You may not be a hardcore hiker, but a willingness to get out of the comfort zone of your home and explore the world on foot is all that is needed to go on a hiking expedition. While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea to traverse the gruelling inclines and declines of the hiking trails, it is definitely one of the most rewarding experiences you can get outdoors.
Just imagine yourself taking a saunter along the rocky ledges leading to the flat-topped mountain where you get an amazing sunset view of the rustic coastlines. During your journey, you never know what you may stumble upon — it could be the ruins of an ancient fortress in the middle of the jungle, a breathtaking mountain scenery, or a mystical forest that unravels its secrets as you go deeper. That’s why hiking is more than passion or addiction to many adventurers.
Take a brisk walk or a casual stroll — it’s your choice, but you’ll know why hiking along these trails are more rewarding than you can imagine!
Here are some of the most coveted hiking destinations that you can truly call the Hiker’s paradises on earth.
1) Inca Trail, Peru
Of all the hiking trails in the world, the Inca Trail to the ancient city of Machu Picchu has to be one of the best for adventure junkies and those who are up for a challenge. The hike begins from Cusco by following an ancient trail built by the Incas that leads up to the serene, mind-boggling scenery of the Andean mountains from up above.
Traversing the mountain passes and the incredible Inca ruins — Sun Gate, Runkurakay, Llactapata, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna, and Sayacmarca — the 80+ km trek finally descends down to the Amazon valleys. If you’re down for this amazing trek, be sure to book in advance, since there is a limit to the number of visitors allowed each day. The trail is closed in February each year for cleaning and maintenance, so be sure not to plan your trip during that month.
2) Te Araroa Trail, New Zealand
If long trails lasting for at least a couple of months is what you’re looking for, Te Araroa Trail in New Zealand has something special for you. The Te Araroa is defined by its characteristic volcanoes, rustic farmlands, forested ranges, and rugged coastlines, traditional Maori marae — everything so surreal and ‘out of the imagination’ that you’ll easily lose track of time exploring the serene wilderness and idyllic villages you pass through.
A 3000-km trail that stretches from Cape Reinga in the north to Bluff in the south, it would take more than 50 days per island if you’re going for a thorough hiking. That means, a complete tramp would take around 5 complete months. However, section tramps are also available that can last for a few days to a few weeks where you’ll either be hiking up north or down south. The best time to hike this amazing trail would be from late September to early April each year. We also recommend not to hike at any other time, as the unpredictable NZ weather can sometimes be quite harsh. Even in ideal conditions, water crossings and the quickly changing weather conditions are the most dangerous elements you’ll have to expect.
3) Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
The world’s tallest freestanding mountain and Africa’s highest peak, Kilimanjaro can’t escape any of the serious hiker’s bucket list. The view of the majestic snow-capped mountain standing alone, but tall, in the middle of Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro National Park itself is surreal and otherworldly. Think about how amazing the experience would be when you’re hiking through the lush green forests and Alpine deserts to the top of the peak, whilst sleeping under the starry African sky and walking across the Arrow glacier!
Hiking Kilimanjaro comes with its own set of risks. If you’re up for a real challenge to climb it multiple routes till you reach the summit, Kilimanjaro can be a treat for both beginners as well as advanced hikers. However, an intense preparation is required months before starting the hike. You will also need to be mentally prepared to hike in conditions with half the oxygen you’re used to, at the sea level. The best way to get acclimatized to that is through hiking it slowly and at a steady pace. There are two seasons for the best trekking experience — January to March and June to October. While the former season tends to be a bit colder, the latter is a lot quieter. All the other months are wet or extremely cold seasons, making it unsuitable for hiking.
4) Kungsleden, Sweden
The 440 km-long Kungsleden Trail is the best-known hiking trail of Sweden. We don’t have to brag about Sweden’s natural beauty, and you definitely know why. The spectacular snow-capped mountainscapes, easy-going arctic terrains, uplifting weather that dramatically modifies the landscape beauty, the birch forests, occasional streams, as well as the elaborate network of mountain huts to rest and unwind make Kungsleden a choice destination for hikers of all levels, photographers, and nature lovers.
The Kungsleden trail has many routes, but the Abisko-Kebnekaise route is one of the classics. Anyone in a good physical condition can hike the Kungsleden trail. High & mid-summer and autumn offer the ideal hiking conditions. In the other seasons, you have to inquire whether the huts are open before making the commitment.
5) Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal
The highest peak and one of the most famous mountains on the planet, Mt. Everest has captivated a million hikers dreaming to tame this wild & stubborn snow-capped mountain. The Everest Base Camp trek is a quite achievable endeavour suitable for everyone, just to give you a sample of how majestic Mt. Everest is.
Work your way through breathtaking mountain sceneries, glaciers, Sherpa villages, Buddhist monasteries, and museums to the Everest Base Camp. The best seasons to plan your trek is March-May (summer) and September-December (winter). While you can, literally, do nothing to prepare yourself for the trek to an altitude of 5545 metres above the sea level which includes covering extreme hills and rough terrains, the trek is quite achievable for a person with an average fitness — taking it slow and stead to get accustomed to the weather and altitude is the key.
6) Mont Blanc Trek, Europe
A trek that takes you along the majestic Alps mountain ranges and covering three beautiful countries — France, Italy, and Switzerland, the Mont Blanc is one of the most premier hiking trails in the world. Often referred to as Tour Du Mont Blanc, this high-altitude trek leads you to Mont Blanc, traversing high mountain passes, the serene Alpine meadows, a series of stunning glaciers, the steep downhills, and the glorious valleys of this incredibly beautiful region in Europe. A good fitness level is required to hike along this 170 km-long trail, but there are a lot of mountain huts to give you shelter and rest along with way. The best seasons to hike Mont Blanc are July & August, but the huts will be open from mid-June to early September to accommodate early or late hikers.
