World Travel

If you love the outdoors, then there’s no better way to enjoy it than by going on a camping trip! Haven’t gone before? What’s stopping you?!

The hobby is on the rise, with a 2019 report finding 7.2 million families have started going in the last five years. So, join in the fun with a memorable family camping trip! Get started by planning it now.

If you don’t know what to pack, that’s not a problem. Just keep reading on to learn about all the packing essentials for the best camping trip!

Sleeping Bags

You don’t have to be uncomfortable just because you’re sleeping outside! A cozy sleeping bag should always be at the top of your packing checklist.

Choose sleeping bags that accommodate your needs. If you want to sleep with a partner or have little kids, get one that fits two people. On the other hand, if everyone wants their own space, get a single sleeping bag for each person.

Tent and Equipment

When you look at places to go camping, you’ll have another decision to make. Do you want to sleep under the stars, or would you rather have some shelter? If you opt for the latter, you’ll need a tent and some equipment for it.

First, be sure to have a look at tents that fit multiple people inside. There must be enough space for your whole family.

Don’t forget your tent poles and stakes, too! They’re necessary for setting it up and keeping it in place.

A Flashlight

Part of the appeal of going on a camping trip is getting away from civilization. You get to unwind in the beautiful peace and quiet that surrounds you. But that also means you won’t have any electricity!

So, make sure you at least bring a flashlight – or even a lantern. Having a light source is handy, especially once the sky becomes pitch black.

Cooking Supplies

You’re all going to get hungry, so cooking supplies have to be among your packing essentials!

If you don’t want to try your luck cooking over the fire, bring a portable grill or stove. If you don’t want travel-sized or camp versions, bring your pots and pans, utensils, and dishware from home.

You can’t forget the food, either! Use a cooler to store your cold items and beverages. Some rags and trash bags might be useful for cleaning up.

First Aid Kit

Accidents happen – and if you have kids, they happen often. Keep a portable first aid kit on your packing checklist to be prepared for them.

Your kit should have an antibiotic ointment, bandages, and painkillers. Include some sterile wipes for disinfecting, too. Bug spray and aloe vera gel are also handy additions.

Have the Best First Camping Trip

It’s time to get ready for your first camping trip! And because you know exactly what to pack, you’ll be prepared for anything. Start looking for the best places to go camping and get out there!

For more camping guides and resources, check out our website. We’ll make sure you’re prepared for the best trip yet.

Would you like to visit Ireland someday? There’s so much to see—new food, new friends, and a new perspective on beer. Or didn’t you know that a pint makes for an appropriate breakfast, lunch, or dinner?

The hardest part of planning a trip to Ireland is usually convincing your spouse. Fortunately, you’ll find everything you need in the sections below. When you’re ready to discover what makes Ireland so special, so you can finally convince your sweetheart it’s time to start your adventure, read on.

1. Visit Ireland for Its Natural Glory

Ireland possesses one of the most unique landscapes on the planet. It hosts such natural wonders as the Cliffs of Moher. Or perhaps the terrain that was made famous in the Game of Thrones, The Dark Hedges is more to your taste.

It’s all rolling green hills and cold windswept cliffs in Ireland. Be sure to pack accordingly. Think waterproof and think layers.

2. Festivals and Outdoor Fun

You can’t take a trip to Ireland without experiencing a festival or two. The Irish take their love of music to a new level. Their enthusiasm literally rocks the stadium.

And don’t forget the other outdoor fun, such as photography, hiking, and outdoor sports. Climbing is popular, so is kite flying.

And if you’ve been on the fence about a trip, but unsure about the 18-hole Irish experience, stop what you’re doing. Plan your golf vacation here and now. Ireland boasts some of the best golf experiences in the world.

3. Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration

Did you know that St. Patrick is credited for bringing Christianity to the Irish? The man was born in Rome but later kidnapped and transported to Ireland as a slave. He threw off his bonds and followed the path of a saint, passing on his wisdom of the Holy Trinity.

