with Mother Nature.

The Pamir Highway, Kyrgyzstan & Tajikistan

Wish to explore the world sitting behind the wheels? Driving through The Pamir Highway between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan would make your trip memorable. One of the highest and unrestricted motorable highways in the world, it treats you with its scenic beauty and wilderness. You can drive miles without coming across another vehicle. It is this remoteness and the snowy mountains around the landscape that make this drive an experience of a lifetime.

Sossusvlei, Namibia

Tropical Africa and its biodiversity has been celebrated for centuries but there is more to this continent than the Carbon Sink that people think it to be. Sossusvlei is famous for having the tallest sand dunes in the world with the tallest standing quarter-mile high. Surrounded by dry salt and white clay these dunes offer the best photoshoot experience throughout the year. And it isn’t just the dunes that make this place famous as you can easily take a wildlife safari or go out on a campaign trail where no roads go.

Bagan, Myanmar

Imagine walking through an ancient city that has not one but thousands of Buddhist monasteries. Yes, there are more than ten thousand temples and pagodas, and Bagan in Myanmar is one of the least explored places among UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to the decades of political instability in the country. These were built between the 11th and 13th centuries and are one of the oldest inhabited places in the world. Go for the hot air balloon rides over the place during the sunset and the view is enchanting.

Which of these places have you heard of before and which are on your bucket list? As St Augustine said, “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page” get ready to travel and explore people and culture. 

The post 10 Most Beautiful and Less Explored Places to Travel in the World appeared first on Chatwolfs.

Enough can’t be said about the beauty, glory, and charm of the state. The snow-clad mountains, clear waters, peaceful skies, endless pastures, winding roads, and more – all add to the tranquility of the place. 

Also Read: 5 Places in India You Must Visit this Summer

Himachal Pradesh has been home to various cultures and you can enjoy their imprints while touring. Until the pandemic dies, gear yourself with all the interesting things that you can do in Himachal Pradesh. Here’s a list of a few wonderful things to do to make your trip memorable.

Sight-Seeing

Nestled amidst the mighty mountains, Himachal Pradesh is one of the destinations that are a perfect blend of beauty, art, and culture. Sight-seeing tours to places like Shimla, Manali, Kullu, Spiti, Kaza, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Palampur, Khajjiar, Chamba, McLeodganj, Naddi, Kufri, Narkanda, are a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

A trip to Himachal is packed with entertainment and beauty. The natural beauty of the place, rich culture, flora, fauna, the design of the edifices, and more walk you through the time. If you are a nature-lover and a seclusion seeker, trust me, there’s nothing better than this visual treat.

Temple Hopping

‘Agar ye nahi kiya to kya kiya?’ (If you don’t do this, did you even do something? When in Dev Bhoomi Himachal, visiting temples and monasteries is mandatory. The peace and serenity here are contagious. 

A few religious places that you might like to visit are Sankat Mochan Temple, Jakhoo Temple, Vashishth Temple, Norbulingka Institute, Dhankar Monastery, Tara Devi Temple, Masrur Temple, Hadimba Devi Temple, Nako Monastery, Chamunda Devi Temple, Tibetan Monastery, and more. As soon as you will step into any of these, you will feel as if you have been transported into another world – a world where you are away from the deafening noises, and where tranquility is your best friend.

Adventure Sports

There are lots of adventure activities that you can do in Himachal. You can try trekking and camp under the canopy of stars, or you can indulge in adventure sports like rafting, zip-lining, mountain biking, skiing, paragliding, ice-skating, zorbing, snowboarding, and lots more.

Bir Billing is one of the most famous paragliding spots in Himachal Pradesh. Other places where you can try different adventure activities include Triund, Pandoh Lake, Hanuman Tibba, Solang Valley, Malana, Kasol, Spiti Valley, Shimla, Narkanda, Dharamshala.

Heli-Skiing

Hanuman Tibba in Manali is the highest peak in the Dhauladhar range and the most popular spot for heli-skiing. Try heli-skiing here. You will enjoy the adrenaline rush in your body while the cold breeze will slush through your face, and your eyes will enjoy the mesmerizing views.

Photography

The vicinities in Himachal Pradesh are meant to be photographed. The clear water of the lakes, admirable towns, adventurous mountainous roads, snow-clad mountains, lush green valleys, rugged landscapes, flora, fauna, architecture, and everything else – there is no dearth of subjects for the photographers. So, when you plan your trip to this awe-inspiring place, don’t forget to pack your cameras. Click those aesthetic pictures, upload them on your Instagram, and bless your feed with incredibly amazing vibes.

