travel

Mauritius is often described as a tropical paradise which offers one with a wealth of experience. One experience tourists and locals often relish are its ocean and the scuba-diving expeditions. When compared to the other regions of the Indian Ocean, this reef system may look a little barren. This is particularly due to the frequent cyclone activities and overfishing activities in the region. Having said that, the best bits of this reef system is definitely in the small stuff. There is often something quite remarkable waiting to be found in its coral overhangs and crevices. About Mauritius Mark Twain in 1896 stated that "Mauritius was made first and then heaven, and heaven was copied after Mauritius". This pretty much sums up what Mauritius is all about. It's located in the Indian Ocean, in quite a remote geographical location, surrounded by white pristine sand beaches, mountainous jungles, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Underneath these waters, there is a wide coll...

Image Credit: Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas Located south in the Gulf of Thailand, alongside well-known islands like Koh Samui and Koh Tao, Koh Phangan is an island that is considered home to some of the best tropical resorts in Thailand. Many tourists usually stay elsewhere on the more popular islands in Thailand and only come to Phangan for the Full Moon Party. But did you know that there's so much more to the island? Here's how you can spend the best vacation in Koh Phangan. How to Get to Koh Phangan The island does not have its airport, so you will have to take a boat trip to reach the island. A flight from the mainland will take you to Koh Samui or Surat Thani from where take a ferry from one of the local ferry companies such as Raja Ferry, Seatran and Lomprayah. Be sure to check the connection times online before you plan your trip to Koh Phangan. Discover the Beaches A  hotel in Koh Phangan  is very easy to find and gives you immediate access to the island's ...

Image by  Tomasz Mikołajczyk  from  Pixabay   If you haven’t eaten with a pair of chopsticks, nothing is stopping you from learning how to during this pandemic lockdown period and you can go back to your favourite Asian restaurants when you can and show off this brand new skill to your friends and family. Chopsticks are widely used in many Asian cultures and countries including Japan, Korea, China, Hong Kong, Thailand and many more. Without further ado, here is a step by step guide on how to eat with a pair of chopsticks. Gather Your Supplies Before you begin your practice sessions you should have a pair of chopsticks which can easily be found at any Asian supermarket or store. You can also find them in cup ramen packages in some cases. Once you have your chopsticks, gather together some different varieties of food which you can practice picking up. These could vary in size and shape so you get thorough training and should include a bowl of rice. Hold the Chopsticks ...

Paddle-boarding isn't as quite self-explanatory as you'd think – well almost. Paddle-boarders stand on a surfboard and use a paddle to propel themselves forward. The surfboard, however, is not you traditional as is unique to stand-up paddle-boarding. The Maldives is a great place to get into water sports. 1. Find a great resort The Maldives is famous for being home to many award-winning resorts which cater to a plethora of water sports to their visitors. But some are very specifically known for a particular activity. Out of all the  Maldives Island Resorts , one, in particular, stands out as a great place for paddle-boarding - Naladhu Private Island Maldives. For beginners and pros alike the ocean around this resort is ideal for paddle-boarding and the resort itself is truly a wonderful place to stay at. 2. Choose your board A paddleboard isn't the same as surfboards and if you are a beginner or a budding enthusiast it's unlikely that you'll own your board. The best...

Getting around Malaysia is easy and cost-effective. There are many options with an excellent bus service, trains, minivans and taxis offering long-distance packages. Since ferries do not connect the east and peninsular Malaysia, there are budget flights to choose from. With so much choice it's easy to plan an itinerary and sightsee to your heart's content. To help you plan better here’s a guide on how to get around Malaysia. 1. Understand How The Transport System Works In Malaysia While public transport is convenient and economical in Malaysia, there are times the system can get jam-packed. National public holidays play a major role in causing congestion within Malaysia’s transport system. Muslim festivals, Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year, Deepavali are some of the prominent celebrations that induce what is known as  balik kampung ; the term denotes hordes of travellers returning to their village homes for celebrating these festivities with their families. If you are plan...

During the recent past, the hospitality sector can be classed as one sector that was faced with many disasters, and that includes natural hazards, terrorist attacks, economic recessions, and now- the pandemic COVID-19! With correct strategic focuses, the industry always recovered sooner than anyone expected, and it has to be the same this time too. Here's how hoteliers should get ready for the post-pandemic rebound, especially in Sri Lanka. What really happened? COVID-19 wanted the world to halt for some time, and it accomplished its target quite smartly. The travel and tourism industry almost collapsed with lockdowns, travel restrictions, and social distancing policies, and now things are getting back to normal slowly. This happened not only in Sri Lanka but with everything and everyone around the globe. Just like how all other industries took the maximum use of the time spent in isolation, hoteliers also did the same, and they are still doing it. They know that things will get be...

Dreaming of that much-needed vacation where you can spend your days lazing on soft sands, swimming in azure waters and soaking up the sun to your heart's content? The Maldives is an ideal choice for just such a getaway and if you are worried about the costs, here are some ways in which you can save money too! Start Planning Early You might be still just getting over your "lockdown blues", but it is never too early to start planning for your dream vacation to the Maldives. By doing so, you can enjoy some benefits too such as being able to decide on what dates are best, compare rates during these periods and spend time finding the right accommodation. While there are plenty of resorts in Maldives to choose from, you do need to select one that matches your budget and offers what you want to experience. Visit the official websites of properties which can feature discounts and direct booking benefits. Since these are uncertain times, find a resort that also has a flexible canc...

Image Credit: Anantara Hua Hin Resort Hua Hin, Thailand is located 200km from the capital Bangkok. One of the more popular beach destinations in the country, Hua Hin is perfect for those of you seeking a beach holiday. But with plenty of attractions and experiences to savour, planning a short holiday to the sunny resort can be overwhelming. But not if you follow the guidelines here. Best of all, in this article, you will learn how to explore Hua Hin in 48 hours with a bike tour thrown in! 1. On Day One In Hua Hin You Must Begin Your Hua Hin Bike Tour Early Morning To make the most of your 2 days in Hua Hin, don't waste time sleeping. Especially if you plan to enjoy a bike tour of the area. Choose a  hotel in Hua Hin  overlooking the coast; then you can look forward to an early breakfast, coupled with a gorgeous view and even a walk on the beach to catch the sunrise. Some hotels, like Anantara Hua Hin offer fabulous options, as well as, easy access to the beach and area attract...