And those are three things the Irish love most: Catholicism, St. Patrick, and celebration. If you’re visiting Ireland, you can’t miss Saint Patrick’s Day. It would be like visiting Brazil without experiencing Carnival.

4. Castle Hop

If you’re a medieval history buff, you’re in for a treat on your Ireland vacation. Though Ireland might not boast as many castles as Germany, it’s still any castle lover’s dream.

• Blarney Castle: it’s where they hide the famous Blarney Stone. Kiss it!
• Bunratty Castle: It’s one of the most complete castles still standing in Europe
• Ross Castle: haven’t you ever visited a fortress in a national park before?

The list goes on, but you see the point. Castle-hopping is one of the most popular things to do in Ireland.

5. Pull a Pint

If you were thinking about dieting during your Ireland trip, don’t. The Irish don’t understand the word moderation. Music, sports, food—it’s all or nothing for the Irish.

Whiskey and beer are no different. If you ask for a pint, you’re getting Guinness for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And that’s all you’ll get.

Oh, and don’t forget to check out Brazen Head Pub which is Ireland’s oldest pub. It appears in documents as far back as 1653. Add it to your pub-hopping list for Dublin.

What’s Next?

Now you know a few reasons others use as an excuse to visit Ireland. But, you don’t even need that. If you want to head to Ireland, don’t let a simple thing like an excuse get in your way.

Book your trip today. Would you like to learn more about Ireland and other great European destinations? Then pop over to our grand digital library full of excellent traveling tips, tricks, and destinations.

According to the National Park Service, more than 400 national parks received 237,064,332 visits in 2020. The national parks had 8,039,768 overnight stays in 2020.

Are you planning a camping trip to one of the national parks? Whether you’ll be camping in a national park or on your family farm, being prepared is vital.

Check out this packing checklist to learn some of the essentials you’ll need for your trip. Keep reading to learn more.

You’ll Need These Outdoor Tools

The first thing on the list of packing tips is a good set of tools for camping outdoors. You might not use all of them but it’s always good to be prepared.

Make sure you have a wood ax for cutting wood that you’ll need to build a fire. A multipurpose pocket knife is essential to have around the house but it can come in handy while camping. Don’t forget to add some duct tape to your pack.

Campsite Items You’ll Need

There’s other outdoor gear you’ll need for your trip. The most important is a quality tent.

Practice setting up the tent at home if you’re new to camping. This will help you work through any issues before getting to the campsite.

Sleeping bags, chairs, flashlights, and extra batteries are all necessary while you’re camping in the woods or mountains.

A Good Cooking Kit

Other outdoor essentials you’ll need while living outdoors for a few days are quality cooking tools. While new technology can make cooking gourmet meals in the woods a breeze, you can stick to the simple things.

A container for storing water is a must. A pot for boiling water and a frying pan is also important to have. Bring all the utensils you’ll need along with the food you’re planning to eat in a cooler.

Pack the Right Clothes

Next on the packing guide is the list of clothes you’ll need for your camping trip. The clothes you’ll need will depend on the season and weather during the trip. It’s important to pack comfortable clothes, however.

T-shirts, pants, hoodies, pajamas, bathing suits, and hiking boots should all be in your pack. Make sure to bring the best camping towel too. Layers for changes in weather, sunscreen, and sunglasses are other items you can pack.

Don’t Forget About Your Toiletries

When going on a road trip you can’t forget to pack your toiletries. Check to see what kind of utilities the campsite you’ll be staying at has first.

You should still include toilet paper and hand sanitizer in your pack. Don’t forget about your toothbrush, toothpaste, and menstrual products. Pack your medications ahead of time and bring a first aid kit too.

Everything You Need on Your Camping Packing Checklist

If you’re planning a camping trip soon check out this packing checklist for all the essential items you’ll need on your trip. You can’t forget the appropriate clothes, tent, and other camping gear.

Check out some of the other travel blogs on our site if you found this one useful.