Shopping

Though there are no big malls in Himachal, you can always take souvenirs from local shops. This pretty state is famous for its woolen shawls, garments, and the famous Himachali Topi (cap). You can also buy some pretty woven carpets, stone gems, local jewelry, ceramic utensils, and more.

Exploring Culinary Delicacies

You need to taste the Himachali cuisines to warm your souls. Try new tastes and ingredients – beverages, desserts, local cuisines, street food, typical Pahari dishes. Since Himachal Pradesh is a popular tourist destination, you will find several food corners and restaurants that serve authentic and delicious food. Explore the delectable menus of the state. Apart from this, you ought to have hillside Maggi from the roadside stalls! (Nothing can beat this!)

Watch the Tibetan Opera

The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) was established in Dharamshala in 1959. It endorses the Tibetan culture and art. Also known as the Lhamo, the Tibetan Opera is a 9-day long celebration where ancient Buddhist folk tales and various stories of historical events are recited. So, if you are around the corner, you must not miss this. You ought to enjoy every moment of the gala.

Star Gazing

Everybody loves stars. Star Gazing is something that is so surreal. Isn’t it? One of the perks of being in Himachal is that you get to see clear skies. You can just lie down on the roof or the lawn, and look up at the sky to watch tiny things shining and spreading lights of hope and happiness. Just imagine! When in Himachal, take some time out for stargazing because this is something you don’t want to miss. Trust me!

That said, a trip to Himachal Pradesh is all you need to rekindle your spirits. You won’t even realize how quickly a week would pass. The trip will leave you wanting for more. And as much as you would want the time to freeze, you will have to return. But, only to plan another trip super soon!

Let’s hope the COVID-19 pandemic goes away for good so that we can start planning our trips to the ‘Jannat’ (heaven) on earth. Are you already excited about your trip to this beautiful state? Tell me in the comments. Also, if you have already been to HP, how did you spend your vacation? I’d love to hear about your experience.

PS: This article is written to help you plan your vacation to Himachal Pradesh. But given the current COVID scenario, it is wiser to stay at home, and take all the necessary precautions to keep the virus away.

The post How to Spend A Week in Himachal Pradesh? appeared first on Chatwolfs.

If you planning to holiday in summers (March to July) “hills calling” is quite common for many of travelers,  aesthetically placed hills stations like Shimla, Manali, Nainital, Ladakh, Auli, Kashmir, Mcleodganj, Dalhousie, Rishikesh, etc, offers panoramic views with cool and pleasant weather when it scorching hot in other places. Everyone wants to rejoice the summer holidays by going to places with pleasant and relatively cool temperatures away from the hustle-bustle of the city, a place that instills a tranquil atmosphere that is abundant in Oxygen. If you want a respite from the harsh realm of the hot and populous city, these places can give you a sigh of relief and relaxation in this intense heat. 

 There are many places unexplored in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kashmir, Ladakh, North East. North India undoubtedly caters to the travel needs of every traveler, irrespective of how different their travelling interests are e.g some love hills station, for some, it is an adventure, history, wildlife, waterfalls, forests, peace lovers, religious souls, royal history, nature, etc. 

1. Ziro Valley

Ziro Valley situated in Arunachal Pradesh offers lush green valleys with breathtaking views, peace and is one of the World Heritage Site. 115 Km away from Capital Itanagar, pleasant weather and huge mountains boast of Pine trees, rich in rice production with paddy fields everywhere make this beautiful place worth visiting. Get romantically involved with nature in Kile Pakho and witness plateaus and the snow-covered Himalayas both at one place. Talley Valley Wildlife enthusiasts will love this place; Ziro is home to rare animals and has many species of flora and fauna lavished with silver fir trees, bamboo and fern trees add to the beauty of the place. To pacify your religious soul Meghna Cave Temple that dates back to about 5000 years makes magnificent views with splendid mountain, lush green dense forests, a quaint river flowing by making a perfect “picturesque” backdrop.  Midey is endowed with the tallest pine trees in the entire Apatani Valley. Overall an ideal for Trekking, hiking, photography, relaxing. You can find fresh fish at Tarin Fish farm nestled amid tall pine and bamboo trees. Tipi Orchid Research Centre can be something of your interest where 1000 species of Orchids are grown.  

The nearest airport is Jorhat which is about 98 Km from Ziro, the nearest railway station is Naharalagun which is 100 km from Ziro. You can easily plan a trip to Ziro for 5-6 days 

2. Gurez Valley, Kashmir

Kashmir is already known as “Paradise of India” and Gurez Valley is one such place with mesmerizing scenic landscapes, bewitching and melodious sound of the pristine river Krishan Ganga located at 8000 ft in the high Himalayas encapsulated with snow-clad mountains 135 km away from Srinagar. The famous mountain peak of Gyrez valley is Habba Khatoon, the wildlife sanctuary that is home to the Himalayan brown bear, snow leopard, and many more rare species. Dawar is the central township, a distance of about 22 km the village Tulael has Lockwood houses from where you can admire and appreciate the beauty of the snow-capped mountains that boasts of pine and fern trees. There are these cute cottages in Dawar where you can stay and rejuvenate in the lap of Mother Nature giving you the immense pleasure of this amazing place ideal for people who are fond of secluded places. 