7) Pacific Crest Trail, USA
The Pacific Crest Trail truly unravels the beauty of the American landscapes and is a hotspot for thousands of hikers as well as equestrians. Spanning 4265 km from Mexico to Canada, this incredibly long hiking trail takes you through California, Oregon, and Washington. On the way, you’ll be passing through breathtakingly beautiful deserts, glaciers, cascade ranges, deep forests, as well as the volcanic peaks in the western part of the USA. You should be wary of a variety of dangers on the way, of which snowfalls, rattlesnakes, heatstrokes, and corneal flash burns due to the snow glares are quite common. If you’re a through hiker hiking up north, you should start by April or early May and if you’re southbound, you can start by late June or early July. The summer and fall conditions are ideal for section tramps, but you shouldn’t wait for too long after the summer if you’re hiking in the northern sections.
8) Overland Track, Tasmania
One of the best walks and hikes in Australia, the Overland Tracks unfolds to its hikers the unspoilt beauty of the Tasmanian wilderness, the rainforests, waterfalls, and, of course, the famous World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain. The classic trek route starts from Launceston, taking you to Cradle mountain, Lake Windermere, Pelion Plains, Mount Ossa, Kia Ora, Windy Ridge, and finally Lake St. Claire, from where you can take a ferry back to Launceston. Since the Australian climate is fairly unpredictable and the chances of snow, bushfire, or rain in this region are possible at any time of the year, you should take the necessary caution while undertaking the hiking and carry all suitable clothing and necessary equipment for your travel. The Overland booking season starts from October to May, while there is no need to book between June and September. However, those who are travelling during June-September need to be experienced and needs to have great wilderness navigation skills.
9) Long Range Traverse, Newfoundland
If you’re ready to tramp an unmarked backcountry route, the Long Range Traverse in Newfoundland is one of the best places to be. Starting from Western Brook Ponds, the trail takes you along some epic, remote, backcountry landscapes leading up to the Long Range Mountain and then, on to the Gros Morne Mountains in the south, and many more exotic destination in this region of Canada. However, even before getting the whiff of this amazing hiking experience, you need to get a backcountry hiking permit after a backcountry briefing and navigation test, as there have been multiple instances of hikers losing track of their way and getting lost in the wilderness. The hiking season starts from mid-June till the end of September, and it is highly recommended that you don’t go hiking in any other month due to the harsh climatic conditions in this region.
10) Mountains of the Moon Trek, Uganda
While most, if not all, destinations in this list are quite popular, if you want a relatively unknown destination for your hiking expedition, the Mountains of the Moon trek in the Rwenzoris, Uganda offers equally challenging and rewarding experience for hikers. Relatively remote and isolated, this trail gives you a glimpse of the vivid mountain sceneries, Africa’s largest glaciers, alpine valleys, and the tropical rainforests. The upward trek to the Margherita Peak and the muddy terrains are definitely a challenge while visiting the best-kept secrets of Uganda — the magical forests covered with vivid ferns, giant heathers and groundsels. Kampala is the usual starting point of the 5-15 days trek. It is recommended that you visit Rwenzoris during the dry seasons, as fog and veils of clouds can hamper your visibility during the other seasons.
Ready to take on the adventure, but stuck on the planning phase itself? There’s an easy, efficient, and inexpensive way around to your dilemma — simply let us know your must-visit destinations using our contact page and we’ll take care of everything else. Rest assured, when you travel with houseoftours.com, it’s not just about the lowest prices for your dream journey but also about the incredible experience you have with us.
With food festivals being so universal these days, some would argue whether there’s a need to attend a food festival happening in a far-off place, just to satisfy your sweet (or savoury) tooth. While that’s a valid argument, being a dedicated gourmand, are you ever satisfied with those standard food festivals, where even a cup of ‘average’ fruit salad sells at crazy prices? How many times have you told yourself, “this isn’t a real food festival” after you’ve reached those venues? A million times?
That’s true. Food festivals are one of the most celebrated events for those who have taken food as a religion. It shouldn’t be a venue for selling inferior quality food at unreasonable prices. While some of the legendary food festivals have been there for decades or centuries, some of them have evolved over the years as a revolution against the mediocre, run of the mill food festivals in various parts of the world. However, one thing you can be sure of is, these massive food fests attract the biggest names in the industry — best master chefs, the culinary rock stars, celebrated brewmasters, and big-league winemakers!
Giving a big shoutout to the foodies out there, here are the biggest and most popular food festival from around the globe where “notorious” food lovers and legendary wine tasters in the world descend to quench their long-time hankering:
1) Melbourne Food And Wine Festival, Australia
From a very modest beginning in 1993, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival has grown to attract over 250 thousand attendees taking part in more than 200 events by the bank of Melbourne. In March, fine diners and wine aficionados fill their tummy with some of the finest dishes prepared by legendary chefs and the best selection of wines from the famous wineries of Victoria.
2) San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival, USA
Showcasing San Diego’s finest food and wine, hundreds of culinary experts, brewmasters and winemakers gather together to serve their specialities with the thousands of hungry & thirsty foodies at the Bay Wine + Food Festival. Head down to San Diego to experience the once in a lifetime gastro-adventure while discovering new wine and cuisines from over 150 wineries and 60 of the best restaurants in San Diego!
3) Pizzafest, Italy
Thousands of pizza fanatics from around the globe flock together in Naples for two weeks in September to celebrate the birth of the most famous food in the history of the world — the Pizza. The cradle of pizza is jam-packed with gastronomists, who take part in various contests, demonstrations, and other activities. You can watch the pizza maestros showing off their skills by tossing the dough with a spin while dancing to the live music.
4) La Tomatina, Spain
La Tomatina, which happens in August every year, is one of the biggest food festivals (or perhaps, food fight festivals) in the world, where thousands upon thousands of visitors from across the globe gather together to paint the streets of Buñol red. Over 100 metric tonnes of over-ripe tomatoes are thrown at each other as a celebration of what was apparently a street squabble in 1945 using tomatoes as the weapon of choice!