Did you know that New York City is the most visited place in the country? The city received about 65 million tourists in 2018. 13.6 million of those tourists came from other countries.

Tourism is a major component of New York City’s economy. In 2017, tourists spent about $44 billion while visiting the city.

Whether it’s your first time visiting the city or you’ve come back several times throughout the years, spending a weekend in New York City takes some planning. Check out this list of tips for planning the perfect weekend.

Make a Budget First

Before visiting New York City, you should start planning by creating a budget. Even though you’ll only be in the city for a weekend, your spending can stack up before you know it.

Creating a budget can help curb your spending, so you can enjoy your time without having to worry about how much money you’ll need. Make sure to budget for accommodations, transportation, meals, and attractions.

Figure Out How You’ll Get There

Once you’ve got your budget all worked out you’ll know how much you can spend on travel to get there. Now you can decide whether taking a flight, train, or a car is the best option.

What form of transportation you choose will depend on where you currently live. If you’ll need to fly into the city make sure to start looking for flights some time in advance. Prices will vary depending on the season but you’ll be able to get better deals the earlier you book.

Choose Convenient Accommodation

When looking for where to stay in New York City there are a few factors to consider. Where you stay will depend on your budget most importantly.

You should consider getting a hotel/Airbnb or renting a place that’s in a central location though. While this might increase the price of your stay, it’ll make it easier to get around the city to the places you want to visit.

Since you’ll only be in New York for a few days, getting from place to place with ease is most important.

Plan Out What You’ll Be Doing

If you’re not a big planner it’s ok not to make a minute-to-minute itinerary for the weekend. You should, however, make a general plan of where you’ll be going to make the most of your weekend.

This will also help you plan out your budget because you’ll know the costs of the attractions you’ll be visiting ahead of time. One thing you can do is ride the East River Ferry for a beautiful view of the city. You can also head out for a walk on the Brooklyn Bridge.

Figure Out How You’ll Get Around

If you’ll be traveling to New York by plane, you’ll still have to plan for how you’ll get around the city while there. New York offers many different options for getting around the city, the most common are buses and subways.

You can buy a subway card for the weekend since that’ll be the most affordable travel method. If you’re interested in driving yourself around, however, you should first educate yourself on New York City parking.

You can find free parking by searching for a place to stay with this amenity. Many hotels offer this service. You can also consider reserving your parking spot before heading to a location or using a parking garage.

Make Reservations at Your Favorite Restaurants

New York City is famous for its great restaurants and eateries. Since you’ll only be spending a weekend in the city you should consider making a list of restaurants you want to visit ahead of time.

Once you know the places you want to eat you can make reservations for the nights you’ll be there. This can help you avoid waiting in long lines for tables to open up.

Check Out Some of the Best Museums

Other places to visit in New York City, during a weekend trip, should include the many beautiful museums the city has. Many of these museums have free days where you don’t have to pay an admission fee, try to plan your trip around these days.

The American Museum of Natural History is a staple of the city and one you won’t regret checking out, especially if you have kids. The Museum of Modern Art is one of the best art museums in the world and a must-see for art lovers.

Things You Can Do On Your Last Day

The last day of a trip might be tiring with all the packing and traveling you have to do. If you don’t need to head to the airport or train station until later in the evening, you can check out a few sights before heading out.

Central Park is a beautiful green space in the middle of this bustling city. You can head there to have a picnic or watch the street performers. You can also visit The Highline for a walk through a beautiful garden with a unique view of the city.

You should also consider checking out a matinee of a Broadway show when you’re in the city.

How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in New York City

If you’ll be spending the weekend in New York City it’s important to take the time to plan your trip, to make the most of your time.

Make sure you have a plan for transportation and finding free parking if you’ll be driving. You should also make a list of places you want to see when planning a trip to New York City.

Did you find this article useful? Make sure to check out some of the other travel-related blogs on our site if you did.