3. Gokarna, Karnataka

Coming to the beach-lovers, Gokarna has many immaculate, sun-kissed beaches and is situated in Karnataka. Due to less crowd, the rustic setup, relaxed in nature, the presence of many temples, this easy-going town is becoming one of the famous travel destinations. Gokarna is aesthetically nestled amid Gangavali and Agnashini along Karwar coastline. Sri Mahabaleshwara Swamy Temple Gokarna, Maha Ganapathi Temple, Tamra Gauri Temple are some of the temples that must visit. Paradise Beach, Gokarna Main Beach, Gokarna Kudle Beach, Gokarna Cliff, Om Beach Rock View, Lighthouse of Gokarna are worth visiting. The town offers a handful of amazing places. For Lord Shiva lovers Murudeshwar Templeis the place to explore, set alongside the seashore makes it more adorable and divine. Get bewitched by the magical rock at Yaana, admire their formations and cave below Bhairaveshwara Shikhara, the majestic waterfall will unwind you from all the stress. Also, you can get your share of adventure by doing rappelling, rock climbing, and trekking. 

4. Kanatal, Uttarakhand

Kanatal is a small hill station that is unexplored and that is what makes it a perfect holiday destination. People today want to visit places with less crowd situated 78km from Dehradun and just 38 km from Mussoorie at an altitude of 8500 feet. The weather here stays pleasant in winters, it offers an array of activities like trekking, camping, rappelling, safari, and many more. Experience the feel of staying in Kaudia forest, get close to nature, spend the night under open sky gazing stars, boating in lakeTehri Dam Reservoir, Surkhanda temple which is situated at topmost of city and is the most popular religious destination. Get cozy with the locals and taste their local cuisine. Kanatal is soaked in the miraculous beauty of the hilltop offering panoramic sights of the gigantic Himalayan range. Enthral yourself amongst snow-clad mountains and mesmerizingly green coverts.

5. Banjar, Himachal Pradesh

Banjar, a small town located in Himachal Pradesh where you can explore Tirthan Valley, Banjar valley and many undiscovered places like Jibhi and Ghiyagi, Sainj and Neuli, Raghupur Fort & Saryolsar Lake, Sarchi Village & Lambri Top, Chaini Kothi & Shringa Rishi Temple are topmost attractions of the places to visit in and around Banjar. Tirthan River is the main river of Banjar town. Banjar mela is the local fair that must be witnessed. Relax and enjoy at Chhoie and Jibhi waterfall, you also get a good share of doing adventure there. Explore the Great Himalayan National Park that is at an elevation of 2600 m.  The vibrant wooden houses, apple plantations, and the spellbinding view of the valley with clouds are tranquilizing and satisfying. 

Have fun this summer by visiting one of these destinations and you will have a happy soul!

The post 5 Places in India You Must Visit this Summer appeared first on Chatwolfs.

Nevertheless, I researched keeping as open a mind as I could, planned my itinerary, selected a hotel and booked my tickets before too long. When I landed in the Male Airport (which incidentally isn’t in Male but on Hulhule Island – north of the capital city) and instantly agreed to everything that I had read about the island. As my flight was landing, I could really see the turquoise colored waters, endless white beaches and could almost feel the serenity of the place. I fell in love, instantly. I decided to explore as much as I could. I knew I had to find out about the best hotels for all types of travelers. I had visited almost like a backpacker, but while moving to my choice of hotel, I wondered where honeymooners would stay, how the 5-star accommodations would be like. I kept wondering. And then I researched. I learned as much as I could about the various accommodation options the island has to offer. Today I want to share my takeaways. Please note that I haven’t personally stayed in all the below mentioned hotels. I am broadly categorizing according to budget, facilities and proximity to the sea.    

What Types of Accommodation You Can Choose

Tourism in Maldives is booming. Contrary to popular belief, this archipelago of islands doesn’t just offer luxury resorts but also several budget friendly options. There are hotels near Maldives airport that are affordable while Maldives hotels with water villas though expensive can be worth every penny. Before you book your accommodation, check out all options available.  