5) Hokitika Wildfoods Festival, New Zealand
If you’re lucky enough to be at the rustic West Coast of New Zealand during the early autumn, you can get to experience the taste of the wild at the Hokitika Wildfoods Festival. Quite literally, the food varieties include clams dishes, wasp larvae ice creams, raw and cooked scorpions, sharks, whitebaits, clams, and even ostrich sandwiches! To top it all, there are newer and newer varieties of dishes and refreshments tried out every year using the wildest of the wildest creatures found around the world. Hungry for a ‘worm’ delicacy?
6) Annual Golden Spurtle, Scotland
Top porridge makers descend on the picturesque Scottish highlands to celebrate what is now named the Annual Golden Spurtle. The World Porridge Making Championship winners get the highly prestigious “Golden Spurtle” Trophy and the world title! Apart from the thousands of porridge-loving tourists, hundreds of oat farmers, café owners, and celebrities in the cereal business from Switzerland, Russia, Sweden, and even far away countries attend the Annual Golden Spurtle each year.
7) The Onion Market, Switzerland
Zibelemärit is the name of the Bern’s most prestigious one-day ‘Onion Market’ festival that is hosted every year in the Swiss capital. Everything that is onion-ish is served, bought, or displayed at the Onion Market — onions, garlic, onion sculptures, onion tarts, nutty onions, onion soup, you name it. However, the surprise is that none of these is the ‘yuck! onions’ things but exhibitions are of the finest onions and onion dishes that you may fall in love with!
8) Salon du Chocolat, France
Who doesn’t love chocolates? Even the hardest of hearts melt when it comes to chocolate, right? If you’re down for chocolates, you shouldn’t miss the prestigious chocolate festival of France called ‘Salon du Chocolat.’ Featuring more than 200 renowned pastry chefs and over 500 chocolate lovers from over 60 countries of the world, this festival happens every year (around October-November) in Paris-Porte de Versailles. Go, participate, and tease your taste buds with the most comforting bite of fine chocolates.
9) Savour, Singapore
“Fine dining at its best” — that’s what Savour, the food festival of Singapore is all about! The festival takes place in a 22,000-square-foot food street at Marina Bay and features more than three grand culinary events, serving more than 50 signature dishes from award-winning chefs and culinary experts. The big names in the Industry, including France’s Alain Passard, Hong Kong Michelin maestro Alvin Leung, and Australian chef Mark Best, have made appearances in this big gastronomic extravaganza. Savour also hosts a wide range of contests and competitions where self-learned culinary stars and budding chefs can prove their mettle and win prestigious awards.
10) Fiesta Del Marisco De O Grove (Seafood Festival), Spain
Since 1963, the small Galician town of O Grove is the host to the greatest seafood festivals in the world — the Fiesta Del Marisco De O Grove or the Seafood Festival! Exquisite seafood creations and quintessentially local food varieties, visually appealing & mouthwatering gourmet seafood delicacies are all offered at the Seafood Festival. This is truly a remarkable celebration where the seafood gourmands don’t seem to bother about to close their wide-open mouths after seeing what’s on display. Some serious finger licking job is underway as internationally-renowned chefs, kitchen maestros, and the best local culinary experts present their dishes made with all sorts of seafood, including oysters, clams, octopus, prawns, razor-fish, crab, and the special O Grove mussels!
Already craving to go? Well, it couldn’t be impossible at all to be at your favourite food festivals at the right time. You just need to adjust the dates of your next international tour to be there at your favourite festival. If that sounds interesting, how about an incredible offer from our side? We can help you get to your favourite food festivals through our hassle free tourist visa services and custom tailored holiday packages.while you sit back and take a sip of your coffee (or do whatever you have to do in the meantime)! Contact us to know more.
Taking a much-awaited International trip doesn’t have to be expensive. Would you be taken by surprise when we say, it wouldn’t even cost as much as the new iPhoneX? What you heard is true. Without further ado, here are some incredible international destinations that you can visit from UAE without having to burn a hole in your pocket:
Thailand, known as the land of Smiles and the land of White Elephants, is a fascinating country brimming with natural beauty, exotic beaches, and serene ambience. Gorgeous beaches, ancient ruins, blue lagoons, and traditional farming villages add a mystical element to Thailand.
Places to see: The islands like Phuket, Pattaya, and Ko Phi Phi are individually so vivid and wonderful that you can plan a trip just focusing on these islands alone! For nature lovers and lovers of Buddhist architecture, places like Chiang Rui, Pai, Railay, Khao Sok National Park could offer an escape into the suave side of Thailand. Thailand is also known for its culturally and historically significant destinations, such as the capital city of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Kanchanaburi, Ayuthaya, and Phanom Rung.
Travelling to Thailand From UAE: A package trip to Thailand for 3-5 days would only cost anywhere between 950 AED to 1999 AED. The round trip flight tickets from UAE would cost approximately 3000 AED. A non-stop flight could take 6-7 hours to reach Thailand from any airport in the GCC.
While Singapore is known to the world as a high-end shopping destination filled with shopping streets and luxury hotels, this small Asian country is a heaven for nature and leisure tourists too. Singapore is famed for its futuristic cityscapes while incorporating natural ecosystem inside the city itself, living up to its reputation as ‘the Garden City’.
Places to see: Some of the must-visit places in Singapore are Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Flyer, Gardens by the Bay, Botanic Gardens, Singapore Zoo, and the famous islands of Singapore. Along with this, Singapore is also known for its melting pot of cultures. There are regions specific to various cultural communities that you should visit, including the Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam.
Travelling to Singapore from UAE: The flight tickets to Singapore would fetch around 1700-2000 AED, while the travel in Singapore could be quite cheap if you’re travelling on a package trip. For travelling on your own, you should carry an average of 200-400 AED per person for each day spent in Singapore. It takes approximately 8 hours for a non-stop flight from UAE to reach Singapore.
Malaysia has its own charm and elegance. It is well known for its rich cultural heritage, colonial towns, beautiful islands, amazing wildlife, and of course, orangutans. One more thing that will intrigue you during your visit is the European influences in the Malaysian culture and architecture, which almost perfectly blends with the influences from the other Asian countries like China, India, and Indonesia.