In sports, they say the best defense is a good offense. When it comes to homeownership, common wisdom suggests that preventative maintenance is preferable to emergency repairs. And in school, you’re better off studying a little every night than cramming it all in the day before a big test.

Being proactive is beneficial for a lot in things, and travel is no different. One of the keys to having an enjoyable trip is preparing ahead of time.

Sure, if you’re just driving to South Carolina to look at Charleston houses for sale, you might not need to do as much research as if you were taking a transcontinental flight to East Asia. Whatever your destination, though, it helps to be informed about where you’re going, what it’s like, and who the locals are.

Find Out What Kind of ID You Need

First and foremost, it’s important to make sure you have any and all legally required documents with you, as well as access to ones that might otherwise be helpful. For the former, this could mean a driver’s license, passport, visa, vehicle registration, vehicle insurance, and/or vaccination record. For the latter, this could mean medical records, plane tickets, hotel reservation confirmations, purchase receipts, and more.

Look Up Information on the Climate

Are you going somewhere hot or cold? Do you have to worry about rain or snow? What about heat exhaustion? The answers to these questions and more will have a huge impact on what you decide to bring with you when traveling, what your plans will be once you reach your destination, or even whether it’s advisable to go there at all. You may want to avoid Florida during hurricane season, for example, or India during monsoon season.

Know Where to Find the Essentials

Food. Water. Shelter. Safety. These are the things human beings cannot do without. No matter where you go, you’ll need to make sure things are accounted for and accommodated. Look up hotels, camp sites, and other lodging options in the area. Find the addresses for local markets and restaurants. Write down or memorize the contact information for emergency services such as paramedics, police, firefighters, and embassies.

Investigate Cultural Norms & Taboos

Being a visitor in a different state or country is a lot like being a guest in someone’s house. You expect courtesy and respect from them, and they expect it from you. More importantly, when you’re under someone else’s roof, you’re under their rules. That’s why it’s incumbent upon you to delve what does and does not constitute acceptable public behavior. In Japan, for example, guests are expected to remove their shoes when entering someone’s house. In Germany, eating with hands is frowned upon; even burgers and pizza require utensils.

Check the News for Current Events

You may think you know everything there is to know about where you’re going, especially if you’ve been there before already. But do you know what it’s like there right now, at this very moment? Things can change surprisingly fast in this world, so if you’re going to travel it you should know what’s happening in the news. Was there recently a natural disaster? What’s the political situation? Are the streets and hotels flooded with tourists? Failing to ask such questions could result in you receiving a nasty surprise.

 

The pandemic has ceased travel and has caused so much distress on the travel industry. But it will not be long before people will be traveling again and savoring the beauty of nature in each of the world’s most famous destinations. With vaccines coming out and countries slowly opening their borders to tourists, the travel industry will likely boom again and take people to beautiful places.

For those who are looking forward to traveling again post-pandemic, here are some of the best travel destinations that are worthy of being visited when the pandemic is over.

Philippines

This country in Southeast Asia is home to many gorgeous white sand beaches, lagoons, and beautiful natural scenery. Comprised of more than seven thousand islands, the country has a rich cultural and historical heritage that attracts tourists from all walks of life. Some popular tourist destinations include the world-renowned Boracay, Palawan, Cebu, Baguio City, and Siargao.

Tampa

Tampa, Florida, has several places dedicated to the preservation of animals and wildlife. It also has places for children and families who wish to enjoy their vacation away from the hustle and bustle of home. For those who want to get a touch of history, Tampa also has historic quarters in Old Hyde Park and Ybor City.

Tourists can enjoy shopping, dining, and sightseeing in the various tourist spots in this part of Florida. Tampa is also a dog-friendly place, which makes it a good destination for dog lovers. In fact, it has been named as the number one city for people who own dogs. Tourists who bring their canine friends with them and who plan to stay for a longer time in the area may even hire a dog trainer to teach their dogs some tricks while they are in the area.