• Maldives Hotels For Honeymoon – Maldives is one of the most preferred destinations for honeymooners. It isn’t really surprising considering how exotic the location is. A couple who wants to escape the humdrum of city life can spend a few leisurely days in the lap of nature. There are about 1200 islands that make Maldives out of which about 200 are inhabited. Most of these inhabited islands house exclusive and luxurious resorts that are perfect for honeymooners. The perfect choice would be a water villa. You can easily find several Maldives hotels with water villas. These are basically private villas meant for couple occupancy which has a private infinity pool that opens out onto the Indian Ocean. The sapphire and jade hued ocean embraces and entices you. You can have your breakfast while chilling on the water, bathe luxuriously without pesky onlookers or simply dip your legs into the crystal clear waters and watch the sun set in the far distance. Some of the best hotels boast of these bungalows and villas.

• Maldives Hotels 5 Star – There are several 5 star hotels in Maldives that are worth your hard-earned money. They may be expensive (and yes, they are!) but worth every penny. You could try Maldives hotels Taj which is undoubtedly one of the best options here. The Taj Exotica Resort & Spa pampers to no end. From embarking on a gastronomical journey to enjoying state-of-the-art entertainment consoles and private infinity pools, you can have them all here. Close in competition are the Maldives hotels Hilton and Maldives hotels Four Season. Located in equally enchanting islands, they offer everything that money can buy. These Maldives hotels on the water are the perfect getaways for the tired soul.

• Cheap Hotels in Maldives – The most common notion about holidaying in Maldives is that accommodation here is expensive. It isn’t entirely untrue but if you look at the right places you can find cheaper alternatives as well. Of course you must research for Maldives hotels cheap before you plan your itinerary. Airbnb has very good budget properties. You can find AirBnB one-room apartments in Male for anything between $50 and $75. There are also several budget hotels in Maldives, guesthouses run by locals that are cheap but good. Cheap hotels with a good rating include Whale Shark Inn Maldives, MarinaBay Villa, Bibee – all of which will approximately cost around $30 per night. Of course it won’t be one of those Maldives hotels under the sea, but you can be assured that beaches will be within walking distance. 

• Mid-Range Hotels in Maldives – If you want luxury that is affordable you must be looking for mid-range hotels. When you check Maldives hotels price online, you will find that there are many types of hotels that call themselves mid-range budget accommodations. Primarily a mid-range hotel would offer you sea-facing rooms, a common swimming pool within its premises, spa, weekly activities, etc. While you might not have private access to beach or pools, you can still enjoy a pleasant stay in such Maldives hotels. You can book a room at the Ranveli Village or KHAAD Maldives for $100 per night.

• Hotels Near The Airport – While Maldives may not necessarily be called a transit airport like Dubai International Airport or Singapore Airport, there may be occasions when you look for Maldives hotels near the airport. While the international airport is not really located in Male, it is advisable to look for Maldives hotels and flights that are situated in Male. The capital is an over-crowded city like many other Asian cities. The population density per square foot is among the highest in the world. This means when you book any Maldives hotel in Male you won’t be getting any sea-facing, close-to-the-beach experience. However, if you are looking for the best Maldives hotels deals, Male is the place to stay. You will be close to the airport, find easy transport to other islands and can go for sightseeing quite conveniently.  You can check out Maldives hotels in TripAdvisor to find the best hotels in Male. Some recommended on the site are Hotel Octave, Mookai Suites, Skai Lodge and Marble Hotel. They are all reasonably priced. 

Maldives is undoubtedly one of the best places for vacationing. A trip into this Indian Ocean archipelago will rejuvenate and revitalize you. Whether it is your honeymoon, a solo trip, corporate trip or a quick stopover – Maldives has a lot to offer for every type of traveler. Be sure that you choose the right type of accommodation that makes your trip all the more memorable. Pay only for services you need and you will never forget Maldives. If you are on a budget, do not fall into the trap of glitz and glamor. You can still enjoy the verdant beauty of the island nation without emptying your coffers. However, it is true that there isn’t another destination in the world with such beautiful close to the ocean resorts. It is an experience – one that you mustn’t miss.  

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Experts are predicting when we will be able to travel. From people suggesting the end of the year to those alarming us with no-travel till a vaccine hits the market there are plenty of theories flooding our discourse. We won’t predict when you will feel safe to travel again and rather stick to our list of destinations. Our choice of destinations would be the less crowded ones and those that would be considered safe once the lockdown ends. We aren’t looking at shopping destinations, ones with pubs and nightclubs as these would certainly be no-go zones till the fear subsides. We stick with places that are less crowded and shall help you beat the stress of this virus and refresh your minds.    