Places to see: There are two main regions of Malaysia; the peninsula and Borneo, which offer quite different experiences, both spectacular in their own rights. Some of the places you shouldn’t miss in Malaysia are the Kuala Lumpur, George Town, Penang Island, Mulu Caves, Perhentian Island, Langkawi, Mount Kinabalu, Taman Negara, and Sipadan.
Travelling to Malaysia from UAE: You can get a flight to Malaysia for as cheap as 1300 AED, while a 2-3 days package trip covering the major places would cost around 900 AED. You can reach Malaysia via flight in approximately 8 hours.
A country that you see as a teardrop falling from the tip of India in the maps, Sri Lanka has a legendary reputation for being one of the most beautiful island countries in the world. The palm-fringed shores, the friendly people, and the magnificent natural beauty of Sri Lanka are reasons why the Persian traders called the country as Serendib — the Persian word from where the ‘serendipity’ finds its origins!
Places to see: Sri Lanka is full of beautiful places, each better than the other in some way or the other. Some of the best places you should visit while travelling to Sri Lanka are Kandy, Trincomalee, Nilaveli, Ella, Mirissa, Weligama, Negombo, and Bentota.
Travelling to Sri Lanka from UAE: Travellers from UAE can reach Sri Lanka by a direct flight in just under 5 hours. While the flight charges start from around 1400 AED, you may need to carry around 300 AED per person for each day in Sri Lanka.
With 17,000 islands, Indonesia is one of the most diverse countries in the world and one of the cheapest tourist destinations on the planet. Nevertheless, the breathtaking view of the beaches, the idyllic landscapes, the beautiful natural world, and the incredible architectural and cultural beauty of Indonesia is sure to captivate your mind and soul!
Places to see: Jakarta is a bustling city full of shopping centres and markets and you’d probably visit Jakarta as your entry or exit point. Bali, Yogyakarta, Mount Bromo, Lake Toba, Lombok, Tana Toraja, and Raja Ampat are just a few of the other magical attractions in Indonesia.
Travelling to Indonesia from UAE: The travel time to Indonesia is around 8 hours and the round trip flight charges start from approximately 2800 AED. The travel cost in Indonesia could be as cheap as 100 AED per day to 300 AED per day, including your accommodation.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, honeymooner, art-lover, or an admirer of medieval architecture, Georgia has something for every traveller! This is a country where guests are considered as a gift from God, and the hospitality has become a way of life. Spectacular buildings, magnificent alpine landscapes, and rustic villages are some of the everlasting memories from a Georgian trip.
Places to see: In order to cover Georgia entirely, you might need to stay for at least a month. However, you can plan your itinerary or get a package tour that covers some of the most interesting places in Georgia, such as Savannah, Gergeti Trinity Church, Narikala, Mount Kazbek, Vardzia, Jvari, Ananuri, Batumi Botanical Garden, and Uplistsikhe.
Travelling to Georgia from UAE: You can get flight tickets to Tbilisi for as low as 900 AED to 1000 AED, or even cheaper if you book in advance. The travel duration is approximately 5-6 hours. The daily travel charges inclusive of the hostel/hotel reservation charges could be to 300-800 AED per day. You can even get cheaper deals when you opt for a packaged tour.
The sugar-white sand, cyan-blue waters, and hundreds of cute little islands make Maldives one of the best holiday destinations in the world. Maldives also has some of the most sought-after diving & snorkelling sites, and perhaps, the best beaches in the world. The best part is, you can travel to Maldives on a really low budget when compared to many other exotic islands, and get an even better experience after the trip!
Places to see: While Maldives has a lot of inspiring landscapes and islands, the most important places you should visit are Malé, Addu City, Vilamendhoo, Veligandu Island, and Alimatha Island. Being a predominantly Muslim country, there are some beautiful mosques that you can visit, including Grand Friday Mosque and Hulhumale Mosque.
Travelling to Maldives from UAE: The travel around Maldives is quite cheap, and more often than not, you can see tourists choosing to take a leisurely walk to cover most of the landmarks and tourist destinations inside the cities. Budget resorts tend to cost you around 400-1200 AED per night, but you can get accommodation in guest houses for as cheap as 300 AED per night. The flight tickets to Maldives is generally around 900 AED to 1500 AED. You may even get cheaper deals when you book in advance.
If you’ve seen the pictures showing the best of the African wildlife and wilderness, that’s probably Kenya. The incredibly beautiful tropical rainforests, thriving wildlife, and amazing tribal communities including the Maasai, the Turkana, the Samburu, and the Swahili make Kenya one of the hotspots for nature tourists and wildlife enthusiasts.
Places to see: The Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Reserve, Tsavo National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lamu, and Lake Naivasha are some of the top-rated tourist destinations that you should pay a visit to while in Kenya.
Travelling to Kenya from UAE: The airfare is mostly seen around 1000 AED and you can assure the lowest prices if you book a couple of months in advance. The best way to enjoy Kenya without taking any hassles or troubles is to find a custom tour package that might cost you anywhere between 3000 AED to 4000 AED for a 3-4 days trip.
One of the most famous tourist destinations in Europe, the Czech Republic offers you the finest of the Gothic-style architecture which is nearly intact since the medieval age. Once you escape from the major cities, you can see the elegant, rustic landscapes and natural beauty of this country. If possible, go on a train journey through the farmlands and villages — the sight out of the window is nothing but magical.
Places to see: Best known for its ornate castles and magnificent monument, the Czech Republic is an interesting destination for travellers who love the archaic architecture of the Slavic region. While the capital city of Prague gives you a glimpse of the grand and culturally significant buildings, there are other beautiful towns like Cesky Krumlov, Kutna Hora, Karlovy Vary, and Castle Karlstejn that show how quaint and picturesque the country is.
Travelling to the Czech Republic from UAE: The flight from GCC would take approximately 10 hours to reach Prague and would cost you around 1300 AED for the flight tickets. The per-day cost of staying in the Czech Republic, including your hotel bill, can be as inexpensive as 600 AED.