Vietnam

Vietnam’s fascinating history, dramatic landscapes, gorgeous sceneries, and mouth-watering cuisines are among the many reasons why tourists love this part of Southeast Asia. There are several methods of transport that tourists can use to reach the different popular destinations of Vietnam. They can go by plane, by train, by bus, or even by motorbike. Among the most popular tourist spots in Vietnam worth checking out are Halong Bay, Son Doong Cave, Mekong Delta, and the floating markets.

Turkey

Endowed with impressive natural sceneries, ancient monuments that speak so much about its history, and glorious landscapes, Turkey is one destination that travelers must visit when the pandemic is over and done with. Turkey is all about nature’s awesome, natural beauty and ancient structures. Tourists can stare in awe and revel in all its grandeur while also getting immense in its culture and history. Some of the most popular tourist spots include the Roman Theater of Aspendos, Mount Nemrut, Pamukkale, Topkapi Palace, Cappadocia, Ephesus, and Aya Sofya.

Mexico

For people looking to travel most affordably, Mexico is an excellent destination among many other options. This part of the world has dynamic cities packed with alluring culture, mouth-watering cuisines, ancient ruins, gorgeous beaches, and irresistible sceneries. Some places worth visiting in this part of the world are the Los Cabos Corridor, Cabo San Lucas, Copper Canyon, Mayan city of Chichén Itzá, Guanajuato, and the ancient fortress of Tulum. Those looking to experience a remarkable water adventure can head to Mexico’s Palancar Reef, where they can dive and explore its undulating seabed.

Argentina

This is yet another destination for those who want to travel on a low budget. Tourists can book accommodations here for as low as $7 a night. Argentina is one of several destinations that prove that there is no need to spend so much to see the beauty of God’s creations.

Argentina is home to incredible landscapes, national parks, beautiful mountain ranges, dense forests, and other jaw-dropping natural wonders. Some of the best places to visit when in this part of the world include the magnificent Iguazu Falls, Perito Moreno Glacier, Tierra del Fuego National Park, Ushuaia, Mar del Plata, and the historic Cordoba Cathedral.

Most travels may be restricted as of now because of the pandemic. But it will be worthwhile and exciting to visit some of these places once everything is back to normal, or at least when the confusion and fear have subsided. Visiting various places around the world has several benefits, including the knowledge and experiences gained during each travel escapade.

It also makes us appreciate the world more. Traveling makes us see the beauty of the diversity of life and the magnificence of having an assortment of cultures and traditions.

 

Solo traveling has been on the rise in recent years. And why not? It can be freeing to travel at your own pace, seeing what you want to see, skipping what you don’t, and having unique experiences that you might not otherwise.

Traveling alone can be highly rewarding and alluring. Safety, however, is a common concern and even a reason that many people avoid booking that single-seat ticket.

If you’ve found yourself hesitating to take the leap, follow these 7 solo travel tips to ensure you’re safe and secure when it comes to how to travel solo.

1. Do Your Research

Travel safety begins before you leave home.

Research the area that you’re planning to visit before you go. Make sure you’re familiar with local safety tips, what areas you might want to avoid, and the safest areas to stay.

2. Be Vigilant

Travel hubs such as train stations and airports are the most likely place to encounter pickpockets or scammers, but it can happen anywhere. Solo travelers might be more likely to be targeted.

Pay attention to your surrounding and follow common tips to avoid being an easy target.

3. Keep Your Valuables Safe

Many accommodations have safes or lockers available for valuables. It’s a good idea to keep your passport, spare cash, and an emergency credit card in these when you go out. Just make sure to carry a photocopy of your passport’s info page on you in case you need it.

With the valuables you do carry, keep them in separate pockets on your person (not in a bag). You even might consider carrying a decoy wallet on you in the unlikely event that you get held up.

When traveling on your own, it also might not be the best time to wear your nicest jewelry or fanciest watch.

4. Be Confident

Even if you’re not sure where you’re going, try to make it look like you belong there. Walk with confidence rather than meandering along and squinting at every street sign.