Travels Tips for the Post Covid-19 World
Before we look at the destinations you should visit in the post-Covid-19 world here are few tips that would keep you safe during your travel – 

• Travel destinations closer to home because you never known when a fresh wave of virus require immediate evacuation. 
• Check out news and events of the places you plan to visit and if there is any fresh outbreak, avoid travelling. 
• Read the travel advisories issued by your own government, WHO and the local governments of places you are planning to visit. 
• Avoid travelling as part of large groups as this might pose a big challenge for social distancing 
• Always carry extra cash and don’t bottom up your credit cards as you might have to alter travel plans
• Save contact information of your embassies during foreign trips and get in touch with them in case of any outbreak 
• Focus on personal hygiene and keep yourself well stocked up with masks and hand sanitizers 

Top 10 Destinations after Lockdown

• Epidaurus, Greece – You can’t call yourself a globe trotter if you haven’t been to Epidaurus, Greece. Close to 3000 years old it is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. The Ancient Theatre on the Cynortion Mountain is famous for its acoustics. Like in any old Greek city there is something to be explored at every corner.  

• Cape Reinga, New Zealand – Imagine your Instagram photo with the caption “standing at the Edge of the Earth”. That’s exactly what Cape Reinga is called. This is the place where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean with an old lighthouse right at the edge. The blue waters, the sand dunes and calmness around this place should put it into your bucket list after the lockdown. 

• Tawang, India – There is an India beyond the Taj Mahal! Located in the eastern part of the country Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh is one of the holiest centres of Buddhism. Standing 3048 meters above sea level this place offers you magnificent views of the snow-capped Himalayan mountain peaks. Apart from the 400 year old Buddhist monastery the natural beauty of this place would leave you spellbound. 

• Machu Picchu, Peru – If there is one place you must visit in South America it should be Machu Picchu. A sacred city that was way ahead of its time till it was abandoned in the 15^th century is also famous for the surrounding natural beauty. The sight of this magnificent place early in the morning with the first rays of the sun kissing its peaks will leave you spell bound. 

• Connemara, Ireland – Ireland is one of the most scenic countries in the world but if you are looking to visit one of those less explored places we’d suggest Connemara. Visit the megalithic tombs in and around this picturesque town.  The rolling mountains, the lakes and the myriad pools will provide you the perfect sense of escapade.

• Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia – Mention Cambodia and everyone wants to visit Angor Wat. Take a detour towards the Southwest of the country and the Cardamom Mountains is a treat for any nature lover. Take part in the community project of planning trees while enjoying your idyllic vacation amidst greenery doing nothing!

• Cable Beach, Australia – Named after one of the earliest laid telegraph cables this 22 km white sand beach is one of the least explored beaches in Australia. The sand dunes and the red cliffs make it an incredible sight for the visitors. It is also a great destination for those who want to go kayaking, swimming or surfing.

• Mt Pinatubo, Philippines – This active volcano made it to the record books when it erupted last in 1991 and led to global temperatures dropping for the next two years! It left behind a crater filled lake with its emerald green waters serving as the nicest backdrop for your social media posts. It takes a bit of tough trekking to this site but the view you witness is worth all the effort. 

• Bastrop, United States – This quite little place in the State of Texas isn’t like the flashy America that people usually visit. With the pandemic hitting the country hard this is just the kind of place you need to go post lockdown. Don’t forget to experience the river walk. This is quite, sleepy and laidback place not the usual America that we all know.

• Tyneham, United Kingdom – Several times during this lockdown you may have wanted to escape to a place with zero population. Why not do it when the lockdown ends? Tyneham in South Dorset would be the just the kind of destination. The place was inhabited from the Iron Age till about World War II and is famous for the rundown church and houses giving glimpse of the times gone by.

The post Top 10 Destinations to Visit after this Lockdown appeared first on Chatwolfs.

Bali is undoubtedly one of the most known and visited islands in the Indonesian archipelago. But this tiny island is more than landscapes and scenic beauty. Every path on this enchanting island wafts with the fragrance of incense that is heady while you can get the tantalizing smell of clove oil lingering in the air. It isnt surprising to find sidewalks covered with flower petals while music buzzes as if natural to the surrounding. In Bali, Indonesia you need not do anything at all to enjoy though there is so much to do. A simple, leisurely evening walk can be as memorable as a trekking expedition on one of the volcanic trails of the island. There is so many things to do in Bali yet you can enjoy a vacation without doing anything!

While noise and chaos is part of the fabric of this scintillating island, it isn’t jarring or unpleasant. Bali is steeped deep in culture, tradition and religion which entices tourists all around the year. There are many sacred Hindu temples all around, some situated in breathtakingly beautiful mountain tops surrounded by white beaches. The art scene in the island is equally tantalizing. The people love their arts and you can find everything from cheap artifacts that are perfect as souvenirs to expensive curios worth owning and using as home decors. 