From stunning mountain sceneries to white sandy beaches, Taiwan offers a real treat to its visitors. Taiwan is famed for its food, authentic culture, and impeccable classical Chinese-styled architecture.
Places to see: Taiwan is a small island nation, but the experience it offers to its visitors surpasses many better-known countries in the world. Some of the top attractions in Taiwan include the once world’s highest building — Taipei 101, Taroko Gorge, National Palace Museum, Kenting National Park, Tainan, Yangmingshan National Park, and the hot springs of Taiwan.
Travelling to Taiwan from UAE: The flight tickets to Taiwan would cost you around 1500 AED to 2000 AED when the price is at its lowest. The average daily travelling charge, including your accommodation, would be around 1000 AED.
Now, making a trip on your own may not guarantee this insanely low price. What you can do here is, book your tour package with a reputed and internationally recognised travel agency, such as houseoftours.com and avail any of these completely customizable packages for under 4500 AED! Drop us a line using our contact page to know more about these incredible offers and more.
All pumped up about the opportunity you landed in for a foreign business trip? Well, you should be. After all these years of hard-work, this is the first time you’re going on an international business trip! But you know better than anyone else; as fun as it sounds, the prospects of an international business trip is also quite nerve-wracking. It requires a lot of preparation and planning.
However, some tend to fall into a state of complacency, where they think, a foreign business trip is no different from the trips you made in your own country. This is, unsurprisingly, the first cardinal mistake a first-time international business traveller makes!
Apart from the hassles of arranging the meeting and preparing your presentations, you should get ready with all the other international travel requirements as well. A lot of chores follow your decision to commit to the international business trip — you have to double-check your passport, make sure the travel document is valid, and in most cases, you’ll have to apply for a visa. Not to mention, you need to be ready with everything you need for staying and sustaining in a country you barely know for days and weeks on end.
Unless you’re a dauntless danger-seeker, you don’t want to find yourself coping with a bad situation in a completely unknown part of the world, due to the lack of planning. Right? So, here is everything you need to prepare yourself for your first international business trip:
1) Make all the travel arrangements for your trip
For any type of international trip, you may need to furnish a lot of documents to get the approval, such as your passport, visa, NOC from your employer, and your means of financial subsistence signed by your bank. So, prepare these documents well in advance the trip, so that you can avoid any last-minute hassles. In most cases, your company’s travel desk will be of great support to you.
Check if your passport is valid. Most countries will only accept passports that have a validity of at least six months from the date of your return. Also, double-check whether you have at least two blank pages in order to mark your entry and exit from the foreign country.
You will also need to check whether you need a visa to enter the country. Some countries offer Visa On Arrival (VOA) for selected nationalities, while for some you need to get a visa from the embassy of your country. As these requirements tend to be different depending on your nationality, in order to know about these requirements, check out the Embassy website of the country you’re planning to visit or inquire at the nearest Foreign Embassy of that country. You can also rely on trustworthy online visa services
If you’re planning to visit any African or South American country, a yellow-fever and polio vaccination is, most often, mandatory. Some other countries may also ask for a medical certificate or vaccination certificate. So, be prepared with all these documents at least a couple of weeks in advance.
2) Familiarity with the business practices and social customs of the foreign country
If you thought, the business practices and related etiquettes in other countries were similar to the practices of your own, then be ready for a shocker! Some countries have unfamiliar, yet culturally significant greeting customs like bowing or kissing on the cheeks, apart from the regular handshakes. It is better to learn what these customs are and whether it applies to the business environment. It would be worthwhile to rehearse them, if required, to convey a greater feeling of respect to their customs. You can also learn the colloquial alternatives for hello, goodbye, and other greetings. However, don’t bother learning the whole language unless you’re going to visit the country frequently or for a longer duration.
Being knowledgeable about the local cuisines also helps a lot during international business trips. Before boarding your flight, prepare a list of the commonly available local food items you want to eat and keep a separate note of the particular dishes that you don’t want to try. Not only does this avoid the embarrassment when you discover that the dish you ordered is actually something you don’t eat, but also makes the host feel that you’re appreciative of their local cuisine.
3) Electronic and connectivity requirements
Taking an international trip can be a daunting task, as even the simplest things like charging your electronic devices need to be taken care of. A lack of advance planning may cause you trouble charging your devices and keeping them ready to use during the trip. So, have suitable charging adaptors that work in the new country for all your electronic devices. Also, always try to keep your cell phones at full battery level. You never know when that extra little bar of the battery may come in handy.
Since you’re on an international trip, remember to get the international voice, data, and text message plans on your cell phone before boarding your flight. If you’re on a longer trip or are a frequent traveller to the country, try getting a local SIM card instead. Also, you can always use the internet voice calls or video calls to connect with your office or home back in your country.
4) Money matters
When you’re taking an international business trip, be sure to visit your bank or foreign exchange near you to withdraw some emergency cash in the currency of your destination country. This can be used for all the minor expenses soon after the touchdown. Before you travel, check if your credit card works in the new country. Obtaining a traveller’s cheque or forex card before your trip is also ideal.
5) Be aware and prepared for the unexpected crisis and political unrests
Preparing yourself for any unexpected crisis is something that is often ignored during an international trip. However, it is extremely important to be aware of all the crisis and political issues going on in your destination country. You can read about it on the local news websites of that country and through various forums. If you book your business trip through a reputed travel agency like houseoftours.com, you will be informed about all the things you need to take particular care of, during your visit.
As an extra precaution, give one copy of your travel itinerary to your close friend and one to an employee or colleague. In case of any crisis situation, have someone who can be in touch with you constantly, such as your travel management company and your office. Also, always have a plan ‘B’ if you are able to foresee any such challenges during your visit.
6) Being healthy
Be in a good physical shape before you set out for the trip. The atmospheric conditions in different parts of the world are very different, and you need a healthy body to cope with the sudden changes, without falling sick. You can do a lot of things, such as preparing yourself for the inevitable jet lag, eating healthy, and working out regularly. Once you reach the new country, prevent yourself from drinking the local water right out of the tap during your initial days. Even if the water is pure, the mineral content in the tap water could vary from the mineral content that you’re used to, making you feel sick.