Boost your confidence by checking maps ahead of time or finding a secure spot to open up Google Maps. While it isn’t advisable ever to pull a weapon on an assailant, carrying one can improve your sense of confidence. Check out what makes the best OTF knife for travel.

5. Get Travel Insurance

Whether to get insurance tends to be a significant question when it comes up. For travel, however, the answer is a resounding “yes.”

Travel insurance is often quite reasonably priced and can go a long way to covering your needs if your plans go awry. There are many sites available to help you figure out what you need and compare plans.

6. Check In Regularly

Let friends or family know what your plans are and touch base with them daily or even more often. If you can give them your itinerary in advance with lodging, flight numbers, and dates, that’s a good idea, too.

7. Trust Your Instincts

Odds are that if you feel something is off, you’re correct. Operate within your comfort zone and leave situations that don’t feel right to you, even if it might be “rude” to a friendly stranger. Your gut feeling is one of your best safety tools.

Solo Traveling With Confidence

Solo traveling is exciting and fulfilling. Follow these 7 tips and you’ll be set up to do it enjoyably and without incident. Check out some solo travel ideas and get going!

If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out the World Travel section on this site.

If you do it right, creating a profitable travel blog is like standing shoulder to shoulder with Dickens and Shakespeare. At least, it’ll feel that way. But get it wrong and you’ll be less ‘Bard’ and more bored of taking the blinking cursor on a stroll through your thoughts only to receive even more low view counts. So how can you stay on top? Let’s myth bust your travel blog.

Creative Automation

What is creative automation? It’s a lot of things. And if you don’t know what they are, chances are that you aren’t doing any of them. Never fear, we can sort that out here and now (check out creative automation for more information).

Let’s say you have put in the hard work and your blog has something of a growing online presence, with engaging social media channels and a well-run website. Now let’s look at the work you have to put in to keep all of those aspects of your business afloat.

From file sizes and formats from one channel to the next, and even considerations such as text language and scheduled post times, you no doubt have a lot on your hands. Automation cures all of these issues. It’s what the professionals are doing that keeps them ahead with time to spare. Get involved or forever waste your evenings fiddling with the administration of each tailored post.

A Great Title & Opening

You have a choice to make with your travel blog. Create something predictable that says the same things as every other travel blog in your niche, or use the inner voice that inspired you to become a writer in the first place.

A great title and opening don’t come from keywords alone. There is hidden magic in how you word your work. Don’t lazily call a piece “10 Reasons to Visit Scotland”. Call it “Scotland in 3 Ghosts, 2 Hollywood Stars’ Homes, and the World’s Biggest Sapphire”. Or something. You get the point. Do you want the click or not? You’re going to have to put some serious thought into how you can use your voice in a way that answers user queries and connects with your audience.

Failure to get this right is a fast way to ensure your blog gets all the usual views from family and friends but never quite breaks through into the wider scene.

Tone Specific Content

Scour the internet for travel blog advice and you’ll come across endless guidance telling you to write in a conversational tone. After all, travel is a luxury. It should be spoken about in terms of passion and grandeur. We’re not selling hammers and screwdrivers. There’s no need for cold, hard, logical text. We’re selling aspiration and desire. So keep things casual and inviting, right?

Well, yes and no. Always write with your audience in mind. Did you know that some cruises are specifically aimed at more mature passengers? Or have you ever been lured to go somewhere that promised lazy afternoon culture, only to find that more vibrant crowds have adopted the area?

Your audience is tone specific, and that tone may not always be as conversational as the widespread advice would have you believe.

Coronavirus cases are still spiking at the start of 2021 in America and beyond. People are still not allowed to travel anywhere they please. Countries have remained closed to those with a U.S. passport, although travellers are already raring to scratch their itch for wanderlust.

It’s easy to miss other countries for the variety that they offer to travellers. There is Australia with its homes featuring fixed decking you can lounge out on under the sun and the large outback; France and the City of Eternal Lights; Japan and the rush-hour of Tokyo; and the different, myriad places in Latin America, which is even just south of the border.