For a traveler who is naturally attracted to scenic spots, Bali surprises at every nook and corner. Surfing opportunities are endless here, hiking a must do activity for adventure lovers while cycling around the lush landscapes a must for the enthusiasts. There are many misty waterfalls to enjoy while a few hidden black beaches (thanks to volcanic activities) that are equally mesmerizing. 

Food is a rich part of Bali’s local culture. From street food to fine dining, you can explore many options. South-Asian cuisine is variant to say the least and it can truly be a gastronomical adventure for a foodie to explore the various delights. But one thing you MUST try when in Bali is Kopi Luwak – the famous coffee variety made from civet droppings! It’s expensive but worth every penny. 

What we mentioned above is only a small, probably inadequate summary of all the exciting thrills of Bali. There are so many places to visit, so many things to do and so much to do. Let’s take a quick look at some of the most popular attractions of Bali. 

Places to Visit in Bali

There are quite a few places of attractions in Bali even though it is a small island. It approximately measures 5,780 square km in area. But its rich heritage and scenic beauty has made it one of most visited destinations of 2019. According to 2019’s Global Destination Cities Index, Bali ranked 19^th worldwide and was the 9^th most visited destination in Asia Pacific. 

Ubud is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bali. Among the top things to do in Ubud is visit the monkey forest which is a forest, a temple as well as home to hundreds of monkeys. It’s quite a spectacular sight of playful monkeys roaming freely all around and definitely worth a visit. While travelling to Ubud, make sure to stop at the Tegallalang rice terrace which is not only beautiful but also one of the most well-known terraced cultivations in Southeast Asia. You can also visit the Ubud Royal Palace or what is officially called the Puri Saren Agung. It is an example of excellent Balinese architecture. One of the major attractions here is the traditional dance performances that takes place every evening. If inspired by the art and culture that you witness in Ubud, you should walk to the Ubud Art market where silk shirts and scarves, statues, kites, baskets and many handloom and handicraft items are available for sale.  

Another major attraction is Seminyak which is a shopping and resort hub of Bali. If chilling in the beaches in your top priority then you should book one of the hotels in Bali here. There are several beaches here like the Double Six Beach, Seminyak Beach and Echo Beach. From leisurely sun-bathing in the beaches to surfing, you can do a lot or absolutely nothing here! Shopping is an equally memorable experience at Seminyak where you will find traditional shops as well as high-end boutiques. There are a lot of things to do in Seminyak. You can spend your day shopping in the busy lanes and live through the night hopping from one vibrant restaurant to another rocking bar. You can also visit the Petitenget Temple which is the central cultural landmark of Seminyak. 

But if it’s the beaches of Bali that is calling you, then you must plan to visit and stay at Canggu. It is one of the top Bali attractions. There are many things to do in Canggu. Once it was a sleepy town with no more than a few shackled huts as inns and unending beaches that saw very few people, today Canggu is a hotspot in Bali. One of the top places to visit in Canggu is the Tanah Lot Temple. It is an iconic sea temple that is precariously perched on top of a rock close to the ocean. Not only does the temple evoke spiritual thoughts but the surrounding scenery is equally mesmerizing. 

Travel and Hospitality in Bali 

Bali attracts millions of international tourists every year. Naturally its hospitality industry is booming. However unlike several other popular tourist destinations, Bali has soul. Even when you enter a small hotel, you will be welcomed with open arms, much as you would expect in a 5-star accommodation. There are varying ranges of hotels in Bali from hotels to high-end resorts. Most of the hotels also offer assistance in planning your Bali activities ensuring that you get to experience the most in the island even in the shortest amount of time. The Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport is the major international airport in Bali and the second busiest international airport in Indonesia. Transfers to all the major attractions is easily available from the airport.

Once you visit Bali, the thing you will remember most is the warmth and attitude of the people. The Balinese culture is warm and friendly and every Balinese treats tourists like their own people. It is no wonder really that Bali attracts so much international crowd every year. 

The post Exploring The Heavenly Tourist Destinations in Bali appeared first on Chatwolfs.

So, What’s It About?

This is about a trip that we three friends went on. This is about a place, a great holiday destination, a wonderful travel destination in India, called Nanital, this is about how one of the best & most loved travel destinations of India has proven to be a nightmare for three friends and how they survived a night while travelling from Nanital to Chandigarh approx. 520 KM without even stopping anywhere in the middle.

This is going to get a hell of ride.

How it all Started:

It started all in the March, 202. We three friends, have been making plans of going somewhere for a very long time but unfortunately, we hadn’t had the time because of the work.

But we finally made a decision to go somewhere, may be a hill station as we hate plane areas. We created a list of Top Hill Stations of India and you wouldn’t believe, we actually already visited more than half places in the list, strange? I know…

Call it the travel destinations in Himachal or tourist destination in UL, we almost already got all of them covered. but there were some places that we still had to go and still have to go.