While these things are often overlooked, I believe, nobody needs to tell you how important a thorough preparation is. Being a travel management agency, we have helped hundreds of business travellers make their trip enjoyable and safe at the same time, just by being available for them throughout the trip duration. So, if you’re making an international business trip, be sure to get in touch with us using our contact page — our representatives are all ears!
Scuba diving is definitely an other-worldly experience that you should cherish once in your lifetime. Imagine yourself diving to the colourful coral reefs that decorate the ocean floors, the shoal of fish that swim past you without even bother about your presence, and the amazing marine natural world under the waters — everything you come across beneath the ocean surface will always be surprisingly new to your eyes (unless your name is Aquaman!). What could be more redeeming and fascinating than delving deeper into a world that you never belonged to, right?
Diving is not just about the pleasures of watching what’s happening under the calm blue waters but also about an experience away from all the hustle and noises of the world. When you’re under the water, it is just you and your thoughts. That’s why, experiences like deep-sea diving, snorkelling, or scuba diving never escapes a globetrotter’s bucket list.
So, if you’re a sucker for underwater diving experiences, if you have wondered what lies beneath the pristine blue waters of the oceans and seas, and if you’ve always believed that travel does not confine to just exploring the lands but also to unravel the secrets of the ocean depths and azure skies, by the time you read this list of the best Scuba diving destinations across the globe, we bet you’ll be spotted outside your home with a backpack full of swimsuits and diving supplies!
Situated in the north-eastern part of the Sipadan Island in Malaysia, the Barracuda Point is definitely the no.1 go-to point for scuba divers from around the globe. Starting off as a slow drift, the dive takes you along an underwater wall that goes 22 metres deep. On an average day, you can see shoals of barracuda, batfish, bigeye trevally, and silver jackfish that often make a tornado-formation at the point.
Home to thousands of barracudas, hundreds of turtles, and schools of oceanic whitetip sharks, Barracuda Point feels just out of a novel or movie based on underwater communities! While exploring, just be careful of the strong currents that could occasionally catch you off-guard.
There’s so much underwater beauty at this dive location, making it one of the 5 best Scuba diving spots of all time voted. The visibility ranges from 10 metres to an impressive 30 metres — no wonder, this is one of the best go-to places for underwater photographers! The point is open and accessible at all times of the year, and there isn’t a particular season to visit the point. However, the bookings should be done in advance, as the daily permits are quite limited. Not to mention, Barracuda Point is not for wreck divers and beginners.
Blue Corner Wall in Palau is a world-class diving destination, often ranked on the list of ultimate diving destinations across the globe. The diving spot is situated 25 miles south-west of Koror and at the North-west end of Ngemelis Island.
Blue Corner Wall is a perfect amalgamation of the everything you expect from a diving spot — healthy and colourful coral reefs, untouched natural setting, historically important wrecks, and of course, mega shoals of fish, endless bales of hawksbill turtles, and schools of sharks. While schooling trevally, barracudas, blacktip reef sharks, whitetips, hammerhead sharks, eagle rays, and dolphins are a common sight at all times of the year, you can even spot rarer whale sharks and manta rays during the months of January-April.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced diver, Blue Corner Wall is a great choice for you. However, you might not find any particular activity for non-divers here. Novices can dive when there is no current, as swift currents could be a challenge to even seasoned divers.
The optimal diving conditions exist from November to May, but the dive spot is no less attractive in any other month of the year. The visibility is excellent, as it can reach up to a range of 40 metres, despite the current. Though the region lies beyond the path of the typhoons, occasional high winds and storms can be seen in the Typhoon season (June – December).
3) Yongala, Australia
Yongala in Australia is often referred to as a wreck diver’s paradise because of its historic S.S. Yongala shipwreck. The Yongala incident happened in 1911 during a cyclone in the South Pacific waters, but more than 70% of the ship is still intact. The ship was only discovered 40 years later in its final resting place, which falls close to the Great Barrier reef, approximately 48 nautical miles south-east of Townsville.
The Yongala dive has ever since been a popular diving destination among wreck divers. However, since the wreck has been protected, divers are no longer allowed to enter inside the wreck. The best thing about this wreck is, this is the only big structure in a vast stretch of the sandy ocean bottom, making it one of the best spots to find all sorts of marine creatures. In and around the multicoloured coral layers that have formed over the wreck, you can find huge shoals of the immaculate, purple-banded angelfish, thousands of yellow perch hovers, giant coral trouts, napoleon wrasse, and squadrons of bright, multicoloured nudibranchs.
Yongala dive spot is accessible at any time of the year with exceptions during unusual tides, currents, high winds, and rough sea conditions. In such conditions, either the dives are cancelled or redirected to the Great Barrier Reef.
Located towards the north of the Red Sea, the Thistlegorm is another major shipwrecks that attract scuba junkies from around the world. More than anything else, it is the artefacts that you see inside the S.S. Thistlegorm wreck that makes this a dive into the history. 30 meters under the water, you can see coral covered locomotives, army tanks, trucks, jeeps, motorcycles, and rifles inside the WW II wreck. Since the depth is beyond 20 metres, the dive spot is reserved for advanced divers only.
The marine ecosystem that grew around the wreck includes multicoloured coral reefs brimming with life — you could easily see shoals of barracudas, napoleon wrasse, snappers, jacks, and all the common reef fish of the Red Sea.
Being one of the most famous dives in the Red Sea region, the dive location is quite crowded and chances of losing your group are very high. The current can also be quite strong in these regions and the visibility, which in normal conditions is quite good, can be reduced due to the rush of silt and minerals during strong currents.