How long borders will remain closed remains unknown, but people are already looking to a time past that. Right now, here are some possible changes that might occur after the last reported coronavirus patient leaves the hospital, cured of the disease.

Travellers will become campaigners of sustainability

For sure, travel will face a surge of demand once restrictions are lifted, but that will be contrasted with travellers playing the role of guardians. What will they guard? Well, the environment always stands to lose a lot after an influx of irresponsible visitors. This is what travellers will be up on arms against-companies allowing travellers to just, well, travel.

Right now, you can play guardian by trying to keep your carbon footprint (trash and the like) to a minimum. If you plan to stay at the accommodation, make sure that it’s a green hotel. Websites available right now provide ratings on places based on eco-friendliness; if you want to be sure you’re staying at a green building, try that out.

Travelling will become an inclusive chore

Even during the pandemic, people have been demanding more inclusiveness. This doesn’t just mean the LGBTQ+ crowd-some people are being included in their demands. It is predicted that the landscape of travelling will change further to include everyone, regardless of race or gender.

Even travellers with disabilities and other conditions that make them feel not included will be well thought of. Indeed, if that happens-or continues to happen-it will be a very different travelling experience than the one that you may have experienced before the quarantine.

Travelling to smaller communities will grow

Many communities suffered during the pandemic, and most of them are found in the “global south” or third world or developing countries that depend on tourism. Most of these are found in South-East Asia. It is expected that travelling after the pandemic will bring more tourists here.

There will still be a huge demand for the Parises and the Hawaiis of the world, but the keyword here is mass tourism. After the pandemic, people might become warier of huge crowds that may carry mysterious illnesses. This will benefit the smaller communities more.

Travellers should remain aware of the guidelines

Before travelling anywhere, seasoned travellers will check the guidelines set by the authorities. Through this, some travellers managed not to get the virus, although others may have been unfortunate. Now, everybody is expected to check the guidelines after the pandemic regardless of whether there have been changes.

It is helpful to always consider checking it. There is different information here, and it will also tell you whether travel to a destination is already allowed or if it is still off-limits due to the pandemic or other reasons. You shouldn’t push through with your plans if it’s obvious that the place is not safe.

Travellers will be more aware of the WHO and CDC websites

This could be true after the recent pandemic. The WHO and the CDC are always on the lookout for new viruses on the scale of COVID-19, so it’s not over killing to always look at their advisories right before travelling. Who knows whether the place you’re going to is the breeding ground for a new coronavirus or some new contagious disease.

Information disseminated through these announcements will be easy to read because it is for the public. These aren’t the only advisories you have to read, of course, but they’ll become a necessity in the new normal.

Travelling under the new normal will still be like the old way of travelling, save for a few changes. People will become warier of places experiencing a small outbreak of a disease or something else. After all, their priority will still be their health, despite their desire to travel. If you’re a regular traveller, you should learn to include them in your to-do list to travel under the new normal.

 

Chennai, the cultural capital of Southern India is a destination that has everything, starting from the rich culture to the thousand-year-old history. It is a great place to learn more about India and it will be heaven to all those history buffs out there. There are many temples, churches, museums and other significant monuments to visit. It can also be fun when you add a trip to beaches, zoos and local markets of the city. So, what are you waiting for? Book your flights through Cathay Pacific and explore the 10 attractions listed below once you get there!

• Kapaleeswarar Temple

Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Chennai, and it is one of the most visited temples in India. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Kapaleeswarar and you can see people worshipping the ‘lingam’. The Dravidian architecture that dates back to the 7^th century adorns the temple and you can see a beautifully done gopuram at a height of 40 meters in the temple complex. Apart from that, you can see cultural performances and pujas in the temple, especially in the evening.