So, we chose Jim Corbett National Park. We three decided to visit Jim Corbett National Park as we already read some reviews about it around the web and I also heard somewhere that it’s once in a lifetime experiences, so we packed our bags, sit in our car and started our long journey.

Jim Corbett National Park:

As I have already written a detailed overview about Jim Corbett National Park, I don’t want you to stuck up again on a similar post like this but rather want you to read something that interest you more.

But, for the time being, I would only like to say that you must visit Jim Corbett National Park once in your life as this is one of the best wildlife Sanctuaries in India and one of the best wildlife Statuaries in the World also.

Nanital:

It was the morning of March 15, 202 when we suddenly decided to move to Nanital. It was a sudden decision thought. I know you’d fine it strange but we people are kind of Nerds and we do not think about anything while making any decisions.

Alright, so we decided to go to Nanital all of a sudden, cleared out our Payment, check out from Hotel Arnaya (one of the best hotel in Ram Nagar), got it to our car and started our journey from Ram Nagar to Nanital, while was approx. 90 KM, nit sure but it was the certain distance from the place where we stayed.

Drinks were in the hands, music was going in the car, we were singing too, laughing, making videos, creating the Instagram stories for our Instagram profiles, and slowly hearing to our destination called Nanital.

It always gives a great feeling to be in the mountains. I have been a lots of places in my life but mountains are something, I love the most.

So, going through a lots of mountains & uneven roads, we finally reached to our place.

I have already written each and everything about Nanital in my other post and you can see it here. So, I would like to get on the point here directly.

The Ghost Encounter:

I would like you to read this one very carefully. This could get ugly, this could get funny but this is true, this is reality and something that we witnessed but don’t want to recall or remember, so stay focused.

So, after visiting so many tourist spots in Nanital or places to visit in Nanital, we finally decided to book a hotel in Nanital so we could have some drinks and we could sleep easily.

We were in our car and trying to find an affordable hotel in there. We asked so many hotels but couldn’t make a deal. It’s not because of money but some hotels were not able to give us food, some were in bad condition and not perfectly cleaned. Obviously we were able to pay a good amount of money in there if there were good facilities as we paid 4500 a night, the night before we were in Nanital.

One of my friends recommended to use OYO. We tried OYO and we were able to find a good, neat and cleaned hotel at affordable price, with breakfast as well. Obviously, OYO is one of the best accommodation apps, present over the internet.

But, that hotel was far away from the market and we wanted to a place to stay which is nearby the market, had its own parking so we could walk around the city in the night without any tension and enjoy the local cuisines of Nanital

Some we had to cancel that hotel booking and we had to find a hotel once again, by foot which in nearby the lake and the market.

The complete mall road is round around the Nani lake and we saw some hotels there too on left hand side of the lake.

We parked our car on the Road, me and one of my other friend got off the car to find a hotel, while other one stayed in the car to watch out.

I will not mention any hotels name here as I think it will not be good and can seriously impact their businesses as well.

So, me and my other friend started looking for the hotels and we went to our first one. You need to remember here that we were looking for a hotel which could give us a parking facility, and this hotel could have fulfilled our requirements as while entering, we saw a little space on the right hand side of the hotel.

It was kind of old hotel, and barely giving us any feeling of staying over there but we ended up climbing the stairs and as we turned left, we saw a person sitting in the hotel lobby, was in a very deep thoughts and lost in the other world.

There was no one else in that area so far as we knew, so we called him and after three to four times calling, he looked at us, stand right away and moved to us.

He was like a 5 and 5 tall and looked kind of nice. He greeted us and like every other hotel staff, he started to put his impression on us. We started discussing about the prices. He told us 1680 for one night, final price with no food or any additional services.

We told him to get back to him later on and decided to find more. We ended up finding one more hotel which was in a very good stage. The hotel owner asked us to visit the room before agreeing on the payment and which was also a good idea as well, right?

We check out the room, a pretty good one actually, neat and cleaned and the view was fantastic and breakfast included, how could we have said no to this wonderful hotel? We decided to take this at any cost as we were really tired and wanted a place to stay.

We moved back to hotel owner and it was just 1500, yayyyy, so affordable. We were getting really happy until the owner said there would not be any car parking and we had to park our car two KM away from the hotel, which was the main parking zone of the Nanital. We already took out car from there and there was no sense to go back again and come back by walking around 2 KM.

We decided to drop that hotel idea and moved back to our car but suddenly decided to go back to the very first one as we remembered to saw a parking spot over there.