Thousands of scuba divers visit the Great Blue Hole annually, not just because of its remarkable sinkhole that measures up to 300 metres across and 400 meters deep, but also because of its impeccable beauty, bizarre limestone formations, and the exotic marine ecosystem. If you’re an advanced scuba diver and diving underneath monstrous overhangs don’t scare you, the Great Blue Hole can be a revelation into one of the best-kept secrets in the whole planet. However, beginners and snorkelers can explore the fringing reefs and the Half Moon Caye Wall.
Apart from the sea fans, sponges, and a wide variety of corals, the inhabitants of this marine natural wonder include angelfish, butterfly fish, and shrimps. The marine life is a lot scantier in this region, but you can occasionally find a lonely hammerhead shark passing by you!
The Great Blue Hole is a round-the-year diving destination, but the best diving conditions exist from March till December.
One of the biggest island activities that you shouldn’t miss when you visit Hawaii is the Manta Ray night dive off the coast of Kona. As the name suggests, this dive is solely done to visit these large creatures called manta rays that, seemingly, flying around in the ocean feeding on phytoplankton and zooplankton.
While one of the most satisfying things you could do is swimming around with these beautiful manta rays, what makes the night dive more attractive is the surreal feeling when you dive alongside these magnificent creatures — they often swim around you in circles, reflecting the light from your glow sticks! It’s definitely otherworldly, and that’s why it becomes a must-do activity for diving enthusiasts. The dives are only offered to certified scuba divers, but you can choose night snorkelling too if you don’t have a diving certification. Like most diving destinations, the manta ray night dive is also accessible at any time of the year, but bookings should be done only after consultation as there could be times when there are no manta rays around.
The Navy Pier is one of the top 10 diving sites in Australia and also one of the best shore dives in the world. Located in Exmouth, this incredible diving destination is right beneath a fully operational Australian Naval Jetty, near the Ningaloo Reef.
Due to the limited access and lack of human interference, the marine life in the Navy Pier has grown substantially, making it a thriving universe of exotic marine creatures. The Navy Pier is accessible to all, regardless of whether you have a scuba diving experience or not, because of its shallow depth (hardly 15 meters under the water) and absence of any current. Best to say, this is one of the safest and the most attractive scuba diving places that photographers and diving enthusiasts of any experience can visit. Apart from the schools of common reef fish like barracudas and trevallies, the rich marine ecosystem of the Navy Pier also includes whitetips, the grey nurse, creepy-looking wobbegong sharks, nudibranchs, stonefish, and scorpionfish.
You can dive at any time of the year, and there’s no need for any particular caution in this diving spot. We also recommend this spot for night dives too, in order to get some spectacular ethereal experience!
The Tulamben and USS Liberty dive off the coast of Bali is something that you should not miss on your trip to Bali. Best known for its wreckage of the World War II cargo ship name USS Liberty, this diving spot is also known for its colourful soft corals like hydroids, feather stars, and crinoids that dominate the wreck as well as the rocks surrounding the dive location.
The Tulamben Wall and the Wreck are the megacities for marine life. Due to the crystal-clear visibility and the presence of multicoloured corals and fish in this region, it is one of the favourite spots for photographers. Tulamben is home to the sunfish, giant shrimps, peacock groupers, angelfish, napoleon fish, scribbled filefish, and great barracudas. You can also spot eel colonies and schools of nuzzlefish in the rocky bottoms.
The Tulamben & Liberty Dive in Bali attracts both beginners and advanced divers alike. Though the diving season spans throughout the year, it could be difficult to dive during the winter months (mostly December – March).
The Cayman Islands is a haven for scuba divers, and have been one of the cradles of early scuba divers. With some of the coolest coral formations along the deep drop-offs and beautiful walls, Grand Cayman has become the most visited island among the three in the archipelago. However, Little Cayman is no less of an attraction with its Bloody Bay Wall Marine Park that got its name from the vibrant, often reddish, colours and wicked drop-offs!
Turtles seem to be all over the place during a dive unless you’re completely covered by a shoal of barracudas, sergeant majors, angelfish, yellowtail snappers, andor parrotfish. The region is blessed with all sorts of marine creatures that are not just limited to these common reef fish, but also stingrays, eagle rays, and even moray eels! The colourful soft corals along the walls also offer you a chance to indulge in some incredible underwater photography adventure.
If you’re planning to visit this amazing destination, the Cayman Islands offer year-long diving. However, it is best to opt out of diving during the months of June till October, as it is the hurricane season in the Caribbean.
The Andaman Islands is an archipelago tucked away in a silent corner of the Bay of Bengal, making it one of the most exotic destinations on the planet. Out of more than 500 islands, only a handful are inhabitable by people other than the aboriginals. Imagine how untouched the whole setting is?
It’s not surprising that the pristine natural environment has turned Andaman into a stunning scuba diving heaven. The most prominent of the diving spots are near the Havelock and Neil Islands. A dive near these amazing locations allows you to explore the bright and multi-coloured corals and the heavenly seabed gardens while swimming alongside little devil rays, manta rays, dugongs, and schools of humpback parrotfish, lionfish, barracudas, big-eyed trevally, batfish, angelfish, and a lot more of these beautifully-patterned marine creatures.
With year-long accessibility, beginners can scuba dive in the Andaman at any point of time, as they’ll be diving in the shallower regions. As for advanced divers, January through May could be the best time in order to go on deeper dives.
Now, I believe you’re all set to spoil yourself in these best underwater dive locations in the world. Some of these places don’t even need a visa to visit. So, all you need to do is, just pack your backpack and get in touch with us using our contact page. We’ll take care of the rest!
It doesn’t come as a surprise, there’s nothing that sparks romance more than an escape to those charming romantic spots with your loved ones. By romantic hotspots, we don’t mean those clichéd visit to Paris or the Taj Mahal, but those spots that are more offbeat and perfect for a getaway far from the madding crowd. It’s more about spending some time together in a distant place you can truly cherish your love and romance.Your beloved is probably secretly yearning for a trip with you to these romantic destinations — you never know!
Here is a list of our readers’ favourite romantic hotspots you may want to visit and spend some quality time with your soulmate.