• San Thome Church

San Thome Church is one of the most popular Roman Catholic Basilica in the city of Chennai and also, in the world. It is one of the three basilicas in the world that has been constructed over a tomb of one of the apostles of Jesus. The San Thome Church gets its name because the tomb belongs to apostle Saint Thomas. It was built in 1523 by the Portuguese and later in the 19^th century, it was rebuilt by the British, in Neo-Gothic architectural style while giving the status of a cathedral.

• Vandalur Zoo

The Vandalur Zoo is the largest zoological park in India and therefore if you are travelling to Chennai with kids you should not skip this. It was established as the first public zoo in 1855 and you can see animals in their natural habitats. Today, it provides a home to more than 1200 animal species including 46 species that are endangered. You can see animals like lions, tigers, sambar deers, wolves, zebras, chimpanzees, sloth bears, turtles, elephants, macaws, pelicans, pythons, crocodiles and other animals in the Vandalur Zoo. Make sure to visit early to avoid the long queues.

• The Government Museum

The Government Museum, which is also known as the Madras Museum is the oldest and second-largest museum in India. Believe it or not, it is also the tenth oldest museum in the world. So, you history buffs visiting the museum can alone go crazy for that fact. The Government Museum was established in 1851 to display the history and the culture of India. Today, you can see many exhibits from all over the world too. It is home to the largest collection of Roman antiquities outside Europe. and you can also see other impressive displays like puppets, bronze statues of Hindu gods, animal statues, weaponry and a children’s museum.

• Marina Beach

No trip to Chennai is complete if you miss visiting the Marina Beach. This is because Marina Beach is the second longest beach in the world, going for 12 kilometres from Beasant Nagar to Fort St. George in the north. There are many things to be enjoyed in Marina Beach if you visit in the evening hours. You can stroll along the beach at the time of sunset while looking to buy something from the local vendors on the beachside. They sell almost everything and it is a great opportunity to buy handmade souvenirs. If you are with kids, you can let them play ball on the beach, fly kites or ride a pony. Pony rides are available for a little extra cost.

• Fort St. George

Fort St. George is another iconic landmark in Chennai, and it is proof that the British controlled the city of Chennai and developed it into a city. It was the British capital in South India back in the 16^th century. It has got its name from Britain’s patron saint, St. George and it has been used as the seat of Tamil Nadu since the independence from British. The fort is quite impressive because of its white coloured building and the blue colour pillars. You can also visit the Fort’s Museum which includes many portraits of the Madras Governor.

• St. Mary’s Church

St. Mary’s Church is the first Anglican church located in Chennai and it is located the Fort St George. It is also known as the oldest building with British architecture and therefore, it is both historically and a religiously significant church in the city. The constructions of the church began in 1678 and were completed in 1680 to also be the only bomb-proof building in Chennai at the time.

• Guindy National Park

One of the must-visit attractions in Chennai if you are visiting with kids is Guindy National Park. It is one of the smallest national parks in India but provides a home to a wide diversity of flora and fauna. The green space is very soothing for a pleasant stroll in the evening hours and you can add to the excitement by watching animals like jackals, sloth bears, spotter deer, hyenas, star tortoises, crocodiles, lizards and much more. It is also home to 130 species of birds, so it is a great place for bird watching excursions.

• T Nagar Shopping District

T Nagar Shopping District is the place you should go to in Chennai if you want to take back souvenirs to your loved ones back home. That being said, this shopping destination is a favourite of locals too, and you will find it to be a little more crowded than the normal markets. A suggestion would be to avoid visiting T Nagar Shopping District in the New Year, Thai Pongal Day or during any other Hindu festival. You can buy locally made items here starting from high-quality silk saris, handbags, shoes and much more!

• The Broken Bridge

The Broken Bridge, as the name suggests, is a bridge that is broken and you cannot go anywhere if you are here. But it is a popular place among couples as the area is very picturesque and peaceful. You can also watch an incredible sunrise or a sunset here. This bridge was built in 1967 to connect to villages to assist fishermen in fishing but unfortunately, it had collapsed due to water currents of the river in 1977.