We again took our feet to that old hotel and met that 5 by 5 man over there. We didn’t see or view the room of that hotel so first we agreed to see the rooms. The same man took us to the first floor and opened a room for us.

We saw the room, I can’t say that was even OK, but it has the wooden art walls, wooden Almira, boxes and most of the things were made out of the woods. The bedsheets and the blankets were cleaned but those had a little smell associated with them.

So, we decided to book that hotel, just because it had parking space and we didn’t have to walk a long way to park our car. The parking space was perfect and had the capacity to park at least 5 cars at a time.

As we already made our mind to book that hotel, we started discussing the prices with that guy and pay attention here because this is going to get real funny here. While we were discussing the prices, he said he could give us the only amount which he gave us an hour earlier – 1580.

We got a strange felling as an hour ago he gave us the amount 1680 and now he was saying 1580. Me and my friend looked at each other and we were kind of agreed but I said to the man that we could only pay up to 1500.

I don’t know if he heard me or not but he said he could not lower the price than 1456.

Again, we got shocked. Me and my friend got shocked as we got what we wanted. I said to agree on 1500 but he lowered the price more than what I proposed. I don’t know if he heard me or not but we decided to book it at 1456.

Did you notice something strange here?

The very first time we asked the price, he said – 1680

Second time he said – 1560

Third time he said – 1456

You can see that each price can be easily divided with its first two digits.

1680/16=5
1560/15=4
1456/14=4

You will see that each price is divided by its very first two numbers.

Is it something related to numbers used by Ghosts?

Anyway, we parked our car near the hotel, took our luggage, entered to our room. I was the only one who used to washroom, by the way and other two of them just got relaxed a bit. After half an hour, we decided to go out and roaming around the Nani Lake and Mall Road of the Nanital. It was like 5 in the evening.

We spent about 2 n half hours outside, took some necessary stuff for our drinks and then moved back to our hotel.

While climbing the stairs of the hotel, my head hit the wall above. I don’t know how it happened, may be the wall was at a very low height or maybe I’m 5’11”. But, anyway, we entered our room.

I started watching TV, other friend opened the Laptop and started working while the third one started making hukka as he was really in rush for the drinks.

So, he called me on his bed after he prepared that hukka and we three were at one bed now.

One who was working on the laptop, gave me the second laptop and asked me to work also, while the third one was doing the preparation for the drinks. He lit up the Hukka and we smoked it for few minutes.

After that, we two got busy working while the third one started making the drinks.

Post few minutes, we saw the third person was sitting very silently and not doing anything. We called him and he was like very calm and kind of afraid. We asked him what happened and he said nothing but he don’t feel like drinking and kind of has the negative feeling.

We two workolichs looked at each other until the second one said that he too, had some negative vibes since he entered the room.

I wouldn’t lie at this time and also had to admit that I also had some negative feelings as well.

Anyway, we were discussing about it and got busy in working again while the third one moved back to the other bed and got busy in his mobile.

There were a bottle of Red Label on the table, with two water bottles and couple of forks. We were busy in what we were doing and suddenly, we heard a strange sound from the bottle of Red label. First we thought, it was from the water bottles but there was no chance of it as water bottles was full of water and even if a sound came from those, that wouldn’t be the sound we heard as plastic don’t create a sound like that.

We were terrified and trying to understand what happened. We were trying to figure out what happened and suddenly, my friend took a fork and hit it on the Red Label Bottle and that’s it, it was the same sound that we heard. Out heart was pounding, how did this fork hit the bottle, who did that and how could this even be possible?

We were screaming out of our lungs and suddenly, Red Label bottle fell down and it was standing up-side down like someone was playing flip-flop with it. Who did it, how did it fell down and why didn’t it break?

Obviously, someone else was in the room with us, not visible but he was with us, sitting, standing or doing anything that we didn’t notice. It might be possible that the invisible person didn’t want us to stay over there.

So, terrified inside, we left all drinking stuff in there, packed our begs and moved back to the Reception.

We asked the person at reception that we need to go back to the home due to some emergency. It was 8 at night.

The manager gave us a doubtful look but he said something that got out interest back again. He said, I don’t know what’s wrong today as we are the third case who are checking out today due to the emergency.

We were shocked as hell as well as surprised to hear this. We took some money from him , started chanting the Hanuman Chalisa & Gayatri Mantra and started our long journey back to Chandigarh again.

All the way, we were talking about this incident, following up with the ghost stories.

After travelling about 10 Hours, we were back to our place.

I’m not sure what you think about this story but this is not fictional and imagination but this is something that we truly witnessed and I just wanted to tell everyone out there, not matter what and where, always try to book your hotel after ensuring that this will be fine. Do check the reviews from the people for that particular hotel on the web and ask people around it.

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