The iconic island of Santorini in Greece stands for the romantics and for those who are looking to relax and unwind, making it one of the absolute choices for creating unforgettable memories with your loved one. Whether you’re set to go on your honeymoon, celebrate your anniversary, or simply planning a romantic escapade, the picturesque towns and rustic villages of Santorini will do the magic for you! Greeks are always known for their legendary hospitality, and the islanders of Santorini are no exception. While there are many ways to explore this wonderful island, motorcycles, quad-bikes and bicycles are some of the best.
There is a lot to explore on this island, but if you choose to simply relax and enjoy the sunsets in the idyllic beaches like Oia, it is never a wrong decision. No one’s going to ask you, ‘did you go to that place or this place,’ as Santorini has evolved to become much more than sightseeing. However, if you choose to spend some time exploring or photographing the landscapes, there isn’t a better place to be. Akrotiri, Imerovigli, Nea Kameni, Fira, Oia, and Pyrgos Kallistis are just a few examples of the visually attractive places here to get a glimpse of the dramatic island coastlines. Swimming in the Aegean Sea, visiting the scenic fishing harbour of Vlychada, and walking along the famous Red Beach are some romantic activities you can indulge in with your partner.
Maldives is not known as the Honeymooner’s paradise for no many a reasons! Apart from the regular island resorts and crowded streets, Maldives has a number of uninhabited islands that allow couples the complete privacy to spend their special week. Book a private island all for yourself and enjoy a whole new level of romance with your partner! A boat will drop you off on the island and the whole island is yours.
Not to worry, everything is prearranged there for you — a gourmet lunch under the umbrella shades overlooking the ocean, snack & refreshments, a candle-lit dinner — you name it, you have it. Walking on the moonlit beaches on an island with your lover, swimming together in the deep blue waters, relaxing on a lonely rock by the beach, and exploring the pristine nature of the island would feel right out of a romantic fever dream. Adding yet another dimension to spark your romance, there are dozens of other activities for couples, like snorkelling in the crystal clear waters, swimming with whale sharks, visiting traditional villages on a motorbike or bicycle, watching dolphins breaching the surface.
If a reassuringly grand, yet resolutely-old school romance is your trump card for your lover, St. Moritz is yours! This amazing Swiss town situated in the foothills of the Alps is as old-fashioned as it is ostentatious. St. Moritz is famed for its ski resorts and its ice-covered slopes, and if a surprise is underway, of course, chocolates. The stay in the Swiss Alpine-styled resorts is more than enough to delight your lover. Yet, there are myriad of other alluring places and activities that you should not miss. If, and only if, skiing is not your thing, then spending some time in the romantic backdrop of the picturesque Alps, eating at a great Swiss restaurant, and sipping a cup of hot tea at the Conditorei Hanselmann are a few other treats for your partner.
Could the whispers of the old Spanish moss whistling to the wind wake that romantic poet in you? Could the reddish yellow leaves, falling from the big oak trees at the foothills of a splendid ice-peaked mountain, make you want to write down the story of your lovely romance? Could the waves splashing at the waterfront while you stroll along idyllic cobblestone paths make you want to hold your sweetheart closer to you? That’s what Savannah is all about!
If you’re planning a romantic getaway for two, February could be the best month as the hotel rates tend to be cheaper and the weather will be at ease after the winter. The cosy inns and the almost deserted towns set the perfect ambience. As for the activities, you can go on a wine tour to the historic Georgian wineries, book a private carriage tour, or simply walk along the rustic little town with your partner to see the immaculate architecture. As you walk with the one who stole your heart, you may come across various top-notch tourist attractions, like Bull Street, Forsyth Park, Riverfront, and many squares, churches, and cathedrals of Savannah.
5) Seychelles
If you’re a lover of nature or are averse to the madly crowded, upscale destinations, the peaceful and pristine islands of Seychelles could be the perfect romantic getaway with your sweetheart. Seychelles has everything to spark your romance — white sandy beaches, the groves of coconut palm trees lined up till the farthest end in sight, and most importantly an unspoilt natural beauty. The archipelago is lovingly named as the land of perpetual summer for its
If all these seem to you like an elusive dream, the best part is yet to come. Seychelles requires no visa and is one of the most inexpensive, yet equally great, honeymoon destinations in this entire list. Talk about convenience, and Seychelles tops all the other islands by a big margin, as there are everyday flights to most destinations (or even connecting destinations) in the world. Frequent bus services in Victoria, the capital city of Seychelles and Mahe connect almost all the important destinations in the island. Even if you prefer walking or cycling, the cities are so small that you can cover almost all the major attractions in a couple of days. The major activities for couples, include snorkeling, skydiving, helicopter rides, rock climbing, hiking, ziplining, and rappelling. While in Seychelles, don’t forget to get a tropical massage at a decent spa for the most romantic & relaxing experience.
Expert ‘money-saving’ tips for your romantic trip
Each of these destinations has its own charm and elegance, but it all comes with a price. So, whether you’re on a budget or not, here are our two cents on how you can get the best out of your romantic holiday:
Tip #1: If you’re on a honeymoon trip, don’t forget to ask for a special discount and add-ons for honeymooners. Your travel agent could help you decide which hotels offer better packages for you.
Tip #2: While most resorts and hotels offer rooms at different prices and tariffs per head, they do offer room costs on a twin-sharing basis when you choose a tour package with reliable travel services like houseoftours.com. Since you’re on a romantic trip, it only makes sense to get the advantage of these packages to go easy on your pockets.
Tip #3: Make the best use of the hotel check-in & check-out timings. For example, most flights to Thailand arrive before 9 am but hotel check-ins are not until 2 pm. Hence it makes sense to strike a deal with a local cab driver to take you on a light sightseeing until it’s time for you to check-in
Now, if visiting these places feel like a distant dream, we can help you bring them nearer to you. Not joking! At houseoftours.com, we strive to give wings to your dreams by taking you to these fascinating places. If an amazing experience and unbelievable prices are guaranteed, who wouldn’t be interested, right? So, simply fill out this contact form and our representatives will get in touch with you soon!
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